Israel Iran live: Mojtaba Khamenei declared as the next supreme leader; Bahrain declares Force Majeure

Air raid sirens sounded across several parts of Israel after missiles were launched from Iran, according to statements from the Israel Defense Forces.

The alerts were reported in multiple regions spanning both northern and southern Israel. In the south, warnings were issued in areas including Tel Arad and Dimona in the Negev desert. In the north, sirens were heard from Haifa to Tiberias, as well as across the Jezreel Valley, Beisan and parts of the Lower Galilee.

Authorities said the alarms were activated after missile launches from Iran were detected. Typically, early warnings are issued several minutes before sirens begin sounding in areas believed to be at risk, followed by explosions caused either by missile interceptions or impacts on the ground.

Cross border missile strikes between states raise serious concerns under the United Nations Charter, which generally prohibits armed attacks against another state’s territory. Such incidents may also trigger the right of self defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter if a state considers itself the target of ongoing armed aggression.

Residents in Beirut are bracing for potential airstrikes after the Israel Defense Forces warned that branches of the Al-Qard al-Hasan Association could be targeted. The organisation is under sanctions from the United States Department of the Treasury for alleged links to Hezbollah.

Authorities in Lebanon have reportedly blocked nearby roads and diverted traffic to prevent civilians from approaching buildings believed to be at risk. Residents remain tense as strikes sometimes follow warnings quickly, while in other cases they occur much later or without advance notice. Observers say the atmosphere mirrors the heightened insecurity experienced during the 2024 confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah.

Advance warnings before attacks can form part of compliance with obligations under International Humanitarian Law. However, even when warnings are issued, military operations must still adhere to the principles of distinction and proportionality to minimise harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Iranians remain fully prepared to defend their territory as regional tensions escalate. Speaking at a press briefing, he criticised remarks made by Donald Trump about exerting influence over Iran, stressing that the nation’s future will ultimately be determined by the will of its own people.

Statements rejecting external influence reflect the principle of sovereignty and political independence under the United Nations Charter, which prohibits coercive intervention in the internal affairs of states.

Reports indicate that Israel has carried out an air raid targeting the southern outskirts of Beirut, according to information emerging from regional media coverage.

The strike follows earlier warnings from the Israel Defense Forces that it intended to attack locations connected to the Al-Qard al-Hasan Association. Israeli officials have alleged that the organisation provides financial support to Hezbollah.

Further details regarding the scale of the strike and possible casualties remain unclear as the situation continues to develop.

Airstrikes in densely populated urban areas raise important considerations under International Humanitarian Law, particularly the principles of distinction and proportionality. Even when targeting entities allegedly linked to armed groups, military operations must ensure that civilian harm is minimised and that the target qualifies as a legitimate military objective.

Large crowds gathered in Kuwait City for a military funeral honouring two officers from the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior who were killed while responding to the aftermath of Iranian attacks. The ceremony took place at Al-Sulaibikhat Cemetery and was attended by citizens and officials paying tribute to the fallen personnel.

Authorities said the officers were part of Kuwait’s land border security force and died while performing operational duties linked to the recent strikes. Officials described their deaths as a consequence of what they termed Iranian aggression against the country.

Their burial follows earlier announcements by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defence confirming the deaths of two additional members of the armed forces in the same conflict. With these losses, the total number of military personnel killed has risen to four. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health has also reported two civilian fatalities, including an 11 year old child.

Deaths of military personnel and civilians resulting from cross border attacks raise potential issues under the United Nations Charter, particularly regarding unlawful armed attacks on sovereign states. Civilian casualties, including children, may also trigger scrutiny under International Humanitarian Law, which requires parties to minimise harm to non combatants.

Russia’s state nuclear agency Rosatom has begun preparations to evacuate another group of personnel and family members connected to the expansion of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.

Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev said the relocation to a secure destination in Russia is expected to take place shortly. More than 600 Russian specialists are currently involved in building Units 2 and 3 at the site.

Due to the deteriorating security situation in Iran, major construction activities at the facility have been temporarily paused. However, a limited number of technical staff remain on site to maintain equipment and complete critical operations that cannot be immediately halted.

The planned evacuation represents the second phase of personnel reductions aimed at safeguarding workers and their families during the ongoing conflict.

