US-Iran latest: Tehran launches retaliatory missile attacks on US base in Qatar

Key points

• Iran says it launched missile operation against US bases in Qatar and Iraq
• Qatar condemns Iran's attack on US base but says missiles successfully intercepted
• Trump was only 'raising a question' about an Iran regime change
• Watch: Israel strikes entrance of Iran’s notorious Evin prison

Qatar says Iran fired 19 missiles at US air base and one hit but caused no casualties

Qatar has said Iran fired 19 missiles at US air base, with one hit but no casualties.

A Qatari defence ministry official said Iran initially launched seven missiles towards the US base in Qatar.

They said 12 missiles were then launched at the base in a second Iranian attack, with 11 of those thwarted.

Trump says Iran gave US notice before attack on Qatar military base

US President Donald Trump on Monday said Iran gave the US notice prior to shooting missiles at its military base in Qatar, which he said made it possible for no lives to be lost.

"I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done. Most importantly, they’ve gotten it all out of their 'system,' and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

"Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same," Trump added.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said Iran gave the US notice prior to shooting missiles at its military base in Qatar, which he said made it possible for no lives to be lost (AFP/Getty)

Qatar's foreign ministry says it considers Iranian attack a 'surprise'

A spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry has said Qatar considers the Iranian attack on a US air base in the country as a “surprise”.

Trump describes Iran's response to US 'obliteration' of nuclear sites as 'very weak'

Donald Trump has described Tehran’s response to the US’s “obliteration” of Iranian nuclear sites as “very weak”.

Three members of Iranian navy killed in Israeli strike, according to reports

Three members of the Iranian navy have been killed in an Israli strike on Bandar Abbas port, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency.

US Embassy in Qatar lifts shelter-in-place order for Americans

The US embassy in Qatar lifted a shelter-in-place order on Monday evening, following Iranian strikes on the US-run Al Udeid Air Base outside the capital Doha.

The embassy, which had told American citizens to shelter in place earlier on Monday, said in a notice posted on its website that it would reopen on Tuesday.

Dubai Airports operations resume after brief suspension

Dubai Airports said on Monday that it resumed operations after a brief flight suspension, the Dubai Media Office posted on X.

Flights could see some delays or cancellations, it added.

Pictured: Protest outside the US Embassy in London

Demonstrators gather to protest outside the US Embassy in London following President Donald Trump's announcement that American forces had struck nuclear facilities in Iran.

Demonstrators Protest In London Against US Bombing Of Iran (Getty Images)

Demonstrators Protest In London Against US Bombing Of Iran (Getty Images)

No abnormal radiation levels in region, Gulf Cooperation Council says

The UN’s nuclear watchdog has not found any unusual levels of radiation since the US and Israeli strikes targeting nuclear facilities in Iran.

There were concerns in the Middle East about any knock on effects targeting nuclear facilities would have on the region.

The general secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council has said no abnormal radiation levels have been detected in any of its member countries since the Israeli attacks on Iran began on Friday 13 June.

However, it is continuing to monitor radiation levels.

'Pump more oil', says Trump

Trump has called for the US and other oil-producing economies to pump more oil as crude prices remain volatile following US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

He urged stepped-up production as the White House sharpened its warnings to Iran against closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil and gas shipping lane, in retaliation for the US strikes on Iran's nuclear program.

"To the Department of Energy: DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!! And I mean NOW!!!" Trump posted on social media. He added, "EVERYONE, KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN. I'M WATCHING! YOU'RE PLAYING RIGHT INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. DON'T DO IT!"

The call was made hours before Iran attacked US forces at Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base.

Iranian attack on base in Qatar will impact warming Gulf-Iran ties

The Iranian attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar will impact relationship-building efforts that have been underway between the Arab Gulf states and Iran, a Gulf official said.

"Iran's actions play into the hands of Israel, which wants to sow discord and derail recent improvements in relations between Iran and the Gulf countries," the official told Reuters, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

In recent years, Gulf countries Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have restored once-frayed ties with Iran.

