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Hurtigruten Roll Calls

• Host Jazzbeau
• December 31, 2022

Cabin 701 on Roald Amundsen or Fritjof Nansen

• Wednesday at 03:36 AM

hurtigruten or havila

"tales of the north: starry nights" online from hurtigruten, hx (hurtigruten expeditions) going all-inclusive, hx random questions (may be more specific to greenland/iceland).

• AroundWithMAPTravels

More Hurtigruten questions

Arctic 2024 expedition info, hurtigruten random impressions 1 2.

New to Hurtigruten

Photo review: santa cruz ii galapagos western/northern route 1/26/2023.

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• February 23

Ms Maud power outage due rogue wave in north sea 22 december.

• February 21

How expensive is the booze on Hurtigruten? 1 2

• 23.9k views
• February 18

Food on Antarctic cruises

• February 15

Cabin ME-930 on Roald Amundsen (or Fridtjof Nansen)

• February 10

Hurtigruten Winter 2025 Sailings

Two maud sailings cancelled amid repairs in wake of rogue wave, beverages on antarctica cruise.

• atheglobetrotter

Lisbon Cruise Port/Greenock (Glasgow) port transfer

Tips for solo travellers.

• anaco_angler

17 Day Antarctic and Chilean Fjords on MS Maud

• December 30, 2023

Hurtigruten MS Fridjoft Nansen November 13, 2023 - Antarctica

Vikand medical screening.

• twototravel
• December 28, 2023

Crucial Question about the Trollfjord

• December 27, 2023
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Iceland & Greenland – Arctic Expedition Cruise under the Midnight Sun

The land of fire and ice 

Your adventure begins in Reykjavík, where you’ll start your circumnavigation of remarkable Iceland. From Stykkishólmur, gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes Peninsula, across the Arctic Circle at Grímsey Island and continuing to Heimaey, you’ll discover volcanic scenery, majestic glaciers and iconic wildlife like beluga whales and Atlantic Puffins.

Spectacular west Greenland 

Returning to Reykjavík, you’ll cross the Denmark Strait towards the picturesque west coast of Greenland. From Qaqortoq to Vaigat Sound, you’ll discover ancient cultures and traditions, breathtaking fjords and glaciers, and wildlife like musk oxen and White-tailed Eagles. You’ll also experience a UNESCO wonder and the marvellous Midnight Sun.

Cosmopolitan Reykjavík

1 June 2024

Discover Iceland's modern capital  

Your expedition cruise of Iceland and Greenland starts in Reykjavík – a vibrant city full of culture and history. Enjoy a walk around this compact city. Take a stroll down Laugavegur – the main shopping street – to the striking Hallgrímskirkja church. Or why not visit one of its many art galleries and museums. 

With so much to explore, you may want to arrive early to join one of our optional Pre-Programmes.. 

The adventure at sea starts when you board the ship. Find your cabin, meet your Expedition Team, explore the ship and enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner as we set sail towards our first stop, Stykkishólmur. 

Snæfellsnes peninsula

2 June 2024

Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes  

It's as though time has stood still at Stykkishólmur, the small fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay, where colourful houses stand out in contrast to distant mountains.  

Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip. It’s nicknamed 'Little Iceland' for its array of landscapes. 

At the national park you can visit Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach and the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs. Or why not ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier or take a guided coastal hike with a glacial cave tour. 

Beautiful Patreksfjörður

3 June 2024

Birdwatching, waterfalls and stunning beaches  

Patreksfjörður is unforgettably beautiful. Here, you’ll learn all about the fishing traditions in Europe's most westerly village. You can even enjoy a dip in the town's outdoor pool, with wonderful fjord views! 

You'll have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area on a hike through the fjords, or visit Rauðasandur beach and see seals. You can also join a tour to the Dynjandi waterfalls – six falls combined that together make the largest and most spectacular cascade in the Westfjords.  

