Iran is considered a complex military target due to its mountainous geography and deep underground "missile cities." Its defence relies on a vast proxy network, a vast missile arsenal, and the ability to block the critical Strait of Hormuz oil route.

Iran is considered a complex military target due to its mountainous geography and deep underground "missile cities." Its defence relies on a vast proxy network, a vast missile arsenal, and the ability to block the critical Strait of Hormuz oil route.

'Missiles, mountains and proxies’: Why Iran is considered one of the most complex military targets

Iran’s air defence relies on the Russian S-300 and local Bavar-373 to counter U.S. threats. While formidable against older jets, the network faces challenges from stealth technology, electronic jamming and saturation attacks.

Iran’s air defence relies on the Russian S-300 and local Bavar-373 to counter U.S. threats. While formidable against older jets, the network faces challenges from stealth technology, electronic jamming and saturation attacks.

'US vs Iran': What Iran’s air defenses can and cannot stop

A US-Iran war could push oil to $150, crash stock markets, and spike global inflation. Shipping costs may rise 50 per cent, hitting importers like India hard.

A US-Iran war could push oil to $150, crash stock markets, and spike global inflation. Shipping costs may rise 50 per cent, hitting importers like India hard.

‘US vs Iran’: What would it mean for the world economy?

The relationship is a Strategic Partnership, not a Military Alliance. The support provided would be material (weapons), informational (intelligence), and political (UN vetoes), rather than combat-based.

The relationship is a Strategic Partnership, not a Military Alliance. The support provided would be material (weapons), informational (intelligence), and political (UN vetoes), rather than combat-based.

Could Iran’s allies, like Russia, come to its defence if the US strikes?

Iran rebuilt its air defences with the S-400 and domestic Bavar-373 after losing its S-300s in 2024. While capable against drones, the network struggles with integration and stealth detection, making it vulnerable to US air power.

Iran rebuilt its air defences with the S-400 and domestic Bavar-373 after losing its S-300s in 2024. While capable against drones, the network struggles with integration and stealth detection, making it vulnerable to US air power.

Can Iran’s air defense systems really stop a US strike? Which air defense systems do they have?

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, relies on a tight-knit circle of advisors, family members, and clerics known as the ‘Beit-e Rahbari’ (Office of the Leader). His son Mojtaba, Chief of Staff Golpayegani, and advisors like Velayati and Haghanian form the powerful ‘Beit’. 

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, relies on a tight-knit circle of advisors, family members, and clerics known as the ‘Beit-e Rahbari’ (Office of the Leader). His son Mojtaba, Chief of Staff Golpayegani, and advisors like Velayati and Haghanian form the powerful ‘Beit’.&nbsp;

‘Closest associates of Iran’s supreme leader’: 5 people who influence Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

US sanctions on Iran are failing as Tehran utilises a 'ghost fleet' and Chinese buyers to export 1.7 million barrels of oil daily. By bypassing the US dollar and using ship-to-ship transfers, Iran generated $43 billion in 2024, proving old economic weapons ineffective.

US sanctions on Iran are failing as Tehran utilises a 'ghost fleet' and Chinese buyers to export 1.7 million barrels of oil daily. By bypassing the US dollar and using ship-to-ship transfers, Iran generated $43 billion in 2024, proving old economic weapons ineffective.

'US vs Iran': Why sanctions no longer work the way they once did

In January 2026, U.S.-Iran tensions have pushed WTI oil to $59, but a record 3.8 million bpd surplus limits gains. Unrest in Iran and U.S. sanctions threaten the Strait of Hormuz, risking flows to India and China.

In January 2026, U.S.-Iran tensions have pushed WTI oil to $59, but a record 3.8 million bpd surplus limits gains. Unrest in Iran and U.S. sanctions threaten the Strait of Hormuz, risking flows to India and China.

U.S. vs. Iran: How a war could affect global oil prices

Contemplating a possible intervention by the United States in Iran, given the anti-government protests there, one of the biggest in years, Israel has put itself on high alert, reported Reuters, citing sources. Amid the ongoing protests Trump has voiced his support and warned Iran’s rulers against using force against demonstrators.&nbsp;However, it wasn't clear as to what did the high alert in practice meant. Israel and Iran fought a 12-day war in June, in which the U.S. joined Israel in launching airstrikes.&nbsp;According to a highly placed source of Reuters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the possibility of U.S. intervention in Iran over a the phone on Saturday.&nbsp;Iran has blamed the United States for the demonstrations, and US President Donald Trump has hinted that he will intervene on the matter. Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who is son of Shah of Iran - Mohammad Reza Shah - has hinted that he would return and urged protesters to continue the demonstrations. The world is reacting to the developments in Iran. Several reports said that death toll in the protest has reached 116.<h2>Israel supports Iran protest</h2>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel identifies with the struggle of the Iranian people for "freedom, liberty, and justice." On Jan 4, he described the unrest as a potential turning point where Iranians are “taking their fate into their own hands.” On Sunday, Netanyahu held a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the evolving situation and is reportedly on high alert.

According to a highly placed source of Reuters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the possibility of U.S. intervention.

Contemplating a possible intervention by the United States in Iran, given the anti-government protests there, one of the biggest in years, Israel has put itself on high alert, reported Reuters, citing sources. Amid the ongoing protests Trump has voiced his support and warned Iran’s rulers against using force against demonstrators. However, it wasn't clear as to what did the high alert in practice meant. Israel and Iran fought a 12-day war in June, in which the U.S. joined Israel in launching airstrikes. According to a highly placed source of Reuters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the possibility of U.S. intervention in Iran over a the phone on Saturday. Iran has blamed the United States for the demonstrations, and US President Donald Trump has hinted that he will intervene on the matter. Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who is son of Shah of Iran - Mohammad Reza Shah - has hinted that he would return and urged protesters to continue the demonstrations. The world is reacting to the developments in Iran. Several reports said that death toll in the protest has reached 116. Israel supports Iran protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel identifies with the struggle of the Iranian people for "freedom, liberty, and justice." On Jan 4, he described the unrest as a potential turning point where Iranians are “taking their fate into their own hands.” On Sunday, Netanyahu held a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the evolving situation and is reportedly on high alert.

According to a highly placed source of Reuters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the possibility of U.S. intervention.

Israel on high alert as it contemplates US intervention in Iran, says report

Iran's parliament echoed with 'Death to America' chants as lawmakers discussed protests shaking the nation. With 116 dead and a total internet blackout, the government blames US interference.

Iran's parliament echoed with 'Death to America' chants as lawmakers discussed protests shaking the nation. With 116 dead and a total internet blackout, the government blames US interference.

'Death to America': Chants heard in Iran's Parliament as lawmakers discuss the protests shaking the nation

The legal term Mohareb refers to 'enmity against God' in Iran. Authorities use this charge to issue severe penalties, including execution, against protesters accused of threatening state security.

The legal term Mohareb refers to 'enmity against God' in Iran. Authorities use this charge to issue severe penalties, including execution, against protesters accused of threatening state security.&nbsp;

What does ‘Mohareb’ mean in Islamic Law? Why is Iran using it against protesters

The US holds overwhelming aerial superiority with 13,000+ aircraft and stealth jets. Iran counters this with a regional "air shield" of drones and S-300 missiles to deter threats.

The US holds overwhelming aerial superiority with 13,000+ aircraft and stealth jets. Iran counters this with a regional "air shield" of drones and S-300 missiles to deter threats.

Who would win? Comparing the air power of the US and Iran in case of a war

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the United States, Israel, and Europe of waging a ‘total war’ against his country. In an interview published on Saturday, Pezeshkian said, “In my opinion, we are at total war with the United States, Israel and Europe. They want to bring our country to its knees.” Pezeshkian was speaking to the official site of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, six months after Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran. Later, in late September, France, Britain, and Germany reimposed UN sanctions on Iran connected to its nuclear programme.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-diplomacy-would-not-work-without-security-zelensky-to-speak-with-allies-before-trump-meeting-1766846371768">‘Diplomacy would not work without security’: Zelensky to speak with allies before Trump meeting</a><h2>‘Current war is worse than the Iraq war in the 1980s’</h2>&nbsp;Pezeshkian further said that the current war is worse than the Iraq war in the 1980s. “If one understands it properly, this war is far more complex and more difficult than that war.”&nbsp;“In the war with Iraq, the situation was clear; they fired missiles, and it was clear where we would strike back. But here, they are now besieging us in every respect, putting us under pressure and in tight corners, creating problems—economically, culturally, politically, and in terms of security,” the president said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-2025-the-year-of-wars-tariff-turmoil-and-climate-disasters-1766568207775">Yearender 2025: The year of wars, tariff turmoil, and climate disasters</a>&nbsp;Pezeshkian made the comments on the eve of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to the United States, where he plans to brief President Donald Trump on options for potential future strikes against Iran, amid concerns that Tehran is rebuilding ballistic missile production facilities and repairing air defences damaged during the June conflict, as per an NBC News report.&nbsp;<h2>Western intelligence agencies spotted unusual activity in the Iranian airspace</h2>&nbsp;Israel has told the US that the recent Iranian missile drills may be concealed preparations for a potential strike, Axios reported last Sunday, a day after Western intelligence agencies spotted unusual activity in the Iranian airspace.Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir raised the issue directly with Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, warning that the recent missile movements could be a cover for a surprise operation against the Jewish state.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-2025-the-year-dissent-and-angst-triggered-mass-protests-worldwide-1766674340518">Yearender 2025: The year dissent and angst triggered mass protests worldwide</a>&nbsp;In June, Israel carried out airstrikes and covert operations against Iranian military and nuclear sites, killing more than 1,000 people, including nuclear scientists and senior officials.Iran retaliated by launching hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel. The US helped Israel intercept Iranian attacks and later joined the campaign, bombing three Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22.

Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the current war is worse than the Iraq war in the 1980s. Here, they are besieging us in every respect, putting us under pressure and in tight corners, creating problems—economically, culturally, politically, and in terms of security,” he said.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the United States, Israel, and Europe of waging a ‘total war’ against his country. In an interview published on Saturday, Pezeshkian said, “In my opinion, we are at total war with the United States, Israel and Europe. They want to bring our country to its knees.” Pezeshkian was speaking to the official site of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, six months after Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran. Later, in late September, France, Britain, and Germany reimposed UN sanctions on Iran connected to its nuclear programme. Also Read: ‘Diplomacy would not work without security’: Zelensky to speak with allies before Trump meeting ‘Current war is worse than the Iraq war in the 1980s’ Pezeshkian further said that the current war is worse than the Iraq war in the 1980s. “If one understands it properly, this war is far more complex and more difficult than that war.” “In the war with Iraq, the situation was clear; they fired missiles, and it was clear where we would strike back. But here, they are now besieging us in every respect, putting us under pressure and in tight corners, creating problems—economically, culturally, politically, and in terms of security,” the president said. Also Read: Yearender 2025: The year of wars, tariff turmoil, and climate disasters Pezeshkian made the comments on the eve of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to the United States, where he plans to brief President Donald Trump on options for potential future strikes against Iran, amid concerns that Tehran is rebuilding ballistic missile production facilities and repairing air defences damaged during the June conflict, as per an NBC News report. Western intelligence agencies spotted unusual activity in the Iranian airspace Israel has told the US that the recent Iranian missile drills may be concealed preparations for a potential strike, Axios reported last Sunday, a day after Western intelligence agencies spotted unusual activity in the Iranian airspace. Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir raised the issue directly with Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, warning that the recent missile movements could be a cover for a surprise operation against the Jewish state. Also Read: Yearender 2025: The year dissent and angst triggered mass protests worldwide In June, Israel carried out airstrikes and covert operations against Iranian military and nuclear sites, killing more than 1,000 people, including nuclear scientists and senior officials. Iran retaliated by launching hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel. The US helped Israel intercept Iranian attacks and later joined the campaign, bombing three Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the current war is worse than the Iraq war in the 1980s. Here, they are besieging us in every respect, putting us under pressure and in tight corners, and creating problems—economically, culturally, politically, and in terms of security,” he said.

US, Israel, Europe waging a ‘total war’ on our country: Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian

&nbsp;Iranian security forces on Friday (Dec 12) "violently" arrested the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi at a memorial ceremony for a lawyer who died earlier this month, her supporters said.&nbsp;Mohammadi was granted temporary leave from prison in December 2024. She was detained along with several other activists at the ceremony for lawyer Khosrow Alikordi, who was found dead in his office last week, her foundation wrote on X.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-revenge-virologist-who-claimed-covid-was-developed-in-wuhan-says-beijing-is-using-her-family-to-lure-her-back-from-us-1765204872566">China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US</a>&nbsp;The Narges Mohammadi Foundation said that activists Sepideh Gholian, Hasti Amiri, Pouran Nazemi, Alieh Motalebzadeh and several others were also detained during the gathering.&nbsp;Mohammadi has accused the Iranian authorities of intensifying pressure on civil society since the June ceasefire with Israel. She said repression of activists, journalists and critics has deepened.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-russia-recruiting-africans-to-fight-in-ukraine-war-ex-south-african-president-s-daughter-accused-of-luring-17-men-for-this-1764938371858">Is Russia recruiting Africans to fight in Ukraine war? Ex-South African president’s daughter accused of luring 17 men for this</a>&nbsp;Mohammadi’s Paris-based husband, Taghi Rahmani, confirmed on X that she had been arrested at the ceremony in the eastern city of Mashhad along with Sepideh Gholian, a fellow prominent activist. “Alikordi was a prominent figure among Iran’s community of human rights defenders,” the New York-based Centre for Human Rights in Iran said on Thursday. “Over the past several years, he had been repeatedly arrested, harassed and threatened by security and judicial forces," it added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zohran-mamdani-who-won-nyc-mayor-polls-on-promise-to-make-city-affordable-set-to-move-into-100mn-mansion-with-wife-for-safety-1765296231524">Zohran Mamdani, who won NYC mayor polls on promise to make City ‘affordable’, set to move into $100mn mansion with wife for ‘safety’</a>&nbsp;

Mohammadi was detained along with several other activists at the ceremony for lawyer Khosrow Alikordi, who was found dead in his office last week, her foundation wrote on X.

Iranian security forces on Friday (Dec 12) "violently" arrested the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi at a memorial ceremony for a lawyer who died earlier this month, her supporters said. Mohammadi was granted temporary leave from prison in December 2024. She was detained along with several other activists at the ceremony for lawyer Khosrow Alikordi, who was found dead in his office last week, her foundation wrote on X. Also read: China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US The Narges Mohammadi Foundation said that activists Sepideh Gholian, Hasti Amiri, Pouran Nazemi, Alieh Motalebzadeh and several others were also detained during the gathering. Mohammadi has accused the Iranian authorities of intensifying pressure on civil society since the June ceasefire with Israel. She said repression of activists, journalists and critics has deepened. Also read: Is Russia recruiting Africans to fight in Ukraine war? Ex-South African president’s daughter accused of luring 17 men for this Mohammadi’s Paris-based husband, Taghi Rahmani, confirmed on X that she had been arrested at the ceremony in the eastern city of Mashhad along with Sepideh Gholian, a fellow prominent activist. “Alikordi was a prominent figure among Iran’s community of human rights defenders,” the New York-based Centre for Human Rights in Iran said on Thursday. “Over the past several years, he had been repeatedly arrested, harassed and threatened by security and judicial forces," it added. Also read: Zohran Mamdani, who won NYC mayor polls on promise to make City ‘affordable’, set to move into $100mn mansion with wife for ‘safety’

Mohammadi was detained along with several other activists at the ceremony for lawyer Khosrow Alikordi, who was found dead in his office last week, her foundation wrote on X.

Iran: Nobel-prize-winning activist Narges Mohammadi ‘violently’ arrested

The Iranian judiciary on Saturday ordered to arrest of the organisers of a marathon for allowing women to run without wearing the mandatory hijab. The move followed after the photos of women circulated online showing women not wearing hijab as they competed in the race on Friday.&nbsp;According to a report by the BBC, the event was held on Kish Island off the southern coast of Iran, with about 2,000 women and 3,000 men competing in separate categories. During the marathon, women were wearing red T-shirts, but some of them not wearing a hijab or any other head covering.&nbsp;“Two of the main organisers of the competition were arrested on warrants. One of those arrested is an official in the Kish free zone, and the other works for the private company that organised the race,” Iranian judiciary’s Mizan Online website confirmed on Saturday.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the incident sparked mixed reactions inside the country, where supporters celebrated the reform as a sign that Iranian women are pushing back against state-imposed dress codes, while officials condemned the scenes as an unacceptable defiance of current rules.<h3>'Violation of public decency': Authorities argue</h3>The prosecutor in Kish argued over the event and women that the way in which the marathon was being conducted was in itself a “violation of public decency”. “Despite previous warnings regarding the need to comply with the country’s current laws and regulations, as well as religious, customary, and professional principles … the event was held in a way that violated public decency,” France24 quoted the local prosecutor as saying.&nbsp;In a separate incident over the same issue, a mass protest surfaced three years ago in Iran, where a Kurdish Iranian woman identified as Mahsa Amini died in custody after being detained for alleged violation of the dress code.&nbsp;A mass protest erupted in Iran three years ago when a Kurdish Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, died in custody after being detained for alleged breach of dress code. Earlier, the Islamic Republic suppressed the wave of unrest with force, yet many women continue to resist the mandatory dress code.&nbsp;The judiciary chief has now warned that officials will launch a fresh crackdown on women appearing in public without the hijab. Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said intelligence agencies have been instructed to track and report what he described as “organised efforts encouraging immorality and non-veiling.”

The event was held on Kish Island off the southern coast of Iran, with about 2,000 women and 3,000 men competing in separate categories. During the marathon, women were wearing red T-shirts, but some of them were not wearing a hijab or any other head covering.

The Iranian judiciary on Saturday ordered to arrest of the organisers of a marathon for allowing women to run without wearing the mandatory hijab. The move followed after the photos of women circulated online showing women not wearing hijab as they competed in the race on Friday. According to a report by the BBC, the event was held on Kish Island off the southern coast of Iran, with about 2,000 women and 3,000 men competing in separate categories. During the marathon, women were wearing red T-shirts, but some of them not wearing a hijab or any other head covering. “Two of the main organisers of the competition were arrested on warrants. One of those arrested is an official in the Kish free zone, and the other works for the private company that organised the race,” Iranian judiciary’s Mizan Online website confirmed on Saturday. Meanwhile, the incident sparked mixed reactions inside the country, where supporters celebrated the reform as a sign that Iranian women are pushing back against state-imposed dress codes, while officials condemned the scenes as an unacceptable defiance of current rules. 'Violation of public decency': Authorities argue The prosecutor in Kish argued over the event and women that the way in which the marathon was being conducted was in itself a “violation of public decency”. “Despite previous warnings regarding the need to comply with the country’s current laws and regulations, as well as religious, customary, and professional principles … the event was held in a way that violated public decency,” France24 quoted the local prosecutor as saying. In a separate incident over the same issue, a mass protest surfaced three years ago in Iran, where a Kurdish Iranian woman identified as Mahsa Amini died in custody after being detained for alleged violation of the dress code. A mass protest erupted in Iran three years ago when a Kurdish Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, died in custody after being detained for alleged breach of dress code. Earlier, the Islamic Republic suppressed the wave of unrest with force, yet many women continue to resist the mandatory dress code. The judiciary chief has now warned that officials will launch a fresh crackdown on women appearing in public without the hijab. Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said intelligence agencies have been instructed to track and report what he described as “organised efforts encouraging immorality and non-veiling.”

