MIDDLE EAST IN CRISIS: Tehran's Mehrabad Airport in flames after Israeli air strikes overnight as Iran War enters eighth day

TEHRAN's busiest aiport was blazing overnight as Israel intensified its air strikes campaign against Iran as the joint war with the US entererd its second week.

Large explosions were reported at Mehrabad Airport in the Iranian capital. Videos circulating on social media showed major fires at the facility, with witnesses saying several aircraft were burning.

According to Israel’s military, more than 80 fighter jets took part in the latest operation early Saturday. The strikes targeted Iranian military installations, missile launchers and other sites in Tehran and central regions of the country.

Israeli forces also carried out heavy attacks in parts of Beirut. Iran later responded by launching a wave of missiles toward Israel.

Elsewhere in the region, an explosion was reported near Dubai’s airport after what was believed to be a missile interception. Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted four drones aimed at the Shaybah oil field early Saturday.

The conflict has now entered its second week. On Friday, Donald Trump warned that a peace agreement would not be possible unless Iran’s government agreed to an “unconditional surrender.”

Earlier that day, the US military cancelled a large training exercise involving a paratrooper unit, leading to speculation the troops could be deployed to the Middle East.

Iran said it regretted attacks affecting Gulf states and nearby countries but insisted it would continue operations as long as U.S. missiles were launched from bases in the region.

President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran had no intention of invading neighbouring nations and would only strike them if they attacked first or allowed military bases to be used.

He said: “Those considering exploiting this moment to attack Iran must not become puppets of imperialism,” he said, adding that backing Israel or the United States was “not a path to honour and freedom.”

Responding to Trump’s demand for surrender, Pezeshkian said: “They can take their dreams to the grave; we will not surrender unconditionally.”