Watch : Possible missiles in Qatar after airspace closed

Bahrain affirms its full support for the State of Qatar

The Kingdom of Bahrain affirms its full support for the State of Qatar following the Iranian attack on Qatari territory.

It also expresses its unwavering solidarity with the State of Qatar, reflecting the close bonds of brotherhood and kinship between them.

This stance highlights the unity of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states during these sensitive times and underscores the importance of collective efforts to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and resolve all disputes through peaceful means.

The Kingdom of Bahrain strongly condemns the attack launched by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps against the sovereignty of the sister State of Qatar.

It considers this a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace, as well as a breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

Iran says it will continue its retaliation in response to US attacks

Iran will continue its retaliation in response to the United States' attacks, a senior Iranian official told Reuters.

He said Iran has the necessary rationality to begin diplomacy after punishing the aggressor, adding if the U.S. seeks negotiations, Israeli and U.S. attacks must stop.

Americans worried Iran may target US

Americans are anxious over a brewing conflict between the U.S. and Iran and worry the violence could escalate after President Donald Trump ordered the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that closed on Monday.

Some 79 per cent of Americans surveyed said they worried "that Iran may target U.S. civilians in response to the U.S. airstrikes." The three-day poll, which began after the U.S. airstrikes and ended early Monday before Iran said it attacked a U.S. air base in Qatar, showed Americans were similarly concerned about their country's military personnel stationed in the Middle East. Some 84 per cent said they worried in general about the growing conflict.

The poll, which surveyed 1,139 U.S. adults nationwide, underscored deep divisions in America over what Washington should do next and highlighted the political risks faced by Trump, whose presidential approval rating fell to 41 per cent, the lowest level of his current term in office that began in January.

Watch: Did Trump really ‘obliterate’ Iran’s nuclear facilities?

Macron calls for end to 'spiral of chaos'

French President Emmanuel Macron called for a return to diplomacy to end what he called "the spiral of chaos" after Iran targeted a US military base in Qatar on Monday.

Before Macron's social media post on X, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told France 2 television that the missile strikes, which had not caused any casualties, were a "dangerous escalation" and he urged all sides to show restraint.

Macron express solidarity with Qatar after Iran's attack

French president Emmanuel Macron has expressed solidarity with Qatar after Iran struck a US base in the country.

No Iranian missiles appear to have hit US base in Qatar, official says

No Iranian missiles appear to have hit the US air base in Qatar, a US official has told Reuters.

Trump says Iranian sites struck by US were 'totally destroyed'

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that all Iranian sites hit in US strikes over the weekend were "totally destroyed, and everyone knows it."

Trump made the comments in a post on Truth Social where he criticised some media for reporting that the sites were "pretty well destroyed”.

US President Donald Trump greeting troops at the Al-Udeid air base southwest of Doha in May (AFP/Getty)

Ex-commander of US Central Command speaks on Iran's comparatively restrained attack

The Independent’s chief international correspondent Bel Trew reports:

General Joseph Votel, the former commander of US Central Command, told The Independent that Iran’s comparatively restrained attack on US base in Qatar “might be a combination of off-ramping and the fact they are running out of resources”.

The four-star retired general who served as CENTCOM chief until 2019 said it seemed that Tehran “was trying to send a signal that they had to respond but are ready to off-ramp”, which could pave the way for no further action from Washington.

He told The Independent the US did not respond to Iran’s retaliation to USA’s 2020 killing of Qassem Soleimani — the chief of the clandestine foreign wing of Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). And based on that Washington likely won’t act again.

“We didn’t respond then. I can’t speak for what the president is thinking, but to me, it’s pretty clear they are trying to signal an off-ramp.

“I don’t know if there’s motivation to escalate this.”

CENTCOM directs US military operations in a huge swathe of territory stretching from Egypt in the west to Kazakhstan in the east.

Qatar condemns Iran's attack on US base but says missiles successfully intercepted

Qatar has condemned Iran’s attack on the US’s Al Udeid Air Base attack.

However, it said it successfully intercepted the missiles and no casualties were reported.

It said its airspace was now safe.

