Jordan, Iraq reopen airspace after Iran attacks
Jordan and Iraq reopened their airspace on Sunday after closing it late on Saturday as Iran launched drone and missile attacks against Israel.
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National Security Council meeting underway
The National Security Council began a snap meeting on Sunday morning in response to Iran launching drone strikes at Israel.
Britain says RAF jets deployed to intercept any airborne attacks in Middle east
British Royal Air Force jets in the Middle East will intercept any airborne attacks within range of existing missions, as required, in response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the region. The UK dispatched RAF jets to intercept Iranian drones attacking Israel, following Iran’s vow of retaliation for an alleged Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate. Israel and Jordan closed their airspace, while Syria put its defence systems on high alert. Tensions in the region have escalated, with the Gaza war spreading to other fronts and threatening to result in direct conflict between Iran and its allies against Israel and the US.
Iran launches drone attack at Israel, expected to unfold ‘over hours’
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps launched drones and missiles at Israel, potentially escalating tensions. The U.S. has pledged to support Israel. Israel’s military is on high alert, preparing for potential attacks. Iran has vowed retaliation for an alleged Israeli strike on its consulate. The situation threatens to escalate into a direct conflict between Iran and its allies against Israel and the U.S. Iran also seized a Portuguese-flagged ship, prompting accusations of piracy from Israel.
UK reportedly dispatches jets from Akrotiri in defence of Israel against Iran
British fighter jets took off from RAF Akrotiri in Limassol to defend Israel against an Iranian drone attack.
British aircraft dispatched from Akrotiri after Iran launches attack against Israel
British fighter jets have been deployed from Akrotiri bases in Cyprus to help with Israel’s defence against Iran’s attack.
Iran seizes cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media says
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship, the MSC Aries, in the Strait of Hormuz. The ship is leased by MSC from Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime, partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer. Tensions are rising in the region since Israel’s campaign in Gaza, with threats and warnings being issued by Iran, the United States, and Israel. Iran has also threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. Yemen’s Houthi group has been disrupting global trade by attacking ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea. The United States and Britain have responded with strikes against Houthi targets. The Joint Maritime Information Center has advised caution for vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
Russia’s FSB says British special forces operating in Ukraine
Britain’s Special Boat Service has been assisting Ukrainian forces in operations against Russian forces in Ukraine, according to Russia’s Federal Security Service.
US envoy asked Middle East foreign ministers to mediate with Iran
The U.S. Middle East envoy contacted the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Iraq to ask them to urge Iran to lower tensions with Israel after a suspected Israeli air strike on Iran’s embassy in Syria.
Middle East on alert for Iranian attack as Lufthansa suspends Tehran flights
Lufthansa extended the suspension of its flights to Tehran due to the situation in the Middle East, which is on alert for Iranian retaliation for a suspected Israeli air strike on Iran’s embassy in Syria. The region and the United States have been on alert for a retaliatory attack by Iran since April 1, when Israeli warplanes were suspected of bombing the Iranian embassy compound in Syria.