Birdwatchers shouldn’t miss a visit to Látrabjarg, where puffins, Northern Gannets, guillemots and razorbills cling to Europe’s largest bird cliff. 

The Northwestern Region

4 June 2024

Exploring Northwest Iceland, expedition-style  

One of the best things about expedition cruising is the feeling of freedom. We plan to spend the day in Iceland’s Northwestern Region, but as conditions can vary, there's no preset plan. Rest assured, your Captain and Expedition Team will find the best opportunities for adventure.  

We may take you ashore in our small expedition boats for a hike or a beach clean-up. Or perhaps we’ll launch our kayaks. If we spot a pod of whales as we sail, we may stop to enjoy the sight. Be ready for anything! 

Don’t forget, you can also join onboard lectures, visit the Science Center, get tips from our professional photographer, or soak in a hot tub! 

Akureyri and Goðafoss

5 June 2024

See dramatic moonscapes and waterfalls  

Gaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. It's one of the best places in Europe to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Look out for orcas, blue and fin whales here, too.  

Iceland’s 'Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the fjord head. Here, you can enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden, and visit top-notch eateries and museums.  

 A little further afield, you can witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You can also keep an eye out for Eider and Harlequin Ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's more active volcanic areas. 

Grímsey’s puffins

6 June 2024

Cross the Arctic Circle and see Atlantic Puffins  

This remote and windswept island, home to just 60 people, is well known for its Atlantic Puffin colonies. Grímsey is steeped in folklore, including tales of the island’s first settler, Grímur. 

Grímsey is probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island – the only part of Iceland where it does so. You’ll have the opportunity to step across that line, hopping over to the Arctic and back!   

Hike to the Orbis et Globus landmark, a huge concrete sphere sculpture that’s repositioned each year to fit the northward movement of the Arctic Circle. By 2050, Grímsey will lie outside the Arctic

Hike in Bakkagerði

7 June 2024

Local folklore and staggering natural beauty  

Your cruise continues to Bakkagerði, a tiny, remote settlement.  According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning 'hidden people'. Walk around town to explore this magical place.  

A popular hiking  area, here you can walk through lush, green valleys and gorgeous scenery among colourful rhyolite rocks. The coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eiders and puffins. We may also visit the Atlantic Puffin colony on Hafnarhólmi – a true gem for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.  

Heimaey's explosive past

8 June 2024

Discover the town that defied a volcano    

Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, found off the south coast of Iceland. It has a fascinating history, and still bears the scars of a powerful volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed the island.  

Visit Eldheimar, a museum that features an excavated home frozen in time, and learn more about the eruption and its aftermath. Or why not take a hike to seek out puffins at Stórhöfði, where around eight million nest every summer. Don’t miss climbing Mount Eldfell – at the volcano’s summit you’ll have incredible views of the town below. 

Rest in Reykjavík

9 June 2024

Enjoy an outdoor spa experience at the Blue Lagoon  

Returning to Reykjavík, you’ll have another opportunity to explore the delights you may have missed on your first visit. In this city of art and culture, there are plenty of galleries and museums to enjoy. Or if you simply wish to relax, why not take a trip to the famous Blue Lagoon.   

Enjoy an unforgettable outdoor spa experience as you relax in the geothermally heated water that gets its iconic bright blue colour from silica and other minerals carried down from the volcanic landscape. As you soak, enjoy a drink and a chat with locals and fellow guests as you look forward to the next step on your adventure – Greenland! 

Crossing the Denmark Strait

10 June 2024 - 11 June 2024

In the wake of Vikings  

We sail to Greenland across the Denmark Strait, the route taken by Erik the Red, supposedly the first European to have settled there.  

Your Expedition Team will explain the protocols of respectfully visiting wildlife habitats and indigenous Arctic communities. In the Science Center, you can learn more about Greenland's geology, or join one of our Citizen Science projects. Then hit the gym, swim in the infinity pool, book a treatment in the wellness area or enjoy a delicious meal in one of our three onboard restaurants.

