Live Updates: Iran unleashes hypersonic, ballistic missile barrage on Israel in escalating conflict

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced the suspension of all flights using Iranian airspace in the wake of Iran’s large-scale missile attack on Israel.

The national carrier has redirected its flight routes until further notice, as the airline waits for the situation to become clearer.

Temporary suspension of key corridors

According to a PIA spokesperson, the airline has issued directives to its captains and flight operations, instructing them to avoid Iranian airspace for safety reasons.

The flight plans of affected routes, including those to the UAE, Bahrain, Doha, and Saudi Arabia, which rely on the Southern Corridor, are being rearranged. Meanwhile, flights to Canada and Turkey, which typically use the Northern Corridor of Iranian airspace, have also been rerouted.

“The Iranian airspace will not be used until the situation is clarified,” the spokesperson stated, emphasizing the need for caution during the ongoing conflict.

This decision follows Iran’s recent attack on Israel, during which hundreds of ballistic missiles were reportedly fired towards Israeli targets. Foreign media outlets have claimed that around 400 missiles were launched, though Israeli officials confirmed the firing of at least 102 missiles.

The sudden escalation has raised concerns over the safety of commercial air routes across the region, prompting PIA’s precautionary measures.

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari affirmed that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are “fully prepared to defend and retaliate” in response to the recent missile attacks from Iran.

Stressing the need for a decisive response, Hagari declared that any retaliation would occur in a “timely manner” as the nation braces for further developments in the escalating conflict.

Injuries reported amid missile strikes

The Iranian missile barrage has already caused injuries, with Israeli newspaper Haaretz reporting that two individuals suffered minor wounds in Tel Aviv as a direct result of the missile attack. Additionally, others were injured while rushing to safety in response to the incoming threats.

The missile strikes from Iran mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations, following weeks of heightened tensions and mutual provocations. As the situation unfolds, the Israeli military is on high alert, with defenses bolstered and preparations for potential countermeasures firmly in place.

Call for vigilance

The Israeli government has urged citizens to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols, as the threat of further missile strikes looms. Residents are advised to familiarize themselves with emergency procedures and seek shelter immediately when sirens sound.

US President Joe Biden ordered American forces to intercept and shoot down the missiles launched from Tehran.

The White House issued the statement shortly after Iran fired more than 200 ballistic missiles at key Israeli locations, including Tel Aviv, as tensions in the Middle East continued to rise.

The White House confirmed that both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were monitoring the situation from the Situation Room. “We are committed to defending our allies, and any attack on Israel will not go unanswered,” the statement said.

This is not the first time the U.S. military has played an active role in countering missile threats in the region. During Iran’s previous strike on Israel in April, American forces were instrumental in intercepting incoming missiles, demonstrating Washington's support for Israel's defense efforts.

The U.S. has increased its military presence across the region in recent months, positioning troops and equipment to respond quickly to any escalations. The Pentagon has been closely monitoring Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, which have previously targeted U.S. military bases in the region.

American troops not targeted

The Washington Post, citing three anonymous Pentagon officials, reported that American troops stationed in the Middle East were not targeted during the latest Iranian missile strikes. This comes after numerous incidents in recent years where Iraqi groups linked to Iran fired rockets at military bases housing U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Syria.

The latest escalation comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, following the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, an Iranian ally, earlier this month. As the region braces for further developments, the U.S. has reit

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for the ongoing missile strikes on Israel, citing the death of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah as the key motive.

According to Iran’s Fars News Agency, the IRGC stated that the attack also avenged the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh earlier this year, along with IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoushan.

“In response to the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah, and [IRGC commander Abbas] Nilforoushan, we targeted the heart of the occupied territories,” the IRGC said in a statement on Monday.

The missile strikes, which began earlier in the day, have primarily targeted Tel Aviv and other key locations within Israel.

Iran’s mission to UN

Tehran’s mission to the United Nations confirmed the missile strikes had ended but warned Israel against any retaliatory measures.

In a social media post, the mission described Iran’s missile attack as a "legal, rational, and legitimate" response to Israel’s earlier actions, which they claim infringed upon Iranian sovereignty by targeting Iranian nationals.

“Iran’s legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts of the Zionist regime—which involved targeting Iranian nationals and interests—has been duly carried out,” the mission wrote, indicating that Iran considers the issue resolved, for now.

The missile strikes mark the latest chapter in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, heightening tensions throughout the region. The killing of Nasrallah, whose Hezbollah movement has long been a key Iranian ally in the region, has drawn widespread condemnation from Tehran. Though details surrounding the assassination remain unclear, Iran views it as a direct provocation, triggering the latest wave of missile attacks.

In an unprecedented escalation, Iran has reportedly launched a series of ballistic missiles targeting Israel, according to Arab media.

The Israeli military confirmed the attack, stating that over 400 missiles had been fired from Iranian territory, primarily aimed at Tel Aviv. Sirens blared across occupied Jerusalem, warning residents to seek shelter as tensions between the two adversaries reached a boiling point.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the barrage began late Monday, with 102 ballistic missiles aimed at key locations in Israel, particularly its economic hub, Tel Aviv.

The missile strikes come just hours after warnings from the United States, alerting Israeli authorities of a possible attack by Iran. Israel has placed its military on high alert, with Israeli citizens urged to move to safer areas amid the growing uncertainty.

Iran yet to confirm missile strikes

As of now, Iran has not officially confirmed the attack. However, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated that preparations had been made in light of the intelligence shared by the U.S., which pointed to an imminent attack from Tehran. The Israeli government, bracing for further strikes, has mobilized its defense systems to intercept incoming missiles.

"The United States has been working closely with Israeli officials, sharing real-time intelligence regarding Iran's movements and possible missile launch," Hagari told reporters. "We are fully prepared to defend our nation."

The attack comes as Israel enters Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, adding further strain on the country's already tense atmosphere. Public movement has been restricted, and the Israeli government has declared a state of emergency in certain regions to prevent any civilian casualties.

According to analysts, Iran’s missile attack could be in retaliation for Israel’s recent military operations in Lebanon. Israel’s recent covert missions, including intelligence gathering and targeted strikes in Lebanon, have raised tensions across the region.

Menachem Klein, a political scientist from Bar-Ilan University in Israel, told Al Jazeera that the Israeli public and media had been emboldened by the country’s recent military successes. However, the missile strikes have tempered public sentiment, leading many to reconsider calls for aggressive action against Iran’s nuclear program.

No casualties reported yet, but fears loom

There have been no reports of casualties so far, but fears are mounting that further attacks may follow. Israel’s defense systems, including the Iron Dome, are currently active and working to intercept the ballistic missiles. The situation remains fluid, with both sides prepared for potential escalation.

International observers have expressed concerns that this new wave of violence could further destabilize the already fragile Middle East. The United Nations and other global leaders have called for restraint, urging both Iran and Israel to avoid escalating tensions further.

Global reaction and outlook

The New York Times, citing Israeli and U.S. officials, had earlier reported that Iran was preparing for an attack on Israel within hours, adding to the growing anxiety in the region.

World leaders, including those in Europe and the Middle East, have called for de-escalation, fearing that the conflict could spiral out of control.