Pakistan stresses diplomacy only way forward for Iran nuclear issue
Pakistan has once again doubled down on its support for a peaceful resolution to the Iran nuclear issue, urging all parties to resume dialogue and avoid actions that could escalate tensions in the region.
Speaking at a UN Security Council (UNSC) meeting on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said that “dialogue and diplomacy remain the only practical way forward.”
Trump denounces media report about US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites
President Donald Trump on Tuesday rejected media reports claiming that recent U.S. strikes on Iran only delayed its nuclear program by a few months.
Washington hopes for long-term peace deal with Iran: Trump envoy
US President Donald Trump’s Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff said on Tuesday that talks between the United States and Iran were “promising” and that Washington was hopeful for a long-term peace deal.
“We are already talking to each other, not just directly but also through interlocutors. I think that the conversations are promising. We are hopeful that we can have a long-term peace agreement that resurrects Iran,” Witkoff said in an interview on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle” show.
“Now its for us to sit down with the Iranians and get to a comprehensive peace agreement, and I am very confident that we are going to achieve that,” he added.
Iran keeps airspace closed till until 2pm
Iran has extended the closure of its airspace amid a fragile ceasefire, Al Jazeera reported, citing the country’s semi-official Mehr news agency.
“Following recent developments, the country’s airspace will remain closed until 2pm on Wednesday [10:30 GMT] to ensure the security of passengers and flights,” Majid Akhavan, a spokesman for the transport ministry, was quoted as saying.
Iran president announces ‘end of 12-day war’
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has announced the “end of the 12-day war” imposed by Israel, in a message to the nation carried by the official IRNA news agency, AFP reports.
“Today, after the heroic resistance of our great nation, whose determination makes history, we are witnessing the establishment of a truce and the ending of this 12-day war imposed by the adventurism and provocation” of Israel, Pezeshkian said.
US set to re-open embassy in Jerusalem today
The United States will open its new embassy in Jerusalem on 25 June, following the ceasefire between Israel and Iran and the removal of safety restrictions, according to an official statement.
Moscow slams strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites by US, Israel
Russia has condemned the recent air strikes on Iran carried out by the United States and Israel, saying the attacks breach international law.
“The Russian Federation strongly condemns the attacks on Iran, including its peaceful nuclear infrastructure, which is subject to IAEA safeguards,” Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya told the UN Security Council.
“The actions of the US and Israel directly violated the UN Charter,” he added.
Washington acknowledges support for evacuation of US citizens
The US began assisted departure flights from Israel on 21 June, evacuating hundreds of citizens and legal residents, said the State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
“We are grateful to our partners in the region and around the world for welcoming American citizens,” said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Israel’s Netanyahu claims it eliminated key nuclear threat in Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a “historic victory” following the conclusion of Operation Rising Lion, claiming that the country has removed what he called two existential threats to its survival.
In a nationally televised statement, Netanyahu said that Israeli forces had eliminated both the threat of nuclear attack and a stockpile of 20,000 ballistic missiles that could have brought devastation to Israel.
French UN envoy presses Iran for talks
France and its European partners are still prepared to reactivate sanctions on Iran if an agreement is not reached soon on its nuclear program, the French ambassador to the UN warned Tuesday.
“Time is running out,” said Jerome Bonnnafont at a UN Security Council meeting, in reference to the October expiration of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
“We expect Iran to return to talks without delay in order to achieve a robust, verifiable and lasting diplomatic solution,” he added.
Bonnafont said negotiations were the only way to “guarantee the impossibility of an Iranian military nuclear program,” days after the United States conducted strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.
“France and its E3 partners (Germany and the United Kingdom) remain ready to use the leverage established by Resolution 2231, that of a ´snapback´ (of sanctions), if a satisfactory agreement is not reached by summer,” he warned.
Erdogan and Trump welcome Iran-Israel ceasefire, push stronger NATO
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with US President Donald Trump during a Nato summit in The Hague and welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, which was made possible with help from the United States.
According to the Turkish presidency, both leaders also agreed on the need to make NATO stronger and more able to prevent threats by strengthening its deterrent power.
US strikes failed to destroy Iran’s nuclear sites, intelligence report says
US airstrikes did not destroy Iran’s nuclear capability and only set it back by a few months, according to a preliminary US intelligence assessment, as a shaky ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump took hold between Iran and Israel, Reuters reports.
The initial report was prepared by the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Pentagon’s main intelligence arm and one of 18 US intelligence agencies, said two of the sources, who requested anonymity to discuss classified matters.
One of the sources said Iran’s enriched uranium stocks had not been eliminated, and the country’s nuclear program, much of which is buried deep underground, may have been set back only a month or two. Iran says its nuclear research is for civilian energy production.
The assessment found that Iran could restart its nuclear program in a matter of months, according to the three sources, one of whom said it estimated the earliest restart could be in one to two months.
Some centrifuges still remained intact after the attacks, the Washington Post said, citing an unnamed person familiar with the report.
Trump’s administration told the United Nations Security Council that its weekend strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities had “degraded” Iran’s nuclear program, short of Trump’s earlier assertion that the facilities had been “obliterated.”
Asked for comment, the White House pointed to a statement by spokesperson Karoline Leavitt to CNN, which first reported the assessment, that the “alleged” conclusion was “flat-out wrong.”
US House drops effort to impeach Trump over Iran strikes
The United States House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly to set aside an effort to impeach President Trump on a sole charge of abuse of power for launching military strikes on Iran without congressional authorisation, Al Jazeera reports.
The Associated Press news agency reports that the attempt brought to the House by Democrat Al Green of Texas brought little debate and also split his party, many of whom joined with their Republican colleagues to vote down the impeachment attempt.
Speaking in advance of the vote, Green said he believed the US was at the “crossroads of democracy and autocracy”.
“I do this because no one person should have the power to take over 300 million people to war without consulting with the Congress of the United States of America,” Green said.
“I do this because I understand that the Constitution is going to be meaningful or it’s going to be meaningless,” he said.
Most Democrats joined the Republican majority to shelve the impeachment attempt with a vote tally of 344 to 79.
Beijing supports Iran in achieving ‘genuine ceasefire’, says Chinese FM
China’s foreign minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday that Beijing supports Iran in achieving a “genuine ceasefire”, as Israel accused Tehran of violating a fragile truce.
“China supports Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, and, on that basis, achieving a genuine ceasefire so that people can return to normal life,” Wang told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in a phone call, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the country “refrained” from further strikes on Iran on Tuesday after a call with US President Donald Trump.
Iran not to violate ceasefire deal unless Israel does: President Pezeshkian
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday that Tehran would not violate the ceasefire deal unless Israel does, Iran’s state-run Nournews said.
US President Donald Trump earlier announced that the ceasefire deal had been reached between Israel and Iran.
Tehran is prepared to talk and defend the rights of the Iranian people at the negotiating table, Nournews cited Pezeshkian as saying.
US president says China can continue to buy Iranian oil
China can continue to buy Iranian oil, US President Donald Trump said Tuesday in what appeared to be relief for Tehran from sanctions Washington has previously imposed to punish the trade.
“China can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran. Hopefully, they will be purchasing plenty from the US, also,” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform as he travelled to a NATO summit in The Hague.
Truce between Iran, Israel holds, says Trump
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was holding, shortly after he lashed out at both countries and cursed as he accused them of violating the truce.
In a fast-moving series of declarations, the 79-year-old Republican, who was on his way to attend a NATO summit in The Hague, posted on his Truth Social app that “the Ceasefire is in effect!”
“ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly ‘Plane Wave’ to Iran. Nobody will be hurt,” Trump wrote.
Minutes earlier, he had castigated Iran and also close US ally Israel for violating a ceasefire he had originally announced late Monday.
IRGC arrests European on suspicion of spying on military sites
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Tuesday that a European accused of spying on “sensitive and military” sites was arrested in the country’s south.
“A European was arrested by security forces from the Intelligence Organisation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps… in Hormozgan province” in the south, the Guards’ Sepahnews website said, noting that “the individual… entered Iran as a tourist”.
“He was gathering intelligence on sensitive and military sites,” it added, without elaborating.
Trump says regime change in Iran would cause ‘chaos’
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he didn’t want to see “regime change” in Iran amid its conflict with Israel, adding that it would cause “chaos.”
“If there was, there was, but no I don’t want it. I’d like to see everything calm down as quickly as possible,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “Regime change takes chaos, and ideally we don´t want to see so much chaos.”
Israel ‘refrained from further strikes’ on Iran after Trump-Netanyahu call
Israel destroyed a radar installation near Tehran on Tuesday in response to Iran violating the ceasefire but refrained from further strikes after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with US President Donald Trump, Netanyahu’s office said.
Qatar PM persuaded Iran to accept US-proposed ceasefire: report
Qatar’s prime minister persuaded Iran to agree to a US-proposed ceasefire with Israel after Iranian missiles targeted an American base near Doha, a source with knowledge of the talks said on Tuesday.
PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani spoke to the Iranians at Washington’s request following Monday’s unprecedented attack on Qatari soil, the source told AFP.
“In the aftermath of the strikes on Al Udeid (military base), President (Donald) Trump told the Emir of Qatar Israel had signed off on an American ceasefire proposal,” the source said.
“The US president then asked that Qatar help get Iran to agree to a deal,” the source added, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.
US Vice President JD Vance spoke to the Qatari premier “who persuaded Iran to agree to the proposal in a call with the Iranians,” the source said.
Qatar has good ties with both Iran and the United States and had been pushing, alongside other Gulf states including Oman, for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
Trump ‘not happy’ over breach of ceasefire by Israel and Iran
US President Donald Trump has taken aim at both Israel and Iran for breaching the ceasefire adding he did not like that Israel had “unloaded right after they agreed to end hostilities.
Trump made the comments to reporters at the White House before departing for the NATO summit at The Hague. He expressed disappointment about the continued attacks.
“They violated it but Israel violated it too,” Trump said. He added, ”I’m not happy with Israel.”
He also said Iran’s nuclear capabilities are gone.
Two explosions heard in Iranian capital: report
Two explosions were heard in the Iranian capital on Tuesday, the judiciary news outlet Mizan and the Shargh newspaper reported, after US President Donald Trump called on Israel not to bomb Iran following a ceasefire reached early on Tuesday.
The strikes took place minutes after Trump said Israel had called off its attack in response to his command.
“All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly ‘Plane Wave’ to Iran. Nobody will be hurt, the Ceasefire is in effect!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Trump accuses Israel, Iran of violating ceasefire
US President Donald Trump accused both Israel and Iran of violating a ceasefire on Tuesday hours after he announced it, expressing particular frustration with Israel which had announced plans for major new strikes on Tehran.
“Israel. Do not drop those bombs. If you do it it is a major violation. Bring your pilots home, now!” Trump wrote on Truth Social shortly after he left the White House for a trip to a NATO summit in The Hague.
Before boarding, he told reporters he was “not happy” with either side for violating the truce, particularly with Israel, which he said had “unloaded” straight after agreeing to it.
Iran claims ceasefire violations by Israel
DUBAI: Israel struck Iran in three stages up until 9am local time (0530 GMT) the spokesperson of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters said, according to state TV.
Iranian state TV earlier said a ceasefire would take place in Iran from 7:30am local time on Tuesday.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, its top security body, earlier said its armed forces were prepared to “decisively respond” to renewed attacks.
Qatar laments Iranian attack, terms it ‘unacceptable’
DOHA: Qatar’s prime minister on Tuesday said Iran’s missile strikes targeting the US base on Qatari soil were an “unacceptable” attack on the country.
“The attack on the state of Qatar is an unacceptable act, especially that the state of Qatar has been making great diplomatic efforts in order to have the situation deescalated,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani told reporters.
UN moving some international staff from Iran, says spokesperson
The United Nations is moving some of its international staff and their dependents out of Iran temporarily due to safety concerns, a UN spokesperson said on Tuesday, after Israel ordered new military strikes on Tehran.
“The UN has decided to temporarily move some non-programme critical international personnel as well as the dependents of international personnel,” Alessandra Vellucci, Director of United Nations Information Service in Geneva, told reporters.
She declined to comment on how many people were affected.
UN rights official terms strike on Iran prison ‘breach of international law’
An airstrike on Iran’s Evin prison containing political prisoners on Monday represents a grave violation of international humanitarian law, the UN human rights office said.
“Evin prison is not a military objective, and targeting it constitutes a grave breach of international humanitarian law,” UN human rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday, without naming Israel.
He said that his office has received reports of fires inside the facility and an unspecified number of injuries.
Iran’s atomic energy chief says working to restore nuclear programme
Iran is actively working to restore its nuclear programme and assess damage to its facilities, according to Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, Al Jazeera reported.
His statements, carried by Iran’s Mehr news agency, come amidst recent reports of strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites.
“We have taken the necessary measures and are currently assessing the areas that were damaged,” Eslami said. He emphasised that preparations for recovery had been anticipated, and the plan is to “prevent any interruption in production or services.”
Russia endorses Iran-Israel truce, but unsure it will last, says FM Lavrov
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that Moscow was in favour of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran but it was hard to tell if would last.
“It is very difficult to make any final conclusions now and get a clear picture,” Lavrov said, in Russia’s first reaction to the ceasefire agreement announced by US President Donald Trump.
“It’s reported that the Americans convinced Israel to agree to a ceasefire and to establish an indefinite truce, that our Qatari friends played a similar role with regard to Tehran,” he said.
“But after it was announced, there were reports of strikes, of an exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran. Therefore, let us not make any hasty conclusions based on fragmentary information.”
France urges Iran to start negotiations over nuclear, ballistic programme
The French foreign ministry called on Iran to engage immediately in negotiations for an accord over its nuclear and ballistic programme.
“France urges Iran to engage without delay in negotiations leading to an agreement that addresses all concerns related to its nuclear and ballistic programs and its destabilizing activities,” the ministry said in a statement.
France also said it welcomed US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
Israel was forced to accept ceasefire, says Iran top security body
Iran top security body says Israel was forced to accept ceasefire
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said on Tuesday Israel was forced to accept defeat and a ceasefire unilaterally, and that Iranian armed forces remained prepared to “decisively respond” to any further attack.
Iran dismisses reports of ceasefire violation: Iranian media
News about a missile attack by Iran on Israel after the ceasefire between the two countries took effect is “denied”, Iranian media reported, quoting state TV.
Israeli military said earlier it detected launches from Iran to which Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel would respond “forcefully”.
China says it does not want Israel-Iran tensions to escalate
China does not want tensions between Israel and Iran to escalate and is willing to work with the international community to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Guo Jiakun told a regular press conference China is calling on all parties concerned to return to political settlement at an early date.
The remarks came after US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday a ceasefire between Israel and Iran was now in place.
Israeli defence minister orders forceful response to Iran’s ‘violation of ceasefire’
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday he has ordered a forceful military response to what he called Iran’s “violation of the ceasefire”, after detecting launches from Iran following the truce’s start.
“In light of Iran’s blatant violation of the ceasefire declared by the president of the United States — through the launch of missiles toward Israel — and in accordance with the Israeli government’s policy to respond forcefully to any breach, I have instructed the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) … to continue high-intensity operations targeting regime assets and terror infrastructure in Tehran,” he said.
Israel says it has detected missile launches from Iran
The Israeli military says it has activated sirens in northern Israel after detecting the launch of missiles from Iran, Al Jazeera reported.
This comes moments after Netanyahu said he has agreed to Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire.
Trump once again lauds ‘Iran-Israel’ ceasefire deal
US President Donald Trump has again taken to Truth Social to laud the ceasefire deal he claimed he brokered between Israel and Iran, even as the deadly missile attacks continue on Israel territory.
“We couldn’t have made today’s ‘deal’ without the talent and courage of our great B-2 pilots, and all of those associated with that operation,” he said, referring to the US bombers used in the attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
“In a certain and very ironic way, that perfect ‘hit,’ late in the evening, brought everyone together, and the deal was made!!!” he added.
Araghchi says no ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire between Israel and Iran
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that there was no “agreement” on any ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Reuters reports.
But he added that if Israel stopped its “illegal aggression” against the Iranian people no later than 4am (5:30am PKT) today, Iran had no intention of continuing its response afterwards.
“The final decision on the cessation of our military operations will be made later,” Araghchi added in a post on X.
Death toll from latest Iranian strike on Israel rises to 4
The number of people killed from the latest Iranian strike on Israel’s Beersheba has risen to four, Israel’s Channel 14 reported citing a fire and rescue official, Al Jazeera reports.
Linoy Reshef, spokesperson of the fire and rescue agency’s southern district, also told Channel 14’s Ariel Idan that additional people remain trapped in one of the buildings hit by the Iranian strike shortly before a ceasefire between Iran and Israel took effect.
At least eight other people were reported injured, and two of them were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Israeli medics say people may be trapped in damaged buildings
Israel’s ILTV news channel is quoting the chief of the country’s emergency agency, Eli Bin, as saying that there are concerns that some people may have been trapped in three buildings that sustained serious damage in the latest Iranian strikes in Beersheba, Al Jazeera reports.
ILTV said that at least three people were rescued from a safe room on the fourth floor of one of the buildings that sustained a “direct hit”.
Trump announces ceasefire in effect, says ‘please do not violate it’
Trump took to Truth Social to announce that a ceasefire he claimed to have brokered hours earlier is now in effect.
“The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it!” he said.
Netanyahu silent hours after Trump’s claim of a ceasefire
The Israeli prime minister is yet to comment on Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Iran, Al Jazeera reports.
According to The Jerusalem Post, Netanyahu convened a Security Cabinet meeting that lasted into the early hours of Tuesday morning. He also asked ministers to avoid making public statements, it reported.
US Democrats introduce resolution to check Trump’s use of military against Iran
Three Democratic lawmakers from the US House of Representatives have introduced a war powers resolution to check President Donald Trump’s use of military force against Iran after US strikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites over the weekend, Reuters reports.
Trump’s Republican Party holds a majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and it is unlikely any resolution restricting Trump’s actions could pass both chambers.