Culture and history in Qaqortoq

12 June 2024

Visit one of Greenland's most beautiful towns   

Qaqortoq has been settled since prehistoric times. The colourful houses and lush scenery of Qaqortoq provide a beautiful setting in which to discover its rich culture. 

Explore the local museum, with its rare Inuit artifacts, or enjoy the beautiful green scenery on a walk to a nearby lake. Join an optional excursion to meet friendly locals and hear their stories at a traditional kaffemik social gathering. 

Explorating Kvanefjord

13 June 2024

Discover the glacial beauty of the west coast fjords   

Experience your first sight of Greenland’s sublime west coast fjords as we reach Kvanefjord in Sermersooq, meaning 'Place of Much Ice'.  

Have your camera ready for glistening icebergs and semi-submerged glacial ice – pure white with undertones of crystalline blue. These sculpted ice blocks are some of Arctic nature’s finest creations.  

Few people venture into this remote fjord, making it even more special to spend the day exploring here. The Expedition Team will select places to venture ashore and enjoy the beautiful scenery on a nature walk, or head out in boats to scout for wildlife.  

Fascinating Maniitsoq

14 June 2024

A historic trading post in a dramatic setting  

Today our expedition cruise reaches Maniitsoq. Nicknamed the 'Venice of Greenland' for its natural canals, the surrounding mountains deliver awe-inspiring views. You might even spot pods of humpback whales from shore. 

Once a regional hub for trading reindeer hides, people have lived here for 4,000 years. Discover figurines carved from walrus ivory, traditional Greenlandic costumes and many works of art in the local museum.  

Maniitsoq has many hiking options with different viewpoints to discover. And don’t miss an opportunity to chat to the town's welcoming locals. 

Spectacular Sisimiut

15 June 2024

Enjoy a warm welcome in Arctic Greenland  

We reach spectacularly situated Sisimiut, just 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle, where you'll experience the Midnight Sun at the height of summer.  

Old traditions are alive and well here, and you can learn more about the ancient Saqqaq artifacts in the local museum. If you're looking for a special souvenir, pick up a scarf, hat or mittens made of qiviut, the inner wool of a musk ox, said to be 10 times warmer than sheep wool.  

One of the best things you'll experience is meeting the local communities in the places we explore – authentic interactions that make for fantastic memories. 

UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord

16 June 2024

Nature's artwork in UNESCO-listed icefjord  

Today we reach Disko Bay – a haven for whales and seals. The Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, regularly tops the list of things to see and do in Greenland, and today you'll find out why. Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you walk to the ice fjord and the old Inuit settlement of Sermermiut.  

Marvel at giant icebergs floating past in the deep blue waters, as they take on different hues of white, grey and blue. Even amateur photographers will return to the ship with the most enviable images. Back in pretty Ilulissat, perhaps enjoy a hot drink among the colourful houses by the water.  

Go wild in Vaigat Sound

17 June 2024

Remote, untamed landscapes and bountiful nature  

Rugged Vaigat Sound is our most northerly point, and you'll feel like the first person to walk here. We're in the hands of Mother Nature today and the Expedition Team will identify the best landing sites to explore.  

If possible, we'll take the expedition boats out on shore landings, or go on optional kayaking trips between icebergs. You may visit Camp Frieda, trek across tundra and get up close to a glacier and learn how it moves.  

Have your binoculars and camera ready as wildlife sightings in Disko Bay can include orcas and bowhead whales, as well as harp, hooded, bearded and ringed seals.  

Beguiling Evighedsfjord

18 June 2024

The ethereal beauty of Evighedsfjord  

We are now heading back south. You'll enjoy an exploration day in magical yet imposing Evighedsfjord near Kangerlussuaq. We'll determine on the day what exciting adventures lie in store for you.  

The 'Fjord of Eternity' is fed by an ice cap that calves huge icebergs into its 2,300 ft  deep waters. It's surrounded by mist-cloaked mountains with beautiful white ridges, punctuated by crystal blue ice caves. 

