Israeli air defense system fires to intercept missiles during an Iranian attack over Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP)Iran-Israel War Today Highlights: US President Donald Trump has announced that America conducted air strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran, namely Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. This came on a day when Israel’s military said it struck an Iranian nuclear research facility overnight and killed three senior Iranian commanders in targeted attacks, while emphasising it was preparing for the possibility that the war could turn into a lengthy campaign.
‘US involvement would be dangerous’: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that US involvement in the ongoing conflict with Israel would be “very, very dangerous for everyone.” Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Iran has said that it will assist nationals of Nepal and Sri Lanka in evacuating from Iran, upon request from their respective governments. A flight from Mashhad, carrying 290 Indian students, mostly from Jammu and Kashmir, landed at Delhi airport late Friday. Two more flights from Mashhad are expected to arrive in Delhi today. Flight 1 at at 4.30 pm (IGI T3), flight 2 at 11.30 pm (IGI T3).
Casualty count: At least two people were killed and four others injured in a missile attack on a residential building in the center of the Iranian city of Qom on Saturday, according to state media. Qom is located near Iran’s Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. Meanwhile, in Israel, a multi-storey residential building in the city of Holon was reported to be on fire, according to CNN. Since the conflict between the two nations began, at least 430 people have been killed in Iran, reported state media, citing the country’s health ministry. In Israel, 24 civilians have been killed, according to authorities, as reported by Reuters.
Tehran MP said that the only effective response to the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities is targeting American bases in Saudi Arabia. “No retaliation will truly sting the US except hitting its bases in Saudi Arabia,” he wrote in a post, as reported by state media.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Iran to return to negotiations. “Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat,” Starmer said.
(Reuters)
Iran's Foreign Ministry says 'the US has itself launched a dangerous war against Iran' after nuclear sites attacked, reported AP.
A NATO official told Reuters on Sunday that the alliance is watching the situation closely after U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces struck Iran's three main nuclear sites. Asked about the alliance's reaction to the strikes and any possible impact on NATO's non-combat advisory and capacity-building mission in neighbouring Iraq, the official said, "Of course we're watching the situation closely."
(Reuters)
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations Sunday called for an emergency Security Council meeting for what he described as America’s “heinous attacks and illegal use of force” against Iran. In a letter, obtained by the AP, Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, said that the UN’s most powerful body must “take all necessary measures” to hold the US accountable under international law and the UN charter.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns and denounces in the strongest possible terms these unprovoked and premeditated acts of aggression, which have followed the large-scale military attack conducted by the Israeli regime on 13 June against Iran’s peaceful nuclear sites and facilities,” the letter continued, as reported by AP.
Iran's Araqchi posted on X, "The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences."
No radioactive traces have been detected in the environment of Saudi Arabia or other Arab Gulf states following the US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, Saudi Arabia's nuclear regulator said in a post on X on Sunday.
(Reuters)
Trump warns Tehran against retaliation against US, reported AP, says Iran has choice between 'peace or tragedy.'
US President Donald Trump has said that the air strike on Iran's three nuclear sites, namely Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan have been "an amazing success" and he will address the country at 10pm (local time) with more details.
In a brief interview to Reuters, Trump said "This was an amazing success tonight."
US President Donald Trump has said that he would address the country at 10pm (local time) in order to brief the citizens about America's military operation in Iran and its air strikes at three nuclear sites, namely Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
An Israeli official has said that Tel Aviv was in "full coordination" with the United States during its strike on three nuclear sites of Iran, Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported.
US President Donald Trump, while announcing the air strikes on Iran's three nuclear sites, reposted a message from an open-source intelligence account saying that "Fordow is gone".
Fordow is situated 60 miles (96km) south of the capital Tehran, and it is an underground facility which is responsible for enriching Uranium for Iran.
US President Donald Trump has said that his administration is going to address the nation at 10pm (local time) at the White House regarding the military operation in Iran, where US bombers have struck three nuclear sites in Iran.
"Iran must now agree to end this war," said US President Trump.
US B-2 bombers were involved in strikes on Iran's three nuclear sites announced by President Donald Trump on Saturday, a US official said, reported Reuters.
Reuters had reported earlier on Saturday the movement of B-2 bombers, which are equipped to carry massive bombs that experts say would be ideal to strike the sites.
US President Donald Trump, while announcing air strikes on Iran's three nuclear facilities, said that full payload of bombs were dropped on Iran's nuclear sites.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said "We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter."
US President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social account that America has conducted "successful" air strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
The US president said that all the planes are now out of the Iranian air space.