The joint statement issued late on Monday by Democratic U.S. Representatives Jim Himes, Gregory Meeks and Adam Smith came hours after Trump claimed on social media Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire.
“President Trump must not be allowed to start a war with Iran, or any country, without Congressional approval,” the lawmakers said, adding that Trump ordered the strikes “without meaningful consultation or Congressional authorisation.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson said earlier it was not the time to consider a war powers resolution.
Ceasefire to ‘12-Day War’ agreed between Iran and Israel: Trump
United States President Donald Trump has announced that a ceasefire has been “fully agreed” between Israel and Iran, stating that hostilities in what he terms “The 12-Day War” will cease within 24 hours.
“It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a complete and total ceasefire — in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions — for 12 hours, at which point the war will be considered, ended,” Trump writes on Truth Social.
According to the post, Iran will cease fire first, with Israel ceasing fire 12 hours later.
“Upon the 24th Hour, an official end to the 12-day war will be saluted by the world,” Trump says.
Trump adds that during the ceasefire, both sides will be “peaceful and respectful”.
“On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both countries, Israel and Iran, on having the stamina, courage, and intelligence to end what should be called ‘The 12-Day War’,” Trump writes.
“This is a war that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will.”
British government lifts shelter-in-place warning to citizens in Qatar
The British government has lifted the shelter-in-place warning issued to UK nationals in Qatar, according to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website.
Qatar says response to Iran attack is a ‘sovereign’ issue
Qatar has said that its response to the Iranian attack on the US Al Udeid airbase is a “sovereign” issue, after Iran attacked the base in retaliation for US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Reuters reports.
“There are deep ties between the two states (Iran and Qatar) and the two nations, but the attack undoubtedly calls for a genuine meeting and a clear stance,” foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said in a press conference.
PM Shehbaz speaks with Qatari ambassador, expresses solidarity
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has spoken with Qatari Ambassador Ali Mubarak Ali Essa Al-Khater over the phone, state broadcaster PTV News reports.
The PM expressed “serious concern” over the Iranian missile attacks on a US base in Qatar, expressing solidarity with the Qatari government and people.
“The Prime Minister urged that all efforts must be made to de-escalate tensions and restore peace in the region,” PTV News reports. “The Qatari Ambassador thanked the Prime Minister for immediately reaching out to him after this most unfortunate development as well as for the expression of solidarity with the leadership and people of Qatar at this critical time.”
‘We did not harm anyone, we will not accept aggression’: Iran’s supreme leader
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that Iran is not the aggressor, following missiles launched by Tehran at a US base in Qatar, Reuters reports.
Trump, Netanyahu held direct talks to finalise ceasefire deal: report
US President Donald Trump communicated directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure the ceasefire, according to the Associated Press citing an unnamed senior White House official.
The report said that Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff communicated with Iranians through direct and indirect channels.
Iranian scientist Sedighi Saber assassinated: Press TV
Iranian scientist Sedighi Saber has been assassinated in the latest Israeli strike in northern Tehran, Iran’s Press TV said.
Israeli military says Iran launched missile attack
Israel’s military has said that it has detected the launch of missiles from Iran towards Israeli territory.
It called on the public to take shelter if they receive an alert and said its air defences are “working to intercept the threat”.
Local media have reported that sirens are sounding across northern and central parts of Israel.
Iran fires missiles towards US military bases Qatar
After the US strikes on its soil which targeted three nuclear installations, Iran on Monday launched six missiles toward US bases in Qatar and Iraq.
It was earlier reported that Iran was preparing to fire missiles at the bases.
Iran’s armed forces chief of staff Abdolrahim Mousavi vowed on Monday that the country would take “firm action” in response to US strikes on key nuclear sites.
‘Annunciation of victory’: Iran says missile operation launched against US bases in Iraq, Qatar
Iran’s Tasnim news agency has reported that a missile operation called “Annunciation of victory” has been launched against US bases in Iraq and Qatar, Reuters reports.
UAE continuously assessing situation in region, govt spokesperson says after Qatar shut down airspace
The United Arab Emirates is closely monitoring the ongoing regional developments and is continuously assessing the situation, Reuters reports.
The statement by the spokesperson was in response to a Reuters question over any closure of airspace in the UAE after Qatar shut down its airspace amid the ongoing regional crisis.
UAE airspace closed, radio traffic, air traffic control show
UAE airspace has been closed based on flight paths and air traffic control radio transmissions, Reuters reports citing flight-tracking service Flightradar.
Air defence systems at US base in Iraq activated: reports
The air defence system at the US’s Ain Al-Asad airbase in Iraq has been activated “for fear of a potential attack”, military sources have told Reuters.
Iran launches six missiles toward US bases in Qatar: Axios
Axios, citing an Israeli official, has reported that Iran has launched six missiles toward US bases in Qatar, Reuters reports.
Explosions heard over Qatari capital Doha: witnesses
Explosions have been heard over the Qatari capital Doha, a Reuters witness reports.
Axios had earlier reported that Iran was preparing to fire missiles at the bases.
US closely monitoring threats to Al Udeid air base in Qatar
The White House and the defence department are closely monitoring potential threats to Al Udeid air base in Qatar, an American facility, a senior White House official said on Monday.
“The White House and the department of defence are aware of, and closely monitoring, potential threats to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar,” the official said.
Several explosions heard over Qatar capital Doha, Reuters witness says
Sounds of several explosions were heard over Qatari capital Doha, a Reuters witness said on Monday, following Tehran’s threats to retaliate against the US’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Israel Strikes Iranian Government Sites, Tehran Prison Amid Escalation
Israel hit Iranian government targets in Tehran on Monday in a series of strikes that followed a salvo of missiles and drones fired by Iran at Israel in the wake of the Trump administration’s massive strikes on Iranian nuclear sites the day before.
The Israeli military also confirmed it struck roads around Iran’s Fordo enrichment facility to obstruct access to the site. The underground site was one of those hit in Sunday’s attack by the United States on three nuclear facilities. The Israeli military did not elaborate.
In Tehran attacks, Israel’s Defense Ministry said it hit targets that included the notorious Evin Prison in the Iranian capital and the security headquarters of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guards.
“The Iranian dictator will be punished with full force for attacking the Israeli home front,” the Ministry said.
Moscow condemns US-Israel strikes on Tehran
The Russian president on Monday condemned the US-Israel strikes on Tehran as he hosted Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow. Furthermore, he said they are trying to help the Iranian people.
“This … unprovoked aggression against Iran has no basis whatsoever and no justification whatsoever.”
Israel asks Tehran civilians to keep distance from weapons factories, military bases
The Israeli military issued on Monday an evacuation warning to residents of Tehran, telling them to stay away from weapons production centers and military bases, according to a post by the Israeli military on X in Farsi and in Arabic.
Moscow says Tehran has right to self-defence, bilateral partnership is ‘unbreakable’
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Monday that Iran has the full right to self-defence and called the strategic partnership between Moscow and Tehran “unbreakable”, state news agencies reported.
UN mission says Israeli strikes in Iran likely violated int’l law
A fact-finding mission mandated by the United Nations said that some of Israel’s strikes on Iran may have broken international humanitarian law, citing the killing of civilians in an apartment block and three aid workers in the capital Tehran.
“Among those killed in Tehran were dozens of residents of an apartment complex and three humanitarian workers from the Iranian Red Cross, while damaged sites included a clinic for children with autism and a hospital in Kermanshah,” the investigative body said in a statement to journalists.
“This, and the reported lack of effective advance warning by Israel, which may affect the population’s ability to reach safety, raise serious concerns in relation to the principles of proportionality, distinction, and precaution under international humanitarian law.”
Iranian forces vow to ‘firm action against the American mistake’
Iran’s armed forces chief of staff Abdolrahim Mousavi vowed on Monday that the country would take “firm action” in response to US strikes on key nuclear sites.
“This crime and desecration will not go unanswered,” said Mousavi in a video statement published on state TV, adding that “we will take firm action against the American mistake”.
European national nabbed in Iran on suspicion of spying for Israel
Iranian authorities arrested on Monday a European national on suspicion of spying for Israel, state TV reported, as fighting raged between the foes for the 11th day.
State television cited judicial authorities as saying that a spy for Israel was arrested in the western province of Hamadan, adding that the “spy is a citizen of a European country”, without elaborating.
“The spy entered the country disguised as a tourist and continued the mission of networking, gathering information, and disrupting offensive and missile systems in Iran,” it added.
China, India, among Asian countries most vulnerable to Strait of Hormuz blockade
Around 84% of oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz is destined for Asia, leaving the economies of China, India, South Korea and others vulnerable should Iran blockade the crucial trading route over US strikes on its nuclear sites.
Around 14.2 million barrels of crude oil and 5.9 million barrels of other petroleum products pass through the strait per day — representing around 20% of global production in the first quarter, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).
And crude oil from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and Iran almost exclusively passes through the corridor.
Mortar hits US base in Syria: report
A mortar attack was carried out on a US base in Syria’s Hasakah province, Iran’s Mehr news agency claimed on Monday.
An American military base in Syria has been attacked, the report cited sources, adding that strict security measures were taken at the main entrance following the attack.
‘Absolutely unprovoked aggression,’ Putin on US strikes on Iran
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin told Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi there was no justification for the U.S. bombing of his country and that Moscow was trying to help the Iranian people.
“The absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran has no basis and no justification,” Putin told Araqchi in televised comments.
“For our part, we are making efforts to assist the Iranian people,” he added.
“I am very glad that you are in Moscow today, this will give us the opportunity to discuss all these pressing issues and think together about how we could get out of today’s situation,” President Putin remarked.
Judiciary chief of Iran promises response to US attacks
On Monday, Iran’s Judiciary Chief accused the US President of deceit and warmongering, promising that America’s aggression toward Iran would not go unchallenged, reported Iran International.
“The US President revealed his wicked nature and proved to the whole world that he is deceitful; he spoke of peace but started a war,” the Judiciary Chief said.
Iran’s Khamenei asks Putin to do more after US strikes
Iran’s supreme leader sent his foreign minister to Moscow on Monday to ask President Vladimir Putin for more help from Russia after the biggest US military action against the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution over the weekend.
US President Donald Trump and Israel have publicly speculated about killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and about regime change, a step Russia fears could sink the Middle East into the abyss.
While Putin has condemned the Israeli strikes, he has yet to comment on the US attacks on Iranian nuclear sitesthough he last week called for calm and offered Moscow’s services as a mediator over the nuclear programme.
A senior source told Reuters that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was due to deliver a letter from Khamenei to Putin, seeking the latter’s support.
‘Potential to drag us all into World War Three’: Bilawal on Israel’s ever-expanding battle
While raising alarm over the volatile situation in the Middle East amid the Iran-Israel war, former foreign minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has warned that Tel Aviv’s expansionist regime and its ongoing war carry the potential to drag the entire world into World War III.
“First, they came for the Palestinians, but the world did not speak out because they weren’t Palestinian. Then they came for the Lebanese, but we did not speak out because we were not Lebanese. And then they came for the Yemenis, but we did not speak out because we’re not from Yemen,” Bilawal said while speaking during a National Assembly session on Monday.
Sirens sound across Israel amid escalating missile fire with Iran
The Israeli military says sirens sounded in several areas across Israel following the identification of missiles launched from Iran.
The military also says the public is instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice.
Israel says missile attack launched by Iran
The Israeli military reports that Iran has fired missiles at Israel and has urged the public to seek shelter immediately upon receiving alerts, reported Al Jazeera.
“Our defense systems are actively working to intercept the threat,” the military stated in a post on X.
Man accused of Israeli espionage hanged in Iran
Iran’s judiciary said it executed on Monday a man found guilty of spying for Israel, as fighting between the two countries entered its 11th day.
“Mohammad-Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh was hanged this morning for intelligence cooperation with the Zionist regime,” the judiciary said, using Iran’s term for Israel.
Shayesteh was alleged to have had ties with Mossad, Israel’s foreign intelligence agency.
He was also convicted of collaborating with Iran International, a Persian-language TV channel based in London that is critical of the Iranian government.
Iran considers the broadcaster to be linked to Israel.
Iranian army commander warns of ‘strong response’ to US strikes
The commander-in-chief of Iran’s army says there will be a “strong response” to United States attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, CNN reported, citing a video clip published by multiple Iranian state-affiliated media outlets.
“Throughout our history we have faced America many times. Anytime they have tried to come for us they have gotten a strong response,” said Major General Amir Hatami.
“We will fight; we will fight for happiness. We have had many martyrs, but we will fight with strength and courage. You should be sure of our strength,” he said.
Hatami, one of Iran’s most senior generals, was appointed to the role less than a week ago, as Iran reshuffled its military leadership to fill positions left vacant after Israel killed several senior figures in its recent attacks.
Putin, Iran’s FM to discuss ‘common challenges and threats’ today
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will hold an important meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow today.
According to Iranian news agency SNN, FM Araqchi will discuss “tackling common challenges and threats” with the Russian president.
Trump says biggest damage to Iran’s nuclear sites occurred deep underground
US President Donald Trump has said that the biggest damage to Iran’s nuclear sites took place for below ground level.
The US on Sunday bombed multiple nuclear facilities in Iran, with President Donald Trump calling the action “a spectacular military success.”
Three Iranian nuclear sites — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — were struck using the US Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bombers.
Americans urged to stay vigilant as US issues global security warning
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the US State Department has released a “worldwide caution” advising Americans overseas to be extra vigilant.
“There is the potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad,” the statement read, adding: “The Department of State advises US citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution.”
Iranian media claims Israeli drone shot down in central region
According to Iran’s IRIB broadcaster, an Israeli Hermes 900 drone has been brought down in central Iran, Al Jazeera reported.
The incident was reported soon after Israel said it had struck multiple Iranian sites, including a missile launcher in Tehran.
The Hermes 900 drone can carry up to 300kg of equipment or munitions.
US has opened Pandora’s box: Russia
Russia’ envoy to the United Nations has called for immediate cessation of aggressive actions by Israel and the United States.
Addressing the UNSC meeting, the Russian ambassador said that the US was clearly not interested in diplomacy. The envoy condemned the “irresponsible, dangerous and provocative” actions by the US against Iran.
“US has opened a Pandora’s box. No one knows what new catastrophes, suffering it will bring,” the ambassador added.
Trump floats Iran regime change, coins ‘MIGA’ in social media post
US President Donald Trump appears to suggest regime change in Iran in a new Truth Social post, stating: “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change???”
He concluds the message with “MIGA!!!” — referencing “Make Iran Great Again,” a twist on his own MAGA campaign phrase.
Antonio Guterres warns of cycle of retaliation after US bombs Iran
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres warned against yet “another cycle of destruction” and retaliation following the US strikes against Iran, which he said marked a “perilous turn” in the region.
“I have repeatedly condemned any military escalation in the Middle East,” the secretary-general told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. “The people of the region cannot endure another cycle of destruction. And yet, we now risk descending into a rathole of retaliation after retaliation.”
US notified Iran of strikes on key nuclear facilities: report
The targeted nuclear sites were evacuated, with “most” of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium kept in secure locations following an advance notice of US attacks, Amwaj reported citing sources.
The report claimed that Washington notified Tehran of the strikes.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a high-ranking Iranian political source confirmed that the Trump administration on June 21 conveyed that it did not seek an all-out confrontation, and only intended to strike the Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz nuclear sites.
US urges China to prevent Iran from closing Strait of Hormuz
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday called on China to encourage Iran to not shut down the Strait of Hormuz after Washington carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Rubio’s comments on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo” show came after Iran’s Press TV reported that the Iranian parliament approved a measure to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of global oil and gas flows.
“I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that, because they heavily depend on the Straits of Hormuz for their oil,” said Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser.
“If they do that, it will be another terrible mistake. It’s economic suicide for them if they do it. And we retain options to deal with that, but other countries should be looking at that as well. It would hurt other countries’ economies a lot worse than ours.”
Rubio said a move to close the strait would be a massive escalation that would merit a response from the US and others.
The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately provide comment.
US orders evacuation of non-essential staff from Lebanon
The US State Department ordered the departure of family members and non-emergency US government personnel from Lebanon citing the volatile security situation in the region, a State Department notice emailed to US citizens in Lebanon showed on Sunday.
OIC to form ministerial contact group to help de-escalate Iran-Israel conflict
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation said it would set up a ministerial contact group to establish regular contact with international and regional parties to support de-escalation efforts and “stop the aggression against Iran”.
In a joint declaration following a meeting of OIC foreign ministers in Istanbul, the 57-member group condemned “the aggression of Israel” against Iran, stressing “the urgent need to stop Israeli attacks and their great concern regarding this dangerous escalation”.
It also urged the international community to take “deterrent measures to stop this aggression and make Israel accountable for crimes committed”.
IAEA chief says underground impact of US strike on Iran’s Fordow nuclear site still unclear
While it is clear that US airstrikes overnight hit Iran’s enrichment site buried into a mountain at Fordow, it is not yet possible to assess the damage done underground there, UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi told CNN on Sunday.
Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency that Grossi leads have not been able to inspect Iran’s nuclear facilities since the first strikes on them by Israel on June 13, and Grossi said he hoped they would be able to return to Fordow and other sites as soon as possible.
US state secretary warns retaliation to be Iran’s ‘worst mistake’
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday warned Iran against retaliating against US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, saying such an action would be “the worst mistake they’ve ever made.”
Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser, made the comments on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo” show.
VP Vance says US prepared in case Iran retaliates
Vice President J D Vance claimed on Sunday that the US has pushed Iran’s nuclear programme back by a very long time and said that it is prepared in case of any retaliation by Iran.
“Trump did not take this action lightly but it gives a chance to reset ties and talks with Iran,” Vance said, speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker.”
He added that the US intelligence motivated the Trump administration to act against Iran. “Its not true that Trump’s actions were beyond his presidential authority,” said Vance.
“Will now work to permanently dismantle Iran’s nuclear program over the coming years.”
