Israel and US launch strikes on Iran as Trump declares war

End of liveblog

This story doesn't seem like it's going to end in the next few hours, as many anticipate the tit-for-tat attacks to go on at least for the next few days, with the west applying more and more pressure against the Iranian regime. 

Keep reading MaltaToday for further updates on this historic escalation. 

Thank you for following this liveblog.

IDF claims senior Iranian figures killed

The Israel Defence Forces have claimed that several senior figures in the Iranian regime have been killed in Saturday's strikes.

An IDF official stated that three of the targets were killed in different places at the same time, and that the IDF is coordinating operations with the US army.

Iranian commander killed

According to the Iranian foreign minister, "one or two" of the country's commanders have been killed in Saturday's strikes. 

Speaking to NBC News, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's leader, is alive, as far as he knows.

He added that Iran is open to continue its negotiations with the US as long as the attacks cease. Araghchi stated that the US can reach out to him if they wish to negotiate. 

Western countries condemn Iran's retaliation

A number of western countries have condemned Iran's retaliatory attacks on Saturday.

A joint statement signed by state leaders, France, Germany, and the UK noted that they consistently urged Iran to cease its nuclear programme.

"We did not participate in these strikes, but are in close contact with our international partners, including the United States, Israel, and partners in the region. We reiterate our commitment to regional stability and to the protection of civilian life," they said.

The three countries condemned Iran's response to the attacks, and urged the regime to refrain from indiscriminate military strikes. 

Maltese flights delayed

In Malta, flights bound to Larnaca in Cyprus and Doha in Qatar face delays.

Airports in the region have advised travellers that several flights have been affected.

Similarly, airlines are warning passengers that some flights near the Middle East have been cancelled or redirected.

Iran's internet blackout

Getting information from inside Iran is proving difficult for global news outlets due to an internet blackout.

Last January, when protests erupted in Iran, a similar situation was noted as authorities shut down internet access. 

Most information coming out of Iran comes from official government channels.

Iranian authorities report 40 dead near girls' school

The Iranian state-run news agency stated that 40 people have been killed in a strike on a primary school in the south of the country.

The local governor said that another 48 people were wounded after the strike. 

IDF speaks about strike plans

Speaking on Saturday afternoon, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) says its strikes in Iran's capital are targeting senior government officials. 

The IDF admitted that the operation has been in the pipeline for months and that it aims to capitalise on Iran's position and attempt to remove the Iranian leadership.

The IDF welcomed the "tactical surprise" the strikes have achieved.

Deputy prime minister calls for restraint

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg expressed his concern over the latest developments in the Middle East.

"We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians, respect international law, and allow dialogue to prevail."

Borg said that Malta's consular team is fully focused on providing assistance to Maltese citizens affected by the developments.

Airlines stop Middle East flights

Flights to the Middle East have been cancelled and diverted in the wake of the missile exchange on Saturday.

Flights to Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Bahrain, and  Qatar are among those affected.

Emirates has temporarily suspended its operations, while Wizz Air suspended all of its flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman.

Malta's Foreign Affairs Ministry appeals to Maltese nationals 

In a Facebook post, the Foreign Affairs Ministry advised Maltese nationals seeking assistance to contact the nearest Maltese embassy or contact the ministry on +356 2204 0000

Iran retaliates

Saturday's strikes have seen Iran respond with strikes of its own in different places in the region. 

Israel is currently on high alert, as residents hide in bomb shelters while sirens sounded all over the country.

Strikes have also been reported in the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, as Iran is targeting US military bases in the Middle East.

Trump warns 'Bombs will be dropped everywhere'

In an eight-minute video on his social media platform, US President Donald Trump officially declared war on Iran, promising to destroy the country's military capabilities. 

Appealing to the Iranian public, Trump stressed that civilians should stay indoors as, "bombs will be dropped everywhere." Trump added that once the military operation is finished, Iranians will be able to take over their government. 

"To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the Armed Forces, and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or in the alternative face certain death. So lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death," Trump said.

A quick recap

Early on Saturday morning, Israel and the United States launched what was described as a "pre-emptive strike" on the capital of Iran.

The Israeli defence minister said the attack was intended to "remove threats," and announced that a "special and permanent state of emergency" had been declared throughout Israel.

The attacks come as Washington and Tehran attempted to negotiate an agreement aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear programme.

Hello and welcome to MaltaToday's liveblog on the latest developments in the Middle East.