Nature reigns here. The only settlements in this region are tiny fishing hamlets clinging to the shores. As ever, we'll be on the lookout for Arctic flora, and wildlife including whales and seabirds.  

Nuuk, Greenland's capital

19 June 2024

Experience Greenlandic culture, old and new, in Nuuk  

After several days exploring remote, idyllic icescapes, you'll cruise into Nuuk, Greenland’s colourful capital. With a population of 18,000, it has a striking mix of old and new buildings. 

Compare the old buildings – such as Hans Egede House and Nuuk Cathedral – with the ultra-modern architecture of the Parlaiment of Greenland building. 

Visit the national museum to gain fascinating insight into life here 500 years ago and see the six Qilakitsoq mummies. Or, join a long nature walk through Paradise Valley and around Mt. Lille Malene as part of an optional excursion. 

Forgotten town

20 June 2024

I vittuut's fascinating WWII history

As you wander around the abandoned ruins of this ghost town, it’s hard to believe that Ivittuut, a former mining outpost, once played a pivotal role in the course of history.  

During WWII, the US secretly stationed troops here to prevent rare cryolite – used to make aluminum alloys – falling into enemy hands. Supplies were instead shipped to the UK to manufacture aircraft, used in the Battle of Britain.  

Here, you can walk among the area's deserted buildings. Once the last Viking settlement in Greenland, these days the only inhabitants you’re likely to see are musk oxen. 

Prince Christian Sound

21 June 2024

Breathtaking panoramas and abundant wildlife   

We aim to explore the incredible waters of the 60-mile-long Prince Christian Sound today. Sharp-peaked granite mountains provide a stunning contrast to the bright white glaciers. Look out for calving icebergs and colourful houses in the village of Aappilattoq. 

Nature is abundant here. Keep an eye out for ringed and bearded seals resting on the ice, and Glaucous Gulls and Black Guillemots soaring above. You may even spot minke and humpback whales.  

If sea ice prevents us entering the sound, we'll head to craggy Cape Farewell, the southernmost point of Greenland

Reflections of Greenland

22 June 2024 - 23 June 2024

Time to rest, relax and reflect  

A fter exploring the ethereal, rugged beauty of western Greenland, we set our course back to Iceland. You'll enjoy two days at sea recapping highlights with the Expedition Team, learning more about the delicate ecology of Greenland in the Science Center, and relaxing.  

Out on deck, you might spot seabirds or whales that like to follow our ship. Our onboard photographer can share tips to capture them in action. You can even log any whales you see for our Happywhale Citizen Science project.  

This might be the time to enjoy the panoramic sauna, on-deck hot tubs or heated pool. Or why not book a treatment in our wellness area.  

Return to Reykjavík

24 June 2024

Unforgettable memories of your Grand Expedition  

Your Grand Expedition Cruise to Iceland and Greenland comes full circle as you arrive back in Iceland's stylish capital in the early morning. Your mind, and your camera, will be a kaleidoscope of unforgettable memories of your journey, from the spectacular vistas to the incredible encounters. 

If you want to discover more, why not join one of our optional Post-Programmes. 

What’s included

Expedition cruise  .

• Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice 
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurants Aune and Fredheim 
• À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests 
• Complimentary tea and coffee 
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported. 
• Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board 
• English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore 
• Range of included excursions 

Onboard Activities 

• Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics 
• Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes 
• Citizen Science program allows guests to assist with live scientific research 
•  Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos 
• Use of the ship’s hot tubs, panoramic sauna, outdoor and indoor gyms, and outdoor running track  
• Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come 

Landing Activities 

• Escorted landings with small expedition boats  
• Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities 
• Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket 
• Expedition Photographers help with your camera settings  

Not included in your voyage

• International flights  
• Travel insurance 
• Luggage handling 
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners 
• Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team   
• Optional treatments in the wellness and spa area 
• All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions 
• Excursions and activities are subject to change  
• Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements  
• No gratuities expected 

MS Fridtjof Nansen

MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe.