Vance clarified the US does not want a regime change in Iran and “have no interest in boots on the ground as Trump has said”.
President Trump now hopes to pursue diplomatic process with Iran: Vance
Vice President J D Vance said on Sunday that the United States had successfully set back Iran’s nuclear weapons program, adding that President Donald Trump now hopes to pursue a diplomatic solution.
“We do not want to protract this or build this out anymore than it’s already been built out. We want to end their nuclear program,” Vance said, speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker.”
“We want to talk to the Iranians about a long-term settlement here,” he added.
Top US general reveals details of ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’
US General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says the attack on Iran was “planned and executed across multiple domains” of the military.
He confirmed B-2 bombers were launched from the United States on Friday for an 18-hour flight to their targets for the “strike package”.
“Operation Midnight Hammer” included several “deception and decoy” manoeuvres. High-speed suppression fire was used to protect the B-2s and Caine said there’s no indication “any shots were fired” by Iranian defences.
“Iran’s fighters did not fly and it appears Iran’s missile systems did not see us,” Caine told a press conference at the Pentagon.
“US troops in the region were given no advanced warning of Iran strikes,” he said.
‘Massive explosion’ heard in Bushehr province, home to nuclear reactor: Iranian media
Iranian media reported that a “massive explosion was heard” on Sunday in Bushehr province, home to Iran’s only nuclear power plant, hours after the US bombed nuclear sites across the country.
Shargh newspaper reported the blast, while the Fars news agency said two locations in the city were attacked by Israel. Iranian news agencies also reported strikes in Yazd province. The UN’s nuclear watchdog warned the day before that striking the Bushehr plant would trigger “a very high release of radioactivity”.
US main factor behind Zionist regime’s hostile actions against Iran, says president
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned US strikes on nuclear sites Sunday, saying in his first response that the attack revealed Washington was “behind” Israel’s military campaign in the Islamic republic.
“This aggression showed that America is the main factor behind the Zionist regime’s hostile actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he said, according to IRNA news agency, adding that the United States acted after seeing Israel’s “obvious inability”.
Iran FM says to meet Russia’s Putin on Monday for talks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that he would travel to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday following the US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“I´m going to Moscow this afternoon” and will hold “serious consultations with the Russian president tomorrow” morning, Araghchi said at a press conference in Istanbul on the sidelines of an OIC summit.
US, Israel crossed ‘very big red line’ with attack: Iranian FM
The US and Israel crossed a major red line in attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday, just hours after a US strike on its nuclear facilities.
“There is no red line that they have not crossed. And the last one, and the most dangerous one, happened only last night. They crossed a very big red line by attacking nuclear facilities,” he said.
Iran says will defend itself ‘by all means necessary’
Iran will defend itself by all means necessary, its foreign minister said on Sunday, following the US strikes against key sites in Iran’s nuclear programme.
“Iran continues to defend Iran’s territory, sovereignty, security and people by all means necessary against not just US military aggression, but also the reckless and unlawful actions of the Israeli regime,” said Iranian diplomatic chief Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul.
Modi says appeals for ‘de-escalation’ in call with Iran president.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed Sunday for “immediate de-escalation” during a call with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, after the United States launched air strikes on the country.
“We discussed in detail about the current situation. Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations. Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability,” Modi wrote on social media platform X.
Kremlin says Putin has no plans to speak to Trump after US strikes on Iran, but call can be arranged
The Kremlin said on Sunday that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin had no plans to speak to US President Donald Trump following US attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites, but added the call could be quickly arranged, state news agency TASS reported.
Any move to target Iran’s supreme leader would prompt ‘unlimited’ response, senior Iranian official says
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that any move to target Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would “shut the door” to any deal or negotiation and would prompt an “unlimited response”.
“For Iran, such an act would be seen as crossing all red lines — and would justify an unlimited and unrestricted response,” the senior official said.
US strikes on Iran risk ‘war with irreversible consequences’: Red Cross chief
The military escalation in the Middle East risks sparking warfare with irreversible consequences, the head of the ICRC said on Sunday, following US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.
“The intensification and spread of major military operations in the Middle East risk engulfing the region — and the world — in a war with irreversible consequences,” Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, said in a statement.
UN chief terms US strike on Iran dangerous escalation
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres branded the US strikes on Iran as a “dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.”
“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” Guterres said in a statement.
“At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos. There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace,” he said.
Iran must make peace or “we will go after” other targets, warns Trump
US President Donald Trump said that Iran must now make peace or “we will go after” other targets in Iran after U.S. strikes that he said “obliterated” Iranian nuclear sites.
“There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days,” Trump said in a nationally televised speech at the White House.
Netanyahu hails Trump for creating ‘pivot of history’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Donald Trump on Sunday after the president said the US military bombed three nuclear sites in Iran.
“Congratulations President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history,” Netanyahu said in a video message, adding that the attacks demonstrated “America has been truly unsurpassed.”
Netanyahu added that Trump had created a “pivot of history” that will “help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace”.
Trump issues ultimatum to Iran after striking three nuclear sites
US President Donald Trump has warned that there will either be peace or tragedy for Iran, adding that the US will go after other targets with precision if no peace.
“There will be either peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days,” Trump said.
“Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight’s was the most difficult of them all, by far, and perhaps the most legal, but if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed, and skill.”
Trump calls Iran strikes ‘spectacular military success’
The US president has said the strikes objective was to stop Iran’s “nuclear enrichment capacity and put a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror”.
“Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success,” he said.
Israel army raises country alert level
Israel has raised its alert level, permitting only essential activities until further notice, the military announced on Sunday after US strikes on Iran.
“It was decided to shift all areas of the country from Partial and Limited Activity to Essential Activity,” including “a prohibition on educational activities, gatherings, and workplaces, except for essential sectors”, the Israeli military statement said.
Trump says Iran will be attacked again if it does not stop
In a brief interview to Reuters, US President Donald Trump said that it was an amazing success tonight.
He said: “They should stop immediate. Otherwise they will get hit again.”
Six bunker buster, 30 Tomahawk missiles used in US strike on Iranian nuclear sites: Fox News
According to Fox News, the United States launched six bunker buster and 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles in a series of coordinated strikes on multiple Iranian nuclear sites.
Enemy airstrikes target Fordow nuclear site, confirms Iran
Part of the Fordow nuclear site has come under attack, Al Jazeera reported, citing Iranian Tasnim news agency.
“Hours ago, after Qom’s air defenses were activated and hostile targets were identified, part of the Fordow nuclear site was attacked by enemy airstrikes,” Morteza Heydari, a spokesman for the Qom Provincial Crisis Management Headquarters, was quoted as saying.
Attacked nuclear sites free of harmful substances: Iranian official
An Iranian official said that “there are no materials in these three nuclear sites that cause radiation”, Al Jazeera reported, citing IRNA news agency.
The news agency quoted an official with the country’s public broadcaster.
The comment suggests that Iranian authorities may have removed enriched uranium from the facilities before they were bombed.
Houthis warn US naval forces in Red Sea against striking Iran
Yemen’s Houthis threatened on Saturday to attack US vessels in the Red Sea in spite of a recent truce should Washington get involved in Israel’s campaign against Iran.
“If the US gets involved in an attack and aggression against Iran with the Israeli enemy, the armed forces [Houthis] will target its ships and warships in the Red Sea,” the group’s military spokesman Yahya Saree said in a video statement.
UNRWA to open office in Ankara, calls for greater support: Erdogan
The United Nations’ Palestinian refugee agency [UNRWA] will open an office in Ankara, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday, urging Muslim countries to give the agency more support after Israel banned it.
Addressing foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation [OIC] in Istanbul, Erdogan said opening an Ankara UNRWA office would deepen Turkey’s support for the agency.
Qatar condemns Israeli aggression against Iran
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has met Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Istanbul.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed reiterated Qatar’s “strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli aggression against Iranian territory”, deeming it a “violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security” and a breach of international law, according to a statement by the Qatari Foreign Ministry.
Resuming Iran-US talks only way to solve nuclear dispute: Erdogan
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday told Iran’s foreign minister that resuming Iranian-US talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme was the only way to achieve a solution to their dispute and the conflict with Israel, the Turkish Presidency said.
Erdogan said Turkey was ready to play a facilitator role to help resume the nuclear talks, adding “steps should be taken as soon as possible to open up diplomacy via technical and leaders-level talks between Iran and the US,” his office added.
Local media reports multiple ‘powerful’ blasts in southwest Iran
Several “powerful explosions” were heard on Saturday afternoon in southwestern Iran’s Ahvaz, the daily Shargh reported, on the ninth day of hostilities between the Islamic republic and Israel.
Ahvaz is the capital of Khuzestan province, which is situated on the Iraqi border and is Iran’s main oil-producing region.
Israeli military claims attack on military infrastructure in southwest Iran
Israel’s military said on Saturday it was conducting strikes on “military infrastructure” in Iran’s southwest, on the ninth day of the war sparked by Israel’s attack on the Islamic republic.
“Fighter jets are currently striking military infrastructure in southwestern Iran,” the military said in a statement.
UN says Iran-Israel war must not trigger refugee crisis
The United Nations said on Saturday the Iran-Israel war must not be allowed to trigger another refugee crisis in the Middle East, saying once people fled there was no quick way back.
UNHCR, the UN’s refugee agency, said the intensity of the attacks between the two sides was already triggering population movements in both countries.
“This region has already endured more than its share of war, loss and displacement. We cannot allow another refugee crisis to take root,” said Filippo Grandi, the UN high commissioner for refugees.
“The time to de-escalate is right now. Once people are forced to flee, there’s no quick way back — and all too often, the consequences last for generations.”
GCC raises alarm about safety of nuclear facilities amid Israel-Iran conflict
Gulf Cooperation Council ambassadors have expressed concerns to UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi about the safety of nuclear facilities close to their countries amid the Israeli-Iranian crisis, Qatar state news agency reported on Saturday.
Arab League denounces Israeli attacks on Iran, calls for de-escalation
Following an emergency meeting in Istanbul on Friday, the Arab League released a statement on Saturday denouncing Israel’s airstrikes against Iran and demanding an immediate end to military escalation, reported Iran International.
Foreign ministers pushed for a resumption to negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and called for international action to stop further deterioration. The statement warned that the Israeli strikes pose a threat to regional peace and security and called them a “blatant violation” of Iranian sovereignty.
At least 430 people killed, 3,500 injured in Iran since start of Israel conflict
At least 430 people were killed and 3,500 were wounded in Iran since the start of the Israeli-Iranian conflict on June 13, Iranian state-run Nour News reported on Saturday, citing the country’s health ministry.
Iranian nuclear scientist, wife killed in Israeli attack: Mehr news agency
Iran’s semi official news agency Mehr on Saturday reported that a nuclear scientist Isar Tabatabai-Qamsheh and his wife have been killed in an Israeli attack.
Turkish FM tells OIC Israel carrying region to total disaster with attacks on Iran
Turkish foreign minister tells counterparts from Muslim countries that Israel carrying region to total disaster with attacks on Iran.
Iranian FM says Tehran will never completely shut down uranium enrichment
In an interview to a US TV channel, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday said Iran will never completely abandon uranium enrichment.
Showing lack of trust on America, he said the Trump administration must demonstrate its commitment to reaching an agreement within two weeks. He also said US Special Envoy to Middle East Steve Witkoff was a gentleman but he could not keep his promises.
Araghchi suspected that the US might have used talks as cover for Israeli attacks.
To a query, he said attacking Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei would be the greatest crime, however they would not be able to do it.
Israeli officials claim to have delayed Iran’s alleged nuclear programme
Israel has asserted that its ongoing military campaign has pushed back Iran’s presumed nuclear programme by at least two years, a claim that intensifies the regional crisis already heightened by US President Donald Trump’s warning that Tehran has a “maximum” of two weeks to avert potential American airstrikes.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, in an interview published Saturday, said: “According to the assessment we hear, we already delayed for at least two or three years the possibility for them to have a nuclear bomb.”
He affirmed that Israel’s week-long onslaught would persist, telling German newspaper Bild, “We will do everything that we can do there in order to remove this threat.”
The Israeli air force reported launching fresh airstrikes against missile storage and launch sites in central Iran on Saturday. These strikes are part of a sustained wave of attacks that Israel claims are designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons – an ambition Tehran consistently denies.
Israeli forces attack ‘Hezbollah site’ in south Lebanon
Israel’s military said on Saturday its navy hit a Hezbollah “infrastructure site” near the southern Lebanese city of Naqoura, a day after Israel’s foreign minister warned the Lebanese armed group against entering the Iran-Israel war.
“Overnight, an Israeli Navy vessel struck a Hezbollah ‘Radwan Force’ terrorist infrastructure site in the area of Naqoura in southern Lebanon”, the military said in a statement.
The military said the site was used by Hezbollah “to advance terror attacks against Israeli civilians”.
In a separate statement on Saturday, the military said it had “struck and eliminated” a Hezbollah militant in south Lebanon the previous day, despite an ongoing ceasefire between both sides.
In a statement carried by the official National News Agency, Lebanon’s health ministry said late on Friday that one person was killed in a “strike carried out by an Israeli enemy drone on a motorcycle” in the same south Lebanon village.
‘Israel attacked Iran using similar pretexts to US invasion of Iraq’
Iran’s government spokeswoman, Fatemeh Mohajerani, stated that Israel attacked Iran under false pretenses, comparing the act to the US invasion of Iraq.
“Iran has repeatedly said that if the problem is the global issue of nuclear weapons … we have said again and again that we have no intention of pursuing them,” she told Al Jazeera.
“Everyone knows that this path has been tried repeatedly over recent decades. Wasn’t Iraq invaded under similar pretexts? And after all these years, did they ever find chemical weapons?”
Moreover, Mohajerani framed Iran’s response to Israel’s aggression as one of “lawful defence”.
“Over the past 200 years, Iran has not initiated any war. We have no interest in starting one and deliberately avoid it,” she said.
Iran vows ‘proportional response’ to future escalations
Despite persistent attacks on its territory, Iran’s government spokeswoman Fatemeh Moha’Jerani affirmed Tehran’s commitment to dialogue as Iranian representatives reached Geneva for diplomatic discussions.
“We believe in listening to the other side. That’s why our diplomats are present in Geneva, to hear the other side out,” Moha’Jerani told Al Jazeera.
However, Moha’Jerani emphasised that any diplomatic efforts must be predicated on global recognition of what she described as Israel’s “genuinely aggressive” attack on Iran.
“What truly matters now is that the world must first acknowledge that a genuinely aggressive regime attacked Iran, targeting our military commanders, children, women, scientists, and ordinary citizens in the middle of the night,” she stated.
Moha’Jerani also issued a stern warning to Western powers, including the US, against further provocation and advised against addressing the Iranian populace with “the language of threats.”
“If they make a mistake we will undoubtedly defend ourselves, and we will carry out whatever is rightfully ours,” Moha’Jerani asserted. “We hope the United States avoids making such a mistake, but should tensions rise our responses will certainly escalate in proportion.”
Iran’s IRGC release details of latest ‘combined’ attack on Israel
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released a statement outlining the details of its latest coordinated missile offensive targeting Israel, according to a report published by Iranian state-linked outlet Tasnim News.
According to the statement, the attack was the 18th against Israeli targets and was focused on military sites and operational support centres in central Israel, including Ben Gurion international airport.
The attack involved Iran’s domestically designed Shahed-136 drones, which “continuously carried out missions in the skies” over the occupied territory, as well as solid- and liquid-fuelled Iranian missiles.
“The most advanced defence systems were unable to intercept them,” the IRGC said.
“Combined drone, missile operations will continue continuously and purposefully,” the IRGC said in the statement.
Teenager killed in Israeli attack on residential building in Qom
A 16-year-old was killed and two others injured after an Israeli aircraft struck a residential building in the Iranian city of Qom, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported.
The injured individuals were transferred to a nearby hospital, according to local sources.
US lawmakers to get classified briefing on Iran situation: report
Members of the US House of Representatives are scheduled to receive a classified briefing on the escalating situation in Iran on Tuesday, CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.
The briefing is in addition to the classified briefing that members of the US Senate will receive next week.
Israeli military says responding to incoming missiles from Iran
The Israeli military has said that alerts were activated across the country “following the detection of missiles launched from Iran”, Al Jazeera reported, citing a statement.
“At this time, the Air Force is working to intercept and strike wherever necessary to eliminate the threat,” it said.
Reuters news agency has reported that explosions can be heard over Tel Aviv.
Israel launches new wave of strikes on Iranian missile infrastructure
Israeli military has said that it has launched a new wave of attacks against missile storage and launch infrastructure in Iran.
Iran protests show ‘nation’s courage’, says Ayatollah Khamenei
Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a post on X, hailed Friday’s protests in Iran, saying they “demonstrated the strength of their rationality and spirituality, along with our dear nation’s courage”.
At UN: Beijing slams Israeli attacks, demands halt to escalation
Fu Cong, speaking at the UN Security Council earlier, said that Israel should “cease fire as soon as possible” to prevent the situation from escalating.
Cong said Israel’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities set a “dangerous precedent” that could have “catastrophic consequences”.
Iranian forces intercept Israeli UAVs in Tabriz
Iran said that it activated its air defenses over Tabriz at about 10pm local time on Friday night and intercepted Israeli drones there, according to semi-official news agency Mehr.
Israeli minister claims strikes have set back Iran’s nuclear bomb plans by 2–3 years
Israel estimates its strikes on Iran have delayed Tehran’s potential to develop a nuclear weapon by “at least two or three years”, Israel’s foreign minister said.
Israel’s offensive has produced “very significant” results, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told German newspaper Bild, saying: “We already delayed for at least two or three years the possibility for them to have a nuclear bomb.”
Only halt to Israeli attacks can ‘open diplomacy’, Iran tells EU officials
Iran’s IRNA news agency is reporting that Iranian and European officials have taken a break in their talks in Geneva “for internal consultations by the European parties”.
