LIVE: US-Iran tensions: Tehran urges India to intervene

18:06 January 08

Syria supports Iran on missile strike against US

Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Damascus: The Syrian government is expressing full solidarity with Iran, saying Tehran has the right to defend itself "in the face of American threats and attacks".

The foreign ministry on Wednesday said in a statement that Syria holds the “American regime responsible for all the repercussions due to its reckless policy and arrogant mentality.”

Syria is Iran's strongest ally in the Arab world, and Tehran sent thousands of Iran-backed fighters to join President Bashar Assad's forces in the country's civil war.

Meanwhile, an analyst said that Iran's missile strike against US forces in Iraq was “the smallest attack that Tehran could carry out while at the same time being able to say they got revenge."

Peter Viggo Jakobsen, an associate professor with the Royal Danish Defense College, added on Wednesday that Iran has "done all that is possible to avoid American casualties. If what we hear is correct, they have warned the Americans in advance."

He told Denmark’s TV2 channel that the Iranians are doing all they can to avoid an American military response as harsh as President Donald Trump has promised.

"I would be deeply surprised if the Americans choose to respond militarily again,” he said.

17:56 January 08

UK PM calls on Iran to pursue 'urgent de-escalation'

London: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday called on Iran to pursue 'urgent de-escalation' after Tehran launched a series of missiles at Iraqi bases housing US troops.

Earlier, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg had condemned Iran's rocket attacks.

17:49 January 08

Airlines avoiding flying through Iran and Iraq airspace

Paris: A growing number of airlines on Wednesday said that they were avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace for flights to the region after Tehran fired ballistic missiles against bases housing US troops in Iraq.

"As a precautionary measure and following news of airstrikes underway, Air France has decided to suspend until further notice all flights through Iranian and Iraqi airspace," an Air France spokesman told AFP.

The US Federal Aviation Administration said that it was banning US-registered carriers from flying over Iraq, Iran and the Gulf.

Its Russian counterpart, the Federal Air Transport Agency said that it was recommending airlines to avoid the air space over Iran, Iraq and the Persian and Oman Gulfs "due to information about current risks for safety of international passenger flights".

The region is an important corridor for flights travelling between Europe and Asia, although planes can be rerouted.

A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines spokesman told AFP, "Until further notice, KLM has no flights over Iranian or Iraqi airspace. All flights to different Southeast Asian destinations and other destinations in the Middle East will be flown through alternative routes."

In Germany, Lufthansa said that it had cancelled its daily flight to Tehran in addition to halting overflights of Iran and Iraq until further notice.

It added that Saturday's twice-weekly service to the northern Iraqi city of Erbil would also not depart.

Poland's national airline LOT had already announced at the weekend that its regular flights in the region were being diverted to keep them out of Iranian airspace.

17:24 January 08

US-Iran tensions: Tehran urges India to intervene

New Delhi: Iran will welcome any peace initiative by India to de-escalate tensions with the US following the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian envoy in New Delhi Ali Chegeni said on Wednesday. He asserted that his country wants peace, not war.

Chegeni also expressed the hope there would be no further escalation in hostilities between his country and the US.

"New Delhi usually plays a very good role in (maintaining) peace in the world. India belongs to this region. We welcome all initiatives from all countries, especially India as a good friend for us, to not allow escalation (of tensions)," Chegeni told reporters after a condolence meeting for Soleimani at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi.

"We are not for war, we are looking for peace and prosperity for everybody in this region. We welcome any Indian initiative or any project that can help peace and prosperity in this world," he said.

17:11 January 08

Italy joins condemnation of Iran missile strike

Rome: Italy has condemned Iran's missile strikes against the US-led coalition in Iraq and repeated its call for a de-escalation of tensions.

Italy has some 900 troops in Iraq, based in Baghdad and Irbil, that are involved in training Iraqi troops and in fighting the Islamic State group.

There has been no report from any member of the US-led coalition in Iraq about casualties among their forces.

16:39 January 08

Iraq says both Iran, US notified it of attack

Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi.

Tehran: The Iraqi prime minister's office said that Iran notified Baghdad shortly after midnight that its response to the killing of its top military commander had begun, and that retaliation would be limited to locations where the US military is present.

Adel Abdul-Mahdi’s office said in a statement on Wednesday that Iraq was simultaneously informed by the Americans that military bases in Ain al-Asad and Irbil were under missile attack.

The office said that it has received no reports of casualties on the Iraqi side and has not been officially notified of any losses among the US-led coalition.

“Iraq refuses any violation of its sovereignty and any attacks on its territory,” the statement said.

It added that Baghdad is doing everything in its power to contain the situation to avoid a “devastating all-out war."

Earlier, Poland's foreign ministry said that its ambassador to Iraq, Beata Peksa, has been evacuated to Poland for security reasons amid the rising tensions between the US and Iran.

The evacuation was at Britain's request because Poland's diplomatic mission is located in the British Embassy.

According to Poland's Foreign Ministry, only the ambassador was evacuated while its embassy in Baghdad continues its work.

