Iran retaliated against American nuclear strikes by firing six missiles at US military bases in Qatar and Iraq, with explosions heard across Doha. Qatar intercepted the missiles and temporarily closed its airspace, warning it reserves the right to respond. Trump monitored the strikes from the White House situation room while Air India cancelled Middle East flights.
Earlier, Israel struck six Iranian airfields claiming destruction of 15 fighter jets and helicopters, while also hitting the Revolutionary Guards headquarters and Tehran's notorious Evin prison. Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei directly appealed to Putin for military assistance beyond mere condemnation statements.
Reports emerged that China secretly supplied Iran with 1,000 tons of rocket fuel in January, enough for 260 missiles. Iran's former Crown Prince claimed Khamenei was attempting to flee the country.
Domestically, bypoll results showed AAP winning two seats, with Congress taking Kerala's Nilambur and TMC retaining Bengal's Kaliganj. Vote counting in West Bengal was disrupted when a bomb blast killed a nine-year-old girl.