IRNA said the Iranian delegation to the talks emphasised “that only a halt to aggression can open the path to diplomacy”.
“The first round of talks was held with a respectful and serious approach, encompassing the perspectives of all parties involved,” IRNA’s report said.
Israeli army chief warns of ‘prolonged’ war with Iran
Israeli’s military chief Eyal Zamir said on Friday that his country should be “ready for a prolonged campaign” against Iran, as the longtime foes exchanged fire for the eighth day.
“We have embarked on the most complex campaign in our history to remove a threat of such magnitude, against such an enemy. We must be ready for a prolonged campaign,” Zamir said in a video statement to Israelis, adding that “the campaign is not over. Although we have made significant achievements, difficult days still lie ahead.”
European diplomats seek ‘diplomatic solution’ to resolve Iran-Israel conflict
Top European diplomats opened talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abas Araghchi in Geneva, saying they wanted to offer a “diplomatic solution” to the war, now on its eighth day.
The foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany, and the European Union’s top diplomat have urged de-escalation, with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy saying the next two weeks are “a window… to achieve a diplomatic solution”.
Israel hits missile launchers in new Iran attacks: army
The Israeli military said it carried out a fresh wave of attacks on Iran on Friday, targeting missile launchers in the southwest of the country.
“A short while ago, the Israeli Air Force struck surface-to-air missile batteries in southwestern Iran,” it said in a statement.
Other attacks on Friday targeted the capital Tehran, the central city of Isfahan and western areas of the country, military statements said.
Pakistan condemns ‘blatant’ Israeli attacks on Iran
Pakistan has strongly condemned unjustified and illegitimate aggression by Israel against Iran, reiterating solidarity with the people of Iran.
“We unequivocally denounce the blatant attacks and military strikes carried out by Israel which constitute a grave danger and serious threat to the peace, security to the entire region and beyond,” said Pakistan Ambassador Asim Iftikhar at UN Security Council emergency session.
Strikes on Iran’s Bushehr plant would create nuclear disaster: IAEA chief
The head of the UN atomic watchdog warned on Friday that an Israeli strike on Iran’s southern nuclear plant of Bushehr could trigger a regional disaster, adding that radiation had not yet been detected in the conflict.
“Countries of the region have reached out directly to me over the past few hours to express their concerns, and I want to make it absolutely and completely clear — in case of an attack on the Bushehr nuclear power plant, a direct hit would result in a very high release of radioactivity,” Rafael Grossi told the UN Security Council.
Araqchi says Iran determined to defend its territorial integrity with all force
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi addressed the UN Human Rights Council on Friday saying Israel’s attack was a betrayal of diplomacy.
“We were supposed to meet Americans on June 15 to craft a very promising agreement on our nuclear programme,” says Iranian FM.
Furthermore, he told the UN council that Israel’s attack on nuclear facilities in Iran were grave war crimes.
He further added his country was determined to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty with all force.
Tehran state media reports Iran fires new missile salvo at Israel
Iran fired a fresh salvo of missiles at Israel on Friday, state television reported, on the eighth day of the war between the two foes.
A news anchor described “images in the sky over the occupied territories [Israel] of Iranian missiles arriving”, as the channel broadcast the footage with military music playing in the background.
Iran likely to be discussed at NATO summit, German government spokesperson says
Iran will likely be a topic of discussion at next week’s NATO summit, a German government spokesperson said during a news conference on Friday.
“We do not comment on allies’ possible attack plans,” the spokesperson said, referring to US President Donald Trump saying he would decide within two weeks whether his country would join Israeli strikes.
Europe offering Iran ‘diplomatic solution’ out of conflict, says Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday said France and other European powers would make an offer to Iran of a diplomatic solution to end the escalating conflict with Israel.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot will later Friday meet Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Geneva “to make a complete diplomatic and technical offer for negotiations,” Macron told reporters, adding that France and allies Germany and the UK were “putting a diplomatic solution on the table”.
Bushehr nuclear plant operating normally, says Russian official
The head of Russia’s nuclear energy corporation, Alexei Likhachev, said on Friday that Russian specialists were still working at the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran and that the situation there was normal and under control.
Likhachev said he hoped Russia’s warnings to Israel not to attack the site had been received by the Israeli leadership.
Russia, which has close ties with Iran, has warned strongly against US military intervention on the side of Israel.
Brigadier General Khademi appointed to lead IRGC’s intelligence wing
Brigadier General Majid Khademi has been officially appointed as the new chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organisation, by IRGC Commander-in-Chief Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour, according to Iranian media.
Khademi previously served as the head of the IRGC’s Protection and Intelligence Organisation.
Dozens of targets, including Iran’s nuclear weapons research centre hit: Israel’s military
Israel’s military said on Friday it struck dozens of targets in Tehran overnight, including what it called a centre for the “research and development of Iran’s nuclear weapons project,” in the eighth day of war between the two foes.
In a statement, the army said it had “completed a series of strikes in the heart of Tehran: dozens of targets were struck, including military missile production sites and the SPND (Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research) headquarters for research and development of Iran’s nuclear weapons project.”
According to the Israeli military the SPND headquarters “is used for research and development of advanced technologies and weapons supporting the Iranian regime’s military capabilities.”
The army said that during the night on Thursday more than 60 fighter jets struck dozens of military targets.
“Among the targets were sites producing missile components and facilities manufacturing raw materials used in casting missile engines,” it added.
The military also said it intercepted overnight four UAVs launched from Iran.
In a separate statement, the army said on Friday it had hit “three ready-to-launch missile launchers aimed at Israeli territory”.
Israeli minister says Israel has ‘lost patience’
Israeli defence minister has warned Hezbollah to “be careful and understand that Israel has lost patience with terrorists”.
“Hezbollah secretary general is not learning a lesson from his predecessors and threatening to act against Israel in accordance with Iranian dictator’s orders,” the minister wrote on X.
Cyber Support Front ‘destroys’ Israeli internal communication system
In a multidimensional cyberattack, the Israeli regime’s internal communication system was disrupted by an anti-Zionist organisation called ‘Cyber Support Front’, Tasneem News Agency reported.
Details of the operation were revealed in a statement posted by the cyber group on its Telegram channel on Thursday.
“In this multi-dimensional operation, the backbone of the communication network tied to the criminal Zionist army was shattered,” said the group.
It said during this attack, after gaining control, all internal communication infrastructure linked to the “occupying regime” was “destroyed”.
Hezbollah chief affirms support for Iran against Israel, US
“Iran has the right to defend itself, and the peoples of the region and the free people of the world have the right to stand with the great leader and with Iran in one trench.” Hezbollah leader Sheikh Qassem said in a statement on Thursday, Iran international reported.
“We in Hezbollah and the Islamic Resistance are not neutral between Iran’s legitimate rights and independence and the falsehood of America and its aggression, and with it the cancerous tumor of Israel and the arrogant powers.”
Iran-backed Hezbollah has stayed out of the clash between its patron Iran and nemesis Israel after a conflict with the Jewish State last year left the group battered and its charismatic leader Hassan Nasrallah dead.
Loud explosion heard near Microsoft building in Israel
Following Iran’s launching a salvo of missiles towards southern Israel, a loud blast was heard near a Microsoft office in Beersheba.
“Buildings were damaged in the new Iranian missile attack but no casualties reported yet,” Israel Hayom newspaper reported.
Iran denies Israeli false claim of targeting hospital
The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Mission to the United Nations has vehemently denied what it calls the “Zionist regime’s false claim” regarding the targeting of a hospital, Iran’s Mehr news agency reported.
In a statement, the Iranian mission asserted that its self-defence measures are “precise and fully in line with international law,” clarifying that they “only target facilities that have directly participated in or supported the Zionist regime’s illegal aggression.”
The mission further emphasised Iran’s commitment to international humanitarian law (IHL), stating that “unlike the Israeli extremists, Iran is committed to and adheres to international humanitarian law (IHL) and does not target civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
Russia would react ‘negatively’ if Iran’s supreme leader is killed, warns Kremlin
The Kremlin has issued a stern warning against any attempts at regime change in Iran or the assassination of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling such actions “unacceptable” and a potential trigger for global instability.
In a rare interview with Sky News, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia would react “very negatively” to the killing of the Iranian leader, emphasising that such an event would “open Pandora’s box.”
Peskov’s comments come as United States President Donald Trump announced he would decide within two weeks whether the US would join Israel’s military campaign against Tehran, following earlier social media speculation about assassinating the Iranian leader.
“The situation is extremely tense and is dangerous not only for the region but globally,” Peskov told Sky News at the Constantine Palace in Saint Petersburg.
“An enlargement of the composition of the participants of the conflict is potentially even more dangerous. It will lead only to another circle of confrontation and escalation of tension in the region.”
Iran strike in Beersheba injures five Israelis
An Iranian missile strike directly hit the southern Israeli city of Beersheba, according to local media reports. The Beersheba municipality confirmed the impact was not from missile fragments but a direct hit, with the Israeli military acknowledging the missile was not intercepted.
Al Jazeera reported citing emergency services that five people were lightly injured in the attack.
Magen David Adom paramedics described seeing thick smoke, burning cars, and significant damage to buildings, with emergency points set up to treat the wounded and assess residents evacuating the area.
Iran deal still possible, but window for peace Is narrow, says British FM
Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Thursday after talks at the White House with Secretary of State Marco Rubio that there is still time to reach a diplomatic solution with Iran over its nuclear program, to avert a wider conflict.
“The situation in the Middle East remains perilous. We are determined that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon,” Lammy said in a statement released by the UK embassy in Washington.
“We discussed how Iran must make a deal to avoid a deepening conflict. A window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution,” Lammy said of his talks with Rubio and US special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Israeli intelligence headquarters hit in 4th wave of missile attack
Iranian forces have launched fresh missile strikes on Israeli targets on Friday, according to state media.
Footage released by Iranian outlets reportedly shows the fourteenth wave of attacks against military positions in Israel.
Iranian media claim that the command and intelligence headquarters of the Israeli army was among the sites targeted.
The Unit 8200, Israel’s elite military intelligence division, sustained significant damage, according to the Iranian media.
UK’s foreign secretary joins European leaders for urgent nuclear talks
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy will travel to Geneva on Friday for talks with his French and German counterparts, as well as EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Iran’s foreign minister, to push for a diplomatic resolution over Iran’s nuclear programme, its foreign ministry said on Thursday.
The meeting comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and follows Lammy’s visit to Washington, where he met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
“A window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution,” Lammy said in the foreign ministry statement.
Israeli strikes kill 639, wound over 1,300 in Iran
Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 639 people and wounded 1,329 others, Al Jazeera reported, citing a report from the Washington-based human rights group, Human Rights Activists.
Grenade explosion rocks Norwegian diplomat’s residence
A grenade was thrown at the residence of the Norwegian ambassador to Israel on Thursday evening in Tel Aviv, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said, causing no injury.
“I spoke a short time ago with the Norwegian ambassador to Israel, Per Egil Selvaag, in whose yard a grenade was thrown this evening,” Saar said on X.
“I strongly condemn this serious and dangerous crime,” he added. The Israeli Foreign Ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
In Oslo, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry said an explosion occurred at the residence.
“No staff with the embassy was injured during the incident,” it said in an emailed statement, which did not say what caused the explosion.
Israeli police said in a statement “light property damage was sustained” and that it had opened an investigation.
Iran names new IRGC intelligence chief after deadly Israeli strike
Iran appointed a new chief of intelligence at its Revolutionary Guards on Thursday, the official Irna news agency said, after his predecessor was killed in an Israeli strike last week.
Major General Mohammad Pakpour, the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), appointed Brigadier General Majid Khadami as the new head of its intelligence division, Irna said.
He replaces Mohammed Kazemi, who was killed on Sunday alongside two other Revolutionary Guards officers — Hassan Mohaghegh and Mohsen Bagheri — in an Israeli strike.
Pakpour had himself been recently appointed after Israel killed his predecessor Hossein Salami in a strike on June 13.
“During the years that our martyred commanders Kazemi and Mohaqeq led the IRGC Intelligence, we witnessed significant growth in all aspects of intelligence within the IRGC,” said Pakpour.
Without US, Israel wouldn’t last single day, says Iranian speaker
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has said that Iran’s armed forces swiftly gained control during the recent conflict with the Israeli regime.
In an interview, he said, “From east to west, north to south – we struck targets wherever we willed across the occupied territories. Contrary to the enemy’s assumptions, our armed forces rapidly dominated the battlefield.”
Criticising the role of the United States and President Donald Trump in regional tensions, Qalibaf said, “We have exercised restraint against regional escalation thus far.”
“The delusional US president should know he cannot impose peace upon us through coercive war and threats.”
“The Zionist regime wouldn’t last a single day against our offensive operations without American support,” he said.
Drone from Iran shot down near Haifa: Israeli army
The Israeli military has said that the drone was intercepted in the Haifa area in northern Israel, Al Jazeera reported.
Australia halts Tehran diplomatic activities
Australia has suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran due to the deteriorating security environment in Iran and has directed the departure of all Australian officials, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Friday.
Australia’s ambassador to Iran will remain in the region to support the government’s response to the crisis, Wong said.
“We are continuing planning to support Australians seeking to depart Iran, and we remain in close contact with other partner countries,” Wong said in a statement.
Grand Ayatollah Sistani, warns Iran-Israel war has repercussions for whole region
Iraq’s top Shiite Muslim cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani warned against targeting Iran´s leadership and said that the Iran-Israel war could plunge the whole region into chaos.
Sistani said in a statement on Thursday that any targeting of Iran’s “supreme religious and political leadership” would have “dire consequences on the region”.
He warned that such action against the Shiite-led Islamic republic could spark “widespread chaos that would exacerbate the suffering of its (the region’s) people and severely harm everyone’s interests”.
Sistani urged the international community to “make every effort to end this unjust war and find a peaceful solution” to concerns about Iran´s nuclear programme.
Turkey increases border security as Iran-Israel conflict rages
Turkey has stepped up security on its border with Iran since the start of Tehran’s conflict with Israel, but has not yet seen any increase in people trying to cross the frontier, a Turkish Defence Ministry source said on Thursday.
Turkey — a NATO member which shares a 560-km (350-mile) border with Iran — has condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran, saying they violate international law.
It has also offered to help arrange a resumption of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States.
“Intense security precautions have been taken via additional measures at all our borders including with Iran,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
There were no signs of “a mass immigration wave toward Turkey,” the source added.
Trump makes cryptic statement about attack plans for Iran
US President Donald Trump reacted to a Wall Street Journal report claiming he privately approved attack plans for Iran but delayed a final go-ahead in hopes Iran would abandon its nuclear programme.
Taking to the social media platform — Truth Social, Trump said: “The Wall Street Journal has No Idea what my thoughts are concerning Iran!”
As of yesterday, Trump said he was still unsure about authorising a strike, Al Jazeera reported.
“We’ll see what happens. I’ve been asked about it by everybody, but I haven’t made a decision,” he told reporters.
Israel seeking American help ‘sign of weakness’: Iran’s supreme leader
“The very fact that the Zionist regime’s American friends have entered the scene and are saying such things is a sign of that regime’s weakness and inability”, Iran’s supreme leader posted on X.
Israeli PM pledges to ‘remove’ Iran nuclear threat
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Thursday to “remove” the nuclear and ballistic missile threat posed by Iran, on the seventh day of war between the arch foes.
“We are committed to destroying the nuclear threat, the threat of a nuclear annihilation against Israel,” Netanyahu told reporters in the southern city of Beersheba, where a hospital was hit during an Iranian missile attack.
“Our goal is twofold — nuclear, ballistic missile. We’re going to remove them. We are in the process of completing the [removal of] this threat.”
Moscow warns US against ‘military intervention’ in Iran-Israel war citing ‘unpredictable consequences’
Russia’s foreign ministry on Thursday warned the United States not to take military action against Iran, amid speculation over whether Washington will enter the war alongside Israel.
“We would like to particularly warn Washington against military intervention in the situation, which would be an extremely dangerous step with truly unpredictable negative consequences,” the ministry’s spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters.
Successfully conducted 14th wave of attacks on Israeli targets, says IRGC
The Iranian Armed Forces have successfully carried out the 14th wave of powerful combined attacks on strategic Israeli targets in the occupied territories, the IRNA reported citing an announcement made by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Thursday.
Iranian official warns US not to get involved in Israel-Iran conflict
Iran’s deputy foreign minister warned against any direct US involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran, saying Iran had “all the necessary options on the table”, in comments reported by Iranian state media on Thursday.
“If the US wants to actively intervene in support of Israel, Iran will have no other option but to use its tools to teach aggressors a lesson and defend itself … our military decision-makers have all necessary options on the table,” said Kazem Gharibabadi, according to state media.
“Our recommendation to the US is to at least stand by if they do not wish to stop Israel’s aggression,” he said.
Israel attacked Khondab research reactor in ‘renewed violation of international law’
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation announced today that Israel has attacked the Khondab research reactor and heavy water complex, labelling it a “renewed violation of international law”, IRNA reported.
The AEOI stated that it had repeatedly informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog, about Israel’s threats and attacks on its nuclear facilities, but no action has been taken by the agency.
Despite the attack, the AEOI confirmed that there were “no casualties and no risk to the area’s residents due to prearrangements.”
Iran-Israel war could plunge region into chaos, warns Iraq’s top cleric
Iraq’s top cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani warned against targeting Iran’s leadership, and said that the Iran-Israel war could plunge the whole region into chaos.
Any targeting of Iran’s top leadership might spark “widespread chaos that would exacerbate the suffering of its people and severely harm everyone’s interests.”
Nuclear sites in Iran’s Natanz, Arak targeted overnight: Israeli military
The Israeli military said on Thursday it had targeted the nuclear reactor in the area of Arak in Iran overnight and what it called a nuclear weapons development site in the area of Natanz.
Rescuers in Israel say at least 32 injured after Iran missile strikes
Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service said Thursday that at least 32 people were injured following Iran’s latest missile strikes, which an Israeli military official said involved “dozens of ballistic missiles”.