Poland is one of several European countries that has said that their troops in Iraq were not harmed in the Iranian missile strike overnight that targeted two military bases in Iraq housing US troops.

Meanwhile, Chinese media reports said that state oil company China National Petroleum Corporation has evacuated about 20 employees from the West Qurna-1 oil field in Iraq as a result of the rising tensions between the US and Iran.

No details were given, and the company's spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment.

The news followed the Iranian missile strike that targeted two military bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops. The attack was in retaliation for a U.S. drone strike that killed Iran's top commander last week near the Baghdad airport.

16:09 January 08

Netanyahu: Israel stands behind US

Jerusalem: The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Washington for an attack that killed Iran's top general, saying US President Donald Trump should be congratulated "for acting swiftly, boldly and resolutely against this terrorist in chief".

Speaking at an event in Jerusalem on Wednesday, Netanyahu said that General Qassem Soleimani had been the architect and driver of "Iran's campaign of carnage and terror throughout the Middle East and throughout the world."

Netanyahu added that Israel stood beside and behind the US, adding "America has no better friend than Israel and Israel has no better friend than the United States of America."

16:00 January 08

Rouhani: Real revenge will be forcing US from region

Tehran: Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that the real revenge for the killing of a top Iranian general by the US would be "to force America out of this region."

Rouhani was speaking after Iran struck back at the US, firing a series of ballistic missiles at two military bases in Iraq that house American troops, early on Wednesday.

It was Tehran's direct assault on America since the 1979 seizing of the American Embassy in Tehran, and Iranian state TV said that it was in revenge for the US killing of Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani.

15:19 January 08

Air India to avoid Iranian airspace amid engulfing tensions

A decision to temporarily reroute flights of Air India (AI) and Air India Express (AIX) overflying Iran has been taken.

New Delhi: In light of the tensions within the Iranian airspace a decision to temporarily reroute flights of Air India (AI) and Air India Express (AIX) overflying Iran has been taken, said a spokesperson for  Air India Dhananjay Kumar.

Meanwhile, the ministry of external (MEA) affairs advised Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification.

MEA spokesperson Ravish Kumar tweeted, "In view of the prevailing situation in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Iraq until further notification. Indian nationals residing in Iraq are advised to be alert and may avoid travel within Iraq."

"Our Embassy in Baghdad and Consulate in Erbil will continue to function normally to provide all services to Indians residing in Iraq," he added.

15:10 January 08

Britain condemns Iran missile strike in Iraq

Britain condemns Iran missile strike in Iraq

London: British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has condemned the Iranian missile strike against bases hosting coalition forces in Iraq and urged Iran to refrain from further military action.

The Ministry of Defense said Wednesday there were no British casualties in the attack launched in retaliation for the US drone strike that killed Iran's top Revolutionary Guard commander, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, in Baghdad last week.

US officials have said there are no immediate reports of US casualties.

"We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation,'' Raab said. “A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh (the Islamic State group) and other terrorist groups,” he added. Coalition forces are in Iraq to train local forces to fight the extremists.

Tom Tugenhat, the chairman of the defense committee during the previous Parliament, told the BBC it would be "extremely welcome" if Iran's action marked the end of tensions and both sides could “get back to talking."

15:08 January 08

Israel on Iranian airstrike

Israel on Iranian airstrike

Jerusalem: Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns of 'resounding blow' if Iran attacks Israel.

14:41 January 08

China concerned about Mideast spike in tensions

China concerned about Mideast spike in tensions

Beijing: China’s foreign ministry is expressing concern about the spike in tensions in the Middle East and says it hopes matters can swiftly “cool off.”

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters on Wednesday that Beijing has called for restraint by all sides and is in close consultation with the governments involved, including at the United Nations and through China's embassy in Baghdad.

He spoke after the Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by US forces but did not address it directly.

Geng also accused the US of abusing the rights of people in the region through its military actions.

14:32 January 08

Germany condemns the airstrike

Germany condemns the airstrike

Berlin: Germany has condemned the Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by US forces.

Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said Wednesday the government "rejects this aggression in the sharpest possible terms."

She told German public broadcaster ARD that "it's now particularly up to the Iranians not to engage in further escalation.'

None of the German troops stationed in Iraq were injured.

It joined several European countries in saying their troops in Iraq were not harmed, including France, Poland, Denmark and Finland.

14:27 January 08

Missile hits Bardarash

Baghdad: At least one missile from the Iranian strike against US forces in Iraq on Wednesday landed in a field near Bardarash, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Irbil, the capital of Iraq's self-governing Kurdish region.

An Iraqi Kurdish channel showed the video of police inspecting the impact site and removing shrapnel.

No casualties were reported but residents said the earth shook upon impact, and one man was seen cleaning up slight damage to his house on a nearby street.

The Kurdish region hosts American military forces at its main airport just outside Irbil.

13:27 January 08

Iran supreme leader calls strike a 'slap' at US

Iran supreme leader calls strike a 'slap' at US

Tehran:Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an address to the nation said, "We slapped them (Americans) on the face last night with a missile strike but military action is not enough.”