The air defence systems have been "heavily engaged" in several parts of Iran and the capital city of Tehran amid fresh barrage of strikes by Israel in the early hours of Sunday morning, reported Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency.
According to Iran’s Deputy Health Minister Ali Jafarian, at least 430 civilians have been killed in the country since Israel started attacking last Friday.
The Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, while quoting Iran's health ministry, stated that over 3,000 Iranians have been injured since the conflict with Israel began last week.
Israel ’s military said Saturday it was preparing for the possibility of a lengthy war after the second week of the Israel-Iran war began with a renewed round of strikes targeting an Iranian nuclear research facility near Isfahan. Talks in Geneva on Friday between European foreign ministers and Iran's top diplomat failed to produce a breakthrough.
US President Donald Trump continued to weigh his country's military involvement as concerns spiked over potential strikes on Iranian nuclear reactors. Still, European officials expressed hope for future negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he was open to further dialogue but stressed Tehran wasn't interested in negotiating while Israel continued attacking.
- AP
In a fresh wave of attack by the Israeli military, explosions were heard in Iran's northwestern city of Tabriz and east of Tehran, Reuters reported.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that continued Israeli aggression will trigger a "more devastating" response from Tehran.
In a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Pezeshkian emphasized Iran's right to pursue a civilian nuclear program, stating it "cannot be taken away... by threats or war". He added that Iran is willing to discuss and cooperate on peaceful nuclear activities but won't halt its nuclear program "under any circumstances".
The president's remarks come amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with Iran's military prepared to respond to any potential Israeli attack.-The Guardian
Israeli officials told US counterparts in a phone call that they could take action against Iran's Fordow site before the end of a two-week deadline set by US President Donald Trump, according to sources cited by Reuters.
Israel's military has confirmed it has launched new strikes on southern Iran, targeting drone storage sites and a weapons facility in the Bandar Abbas area. The Israeli military stated that its forces are "currently striking UAV storage facilities and a weapons facility in southwestern Iran in the area of Bandar Abbas," according to reports by The Guardian.
Iran has detained a German national accused of spying in sensitive military and nuclear areas, according to state TV. The individual, reportedly a Jewish German dual national, allegedly filmed sensitive areas across the country under the guise of being a tourist and faces charges of "dozens of instances of espionage and/or sabotage," as per the authorities, reports BBC Persian.
Israel's military has confirmed the killing of two high-ranking Iranian officials in recent strikes: Saeed Izadi, head of the Palestine Corps of the IRGC's al-Quds force, and Behnam Shahriyari, a senior official involved in financing the Lebanese militia Hezbollah.
The Israeli military claims Izadi played a significant role in financing and arming Hamas prior to the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.-The Guardian
The Israeli military has confirmed it carried out attacks on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) depots and a weapons depot in the Bandar Abbas area of southwestern Iran, according to reports by Reuters.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) is working to maintain pressure on Iran's military and leadership, preventing them from regrouping, according to IDF spokesperson Lt Col Nadav Shoshani. In an interview with Fox News, Shoshani stated that the goal is to keep Iran "in disarray" and disrupt their ability to carry out operations.
A former bodyguard of Hassan Nasrallah, the late leader of Hezbollah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike near the Iraqi border in Iran, according to reports from Agence France-Presse. Hussein Khalil, known as Abu Ali and nicknamed Nasrallah's "shield", was reportedly killed along with his son, as confirmed by a Hezbollah official and an Iraqi armed group. _The Guardian
According to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, Iran's air defense systems have been activated east and west of the capital Tehran, reports CNN.
According to Iranian media reports, an Israeli attack on the town of Sumar in western Iran has resulted in the deaths of at least five army personnel, with nine others injured. The acting governor of Qasr-e-Shirin confirmed the casualties, as reported by the Fars news agency.-BBC
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emphasized that resuming nuclear talks between Iran and the US is the only way to resolve their dispute and the conflict with Israel.
Erdogan made this statement during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Istanbul, where he also expressed Turkey's willingness to facilitate dialogue between the two nations.
According to Erdogan, Israel's decision to attack Iran just before nuclear talks with the US was an act of sabotage. Erdogan's office stated that steps should be taken as soon as possible to open up diplomacy via technical and leaders-level talks between Iran and the US.- BBC
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Saturday of trying to attack Israeli citizens in Cyprus.
In a post on X, Saar said the attack was thwarted, "thanks to the activity of the Cypriot security authorities, in cooperation with Israeli security services."
Saar gave no details about the nature of the attack.
There was no immediate comment from Iran. — Reuters
The Trump administration has dispatched American B-2 stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, according to the Times. These fighter aircraft with long-range strike ability are en route to Guam, a key US military outpost in the western Pacific, according to reports.
