Israel has warned that "Tehran will burn" if it continues its retaliatory strikes, as Iran warns the US, UK and France against shooting down its missiles.
Israel’s defence minister Katz said citizens of Iran would “pay a heavy price for the flagrant harm inflicted upon Israel's citizens” on Saturday, adding: “If Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front, Tehran will burn.”
The two countries targeted each other with missiles and airstrikes early on Saturday after Israel launched blistering attacks on the heart of Iran’s nuclear and military structure.
Iran has warned the US, UK and France that their bases and ships in the region will be targeted if they help stop Tehran's strikes on Israel.
Iran's state TV reported that around 60 people, including 20 children, were killed in an Israeli attack on a housing complex in Tehran. Earlier, the country’s ambassador told the UN Security Council that at least 78 people had been killed and more than 300 wounded in the strikes on Iran.
Iran launched a barrage of retaliation strikes on Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, killing at least three, injuring dozens and sending terrified civilians into shelters.
Key points
- Iran threatens to strike UK, US and France military bases if they defend Israel
- 20 children killed in Israeli attack on Tehran - state media
- Iran will continue strikes, officials say
- 78 people killed in Iran after ballistic missile strikes, Iran says
- 3 dead in Israel after retaliatory strikes
Netanyahu: Israel will strike 'every site and every target of the Ayatollahs' regime'
15:57 , Athena StavrouBenjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Israel will “hit every site and target of the Ayatollahs' regime”.
The Israeli prime minister claimed on Saturday that the strikes on Iran had set their nuclear program back, possibly by years, and that heavier blows were yet to come.
"We will hit every site and every target of the Ayatollahs' regime and what they have felt so far is nothing compared with what they will be handed in the coming days," Netanyahu said in a video message.
He added that the military was now destroying Iran's ability to manufacture ballistic missiles.
German government warns against further escalation in Middle East
15:50Germany said on Saturday that the danger of further escalation in the Middle East is real and that Iran's nuclear programme poses a threat not just to Israel but also to Saudi Arabia and the stability of the entire region.
The foreign ministry issued its statement on X after a visit by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to Saudi Arabia where he met with his counterpart.
The situation in the Middle East has escalated dramatically overnight. Israel has carried out targeted strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran is responding with hundreds of drone attacks on Israel. This development is more than alarming. @AussenMinDE 1/3 pic.twitter.com/emeES6Uvpp
— GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) June 13, 2025
Mapped: Where Iranian and Israeli missiles have struck as Middle East tensions escalate
15:37 , Athena Stavrou
Latest pictures from Tel Aviv
15:20 , Athena Stavrou
Briton stranded in Jerusalem during Iran attacks says city ‘like a ghost town’
14:59 , Athena StavrouA British grandfather stranded in Jerusalem during a wave of Iranian missile attacks has described the city as a “ghost town” and said he feels “abandoned” by the Foreign Office.
James Eden, 72, from Newcastle upon Tyne, flew to Israel on Monday for a short pilgrimage to visit Christian sites he first saw two decades ago.
But what was meant to be a six-day trip turned into a crisis when air raid sirens woke him in the early hours of Friday when his flight home was cancelled following Israeli strikes on Iran and a barrage of retaliatory missiles.
“It feels very eerie, very strange – like a ghost town,” the grandfather-of-four said.
“Before, it was a hive of activity – cars everywhere, everyone having a good time.
“Now everything is shut down, just a few old people shuffling about.
“It feels a lot like the Covid lockdowns.”
Israeli fire kills 35 people in Gaza, many at aid site
14:41 , Athena StavrouIsraeli fire and airstrikes killed at least 35 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip, local health authorities said on Saturday.
It said most of them near an aid distribution site operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
Medics at Al-Awda and Al-Aqsa Hospitals in central Gaza areas, where most of the casualties were moved to, said at least 15 people were killed as they tried to approach the GHF aid distribution site near the Netzarim corridor.
The rest were killed in separate attacks across the enclave, they added. There has been no immediate comment by the Israeli military or the GHF on Saturday's incidents.