The event was held on Kish Island off the southern coast of Iran, with about 2,000 women and 3,000 men competing in separate categories. During the marathon, women were wearing red T-shirts, but some of them were not wearing a hijab or any other head covering.

Reform or rebellion? Iran arrests marathon organisers over women not wearing hijab

Heavy rain caused major flooding in Shahrek Hezarani Village in Abdanan, Ilam Province of the Iran. The Abdanan Governor confirmed that emergency teams from the Crisis Management Headquarters were assisting on the ground after water inundated the homes of 40 families.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Heavy rain this evening caused severe flooding in Shahrek Hezarani Village in Abdanan, Ilam Province, Iran. The Abdanan Governor said that emergency teams from the Crisis Management Headquarters were at the scene helping residents. Water entered the homes of 40 families. <a href="https://t.co/ZLnv3jHyzl">pic.twitter.com/ZLnv3jHyzl</a>&mdash; Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeatherMonitors/status/1990126274048651652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A video of flooding has also surfaced on the social media platform X, showing high-speed water rushing through the streets of the village. A few of the vehicles parked on the street of the village have been partially submerged in the flood, and water is also seen entering the houses.<h3>'Cloud-seeding' in Iran</h3>Previously, Iran's officials attempted artificial rain known as 'cloud-seeding' to combat the country's worst drought in decades. The process was accomplished over the Urmia lake basin on Saturday, Iran's official news agency Irna reported.&nbsp;Urmia is the largest lake in Iran, but it has largely dried out, leaving a vast salt bed. The agency added that further operations will continue in East and West Azerbaijan. The artificial rain was conducted after Iran recorded low rainfall, resulting in reservoirs getting nearly empty.&nbsp;Last week, President Masoud Pezeshkian cautioned that without imminent rainfall, Tehran may face water rationing and even possible evacuations. According to Iran’s meteorological agency, nationwide rainfall has dropped by nearly 89 per cent compared with long-term averages, Irna reported. Officials said this is the country’s driest autumn in five decades.&nbsp;Authorities have also moved to introduce penalties for homes and businesses that use excessive water.&nbsp;Ahmad Vazifeh, who heads Iran's National Centre for Climate and Drought Crisis Management, said reservoirs in Tehran, West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan and Markazi are in a “critical condition”, with water levels falling to single digits. On Friday, hundreds gathered at a Tehran mosque to pray for rain.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/weather-system-brews-in-bay-of-bengal-heavy-rainfall-warning-for-chennai-1763205669302">Weather system brews in Bay of Bengal; heavy rainfall warning for Chennai</a>

A video of flooding has also surfaced on the social media platform X showing high-speed water rushing through the streets of the village. A few of the vehicles parked on the street of the village have been partially submerged in the flood.

Heavy rain caused major flooding in Shahrek Hezarani Village in Abdanan, Ilam Province of the Iran. The Abdanan Governor confirmed that emergency teams from the Crisis Management Headquarters were assisting on the ground after water inundated the homes of 40 families.

A video of flooding has also surfaced on the social media platform X showing high-speed water rushing through the streets of the village. A few of the vehicles parked on the street of the village have been partially submerged in the flood.

VIDEO: Flash floods ravage Iran’s Shahrek Hezarani; Homes submerged, rescue ops on

A video showing the daughter of Ali Shamkhani, a high-ranking aide to Iran's Supreme Leader, wearing a strapless wedding dress at a luxurious Tehran hotel has ignited significant controversy. The footage, which surfaced on social media platform X on October 17, depicts Shamkhani escorting his daughter, Fatemeh, into the upscale Espinas Palace Hotel, where guests cheer as she walks in wearing a designer gown with a low neckline. The extravagant wedding, seen as a stark contrast to the regime’s stringent dress codes for women, has sparked a backlash. Critics argue that it exposes the hypocrisy of Iran’s leadership, which imposes severe hijab laws on the public while allowing the elite to bypass them. Shamkhani, who has previously overseen brutal crackdowns on anti-hijab protests, is being accused of double standards.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-war-a-strange-thing-says-ukraine-could-still-win-but-adds-i-don-t-think-they-will-1761011313214">Trump calls war ‘a strange thing’ says Ukraine 'could still win,' but adds ‘I don’t think they will’</a>&nbsp;Masih Alinejad, an exiled activist, condemned the event on X, emphasising the irony that while women in Iran face violence for showing their hair, the daughter of a key government official celebrates in a strapless gown. She accused the regime of preaching modesty while their own families are exempt from such rules. Swedish-Iranian politician Alireza Akhondi also criticised the wedding, calling it a clear demonstration of corruption and privilege. He noted that Fatemeh Shamkhani’s freedom to wear whatever she wanted is a direct result of her father’s powerful position, which he argued had little to do with religion.<h2>Watch the viral video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The daughter of Ali Shamkhani one of the Islamic Republic’s top enforcers had a lavish wedding in a strapless dress. Meanwhile, women in Iran are beaten for showing their hair and young people can’t afford to marry. This video made millions of Iranian furious. Because they… <a href="https://t.co/MAb9hNgBnN">https://t.co/MAb9hNgBnN</a> <a href="https://t.co/WoRgbpXQFA">pic.twitter.com/WoRgbpXQFA</a>&mdash; Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlinejadMasih/status/1979867926162280534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The incident has sparked debate just as Iran plans to expand its morality police force with 80,000 new officers tasked with enforcing strict hijab laws in Tehran. The wedding, which reportedly took place in April 2024, is further fueling anger among those who believe the regime’s leaders are hypocritical in their treatment of women. Ali Shamkhani, 70, has long been a loyal ally of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. He previously served as defense minister and headed the Supreme National Security Council until 2023. Under his leadership, the regime implemented a brutal crackdown on protests sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in 2022, who died in police custody after allegedly violating hijab regulations. The government’s violent response led to the deaths of over 500 people and the arrest of thousands more, particularly targeting women and girls.

WATCH | Iran's supreme leader's aide faces backlash after daughter’s lavish, hijab-free wedding

A video showing the daughter of Ali Shamkhani, a high-ranking aide to Iran's Supreme Leader, wearing a strapless wedding dress at a luxurious Tehran hotel has ignited significant controversy. The footage, which surfaced on social media platform X on October 17, depicts Shamkhani escorting his daughter, Fatemeh, into the upscale Espinas Palace Hotel, where guests cheer as she walks in wearing a designer gown with a low neckline. The extravagant wedding, seen as a stark contrast to the regime’s stringent dress codes for women, has sparked a backlash. Critics argue that it exposes the hypocrisy of Iran’s leadership, which imposes severe hijab laws on the public while allowing the elite to bypass them. Shamkhani, who has previously overseen brutal crackdowns on anti-hijab protests, is being accused of double standards. Also Read: Trump calls war ‘a strange thing’ says Ukraine 'could still win,' but adds ‘I don’t think they will’ Masih Alinejad, an exiled activist, condemned the event on X, emphasising the irony that while women in Iran face violence for showing their hair, the daughter of a key government official celebrates in a strapless gown. She accused the regime of preaching modesty while their own families are exempt from such rules. Swedish-Iranian politician Alireza Akhondi also criticised the wedding, calling it a clear demonstration of corruption and privilege. He noted that Fatemeh Shamkhani’s freedom to wear whatever she wanted is a direct result of her father’s powerful position, which he argued had little to do with religion. Watch the viral video here

A video of Ali Shamkhani’s daughter wearing a strapless wedding gown sparks outrage, highlighting the hypocrisy of Iran’s strict hijab laws amid elite privilege

Iran: Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has cautioned that any move by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom to reimpose international sanctions could “effectively suspend” its collaboration with the UN nuclear watchdog. The warning came Saturday, following the UN Security Council’s failure to pass a resolution permanently lifting sanctions on Iran.


Iran Warns of Suspending IAEA Cooperation if UN Sanctions Reimposed 

The Iranian Ministry of Intelligence accused 53 Christians of espionage and 'anti-security activities'. Iranian state media showed a video of the detainees with the Christian literature, specifically the Bible, the New Testament, which they have smuggled inside the country. The Bible is effectively banned in Iran for most Iranians; however, some Iranian minorities, like Armenians, Assyrians and other recognised groups, are allowed to access state-translated books. According to reports from human rights groups, these minorities are also not immune to persecution. There are almost 800,000 converted Christians in Iran.&nbsp;The state media broadcast also shows surveillance footage and confessions. The Iranian Intelligence Ministry alleges that the bible was smuggled into the country and that those individuals were trained abroad within an 'Evangelical network tied to foreign intelligence'.Mansour Borji, director of the religious liberty group Article 18, has claimed that these confessions were forced and condemned this media coverage as hate speech.&nbsp;“The clear suggestion being made here is that all Evangelical Christians are associates of Mossad,” said Borji. Article 18 operates with the sole purpose of protecting and promoting religious freedom in Iran, and advocating on behalf of its persecuted Christians. They argue that these are mostly politically motivated charges backed by incomplete evidence.&nbsp;11 of the 53 arrested have been released on bail. These arrests are part of the crackdown, which has started following the 12-day war with Israel. Since the ceasefire on June 25, approximately 50 Christians have been arrested across 21 cities in Iran. Many cases involved possession of the Bible and collaboration with hostile states like the US and Israel. &nbsp;

Iran has arrested 53 Christians on charges of espionage, claiming Bibles were smuggled into the country. Human rights groups condemn the crackdown as persecution of religious minorities.