The Al-Udeid US military air base, south of Doha (AFP/Getty)

Iranian attack only recorded at US base in Qatar, source says

No Iranian attack was recorded at any US base other than one in Qatar, a US military official has told Reuters.

Iran informed US hours ahead of attacks in Qatar, according to reports

Iran informed the US via two diplomatic channels hours ahead of the attacks in Qatar, a senior regional source has told Reuters.

The source added that Tehran also informed Doha.

According to an Axios reporter’s post on X, the Trump administration was aware in advance of Iran’s attack on the US’s Al-Udeid airbase.

Kuwait shuts airspace amid escalation in the region

Kuwait has shut down its airspace starting Monday and until further notice amid regional developments, Kuwaiti news agency Kuna reported.

The suspension follows a closure of airspace by Qatar and Bahrain as Iran attacked the Al Udeid US military base in Doha.

The Gulf is home to several US military bases.

UK government 'utterly condemns' escalation, defence minister says after Iran launched attacks

Defence minister Luke Pollard said the UK government "utterly condemns" any escalation, after Iran launched missile attacks on US military bases in Qatar.

He told the Commons: "Members of the House will be aware of the news breaking in Qatar of reports of explosions at 19.35 local time. This is a fast changing situation, and we are monitoring it closely.

"Members will also understand that I will not be able to give details at this stage, but the UK Government utterly condemns any escalation."

Mr Pollard added: "Force protection now is at its highest state across all deployed units in the Middle East, the additional RAF Typhoon jets announced by the Prime Minister have now arrived in the region to reinforce our posture, deter threats and reassure our partners, and I want to be clear, we will not rule out sending further capabilities if they are required."

He continued: "I can confirm that we're in contact with the authorities in Cyprus regarding the arrest of a British man. I'm limited in what I can say due to the ongoing police investigation, but I can tell the House that RAF Akrotiri was not breached."

Defence minister Luke Pollard said the UK government ‘utterly condemns’ any escalation, after Iran launched missile attacks on US military bases in Qatar (PA Wire)

No interruption to QatarEnergy shipments or production after attack on US military base in Qatar, source says

There has been no interruption to state-owned QatarEnergy shipments or production after Iran's attack on Qatar's al-Udeid US military air base, a source with direct knowledge of the matter said.

No US casualties from Iran missile attack on US base in Qatar, officials say

No US personnel were killed or injured in Iran's attack against al Udeid air base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East, two US officials told Reuters on Monday.

The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the Iranian attack was carried out by short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles.

First pictures: Traces and interceptor missiles seen in sky above Qatar as Iran confirms attack on US air bases

Traces are seen in the sky after Iran's armed forces say they targeted the US’s Al-Udeid base in a missile attack as seen from Doha, Qatar, on Monday (Reuters)

An interceptor missile is seen in the sky after Iran's armed forces say they targeted the US’s Al-Udeid base in a missile attack in Qatar on Monday (Reuters)

Traces are seen in the sky after Iran's armed forces say they targeted the US’s Al-Udeid base in a missile attack in Qatar on Monday (Sky News)

Watch: Possible missiles in Qatar after airspace closed

Israeli military says it's launched strikes on missile and drone storage sites in Iran

The Israeli military has said it has completed a series of strikes on missile and drone storage sites in western Iran.

Full story: Explosions heard after Iran launches missile strike on US bases in Qatar and Iraq

Iran has launched missile strikes against American bases in Qatar and Iraq after vowing to retaliate against the United States for dropping bombs on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Witnesses reported seeing missiles in the skies above the Qatari capital on Monday followed by explosions. The extent of damage remains unclear.

An hour before the attacks, officials with knowledge of the situation in Qatar told The Independent that the tiny Gulf country was already preparing for “the worst-case scenario,” as it hosts the largest American regional base. Qatar, which is also an ally of Iran, closed its airspace moments before the attack.

My colleagues Joe Hadden, Bel Trew and Alex Woodward have the full story:

Seven Iranians appear in UK court charged with assault after embassy incident

Seven Iranian nationals appeared in a British court on Monday accused of attacking a pro-Tehran demonstrator near the Iranian embassy in London last week.