Continuing Iran-US nuclear talks 'unjustifiable': Foreign minister
14:27 , Athena StavrouIran’s foreign minister has said it would be “unjustifiable” for the country to continue nuclear talks with the US amid “barbarous” Israeli attacks,
Iranian state media reported the comments after Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday that the dialogue with the US over Tehran's nuclear programme is now "meaningless".
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Starmer speaks to Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia
14:09 , Athena StavrouSir Keir Starmer has spoken with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman this afternoon, Downing Street said.
“They discussed the gravely concerning situation in the Middle East and agreed on the need to de-escalate,” a spokesperson said.
“The prime minister updated on his conversations with partners so far and reiterated that the UK is poised to work closely with its allies in the coming days to support a diplomatic resolution.”
Watch: Explosions in Tel Aviv as new wave of missiles launched from Iran
13:53 , Athena StavrouPictures from Israel today
13:36 , Athena Stavrou
Watch: Mossad video shows covert Israeli agents launching missiles from inside Iran
13:19 , Athena StavrouBel Trew: Here's what this escalation could mean The fear is that this war between Israel and Iran will play out on the ground of all the countries in between, writes chief international correspondent Bel Trew from Damascus. Read what this escalation could mean for a teetering Middle East:
13:04 , Athena Stavrou
Why Israel and Iran’s escalation is unprecedented for a teetering Middle East
If you're joining us now:
12:51 , Athena StavrouIt’s just after 3pm in Tel Aviv and 3:30pm in Tehran. If you’re just joining us, here is the key information you should know:
- Netanyahu launched Israel’s largest-ever attack on Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile facilities early on Friday.
- Attacks also wiped out many of Iran’s most senior military commanders.
- Dozens of civilians - including 20 children according to Iran’s state TV - have also been killed.
- Iran retaliated by launching waves of drones and ballistic missiles at Israel, where explosions lit the night skies over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and shook the buildings below.
- Three people have been killed in Israel, one in Tel Aviv and two in Rishon Lezion. Dozens more have been injured.
- Iranian officials have since warned its retaliatory strikes will continue, and that they will target UK, French and US bases in the region if they defend Israel.
Analysis | Israel’s stated aim is the destruction of Iran’s nuclear weapons – but the real goal is regime change in Tehran
12:45 , Athena StavrouIsrael’s real aim in Iran is regime change - and that suits the West just fine, writes World Affairs Editor Sam Kiley.
Lebanon to keep airspace open
12:30 , Athena StavrouLebanon has said it is planning to keep its airspace open this evening, as tensions between its neighbours Israel and Iran continues to rise.
Earlier, officials said the airspace would be shut down in the evening.
"The airport will remain open unless something emerges beyond our control," Lebanese minister of public works and transport Fayez Rasamny said while touring in Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport.
The Middle East Airlines (MEA), Lebanese national carrier, will increase its flights to compensate the delayed flights, Rasamny said.
Tucker Carlson blasts Trump for backing Israel after attacks on Iran
12:20 , Andrea CavallierThe ex-Fox News host turned on President Trump by accusing him of being “complicit” in Israel’s attacks on Iran.
Carlson rebuked Trump and the administration in his newsletter titled: “This Could Be the Final Newsletter Before All-Out War.”
“Despite being complicit in the act of war, the president hopes last night’s events will help his ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran,” Carlson wrote.
Rhian Lubin reports:
Tucker Carlson accuses Trump of being ‘complicit’ in Israel-Iran attacks
Lammy 'alarmed' by the strikes
12:09 , Athena StavrouDavid Lammy has said he is “alarmed” by the strikes in the Middle East overnight.
In a post on X, the Foreign Secretary said: “Alarmed by further strikes in the Middle East overnight, with reports of fatalities and injuries in Israel.
“We must urgently de-escalate & prevent any further harm to civilians. Following the Prime Minister’s call with PM Netanyahu, I spoke to Iranian FM Araghchi to urge calm.”
Alarmed by further strikes in the Middle East overnight, with reports of fatalities and injuries in Israel. We must urgently de-escalate & prevent any further harm to civilians.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 14, 2025
Following the Prime Minister's call with PM Netanyahu, I spoke to Iranian FM Araghchi to urge calm.
