Afghanistan fires at Pakistani jets over Kabul as conflict intensifies
Afghanistan said it was firing at Pakistani jets in Kabul after blasts and gunfire rocked the capital on Sunday, compounding instability in a region rattled by U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks on U.S. targets in Gulf states, Reuters reported.
The Taliban-ruled state has suffered Pakistani strikes against government installations over the past week following accusations, which it denies, that it harbours militants.
The heaviest fighting in years between the neighbours has raised fears of a protracted conflict along their 2,600-km (1,615-mile) border, with several countries including Qatar and Saudi Arabia calling for restraint and offering to help mediate a ceasefire, according to Reuters.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed, state media says
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in his office on Saturday morning during US-Israeli air strikes, state media confirms, BBC reported.
Luxury Dubai hotel hit as Iran launches retaliatory strikes across region
A luxury hotel in Dubai was hit as Iran launched strikes across the region in retaliation for a "massive" and ongoing attack against it by the US and Israel, BBC reported.
Video verified by the BBC shows a fire raging at Fairmont The Palm Hotel. Thick black smoke rises into the sky.
Dubai authorities said that four people were injured in a blaze at a building in the Palm Jumeirah area, and that the fire was brought under control. The statement did not go into further detail on the incident.
UK planes 'in the sky' in Middle East as part of defensive operation, PM says
British planes "are in the sky" in the Middle East "to protect our people, our interests and our allies," Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said, BBC reported.
In a pre-recorded statement televised on Saturday afternoon, Starmer said protections for British bases and personnel had been stepped up to their highest level.
The US and Israel launched strikes across multiple Iranian cities including capital Tehran on Saturday morning, after negotiations to limit Iran's nuclear programme ended without an agreement. The UK did not participate in the strikes, according to BBC.
Earlier, the PM released a statement along with the leaders of France and Germany, calling for Iran to "refrain from indiscriminate military strikes".
