ISTANBUL

Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Saturday with, including Israel continuing attacks in Iran, causalities increasing in Israel as Iran retaliates and Ukraine receiving $1.15B from frozen Russian assets.

TOP STORIES

• Israel continues attacks in Iran

Israel resumed attacks on Iranian targets, continuing military operations that began on Friday .

Heavy explosions were heard in eastern Tehran on Saturday as Iran and Israel continued trading strikes, Iran's Tasnim news agency reported.

Israeli airstrikes struck an area near Mehrabad Airport in western Iran, according to an Anadolu correspondent.

Israel's attacks on Iran targeted the Shahid Raisi Nuclear Power Plant in Isfahan, Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported.

• At least 3 killed, 91 injured in Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel

The death toll from Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel rose to three, with 91 others injured, according to Israeli media reports.

A woman, who was injured in the first wave of missile strikes from Iran, succumbed to her injuries, according to Israel's public broadcaster Kan.

Another two Israelis who were injured in a later missile strike in central Israel have been pronounced dead, the broadcaster reported.

• Ukraine receives $1.15B from frozen Russian assets

Ukraine has received a €1 billion ($1.15 billion) tranche of macro-financial assistance from the European Union’s ERA Loan, which is funded through profits generated by frozen Russian central bank assets, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said.

“This is more than financial aid -- it’s a clear signal: Europe is strengthening our defense and economic resilience in the face of intensified missile attacks and attempts to destabilize our country,” Shmyhal said on X.

“These funds help save lives, rebuild cities, and shape Ukraine’s European future,” Shmyhal added.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• The upcoming UN conference co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France on the two-state solution between Israel and Palestine was postponed amid rising tension between Israel and Iran.
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel and Iran to de-escalate tension in the region, calling for diplomacy.
• A US representative to the UN warned Iran that any attack on American citizens, military bases, or infrastructure in the region would result in "dire" consequences.
• Israel has decided to close its embassies around the world and advised its citizens to remain vigilant and avoid showing Jewish or Israeli symbols in public.
• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that no increase in radiation levels has been observed at Iran’s Natanz nuclear site following Israel’s strikes targeting the facility.
• President Vladimir Putin expressed Russia's readiness to mediate between Israel and Iran to help prevent further escalation after a wave of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory, the Kremlin said.
• The Trump administration announced in a court filing that it will not release detained pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil despite a federal judge's order.
• Vietnam has been formally admitted as a "partner country" of the BRICS group of major emerging economies, Brazil's government announced.
• At least 52 people have been confirmed dead, and dozens remain missing after two passenger boats capsized on Lake Tumba in the western Democratic Republic of the Congo, officials said.
• EU member states agreed to prolong temporary protection for more than 4 million Ukrainian refugees fleeing the ongoing war until March 2027.

BUSINNESS & ECONOMY

• Turkish defense firm Aselsan opens Indonesia office, signs new deals

Turkish defense giant Aselsan has expanded its presence in the Asia-Pacific region with the official opening of a new office in Indonesia and the signing of five key defense agreements at the Indo Defense 2025 event in Jakarta.

The firm said in a statement that, as one of the largest participants, it took significant steps to develop new business partnerships during the event, signing five deals to strengthen Indonesia's defense ecosystem.

• President Trump approves Japan's Nippon Steel takeover of US Steel

US President Donald Trump has approved a deal for Japanese company Nippon Steel Corp. to acquire US Steel Corp, the companies said in a statement.

"President Trump has approved the Companies’ historic partnership that will unleash unprecedented investments in steelmaking in the United States, protecting and creating more than 100,000 jobs," a joint statement read.

The companies thanked Trump for his "bold leadership and strong support" and said they reached a national security agreement with the US government.