Read more about MS Fridtjof Nansen

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• International

Iran launches dozens of drones toward Israel

By Jerome Taylor, Heather Chen , James Legge, Tori B. Powell , Sophie Tanno, Emma Tucker , Kaanita Iyer , Paul LeBlanc and Adrienne Vogt, CNN

Israel's military says 99% of weapons fired by Iran intercepted

From CNN’s Irene Nasser and Benjamin Brown

The Israeli military said Sunday that “99%” of the more than 300 projectiles fired at Israel by Iran were intercepted.

Only “a small number” of ballistic missiles reached the country's territory, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said.

The remaining ballistic missiles, all cruise missiles and all drones were intercepted before reaching Israeli territory, he added.

Around 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles were launched at Israel by Iran, he said, the vast majority intercepted by the Israeli Air Force and Israeli “partners.”

The ballistic missiles that did reach Israel fell on the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel, Hagari said, adding that they caused only light structural damage. The base was functioning and continuing its operations following the attack, with planes continuing to use the base, he added.

Some of the weapons launched at Israel were fired from Iraq and Yemen, Hagari added.

Remember : US President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call that his country should consider tonight a win because the current US assessment is that Iran’s attacks had been largely unsuccessful and demonstrated Israel’s superior military capability, a senior administration official told CNN.

US forces were also involved in defending Israel, intercepting more than 70 one-way attack drones and at least three ballistic missiles, according to two US officials familiar with the situation.

"We have intercepted, we have contained," says Netanyahu

From CNN’s Tamar Michaelis in Jerusalem

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made his first public statement after Iran's attack, vowing to the country's people that "together we shall win."

Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Netanyahu said: “We have intercepted, we have contained. Together we shall win.”

Iran warns its response will be "stronger and more resolute" if Israel retaliates following latest strikes

From CNN’s Alireza Hajihosseini and Eyad Kourdi

Iran has warned that it will respond with more force if Israel retaliates over this weekend's strikes, which Tehran said were themselves a reply to an Israeli attack earlier this month on its embassy complex in Syria's capital Damascus.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to exercise its inherent right of self-defense when required," Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, said in a statement.

Citing self-defense against repeated Israeli military aggressions, Iravani said the strikes were specifically in retaliation to an Israeli attack on April 1 against what Iran says were diplomatic facilities in Damascus.

Iran claims the attack violated international law and led to the death of seven Iranian military advisors, including key commanders from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The statement also criticizes the United Nations Security Council for “failing to uphold international peace,” allowing Israel to “breach” established international norms and “escalate” regional tensions.

Additional context: Israel has carried out numerous strikes on Iran-backed targets in Syria, often targeting weapons shipments allegedly intended for Hezbollah, a powerful Iranian proxy in Lebanon. 

Israel has not claimed responsibility for the April 1 attack which destroyed an Iranian consulate building in the capital Damascus, including Mohammed Reza Zahedi, a top Revolutionary Guards commander.

However an Israel Defense Forces spokesman told CNN that their intelligence showed the building was not a consulate and was instead “a military building of Quds forces disguised as a civilian building.”

Biden to meet with G7 leaders Sunday as he condemns Iran's "brazen attack"

From CNN’s Lauren Koenig

US President Joe Biden will meet with G7 leaders Sunday “to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack,” according to a statement released by the White House. 

“My team will engage with their counterparts across the region. And we will stay in close touch with Israel’s leaders,” the statement from Biden reads. “And while we have not seen attacks on our forces or facilities today, we will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people.”

US defensive assets moved to the region earlier this week and “helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles,” according to the statement.

Biden also spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu following Saturday’s attack “to reaffirm America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel.” 

I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks – sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel,” the president wrote.

US forces intercepted 70+ drones and at least three ballistic missiles, US officials say

From CNN's Oren Liebermann and Haley Britzky

US forces intercepted more than 70 one-way attack drones and at least three ballistic missiles during Iran's attack on Israel, according to two US officials familiar with the situation.