In a statement, an MDA spokesperson said that medics were “providing medical treatment and evacuating to hospitals two people in serious condition… as well as 30 people in mild condition with blast and shrapnel injuries”.
It added that additional MDA teams were treating “several injured individuals at multiple scenes.”
Violent explosions in Israeli areas as Iran launches fresh wave of missiles
Violent, sustained explosions have been heard in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Thursday morning, as sirens sounded in several parts of the country and the Israeli army warned of incoming Iranian missiles.
The Israeli military confirmed incoming Iranian missiles and warned citizens to seek shelter, marking a significant escalation in the week-long conflict.
According to the AFP and Reuters journalists, the explosions heard in Jerusalem around 7:10am (0410 GMT) were the biggest since the conflict with Iran began one week ago.
Iran’s Fars news agency reported a “new wave of missiles shot toward Israel.”
Israeli media outlets are confirming at least four impact sites within Israel following the Iranian missile attack.
According to an Israeli military official, several Iranian missiles struck civilian population centres, including a hospital in southern Israel, after dozens of projectiles were launched at the country.
EU leaders seek nuclear talks with Iran amid rising regional tensions
Top diplomats from France, Germany, and Britain are scheduled to hold a crucial meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Geneva on Friday, Al Jazeera reported.
The talks aim to address concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme and seek assurances that its development remains strictly for peaceful purposes, with no intention of creating nuclear weapons.
The meeting comes amidst heightened tensions and is reportedly being coordinated with the United States, which, despite having no direct presence at the table, is said to be playing an indirect role in the discussions.
This could potentially open a channel for President Trump to pursue a new agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear activities, a topic he has expressed keenness to discuss, even floating the unconfirmed possibility of Iranian representatives visiting the White House.
The European foreign ministers are seeking assurances from Iran that its nuclear development will remain a peaceful one and that there is no intent to create a nuclear weapon.
Israeli attacks on Iran kill at least 639
At least 639 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on Iran as the conflict enters its seventh day, said the Washington-based group Human Rights Activists.
The group said it had identified 263 civilians and 154 security force personnel among the total number of those killed so far in Israel’s attacks, Al Jazeera reported.
Israel launches new wave of attacks on Iran: military
The Israeli military has announced that it is carrying out a new wave of attacks on Iran, Al Jazeera reported.
Strikes have been reported in the capital, Tehran, while explosions have also been heard near the city of Karaj, west of Tehran, according to a reporter on the ground with Lebanese news outlet Al Mayadeen.
The correspondent added that Iranian air defences are currently intercepting Israeli targets in the skies over Karaj and its outskirts.
US mulls military response against Iran in coming days: Bloomberg
Senior US officials are preparing for the possibility of a strike on Iran in the coming days, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The report, citing the people, noted that the situation is still evolving and could change. Some of the people, according to Bloomberg, pointed to potential plans for a weekend strike.
Israel launches airstrikes on Tehran and other areas: military
The Israeli military has said that it is currently conducting a series of strikes in Tehran and additional areas in Iran.
UN chief reiterates call for immediate de-escalation between Israel, Iran
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday he remains “profoundly alarmed” by the ongoing military escalation between Israel and Iran, as the sides continued to trade airstrikes.
“I reiterate my call for immediate de-escalation leading to a ceasefire,” Guterres said in a statement in which he strongly appealed against any further internationalization of the conflict.
“Any additional military interventions could have enormous consequences, not only for those involved but for the whole region and for international peace and security at large,” he warned.
He condemned “the tragic and unnecessary loss of lives and injuries to civilians and damage to homes and critical civilian infrastructure.”
Iran arrests 18 alleged spies accused of building drones for Israel
Iran arrests 18 ‘enemy agents’ who were building drones in the northeastern city of Mashhad for Israeli attacks, reported Iranian news agencies.
China to launch evacuation process for citizens in Israel on Friday
China’s embassy in Israel will assist Chinese citizens who want to evacuate to leave in batches beginning on Friday, the embassy said in a notice on Thursday.
The evacuation operation will bring Chinese nationals to the Taba Border Crossing into Egypt via bus, about 360 km (224 miles) from Tel Aviv.
“The Israel-Iran conflict continues to intensify, with increasing casualties, the possibility of further deterioration cannot be ruled out,” the embassy warned.
Iran slams Israeli actions, reiterates adherence to diplomatic channels
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday his country has remained committed to “diplomacy” but will continue to act in “self-defence” following Israel’s surprise attack nearly a week ago.
Israel asks citizens to take cover as Iran fires more missiles
The Israeli military has called on people to go to shelters as defence systems work to intercept the missiles, Al Jazeera reported, citing a statement.
A short while ago, Iran’s Fars news agency reported that bunker-busting drones were used to target Israel.
Iran signals willingness to meet Trump for ceasefire talks: NYT report
Iran would accept US President Donald Trump’s offer to meet soon, the New York Times reported on Wednesday, citing a senior Iranian official.
The newspaper, citing the official, added that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would accept such a meeting to discuss a cease-fire with Israel.
Trump, who has indicated he wants talks to focus on the Iranian nuclear program, said on Monday that he might send US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President JD Vance to meet Iranian officials.
rump approves strike plans, holds off pending nuclear decision
US President Donald Trump told senior aides that he approved attack plans for Iran but has withheld a final order to see if Tehran would abandon its nuclear program, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing three people familiar with the deliberations.
Putin calls for diplomatic solution to end Israel-Iran war
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that all sides should look for ways to end the fighting between Israel and Iran, and that Moscow had conveyed its ideas on how to achieve peace to the powers involved.
Asked by Reuters if he agreed with Israel’s statements about possible regime change in Iran, Putin told senior news agency editors that Iranian society was consolidating around the Islamic Republic’s leadership.
Khamenei rejects Trump’s surrender demand, warns US of dire consequences
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said his country will not accept US President Donald Trump’s call for an unconditional surrender in a statement read by a television presenter.
“This nation will never surrender to imposition from anyone,” said Khamenei. “America should know that any military intervention will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage.”
In his first remarks since Friday, when he delivered a speech broadcast on state media after Israel began bombarding Iran, Khamenei said peace or war could not be imposed on the Islamic Republic.
“Intelligent people who know Iran, the Iranian nation, and its history will never speak to this nation in threatening language because the Iranian nation will not surrender,” he said.
“The Americans should know that any US military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage,” he added.
UK pulls diplomats’ families from Israel amid ongoing hostilities
The family members of British diplomatic staff in Israel have been “temporarily withdrawn” as Iran and Israel continue to exchange fire, Britain’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday.
Relatives of staff working at the UK embassy in Tel Aviv and consulate in Jerusalem were “temporarily withdrawn as a precautionary measure”, the Foreign Office said, adding that staff at the mission remain.
Germany encourages Iran to come to negotiations
Germany’s foreign minister appealed to Iran’s leaders to make credible assurances that it is not seeking a nuclear weapon and to show it is willing to find a negotiated solution as fears mount of further military escalation between Iran and Israel.
“We are still ready to negotiate a solution. However, Iran must act urgently … it is never too late to come to the negotiating table if one comes with sincere intentions,” Johann Wadephul said at a news conference with his Jordanian counterpart on Wednesday.
Iran defending itself against Israeli attacks natural, legitimate, says Erdogan
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Iran was defending itself against Israel’s illegal, “crazed” attacks, and what he called “state terrorism”, and added Iran’s self-defence was natural, legal and legitimate.
Speaking to members of his ruling AK Party in parliament, Erdogan also said Israel had attacked Turkiye’s neighbour Iran without waiting for an end to nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran, adding Ankara wanted to see issues resolved through diplomacy.
He said Turkey was ready to contribute to a solution.
He also said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had surpassed Adolf Hitler in committing crimes of genocide in Gaza.
US military assistance to Israel can radically destabilise situation, says Russia
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned on Wednesday that direct US military assistance to Israel could radically destabilise the situation in the Middle East.
In separate comments, the head of Russia’s SVR foreign intelligence service, Sergei Naryshkin, was quoted as saying that the situation between Iran and Israel was now critical.
Ryabkov warned the US against direct military assistance to Israel or even considering such “speculative options,” according to Russia’s Interfax news agency.
“This would be a step that would radically destabilise the entire situation,” it cited him as saying.
Israeli military says it hit Iranian missile infrastructures, military operatives
The Israeli military said on Wednesday that 50 Israeli fighter jets struck about 20 targets in Tehran overnight, and that it had intercepted a total of 10 drone attacks launched from Iran.
“As part of the broad effort to disrupt Iran´s nuclear weapons development programme, a centrifuge production facility in Tehran was targeted,” the Israeli military said.
No missile struck Tel Aviv overnight, despite Iran’s claims that its attacks were “repeatedly shaking the shelters”, though AFP photos show Israel’s air defence systems activated to intercept missiles over the commercial hub.
Israel’s attacks have hit nuclear and military facilities around Iran, as well as residential areas. Residential areas in Israel have also been hit, and foreign governments have scrambled to evacuate their citizens from both countries.
PM Shehbaz reiterates call for peaceful resolution to Iran-Israel conflict
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed grave concern over the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel during a federal cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
He unequivocally condemned what he described as Israel’s “open aggression” against Iran and called upon the international community to play a decisive role in achieving an immediate ceasefire.
Meanwhile, during a Senate meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stressed that a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict is “essential” for regional stability.
Dar reiterated Pakistan’s consistent stance as a proponent of peace, stating that the nation has “always talked about peace.”
Pakistan has previously reaffirmed its solidarity with Iran and called for global action to halt Israeli military operations, while also engaging with other Muslim-majority nations and international bodies like the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to foster peace and de-escalation.
Trump demands Iran’s unconditional surrender
President Donald Trump said the United States would not kill Iran’s supreme leader “for now” and appeared to demand Tehran’s surrender, as US ally Israel traded fire with its arch foe for a fifth day on Tuesday.
The comments marked a dramatic escalation in Trump’s rhetoric against Iran and its leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, fuelling questions as to whether Washington would join Israel’s attacks after insisting it had no hand in the campaign.Israeli warplanes targeted drone and missile sites with at least two waves of strikes in western Iran on Tuesday, the military said.
It also said it had killed senior Iranian commander Ali Shadmani in an overnight strike on a “command centre in the heart of Tehran”, just four days after his predecessor, Gholam Ali Rashid, was killed in Israel’s initial surprise attack.
The attacks drew retaliatory fire from the Islamic republic, with explosions heard over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and air raid sirens sounding around Dimona, a southern town home to a nuclear power plant. There were no immediate reports of hits.
Americans against military action in Iran-Israel crisis
According to a YouGov survey, 60% of Americans believe the US should stay out of the Israel-Iran conflict, Al Jazeera reported.
Support for military involvement stands at just 16%, with 24% undecided.
Among Democrats, 65% oppose action, compared to 53% of Republicans and 61% of independents.
The poll also reveals that 50% of Americans view Iran as a US enemy, and 25% consider it unfriendly.
The findings reflect widespread public reluctance to engage in another Middle East war, even as political and military leaders weigh options amid escalating regional hostilities.
IRGC claims Iran now controls skies over Israel, warns of more attacks
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared “complete control” over Israel’s skies after its Fatah missiles reportedly broke through Israel’s defence systems.
In a statement, the IRGC said the strikes sent a strong signal of Iran’s power and left Israeli territory defenceless.
Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv, with a parking lot set ablaze.
However, due to Israeli censorship, the scale of impact remains uncertain.
The statement comes as US President Trump also claimed dominance over Iranian airspace and called for Tehran’s surrender.
Tensions between Iran and Israel remain at a peak following days of escalating military confrontation.
US embassy in Jerusalem to remain closed till Friday: State Dept
The US Embassy in Jerusalem will remain closed from Wednesday through Friday (June 20) amid escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, announced the State Department.
Trump meets advisers to discuss potential strike on Iran
Amid mounting hostilities between Israel and Iran, President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a possible American strike on Iranian targets, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The president met with senior advisers in the White House Situation Room to explore a spectrum of military and diplomatic responses.
While no course of action has been finalised, the option of a direct US military intervention is actively under review.
Fresh Iranian missile barrage targets Israel
The Israeli military confirmed on Tuesday it had detected fresh missile launches from Iran, as regional hostilities intensified.
“Defence systems are working to intercept the threat,” the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said in a statement.
This marks the latest in a series of Iranian strikes within 24 hours, following Tehran’s pledge of sustained retaliation.
Sirens have sounded in several areas, and residents have been urged to seek shelter.
Iran arrests ‘terrorist team’ linked to Israel, says state media
Iranian security forces on Tuesday arrested a “terrorist team” linked to Israel with explosives in a town southwest of the capital Tehran, Iranian state media reported.
Iran’s IRGC claims attacks on Israeli airbases
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed Tuesday that its latest missile and drone attacks were aimed at Israeli airbases allegedly used to strike Iran.
“We targeted the airbases from which the Zionist entity launched attacks,” the statement said, warning of continued retaliation.
Iran’s IRNA reported this marks the tenth wave of such strikes, launched from various Iranian regions.
Iran preparing for possible strikes on US bases, say officials
Iran is all set for possible strikes on US bases in the Middle East if Washington joins Tel Aviv’s war against Tehran, said US officials, citing intelligence reports.
The US has sent about three dozen refuelling aircraft to Europe that could be used to assist fighter jets protecting American bases or to extend the range of bombers involved in any possible strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, according to a New York Times report.
Iranian general says ‘undetectable’ missile used in strike on Mossad site
Iran used a new “undetectable” missile for the first time in a strike targeting an Israeli intelligence facility, Brigadier General Reza Talaei-Nik, spokesperson for the Iranian Defense Ministry, revealed.
According to an Iranian news agency, the attack successfully penetrated Israel’s layered air defence systems supported by the “United States” (US).
“We deployed missiles that can’t be tracked or intercepted,” said the Iranian general.
Yemen’s Houthis pledge support for Iran in fight against Israel
Yemen’s Houthi movement has signalled its readiness to back Iran militarily against Israel, with senior leader Mohammed al-Bukhaiti stating, “We will intervene to support Tehran as we supported Gaza.”
The group has already launched repeated drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, framing the campaign as resistance to Israeli aggression.
Trump’s meeting with NSC concludes
US President Donald Trump’s meeting with National Security Council in the Situation Room has concluded, said a White House official.
The meeting lasted an hour and 20 minutes.
Israel’s defence system at risk of collapse without US resupply
Israel’s missile interception capabilities could be exhausted within 10 to 20 days unless the US provides additional interceptors, The Washington Post reported, quoting an anonymous source.
“The system is already overwhelmed,” the source warned, adding that Israeli defence forces may soon be forced to choose which incoming threats to counter due to dwindling resources.
China’s Xi urges de-escalation of Israel-Iran conflict
China’s President Xi Jinping on Tuesday urged a de-escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict “as soon as possible”, according to Chinese state media.
“All parties should work to de-escalate the conflict as soon as possible and prevent further escalation of tensions”, he said during a meeting with the Uzbek president in Kazakhstan, Xinhua reported.
Israel has Iran’s military leadership on the run: military official
Israel struck dozens of targets linked to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes overnight and has got Iran’s military leadership “on the run”, an Israeli military official said on Tuesday.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the Israeli airforce had not targeted Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear facility, but said that still might happen.
He added that Israel was taking precautions to avoid triggering a nuclear disaster.
The official said Iran has so far launched around 400 ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel, targeting both civilian and military sites.
Two loud explosions heard in Iran capital
Two loud explosions were heard from central and north Tehran on Tuesday, AFP correspondents reported, as the Iranian capital came under Israeli bombardment for a fifth straight day.
There was no immediate word on the cause or precise whereabouts of the twin blasts, which came after the Israeli military struck state television headquarters on Monday, causing significant damage and killing at least three people, the broadcaster said.
Israel’s defence minister warns Khamenei could face Saddam’s fate
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has suggested that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei could face a similar fate to that of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, who was overthrown and executed following the 2003 US-led invasion, Al Jazeera reported.
“I warn the Iranian dictator against continuing to commit war crimes and launching missiles at Israeli civilians,” Katz was quoted as saying by local media as Iranian officials reported that dozens of Iranian civilians have been killed since Israel initiated attacks on the country last Friday.
“He [Khamenei] would do well to remember the fate of the dictator in the country neighbouring Iran who chose this same path against the state of Israel,” Katz added.
“We will continue today as well to act against regime and military targets in Tehran,” Katz added, repeating Israeli threats for residents to leave Tehran.
Iran Guards say they struck centre of Mossad in Tel Aviv
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they struck a centre of Mossad, Israel’s foreign intelligence service, in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, amid an escalating air war between the two foes.
In a statement aired on state television, the Guards said they “struck the military intelligence centre of the Zionist regime’s army, Aman, and the Zionist regime’s terrorist operations planning centre, the Mossad, in Tel Aviv”, adding it was “currently on fire”.
State-owned bank hit by cyberattack in Iran: local media
A cyberattack on Tuesday crippled Sepah Bank, one of Iran’s main state-owned banks, a news agency reported, amid an escalating air war between the Islamic republic and its arch-enemy Israel.
“A cyberattack targeted the infrastructure of Sepah Bank, causing disruptions to the institution’s online services,” said the Fars news agency, adding the issue was expected to be resolved within the next few hours.
Iran recalls all doctors, nurses from their time-off: state media
Iran has recalled all doctors and nurses from their time-off, the country’s state media reported on Tuesday, as both Tehran and Tel Aviv exchange missile strikes.
Iran used drones to destroy strategic targets in Israel: military official
Iran said it destroyed strategic targets in Israel overnight using drones, as intense strikes between the arch-foes raged for a fifth day on Tuesday.
“Various types of destructive drones, equipped with precise destruction and targeting capabilities, destroyed strategic positions of the Zionist regime in Tel Aviv and Haifa,” General Kioumars Heidari, commander of the army’s ground forces, was quoted as saying by state television.