Pictures from Tehran on Saturday
12:00 , Athena Stavrou
Lammy set for further talks with counterparts as Iran and Israel exchange fire
11:53 , Athena StavrouDavid Lammy is expected to spend the day in talks with counterparts across the Middle East after Iran launched retaliatory attacks against Israel overnight.
The UK Foreign Secretary will be briefed by officials on Saturday and will speak to figures in the Middle East and elsewhere.
It comes after conversations with representatives from Iran, Jordan and Saudi Arabia as well as European foreign ministers on Friday.
Three Iranian revolutionary guards have been killed in an Israeli attack in the northwestern city of Zanjan, according to reports.
the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported the casualties on Saturday.
Watch: Explosions in Tel Aviv as new wave of missiles launched from Iran
11:36 , Athena Stavrou3 Iranian nuclear scientists killed in Israeli attacks named
11:18 , Athena StavrouThree Iranian nuclear scientists have been killed in Israeli attacks, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Saturday.
The scientists were identified as Ali Bakaei Karimi, Mansour Asgari, and Saeid Borji, Tasnim said.
Earlier, an Israeli official claimed claimed nine senior Iranian nuclear scientists had been killed.
9 senior nuclear scientists killed by Israeli strikes: Israeli military
11:12 , Athena StavrouAn Israeli military official has claimed nine senior Iranian nuclear scientists have been killed by Israeli airstrikes.
The official told Reuters that Israel had attacked more than 150 targets in Iran and that the Esfahan and Natanz nuclear sites were both “significantly damaged”.
They added that the aerial road to Terhan is now “effectively open”
Bel Trew: Here's what this escalation could mean
10:59 , Athena StavrouThe fear is that this war between Israel and Iran will play out on the ground of all the countries in between, writes chief international correspondent Bel Trew from Damascus.
Read what this escalation could mean for a teetering Middle East:
Why Israel and Iran’s escalation is unprecedented for a teetering Middle East
Israeli strike hits near northwestern Tabriz refinery - reports
10:43 , Athena StavrouIran's Mehr News Agency reported an Israeli strike near the northwestern Tabriz refinery on Saturday.
It said smoke is rising from the facility.
The refinery issued a statement denying that it had been hit and said normal production was continuing.
'Tehran will burn' if Iran keeps firing missile: Israeli defence ministe
10:29 , Athena StavrouIsrael's Defence Minister has warned that "Tehran will burn" if Iran continues to fire retaliatory missiles at Israel.
"The Iranian dictator is taking the citizens of Iran hostage, bringing about a reality in which they, and especially Teheran's residents, will pay a heavy price for the flagrant harm inflicted upon Israel's citizens,” Katz said in a statement.
“If Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front, Tehran will burn.”
Iran arrests five suspected of 'collaborating with Israel'
10:17 , Athena StavrouIran has arrested five people for taking pictures and “collaborating with Israel”.
Iranian news sites reported the arrests were made in the central city of Yazd.
Two killed in Israeli attack on missile site in Iran's Assadabad - reports
10:08 , Athena StavrouTwo people have been killed in an Israeli attack on a missile site in Assadabad in western Iran on Saturday, Iranian news sites have reported.
Pope Leo appeals for 'reason' amid Israel-Iran airstrikes
10:02 , Athena StavrouPope Leo has appealed for authorities in Iran and Israel to act with "reason" after recent airstrikes and to pursue dialogue.
He told an audience in St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday that he was following the situation with "great concern."
"In such a delicate moment, I strongly wish to renew an appeal to responsibility and to reason," said the pope.
"The commitment to building a safer world free from the nuclear threat must be pursued through respectful encounters and sincere dialogue to build a lasting peace, founded on justice, fraternity, and the common good," he said.
"No one should ever threaten the existence of another," said Leo. "It is the duty of all countries to support the cause of peace, initiating paths of reconciliation and promoting solutions that guarantee security and dignity for all."
Iran warns US, UK and France against helping stop Iranian strikes on Israel
09:50 , Athena StavrouIran has warned the US, UK and France that their bases and ships in the region will be targeted if they help stop Tehran's strikes on Israel.