The Iranian Ministry of Intelligence accused 53 Christians of espionage and 'anti-security activities'. Iranian state media showed a video of the detainees with the Christian literature, specifically the Bible, the New Testament, which they have smuggled inside the country. The Bible is effectively banned in Iran for most Iranians; however, some Iranian minorities, like Armenians, Assyrians and other recognised groups, are allowed to access state-translated books. According to reports from human rights groups, these minorities are also not immune to persecution. There are almost 800,000 converted Christians in Iran. The state media broadcast also shows surveillance footage and confessions. The Iranian Intelligence Ministry alleges that the bible was smuggled into the country and that those individuals were trained abroad within an 'Evangelical network tied to foreign intelligence'. Mansour Borji, director of the religious liberty group Article 18, has claimed that these confessions were forced and condemned this media coverage as hate speech. “The clear suggestion being made here is that all Evangelical Christians are associates of Mossad,” said Borji. Article 18 operates with the sole purpose of protecting and promoting religious freedom in Iran, and advocating on behalf of its persecuted Christians. They argue that these are mostly politically motivated charges backed by incomplete evidence. 11 of the 53 arrested have been released on bail. These arrests are part of the crackdown, which has started following the 12-day war with Israel. Since the ceasefire on June 25, approximately 50 Christians have been arrested across 21 cities in Iran. Many cases involved possession of the Bible and collaboration with hostile states like the US and Israel.

Iran has arrested 53 Christians on charges of espionage, claiming Bibles were smuggled into the country. Human rights groups condemn the crackdown as persecution of religious minorities.

Iran accuses 53 Christians of espionage, claims Bibles smuggled into country

Iranian forces have killed six militants and arrested two in a raid in the restive southeast province of Sistan-Baluchistan, reported state media on Saturday, saying they were members of a “terrorist” group linked to Israel. “During an intense exchange of fire with terrorists in Sistan-Baluchistan province, six assailants were killed and two others arrested,” Iran’s official news agency IRNA said, citing a statement from the intelligence services.The report said that “the main operation team” had “seven non-Iranian terrorists”, but did not mention their nationalities.&nbsp;The IRNA report added that two Iranian intelligence agents and a police officer were wounded in the gunfight.There were “documents” indicating “the Zionist nature” of the group targeted in the latest raid, said IRNA, adding that its members had planned to attack a “vital” facility in Iran’s east, without elaborating.&nbsp;The report did not mention the exact location of the raid or when it took place.&nbsp;<h2>Large cache of sophisticated weapons seized</h2>&nbsp;Iran’s intelligence forces dismantled a terrorist cell and seized a large cache of sophisticated weapons, vehicles, and other operational equipment, reported Tasnim news agency. The Intelligence Ministry’s office said the team consisted of seven non-Iranian terrorists armed with laser-guided RPG-7s, American-made M4 and M16 rifles, hand grenades, grenade launchers, explosive vests, handheld radios, a large quantity of ammunition, and anti-personnel RPG charges, it added. The forces also seized several vehicles, motorcycles, and related tools.&nbsp;<h2>‘Terrorists had undergone specialised military training’</h2>&nbsp;Investigations indicated that the group had undergone specialised military training that matches the operational patterns previously linked to Israel’s Mossad spy service, with several past cases showing similar methods and training.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-trains-children-in-combat-skills-along-river-don-patriotism-or-propaganda-1755967432859/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-trains-children-in-combat-skills-along-river-don-patriotism-or-propaganda-1755967432859/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Sistan-Baluchistan, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan, often witnesses clashes between security forces and armed groups, including drug traffickers and separatists.Iran frequently reports deadly ambushes in the province targeting police or members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.On Friday, the Sunni jihadist group Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) claimed an attack in Sistan-Baluchistan that killed five police officers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Intelligence Ministry’s office said the seven non-Iranian terrorists were armed with laser-guided RPG-7s, American-made M4 and M16 rifles, hand grenades, grenade launchers, explosive vests, handheld radios, a large quantity of ammunition, and anti-personnel RPG charges.

Iranian forces have killed six militants and arrested two in a raid in the restive southeast province of Sistan-Baluchistan, reported state media on Saturday, saying they were members of a “terrorist” group linked to Israel. “During an intense exchange of fire with terrorists in Sistan-Baluchistan province, six assailants were killed and two others arrested,” Iran’s official news agency IRNA said, citing a statement from the intelligence services. The report said that “the main operation team” had “seven non-Iranian terrorists”, but did not mention their nationalities. The IRNA report added that two Iranian intelligence agents and a police officer were wounded in the gunfight. There were “documents” indicating “the Zionist nature” of the group targeted in the latest raid, said IRNA, adding that its members had planned to attack a “vital” facility in Iran’s east, without elaborating. The report did not mention the exact location of the raid or when it took place. Large cache of sophisticated weapons seized Iran’s intelligence forces dismantled a terrorist cell and seized a large cache of sophisticated weapons, vehicles, and other operational equipment, reported Tasnim news agency. The Intelligence Ministry’s office said the team consisted of seven non-Iranian terrorists armed with laser-guided RPG-7s, American-made M4 and M16 rifles, hand grenades, grenade launchers, explosive vests, handheld radios, a large quantity of ammunition, and anti-personnel RPG charges, it added. The forces also seized several vehicles, motorcycles, and related tools. ‘Terrorists had undergone specialised military training’ Investigations indicated that the group had undergone specialised military training that matches the operational patterns previously linked to Israel’s Mossad spy service, with several past cases showing similar methods and training. https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-trains-children-in-combat-skills-along-river-don-patriotism-or-propaganda-1755967432859/embed Sistan-Baluchistan, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan, often witnesses clashes between security forces and armed groups, including drug traffickers and separatists. Iran frequently reports deadly ambushes in the province targeting police or members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. On Friday, the Sunni jihadist group Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) claimed an attack in Sistan-Baluchistan that killed five police officers.

The Intelligence Ministry’s office said the seven non-Iranian terrorists were armed with laser-guided RPG-7s, American-made M4 and M16 rifles, hand grenades, grenade launchers, explosive vests, handheld radios, a large quantity of ammunition, and anti-personnel RPG charges.

Iranian forces claim to have killed six ‘terrorists’ linked to Israel

At least five policemen were killed in southeastern Iran on Friday after unidentified gunmen opened fire on two police patrol vehicles in the city of Iranshahr in the province of Sistan and Baluchistan, Iranian news agencies reported. The officers were patrolling in two police cars when they were attacked on the road near the city of Iranshahr, some 1,300 kilometres (800 miles) southeast of the capital, Tehran, according to the official IRNA news agency.&nbsp;The report did not mention how many policemen were injured in the attack, and no group has taken responsibility for the attack so far.The province, bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan, has been the site of occasional deadly clashes involving militant groups, armed drug smugglers, and Iranian security forces. It is also one of the least developed provinces of Iran.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">❗️ Five officers killed as &#39;unknown gunmen&#39; open fire on 2 police patrols in Iran&#39;s city of Iranshahr — Fars News &#39;Terrorists&#39; fled the scene, manhunt underway <a href="https://t.co/gyvMVLFxXD">pic.twitter.com/gyvMVLFxXD</a>&mdash; RT (@RT_com) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_com/status/1958855144377843946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;In July, attackers launched a gun and grenade attack on a court building in the provincial capital, Zahedan, killing six people, including a child, and wounding 20.&nbsp;Iran’s southeast has witnessed sporadic clashes between security forces and armed groups, including Sunni militants and separatists who say they are fighting for autonomy and greater rights Tehran accuses some of them of having links with foreign powers and alleges their involvement in cross-border smuggling and insurgency.&nbsp;&nbsp;The ‘terrorists’ attacked two police patrol units in the Damen District of Iranshahr County as the law enforcement forces were on patrol duty, the semi-official Fars news agency quoted the provincial police as saying.Operations were launched to identify and arrest the assailants, said reports citing officials.

The province, bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan, has been the site of occasional deadly clashes involving militant groups, armed drug smugglers, and Iranian security forces. It is also one of the least developed provinces of Iran.

At least five policemen were killed in southeastern Iran on Friday after unidentified gunmen opened fire on two police patrol vehicles in the city of Iranshahr in the province of Sistan and Baluchistan, Iranian news agencies reported. The officers were patrolling in two police cars when they were attacked on the road near the city of Iranshahr, some 1,300 kilometres (800 miles) southeast of the capital, Tehran, according to the official IRNA news agency. The report did not mention how many policemen were injured in the attack, and no group has taken responsibility for the attack so far. The province, bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan, has been the site of occasional deadly clashes involving militant groups, armed drug smugglers, and Iranian security forces. It is also one of the least developed provinces of Iran.

The province, bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan, has been the site of occasional deadly clashes involving militant groups, armed drug smugglers, and Iranian security forces. It is also one of the least developed provinces of Iran.