Trump still aiming for deal with Iran: Pentagon chief
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News that President Donald Trump was still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran even as hostilities have escalated between US ally Israel and Tehran, while a White House aide said separately that Washington was not attacking Iran.
“Of course,” Hegseth said on Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Primetime” show when asked if Trump was still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran.
“We are postured defensively in the region to be strong in pursuit of a peace deal. And we certainly hope that’s what happens here,” Hegseth said.
“We’re vigilant, we’re prepared, and we have messaged … consistently from the beginning that we’re in the region to defend our people and our assets,” said Hegseth.
White House aide Alex Pfeiffer took to social media platform X to deny online claims that the US was attacking Iran.
“This is not true. American forces are maintaining their defensive posture, and that has not changed,” Pfeiffer said.
Europeans urge Iran to resume nuclear talks
European foreign ministers told their Iranian counterpart in a call to return to nuclear negotiations with the US and refrain from escalating conflict with Israel, to which Iran’s foreign minister said Tehran’s priority was to confront Israel for now, according to a French diplomatic source.
“The ministers urged Iran to return to the negotiating table as quickly as possible, without preconditions,” the source said, calling on Iran to avoid any headlong rush against Western interests.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was quoted by state media saying that he had recalled Iran’s seriousness in diplomacy and emphasised that, “Iran has never left the negotiating table, but that (Tehran’s) focus at this stage is, of course, to effectively… confront aggression.”
Israel scrambles air defences as missiles launched from Iran
The Israeli military has reported detecting multiple missiles launched from Iran and has activated its air defence systems in response.
Authorities have warned residents to seek shelter as sirens sound in various regions.
“Enter protected spaces immediately and stay there until instructed otherwise,” the Home Front Command said in a nationwide alert.
Macron denounces attacks on civilians, warns against toppling Iran’s leadership
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday condemned attacks on civilians in the escalating Iran-Israel conflict and strongly warned against attempts to force regime change in Iran.
Addressing journalists during the G7 summit, Macron said: “If the United States can achieve a ceasefire, that’s a very good thing,” as news emerged that President Trump would depart the summit early due to the Middle East crisis.
Calling for restraint, Macron appealed to both Israel and Iran to halt strikes on non-combatants and stressed that any plan to overthrow Iran’s leadership would be “a strategic error.”
He added, “All who have thought that by bombing from the outside you can save a country in spite of itself have always been mistaken.”
China urges citizens to evacuate Israel immediately
Chinese embassy in Israel advised Chinese citizens to leave Israel through land border crossing as soon as possible.
Joint statement of 20 countries’ FMs urges diplomacy, rejects Israeli military escalation
Foreign ministers of 20 countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, condemned Israel’s recent military aggression against Iran, APP reported.
The ministers called for urgent de-escalation and a swift return to negotiations for a sustainable nuclear agreement with Iran.
The joint statement highlighted grave concerns over the escalating conflict, warning of potential threats to regional peace.
It urged all states to respect sovereignty and international law, and to avoid targeting nuclear facilities monitored by the IAEA.
The ministers also stressed the need for establishing a Middle East free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.
They reaffirmed the importance of diplomacy, dialogue, and peaceful conflict resolution.
The foreign ministers called on all Middle Eastern nations to join the NPT and refrain from actions that could destabilise maritime security or regional cooperation.
Military means, they warned, would not lead to a lasting solution.
Trump not signing G7 statement on Israel-Iran de-escalation, says US official
A US official said that President Donald Trump would not sign a draft statement from G7 leaders calling for de-escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict.
The draft statement, seen by Reuters, also commits to safeguarding market stability, including energy markets, says Iran must never have a nuclear weapon, and that Israel has the right to defend itself.
Canadian and European diplomats said G7 attendees are continuing discussions on the conflict at the summit in Canada, which ends on Tuesday.
Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran, says Trump
President Donald Trump urged everyone to immediately evacuate Tehran, and reiterated that Iran should have signed a nuclear deal with the United States.
“IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” he said in a post on Truth Social.
Iran says Israeli attack kills rescue workers during operations
Iran’s Mehr news agency has reported that three Iranian Red Crescent workers lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike in Tehran on Monday.
The victims were engaged in rescue efforts when they were hit, as Israeli attacks on Iran’s capital continued into the week.
IAEA BoG members condemn Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear sites
Pakistan and 10 member states of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors condemned the Israel’s military attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
In a joint statement, IAEA BoG members urged immediate action by the United Nations nuclear watchdog and the Security Council to prevent such aggression, Tehran Times reported.
The countries condemned Israel’s aggression against Iran, including its military attacks on nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, calling them a flagrant violation of international law and the UN charter.
This statement was issued by Russia, China, Pakistan, Iraq, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cuba, Indonesia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Iran.
PM Shehbaz expresses Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Monday reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of the recent Israeli aggression against Iran and expressed the nation’s sympathies with Iran over the martyrdom of innocent civilians.
The prime minister met Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam on the occasion of the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
Discussing the current regional situation, the prime minister expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran and its people during this time of heightened tension.
Iran’s state broadcaster in Tehran ‘targeted’ by Israel
Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran’s state broadcaster in northern Tehran after urging citizens to evacuate nearby areas, Iranian media reported.
Iran’s state-run Hamshahri newspaper says several state broadcaster employees have been killed in the Israeli airstrikes which targeted the IRIB news channel.
Iran ready for retaliatory attack to Israel, says Iranian media
The Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared for “very major strike” after Israel’s act of aggression, Iranian media, Fars News, reported on Monday.
Israeli defence minister threatens attack on Iran state TV, radio
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Monday that Iran’s state television and radio were “about to disappear” after an evacuation warning was issued for the district in Tehran where the broadcaster is based.
“The Iranian propaganda and incitement megaphone is about to disappear,” he said in a statement. “Evacuation of nearby residents has begun.”
Iran warns Tel Aviv residents to evacuate
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards called on the residents of Tel Aviv to evacuate as soon as possible, Iranian state media reported on Monday, shortly after Israel issued an evacuation warning for a designated area in Tehran.
US aircraft carrier nimitz heading from asia to the middle east, officials say
The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz was leaving Southeast Asia on Monday after cancelling plans to dock in Vietnam, amid reports it is headed to the Middle East to boost the US presence as Israel and Iran do battle.
A Vietnamese government official confirmed to AFP that a planned reception aboard the USS Nimitz on June 20, as part of the ship’s expected June 19-23 visit to Danang, had been cancelled.
The official shared a letter from the US embassy announcing that the defence department was cancelling the event due to “an emergent operational requirement.”
Iran signals willingness to engage US, Israel in talks to end conflict: WSJ
Iran has been urgently signaling that it seeks an end to hostilities and resumption of talks over its nuclear programs, sending messages to Israel and the United States via Arab intermediaries, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing officials.
Iranian President warns of harsh response if Israeli attacks continue
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that if Israeli attacks persist, the Islamic Republic will respond with much harsher measures, during a phone call with the Sultan of Oman on Monday, according to Iran’s official IRNA news agency.
“If the United States does not restrain the Zionist regime, Iran will be forced to deliver more painful responses,” IRNA quoted Pezeshkian as saying during the call.
“If aggression continues, much harsher responses await them,” he added.
Israeli military issues evacuation warning for area in Tehran
Israel’s military urged residents of a northern district of Tehran to evacuate “immediately”, saying it intended to carry out air strikes there.
“In the coming hours, the [Israeli miliary] will operate in the area, as it has in recent days throughout Tehran, to strike military infrastructure of the Iranian regime”, the military said in a post on X in Persian, indicating a part of Tehran’s District 3 on a map and telling citizens to “evacuate the marked area” for safety.
Iran’s military base ‘targeted’ in fresh Israeli strikes
Israel struck a military base in western Tehran, causing the air defence system to activate, Iran’s Fars news agency reported.
Israeli Air Force established control over skies above Tehran: Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday the Israeli Air Force has established control over the skies above Tehran.
He said Israel is moving toward achieving its two primary goals: neutralizing Iran’s nuclear capabilities and dismantling its missile arsenal.
Netanyahu also said that citizens in Tehran have been urged to evacuate, as Israel continues its military operations.
Israeli military ‘strikes’ trucks carrying missile launchers bound for Tehran
The Israeli military said it carried out airstrikes on several trucks transporting surface-to-air missile launchers and other weapons from western Iran toward Tehran.
The IDF said the strikes were conducted after the vehicles were identified attempting to evade Israeli attacks.
Tehran complains its rights under nuclear NPT are not respected, IRNA reports
Expectations that Iran continues its voluntary commitments to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) are “unjustified” when the country’s rights under the treaty are not respected and its nuclear facilities are freely targeted by a non-member, Iran’s mission to UN in Vienna said on Monday, according to state media.
Putin and Erdogan condemn Israeli actions against Iran in phone call, Kremlin says
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan condemned Israel’s “act of force” against Iran and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities when they spoke by phone on Monday, the Kremlin said.
“Both sides expressed the most serious concern about the ongoing escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict, which has already led to a large number of casualties and is fraught with serious long-term consequences for the entire region,” a Kremlin statement said.
Iran’s ground forces say tens of drones successfully hit targets in Israel: report
Iran’s ground forces commander Heydari says tens of drones successfully hit targets in Israel, IRNA reported.
Additionally, Iranian official said that eight advanced drones, including MQ-9 drone, were shut down in western Iran, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency.
Ready to act as a mediator, says Russia
MOSCOW: Russia remains ready to act as a mediator in the conflict between Israel and Iran, and Moscow’s previous proposal to store Iranian uranium in Russia remains on the table, the Kremlin said in a statement.
“This proposal remains on the table, it remains relevant. But, of course, with the outbreak of hostilities, the situation has become seriously complicated,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
“Russia remains ready to do everything necessary to eliminate the root causes of this crisis,” Peskov said. “But the situation is escalating more than seriously, and, of course, this is not affecting the situation for the better.”
Israeli FM says not seeking regime change in Iran
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has stated that Israel is not seeking regime change in Iran amid ongoing hostilities.
Speaking to CNN, Sa’ar said toppling the Iranian leadership is not among Israel’s military objectives.
“This is for the Iranian people to decide. We do not see the Iranian people as our enemies,” he said, recalling Israel’s pre-1979 relations with Iran.
Sa’ar criticised Iran’s current leadership as “barbaric,” accusing it of inciting violence against both Israel and the US.
Media reports have previously claimed Israel presented a plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei, but it was rejected by former President Trump.
Missile strike sparks fire in central Israel’s Petah Tikva
Israel’s YNet News reports that an Iranian missile has made a direct hit on a building in Petah Tikva, central Israel.
The strike led to a fire, though initial reports indicate there were no casualties.
The situation is being closely monitored by emergency responders.
World must worry about conflicts being generated by Israel, says Khawaja Asif
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the world should be wary and apprehensive about Israel’s nuclear prowess, a country not bound by any international nuclear discipline not signatory to NPT or any other binding arrangement.
Taking to his X handle, the defence minister said: “Pakistan is signatory to all international nuclear disciplines, our nuclear capability is for the benefit of our people and defence of our country against hostile designs of our enemies.”
Casualties reported across Israel after Iranian and Yemeni strikes: Kan
Israel’s public broadcaster Kan has reported casualties in multiple areas following the latest wave of Iranian missile attacks.
The country’s alert system had earlier been triggered by a barrage of incoming strikes.
The military also detected missile launches from Yemen, Kan added, highlighting the expanding scope of the conflict.
Fresh Iranian strikes trigger air raid alerts across Israel
A renewed barrage of Iranian missile fire has set off air raid sirens across parts of Israel, according to the Israeli military.
In a statement posted on X, the IDF said the Air Force is actively intercepting threats.
Iran’s Tasnim News agency has also confirmed the strikes.
The attacks mark another escalation in the ongoing hostilities between the two nations.
Bat Yam death toll climbs to eight after missile strike
Two more bodies have been pulled from the rubble of a residential building in Bat Yam, which was struck by an Iranian missile on Sunday, the Times of Israel reports.This raises the death toll at the site to eight.
Israeli emergency services continue search operations as earlier reports confirmed six fatalities and dozens injured in the initial aftermath of the attack.
Iran deploys air defences after reported attacks on Tehran areas
Iran’s Fars News Agency says the Tehran districts of Narmak and Lavizan were struck amid ongoing regional hostilities.
While no casualties have been reported, air defence systems were deployed to counter the attack.
The incident marks another escalation as tensions between Iran and Israel continue to intensify.
Israeli army targets surface-to-surface missile launchers in Iran
The Israeli military says it has targeted surface-to-surface missile sites inside Iran, as hostilities between the two countries stretch into a fourth consecutive day.
Military spokesperson Nadav Shoshani stated on X that Israel is taking action “against this threat in our skies and in Iranian skies.”
The operation marks the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between the regional rivals, following days of cross-border attacks.
Israeli authorities have not provided further details on the location or impact of the strikes.
Iran, Israel can broker ceasefire, hopes Trump
United States (US) President Donald Trump said that he hopes Israel and Iran can broker a ceasefire but said sometimes countries have to fight it out first.
Talking to reporters as he left for the G7 summit in Canada, Trump said the US will continue to support Israel but declined to say if he asked the US ally to pause strikes on Iran.
Iran vows more ‘devastating’ operations against Israel’s ‘vital targets’
Iran vowed Monday to carry out more “devastating” operations against Israeli targets as Tehran struck its arch-foe with a barrage of missiles.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, in a statement quoted by the official IRNA news agency, warned that “effective, targeted and more devastating operations against the vital targets” in Israel “will continue until its complete destruction”.
IRGC command centres hit in Tehran, says Israel army
Israel’s military said on Monday it struck command centres in Tehran belonging to Iran’s Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The Israeli air force “struck command centres belonging to the Quds Force of the IRGC and the Iranian military, with precise direction from the (Israeli military) Intelligence Directorate,” an army statement said, specifying the targets were located in the Iranian capital.
‘New method’ helped missiles hit Israel’s Tel Aviv, Haifa, says Iran
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the latest attack employed a new method that caused Israel’s multi-layered defence systems to target each other.
“The initiatives and capabilities used in this operation, despite the comprehensive support of the United States and Western powers and the possession of the most up-to-date and newest defence technology, led to the successful and maximum hitting of the missiles on the targets in the occupied territories,” it said.
The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the strikes. Israeli officials have repeatedly said the defence system is not 100% and warned of tough days ahead.
Four killed, 87 wounded in Israel after Iranian strikes
Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency service said Monday that the toll from Iran’s latest missile strikes had risen to four dead and 87 injured, updating a previous figure of three deaths.
Four people were pronounced dead following strikes at four sites in central Israel, the MDA said in a statement, including “two women and two men, all approximately 70 years old. So far, MDA teams have evacuated 87 casualties to hospitals,” it added.
The death toll in Israel from Iraninan attacks has now climbed to 17.
Anaylst says Israel underestimated Iran’s ability to ‘quickly restructure’
Despite recent Israeli strikes that eliminated key military commanders, Iran has demonstrated a surprising ability to regroup and continue its missile attacks on Israel, according to a leading analyst.
This ongoing offensive suggests Israel may have underestimated Tehran’s capacity to reconstitute its command and control.
Trita Parsi, vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, told CNN that Israel likely believed it had “disrupted Iranian command and control” after successfully targeting and killing several top Iranian military leaders. However, Parsi noted, that assumption was “quickly restructured.”
What is now evident, Parsi added, is that “Iranian missiles are successful in penetrating all layers of Israel’s air defence systems,” indicating a persistent and effective Iranian missile capability even in the face of significant leadership losses.
‘No negotiations in state of war,’ Iran informs mediators Qatar, Oman
Israel and Iran launched fresh attacks on Sunday, killing and wounding civilians and raising concerns of a broader regional conflict, with both militaries urging civilians on the opposing side to take precautions against further strikes.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he hoped a meeting of the Group of Seven leaders in Canada on Sunday would reach an agreement to help resolve the conflict and keep it from escalating.
Iran has told mediators Qatar and Oman that it is not open to negotiating a ceasefire with the US while it is under Israeli attack, an official briefed on the communications told Reuters on Sunday.
“Iran will pay a heavy price for the murder of civilians, women and children,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said from a balcony overlooking blown-out apartments where six people were killed in Bat Yam, a town south of Tel Aviv.
Iran’s armed forces told residents of Israel to leave the vicinity of “vital areas” for their safety.
Fresh Iranian strikes kill three in Israel
Fresh Iranian attack has left three people dead in central Israel, whereas, two persons were injured and three others have gone missing in Haifa.
Jerusalem Post and YNet have reported this. Fires were seen earlier at a power plant in Haifa port after Iranian missile salvo, said Israel’s Kan public broadcaster.
Tehran’s Shahran oil depot hit in Israeli strike, says Iran
Israel attacked the Shahran oil depot in Tehran early Sunday, but Iranian authorities have assured that the situation is fully under control.
According to the state-run SHANA news agency, operated by Iran’s oil ministry, the impacted fuel tank did not contain a significant volume of fuel at the time of the attack.
‘The fuel volume in the targeted tank was not high, and the situation is fully under control,’ SHANA reported.
On the other hand, Yemen’s Houthi movement announced on Sunday that it launched ballistic missiles towards central Israel in coordination with Iran, marking the first time the Iran-backed group has publicly declared joint military action with Tehran, Reuters reported.
Israel tells Iranians near military zones to evacuate
Israel issued evacuation warnings on Sunday to residents living near weapons production sites in Tehran, as missile exchanges between Israel and Iran persisted into a third day following Friday’s escalation.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned that the military would target these facilities directly and continue operations aimed at dismantling Iran’s military infrastructure.
“We will strike these sites and continue to strip away the Iranian snake’s skin in Tehran and beyond — focusing on nuclear assets and weapons systems,” Katz said in an official statement.
Israel had earlier issued an evacuation warning to Iranians residing near weapons facilities in Iran, an Israeli military spokesperson said in a post on X in Arabic and Farsi.