Read full report here
Israel said on Saturday that its military operations have delayed Iran’s suspected nuclear programme by at least two years, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported. The statement came a day after US President Donald Trump warned that Iran has no more than two weeks to avoid possible American air strikes.
Read full article here
Israel’s military said on Saturday it struck an Iranian nuclear research facility overnight. This was the second attack on Isfahan, which was hit in the first 24 hours of the war as part of Israel's goal to destroy the Iranian nuclear program. Isfahan province's deputy governor for security affairs, Akbar Salehi said the strikes caused damage to the facility. He added there had been no human casualties.
Wary of assassination, Iran’s supreme leader mostly speaks with his commanders through a trusted aide now, suspending electronic communications to make it harder to find him, three Iranian officials familiar with his emergency war plans say. Ensconced in a bunker, the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has picked an array of replacements down his chain of miliary command in case more of his valued lieutenants are killed.
Read full article here
Israel's military said Saturday it struck an Iranian nuclear research facility overnight and killed three senior Iranian commanders in targeted attacks, while emphasizing it was preparing for the possibility that the war could turn into a lengthy campaign. Early Saturday, smoke could be seen rising from an area near a mountain in Isfahan, where a local official said Israel had attacked the nuclear research facility in two waves. — AP
French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Iran has to provide all guarantees that its nuclear programme was peaceful. According to reports, Macron has also assured Pezeshkian that his country will accelerate negotiations between Europe and Iran.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told his counterparts from Muslim countries that Israel was dragging the region into "total disaster" with its attacks on Iran, and added world powers must prevent the war from spiralling into a wider conflict.
Speaking at a foreign ministers' meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, Fidan called on Muslim countries to stand with Iran against Israel, and said the region had an "Israel problem" after its assault on Gaza and attacks on Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iran. — Reuters
Iranian media reported that at least 430 people have been killed, 3,500 injured in Iran since the beginning of the conflict, as per Reuters
Turkey's foreign minister Saturday said the international community must prevent Israel-Iran war from spiraling into wider conflict, as per Reuters.
Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister has arrived in Istanbul for a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Saturday.
In footage broadcast by Al-Arabiya, a Saudi-based television channel, Araghchi called the situation difficult but said the Iranian military was performing well, as per The New York Times
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that US involvement in the ongoing conflict with Israel would be "very, very dangerous for everyone."
Speaking to reporters in Istanbul after diplomatic talks in Geneva failed to yield results, Araghchi cautioned that American military action would be "very unfortunate."
As the talks ended, Araghchi said he was open to further dialogue but emphasised that Tehran had no interest in negotiating with the US while Israel continued attacking. - With inputs from AP
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia has repeatedly informed Israel that there is no evidence Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, according to an interview quoted by Sky News Arabia on Saturday.
Putin said that neither Russia nor the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found any proof that Iran is working toward acquiring nuclear arms, and that Moscow has conveyed this position to Israeli leaders multiple times.
He also expressed Russia’s willingness to support Iran in developing a peaceful nuclear energy program, emphasising that Iran has the right to do so.
Speaking at an economic forum in St. Petersburg on Friday, Putin said Russia is in contact with both Iran and Israel and is sharing proposals aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, though he did not disclose any specifics.
-(With inputs from Reuters)
A senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei issued a threat on Saturday, saying the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would "pay" after the war with Israel ends.
The warning, made by Ali Larijani in a social media post, reflects growing anger among Iranian officials toward IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
Grossi has come under intense criticism from Tehran, with officials accusing him of making contradictory statements about Iran’s nuclear program, remarks they claim helped trigger Israel’s surprise attack last week.
Speaking before the United Nations Security Council on Friday, Grossi acknowledged that while Iran possesses the material needed to build a nuclear weapon, there is currently no indication that it intends to do so.
An Israeli military official Saturday said that two centrifuge production sites were struck in Isfahan overnight, as reported by Reuters
The commander of Iran’s Quds Force arms transfer unit, Behnam Shahriari, was killed while traveling in western Iran, more than 1,000 kilometers from Israel’s border, the Israel Defense Forces said Saturday in a post on X.
According to the IDF, Shahriyari was responsible for all weapons transfers from the Iranian regime to its proxies across the Middle East in order to directly advance the Iranian regime’s plan to destroy Israel.
Shahriyari also commanded the transfer of hundreds of millions of dollars annually to various terrorist organisations. Furthermore, he led the extensive effort to finance and arm these terrorist organizations—an effort that has resulted in the deaths and injuries of many Israeli civilians and soldiers.
