In a blow to Iranian leadership, Iran's Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour are believed to have been killed in an Israeli strike, according to sources familiar with Israel's military operations, and another regional source, Reuters reporte
In Press Release No. 66, published earlier in the day by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brazil stated that the strikes took place "in the midst of a negotiation process between the parties," which it described as the only viable path to peace.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday said that his country's position on the developments in the Middle East remains clear and Iran is the "principal source of instability and terror" throughout the region.
India on Saturday expressed its concern at the developments in Iran and the Gulf region and said dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues.
As tensions escalated in the Middle East after the US and Israel launched a major attack on Iran, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said that India will have to maintain its strategic partnership.
In view of the evolving situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on international air operations, Minister of Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu has undertaken a comprehensive review of preparedness and response measures with all concerned stakeholders.
Former External Affairs Minister and Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Saturday questioned India's stance in the Israel-Iran conflict, asking whether "we are complicit or don't dare to tell the truth."
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel days before Tel Aviv launched an attack against Tehran has sent a "very wrong message" and reminded the PM that India has always remained "neutral" in this conflict.
"The Ministry affirmed that the threat was addressed immediately upon detection and in accordance with the pre-approved security plan, with all missiles being intercepted before reaching Qatari territory," the statement read.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Saturday issued a passenger advisory warning of potential disruptions to international flight operations due to temporary closures and restrictions across multiple international airspaces.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Nepal, is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East. In this context, Nepali nationals currently residing in Israel and Iran are advised to take the following precautionary measures," Nepal's government read in a statement.