Gunmen kill five policemen in attack on patrol vehicles in Iran

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that Western governments falsely portray sanctions as a ‘bloodless alternative to war’. He accused the US of committing crimes against humanity. Citing a Lancet study, he said the US sanctions have unilaterally killed 500,000 people every year since 1970. He called the Western sanctions 'inhumane' and called for a collective effort between the sanctioned nations for a unified response.“Western regimes have long claimed that sanctions are a bloodless alternative to war. Reality check: New study by @TheLancet says unilateral sanctions, particularly by the US, may be as lethal as war. 500+k lives claimed annually since 1970s, mostly children and the elderly,” said Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Western regimes have long claimed that sanctions are a bloodless alternative to war. Reality check: New study by <a href="https://twitter.com/TheLancet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheLancet</a> says unilateral sanctions, particularly by the US, may be as lethal as war. 500+k lives claimed annually since 1970s, mostly children and the elderly.… <a href="https://t.co/02tIQiAFA5">pic.twitter.com/02tIQiAFA5</a>&mdash; Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) <a href="https://twitter.com/araghchi/status/1955485536962957736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Lancet study, funded by the Centre for Economic and Policy Research, conducted cross-national panel data analysis between age-specific mortality rates and 152 countries sanctioned between 1971 and 2021, applying a wide range of methods such as observational data, entropy balancing, Granger causality, event-study representations, and instrumental variables to form a causal relationship. The findings suggest that sanctions have similar impacts to war. It also suggests rethinking the foreign policy tools, highlighting the importance of exercising restraint in their use and seriously considering efforts to reform their design.Use of Economic sanctions has grown substantially, according to the Global Sanctions Database 25 per cent of all countries are subjected to sanctions either by the US or the EU or the UN between 2010-22, as compared to 8 per cent of 1970. As of August 2025, the US or the EU or the UN have sanctions over Brazil, Cuba, Iran, Venezuela, Russia and its oil buyers such as India and China, as well as Syria and Libya to some extent are under either sanctions or a heavy tariff burden. There are other kinds like the FATF blacklist, Shadow Fleet, Terrorism, and Human rights related sanctions, which encompass a complex web of global sanctions.

Iran slams US sanctions as ‘crimes against humanity’,  citing a Lancet Study Seyed Abbas Araghchi accused Western nations' sanction tactics of claiming countless lives every year since 1970. 

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that Western governments falsely portray sanctions as a ‘bloodless alternative to war’. He accused the US of committing crimes against humanity. Citing a Lancet study, he said the US sanctions have unilaterally killed 500,000 people every year since 1970. He called the Western sanctions 'inhumane' and called for a collective effort between the sanctioned nations for a unified response. “Western regimes have long claimed that sanctions are a bloodless alternative to war. Reality check: New study by @TheLancet says unilateral sanctions, particularly by the US, may be as lethal as war. 500+k lives claimed annually since 1970s, mostly children and the elderly,” said Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

Iran slams US sanctions as ‘crimes against humanity’, &nbsp;citing a Lancet study Seyed Abbas Araghchi accused Western nations' sanction tactics of claiming countless lives every year since 1970.&nbsp;

'As deadly as war’: Iran says US sanctions kill 500,000 people a year, mostly children

Iran today executed Rouzbeh Vadi, a man convicted of spying for the Israeli Intelligence agency Mossad. According to the report by Judiciary news outlet Mizan, the execution was carried out at dawn, following allegations that Vadi passed sensitive information to Israel, which ultimately led to the targeted assassination of Iranian top officials and nuclear scientist during an Israeli air strike in June.According to Iran's judiciary, Vadi was employed by one of Iran's “important and sensitive organisations,” and he was recruited by Mossad online before meeting them in Vienna, Austria. Authorities claim he handed them over information that aided Israel's 12-day airstrike. Iran has already executed seven people for espionage during the conflict with Israel, sparking fear within activists and rights groups. Iran's opaque judicial process has long been condemned by the rights group. “We see a consistent lack of fair trials, forced confessions, and executions carried out behind closed doors,” said a spokesperson from Amnesty International.Vadi's case mirrors that of Mohsen Langarneshin, who was exeçuted in April. He was accused of facilitating the 2022 assassination of Revolutionary Guard Colonel and aiding drone strikes in Isfahan. However, this aggressive response shows an attempt to deter further informants and any chances of internal conflict. The Vadi execution sheds little light on the shadowy world of intelligence warfare between Israel and Iran.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Iran executed a nuclear scientist on Wednesday, for leaking information that helped Israel carry out the nuclear strike in the 12-day-long war and led to the deaths of top officials and nuclear scientists.

Iran today executed Rouzbeh Vadi, a man convicted of spying for the Israeli Intelligence agency Mossad. According to the report by Judiciary news outlet Mizan, the execution was carried out at dawn, following allegations that Vadi passed sensitive information to Israel, which ultimately led to the targeted assassination of Iranian top officials and nuclear scientist during an Israeli air strike in June. According to Iran's judiciary, Vadi was employed by one of Iran's “important and sensitive organisations,” and he was recruited by Mossad online before meeting them in Vienna, Austria. Authorities claim he handed them over information that aided Israel's 12-day airstrike. Iran has already executed seven people for espionage during the conflict with Israel, sparking fear within activists and rights groups. Iran's opaque judicial process has long been condemned by the rights group. “We see a consistent lack of fair trials, forced confessions, and executions carried out behind closed doors,” said a spokesperson from Amnesty International. Vadi's case mirrors that of Mohsen Langarneshin, who was exeçuted in April. He was accused of facilitating the 2022 assassination of Revolutionary Guard Colonel and aiding drone strikes in Isfahan. However, this aggressive response shows an attempt to deter further informants and any chances of internal conflict. The Vadi execution sheds little light on the shadowy world of intelligence warfare between Israel and Iran.

Iran executed a nuclear scientist on Wednesday, for leaking information that helped Israel carry out the nuclear strike in the 12-day-long war and led to the deaths of top officials and nuclear scientists.

Executed for espionage: Iran hangs ‘Mossad Agent’ behind leak on assassinated nuclear scientist

Reza Amiri Moghadam, Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, has been added by the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into its most-wanted list. The official was allegedly involved in the abduction of retired FBI agent Robert A Levinson in 2007. The official had disappeared after traveling to Iran’s Kish Island.&nbsp;Tehran said in 2020 that the officer had left the country, and it had no knowledge of his whereabouts. The country denied the claim of Levinson's family that he had died in the custody of Iran.&nbsp;The FBI Washington Field Office on Tuesday released information-seeking posters featuring three senior Iranian intelligence officers who were allegedly involved in the abduction of Levinson. The bureau claimed that the three officials had played roles in his abduction and Iran’s attempt to "obfuscate its responsibility".&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-did-nato-secretary-general-mark-rutte-threaten-india-1752635500900">Also read: Why did NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte threaten India?</a>&nbsp;Moghadam previously led the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security’s operations unit.&nbsp;The other two officials are Taghi Daneshvar and Gholamhossein Mohammadnia. Sayyed Taghi Ghaemi is a high-ranking MOIS officer involved in counterespionage activities, said the FBI.&nbsp;Mohammadnia is a senior MOIS deputy who was the Iranian ambassador to Albania in 2016. He was expelled from Albania in December 2018 for “damaging its national security."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-india-and-pakistan-would-have-been-a-nuclear-war-trump-credits-himself-again-this-time-in-front-of-nato-secy-gen-1752563606666">Also read: 'India and Pakistan would have been a nuclear war': Trump credits himself again, this time in front of NATO Secy Gen</a>&nbsp;"These three intelligence officers were among those who allegedly facilitated Bob's 2007 abduction and the subsequent cover-up by the Iranian government. Bob likely later perished in captivity far away from his family, friends, and colleagues," said FBI Washington Field Office Assistant Director in Charge Steven Jensen.&nbsp;The US&nbsp;government wants to question these Iranian officials regarding their knowledge of the abduction and Iran’s efforts to conceal it.

Reza Amiri Moghadam, Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, has been added by the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into its most-wanted list. The official was allegedly involved in the abduction of retired FBI agent Robert A Levinson in 2007.

Reza Amiri Moghadam, Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, has been added by the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into its most-wanted list. The official was allegedly involved in the abduction of retired FBI agent Robert A Levinson in 2007. The official had disappeared after traveling to Iran’s Kish Island. Tehran said in 2020 that the officer had left the country, and it had no knowledge of his whereabouts. The country denied the claim of Levinson's family that he had died in the custody of Iran. The FBI Washington Field Office on Tuesday released information-seeking posters featuring three senior Iranian intelligence officers who were allegedly involved in the abduction of Levinson. The bureau claimed that the three officials had played roles in his abduction and Iran’s attempt to "obfuscate its responsibility". Also read: Why did NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte threaten India? Moghadam previously led the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security’s operations unit. The other two officials are Taghi Daneshvar and Gholamhossein Mohammadnia. Sayyed Taghi Ghaemi is a high-ranking MOIS officer involved in counterespionage activities, said the FBI. Mohammadnia is a senior MOIS deputy who was the Iranian ambassador to Albania in 2016. He was expelled from Albania in December 2018 for “damaging its national security." Also read: 'India and Pakistan would have been a nuclear war': Trump credits himself again, this time in front of NATO Secy Gen "These three intelligence officers were among those who allegedly facilitated Bob's 2007 abduction and the subsequent cover-up by the Iranian government. Bob likely later perished in captivity far away from his family, friends, and colleagues," said FBI Washington Field Office Assistant Director in Charge Steven Jensen. The US government wants to question these Iranian officials regarding their knowledge of the abduction and Iran’s efforts to conceal it.