In a post on X on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the death of Saeed Izadi, describing him as a key architect of the Iranian regime’s strategy to destroy Israel. He was killed in a precise IDF strike in Qom, Iran.
According to the IDF, Izadi was the commander of the Palestine Corps of the Quds Force and served as a crucial link between the Iranian regime and Hamas. He was identified as one of the main orchestrators of the October 7 massacre.
Izadi played a central role in military coordination between senior commanders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Hamas leadership. He was also responsible for boosting financial support from Iran to Hamas for its terrorist operations against Israel.
During the current conflict, Izadi directed Hamas forces operating from Lebanon. More recently, he had been focused on rebuilding Hamas’ military capabilities and ensuring the group maintained control in Gaza.
Iran revolutionary guards Saturday said that five members killed in Israeli attacks in Khorramabad, state media reported, as per Reuters.
Russian President Vladimir Putin in an interview with SkyNews Arabia said it has repeatedly notified Israel that there is no evidence of Iran's alleged intentions to obtain nuclear weapons, Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported on Saturday, as per Reuters.
Iran's Nour news names 15 air defence officers and soldiers killed in conflict with Israel, as reported by Reuters
Over 500 Indian nationals have been brought back from Iran under Operation Sindhu, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday.
In an update shared via a post on X, the MEA confirmed the latest figures on the ongoing evacuation mission.
More Indian citizens, including students, arrived in New Delhi late Friday night and early Saturday morning, amid escalating military tensions between Iran and Israel.
India launched Operation Sindhu on Wednesday to facilitate the safe return of its nationals from Iran.
(With PTI inputs)
Minister of Health Saturday said that the Zionist regime has so far attacked 3 hospitals and 6 ambulances, and 2 members of the national health team (a gynecologist and a pediatrician along with her child) have been martyred, as reported by Fars News Agency.
The Indian Embassy in Iran has said that it will assist nationals of Nepal and Sri Lanka in evacuating from Iran, upon request from their respective governments.
On request of the Governments of Nepal and Sri Lanka, the Indian Embassy’s evacuation efforts in Iran will also cover Citizens of Nepal and Sri Lanka, the Indian Embassy in Iran posted on X.
⚠️ADVISORY
— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) June 13, 2025
In view of the current situation in Iran, all Indian nationals & persons of Indian origin in Iran are requested to remain vigilant, avoid all unnecessary movements, follow the Embassy’s Social Media accounts & observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities.
The Indian Embassy in Iran is evacuating all Indian Nationals in Iran, the Indian Embassy in Iran posted on X.
The Embassy may be contacted either on the Telegram channel or over the emergency contact numbers. +989010144557, +989128109115 +989128109109
⚠️
— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) June 21, 2025
The Indian Embassy in Iran is evacuating all Indian Nationals in Iran. The Embassy may be contacted either on the Telegram channel or over the emergency contact numbers.
+989010144557, +989128109115
+989128109109
Telegram link: https://t.co/6rLuloaEYO@MEAIndia
Saeed Izadi, commander of the Palestine Corps within Iran’s Quds Force, was killed in a strike on an apartment in central Tehran, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement on Saturday, as reported by Reuters.
Katz said Izadi was responsible for funding and arming Hamas ahead of the October 7 attack, and called the operation a major achievement for Israeli intelligence and the air force.
Deputy Governor of Isfahan said that the Zionist regime targeted areas of Lanjan, Mobarakeh, Shahreza and Isfahan on Saturday morning. There were no casualties in these attacks. The Isfahan nuclear site was also one of the targets of the Zionist attacks, which was met with a response from the air defenses, Fars News agency reported.
An Israeli drone that entered Khorramabad, Iran on Saturday morning was struck down by defense missiles, Fars News agency reported.
An Israeli strike targeted Iran's Isfahan nuclear site, Fars news agency reported Saturday. However, there has been no leakage of hazardous materials, as per Reuters
The Israeli military said its air force has struck and killed Aminpour Joudaki, the commander of the second UAV brigade of the IRGC Air Force, as reported by state media.
"As part of his role, Aminpour Joudaki advanced hundreds of UAV attacks against Israeli territory from the area of Ahvaz in southwestern Iran," the IDF said in a statement.
"Following the elimination of Taher Pour, the commander of the UAV headquarters of the IRGC Air Force on June 13, 2025, Joudaki assumed a key role in the headquarters' operations," it added.
There is “no question” the United States would be plunged into a regional war if it strikes Iran, former CIA director Leon Panetta told CNN.
