The USA expects Iran to attack Israel soon. Germany calls on its citizens to leave Iran. More information in the news blog.
The most important things at a glance
CNN: Iran has targets in Israel
3.40 a.m.: The United States currently believes that Iran will attack multiple targets inside Israel and that Iranian forces may be involved in carrying out the attacks. CNN reports this, citing government sources. There are already indications that Iran has relocated missiles and drones, it said.
Report: US wants to intercept missiles over Israel
1.05 a.m.: The US will seek to intercept all weapons fired at Israel if possible, two US officials told CNN. US naval forces in the Red Sea have already intercepted long-range missiles that were fired towards Israel by the Houthis in Yemen. US forces in Iraq and Syria could also intercept drones and missiles aimed at northern Israel, depending on where they are launched from. General Erik Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command, has already met with the country’s security leadership in Israel.
Austrian Airlines cancels flights to Iran
11:15 p.m.: The Lufthansa subsidiary Austrian Airlines (AUA) is canceling all flights to Iran until April 18th. “Due to the current situation in the Middle East, after careful evaluation, Austrian Airlines is suspending its flights to and from Tehran until Thursday, April 18th,” the airline said. Long routes that passed through Iranian airspace would be rerouted accordingly. For Austrian Airlines, the safety of its passengers and crews has top priority.
Due to the tense security situation, Lufthansa has already canceled flights to Iran up to and including April 18th. Lufthansa and its subsidiary Austrian Airlines are the only two western airlines that fly to Tehran. Otherwise, airlines from Turkey and the Arabian Gulf fly to Iran or cross the airspace.
US broadcaster: Iran has prepared 100 missiles for attack
23 o’clock: According to several US officials, Iran has prepared a large number of missiles for a possible attack. This is reported by the US broadcaster ABC News. Two of the officials said Iran has prepared more than 100 cruise missiles for a possible attack. According to the report, Iran has also prepared a significant number of drones that could be used in an attack on Israel. The preparations began last week.
Foreign Office: Germans should leave Iran
10:11 p.m.: The Foreign Office warns against traveling to Iran. The authority said German citizens would be asked to leave Iran. The current tensions in the region, particularly between Israel and Iran, therefore pose the risk of a sudden escalation. The security situation could deteriorate quickly and without warning. It cannot be ruled out that air, land and sea transport routes could also be affected by an escalation, with corresponding possible disruptions to travel into and out of Iran. Austria has also asked its citizens to leave the country.
Biden warns Iran: “Leave it”
9.30 p.m.: US President Joe Biden warns Iran about the threat of retaliation against Israel. When asked by a journalist what his message was to Iran, Biden said in Washington on Friday: “Leave it.” The US President said he expected an attack to happen “sooner rather than later.” But he did not want to comment on intelligence information.
At the same time, the 81-year-old makes it clear that he stands by Israel. “We are committed to the defense of Israel,” he emphasizes. “We will help defend Israel, and Iran will not succeed.”
USA increases military presence in the Middle East
8:14 p.m.: In view of a possible retaliatory strike by Iran against Israel, the USA is increasing its military presence in the region. A US defense official confirmed this to the German Press Agency on Friday in Washington. “We are deploying additional assets to the region to strengthen regional deterrence efforts and increase force protection for U.S. forces,” the official said.
It remained unclear exactly what resources were involved and from where to where the transfer would take place. After the terrorist attack by the Islamist Hamas on October 7, 2023, the USA had already significantly increased its military presence in the region and sent several warships to the Middle East.