Attack on Iran’s supreme leader a possibility: Israeli official
An Israeli official has told The Wall Street Journal that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is “not off limits” as Israel escalates its campaign against Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.
Echoing the sentiment, Israeli Channel 12 quoted an unnamed political source as saying that Israel is not ruling out the possibility of “eliminating Ali Khamenei,” though such a move would depend on several factors.
This comes amid reports of Israeli airstrikes that have killed nine key nuclear scientists and senior IRGC generals in recent days. Israeli officials have hinted that more strikes are imminent, aimed at permanently degrading Iran’s ability to build a nuclear weapon.
Iran claims 10 Israeli aircraft shot down in 1 hour
Iran claims to have downed 10 Israeli aircraft within one hour across various regions of the country, according to Brigadier General Alireza Sabahi-Fard, commander of Iran’s air defence forces.
According to Iranian media reports, Israel launched cruise missile attacks on Tehran, as well as on the cities of Tabriz and Bandar Abbas.
Iranian defence systems reportedly intercepted and targeted the incoming Israeli missiles.
Israeli army warns public: Defence systems have vulnerabilities
Following a renewed wave of Iranian missile attacks, the Israeli military has admitted that its air defence systems are not impenetrable, as at least 15 people were killed and dozens more injured in what officials described as one of the most intense bombardments in recent days.
According to a statement from the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) issued late Saturday night, Iran launched two ballistic missiles, targeting key areas in Haifa and Tel Aviv, resulting in widespread damage and civilian casualties.
British media, including the BBC, reported significant destruction at Haifa port, a strategic facility in northern Israel. Israeli police confirmed that emergency teams were dispatched to the affected areas and were actively assisting the wounded.
Israeli airstrikes hit Iran’s Defense Ministry in Tehran
Israeli airstrikes have reportedly targeted key defense infrastructure in Iran’s capital, including the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Support, as well as the Defense Research and Innovation Organization (Sapand).
According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the strikes occurred late Saturday night in the Nobonyad area of northern Tehran, causing minor structural damage to one of the ministry’s office buildings. No casualties have been reported.
The report claimed Israeli aircraft were behind the attack, marking a rare and bold move to strike deep inside Tehran. In addition to the ministry’s headquarters, the Sapand facility, which is affiliated with Iran’s defense research wing, was also hit in a separate strike in the same vicinity.
Iran, Israel exchange massive strikes as conflict escalates
Israel and Iran launched fresh attacks on each other overnight into Sunday, stoking fears of a wider conflict after Israel expanded its surprise campaign against its main rival with a strike on the world’s biggest gas field.
Tehran called off nuclear talks that Washington had said were the only way to halt Israel’s bombing, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacks were nothing compared with what Iran would see in the coming days.
Israel’s military said more missiles were launched from Iran toward Israel late on Saturday, and that it was working to intercept them. It also said it was attacking military targets in Tehran.
Several projectiles were visible in the night sky over Jerusalem late on Saturday. Air raid sirens did not sound in the city, but were heard in the northern Israeli city of Haifa.
Israel’s ambulance service said three Israelis including a woman in her 20s were killed and 13 injured after a missile struck a house in northern Israel. Emergency responders with flashlights were seen searching the rubble of the home, which was still standing but had a partially collapsed roof. Israeli media said three people were killed in the attack in Tamra, a predominantly Palestinian city.
Iran said the Shahran oil depot in Tehran was targeted in an Israeli attack but that the situation was under control, and that a fire had erupted after an Israeli attack on an oil refinery near the capital. Israeli strikes also targeted Iran’s defense ministry building in Tehran, causing minor damage, Iran’s Tasnim news agency said on Sunday.
US president sends strong message to Iran
While, US ally Israel traded missile fire with Iran in a rapidly escalating conflict in the Middle East, President Donald Trump has indirectly threatened Iran at the US military parade held in Washington DC, celebrating the US army’s 250th anniversary.
In a veiled threat to “anyone” that attacks US interests, Trump sent a warning to Washington’s adversaries of “total and complete” defeat, with the United States increasingly at risk of getting tangled up in Israel’s conflict with Iran.
“Time and again, America’s enemies have learned that if you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you,” Trump said.
Israeli airstrikes kill at least 215, injure 648 others in Iran
Human rights organisation, Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) on Sunday said that since the Israeli operation started on Friday, Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 215 Iranians and injured 648 more.
It further stated that 31 of the injured and 51 of the dead were verified to be military officials, but cautioned that the figures were still preliminary.
Iranian missile attack damages Israeli research institute
An Iranian missile attack damaged prominent research centre The Weizmann Institute for Science in Rehovot south of Tel Aviv on Saturday, the New York Times reported citing imagery it had obtained.
A fire occurred in at least one building containing laboratories, the newspaper added.
Iran condemns IAEA silence over Israeli attacks, ends cooperation
A senior Iranian official has said that his country will “no longer cooperate” with the UN’s nuclear watchdog, while criticising it for its silence over Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
“It makes no sense that these peaceful sites come under attack and that the agency remains silent,” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said, referring to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
“Iran will no longer cooperate with the agency… as it once did,” he said, adding that his government would not inform the IAEA of the “special measures” it intended to take to protect its nuclear materials and equipment.
Five members of Khatib family killed in Tamra missile strike
According to The Times of Israel, five people have now been confirmed dead following an Iranian missile strike in the northern Israeli city of Tamra, near Haifa. The victims were all members of the same family — the Khatibs.
Air raid sirens sound in Tel Aviv after reported missile launch from Yemen
Air raid sirens were activated once again in the city of Tel Aviv after a missile was launched from Yemen, The Times of Israel reports, quoting Israeli military sources.
UK boosts military presence in Middle East amid Israel-Iran tensions
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed the deployment of further military resources to the Middle East, including additional fighter jets, to bolster contingency operations in response to the region’s worsening security climate.
A Downing Street spokesperson said deployment preparations began Friday morning, and that refuelling aircraft have already been dispatched, with more assets to follow.
Sirens and booms heard in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv: AFP journalists
Air raid sirens and booms rang out in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv early Sunday, AFP journalists said, as Israel and Iran exchanged fire for a third day.
Israel’s military wrote in a post on X that millions of Israelis were “running for shelter as sirens sound” in dozens of cities and communities around the country.
Iran announces missile salvo against Israel: state TV
Iran fired a fresh barrage of missiles at Israel, state television announced early Sunday, as the rivals exchanged fire for a third day.
“A new wave of Operation Honest Promise 3 began a few minutes ago,” Iranian state TV reported at around 03:10 am (2340 GMT Saturday), while broadcasting live images of Israel.
Missile fragments hit Tel Aviv area, confirms Israeli police
Israeli police has said that it received reports of rockets and shrapnel falling in community in the Tel Aviv area, causing damage but no injuries.
Sirens activated in several areas following missile launches from Yemen and Iran
The Israeli military has reported the activation of sirens in multiple regions following missile launches from Yemen and Iran, signaling a heightened state of alert.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols.
Iran claims to shoot down third Israeli F-35 jet; pilot captured
Iran has claimed a significant escalation in its ongoing conflict with Israel, announcing on Saturday that its air defense forces shot down another Israeli F-35 stealth fighter jet over the country’s western airspace.
If confirmed, this would mark the first-ever combat downing of a US-made F-35 aircraft.
According to a statement by Iran’s army, the F-35 was hit by a domestic defense system while flying in Iranian airspace. The pilot reportedly ejected and was later taken into custody by Iranian commandos, foreign media outlets said. Iranian state-run Tasnim News Agency earlier stated on Friday that two Israeli jets, including an F-35, had been downed in the past 24 hours.
However, Iran’s military claimed this latest incident brings the total number of F-35s shot down to three since Israeli forces launched a large-scale offensive on Iran, as reported by Tehran Times. Among the previous cases, one pilot was reportedly killed, while another, said to be a female pilot, was captured.
Iran’s air defence systems also neutralised numerous micro aerial vehicles (MAVs), as per initial reports.
The Iranian military has not released further details about the identity or nationality of the captured pilot. However, the statements have heightened tensions at a time when both nations appear to be on the brink of a broader war.
Background to escalation
The aerial confrontation follows devastating Israeli strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities since early Friday morning that killed approximately 100 people, including civilians, senior military officials, and nuclear scientists. Key nuclear and military installations were also reportedly targeted.
In response, Iran launched five waves of ballistic missile attacks, claiming to have destroyed or damaged over 150 Israeli military and intelligence sites across the occupied territories. Additionally, Iran has deployed Kamikaze drones in ongoing attacks and is reportedly preparing further heavier missile rounds, Tehran Times reported.
With claims of multiple F-35 downed making headlines globally, international observers are calling for independent verification, especially as the downing of a fifth-generation stealth jet could have serious implications for global defense dynamics. The Israeli government has also yet to officially confirm the downing of its aircraft or the capture of any personnel.
On the other hand, Iranian media reported on Saturday that three more nuclear scientists have been killed in Israeli airstrikes, raising the total number of Iranian scientists slain in recent days to nine amid escalating hostilities between the two arch-rivals.
According to Iran’s state television and the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the latest victims were identified as Ali Bakhouei Karimi, a mechanical expert; Mansour Asgari, a physicist; and Saeed Borji, a materials engineer. All three were described as key contributors to Iran’s nuclear research and were martyred during what officials called “terrorist attacks by the Zionist regime.”
The reported assassinations come a day after six other Iranian nuclear personnel and three senior military figures were killed in a series of Israeli strikes, making this one of the deadliest attacks targeting Iran’s scientific and defence community in recent years.
Israel kills 3 more Iranian nuclear scientists; death toll rises to 9
Iranian media reported on Saturday that three more nuclear scientists have been killed in Israeli airstrikes, raising the total number of Iranian scientists slain in recent days to nine amid escalating hostilities between the two arch-rivals.
According to Iran’s state television and the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the latest victims were identified as Ali Bakhouei Karimi, a mechanical expert; Mansour Asgari, a physicist; and Saeed Borji, a materials engineer. All three were described as key contributors to Iran’s nuclear research and were martyred during what officials called “terrorist attacks by the Zionist regime.”
The reported assassinations come a day after six other Iranian nuclear personnel and three senior military figures were killed in a series of Israeli strikes, making this one of the deadliest attacks targeting Iran’s scientific and defence community in recent years.
Iranian authorities have condemned the killings as an act of state terrorism, vowing a strong response. “These repeated aggressions show the Zionist regime’s desperation and fear of Iran’s peaceful scientific advancements,” a government spokesperson said.
At least six prominent Iranian nuclear scientists were killed in Friday’s Israeli airstrikes on Tehran, as confirmed by initial Iranian reports. Among those killed were Abdolhamid Minoochehr, Ahmad Reza Zolfaqari, Seyed Amir Hossein Feqhi, Matlabizadeh, Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi, and Fereydoon Abbasi — all affiliated with Iran’s nuclear development program.
Seyed Amir Hossein Feqhi was reportedly serving as deputy head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and was also a faculty member at the Shahid Beheshti University of Tehran. Reports also confirmed that Matlabizadeh was martyred alongside his wife during the pre-dawn airstrikes.
The strikes also claimed the lives of Iran’s top military leadership, including Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces; Major General Hossein Salami, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); and Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, head of the Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters.
Following the incident, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei issued a strongly worded warning, stating that the “Zionist regime” will face dire consequences.
“With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see,” Ayatollah Khamenei said in a statement issued hours after the attack.
Iran arrests 5 Israeli ‘spies’, seizes drone-smuggling vehicle
Iranian authorities have arrested five individuals in the central city of Yazd on suspicion of spying for Israel and allegedly collaborating with its intelligence services, Iranian media reported on Saturday.
According to local news outlets, the suspects were allegedly involved in gathering sensitive information and taking photographs of strategic sites. Authorities claim the individuals were working in coordination with Israeli intelligence.
In addition to the arrests, a vehicle reportedly smuggling Israeli-made drones into the country was also seized during the operation, raising concerns over covert surveillance activities amid growing tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv.
The arrests come at a time of heightened hostilities between Iran and Israel, following Israel’s military offensive against Iranian-linked targets a couple of days ago.
The identities of the detained individuals have not been made public, and no further details have been provided regarding the alleged smuggling operation or potential charges.
Iran is also preparing another major retaliatory attack on Israel, as tensions between the two countries spiral following a deadly escalation earlier this week. Iranian officials have reportedly planned to fire 2,000 missiles at Israel in the next phase.
According to Iranian media, Tehran has formally informed the United States, the United Kingdom, and France about its intention to strike back.
Meanwhile, in response to heightened threats, Israeli police have called up 600 additional reserve officers, as reported by Arab media outlets. This move comes amid fears of retaliation from Iran and its allies in the region.
In another major development, Iran’s Supreme Leader has appointed Brigadier General Seyed Majid Mousavi as the new head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force. The decision follows the reported martyrdom of General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the long-serving commander of the force, who was killed in an Israeli strike just a day earlier.
Israel attacks Iran’s East Azerbaijan province
A fresh wave of Israeli airstrikes has hit several cities across Iran, with at least four strategic targets attacked in the northwestern province of East Azerbaijan, Iranian media reported on Saturday.
Loud explosions were also heard in the cities of Khorramabad and Kermanshah. Iranian officials have yet to confirm the full extent of the damage, but security sources say the strikes were aimed at military and intelligence facilities.
Furthermore, Iran is reportedly preparing another major retaliatory attack on Israel, as tensions between the two countries spiral following a deadly escalation earlier this week. Iranian officials have reportedly planned to fire 2,000 missiles at Israel in the next phase.
According to Iranian media, Tehran has formally informed the United States, the United Kingdom, and France about its intention to strike back.
Meanwhile, in response to heightened threats, Israeli police have called up 600 additional reserve officers, as reported by Arab media outlets. This move comes amid fears of retaliation from Iran and its allies in the region.
In another major development, Iran’s Supreme Leader has appointed Brigadier General Seyed Majid Mousavi as the new head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force. The decision follows the reported martyrdom of General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the long-serving commander of the force, who was killed in an Israeli strike just a day earlier.
Iran suspends all flights nationwide amid Israeli airstrikes
Iran has suspended all domestic and international flights across the country until further notice, authorities announced on Saturday, citing security concerns in the wake of overnight Israeli airstrikes.
According to the Iran Airports and Air Navigation Company, the unprecedented suspension applies to every airport nationwide and was implemented under the direction of the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran.
The decision comes after Israeli forces reportedly carried out overnight strikes, heightening regional tensions and prompting Iranian officials to take precautionary steps to ensure public safety, particularly for air travellers.
“All flight operations are halted across the country until further notice,” aviation authorities said. “Citizens are strongly advised to avoid going to civil airports during this time.”
No official timeline has been given for the resumption of regular air traffic.
The Israeli military has continued its aerial operations inside Iranian territory, with multiple explosions and air defence activity reported in and around Tehran and other key locations, foreign media and Iranian sources confirmed on Saturday.
According to Reuters, several blasts were heard across Tehran as the city’s air defence systems were activated in what appears to be an ongoing attempt to intercept incoming projectiles.
The BBC cited visuals and local reports indicating that a radar facility in the Vardavard district of western Tehran was among the targets. Similar reports suggest additional radar sites in the Abdanan area of southern Iran were also struck.
Iran’s semi-official news agency ISNA reported that rescue services were dispatched to the Hakimiyya district in eastern Tehran following loud explosions. Eyewitnesses said sirens and emergency vehicles were seen in the area late into the night.
Security officials have also confirmed a major explosion in Tehran’s Mehrabad area, in what was described as an attempt to strike the city’s international airport. Though fire and plumes of smoke were captured in videos circulating online, officials denied any damage to the iconic Azadi Tower, which is located near Mehrabad Airport.
Iran confirms loss of two generals in latest Israeli attacks
Iran has confirmed the deaths of two high-ranking military officials in continued Israeli airstrikes targeting key Iranian military and strategic installations, state media reported on Saturday.
According to Iran’s state broadcaster, General Gholamreza Mehrabi, deputy head of intelligence at the armed forces’ general staff, and General Mehdi Rabbani, deputy head of operations, were “martyred” in the latest round of Israeli strikes.
Meanwhile, Iran on Saturday morning launched a fresh barrage of ballistic and hypersonic missiles at Israel in what officials described as the fifth phase of its retaliatory operation dubbed ‘True Promise 3’, further escalating an already volatile conflict between the two archrivals.
According to Iranian media and foreign news agencies, the latest round of missile strikes targeted multiple Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa, where loud explosions were reported by eyewitnesses. Warning sirens were activated across northern parts of occupied Palestine, with residents being instructed to take shelter.
Iran’s state-affiliated Mehr News Agency, citing Israeli outlets, claimed that a 50-storey building in Tel Aviv sustained significant damage, while dozens of missiles and drones evaded Israel’s air defence systems and reached critical infrastructure. Iranian authorities stated that “no part of Israel will be safe” as the retaliatory campaign unfolds.
Muslim nations must confront Israel together, says Khawaja Asif
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday urged Muslim nations to forge unity and confront Israel collectively, warning that failure to act now would result in devastating consequences for the entire Islamic world.
Speaking during a session of the National Assembly chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Mr Asif said the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel had escalated dangerously, with Israel launching strikes on Iranian military installations and killing senior Iranian commanders.
“Israel is not alone in this aggression,” he remarked, adding that Israel has already targeted Yemen, Iran and Palestine. “If the Muslim world does not unite today, everyone’s turn will come,” he cautioned.
The minister stressed that Pakistan shares deep-rooted historical and cultural ties with Iran, calling the neighbouring country “our brother”. He said, “We stand with Iran in every trial. Their pain is our pain, their grief is our grief.”
Mr Asif called on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to immediately convene an emergency meeting and formulate a unified stance against Israeli aggression. He lamented that despite the ongoing massacre of children in Palestine, the Islamic world remained largely silent.
“In contrast, non-Muslims in the West are coming out in protest against Israel’s actions. The conscience of the Western world is awakening, but the Muslim world remains unmoved,” he noted.