Two more evacuation flights from Iran are expected to arrive in Delhi today from Mashad.
The Indian government has launched Operation Sindhu to bring back its nationals from the Middle Eastern country as the conflict between the two nations escalate. In a special move, Iran opened its airspace to facilitate India’s evacuation efforts.
Flight 1 arrival at 4.30 pm. (IGI T3)
Flight 2 arrival at 11.30 pm. (IGI T3)
European diplomats convened on Friday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Switzerland in an effort to find a solution to the rapidly intensifying regional crisis. However, no breakthrough was achieved.
Araghchi said that Iran would only consider resuming diplomacy “once the aggressor (Israel) is held accountable for the crimes committed.”
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump dismissed European diplomatic efforts, saying "Iran doesn't want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us. Europe is not going to be able to help in this one."
Iran’s internet services have now been largely offline for 60 hours, according to NetBlocks.
“Metrics show the internet shutdown continues to severely limit the public’s ability to express political viewpoints, communicate freely, and follow safety alerts amid the ongoing conflict with Israel,” the organization said in a post on X.
NetBlocks is a watchdog group that monitors cybersecurity and internet governance.
Following drone sirens in the town of Ghajar, the IDF Saturday said the air force intercepted “a suspicious aerial target," as reported by The Times of Israel
An Israeli strike Saturday morning, killed a 16-year-old in the center of the Iranian city of Qom, about 100 miles south of Tehran, after it struck a residential building, according to Iran’s Fars news agency.
Explosions have been heard in the central Iranian city of Isfahan, state media reported on Saturday, as reported by CNN.
This comes shortly after Israel Defense Forces launched fresh strikes on targets inside Iran.
In its latest effort to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran, a flight from Mashhad, carrying 290 Indian students, mostly from Jammu and Kashmir, landed at Delhi airport late Friday.
The Indian government has launched Operation Sindhu to bring back its nationals from the Middle Eastern country as the conflict between the two nations escalate.
"Heartfelt thanks to the Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs, and all concerned authorities for their timely intervention and support. A great relief for families who had been anxiously awaiting their return," the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association said in a statement.
Iran said on Friday it would not discuss the future of its nuclear programme while under attack by Israel, as Europe tried to coax Tehran back into negotiations and the United States considers whether to get involved in the conflict.
A week into its campaign, Israel said it had struck dozens of military targets, including missile production sites, a research body it said was involved in nuclear weapons development in Tehran and military facilities in western and central Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said there was no room for negotiations with the U.S. "until Israeli aggression stops". But he later arrived in Geneva for talks with European foreign ministers at which Europe hopes to establish a path back to diplomacy.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he was unlikely to press Israel to scale back its airstrikes to allow negotiations to continue.
"I think it's very hard to make that request right now. If somebody is winning, it's a little bit harder to do than if somebody is losing, but we're ready, willing and able, and we've been speaking to Iran, and we'll see what happens," he said.
A recent Iranian missile attack on Haifa, Israel, has resulted in 33 injuries, according to local hospitals cited by CNN. The injuries were sustained on Friday, with one person in serious condition and two others in moderate condition at Rambam hospital.
Additionally, 16 patients with mild injuries were treated at Rambam, while Bnai Zion Medical Center admitted 14 people with light conditions.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that his director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, was wrong in suggesting that there is no evidence Iran is building a nuclear weapon. _Reuters
US President Donald Trump said that Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is wrong about there being no evidence of Iran building a nuclear weapon, according to Reuters. Trump did not provide further details on the matter.
Semi-official Iranian media reports explosions in several areas of Khuzestan province, including the cities of Ahvaz, Mahshahr, and Andimeshk, with residential houses damaged in Ahvaz, according to CNN. The reports suggest possible Israeli involvement in the attacks.
A tense debate erupted at the UN Security Council between Iran and Israel, with both sides trading accusations over the escalating military conflict.
The Iranian ambassador called Israel's attack "unprovoked" and insisted Iran's nuclear program is peaceful, while the Israeli ambassador accused Iran of having a "genocidal agenda" and vowed to target its nuclear facilities, according to BBC.
The E3 (Britain, France, and Germany) and EU foreign ministers have released a joint statement following their meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Geneva.
They expressed support for ongoing discussions and welcomed US efforts to seek a negotiated solution to the Iran nuclear issue.
The ministers reiterated their concerns about Iran's nuclear program, emphasizing the need for a diplomatic resolution.- Reuters
Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that European diplomats are "keen to continue ongoing discussions and negotiations with Iran" after talks in Geneva, according to AP. Lammy emphasized that Iran "cannot have a nuclear weapon," a stance echoed in "very serious talks" with Iran's Abbas Araghchi.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the conflict between Iran and Israel hasn't led to a significant rise in oil prices, rendering OPEC+ intervention unnecessary, according to Reuters.