The seven men, aged between 30 and 50, are charged with intentionally causing grievous bodily harm to one person outside the Iranian embassy on Friday.

Their lawyers told Westminster Magistrates' Court that the seven defendants were opponents of the Iranian government and had been threatened before the incident.

Prosecutor Rachel Hughes said: "The defendants were protesting outside of the Iranian embassy against the current Iranian regime as part of a pro-royalist protest, in which they had placed the Iranian flag on the ground.

"The victim knelt and kissed that flag before running off with it. All the defendants chased after the victim and participated in an attack over a six-minute period."

Hughes said the complainant remains in hospital with serious injuries including broken ribs, a broken ankle and a suspected bleed on the brain.

Judge Daniel Sternberg denied the seven defendants bail ahead of their next court appearance at Southwark Crown Court on 21 July.

Iran warns US they 'will not leave any attack unanswered'

Iran’s armed forces have warned the US they “will not leave any attack on Iran’s territory unanswered under any circumstances”.

The statement also said they target the Al-Udeid base in Qatar with a “devastating and powerful” missile operation.

Iran reassures Qatar its strikes do not pose threat to 'friendly neighbour'

Iran’s top security body has told Qatar that its strikes on a US air base in the country does not pose any threat to “our friendly and brotherly” neighbour Qatar in a statement.

Trump rages at Russia’s Medvedev for using ‘N-word’ in threat to supply Iran with nukes

President Donald Trump on Monday hailed America’s “powerful” and “lethal” nuclear-powered submarine fleet as he condemned Russian ex-president Dmitry Medvedev’s suggestion that Moscow and Iran’s allies could provide Iran with nuclear warheads following U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear facilities.

Medvedev — who served as Russia’s president from 2008 to 2012 and as prime minister from 2012 to 2020 — had criticized the attack on Iran’s Fordow, Esfahan and Natanz facilities that had been carried out on Saturday by seven B-2 bombers and a group of fighter aircraft accompanying them into American airspace.

He wrote that “a number of countries” were “ready to directly supply Iran with their own nuclear warheads” as a result of the U.S. strikes, which were intended to degrade or destroy Iran’s capacity to enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels and assemble working nuclear or thermonuclear weapons.

The Independent’s White House correspondent Andrew Feinberg reports:

Iberia scraps plans to resume flights to Doha after airspace closure

IAG's Spanish airline Iberia said on Monday it was scrapping previous plans to resume flights to Doha on Tuesday after Qatar temporarily shut down its airspace amid developments in the region.

Main US base in Syria on full alert in case of possible attack by Iran, source says

The main remaining base in northeast Syria hosting US troops is on full alert and mobilized for possible attacks by Iran or Iran-aligned groups, a Syrian security source told Reuters on Monday.

The base is known as Qasrak and is one of two bases in the northeast Hasakah province where US troops are based.

Bahrain says it has shut airspace temporarily after Iranian attack on US airbase in Qatar

Bahrain said on Monday that it has shut down its airspace temporarily as a "precaution" after Iran attacked the Al Udeid US military base in Doha.

Bahrain is home to the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, whose area of responsibility includes the Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean.

Iran says missile attack matched number of US bombs, signalling likely desire to de-escalate

Iran said its missile attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar matched the number of bombs dropped by the US on Iranian nuclear sites this weekend, signalling Iran's likely desire to deescalate.

Iran made the announcement Monday night in a statement from its Supreme National Security Council after the attack, which Qatar said caused no injuries.

Iran also said it targeted the base because it was outside of populated areas.

Iran informed Qatar in advance of strikes on US bases, New York Times reports

Iran coordinated its strikes on US bases in Qatar with Qatari officials in advance in a bid to minimize casualties, the New York Times reported on Monday, citing three Iranian officials.

Traces are seen in the sky after Iran's armed forces say they targeted the US’s Al-Udeid base in a missile attack in Qatar on Monday (Reuters)

Iran says it launched missile operation against US bases in Qatar and Iraq

The Independent’s chief international correspondent Bel Trew reports:

Iran said it has launched a missile operation against US bases in Qatar and Iraq, after it vowed to retaliate against Washington for bombing its nuclear sites on Sunday.