The FBI Washington Field Office on Tuesday released information-seeking posters featuring three senior Iranian intelligence, including Reza Amiri Moghadam.&nbsp;

Why is Iran's ambassador to Pakistan 'most wanted' by FBI

Iranian nuclear scientist Sedighi Saber was among 11 members of his family killed in an Israeli assassination raid just hours before the Iran-Israel ceasefire came into force late on Monday (June 23). Iran's English-language station Press TV said the attack occurred in Astaneh Ashrafieh, a northern Iranian city along the Caspian Sea. A family picture of the scientist released by Press TV showed the family members who were killed, including elderly citizens, some children and women. The Israeli regime targeted at least 14 Iranian nuclear scientists during its 12-day attack on the nation, as per reports.&nbsp;As Israel launched Operation Rising Lion against Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities, top military officials, and nuclear scientists in the past few weeks, another operation has come into light. Israel also launched Operation Narnia, killing 10 Iranian nuclear scientists as a part of the ongoing war. The Iranian nuclear scientists were killed while they were sleeping in their homes, Channel 12 reported.Israel’s Operation Rising Lion eliminated many senior officials in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and key individuals involved in Iran’s nuclear program.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">12 members of the family of Iranian scientist Sedighi Saber were killed in a terrorist attack carried out early Tuesday morning by the Zionist regime on their home in Astaneh Ashrafieh. Follow: <a href="https://t.co/B3zXG73Jym">https://t.co/B3zXG73Jym</a> <a href="https://t.co/JKa6FZNwvZ">pic.twitter.com/JKa6FZNwvZ</a>&mdash; Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressTV/status/1938088211479233017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Israel Defence Forces (IDF) targeted the scientists who had the most military expertise and the greatest difficulty in replacing them. Then, Israel compiled a list of those scientists, ready for execution at command. The strike successfully targeted nuclear scientists with the help of the Intelligence Directorate’s precise intelligence. Israel used a “special weapon” to eliminate these scientists, according to Channel 9 and Channel 12 reports. While the specifics of this have been barred from publication. Those scientists were the key figures in Iran’s nuclear program, with years of experience in nuclear weapons development.&nbsp;Out of those 10 scientists, three of the most known were Fereydoun Abbasi, Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi, and Akbar Matlali Zadeh. Notably, many of those scientists were successors of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who was popularly known as the father of Iran’s nuclear program. Fakhrizadeh himself was killed in 2020, by a robotic sniper, allegedly planned by Israel.

11 family members killed alongside Iranian nuclear scientist in Israeli hit: Report

Iranian nuclear scientist Sedighi Saber was among 11 members of his family killed in an Israeli assassination raid just hours before the Iran-Israel ceasefire came into force late on Monday (June 23). Iran's English-language station Press TV said the attack occurred in Astaneh Ashrafieh, a northern Iranian city along the Caspian Sea. A family picture of the scientist released by Press TV showed the family members who were killed, including elderly citizens, some children and women. The Israeli regime targeted at least 14 Iranian nuclear scientists during its 12-day attack on the nation, as per reports. As Israel launched Operation Rising Lion against Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities, top military officials, and nuclear scientists in the past few weeks, another operation has come into light. Israel also launched Operation Narnia, killing 10 Iranian nuclear scientists as a part of the ongoing war. The Iranian nuclear scientists were killed while they were sleeping in their homes, Channel 12 reported. Israel’s Operation Rising Lion eliminated many senior officials in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and key individuals involved in Iran’s nuclear program.

A family photo of the scientist posted by Press TV showed the family members who were killed, including elderly people, several children and women

Iran on Sunday (June 23) threatened US military bases for launching attacks against the nation's nuclear facilities, saying such bases would be legitimate targets. US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jun 21) announced a “very successful attack” on Iran's three nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. The US has thousands of troops stationed on bases throughout the Middle East. Let's take a look at nations with significant deployments of US troops in the Middle East, which come under the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM).<h2>Bahrain</h2>The small Gulf state is home to a facility called Naval Support Activity Bahrain, where the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and headquarters of US Naval Forces Central Command are stationed. The country's deepwater port is capable of hosting the largest US warships, including aircraft carriers, and the base has been used by the US Navy since 1948, when the facility was run by Britain's Royal Navy.&nbsp;There are various US vessels that use Bahrain as their home port, such as four mine countermeasures and two logistics support ships. The US Coast Guard also has some vessels present in the country, consisting of six fast response cutters.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-bases-on-alert-as-iran-backed-militias-prepare-for-potential-retaliation-report-1750654417149">US bases in Iraq on alert as intel hints at potential retaliation by Iran-backed militias: Report</a><h2>Iraq</h2>The United States has troops stationed at several installations in Iraq, such as the Al-Asad and Arbil air bases. Baghdad is an ally of Iran, but also a strategic ally of Tehran's bitter rival the United States. As per reports, there are approximately 2,500 American soldiers in Iraq as part of the global coalition fighting the Islamic State jihadist organisation. Baghdad and Washington have agreed to schedule the phasing out of the forces of the coalition from Iraq.&nbsp;US troops in Syria and Iraq were targeted repeatedly by pro-Iran extremists after the Gaza war broke out in October 2023, but retaliated with punishing attacks on Tehran-aligned targets, and the attacks mostly ceased.<h2>Kuwait</h2>Kuwait has multiple US bases, such as Camp Arifjan, where the forward headquarters for the US Army element of CENTCOM is located. The US Army also prepositions materiel in the country. Ali al-Salem Air Base is home to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, which the military terms as the "primary airlift hub and gateway for delivering combat power to joint and coalition forces" in the theater. Furthermore, the United States operates drones such as MQ-9 Reapers in Kuwait.<h2>Qatar</h2>Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar features the forward elements of CENTCOM, as well as of its airmen and special ops men in the area. It also accommodates rotating combat aircraft, as well as the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which the military claims consists of "airlift, aerial refueling intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and aeromedical evacuation assets."<h2>Syria</h2>The United States has had troop presences for years at a chain of bases in Syria as part of the international campaign against the Islamic State group, which emerged from Syria's civil war to capture vast swaths of Syria and neighboring Iraq. The Pentagon revealed in April that it would cut approximately in half its troops in the nation to under 1,000 in the next few months as part of a "consolidation" of US forces in the nation.<h2>United Arab Emirates</h2>The US 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, a force that consists of 10 aircraft squadrons and also has UAVs like MQ-9 Reapers, is headquartered at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE. Fighting aircraft have cycled through Al Dhafra, which also has the Gulf Air Warfare Center for air and missile defense training.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Arab governments sounded alarm on Sunday following the US attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities overnight, and they called for immediate de-escalation amid concerns of being battlegrounds in an rising confrontation.&nbsp;Persian Gulf nations like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, who may have previously hailed the destruction of Iran's nuclear program by military means, instead condemned the American interference. Saudi Arabia condemned the infringement of Iran's sovereignty, and the UAE voiced “deep concern.” Governments from the area requested increased efforts at brokering an end to the fighting before the region becomes lost in "the horrors and dangers of war," Bahrain warned. And Oman, a seasoned diplomatic middleman between Iran and the United States, said, "The measures taken by the United States risk broadening the conflict's scope and involve a grave breach of international law."

Are these US bases sitting ducks for Iran? Military assets on high alert after Trump strike

Iran on Sunday (June 23) threatened US military bases for launching attacks against the nation's nuclear facilities, saying such bases would be legitimate targets. US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jun 21) announced a “very successful attack” on Iran's three nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. The US has thousands of troops stationed on bases throughout the Middle East. Let's take a look at nations with significant deployments of US troops in the Middle East, which come under the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM). Bahrain The small Gulf state is home to a facility called Naval Support Activity Bahrain, where the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and headquarters of US Naval Forces Central Command are stationed. The country's deepwater port is capable of hosting the largest US warships, including aircraft carriers, and the base has been used by the US Navy since 1948, when the facility was run by Britain's Royal Navy. There are various US vessels that use Bahrain as their home port, such as four mine countermeasures and two logistics support ships. The US Coast Guard also has some vessels present in the country, consisting of six fast response cutters. Also Read: US bases in Iraq on alert as intel hints at potential retaliation by Iran-backed militias: Report Iraq The United States has troops stationed at several installations in Iraq, such as the Al-Asad and Arbil air bases. Baghdad is an ally of Iran, but also a strategic ally of Tehran's bitter rival the United States. As per reports, there are approximately 2,500 American soldiers in Iraq as part of the global coalition fighting the Islamic State jihadist organisation. Baghdad and Washington have agreed to schedule the phasing out of the forces of the coalition from Iraq. US troops in Syria and Iraq were targeted repeatedly by pro-Iran extremists after the Gaza war broke out in October 2023, but retaliated with punishing attacks on Tehran-aligned targets, and the attacks mostly ceased. Kuwait Kuwait has multiple US bases, such as Camp Arifjan, where the forward headquarters for the US Army element of CENTCOM is located. The US Army also prepositions materiel in the country. Ali al-Salem Air Base is home to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, which the military terms as the "primary airlift hub and gateway for delivering combat power to joint and coalition forces" in the theater. Furthermore, the United States operates drones such as MQ-9 Reapers in Kuwait. Qatar Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar features the forward elements of CENTCOM, as well as of its airmen and special ops men in the area. It also accommodates rotating combat aircraft, as well as the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, which the military claims consists of "airlift, aerial refueling intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and aeromedical evacuation assets." Syria The United States has had troop presences for years at a chain of bases in Syria as part of the international campaign against the Islamic State group, which emerged from Syria's civil war to capture vast swaths of Syria and neighboring Iraq. The Pentagon revealed in April that it would cut approximately in half its troops in the nation to under 1,000 in the next few months as part of a "consolidation" of US forces in the nation. United Arab Emirates The US 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, a force that consists of 10 aircraft squadrons and also has UAVs like MQ-9 Reapers, is headquartered at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE. Fighting aircraft have cycled through Al Dhafra, which also has the Gulf Air Warfare Center for air and missile defense training. Meanwhile, Arab governments sounded alarm on Sunday following the US attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities overnight, and they called for immediate de-escalation amid concerns of being battlegrounds in an rising confrontation. Persian Gulf nations like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, who may have previously hailed the destruction of Iran's nuclear program by military means, instead condemned the American interference. Saudi Arabia condemned the infringement of Iran's sovereignty, and the UAE voiced “deep concern.” Governments from the area requested increased efforts at brokering an end to the fighting before the region becomes lost in "the horrors and dangers of war," Bahrain warned. And Oman, a seasoned diplomatic middleman between Iran and the United States, said, "The measures taken by the United States risk broadening the conflict's scope and involve a grave breach of international law."