The ballistic missiles were intercepted by warships in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, one of the officials said. Iran launched more than 100 ballistic missiles in total at Israel, according to a senior administration official.

The US Navy currently has two destroyers in that area, both are guided missile destroyers capable of intercepting missile and drone launches.

US fighter jets were also part of the response to Iran’s attack on Saturday and shot down drones launched towards Israel, another US official told CNN.

Defense experts weigh in on what steps Israel could take next

From CNN's Heather Chen

Defense experts have been speaking to CNN about whether and how Israel might respond to this weekend's strikes by Iran.

Michael Oren , former Israeli ambassador the United States, told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer that “the rules have to be changed” following Saturday night's attack. 

“It’s going to depend largely on the extent of the damage done by this first wave of Iranian drones and cruise missiles," Oren said. "But in any case, we are in the Middle East and pressure and deterrence count for an awful lot here. I don’t think Israel can be struck in this way on such a massive scale and not respond in a significant way."

Eyal Hulata , a former Israeli national security advisor, said military retaliation is not the only response available, adding further international sanctions against Iran could be possible.

Some context: The US announced sanctions on Iran in February -- targeting a range of malicious Iranian initiatives, including their cyberwarfare and drone programs.

Some context: Iran has been under a host of international sanctions for years which have battered the country's economy. But they have had limited impact on changing the government's approach to Israel and the wider Middle East.

The US announced new sanctions on Iran in February -- targeting a range of malicious Iranian initiatives, including their cyberwarfare and drone programs.

Iran's attack on Israel lasted about five hours, officials say. Here's what we know

From CNN staff

The unprecedented wave of strikes launched from Iran towards Israel appears to have subsided, two US officials said. The attacks lasting approximately five hours and plunge the already tinder box Middle East into uncharted territory.

Iran said the overnight attacks were retaliation for a deadly Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, earlier this month.

The Biden administration says almost all of the drones and missiles – including more than 100 ballistic missiles – launched at Israel by Iran have been knocked out of the sky.

US President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call that his country should consider tonight a win because the current US assessment is that Iran’s attacks had been largely unsuccessful and demonstrated Israel’s superior military capability, a senior administration official told CNN.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has asked his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, to notify the US ahead of any potential response to the Iranian attack, according to a US official. The Israeli security cabinet has authorized the three-man war cabinet to decide on Israel’s response.

Here's what we know so far:

• No direct casualties: There have been no reports of injuries suffered directly through Iranian strikes, according to Israel’s emergency service. However, However, a 7-year-old girl was severely injured by shrapnel from an interceptor missile while 31 people were treated for minor injuries or panic attacks.
• G7 leaders to meet: Biden will meet with G7 leaders Sunday “to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack,” according to a statement released by the White House. The leaders of Canada and Portugal condemned Iran's attack, while the prime minister of Spain expressed his “utmost concern."
• No US offensive involvement: The US will not participate in any offensive operations against Iran, Biden has made clear to Netanyahu, a senior administration official told CNN.
• How it started:  Earlier this month, an airstrike  destroyed Iran's consulate building  in Damascus, Syria, and killed seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officials — including top commanders, according to Iranian officials and state-affiliated media. The foreign ministers of Iran and Syria accused Israel of authoring the attack. Iran  vowed to retaliate .
• More on Iran's position:  Iran’s regional allies say they entered confrontations with Israel  on behalf of Palestinians  in Gaza, Since the outbreak of war in Gaza, Iran’s proxies have launched attacks on Israel and its allies, while  demanding a ceasefire  in the Palestinian enclave.
• What this means:  The beginning of a state-on-state conflict between Iran and Israel marks a serious escalation in the region – a scenario that the US has hoped to avoid since the start of  the Israel-Hamas war  in October.

Biden told Netanyahu US will not participate in offensive operations against Iran, US official says

From CNN's MJ Lee

The US will not participate in any offensive operations against Iran, US President Joe Biden has made clear to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a senior administration official told CNN.

