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

Late on Saturday night (June 21), fourth flight with 290 Indians landed at the New Delhi airport from Iran. The MEA in a post on X said, “<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/OperationSindhu?src=hashtag_click">#OperationSindhu</a> gains momentum. 290 Indian nationals have returned home safely from Iran on a special flight from Mashhad that landed in New Delhi at 2330 hrs on 21 June 2025. With this, 1,117 Indian nationals have been evacuated from Iran.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationSindhu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationSindhu</a> gains momentum. 290 Indian nationals have returned home safely from Iran on a special flight from Mashhad that landed in New Delhi at 2330 hrs on 21 June 2025. With this, 1,117 Indian nationals have been evacuated from Iran. <a href="https://t.co/FScyeKslzw">pic.twitter.com/FScyeKslzw</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1936494125164921128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Earlier, India on Saturday (Jun 21) rescued 117 Indian nationals from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, as the third special evacuation flight landed in Delhi under Operation Sindhu. &nbsp;Lauding the successful evacuation, Indian Minister of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal on X said, "A special evacuation flight from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan landed in New Delhi at 0300 hrs on 21st June, bringing Indians from Iran home." He added that with this, "so far 517 Indian nationals from Iran have returned home under Operation Sindhu". Just hours earlier, late on Friday (Jun 20), another flight, this one from Mashhad, Iran, brought home 290 Indian students. The Indian government has launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran because of the worsening situation amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. In a post on X, the Jammu and Kashmir student association thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the External Affairs Ministry, and all concerned authorities for evacuating the students. The association wrote, “Mahan Air evacuation flight from Mashhad, Iran, carrying 290 students, the majority of whom are from Kashmir, has landed safely in New Delhi just now. Heartfelt thanks, PM, EAM and all concerned authorities for their timely intervention and support.”&nbsp;MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, “Operation Sindhu flight brings citizens home. India evacuated 290 Indian nationals from Iran, including students and religious pilgrims by a charter flight. The flight arrived in New Delhi at 2330 hrs on 20 June and was received by Secretary (CPV&amp; OIA) Arun Chatterjee.” “Government of India is grateful to the Government of Iran for the facilitation of the evacuation process.”

Operation Sindhu: Fourth flight carrying 290 Indians from Iran lands in New Delhi

Late on Saturday night (June 21), fourth flight with 290 Indians landed at the New Delhi airport from Iran. The MEA in a post on X said, “#OperationSindhu gains momentum. 290 Indian nationals have returned home safely from Iran on a special flight from Mashhad that landed in New Delhi at 2330 hrs on 21 June 2025. With this, 1,117 Indian nationals have been evacuated from Iran.”

With this, 1,117 Indian nationals have been evacuated from Iran

US Intel Chief Tulsi Gabbard said that Iran could produce nuclear weapons "within weeks", months after she appeared before Congress to testify that the nation was not making them. The US Director of National Intelligence said her March testimony - in which she said Iran had a stock of materials but was not manufacturing these weapons - had been misconstrued by "dishonest media".&nbsp;Her flip was after Donald Trump said that she was "wrong" and that intelligence indicated Iran had a "tremendous amount of material" and could make a nuclear weapon "within months".&nbsp;Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is purely peaceful and it has never attempted to build a nuclear weapon. On Thursday (June 19 ), &nbsp;Trump said he was giving Tehran the "maximum" of two weeks to agree on its nuclear program with Washington. He added that he would soon determine if the US will join the Israeli strikes against Iran.&nbsp;There has been growing disagreement within Trump's "America First" movement on whether the US should get involved in the conflict. On Saturday morning, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that his nation was "absolutely ready for a negotiated solution" on their nuclear programme but Iran "cannot go through negotiations with the US when our people are under bombardment".&nbsp;In her social media post, Gabbard said US intelligence indicated Iran is "at the point that it can produce a nuclear weapon within weeks to months". "President Trump has made it very clear that can't happen, and I agree," she continued.&nbsp;Gabbard shared a video of her complete testimony to Congress in March, in which she reported US intelligence agencies had found that Iran was not developing nuclear weapons.&nbsp;Experts also determined that Iran had not restarted its suspended 2003 nuclear arms programme, she said in the video, while the country's inventory of enriched uranium - one building block of such weapons - was at a historic high. In her testimony, she said Iran's inventory was "unprecedented for a non-nuclear-armed state.".&nbsp;Earlier this month, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the world's nuclear watchdog, sounded the alarm over Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, which can be used to produce reactor fuel but also weapons. Gabbard's testimony in March has been previously attacked by Trump, who previously told reporters that he did not "care what she said".&nbsp;The US president indicated that he is sure Iran were "very close to having a weapon" and his nation was not going to let that occur.&nbsp;

Within weeks US Intel Chief Gabbard warns of imminent Iran nuke threat reverses from earlier testimony