Putin mentioned that oil prices have increased from $65 to around $75 per barrel due to the conflict. He also noted that OPEC+ is gradually increasing oil output to maintain market balance and comfortable prices.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and European counterparts have emphasized the need for ongoing discussions with Iran, stressing that a regional escalation would "benefit no one." Lammy stated that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons and urged Iran to continue talks with the US, highlighting the importance of diplomacy in the current "perilous moment" between Iran and Israel.-BBC
The meeting between European foreign ministers and an Iranian delegation in Geneva has concluded, with European leaders now set to deliver a statement outlining the key points from the discussions. The talks aimed to ease tensions between Iran and Israel.-Reuters
Germany's air force has successfully flown 64 people out of Israel, according to the country's defence ministry. Two A400M military transport planes are currently en route back to Germany, the ministry said, describing the operation as a "diplomatic pick-up" rather than a military evacuation mission. -The Guardian
Iraq's UN Ambassador has accused Israel of violating Iraq's airspace and territorial integrity with 50 warplanes, according to Reuters.
Iran's United Nations Ambassador has stated that Iran will continue to exercise its right to self-defense until Israeli aggression ends, according to Reuters.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia will continue working at Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, emphasizing that staff will not be evacuated despite escalating tensions with Israel.
Iranian and European officials met for approximately 90 minutes in Geneva before taking a break, according to a Western European diplomat who spoke to CNN. The two sides are currently consulting separately in different rooms, with direct talks expected to resume shortly .
UN secretary-general António Guterres has urged an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Iran conflict, warning that further escalation could have "enormous consequences" for the region and global stability.
Addressing the UN Security Council, Guterres emphasized the need for diplomacy over military action and called on all parties to avoid further internationalization of the conflict.
His appeal comes as European foreign ministers meet with their Iranian counterpart to explore the possibility of a new nuclear deal, despite ongoing Israeli attacks.-The Guardian
Dozens of people have been injured in northern Israel following the latest attacks from Iran, according to Israel's emergency services, reported by the BBC.
Magen David Adom (MDA) says three people are in serious condition, while 20 others have sustained mild injuries, including blast and shrapnel wounds. A 51-year-old woman also died in a shelter in Karmiel after suffering a heart attack.
Iran's internet restrictions have now lasted 48 hours, severely limiting online access for Iranians amid the ongoing conflict with Israel. Internet connectivity remains extremely low, plummeting to just 3% on Wednesday afternoon, according to Netblocks, a non-governmental organisation monitoring internet governance.
China has called for the Iranian nuclear issue to be returned to the path of dialogue and negotiation, according to Reuters. Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, China emphasizes the need for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
The UK has announced the temporary withdrawal of staff from its embassy in Tehran due to security concerns, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said, according to the BBC.
The embassy will continue to operate remotely. This decision comes after the UK earlier temporarily withdrew family members of staff from its embassy and consulate in Israel amid safety concerns.
The US Treasury has announced new sanctions targeting specifically designated individuals, several of whom are affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Al Jazeera citing the Treasury's website. The move aims to further pressure Iran amid ongoing tensions.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the world is "racing towards" a crisis amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
Guterres emphasized that the nuclear question lies at the heart of the conflict, noting a "trust gap" in talks. "Iran has repeatedly stated that it is not seeking nuclear weapons.
But let's recognize there is a trust gap," he said, appealing for an end to the fighting and a return to serious negotiations.-BBC
The Israeli army has announced that Israelis are now permitted to leave protected areas, indicating that the immediate threat from the missile attack has passed.
According to the army's post on X, rescue forces are currently operating in several areas across the country where reports of falls have been received, working to assess and respond to any damage or injuries caused by the attack.
According to Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service, two people were injured in the latest Iranian missile barrage, including a 16-year-old boy in serious condition with shrapnel in his upper body and a 54-year-old man in moderate condition with shrapnel injuries to his lower limbs.
The MDA provided medical treatment and transported the injured to the hospital. This incident comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with reports indicating multiple injuries across various locations in Israel due to Iranian missile strikes .
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has strongly condemned Israel's attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling them "grave war crimes" at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. According to reports, Araghchi's sentiments echo those of Iran's ambassador to the UN, Ali Bahreini, who previously described the attacks as "war against humanity". -Reuters
Thousands of Iraqis gathered in Baghdad's Sadr City and other cities to show support for Iran, chanting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans after Friday prayers.