He spoke hours after the strike at military bases in Iraq used by US forces. The strike was in retaliation for the US killing of Iran's top military commander in Baghdad.

Khamenei further stated that the “corrupt presence of the US in the region should come to an end," adding that it has caused war, division, and destruction.

Iran's supreme leader also invoked the virtues of the slain commander, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, saying he was a "great, brave warrior" and “dear friend to us.” Huge crowds in Iran have mourned Soleimani's death last week in the airstrike in Baghdad.

13:19 January 08

Iraq says no troop casualties in Iranian strike

Baghdad:The Iraqi military says there are no casualties among its troops as a result of an Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by US forces.

The military said in a statement carried by the state news agency Wednesday that the attack lasted half an hour, starting at 1:45 a.m. local time.

The statement said 22 missiles were fired. Seventeen missiles hit al-Asad airbase, including two that did not explode in the Hitan area west of the town of Hit. Five other missiles hit the northern region of Irbil.

13:01 January 08

'No risk' to oil

Abu Dhabi:The energy minister of the United Arab Emirates says he sees no immediate shortages in oil supplies, but that OPEC will be called in if there is an issue.

“The situation is not currently a war situation,” Suhail Al-Mazrouei told reporters on Wednesday. “We are all hoping for de-escalation. I think wisdom will prevail despite the tension.”

He spoke after an Iranian missile strike at military bases in Iraq used by US forces. The strike was in retaliation for the US killing an Iranian general in Baghdad.

He said even in past times of war, the flow of oil has been maintained.

“So let’s not exaggerate what’s happening. There is no risk that we have seen to the Strait of Hormuz or the movement of oil yet,” Al-Mazrouei said, referring to the narrow waterway between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran through which 20% of the world’s oil passes through.

He spoke reporters in Abu Dhabi at the Gulf Intelligence’s UAE Energy Forum.

Brent crude oil has jumped to around $70 a barrel amid heightened concerns over tensions between Iran and the United States.

12:22 January 08

Trump bringing US close to war with Iran: Biden

12:19 January 08

11:32 January 08

80 killed in Iranian airstrike at US base in Iraq

Tehran: Reports states that 80 were killed in Iran missile attacks on US bases in Iraq. Press TV cannot independently verify the reports on the number of casualties, Iran's Press TV said.

10:07 January 08

Japan calls for easing of Middle East tensions

Tokyo:Japan says it will urge governments to do their utmost to help ease tensions following an Iranian missile strike at bases in Iraq used by US forces.

The strike came in retaliation for the killing of an Iranian general.

Japanese Chief Cabinet spokesman Yoshihide Suga said on Wednesday: " Japan government will coordinate with the related governments to collect intelligence while we ensure the safety of Japanese citizens in the region."

He added: “Japan will also urge all related nations to do their utmost diplomatic effort to improve the relations."

He said that Japan remained on track to soon deploy a warship to the Gulf to help safeguard Japanese vessels and oil tankers transiting the area.

09:27 January 08

Australian PM Scott Morrison on Iranian Airstirke

Sydney: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says all of his country's troops and diplomatic staff in Iraq are safe after Iran's firing of missiles at two military bases there.

Around 300 Australian defense personnel are stationed in Iraq.

Morrison said he spoke with President Donald Trump about the situation between the U.S. and Iran on Tuesday during a call about the wildfires raging in Australia.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Morrison said in reference to the killing of Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani: “The United States has taken the action that they have to address what has been intelligence that they say that they received, which was putting their interests at risks and under threat."

09:12 January 08

Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps warns US

Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps statement: "We are warning all US allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory, in any way becomes the starting point of hostile and aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted."

08:58 January 08

Iran says 'took and concluded proportionate' self-defence

Iran on Wednesday said it had carried out and "concluded" its reprisal over the killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani when it targeted US forces in Iraq with a missile strike.

"Iran took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence" targeting a base from which a "cowardly armed attack against our citizens and senior officials" was launched, said Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Twitter.

"We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression." 

08:54 January 08

'All is well,' says Trump after Iran missile attack

US President Donald Trump, in his first reaction after Iran's missile attack on two American bases in Iraq, insisted that "all is well" and promised to make a statement to the nation on Wednesday morning (local time).

Shortly after the missile attacks, Trump tweeted, "All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning."

Trump's tweet came after his reported meeting with his national security team, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper.

08:25 January 08

Vice President Mike Pence briefs on Iran's missile strike

Mike Pence on the airstrikes

Washington: Vice President Mike Pence has briefed top Democrats in Congress on the Iranian strikes on installations in Iraq holding US forces.

Aides to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer both confirmed the lawmakers spoke with the vice president by telephone Tuesday.

Justin Goodman, a spokesman for Schumer, says the New York Democrat is closely monitoring the situation and is praying for the safety of service members and other personnel.

Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill tweeted that the speaker returned a call from the vice president moments after presiding over the House.

Katie Waldman, a spokeswoman for the vice president, says Pence has been in continuous contact with national security officials and made calls to congressional leadership at President Donald Trump's direction.