Operations at nuclear facilities during armed conflict raise major concerns under international nuclear safety regimes overseen by the International Atomic Energy Agency. States and contractors must ensure that nuclear installations remain protected and safely maintained, as damage to such facilities could lead to international responsibility for environmental and cross border harm under established nuclear liability principles.

Russia’s state nuclear agency Rosatom has announced plans to evacuate another group of personnel and family members connected with the construction of additional units at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.

The company’s chief executive, Alexey Likhachev, said arrangements are being finalised to relocate the group to a secure location in Russia. According to him, more than 600 Russian workers are currently involved in building Units 2 and 3 of the facility.

Due to the deteriorating security situation, major construction activity at the site has been temporarily halted. However, a limited number of specialists remain on site to maintain critical equipment and complete technical tasks that cannot be immediately suspended.

Rosatom indicated that the upcoming evacuation represents the second phase of workforce reductions aimed at safeguarding personnel and their families amid the escalating conflict.

The evacuation of foreign workers from a nuclear facility highlights obligations under international nuclear safety frameworks overseen by the International Atomic Energy Agency. States and contractors must ensure the safety of nuclear infrastructure and personnel during armed conflict, as damage to such facilities could trigger severe international liability under nuclear safety and environmental protection norms.

Authorities in Abu Dhabi reported that two individuals were hurt in separate incidents after debris fell following interceptions by the country’s air defence systems.

According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, a Jordanian citizen suffered minor injuries in one location, while an Egyptian national sustained moderate injuries in another incident caused by falling fragments.

Civilian injuries caused by debris from intercepted missiles or drones raise questions under International Humanitarian Law, particularly regarding the obligation to minimise harm to civilians during military operations. States may also examine liability and compensation frameworks under domestic law when civilians are injured as a result of defensive military actions.

Stock markets across Asia recorded sharp declines as escalating hostilities involving Iran pushed global oil prices above $100 per barrel for the first time since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Rising tensions in the Middle East have heightened fears of energy supply disruptions, creating inflation concerns for East Asian economies that depend heavily on imported oil from the region. Investors reacted swiftly, leading to significant losses across major regional indices.

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 dropped about 7 percent during early trading before recovering slightly to close down 5.2 percent. South Korea’s KOSPI fell around 6 percent, while Taiwan’s TAIEX declined by roughly 4.4 percent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index also moved lower, ending the day down about 1.4 percent.

Sharp market reactions linked to geopolitical conflict often raise regulatory scrutiny regarding financial stability and market conduct. Governments and regulators may rely on frameworks developed by institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and domestic securities laws to monitor volatility and prevent market manipulation during periods of geopolitical crisis.

Azerbaijan has resumed cargo transport across its border with Iran after temporarily shutting the crossings following a reported drone incident, according to Russia’s state news agency. The route is one of the shortest overland corridors linking Iran with its partner Russia.

The crossings were closed last week after authorities in Baku alleged that an Iranian drone strike had taken place in the Nakhchivan region. The situation prompted heightened security concerns along the border.

In a development aimed at easing tensions, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. During the conversation, Pezeshkian reportedly denied Iran’s involvement in the drone incident and said Tehran had launched an internal investigation into the matter.

Border closures affecting trade routes may fall within a state’s sovereign right to control its territory. However, disruptions to cross border commerce can also engage obligations under international trade and transit frameworks, particularly those related to freedom of transit under the World Trade Organization and broader principles of good neighbourly relations in international law.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has expressed deep frustration with Iran, saying recent strikes against Gulf states created a strong sense of betrayal within the region.

In an interview, he said attacks began shortly after the outbreak of hostilities, even though Qatar and several neighbouring countries had clearly stated they would not participate in any military action against Iran and had instead supported diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.

The prime minister criticised Tehran’s decision to target Gulf states, calling it a serious misjudgment that undermined regional trust and destabilised efforts toward dialogue. He also noted that the continued strikes were particularly surprising given that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had earlier apologised to Gulf countries and suggested they would not be targeted if they stayed out of the conflict.

Despite the tensions, he indicated that Qatar intends to maintain diplomatic engagement with Iran in hopes of reducing the risk of further escalation.