According to Al Jazeera , the protests reflect widespread sentiment among Iraq's Shia majority, with demonstrators denouncing Israel's actions and warning against being dragged into the conflict.
The rallies, attended by supporters of powerful Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, featured chants of "No to Israel! No to America!" and criticism of Israel's alleged use of Iraqi airspace to bomb Iran.
Protesters also expressed hope that Iran would emerge victorious and called for Iraq to support its neighbor with money, weapons, and protests.
Air-raid sirens are sounding in multiple areas across Israel, including Tel Aviv and central Israel, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) works to intercept missiles launched from Iran.
The IDF has activated its defense systems, with the Air Force scrambling to eliminate the threat. Residents have been instructed to seek shelter in protected areas until further notice. -BBC
According to the Israeli military, Iran fired a fresh barrage of missiles towards northern, central, and southern Israel on Friday. The military reported that sirens sounded across the country and instructed residents to seek shelter until further notice.
As reported by CNN, the Israeli air forces are working to intercept and eliminate the threat, with emergency services responding to scenes where impacts have been reported .
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has reported detecting several missiles launched from Iran, with alerts activated in multiple areas across the country.
The IDF has urged citizens to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command, while the Air Force works to intercept and neutralize the threat. According to reports, the IDF has successfully intercepted some missiles, but the situation remains volatile, with ongoing interception efforts to protect Israeli territory.
A senior Iranian official has stated that Iran is willing to discuss limitations on its uranium enrichment program. However, the official emphasized that completely halting enrichment is unlikely, particularly in light of recent attacks by Israel.
This development comes ahead of a crucial meeting in Geneva, where foreign ministers from the UK, France, Germany, and Iran will discuss a potential pathway back to diplomacy regarding Iran's nuclear program.-The Guardian
Massive demonstrations have erupted across Iran, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets in cities big and small, to express their outrage over Israeli attacks
As per Al Jazeera reports, protesters in Tehran, Shiraz, Tabriz, Isfahan, and other cities chanted slogans, waved flags of Iran, Palestine, and Hezbollah, and showed support for Iran's retaliatory actions.
The protests followed Friday prayers at the University of Tehran, where demonstrators carried pictures of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had called for solidarity among the people after the Israeli strikes began.
The UK government, led by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, has announced plans to arrange charter flights for British nationals stranded in Israel once the country's airspace reopens.
According to the BBC, Lammy stated that the government is working with Israeli authorities to provide charter flights from Tel Aviv airport, based on demand from British nationals.
British citizens are advised to register their presence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories for further guidance on these flights. Land routes out of Israel remain open, with UK staff available to provide support and transport to nearby airports for onward commercial flights.
A senior Iranian official said that zero enrichment will be rejected, especially after Israeli strikes, news agency Reuters reported.
He added that the role of European powers is now more prominent as Tehran is unwilling to engage with Washington owing to its position on Israel's campaign and Iran's uranium enrichment programme.
Israel's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva has raised "vehement objection" to Iran addressing the Human Rights Council ahead of talks with European counterparts in Geneva to try to de-escalate the conflict, according to a letter seen by news agency Reuters.
"Affording the Iranian foreign minister the floor before this body continues to undermine the council's credibility and constitutes a blatant betrayal of the many victims of this regime worldwide," Daniel Meron said in a letter addressed to council president Jurg Lauber. (Reuters)
An Iranian nuclear scientist was killed in a strike on a building in Tehran on Friday, according to reports cited by Reuters from Israel’s national broadcaster, Kan.
While the Israeli military has not issued an official comment, Kan quoted an Israeli source saying that initial indications showed the scientist was killed in a drone attack on an apartment in the Iranian capital.
In a separate statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that more than 25 air force fighter jets had attacked and destroyed over 35 missile storage and launch facilities in Iran early Friday morning.
Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz has said he has ordered the military to intensify its strikes on regime targets in Tehran, with the aim of destabilizing the Iranian leadership and deterring further attacks.
“We must strike all symbols of the regime and its mechanisms of oppression, such as the Basij, as well as the base of the regime’s power, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” Katz said during a military assessment on Friday morning with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and other senior officers, according to The Times of Israel.
Katz also said Israel should aim to trigger “a mass evacuation of the population from Tehran, in order to destabilize the regime and increase deterrence in response to missile fire on Israel’s home front,” while continuing precision strikes on nuclear sites and scientists to “thwart Iran’s nuclear program, until all objectives of the operation are fully achieved.”
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi has ruled out the possibility of negotiations with the United States, calling it a “partner to Israeli crime against Iran.”
