Police chief says Iranian forces on full alert, vows retaliation

Iran’s Airports and Air Navigation Company announced on Friday that all flights at airports across the country are suspended until further notice, citing passenger safety.

The decision follows a directive from Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has written to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi following Israeli airstrikes on multiple locations, including the Natanz nuclear facility.

In the letter, Araghchi called on the IAEA to clearly condemn the attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He said Iran would take special measures to protect its nuclear equipment and materials, and warned of a firm response to the strikes.

He also urged Grossi to immediately convene an emergency meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors to address the situation.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Friday that the situation in the Middle East is dangerous and urged all sides to show restraint.

“I urge all parties to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation,” Kallas said. “Diplomacy remains the best path forward, and I stand ready to support any diplomatic efforts toward de-escalation.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has appointed Mohammad Pakpour as the new commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), following the killing of Hossein Salami in Israeli airstrikes.

In the decree, Khamenei promoted Pakpour to the rank of major general and directed him to "enhance the IRGC’s capabilities, readiness, and internal cohesion."

Israeli Air Force officials, cited by public broadcaster Kan, said Friday that the military strikes on Iran were not a limited operation but part of a "planned war" conducted 1,500 kilometers from Israeli territory.

According to the report, officials said the attacks had been prepared for months, with operational conditions selected to ensure surprise. They acknowledged that not all drones launched by Iran in response were intercepted but stated that the situation is "under control."

The Air Force added that while defenses are prepared, interception is not airtight. All pilots and crews involved in the strikes have reportedly returned.