Shanghai Cooperation Organization condemns Israeli strikes on Iran

Two Iranian police officers were killed in a drone strike on Saturday during a reconnaissance and intelligence operation in western Iran, local authorities said.

Habibollah Akbaryan, a major and head of public security police in Asadabad, and Second Lieutenant Amirhossein Seifi were killed in the attack, which occurred in Hamadan province, according to the provincial police commander.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told European Union foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas that continuing negotiations with the United States is unjustifiable as long as Israeli attacks persist.

Senior Revolutionary Guard commander Esmail Kowsari said on Saturday that Iran is considering closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz in response to ongoing hostilities and would make “the best and most decisive decision.”

“We have many options to retaliate against the enemy, and military responses are only part of our measures,” said Kowsari, who is also a member of the parliament.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global oil transit route.

The Israeli military’s Persian-language social media account posted a list titled “Casualties in the First Strike,” naming Iranian military and government officials, as well as nuclear program personnel, killed in Israeli attacks.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy held separate phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday, urging both sides to exercise restraint amid escalating tensions.