US-Israel Iran war updates: Explosions rattle Tehran, Jerusalem as Iranian internet blackout enters 21st day

A man of Iranian nationality has been arrested after attempting to enter the Faslane naval base in Scotland on Thursday.

The 34-year-old man was arrested after “unsuccessfully” trying to enter the base, according to the Royal Navy, alongside a 34-year-old woman.

“As the matter is subject to an ongoing investigation, we will not comment further,” a Royal Navy spokesperson said.

All of the Royal Navy’s submarines are located at the Faslane base.

Israel’s emergency response teams are reporting two people have suffered “mild” injuries caused by a missile strike in central Israel on Friday afternoon, according to AP.

Earlier on Friday, the IDF said a new round of missiles had been launched toward the country from Iran.

Ukrainian military units have been deployed to five Middle Eastern countries to defend civilian and critical infrastructure, according to the Ukrainian Sectretary of National Security, Rustem Umerov.

Umerov says he has visited the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan to announce the deployment, which is operating “under the coordination” of the Ukrainian Defence Council.

“Expert recommendations are also being provided to improve the effectiveness of certain air defense systems,” Umerov said.

“Interception units have been deployed to protect civilian and critical infrastructure. Work is also underway to expand coverage areas.

“Ukraine stands in defense of life and sovereignty alongside those who support us in preserving our independence.”

Abu Dhabi police say they have arrested 109 people for filming and reportedly spreading misinformation during airstrikes on the UAE.

“Abu Dhabi Police announced the arrest of 109 individuals of various nationalities who filmed sites and events and disseminated inaccurate information via social media platforms during the ongoing events, an action that could stir public opinion and spread rumors among community members,” a police statement said.

“Abu Dhabi Police has taken the necessary legal and administrative measures against them, as part of the ongoing efforts by security authorities to monitor and follow up on violations related to the misuse of social media, affirming that such behaviors constitute violations of the applicable laws and regulations, and emphasizing the importance of verifying accuracy, and refraining from publishing or reposting any unverified content or content not issued by official authorities, due to its negative impact on community security and the course of security procedures.”

The United Nations Secretary General says there are “reasonable grounds” to investigate war crimes, referring to Iran and Israel’s attacks on energy infrastucture.

“I don’t see any difference. It doesn’t matter who targets civilians,” Guterres said.

“It is totally unacceptable.”

Iranian airstrikes on the Ras Laffan Industrial City has lost QatarEnergy $20 billion USD and reduced Qatar’s liquid natural gas export capacity by 17 per cent, according to Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi.

“Extensive damage to our production facilities will take up to five years to repair and will compel us to declare long-term force majeure,” Al-Kaabi said.

“I am relieved to confirm that no one was injured by these unjustified and senseless attacks, which weren’t just an attack on the State of Qatar but attacks on global energy security and stability.

“This was an attack on all of us who stand for development and human progress that is sustained by a fair, reliable, and secure access to energy.”

The Israel Defence Force has announced it is attacking “targets of the Iranian terror regime” in the region around Nur, a city in northern Iran.

3.5 hours’ drive northeast of the capital Tehran, Nur is situated on the Caspian Sea.

Israeli air strikes are hitting the Iranian capital of Tehran on the first day of Nawruz, which is the the Persian new year, the BBC is reporting.

Iranian forces also launched missiles at Israel overnight, with explosions heard in Jerusalem.

Israeli police have arrested an Israeli reservist who worked on the country’s Iron Dome defence system on suspicion of passing secrets to Iran, AFP are reporting.

“Raz Cohen, a 26‑year‑old resident of Jerusalem who served in the reserves in the Iron Dome system, was recently arrested on suspicion of committing security offenses involving contact with Iranian intelligence,” a statement from Israeli police said.

“Over the course of several months, the citizen maintained contact with Iranian intelligence operatives and, under their instructions, was asked to carry out various security missions, including passing on including passing on sensitive security information.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says proposed US use of UK military bases is “participation in aggression”, the BBC is reporting.

In a phone call with UK Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper, Araghchi said any offer of use to the US would result in “an escalation of the situation” of the war.

Araghchi then took aim at the UK and Europe, saying the countries had a “biased approach” when dealing with the US and Israel’s “blatant aggression” towards Iran.

The UK government is yet to comment on the report.