US-Israel-Iran War News LIVE Updates: Iran No Longer Can Enrich Uranium Or Make Ballistic Missiles, Says Netanyahu

Meeting Trump at the White House, Takaichi said Iran’s nuclear weapons development must never be tolerated and that Japan had consistently called for a response.

“The global security environment, including the current Middle East situation, is extremely grave, and the world economy is also under significant strain,” the Japanese prime minister said.

“However, I firmly believe that it is only you, Donald, who can achieve peace and prosperity across the world.  I am ready to reach out to many of the partners in the international community to achieve our objective together. Today, I have come to convey that message,” she said.

Airstrikes started early on Friday morning as Iranians celebrated Nowruz, the Persian New Year.

Israel’s military said very early Friday it had begun to strike the capital, Tehran.

Following Israel's declaration of a fresh round of attacks, activists reported hearing strikes in the Tehran area.

The declaration followed a day of heavy Iranian missile strikes against Israel, including over a dozen launches on Thursday alone, according to Israel's military.

Heavy explosions shook Dubai in the United Arab Emirates early Friday as air defenses intercepted incoming fire over the city.

A missile alert sounded prior to the strike, with authorities saying there were activating air defenses to counter an Iranian barrage.

The Dubai Media Office, the sheikhdom’s government communication’s arm, said, “Authorities in Dubai confirm the success of all air interception operations, with no injuries reported.”

The attack came as the UAE marked Eid al-Fitr, the end of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, and as mosques made the day’s first call to prayers.

Members of Iran’s national women’s soccer team were greeted with a welcome ceremony upon their return to the Islamic Republic after several of the players had sought asylum in Australia.

“First of all we are so happy to be in Iran, because Iran is our homeland,” midfielder Fatemeh Shaban said.

People in the crowd waved flags, while some players held bouquets of flowers and signed what appeared to be miniature soccer balls. Iranian media had reported that the team returned Wednesday.

“I wasn’t expecting this many people to come to welcome us, and I am happy to be the daughter of Iran,” Shaban said in translated comments.

Others who initially sought asylum after the team was knocked out of the Women’s Asian Cup later changed their minds and said they would return.