The comments were relayed during the phone call that the two leaders shared in the aftermath of Iran's retaliatory strikes against Israel.

Biden tells Netanyahu tonight was a win, nothing of "value" hit in Israel, US official says 

Israel should consider tonight a win because the current US assessment is that Iran’s attacks had been largely unsuccessful and demonstrated Israel’s superior military capability, President Joe Biden told Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in their phone call, a senior administration official told CNN.

The US’s assessment tonight was that almost all of the drones and missiles – including more than 100 ballistic missiles -- launched by Iran had been knocked out of the sky. No cruise missile made impact, the official said, and nothing of “value” was hit. 

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Russia's firing new, long-range Kh-69 cruise missiles, war experts say, piling on the misery for Ukraine's dwindling air defense

• Russian forces have deployed a new cruise missile, the Institute for the Study of War said.
• The Kh-69 was used in an attack on a major power station near Kyiv this week.
• The Kh-69 is a leap forward in Russian tactical munitions.

Russian Forces are deploying a new, long-range cruise missile, known as the Kh-69, as it steps up attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

The Washington DC-based think tank, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), noted in its Friday report that the new air-to-surface missiles were part of Russia's "continued efforts to improve strike packages and penetrate Ukraine's degraded air defense."

Russia has renewed its attacks against Ukraine's energy infrastructure in recent weeks, exploiting Kyiv's dwindling air defense systems.

"We need air defense systems and other defense assistance, not just turning a blind eye and having lengthy discussions," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a post on X.

The post was in response to a Russian missile attack overnight on April 11 that destroyed the Trypillia Thermal Power Plant. The plant is one of the primary energy suppliers to Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. The plant was hit by the new Kh-69 missiles, according to the Ukrainian military.

"ISW has not previously observed the Russian use of Kh-69 missiles in Ukraine," it said.

"Russian forces have reportedly launched Kh-69 missiles from 400 kilometers away from their targets, exceeding a previous estimated range of 300 kilometers and the 200-kilometer range of the most recent Kh-59MK2 variant," wrote the ISW.

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Illia Yevlash, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Air Force, confirmed on Friday that Russia had launched the new missiles during its massive aerial assault on Thursday.

"This is an improved system of the Kh-59 version," Yevlash said.

"We are currently establishing what kind of missile it was, what type it was. These are fresh missiles with parts manufactured in 2023. That is, we can see that Russia is constantly trying to produce new missiles."

Yevlash said Russia was manufacturing the Kh-69 domestically, but that continued production relied on the ability to source key components from abroad. ISW analysts noted that while the Russian stockpiles and production capability of these Kh-69 missiles are unclear, "Russia is unlikely to be able to produce them at a significantly greater speed or quantity than its other domestically produced missiles."

The Kh-69 is Russia's latest cruise missile

Reports that Russia was employing the Kh-69 first appeared on Ukrainian Telegram channels in early February.

On February 7, a Ukrainian military blogger posted a photo on Telegram purporting to show the destroyed rear fins of a Kh-69. A Ukrainian war monitor account, which tracks Russian aviation activity, claimed that three Kh-69s were fired at Ukraine overnight on February 7-8.

In September last year, the UK-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) think tank reported that the Kh-69 was still undergoing testing. It described the missile as an "air-launched land-attack cruise missile likely akin to the European Storm Shadow or Taurus KEPD 350 missiles."

According to The War Zone, the Kh-69 was developed by Raduga, part of Russia's Tactical Missile Corporation. The missile weighs around 1,700 pounds, has an operating speed of up to 621 miles per hour, and has the option of either a penetration or a cluster warhead weighing up to 680 pounds. The missile's shape offers some degree of reduced radar signature.

Russian forces can launch the missiles from Su-34 and Su-35 tactical aircraft rather than solely from strategic bombers.

Watch: Ukraine says it shot down 6 hypersonic missiles over Kyiv during 'exceptional' night of attacks

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