Meanwhile, US-Israeli strikes have hit a petrochemical plant in Iran’s Tabriz, causing power outages in parts of Tehran, while Iranian forces have attacked an industrial zone in southern Israel, sparking a fire and raising concerns about a potential chemical leak. The conflict has also resulted in the death of an Indian worker in Kuwait, intercepted drones and missiles in several countries, and the killing of a UN peacekeeper in southern Lebanon.

Houthis join the war: For the first time since war began, Iran-backed Yemini Houthis confirmed they launched an attack on Israel. A ballistic missile was launched toward southern Israel on Saturday morning, setting off sirens in Beersheba and nearby areas, according to The Times of Israel. In a statement, the Houthis claimed responsibility, saying they had targeted “sensitive Israeli military sites” with a barrage of ballistic missiles.

US President Donald Trump said he was “very disappointed” with NATO’s response to the Iran war, as tensions in the Middle East intensified and global concerns mounted over energy security and regional stability, according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, tech billionaire Elon Musk reportedly joined a call between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the crisis, an unusual move during a wartime situation.

• Rubio says no need for ground troops: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington could achieve its objectives without deploying forces on the ground. “We can achieve our war goals without any ground troops,” Rubio said, adding that the conflict could end in “weeks, not months”.
• Witkoff signals possible talks with Iran: President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said the US was hopeful of holding talks with Iran soon. “We are hopeful of having meetings with Iran this week,” Witkoff said, adding that Washington “expects” a response to a proposed 15-point deal.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, steel factories, and power plants, stating that these attacks contradict  Donald Trump’s 10-day pause on targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure. Trump had announced the pause, claiming talks were “going very well,” but Iran denies seeking any pause and rules out negotiations. However, Araghchi warned that Tehran would impose a “heavy price” after Israeli strikes targeted what he described as civilian nuclear sites, steel factories and infrastructure.

5 key developments

1. Iran’s parliament speaker accused the US of “secretly planning a ground invasion” while talking of negotiations.
2. Explosions were heard in Tehran amid heavy bombardment, according to state-affiliated media. Iran’s IRGC threatened to hit US and Israeli university campuses in retaliation for strikes on Iranian educational institutions.
3. An industrial site in Israel’s Negev desert was up in flames after Iran’s strike on Israel.
4. Pakistan said foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt were participating in the talks in Islamabad.
5. Iran-backed Yemini Houthis confirmed they launched an attack on Israel. A ballistic missile was launched toward southern Israel on Saturday morning, setting off sirens in Beersheba and nearby areas.

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The Indian Express Global Desk remains committed to rigorous verification. Follow our live blog below for real-time tracking of Operation Epic Fury, regional airspace status, and diplomatic efforts to contain the escalation.