“There is no room for negotiations with us until Israeli aggression stops,” Araqchi told Iranian state TV, according to Reuters.
Iran's president Pezeshkian says only way to end 'imposed war is to unconditionally stop enemy's aggression.'
Germany together with its European partners is open to further discussions with Iran if there is a serious willingness from Tehran to provide assurances on its nuclear and missile programmes, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Friday. "My colleagues in the United Kingdom, France and also the High Representative (for the European Union) have always said that we are ready to talk," Wadephul said ahead of a meeting with the Iranian foreign minister in Geneva.
"This requires Iran's serious willingness to renounce any enrichment of nuclear material, which could lead to nuclear weaponisation. This also requires that the missile programme can be included. If this serious willingness exists, then the consequence on our part will also be that we are prepared to hold further talks," he added.
(Reuters)
Iran's President Pezeshkian says Iran has to provide a definitive guarantee to end the adventures of "Zionist terrorists" forever.
(Reuters)
Russian nuclear energy chief Alexei Likhachev said that the situation at Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, where hundreds of Russian specialists work, was "normal" and under control. The Israeli military said at one point on Thursday that it had struck the Russian-built Bushehr facility, but later said the comment had been made by mistake. Likhachev, head of the state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom, said on Thursday that any attack on the plant could cause a Chernobyl-style nuclear disaster.
Bushehr is Iran's only operating nuclear power plant and uses Russian fuel that Russia then takes back when it is spent to reduce proliferation risk. Asked on Friday about the situation at Bushehr, Likhachev told reporters: "So far the situation is completely under control, everything is normal. The night passed in the usual anxious but manageable atmosphere."
He added: "We continue to work in pre-mobilization mode and very much hope that all our signals from yesterday reached the Israeli leadership."
(Reuters)
Though Israel has never officially confirmed possessing nuclear weapons, experts widely regard it as the Middle East’s worst kept secret, reported CNN. “Israel is unique among nuclear-armed states as it neither confirms nor denies its nuclear capability,” notes the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Israel is one of nine nuclear-armed nations, alongside the US, Russia, China, the UK, France, India, Pakistan, and North Korea. Israel hasn’t signed the 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and opposes the creation of a WMD-free zone in the Middle East. However, it has ratified the 1963 Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which bans nuclear tests in the atmosphere and oceans.
(With inputs from CNN)
Five hospitals in Iran have been damaged amid Israeli airstrikes, according to Pirhossein Kolivand, head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society. In an interview with state-affiliated IRNA on Friday, Kolivand said the facilities were not directly targeted but suffered damage from nearby blasts — shattering glass and causing breathing issues for patients due to smoke.
He added that the incidents would be reported to international prosecutors. Under international humanitarian law, attacks affecting medical facilities are considered violations.
(With inputs from CNN)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UK Foreign Minister David Lammy met in Washington on Thursday to discuss diplomatic efforts to contain the growing crisis. The meeting comes ahead of planned talks between Iran and European powers aimed at reviving nuclear diplomacy and preventing wider escalation.
Rubio and Lammy reaffirmed their shared position that Iran must "never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon,” according to a statement from the US State Department. The UK Foreign Office also confirmed that Lammy will meet on Friday in Geneva with the European Union’s top diplomat and foreign ministers from France and Germany. The goal is to engage directly with Iran’s foreign minister to de-escalate the situation.
(With inputs from Reuters)
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has information that key buildings at Iran's Khondab heavy water research site were damaged in Israeli strikes, including the distillation unit, it said in an X post on Friday. The information was an update on an assessment from Thursday, in which the IAEA said the reactor has been hit but there were no radiological effects.
(Reuters)
Countries around the world are taking measures to evacuate their citizens from Israel and Iran as the two nations enter the seventh day of their air war and airspace in the region remains closed. A week of Israeli air and missile strikes against its major rival has wiped out the top echelon of Iran's military command, damaged its nuclear capabilities and killed hundreds of people, while Iranian retaliatory strikes have killed at least two dozen civilians in Israel.
Here are some of the countries whose citizens have left.
(Reuters)
Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi tells State TV, "Iran not prepared for talks with anyone while Israeli attacks continues."
(Reuters)
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Lebanon's Hezbollah to exercise caution on Friday, saying Israel's patience with "terrorists" who threaten it had worn thin. The head of Iran-backed Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, said on Thursday that the Lebanese group would act as it saw fit in the face of what he called "brutal Israeli-American aggression" against Iran.
In other statements, the group has made no explicit pledge to join the fighting and a Hezbollah official told Reuters last week that the group did not intend to initiate attacks against Israel.
(Reuters)
Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