The defence minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding policy of non-recognition of Israel, stating that the country has neither established diplomatic ties nor recognised Tel Aviv.
He acknowledged that some individuals of Pakistani origin had visited Israel in recent years, but refrained from commenting on how they travelled or who facilitated their visits.
At a time when Israel faces growing criticism over its actions in Gaza and beyond, Mr Asif said it was imperative for Muslim-majority countries to sever all ties with Tel Aviv and develop a joint strategy to defend Muslim nations.
He criticised Muslim countries maintaining diplomatic or covert relations with Israel, saying: “These relations must be severed. Israel’s hands are stained with the blood of Muslims. We must not be shaking that hand.”
Turning to regional security issues, Mr Asif recalled Pakistan’s military response to the Balakot airstrikes by India in 2019, asserting that “a five-times larger enemy was brought to its knees” by Pakistan’s armed forces and the resolve of its people.
He also blamed India for funding and supporting terrorism in Pakistan, alleging that banned groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were acting as Indian proxies.
“Those who sympathise with such groups are betraying the nation,” he said, adding that any such support must be treated as an act of treason.
Iran’s air defence forces claimed to shot down two Israeli fighter jets and captured a female pilot, following a wave of Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and other regions early Friday, according to semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim.
According to repert, the aircraft, identified as Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II jets, were intercepted during what Iranian authorities have termed a “blatant act of aggression” by Israel.
Iran’s air defense systems also neutralised a large number of micro aerial vehicles (MAVs), as per initial reports.
While the Israeli government has yet to officially confirm the downing of its aircraft or the capture of any personnel, regional analysts believe the incident could mark a dangerous escalation in the ongoing hostilities between the two arch-rivals.
According to Tasnim, the captured pilot of one of the jets is a woman, though further details about her identity or condition remain undisclosed.
In a strongly worded statement, the Islamic Republic vowed a “crushing response” to what it called Israel’s “reckless aggression.” Iranian leadership condemned the attacks, which reportedly targeted several residential areas in the capital Tehran and strategic sites across the country.
The Israeli strikes have resulted in significant casualties, including the reported deaths of several senior Iranian military commanders and at least six nuclear scientists. Among the senior officials killed were Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami, Khatam al-Anbia Central HQ Chief Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, and IRGC Aerospace Force Commander Major General Amir Ali Hajizadeh.
The Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning, stating that Israel had committed a grave error and would face dire consequences. “With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see,” Khamenei said.
The strikes come amid heightened tensions in the region, where a series of retaliatory attacks have followed recent clashes. The latest developments raise fresh concerns about the prospect of a broader conflict involving regional and international powers.
There has been no official response from Tel Aviv on Iran’s claims regarding the warplanes or the captured pilot. However, Israeli media outlets have reported high alert status across the country’s military installations.
Russia offers mediation to defuse Iran-Israel conflict
Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to mediate between Iran and Israel to prevent a full-scale conflict, amid escalating hostilities following Israeli strikes on Iranian territory.
According to international news agency Reuters, President Putin made separate phone calls to his Iranian counterpart Masoud Peshkerian and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging restraint and a return to diplomacy.
In his conversation with President Peshkerian, Putin strongly condemned what he described as “unprovoked” Israeli actions, which he said violated the United Nations Charter. He also expressed condolences over the lives lost during the Israeli attacks on Tehran.
“The Russian Federation condemns Israel’s actions, which run counter to the principles of international law,” the Kremlin quoted Putin as saying.
Meanwhile, in a separate call with Netanyahu, the Russian president underscored the need for diplomatic engagement over Iran’s nuclear programme. He stressed that a political solution was the only viable path forward.
“Resolving issues related to Iran’s nuclear activities is possible only through dialogue and political means,” Putin told the Israeli prime minister, according to a Kremlin readout.
The Russian leader’s intervention comes amid a dangerous uptick in regional tensions that analysts fear could spiral into direct conflict between Tehran and Tel Aviv.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, in an earlier statement, expressed grave concern over the situation, warning that further escalation could derail ongoing international efforts to address Iran’s nuclear file.
“These strikes from Israel were unprovoked and have undermined diplomatic initiatives led by the West to reduce concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme,” Peskov said.
Moscow has positioned itself as a potential broker between the two rivals, maintaining close ties with both Tehran and Tel Aviv, despite their adversarial relations. The Kremlin confirmed that it would remain in contact with both sides in the coming days.
There has been no immediate response from the Israeli or Iranian governments regarding Russia’s mediation offer. However, diplomatic sources have suggested that backchannel communications are already underway in an effort to prevent further escalation.
Iran’s fifth retaliatory missile strike on Israel kills 4, injures over 90
Iran on Saturday launched a fresh barrage of ballistic and hypersonic missiles at Israel in what officials described as the fifth phase of its retaliatory operation dubbed ‘True Promise 3’, further escalating an already volatile conflict between the two archrivals.
According to Iranian media and foreign news agencies, the latest round of missile strikes targeted multiple Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa, where loud explosions were reported by eyewitnesses. Warning sirens were activated across northern parts of occupied Palestine, with residents being instructed to take shelter.
Iran’s state-affiliated Mehr News Agency, citing Israeli outlets, claimed that a 50-storey building in Tel Aviv sustained significant damage, while dozens of missiles and drones evaded Israel’s air defence systems and reached critical infrastructure. Iranian authorities stated that “no part of Israel will be safe” as the retaliatory campaign unfolds.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that its air defences were activated in response to the incoming projectiles, and reiterated instructions for the public to seek shelter. However, reports suggest that several missiles penetrated the Iron Dome and David’s Sling defence layers.
The missile salvos, which began late Thursday night and extended into Friday morning, reportedly left at least four Israelis dead—including one woman—and over 90 others injured, according to AFP and Al Jazeera. Emergency medical services in Israel stated that seven individuals sustained minor injuries in Tel Aviv. Authorities have placed a ban on the filming of destruction caused by the Iranian strikes.
In a separate development, Iran’s state-run Tasnim News Agency claimed that two Israeli warplanes were shot down by Iranian air defence systems, and a female pilot was captured during the operation. These claims could not be independently verified, and the IDF has not issued a comment on the matter.
Friday’s strikes mark the fifth wave of retaliatory fire since Israel launched a pre-dawn attack on Iran on June 13, which reportedly killed several senior Iranian officials. Among those martyred were Major General Mohammad Baqeri, the Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, and Major General Hossein Salami, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with six nuclear scientists. Iranian media said at least 78 civilians, including women and children, were also killed.
The Israeli assault, targeting nuclear and military facilities, was described by Iran as “the largest coordinated strike on Iranian soil in recent history.” The attack has drawn condemnation from Iranian leadership, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declaring that Israel had “sealed its bitter and painful fate” by striking Iranian territory.
Meanwhile, international observers and media outlets including CNN and Reuters have confirmed that hundreds of missiles have now been exchanged between the two countries in recent days, raising concerns over a wider regional conflict.
Israel’s police have stated that while many missiles were intercepted, those that landed caused property damage in residential areas of Tel Aviv and Haifa. “At this stage, four fatalities have been confirmed, and more than 90 people have been injured. Property damage is extensive,” a spokesperson said.
In contrast, Iranian officials say their actions are purely retaliatory, aiming to hold Israel accountable for violating their sovereignty and killing key national figures. The Iranian government maintains that its strikes have been directed at both military and critical infrastructure targets inside Israel.
Despite the escalating hostilities, no official comment has been made by the United States or the United Nations at the time of filing this report. However, analysts warn that the situation risks spiralling into a broader Middle Eastern war unless immediate diplomatic interventions are made.
The Israeli cabinet is reportedly holding emergency meetings, while public events in major cities have been cancelled. On the Iranian side, state television aired footage of military personnel mobilising and defence systems on high alert across key provinces.
Hamas hails Iran’s missile barrage against Israel
A senior Hamas official has praised Iran’s missile strikes against Israel, claiming the assault exposed the weakness of Israel’s much-touted air defence systems, including the Iron Dome and David’s Sling.
In a statement circulated by local Palestinian media on Saturday, Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Risheq said Iran’s operation was a “strong and direct response” to years of Israeli aggression in the region.
“Despite all the hype about the Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defence systems, Iranian missiles reached their targets,” al-Risheq said. “Israel will suffer from a fire it has long ignited among the peoples of the region.”
The remarks came after Iran launched Operation True Promise III, a large-scale retaliatory strike involving hundreds of ballistic missiles aimed at military sites across Israel. The operation was carried out in response to an earlier Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, which reportedly killed several high-ranking Iranian officials.
Al-Risheq described the Iranian response as “legitimate” and warned that Israel would face consequences for its continued actions in occupied territories and beyond.
“Iran’s strong response proves that no arrogance goes unchallenged, and no aggression comes without punishment,” he added.
While Israeli authorities have claimed their missile defence systems intercepted the vast majority of incoming projectiles, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) insists that several strategic targets were successfully hit, breaching the multi-layered air defence shield.
Hamas, which has long aligned itself with Iran in opposition to Israeli policies, has lauded the show of force as a turning point in the regional balance of power.
Tehran says it will target countries defending Israel
Iran has warned that it will target regional military bases of any country that attempts to support Israel amid the ongoing escalation, a senior Iranian official told a US broadcaster on Saturday.
According to a report by CNN, the unnamed Iranian official stated that Tehran “reserves the right – under international law – to respond decisively to this regime,” referring to Israel. He added that “any country that attempts to defend the regime against Iran’s operations will, in turn, see its regional bases and positions become new targets.”
The remarks come in the wake of Iranian retaliation following Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian residential, military, and nuclear sites — attacks which, according to Tehran, resulted in the deaths of senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists.
The official said Iran’s response would be intensified in the coming days, noting that the country views the Israeli actions as “aggression” and a violation of international norms. “Iran will escalate its retaliatory strikes against the Zionist regime,” the official said.
In a statement issued on Friday night, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed it had launched a barrage of ballistic missiles toward Israel under Operation True Promise III. The missile assault was reportedly carried out “in compliance with the directive of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Armed Forces,” and described as a response to the will of the Iranian people.
The IRGC claimed that hundreds of missiles breached Israel’s advanced, multi-layered air defense systems and struck designated targets. The scale and precision of the attack have not been independently verified, but it marks one of the most significant direct confrontations between Iran and Israel in recent memory.
The situation remains highly volatile, with fears growing over the potential for broader regional involvement. Tehran’s latest warning has raised concerns in Gulf capitals and among Western allies with military assets stationed across the Middle East.
China cautions Israel at UN over Iran strikes
China has strongly condemned Israel’s military strikes against Iran, calling them a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and a threat to regional stability, as tensions between the two nations spiral into direct confrontation.
Speaking at an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council on Saturday, China’s Ambassador to the UN, Fu Cong, voiced “deep concern” over the unfolding crisis and warned against further escalation.
“China condemns Israel’s violations of Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity,” Fu said. “We urge Israel to immediately cease all dangerous military actions.”
According to a report by Reuters, the Chinese envoy said that Beijing opposes “inciting contradictions and escalating conflicts,” adding that the current situation could have severe consequences for the broader Middle East.
Fu also expressed serious concern over the potential impact of the conflict on diplomatic negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme, which have remained stalled for months.
Earlier on Friday, Israel launched what it described as the start of a “long operation” aimed at curbing Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons. Iranian authorities responded with retaliatory airstrikes later that night, with loud explosions reported in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
China, which has sought to play a stabilising role in the Middle East in recent years, has issued advisories for its citizens in both Israel and Iran, citing a “complex and serious” security environment. Chinese nationals in Israel have been urged to remain alert and prepare for possible missile or drone attacks.
The rapid escalation has sparked international alarm, with several countries, including members of the UN Security Council, urging restraint and a return to diplomacy.
Beijing has repeatedly emphasised the importance of dialogue in resolving regional conflicts and has played a key role in recent efforts to reduce tensions, including mediating a rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia last year.
UN chief calls for immediate de-escalation between Iran and Israel
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged both Iran and Israel to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation, following a sharp spike in hostilities between the two countries.
In a message posted on social media platform X on Saturday, Guterres expressed deep concern over the latest developments, including Israel’s reported targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities and Tehran’s subsequent missile barrage on Tel Aviv.
“The time has come to stop everything,” the UN chief wrote. “There should be no more tension after Tehran’s missile attacks on Tel Aviv. Peace and diplomacy must prevail.”
His comments come amid growing international alarm after Iran launched a series of ballistic missiles in retaliation to what it described as a direct attack on its nuclear infrastructure by Israeli forces earlier this week. The strike marked one of the most direct confrontations between the two regional adversaries in recent years, raising fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.
The UN secretary-general appealed to both sides to return to dialogue and avoid actions that could lead to “devastating consequences not only for the region but for global peace and security”.
Iran’s above-ground enrichment plant at Natanz destroyed, IAEA chief says
The above-ground pilot enrichment plant at Iran’s Natanz nuclear site has been destroyed, U.N. nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi told the Security Council on Friday.
“At present, the Iranian authorities are informing us of attacks on two other facilities, namely the Fordow fuel enrichment plant and at Isfahan,” the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Grossi told the 15-member council.
“At this moment we do not have enough information beyond indicating that military activity has been taken place around these facilities as well.”
Natanz Nuclear Facility
The Natanz Nuclear Facility, officially known as the Shahid Ahmadi Roshan Nuclear Complex, is one of Iran’s most significant nuclear installations, located near the city of Natanz in Isfahan Province. As a key part of Iran’s nuclear program, the facility is primarily used for uranium enrichment, a process essential for both civilian nuclear energy and, potentially, nuclear weapons development.
The facility includes a highly fortified underground enrichment center, constructed at a depth of approximately 40 to 50 meters beneath the surface. This deep underground design is intended to ensure both the safety of nearby populations and protection from aerial or missile attacks. The main enrichment halls are shielded by a concrete barrier that is roughly 7.6 meters thick, making it one of the most secure nuclear sites in Iran.
The existence of the Natanz site was first publicly revealed in 2002 by the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran, leading to increased international scrutiny and inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Since then, Natanz has remained at the center of global nuclear diplomacy involving Iran and world powers.
In June 2025, the facility reportedly sustained damage during Israeli military strikes, part of Israel’s broader campaign to disrupt Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. Reuters reported explosions in the vicinity, and the IAEA later confirmed that the site had indeed been hit. The extent of the damage and its impact on Iran’s enrichment activities remain a subject of global concern.
Due to its scale, strategic location, and level of fortification, the Natanz facility continues to play a central role in Iran’s nuclear ambitions and remains a flashpoint in the regional tensions between Iran and Israel.
Iran-Israel war: Trump, MBS urge restraint and diplomatic resolution in phone call
US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke on Friday to discuss the recent developments in the Middle East, including Israeli attacks against Iran.
According to AlArabiya, the two discussed the “importance of self-restraint, deescalation, and the importance of resolving all disputes through diplomatic means,” a readout of the call said.
MBS and Trump also stressed the importance of continuing to cooperate to achieve security, peace and stability in the Middle East.
Separately, the White House said Trump also spoke Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The UK said Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to the US president as well. “Updating on his conversations with partners today, the Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s grave concerns about Iran’s nuclear programs,” a Downing Street spokeswoman said in a statement.
Israel’s Netanyahu to Iran after counterattack: “More is on the way’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel has launched one of its largest military operations in history, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” targeting Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure.
In a series of posts, the Israeli premier outlined the objectives of the operation, stating that Israel had, in the past 24 hours, eliminated top military commanders, senior nuclear scientists, a major enrichment facility, and a significant portion of Iran’s missile arsenal.
“More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them—or what will hit them,”
He stressed that Israel’s actions were not directed at the Iranian people.
What is Iran’s operation ‘True Promise 3’ and how did it shake Israel?
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in a statement issued as reported by Tasnim news agency said in response to the aggression and criminal assault carried out this morning by Israel on areas within the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has launched a ‘forceful and precise’ retaliation.
Israel’s Operation Rising Sun killed several senior military commanders, prominent scientists, and civilians, especially defenseless children.
IRGC has executed Operation “True Promise 3”, which is the English translation of the Persian words Sadiq Wada 3, against dozens of targets in Israel.
The statement reads, further details of this operation will be announced in the next statement to the honorable people of Iran.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA says the country has begun what it called a “crushing” retaliation against Israeli attacks.
Live footage from Tel Aviv showed plumes of smoke rising into the air after explosions were around the Israeli city.
Israeli newspaper Haaretz, citing emergency services, reports that 15 people have been wounded in central Israel, including one with moderate injuries.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says Iranian forces “carried out its crushing and precise response against dozens of targets, military centres and airbases”.
Saudi Arabia assures full support for Iranian pilgrims amid Middle East crisis
In response to the ongoing situation in Iran, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, upon the recommendation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has directed the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to provide all necessary support to Iranian pilgrims currently in the Kingdom.
According to an official statement, Saudi authorities have been instructed to ensure the uninterrupted provision of services and facilities for the pilgrims until conditions permit their safe return to Iran.
The Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to serving pilgrims from all nations, emphasizing that humanitarian and religious duties take precedence, particularly in times of crisis.
Two Israeli planes shot down in Iranian airspace: Iran claims
At least two Israeli warplanes have been shot down in Iranian airspace, Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, claimed on Friday evening.
Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in a statement denied shooting down of their any planes and capturing of the any pilot by the Iranian military.
Iranian media also claimed to have capture a pilot of the Israeli Air Force as well, which Israel denied as well.
International media, including CNN cannot verify the claim and has reached out to the Israel Defense Forces for comment.
PM Netanyahu says ‘more is on the way’
In a video address to the Iranian people, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu says the objective of attacks on Iran, which he labelled Operation Rising Lion, was to “thwart the Islamic regime’s nuclear and ballistic missile threat”.
He claimed that in the past 24 hours, Israeli forces have eliminated “top military commanders, senior nuclear scientists, the Islamic regime’s most significant enrichment facility, and a large portion of its ballistic missile arsenal”.
“More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them,” he posted on X.