Witnesses reported seeing missiles in the skies above the Qatari capital, followed by explosions, but it was not clear if there was any damage.

An hour before the attacks, officials with knowledge of the situation in Qatar told The Independent that the tiny Gulf country was already preparing for “the worst-case scenario” as it is host to the US’s largest regional base. Qatar, which is also an ally of Iran, closed its airspace moments before the attack.

The US’s 24-hectare Al-Udeid Air Base, which is located in the desert outside the capital Doha, is the largest in the region, hosting around 10,000 troops. It serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command, which directs US military operations across a vast area stretching from Egypt in the west to Kazakhstan in the east.

Iran’s top security body said that the action did not pose any threat to “our friendly and brotherly neighbour” Qatar, and that the base was far from urban and residential areas.

But Qatar condemned the attack on its soil, calling it was a “flagrant violation of [Qatar’s] sovereignty” and vowing it reserves the right to respond directly to “this braze aggression” and in accordance with international law.

“We reassure that Qatar’s air defenses successfully thwarted the attack and intercepted the Iranian missile,” said Dr Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry.

“We call for the immediate cessation of all military actions and for a serious return to the negotiating table and dialogue.”

We confirm that no injuries or human casualties resulted from the attack.”

Meanwhile, in Iraq, military sources told Reuters that the air defence systems had been activate at the US’s Ain Al-Asad Air Base, located in Anbar Province in western Iraq. The sources told Iraq a maximum alert status had been declared and orders had been issued to take shelter in bunkers, the sources said.

Just before the explosions, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on the social platform X: “We neither initiated the war nor are seeking it. But we will not leave an invasion of the great Iran unanswered.”

Qatar says it reserves right to respond after Iranian attack on US military base in Doha

Qatar said on Monday it reserves the right to respond directly and in accordance with international law after Iran targeted the Al Udeid US military base in Doha in response to a US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Traces are seen in the sky after Iran's armed forces say they targeted the US’s Al-Udeid base in a missile attack (Reuters)

'Annunciation of victory' missile operation against US bases in Iraq and Qatar announced by Iranian news agency

Missile operation called “annunciation of victory” launched against US bases in Iraq and Qatar, Iran’s Tasnim news agency has announced.

UAE continuously assessing situation in region, government spokesperson says

The United Arab Emirates is closely monitoring the ongoing regional developments and is continuously assessing the situation, according to a government spokesperson statement on Monday.

The statement by the spokesperson was in response to a Reuters question over any closure of airspace in the UAE after Qatar shut down its airspace amid the ongoing regional crisis.

Iran confirms it has launched attack on US air base in Qatar, AP reports

Iran has confirmed it has launched an attack on US forces at Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base, The Associated Press reported.

White House 'closely monitoring potential threats' to US air base in Qatar

The White House has said it is “closely monitoring potential threats” to a US air base in Qatar.

A senior White House official told The Independent: "The White House and the Department of Defense are aware of, and closely monitoring, potential threats to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar."

Air defence system activated in US's Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq, military sources say

The air defence system was activated in the US’s Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq for fear of a potential attack, military sources have told Reuters on Monday.

Iran earlier threatened to retaliate against the US after strikes on its nuclear sites.

Watch: How the Iran conflict has become a battleground for apocalyptic religious extremes

Iran launches six missiles towards US bases in Qatar, according to reports

Iran has launched six missiles toward US bases in Qatar, Axios, citing an Israeli official, reported on Monday.

Axios had earlier reported that Iran was preparing to fire missiles at the bases.

Sounds of several explosions were heard over Qatari capital Doha, a Reuters witness said on Monday, following Tehran’s threats to retaliate against the US’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Iran positions missile launches for potential attack on US forces, according to reports

Iran has positioned missile launches for a potential attack on US forces, the Wall Street Journal has reported, according to Reuters.

'Credible' Iranian threat against US air base in Qatar, sources report

There has been a “credible” Iranian threat against the US-run Al Udeid air base in Qatar since midday on Monday, a Western diplomat has told Reuters.