Iran state media reported the comments on Saturday, as tensions continue to rise between Israel and Iran.
On Friday, a US officials said the country’s military had helped shoot down Iranian missiles that were headed toward Israel.
Around 60 people, including 20 children, killed in Israeli attack on Tehran - state media
09:24 , Athena StavrouIran's state TV has reported that around 60 people, including 20 children, have been killed in an Israeli attack on a housing complex in Tehran.
If you're just joining us:
09:22 , Athena StavrouIt’s just after 11am in Tel Aviv and 11:30am in Tehran. If you’re just joining us, here is the key information you should know:
- Netanyahu launched Israel’s largest-ever attack on Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile facilities early on Friday.
- Attacks also wiped out many of Iran’s most senior military commanders.
- Iran’s United Nations envoy said in total 78 people were killed and more than 320 injured - most of them civilians.
- Iran retaliated by launching waves of drones and ballistic missiles at Israel, where explosions lit the night skies over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and shook the buildings below.
- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a recorded message on Friday: "We will not allow them to escape safely from this great crime they committed."
- Three people have been killed in Israel, one in Tel Aviv and two in Rishon Lezion. Dozens more have been injured.
- Iranian officials have since warned its retaliatory strikes will continue, and that the conflict will ‘spread to US bases’ in the region in coming days.
Starmer speaks to Netanyahu after strikes on Iran
09:17 , Athena StavrouSir Keir Starmer has spoken to Benjamin Netanyahu after Israel launched attacks on Iran.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The prime minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, this afternoon following last night’s events.
“The prime minister was clear that Israel has a right to self-defence and set out the UK’s grave concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme.“
He reiterated the need for de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution, in the interests of stability in the region.”
Watch: Explosions boom in Tel Aviv as new wave of missiles launched from Iran
09:02 , Athena StavrouExplosions were heard in Tel Aviv early on Saturday as Iran and Israel said a new wave of Iranian missile attacks had begun.
Iran has vowed to continue its retaliatory strikes against Israel as senior officials warn the conflict “will spread to US bases” in the region.
Watch the video:
Explosions boom in Tel Aviv as new wave of missiles launched from Iran
'Limited damage' at nuclear facility, Iran says
08:59 , Athena StavrouIran has said its Fordow nuclear facility has sustained “limited damage” following Israeli attacks.
The semi-official ISNA news agency cited a spokesperson for the country's atomic energy organisation, who said: "There has been limited damage to some areas at the Fordow enrichment site
"We had already moved a significant part of the equipment and materials out, and there was no extensive damage and there are no contamination concerns."
Bel Trew: Air raid sirens wail through the night as Israel and Iran exchange strikes
08:49 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Chief International Correspondent Bel Trew reports from Amman, Jordan:
The Israeli air force said on Saturday it had struck “dozens of targets” including surface-to-air missile infrastructure and defence systems over 1500km away in Tehran.
Air forces commander Tomer Bar warned that it was not over and the air force reported further strikes on Saturday morning.
Iran’s Fars News agency citing a senior military official said on its Telegram account that the conflict would spread to “American bases in the coming days” prompting concerns about attacks on locations in places like Iraq.
“The aggressors will be the target of Iran’s decisive and extensive response” the official reportedly the news outlet.
Meanwhile IRGC-linked telegram accounts shared images of what it claimed was the wreckage of an Israeli aircraft shot down over northern Iran - the Israeli military have denied that any fighter jets have been shot down.
In Jordan, air raid sirens wailed through the night as missiles and drones crossed its airspace.
Amman opened its international airport in the morning to chaotic scenes of passengers trying to leave. Lebanon also announced an intention to open its airspace at 10am local time.
Experts have called Israel’s offensive as one of the most significant attacks on Iran since its war with Iraq in the 1980s.
Matthew Savill, Director of Military Sciences at the Royal United Services Institute said the breadth and scale of these strikes “suggest this operation is intended to not just dissuade Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons, but also cripple any potential military response and even to destabilise the regime.”
Lebanon reopens airspace
08:39 , Athena StavrouLebanon said it will reopen its airspace on Saturday at 10:00 am local time (7am GMT).