After US B-2 stealth bombers hit Iran’s key nuclear sites, Tehran has vowed retaliation

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed punishment for Israel as tensions continue to escalate after the US hit three nuclear facilities in Iran on Sunday (June 22). Taking to X, the official handle of the Iranian leader vowed to intensify attacks against Tel Aviv, but made no mention of the US attacks. The post read, “The punishment continues. The Zionist enemy has made a big mistake, committed a big crime; it must be punished and it is being punished; it is being punished right now.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%87%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%86_%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#همین_حالا</a> مجازات ادامه دارد دشمن صهیونی یک اشتباه بزرگی کرده، یک جنایت بزرگی را مرتکب شده؛ باید مجازات بشود و دارد مجازات میشود؛ همین حالا دارد مجازات میشود.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87_%D8%A7%DA%A9%D8%A8%D8%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#الله_اکبر</a> <a href="https://t.co/wH6Wk9nNhJ">pic.twitter.com/wH6Wk9nNhJ</a>&mdash; KHAMENEI.IR | فارسی 🇮🇷 (@Khamenei_fa) <a href="https://twitter.com/Khamenei_fa/status/1936942341513695699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Khamenei's statement comes after the United States carried out ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’ to strike three nuclear sites in Iran (Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan).&nbsp;President Donald Trump reiterated on Sunday (June 22) that US strikes on Iran had destroyed their nuclear sites, after other officials cautioned that the extent of damage was still not confirmed. In his post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term! The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame. The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!” Earlier on Saturday (June 21), US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jun 21) announced a “very successful attack” on Iran's three nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. Iranian officials confirmed that the bombing took place at 2:30 am local time. “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,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the US is also closely observing whether Iran will attack American forces or resume its nuclear weapons program, Vance added, describing the situation as ‘a very delicate moment’, according to CNN. Iran's next move would be apparent within the next 24 hours, he said. Until now, the US has ‘gotten some indirect messages from the Iranians’, Vance stated. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth earlier on Sunday said that “both public and private messages are being directly communicated to the Iranians through several channels.”

A skull image and a warning: Khamenei vows to continue punishment of Israel, in first X post since US attack on nuke sites

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed punishment for Israel as tensions continue to escalate after the US hit three nuclear facilities in Iran on Sunday (June 22). Taking to X, the official handle of the Iranian leader vowed to intensify attacks against Tel Aviv, but made no mention of the US attacks. The post read, “The punishment continues. The Zionist enemy has made a big mistake, committed a big crime; it must be punished and it is being punished; it is being punished right now.”

President Donald Trump reiterated on Sunday (June 22) that US strikes on Iran had destroyed their nuclear sites, after other officials cautioned that the extent of damage was still not confirmed

The United States on Sunday (Jun 22) sounded a "worldwide caution" for American citizens, urging them to be on high alert — wherever they are. The reason? As per the US State Department, the rapidly escalating Middle East crisis could put people travelling or living abroad at an increased security risk. The advisory warned of "potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad". Click on the headlines to read more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-issues-global-security-alert-as-tensions-between-israel-and-iran-continue-to-spiral-1750640748484">US issues global security alert for citizens as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to spiral</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250623/image-1750641000241.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="US issues global security alert for citizens as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to spiral"></figure>The United States on Sunday (Jun 22) sounded a "worldwide caution" for American citizens, urging them to be on high alert — wherever they are. The reason? As per the US State Department, the rapidly escalating Middle East crisis could put people travelling or living abroad at an increased security risk. The advisory warned of "potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad". <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-minutes-before-the-bombs-dropped-vance-on-trump-s-iran-strike-decision-1750642217042">'Minutes before the bombs dropped': Vance on Trump’s Iran strike decision</a><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250623/image-1750642431782.jpg?rect=(0,14,484,363)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Minutes before the bombs dropped': Vance on Trump’s Iran strike decision">US President Donald Trump gave the go-ahead to attack on Iranian nuclear facilities ‘minutes before the bombs dropped’, Vice President JD Vance was quoted saying to NBC's "Meet the Press" on Saturday, CNN reported. Vance added that Trump "had the power to call off this attack until the very last minute" and chose to go ahead. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-s-capital-kyiv-rocked-by-fresh-wave-of-russian-drone-attacks-residents-shelter-underground-1750637150940">One killed, several wounded as Russia launches fresh wave of drone attacks on Ukraine's capital Kyiv</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250623/image-1750637316123.jpg?rect=(0,58,908,682)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="One killed, several wounded as Russia launches fresh wave of drone attacks on Ukraine's capital Kyiv"></figure>Kyiv, early on Monday (Jun 23), woke up to drones and distant explosions as Russia launched "another massive attack" on the Ukrainian capital. At least one person was killed and several were wounded in the strikes, said Ukrainian authorities. Mykola Kalashnyk of Kyiv's military administration, in a statement, said that "Unfortunately, as a result of the enemy attack in Bila Tserkva district, a woman born in 1957 died from her injuries". &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-monumental-damage-done-to-all-nuclear-sites-in-iran-says-trump-after-us-strikes-iran-1750644929920">'Monumental damage done to all nuclear sites in Iran', says Trump after US strikes Iran</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250623/image-1750645655199.png?rect=(0,160,960,720)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Monumental damage done to all nuclear sites in Iran', says Trump after US strikes Iran"></figure>President Donald Trump reiterated on Sunday (June 22) that US strikes on Iran had destroyed their nuclear sites, after other officials cautioned that the extent of damage was still not confirmed. In his post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term! The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame. The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!” Israel's stock market surges to a record high on Sunday following the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Israel&#39;s stock market surges to a record high on Sunday following the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites<a href="https://twitter.com/BislaDiksha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BislaDiksha</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/JyotsnaKumar13?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JyotsnaKumar13</a> bring you this report <a href="https://t.co/HgAGzVfF3Q">pic.twitter.com/HgAGzVfF3Q</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1936990448012439876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Morning news brief: US issues global security alert; Russia launches drone attack on Kyiv, and more

The United States on Sunday (Jun 22) sounded a "worldwide caution" for American citizens, urging them to be on high alert — wherever they are. The reason? As per the US State Department, the rapidly escalating Middle East crisis could put people travelling or living abroad at an increased security risk. The advisory warned of "potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad". Click on the headlines to read more US issues global security alert for citizens as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to spiral The United States on Sunday (Jun 22) sounded a "worldwide caution" for American citizens, urging them to be on high alert — wherever they are. The reason? As per the US State Department, the rapidly escalating Middle East crisis could put people travelling or living abroad at an increased security risk. The advisory warned of "potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad". 'Minutes before the bombs dropped': Vance on Trump’s Iran strike decision US President Donald Trump gave the go-ahead to attack on Iranian nuclear facilities ‘minutes before the bombs dropped’, Vice President JD Vance was quoted saying to NBC's "Meet the Press" on Saturday, CNN reported. Vance added that Trump "had the power to call off this attack until the very last minute" and chose to go ahead. One killed, several wounded as Russia launches fresh wave of drone attacks on Ukraine's capital Kyiv Kyiv, early on Monday (Jun 23), woke up to drones and distant explosions as Russia launched "another massive attack" on the Ukrainian capital. At least one person was killed and several were wounded in the strikes, said Ukrainian authorities. Mykola Kalashnyk of Kyiv's military administration, in a statement, said that "Unfortunately, as a result of the enemy attack in Bila Tserkva district, a woman born in 1957 died from her injuries". 'Monumental damage done to all nuclear sites in Iran', says Trump after US strikes Iran President Donald Trump reiterated on Sunday (June 22) that US strikes on Iran had destroyed their nuclear sites, after other officials cautioned that the extent of damage was still not confirmed. In his post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term! The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame. The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!” Israel's stock market surges to a record high on Sunday following the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites

Good morning! Start your day with WION's morning news brief

President Donald Trump had been strongly considering taking US military action in Iran for days before he gave his top aides a directive: Tell the media that he would decide within two weeks whether to act, as a means of hiding his true thinking. The president had been angered by reports that indicated he had come to a last-minute decision on attacking Iranian nuclear facilities and believed that a two-week timeframe might mislead the Iranians and cover up his intentions, according to sources close to the development.&nbsp;Trump had made the decision to make the statement on Thursday (19) when he was having lunch with his former advisor Steve Bannon, who had been openly doubting US involvement. Moments later, his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, entered the White House briefing room and complied with the president's directive, indicating to the world that Trump was not yet set in his mind.&nbsp;Although the last word came on Saturday (June 21) as bombers were already airborne, Trump's inner circle thought his mind had been made up for several days about taking action in Iran. Trump was briefed on plans of attack already and was holding his senior national security aides in person on a daily basis, in addition to having multiple phone calls throughout the day.&nbsp;Meanwhile, President Donald Trump reiterated on Sunday (June 22) that US strikes on Iran had destroyed their nuclear sites, after other officials cautioned that the extent of damage was still not confirmed. In his post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term! The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame. The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!”