Qatar closes airspace amid fears of retaliatory attack by Iran on US

The Independent’s chief international correspondent Bel Trew reports:

Qatar – which is host to the largest American base in the region – closed its airspace on Monday amid fears of a retaliatory attack by Iran on the US.

Earlier on Monday the US and the UK ordered its citizens in Qatar to shelter in place.

Speaking to the Independent, an official with knowledge of the situation said Doha was “preparing for the worse case scenario”.

The 24-hectare Al Udeid American Air Base is located in a desert outside the capital Doha. It is the forward headquarters for US Central Command, which directs American military operations in a sprawling territory stretching from Egypt in the west to Kazakhstan in the east. The Middle East’s largest US base houses around 10,000 troops.

“They are preparing for the worst case scenario, they are hoping that it doesn’t happen but if it is does,” the official s aid.

“The biggest US base in the Middle East region is in Qatar – they are taking full precautions, they have closed the air space temporarily until it cools down.

“They are not expecting an attack in Doha city but if something happens – the target is very clear.”

“They are hoping things cool down.”

Official spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Majed Al Ansari said in a post on X: “The competent Qatari authorities announce the temporary suspension of air traffic in the country’s airspace, in order to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors.”

Maersk still able to sail through Strait of Hormuz

Maersk continues to deem it possible to sail through the Strait of Hormuz, but the shipping group has contingency plans in place if anything were to change in the near future, it said in a statement on Monday.

Iran’s national security council is set to decide on whether to close the strait, through which 20 per cent of the world’s oil and gas flows.

Israel-Iran conflict in maps: A visual guide to how and where attacks unfolded

Years of simmering tensions between Israel and Iran have broken into direct conflict, as the two arch foes trade missile attacks on an unprecedented scale.

Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” earlier this month in response to intelligence it claimed showed that Iran was “approaching the point of no return” in the development of a nuclear weapon.

Calling the series of strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, missile strikes and military commanders “a decisive moment in Israel’s history”, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the operation would continue for as long as necessary.

Alicja Hagopian and Andy Gregory report:

Lib Dems take aim at Trump for 'eroding rules based order' with strikes on Iran

Political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:

The Liberal Democrats have shattered the UK political consensus on the Middle East, saying the actions of the US and Israel have “increased uncertainty and the risk of a full scale regional war.”

The party’s foreign affairs spokesperson, Calum Miller, accused the United States of having “eroded the rules based international order” and undermining the “prospect of containing Iran.”

The government has been careful to avoid breaking from Donald Trump in the wake of his strikes on Iran, while the Tories and Reform have offered their full-throated Reform.

But Mr Miller took aim at the Tories and Reform UK for having “breathlessly echoed president Trump’s line that these strikes have been an unrivalled success”, citing reports that Iran plans to “work at pace to develop weapons with what remains of their enriched uranium supplies”.

How the Israel-Iran conflict became a battleground for apocalyptic religious extremes

Poor David Lammy. The foreign secretary appears to be a typically pusillanimous British minister, a speaker of mincing words. He won’t say whether America joining Israel’s attacks on Iran is legal, or even a good idea.

He may be trying to preserve the fantasy of the “special relationship” with the US. But he may also have ducked the question because he doesn’t want to get crushed in the Iran-Israel battle between biblical enemies Gog and Megog, stampeded by the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, or knifed by Shi’a hashashin as mortal foes rush us all towards the “End of Times”.

The attorney general has warned Sir Keir Starmer that Britain becoming involved in US attacks on Iran could be illegal. Lord Richard Hermer told the British government that it was likely to be illegal for the UK to attack Iran. So surely it would be illegal for America to do the same?

World affairs editor Sam Kiley reports from Tel Aviv:

Qatar shuts down airspace amid fears of Iranian strike

Qatar said it has shut down airspace temporarily as part of measures taken amid developments in the region, a statement by the Qatari foreign ministry said on X.

It said the move comes to ensure safety of residents and visitors.

The shutdown of Qatari airspace comes as Iran repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the United States after strikes on its nuclear sites.

