Israel and the US launched what they called a “preemptive strike” against Iran on the morning of 28 February, plunging the region into chaos as Tehran launched counter strikes that also targeted American military bases across the Gulf. Tensions persist as the string of strikes and counter-strikes continues.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the attack, after which Alireza Arafi was picked as the interim successor. Arafi has been appointed the jurist member of the temporary leadership council to fulfill the Supreme Leader’s role.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz had first announced the strike Saturday that many believed was a long time in making, with the White House stepping up pressure on Tehran over its nuclear programme.
US President Donald Trump described the military action as “massive and ongoing”, and plainly called for a regime change. He urged Iranians to “take over your government” and accused Tehran of working to rebuild its nuclear programme. Tehran has long maintained that its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes only. Iran’s state media said the country was preparing for “a crushing response”.
Stay tuned to ThePrint for the latest developments.
US, Israel strike Iran | LIVE UPDATES
09.45 am: ‘Can’t rule out participation in war,’ says Carney
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, while on his Australia trip, has said, “One can never categorically rule out participation. We will stand by our allies.”
He had previously remarked that the US-Israeli strikes on Iran are “inconsistent with international law”.
Carney, along with Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, called for de-escalation of hostilities at a joint press briefing in Canberra.
09.30 am: Some overnight updates
- Heavy bombing in Iran’s Tehran & Bukan
- Israel continues to strike Lebanon
- Explosion near tanker off Kuwait. Crew were reported to be safe. Kuwait said the tanker was located outside its territorial waters
- US govt-chartered flight flying Americans back from Middle East. Canada is also working to evacuate citizens stranded in the region
- Qatar is evacuating residents in areas near US embassy in Doha as a “precautionary measure”
- Iran continues counter-strikes
08.45 am: US Senate blocks War Powers Resolution
US Senate Republicans have backed President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran, voting to block a bipartisan resolution aiming to put an end to the conflict and require authorisation by Congress for any action against Iran.
The Senate voted 53 to 47 not to advance the resolution, with all but one Republican voting against the procedural motion, and all but one Democrat supporting it.
The War Powers Resolution sets presidential reporting requirements and parliamentary procedures to reaffirm the Congress’s constitutional role in committing the US into armed conflict abroad. The fast-track procedures, by way of the resolution, provide the opportunity for Congress members to obtain a vote on, or in relation to, legislation that either authorises presidential use of US Armed Forces or directs their removal from hostilities.