Missile or drone attacks against neutral states raise serious concerns under the United Nations Charter, particularly the prohibition on armed attacks against sovereign states not participating in hostilities. Such incidents could strengthen claims of unlawful use of force and trigger the right of self defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

China has responded cautiously to Iran’s announcement of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader, stating that the decision falls strictly within Iran’s domestic affairs.

Speaking at a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the leadership transition was a decision taken by Iran in accordance with its constitutional framework.

Earlier, China’s foreign minister Wang Yi stressed the need to respect Iran’s sovereignty and cautioned against external attempts to reshape its political system. He warned that efforts to trigger a so called “colour revolution” or force regime change would lack public legitimacy.

China’s response reflects the principle of non interference in domestic affairs, a cornerstone of the United Nations Charter. International law generally recognises that leadership transitions within a sovereign state are internal matters, unless external intervention violates sovereignty or the prohibition on the use of force.

Ali Jafarian said that the majority of deaths in the recent attacks attributed to the United States and Israel have resulted from large explosions. He noted that most injured victims are suffering from severe burns or crush related trauma caused by blast impacts.

Despite the scale of casualties, Jafarian stated that Iran’s healthcare system continues to function effectively. He explained that the country’s medical universities manage both healthcare services and training, allowing provincial health networks to operate independently if required, while still receiving coordination from the national health ministry.

He also emphasised that domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers remain active and are producing sufficient medicines to meet the country’s current needs.

Statements regarding casualties and medical response during armed conflict often become crucial evidence under International Humanitarian Law. The treatment of the wounded and the protection of medical infrastructure are core obligations under the Geneva Conventions, which require all parties to ensure access to medical care for victims of hostilities.

Iranian authorities say the human toll from the past nine days of fighting has climbed sharply, with more than 1,255 people killed and over 12,000 injured across the country. The figures were shared by Ali Jafarian in comments to the media.

According to the official, the casualties span a wide age range, from infants as young as eight months to elderly victims aged 88. Among those killed are approximately 200 women. Authorities also reported that 168 children lost their lives in an attack on an elementary school in Minab. The violence has also affected the medical sector, with 55 healthcare personnel wounded and 11 killed, including doctors, nurses and emergency responders.

High civilian casualties, including children and medical personnel, raise serious concerns under International Humanitarian Law. Hospitals, healthcare workers and schools receive special protection during armed conflict under the Geneva Conventions, and attacks affecting such protected groups could potentially constitute violations subject to international investigation.

Israel has once again urged residents of southern Beirut to leave the area, warning of imminent strikes on locations linked to the Al-Qard al-Hasan Association. The Israeli military alleges that the organisation plays a role in financing the activities of Hezbollah.

The warning was issued by Avichay Adraee, who called on civilians to follow previously announced evacuation routes and leave the southern suburbs immediately. He cautioned that anyone remaining in the area could face serious danger as military operations intensify.

Evacuation orders during armed conflict are assessed under International Humanitarian Law, which allows warnings to civilians before attacks but requires that military operations respect the principles of necessity, proportionality and civilian protection. Targeting financial networks allegedly linked to armed groups may also intersect with international counterterrorism financing frameworks.

South Korea has announced an unprecedented fuel price cap for the first time in almost 30 years as global oil prices surge past $100 per barrel amid tensions in the Middle East.

President Lee Jae Myung revealed the decision on Monday during an emergency meeting addressing the economic impact of the ongoing regional conflict. The government stated that the price ceiling will be introduced within the week to contain rising fuel costs and protect consumers in the energy dependent economy.

The president stressed that petroleum products that have seen sharp price increases must be subject to firm price controls. Authorities have also been instructed to monitor oil refiners and fuel stations closely to prevent market manipulation or hoarding.

In parallel, Seoul is exploring alternative energy shipping routes that avoid the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz. The government recently confirmed that more than six million barrels of crude oil will be supplied by the United Arab Emirates to help stabilise domestic energy supplies.

The introduction of a fuel price ceiling raises questions under domestic competition and price control laws, particularly regarding state intervention in energy markets. Such measures must balance consumer protection with fair competition obligations, while ensuring compliance with trade commitments under frameworks such as the World Trade Organization that discourage market distortions unless justified by exceptional economic circumstances.

A fresh wave of aerial strikes and interceptions was reported across several Middle Eastern countries on Monday, underscoring the widening scope of the regional conflict.