'This is unacceptable': France condemns strike on Evin prison

Paris has issued condemnation of Israel’s attack on Tehran’s Evin prison, which contains French prisoners.

“The strike targeting Evin Prison in Tehran endangered our citizens, Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who have been held hostage for three years,” he wrote in a post on X.

“This is unacceptable.”

Mr Barrot said he has demanded consular access, and reiterated France’s calls for a ceasefire to allow for diplomacy.

Mapped: How far can Israel's ballistic missiles go?

Watch: Putin condemns Trump for ‘aggression’ of Iran strikes

German Chancellor refuses to criticise US or Israel for attacks on Iran

German chancellor Freidrich Merz says there is “no reason” to criticise the renewed conflict with Iran.

“There is no reason for us to criticise what Israel started in Iran a week ago, nor any reason to criticize what America did there last weekend,” he said on X.

“It is not without risk. But leaving things as they were was also not an option.”

At an earlier event on Monday, Mr Merz said it was clear that Iran was on its way to developing a nuclear weapon.

"The evidence that Iran is continuing on its path to building a nuclear weapon can no longer be seriously disputed,” he said.

Trump urges "drill baby drill" as oil prices surge

Donald Trump has urged America to lift oil production as the escalating conflict involving Iran threatens to push oil prices to new highs.

“To The Department of Energy: DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!! And I mean NOW!!!” The US President wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Oil prices are forecast to surge to $100 (£74.70) a barrel after Iran's parliament approved cutting off the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 per cent of global oil and gas flows.

It's now up to Iran's national security council whether to move forward with the move that could lead to a spike in the cost of goods and services worldwide.

At least two supertankers made U-turns near the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S. strikes against Iran, ship-tracking data showed.

Nato boss says biggest fear in Iran conflict is ‘Iran having a nuclear weapon’

Asked what his biggest fear was when it came to the escalating conflict around Iran, Nato secretary general Mark Rutte said: “My biggest fear will be Iran having a nuclear weapon.”

He continued: “Really. Let's focus on the essentials. My biggest fear would be for Iran to own and be able to use or build nuclear weapons. It would be a stranglehold on Israel, on the whole region and other parts of the world, and that's why Nato has said Iran should not - and this is a consistent position of Nato - Iran should not have its hands on a nuclear weapon.”

Nato secretary general Mark Rutte (AP)

Watch: Israel strikes entrance of Iran’s notorious Evin prison

Israel’s military launched a spate of attacks on Iranian military and regime targets on Monday, including the notorious Evin prison.

Video shows a projectile striking the entrance of the prison, but it was unclear exactly how much damage was incurred.

Evin has been the primary prison for housing political detainees and security prisoners, notably since Iran's 1979 revolution, and the site of executions that remain potent symbols for the opposition. It is where several high-profile foreign prisoners are also held.

Israel's military said Israel had also struck Revolutionary Guard command centres responsible for internal security in the Tehran area.

Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement: “We will continue to act to protect the home front and defeat the enemy until all war objectives are achieved.”

Nato boss highlights Iran’s assistance to Russia in war with Ukraine

Asked whether the US involvement in the conflict with Iran pushed Nato down the list of Washington’s priorities, Mark Rutte said he did not believe that was the case.

“The news about Iran is at this moment, creating all the headlines, and it is, of course, important news, but this summit is really about making sure that the whole of NATO, one billion people, will be saved, not only today, but also in three, five, seven years from now,” the Nato secretary general said.

“With Iran, let's not forget, Iran is heavily involved in the fight of Russia against Ukraine: for example, their drones deliveries which are killing innocent Ukrainians every day in cities, in in communities without any respect for life,” he said.

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte holding a press conference ahead of a Nato summit in The Hague (REUTERS)

Nato secretary general Mark Rutte reiterated that Iran ‘must not develop a nuclear weapon’

Speaking ahead of a two-day Nato summit, secretary general Mark Rutte said the stance on Iran’s nuclear programme has not changed.

“On Iran's nuclear programme, allies have long agreed that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon,” he said.

“Allies have repeatedly urged Iran to meet its obligations of the Non Proliferation Treaty.”