Explosions were reported in Iran’s capital, Tehran, on Saturday morning after Israel carried out what it described as a preemptive military strike, further escalating tensions in the region. The United States also participated in the operation, according to media reports citing an official.

The reported targets were located near the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, reports said the 86-year-old leader was not present in Tehran at the time and had been moved to a secure location.

A journalist cited by Indian television channel NDTV said that at least three to four strikes were heard in the Iranian capital. There was no immediate clarity on casualties.

Sirens in Tel Aviv, emergency alerts issued

Shortly after the strikes, sirens were sounded across Tel Aviv, with Israeli authorities warning residents of the “possibility of missiles” being launched toward the country.

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces said advance instruction alerts had been sent directly to cellular devices, urging the public to stay close to protected spaces. The military described the alert as a proactive measure in anticipation of potential missile launches.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said the strikes were carried out “to remove threats.”

NDTV’s correspondent, who was reporting live from Ben Gurion Airport, sought shelter as air raid warnings were activated. The sirens stopped shortly afterward.

Several hospitals in Israel initiated emergency protocols, shifting patients and surgeries to underground facilities as a precautionary measure.

Both Iran and Israel closed their airspace following the attack.

Nuclear tensions in the backdrop

The developments come amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme. The US and Israel have repeatedly warned of possible military action if Tehran continued advancing its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.

Earlier this month, Washington and Tehran had resumed negotiations aimed at resolving the long-standing dispute through diplomatic channels. Israel has maintained that any agreement must involve dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and include restrictions on its missile programme. Iran, for its part, had indicated willingness to discuss limits on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief but rejected linking the issue to its missile capabilities.

US President Donald Trump had hours earlier expressed dissatisfaction with the latest round of talks. “I’m not happy with the fact that they’re not willing to give us what we have to have… They cannot have nuclear weapons,” he said, while declining to specify whether a military strike was imminent.

India issues advisory for nationals

Amid rising tensions, the Indian Embassy in Israel issued an advisory urging citizens in Tel Aviv to exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant.

The advisory asked Indian nationals to strictly follow safety guidelines issued by Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command, stay close to designated shelters, and avoid non-essential travel within Israel until further notice. Citizens were also advised to monitor local news and official announcements regularly.

An emergency helpline has been issued for Indians in Israel: +972-54-7520711 and [email protected].

Iran had earlier stated that it would defend itself against any attack, raising concerns about potential retaliatory measures as the situation continues to unfold.

US President Donald Trump has said he would not intervene in the ongoing hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan, even as Islamabad declared a state of “open war” following a series of cross-border strikes.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said he respected Pakistan’s leadership and suggested that the country was capable of handling the situation on its own. “I would (intervene), but you have a great prime minister, you have a great general there, you have a great leader. I think two of the people that I really respect a lot. I think Pakistan is doing terrifically well,” he said.

Trump specifically praised Pakistan’s military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Pakistan claims major strikes across Afghanistan

The remarks came as Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced a state of “open war” with Afghanistan after tensions flared earlier in the week. Islamabad said it had carried out aerial strikes on 29 locations inside Afghanistan on Friday, including targets in Kandahar and Kabul.

According to a Pakistani government spokesperson, 297 Afghan Taliban members and militants were killed in the strikes. In response, Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed Afghan forces killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and captured several others.

The developments mark the most significant military escalation between the two sides since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021 following the withdrawal of US forces.

Strong reactions from Washington and other countries

Sharif later asserted that Pakistan’s armed forces were fully prepared to respond to any aggression. “Our forces have the full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan armed forces,” he said.

A spokesperson for the US State Department said Washington supports Pakistan’s “right to defend itself” against Taliban attacks, while criticising the Taliban for failing to meet counterterrorism commitments. The spokesperson stated that Afghanistan has been used by terrorist groups as a base for attacks, contributing to regional instability.

Meanwhile, Britain called for de-escalation, China urged a ceasefire, and Iran offered to mediate between the two countries.

The US Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan also issued an advisory for American citizens, warning that law enforcement facilities, military installations and major commercial centres remain potential targets for terrorist organisations. US nationals were advised to exercise caution, particularly during peak hours.

Shift in US-Pakistan dynamics

Trump’s remarks signal a shift in tone compared to the strained relations between Washington and Islamabad during the tenure of former US President Joe Biden. Since returning to office for a second term, Trump has adopted a more favourable stance towards Pakistan.

Islamabad has previously praised Trump’s mediation efforts in global conflicts and even suggested he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize. While Pakistan remains a major non-NATO ally of the United States, the Afghan Taliban continues to be designated as a terrorist group by Washington.

Indian cricketer Rinku Singh’s father, Khanchand Singh, passed away on Friday after battling stage four cancer. He was receiving treatment at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida, where his health deteriorated earlier this week.

Rinku had travelled to see his father ahead of India’s T20 World Cup match against Zimbabwe. Despite medical efforts, Khanchand Singh’s condition did not improve and he was placed on ventilator support. The cricketer later rejoined the squad in time for the fixture but was not included in the playing XI, with Sanju Samson taking his place. Rinku featured in the match as a substitute fielder.

A pillar of support in Rinku’s journey

Khanchand Singh played a significant role in his son’s cricketing career. Working as an LPG cylinder deliveryman in Aligarh, he ensured that financial challenges did not hinder Rinku’s ambitions in the sport. His support over the years was seen as instrumental in shaping the batter’s rise to the Indian team.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh expressed condolences in a post on X, saying he was pained to learn of the demise and extended prayers to the family. He acknowledged the difficult time for Rinku, who continues to fulfil his national duties during the tournament.

Mixed outing in the tournament

Rinku’s T20 World Cup campaign has been underwhelming so far. He has scored 24 runs across five innings and has struggled to convert starts into significant contributions. Limited opportunities at the crease and the absence of big scores resulted in Samson being preferred in the lineup.

India are set to travel to Kolkata for their final Super 8 clash against West Indies. The encounter is effectively a virtual quarterfinal, with the winner securing a place in the semifinals. India head into the match after a win over Zimbabwe, while West Indies are coming off a heavy defeat to South Africa.