In Iran, explosions were heard across Tehran shortly after the country announced a new supreme leader. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed that new missile launches had been carried out, while Israel said it conducted another round of strikes targeting Iranian missile launch sites and government linked infrastructure in the capital.

In Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces reported attacks on positions linked to Hezbollah in Beirut. Smoke was seen rising from the southern suburbs, while footage circulating online showed a blaze and structural damage at the Ramada hotel following an Israeli strike. The Israeli military also claimed that an earlier overnight operation killed several senior commanders of the IRGC Quds Force.

In Bahrain, videos showed a major fire and heavy smoke emerging from an industrial zone connected to the national oil company BAPCO. Authorities said Iranian drone strikes hit the nearby town of Sitra, wounding at least 32 people, including children, in residential areas close to energy infrastructure.

Elsewhere in the Gulf, several countries reported defensive interceptions. Loud explosions were heard in Abu Dhabi as the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems intercepted ballistic missiles, drones and cruise projectiles. Saudi Arabia announced that four drones heading toward the major Shaybah oil field were intercepted over the Rub’ al Khali desert. Kuwait’s National Guard also confirmed it shot down a drone near a protected strategic facility, while Qatar’s armed forces reported intercepting an incoming missile.

The spread of missile and drone attacks across multiple states raises serious concerns under the United Nations Charter, particularly the prohibition on cross border armed attacks. Strikes targeting energy infrastructure and civilian areas may also trigger scrutiny under International Humanitarian Law, which restricts attacks on civilian objects and requires proportionality in military operations.

Peter McGuire has cautioned that crude oil prices could potentially climb to around $150 per barrel if disruptions in the Middle East intensify. He pointed to the extraordinary pace of recent price movements, noting that crude was trading near $75 to $80 only days ago before quickly surging past $90 and briefly reaching about $116 during Asian market trading. Prices later eased to roughly $106, but the rapid hourly fluctuations highlight severe market instability.

McGuire emphasised that such volatility is likely to affect consumers and could push inflation higher if elevated prices persist for several weeks. Markets are reacting not only to immediate supply disruptions but also to fears of a broader regional conflict, particularly after oil shipments through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz reportedly came to a standstill.

He added that if additional Gulf states declare force majeure and suspend oil and gas production, crude prices could surge further, making levels between $140 and $150 per barrel plausible. However, reports that G7 finance ministers are considering a coordinated release of strategic reserves through the International Energy Agency may help stabilise markets and ease price volatility.

A halt in shipments through the Strait of Hormuz raises serious concerns under maritime law, particularly the principle of transit passage under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Additionally, widespread force majeure declarations in energy contracts could trigger complex contractual disputes regarding supply obligations and liability across global oil markets.

Several Iran aligned factions in Iraq have publicly welcomed the elevation of Mojtaba Khamenei, portraying it as a sign of ideological and political continuity within Iran’s leadership.

The Badr Organization described the development as a “blessed continuation” of the Islamic Revolution’s trajectory. Meanwhile, Asaib Ahl al-Haq stated that the move reinforces Iran’s position as a central force within the so called “axis of resistance.” Another powerful militia, Kataib Hezbollah, argued that the leadership decision reflects a strategic awareness of the major challenges confronting the region.

Support from armed non state actors tied to foreign governments raises complex questions under international law, particularly regarding state responsibility and proxy warfare. The activities of militias such as the Badr Organization and Kataib Hezbollah are frequently scrutinised under frameworks governing non state armed groups and regional security obligations within the United Nations system.

Saudi Arabia issued a strong warning to Iran early Monday, cautioning that Tehran would ultimately suffer the most if it continues attacks against Arab states. The warning came after a drone strike reportedly targeted the kingdom’s massive Shaybah oil field, heightening tensions across the Gulf.

Riyadh also rejected remarks by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had stated that Iran had stopped attacks on Gulf Arab countries. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said there had been no evidence of such a halt, noting that the alleged attacks continued both during and after the president’s statement. The ministry further accused Tehran of escalating hostilities based on unfounded justifications and warned that continued aggression could seriously damage present and future relations between the two sides.

If confirmed, cross border drone attacks could raise serious issues under the United Nations Charter, particularly the prohibition on the use of force between states. Repeated strikes against another country’s territory may strengthen claims of unlawful aggression and could allow the targeted state to invoke the right of self defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.