We're ending our live coverage

We are wrapping up our live coverage for today. Thanks for following along.

We will be back early tomorrow with all the latest developments.

Indian Prime Minister Modi speaks to Iran's Pezeshkian

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X on Saturday that he had spoken with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Modi condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the Middle East region, while also reiterating the importance of ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure.

"Appreciated Iran's continued support for the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iran," Modi added.

Reporting with Reuters

Israel defence minister warns strikes on Iran to increase 'significantly'

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warns that the United States and Israel will intensify their strikes on Iran in the coming week starting Sunday.

"This week, the intensity of the strikes to be carried out by the IDF and the US military against the Iranian terror regime and the infrastructure on which it relies will rise significantly," Katz said in a statement issued by the defence ministry on Saturday.

Earlier, President Donald Trump said the US was considering "winding down" its military operation against Iran.

Iran informs IAEA of attack on Natanz nuclear site, watchdog says

Iran has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency that the Natanz nuclear enrichment site was attacked on Saturday, the agency said in a post on X.

No increase in off-site radiation levels was reported, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said, adding that it is looking into the report.

What you need to know

If you're just joining us, here's a recap of the latest developments in the Middle East:

  • US President Donald Trump slammed NATO allies as "cowards" for not sending troops to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz
  • Australia has signed a joint statement with key allies to support preparedness to send assets to the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the safe passage of fuel ships
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected a claim from Trump that Australia failed to give support in the Middle East
  • Iran's atomic energy organisation says the United States and Israel struck Iran's Natanz nuclear facility on Saturday, adding that no radioactive leaks occurred

  • The Iraqi intelligence service says an Iraqi officer has been killed in a drone attack in Baghdad

  • Trump said he was considering winding down military efforts in the Middle East as the US neared meeting its objectives
  • The comments came despite the US moving to send an additional three warships and about 2,500 additional marines to the Middle East
Officer killed in drone strike in Baghdad: Iraqi intelligence

An officer has been killed after a drone struck near the Iraqi intelligence headquarters in Baghdad on Saturday morning, local time.

"An officer was martyred," Iraqi intelligence said in a statement condemning "a terrorist attack carried out by rogue elements".

Iran says 'no radioactive contamination' detected at Natanz nuclear site after strikes

The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran has released a statement following US-Israeli air strikes at an underground fuel enrichment facility at Natanz.

"No leak of radioactive material has been recorded at this complex, thanks to preventative measures and data logged by the monitoring system",  it says.

Reporting with AFP

US, Israel attack Iran's Natanz nuclear facility: Iran media

The US and Israel launched an attack on the Natanz uranium-enrichment facility on Saturday morning, local time, according to Iran's Tasnim news agency.

No radioactive leaks occurred and residents near the site, in central Iran,  are not at risk, says Tasnim.

Reporting with Reuters

UN Secretary-General: 'Together, let's build a more peaceful world'

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has posted a message on social media reflecting on Nowruz, saying: 'Together, let's build a more peaceful, sustainable and inclusive world'.

As we mentioned earlier, Nowruz is the Persian New Year, celebrated at the spring equinox. It marks the start of the new year in the Iranian calendar.

Drone attack in Baghdad: update

More now on a drone attack in Baghdad.

According to a security official, an upscale neighbourhood has come under drone attack, Saturday morning local time.

An Iraqi security service building has been targeted.

The drone "carried out the attack on a communications building", the official said.

Another drone, filming the operation, crashed into a private members sports club popular with Iraqi elite and foreign diplomats.

Reporting with AFP