‘Two-week peace window’ was a smokescreen for Iran strike, claims report

President Donald Trump had been strongly considering taking US military action in Iran for days before he gave his top aides a directive: Tell the media that he would decide within two weeks whether to act, as a means of hiding his true thinking. The president had been angered by reports that indicated he had come to a last-minute decision on attacking Iranian nuclear facilities and believed that a two-week timeframe might mislead the Iranians and cover up his intentions, according to sources close to the development. Trump had made the decision to make the statement on Thursday (19) when he was having lunch with his former advisor Steve Bannon, who had been openly doubting US involvement. Moments later, his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, entered the White House briefing room and complied with the president's directive, indicating to the world that Trump was not yet set in his mind. Although the last word came on Saturday (June 21) as bombers were already airborne, Trump's inner circle thought his mind had been made up for several days about taking action in Iran. Trump was briefed on plans of attack already and was holding his senior national security aides in person on a daily basis, in addition to having multiple phone calls throughout the day. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump reiterated on Sunday (June 22) that US strikes on Iran had destroyed their nuclear sites, after other officials cautioned that the extent of damage was still not confirmed. In his post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term! The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame. The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!”

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jun 21) announced a “very successful attack” on Iran's three nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan

Tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated sharply after the United States bombed three major nuclear sites in Iran, Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan. The strikes came on the ninth day of Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, during which it targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, killing top scientists and military leaders. US President Donald Trump had earlier warned that he was considering bombing Iran. Following the attack, he declared, “There will either be peace or tragedy for Iran, far greater than what we have witnessed over the last eight days.”<h2>How can Iran strike back?</h2>Iran had warned Washington against joining the conflict, but its ability to respond has been weakened by days of Israeli airstrikes that damaged long-range missile launchers. However, Iran still retains a large stock of short-range missiles and drones, which could be used in retaliation.To reduce vulnerability, the US has already repositioned its naval forces in the region and increased its air defence systems.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-how-israel-built-nuclear-weapons-and-kept-them-a-secret-for-decades-the-elaborate-deception-that-fooled-the-us-and-world-1750271364381">Israel-Iran war: How Israel built nuclear weapons and kept them a secret for decades? The elaborate deception that fooled the&nbsp;US&nbsp;and&nbsp;world</a><h2>Proxies may respond on Iran’s behalf</h2>One of Iran’s strongest tools has long been its regional network of allied militias, known as the “axis of resistance.” This includes Hezbollah in Lebanon, Kata’ib Hezbollah in Iraq, and the Houthis in Yemen. However, these groups have also been weakened. Hezbollah’s missile stockpile was hit hard by Israeli jets in 2023. In April this year, more Israeli airstrikes targeted a suspected weapons cache in Beirut.Still, Iran-backed militias continue to issue threats. Abu Ali al-Askari, a commander of Kata’ib Hezbollah, told CNN that US military bases would soon become “duck-hunting grounds.” The US currently has at least 19 bases in the Middle East, eight of them permanent. The Houthis, who agreed to a ceasefire with the US in May, have said they will consider the truce broken if American strikes on Iran continue. They have previously targeted US ships in the Red Sea, though with mixed success.<h2>Can Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz?</h2>Iran could also retaliate by targeting international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway just 55km wide at its narrowest point. Around 20 million barrels of oil pass through it daily, making it a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies.Some Iranian politicians have called for closing the strait, which would immediately raise global oil prices and trigger inflation in the US. However, this move could severely hurt Iran’s own economy, as its oil exports also rely on the same route. It could also force Gulf Arab countries, already angry over Israeli strikes, to enter the war to protect their interests.<h2>Delayed revenge not ruled out</h2>Iran has sometimes waited before responding to external attacks. Its foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, suggested a delayed and calculated response could still be on the table, saying Trump’s actions “will have everlasting consequences.”

Iran had warned Washington against joining the conflict, but its ability to respond has been weakened by days of Israeli airstrikes that damaged long-range missile launchers. However, Iran still retains a large stock of short-range missiles and drones, which could be used in retaliation.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated sharply after the United States bombed three major nuclear sites in Iran, Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan. The strikes came on the ninth day of Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, during which it targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, killing top scientists and military leaders. US President Donald Trump had earlier warned that he was considering bombing Iran. Following the attack, he declared, “There will either be peace or tragedy for Iran, far greater than what we have witnessed over the last eight days.” How can Iran strike back? Iran had warned Washington against joining the conflict, but its ability to respond has been weakened by days of Israeli airstrikes that damaged long-range missile launchers. However, Iran still retains a large stock of short-range missiles and drones, which could be used in retaliation. To reduce vulnerability, the US has already repositioned its naval forces in the region and increased its air defence systems. Israel-Iran war: How Israel built nuclear weapons and kept them a secret for decades? The elaborate deception that fooled the US and world Proxies may respond on Iran’s behalf One of Iran’s strongest tools has long been its regional network of allied militias, known as the “axis of resistance.” This includes Hezbollah in Lebanon, Kata’ib Hezbollah in Iraq, and the Houthis in Yemen. However, these groups have also been weakened. Hezbollah’s missile stockpile was hit hard by Israeli jets in 2023. In April this year, more Israeli airstrikes targeted a suspected weapons cache in Beirut. Still, Iran-backed militias continue to issue threats. Abu Ali al-Askari, a commander of Kata’ib Hezbollah, told CNN that US military bases would soon become “duck-hunting grounds.” The US currently has at least 19 bases in the Middle East, eight of them permanent. The Houthis, who agreed to a ceasefire with the US in May, have said they will consider the truce broken if American strikes on Iran continue. They have previously targeted US ships in the Red Sea, though with mixed success. Can Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz? Iran could also retaliate by targeting international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway just 55km wide at its narrowest point. Around 20 million barrels of oil pass through it daily, making it a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. Some Iranian politicians have called for closing the strait, which would immediately raise global oil prices and trigger inflation in the US. However, this move could severely hurt Iran’s own economy, as its oil exports also rely on the same route. It could also force Gulf Arab countries, already angry over Israeli strikes, to enter the war to protect their interests. Delayed revenge not ruled out Iran has sometimes waited before responding to external attacks. Its foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, suggested a delayed and calculated response could still be on the table, saying Trump’s actions “will have everlasting consequences.”

Iran had warned Washington against joining the conflict, but its ability to respond has been weakened by days of Israeli airstrikes that damaged long-range missile launchers. However, Iran still retains a large stock of short-range missiles and drones, which could be used in retaliation.

Israel-Iran war: Missiles, proxies or Strait of Hormuz? How Iran might hit back at the US after nuclear site bombings

After President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jun 21) announced a “very successful attack” on Iran's three nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, the several Los Angeles residents expressed mixed reactions to the situation and called it 'scary'.Speaking to the news agency Reuters on the street in the Californian city, a resident stated that President Trump was "doing what he has to do". "Because at the end of the day, I want my future kids to be living in a nation where they're going to be safe", said Eleno Jr. Juarez, an LA resident.Another citizen said in a post on X, “Trump is a fool. I voted for America first and that doesn't mean attacking other countrys because they make Israel mad. To hell with Israel.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump is a fool. I voted for America first and that doesn&#39;t mean attacking other countrys because they make Israel mad. To hell with Israel&mdash; Shawn McHugh (@realshawnmchugh) <a href="https://twitter.com/realshawnmchugh/status/1936573767511335074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A user on the social media platform, Truth Social, said, “Depending on your opinion there are those who approve of the Trump administration's bombing of Iran nuclear sites and those who do not. Undoubtedly those who do not approve of the bombing of the nuclear sites have bad dreams every night whereas those who approve of the bombing have good dreams every night. The United States is about 70/30 on that front. When Donald Trump said he wanted to restore the American dream that included our dream lives and he was not kidding.”&nbsp;

<h3>Americans do not want war: Democrats party chairman&nbsp;</h3>Meanwhile, the chairman of the Democrats party of the US, Ken Martin, hit out at the President Donald Trump following the military attack on Iran.&nbsp;In a statement, he said, "In January-speaking to the entire nation at his Inauguration-Donald Trump proclaimed, ‘We will measure our success not only by the battles we win, but also by the wars that we end, and perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into.’ Today, against his own words, the president sent bombers into Iran.&nbsp;He added in the statement that the people of America overwhelmingly do not want to go to war and risk the safety of troops abroad. Martin also said Americans do not want a president who bypasses our Constitution and pulls us towards war without congressional approval. He emphasised that Donald Trump needs to bring his case to Congress as soon as possible. &nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My statement on Trump&#39;s unilateral act of war with Iran. <a href="https://t.co/b2DDZyX9YJ">pic.twitter.com/b2DDZyX9YJ</a>&mdash; Ken Martin (@kenmartin73) <a href="https://twitter.com/kenmartin73/status/1936606162788528434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Speaking to the news agency Reuters on the street in the Californian city, a resident stated that President Trump was "doing what he has to do". 

After President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jun 21) announced a “very successful attack” on Iran's three nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, the several Los Angeles residents expressed mixed reactions to the situation and called it 'scary'. Speaking to the news agency Reuters on the street in the Californian city, a resident stated that President Trump was "doing what he has to do". "Because at the end of the day, I want my future kids to be living in a nation where they're going to be safe", said Eleno Jr. Juarez, an LA resident. Another citizen said in a post on X, “Trump is a fool. I voted for America first and that doesn't mean attacking other countrys because they make Israel mad. To hell with Israel.”

Speaking to the news agency Reuters on the street in the Californian city, a resident stated that President Trump was "doing what he has to do".&nbsp;

‘Scary situation’: Americans react after Trump launches attack on Iran; Democrats slam US prez for violating promise

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