UN chief urges 'maximum efforts to prevent all-out regional war'

"The Islamic Republic has no limits in defending its interests and territorial integrity, and we will defend not just every inch but every centimeter of our land," Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with the official website of Iran's Supreme Leader.

Araghchi emphasized that the Iranian government will continue its policy of confronting Israel with determination.

Referring to his recent trips to regional countries, Araghchi added: "No one should try to test the will of the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic of Iran to defend itself. This was the message conveyed to all these countries."

"We will defend the ideals of the Islamic Republic and stand firm on all of these ideals," he added.

India has voiced deep concern over rising tensions in the Middle East after Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement on Saturday, saying, “We are deeply concerned by the evolving escalation in West Asia and its ramifications for peace and stability in the region and beyond. We reiterate our call to all concerned to exercise restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy.”

The MEA further noted, “The ongoing hostilities are to nobody’s benefit, even as innocent hostages and civilian populations continue to suffer. Our Missions in the region are in contact with the Indian community.”

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released video and photos showing F-15 and F-16 fighter jets departing for strikes on Iran conducted last night. The images feature some of the four female navigators from Israeli Air Force squadrons who took part in the operation.

According to the IDF, dozens of aircraft, including fighter jets, refuelers, and spy planes, participated in the strikes, which took place approximately 1,600 kilometers from Israel. The aircraft returned safely following what the military described as a complex operation.

Following the Israeli airstrikes on Iran, the EU has called for all involved parties to act with restraint to prevent further escalation.

"While acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense, the EU calls on all parties to exercise utmost restraint to avoid an uncontrollable escalation, which is in no one’s interest," the EU stated in a Saturday release.

It further said, "The EU remains fully committed to lowering tensions and contributing to de-escalation and, to this end, remains in close contact with all relevant actors."

"Following the martyrdom of 10 border guards on the Goharkouh road in Taftan County, the Minister of Interior promptly assigned a team of police commanders and Ministry of Interior officials to investigate the details of this incident," the statement added.

The insurgent Sunni Baloch group Jaish al-Adl claimed responsibility for the attack.

Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province has been the site of numerous attacks attributed to Jaish al-Adl, a group known for its history of ambushes, bombings, and other violent operations, resulting in the deaths of both civilians and security personnel.

Jaish al-Adl advocates for an independent Balochistan that encompasses Baloch populations on both sides of the Iran-Pakistan border. The group has conducted numerous significant operations in Iran's southeastern region.

In June, Jaish al-Adl announced the identification and apprehension of nine key members of a "terrorist and espionage" network associated with the Revolutionary Guards, comprising Iranian and Pakistani nationals as well as former members of the Afghan government's armed forces.

One of the most intense confrontations between the group and Iranian border forces occurred in April when Jaish al-Adl launched simultaneous attacks on five public locations, as well as military and law enforcement bases in Chabahar and Rask.

The Baloch community, alongside the Kurds, has long been one of the most persecuted minorities in Iran. The region is among the country’s most impoverished, characterized by high unemployment rates and inadequate infrastructure. As a result, many residents have turned to smuggling fuel, goods, and, in some cases, drugs as a vital means of survival.