Flights were suspended in the region as Israel and Iran targeted each other with missiles.
Earlier Jordan reopened its airspace at 7:30 am local time.
The Independent’s Chief International Correspondent - who is in Jordan’s capital Amman - said the airport was in chaos as people scrambled to leave.
Two Iranian deputy commanders killed
08:33 , Athena StavrouIranian state media has just reported that two deputy commanders have been killed.
It reported that the officials in Iran’s armed forces general staff were killed in Israeli attacks.
Conflict will 'spread to US bases', says Iran
08:22 , Athena StavrouSenior military officials in Iran have warned the conflict in the region will “spread to US bases” in the coming days.
Iran's Fars news agency quoted officials as they warned retaliatory strikes on Israel will continue.
"This confrontation will not end with last night's limited actions and Iran's strikes will continue," Fars cited an unnamed official as saying.
"And this action will be very painful and regrettable for the aggressors."
Pictures from Israel on Saturday morning
08:10 , Athena Stavrou
Iran's strikes against Israel will continue, senior military officials say
07:53 , Athena StavrouIran's strikes against Israel will continue, senior Iranian military officials have said
"This confrontation will not end with last night's limited actions and Iran's strikes will continue, and this action will be very painful and regrettable for the aggressors," Iran's Fars news agency reported. citing an unnamed official.
Three killed in Israel, officials say
07:48 , Athena StavrouAt least three people have killed following Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel.
According to Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom (MDA) said a man around 45 and a woman in her 60s died after strikes in Israel's Coastal Plains region.
“We arrived with large forces and encountered extensive destruction to several buildings. Some of the injured were trapped under the rubble; others were walking wounded,” MDA said.
“A woman in her 60s was rescued unconscious and without vital signs, a man around 45 was transported while being resuscitated, a woman was seriously injured, and 16 others were treated for mild to moderate injuries. This was a difficult and complex scene, and we are continuing to search to ensure no one remains trapped."
Separately, a spokesperson for Beilinson Hospital said one woman was killed when a building was hit in Tel Aviv.
People scramble to leave as Jordan reopens airspace on Saturday,
07:26 , Athena StavrouJordan reopened its airspace at 7:30 am local time on Saturday.
The civil aviation commission suspended flights as Israel and Iran targeted each other with missiles overnight.
The Independent’s Chief International Correspondent - who is in Jordan’s capital Amman - said the airport was in chaos as people scrambled to leave.
Netanyahu’s ‘Israel first’ attack on Iran shows that Trump can shout – but no one is listening
07:00 , Andrea CavallierSo now we know why America partially evacuated some of its embassies in the Middle East with such haste. It knew very well what was coming: a massive pre-emptive strike by Israel on Iran’s nuclear capabilities and key military personnel.
Although the president can effectively bully friendly states such as Canada, when it comes to the ‘strong men’ of the world, he has been played time and again, says Sean O’Grady
Read more:
Israel’s attack on Iran shows Trump can shout – but no one is listening
Aerial bombardment rocks Tel Aviv as Israel-Iran conflict escalates
06:30 , Andrea CavallierFears of all-out war in Middle East rise after Israel strike Iran’s nuclear sites
06:00 , Andrea CavallierIsrael has long threatened to carry out military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, claiming Tehran was secretly building an atomic bomb.
The strikes were carried out Friday, raising the prospect of a regional war between the longtime foes over Tehran’s nuclear program.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country had started a “targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.”
"This operation will take as long as is needed to complete the task of fending off the threat of annihilation against us," he added.
Richard Hall reports:
Fears of all-out war in Middle East rise after Israel strike Iran’s nuclear sites
IDF releases footage showing strike on Iran's air defense system
05:20 , Andrea Cavallier78 people killed in Iran after ballistic missile strikes, Iran says
Friday 13 June 2025 22:21 , Jabed AhmedAt least 78 people, including senior military officials, have been killed in Iran after Israel carried out strikes on dozens of targets, military centres and airbases.
Iran’s UN envoy said more than 320 people, most of them civilians, had been injured in Thursday’s overnight attack.
