In Bushehr, an attack has rocked Iran’s port city, with reports ambiguous about whether damage extended to the country’s nuclear power plant. Amidst escalating unrest in Iran, exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi has urged Iranians to prepare for a return to the streets as the Islamic Republic teeters on collapse.
Prince Pahlavi suggested that security forces should abandon the current regime and join a push for stability and security. His message emphasized the need for people to stay calm at home until precise instructions were given, urging them not to take any unnecessary risks under the threat of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s leadership.
Pahlavi criticized the US’ military action as aimed at Iran’s repressive apparatus rather than civilians. He appealed to President Donald Trump to exercise caution and protect innocents in his operation against Iran.
Israel recently announced its new offensive against Iran would be known as “Roaring Lion,” following a 12-day war Israel dubbed “Rising Lion.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has been reported safe and sound by state media, while Pakistan’s Foreign Office advised Pakistani nationals in the country to avoid all non-essential travel due to potential threats.
A travel advisory from the Pakistan Foreign Office warned residents residing in Iran to exercise caution and stay in regular contact with their consular services. Contact details for each embassy are provided for assistance.
Following multiple explosions, airspaces of various countries including Iran, Israel, and Iraq have been closed. This move has also affected Kuwaiti and Russian carriers’ flights, with Israeli airspace being restricted by the defense ministry. Civil Aviation Organization spokesperson Majid Akhavan confirmed that Iranian airspace was shut down for at least six hours.
US President Donald Trump indicated major combat operations against Iran were underway. Defence Minister Israel Katz asserted this as a pre-emptive strike aimed to remove threats to Israel, adding US strikes were carried out by both air and sea forces with an expected multi-day operation anticipated.
The unfolding crisis in the Middle East has brought renewed military confrontations between Israel and Iran, impacting regional airspace stability.