US Intel Chief Tulsi Gabbard said that Iran could produce nuclear weapons "within weeks", months after she appeared before Congress to testify that the nation was not making them. The US Director of National Intelligence said her March testimony - in which she said Iran had a stock of materials but was not manufacturing these weapons - had been misconstrued by "dishonest media". Her flip was after Donald Trump said that she was "wrong" and that intelligence indicated Iran had a "tremendous amount of material" and could make a nuclear weapon "within months". Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is purely peaceful and it has never attempted to build a nuclear weapon. On Thursday (June 19 ), Trump said he was giving Tehran the "maximum" of two weeks to agree on its nuclear program with Washington. He added that he would soon determine if the US will join the Israeli strikes against Iran. There has been growing disagreement within Trump's "America First" movement on whether the US should get involved in the conflict. On Saturday morning, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that his nation was "absolutely ready for a negotiated solution" on their nuclear programme but Iran "cannot go through negotiations with the US when our people are under bombardment". In her social media post, Gabbard said US intelligence indicated Iran is "at the point that it can produce a nuclear weapon within weeks to months". "President Trump has made it very clear that can't happen, and I agree," she continued. Gabbard shared a video of her complete testimony to Congress in March, in which she reported US intelligence agencies had found that Iran was not developing nuclear weapons. Experts also determined that Iran had not restarted its suspended 2003 nuclear arms programme, she said in the video, while the country's inventory of enriched uranium - one building block of such weapons - was at a historic high. In her testimony, she said Iran's inventory was "unprecedented for a non-nuclear-armed state.". Earlier this month, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the world's nuclear watchdog, sounded the alarm over Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, which can be used to produce reactor fuel but also weapons. Gabbard's testimony in March has been previously attacked by Trump, who previously told reporters that he did not "care what she said". The US president indicated that he is sure Iran were "very close to having a weapon" and his nation was not going to let that occur.

Her change of position came after Donald Trump said she was ‘wrong’ and that intelligence showed Iran had a ‘tremendous amount of material’ and could have a nuclear weapon ‘within months’

US intel chief Gabbard warns Iran could build nuke 'within weeks', slams 'dishonest media'

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly named three clerics as potential successors while hiding in a bunker in the face of assassination threats by Israel during the ongoing conflict. According to The New York Times, quoting three Iranian officials close to the development, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has started appointing successors to top generals who were assassinated in Israeli bombing raids.&nbsp;Interestingly, contrary to earlier reports, the officials said Ali Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, is not among the clerics shortlisted to succeed him – despite previous claims that he was being groomed for the role. As reported by The New York Times, 86-year-old Khamenei is cognizant of the likelihood of being targeted by Israel or the United States for assassination -- something that would be perceived by him as martyrdom, Iranian officials say.&nbsp;In the light of this threat, Khamenei has gone the unusual route of instructing the Assembly of Experts – the clerical assembly responsible for choosing Iran's next supreme leader – to move quickly and pick a successor from among the three candidates he has nominated himself.&nbsp;Normally, the selection of a new supreme leader takes months with extensive deliberations and several candidates. But with the nation now engaged in war, officials told NYT that Khamenei wishes to facilitate a swift and orderly transition to protect both the Islamic Republic and his legacy. “The top priority is the preservation of the state,” NYT quoted Vali Nasr, a leading Iran expert and professor at Johns Hopkins University, as saying. “It is all calculative and pragmatic,” Nasr added.&nbsp;Meanwhile, amid ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, old social media post of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have surfaced drawing attention for his unexpectedly liberal and feminist tone. Some over a old post show Khamenei expressing support for women’s rights, sharing an interest in poetry, and backing the Black Lives Matter movement.&nbsp;These resurfaced remarks show a surprisingly different image of Khamenei, prompting many on social media to call him progressive in his views. In several women-focused posts, he not only advocated for gender equality but also expressed thoughts on love and relationships. In a post on X (formerly known as twitter), Khamenei said, "Man has a responsibility to understand #woman's needs and feelings and must not be neglectful toward her #emotional state." Comparing the strength between both the gender, he highlighted, “Women are stronger than men. Women can completely control and influence men with their wisdom and delicacy.”

Inside Khameneis bunker Succession planning amid Israels assassination threats Report

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly named three clerics as potential successors while hiding in a bunker in the face of assassination threats by Israel during the ongoing conflict. According to The New York Times, quoting three Iranian officials close to the development, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has started appointing successors to top generals who were assassinated in Israeli bombing raids. Interestingly, contrary to earlier reports, the officials said Ali Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, is not among the clerics shortlisted to succeed him – despite previous claims that he was being groomed for the role. As reported by The New York Times, 86-year-old Khamenei is cognizant of the likelihood of being targeted by Israel or the United States for assassination -- something that would be perceived by him as martyrdom, Iranian officials say. In the light of this threat, Khamenei has gone the unusual route of instructing the Assembly of Experts – the clerical assembly responsible for choosing Iran's next supreme leader – to move quickly and pick a successor from among the three candidates he has nominated himself. Normally, the selection of a new supreme leader takes months with extensive deliberations and several candidates. But with the nation now engaged in war, officials told NYT that Khamenei wishes to facilitate a swift and orderly transition to protect both the Islamic Republic and his legacy. “The top priority is the preservation of the state,” NYT quoted Vali Nasr, a leading Iran expert and professor at Johns Hopkins University, as saying. “It is all calculative and pragmatic,” Nasr added. Meanwhile, amid ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, old social media post of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have surfaced drawing attention for his unexpectedly liberal and feminist tone. Some over a old post show Khamenei expressing support for women’s rights, sharing an interest in poetry, and backing the Black Lives Matter movement. These resurfaced remarks show a surprisingly different image of Khamenei, prompting many on social media to call him progressive in his views. In several women-focused posts, he not only advocated for gender equality but also expressed thoughts on love and relationships. In a post on X (formerly known as twitter), Khamenei said, "Man has a responsibility to understand #woman's needs and feelings and must not be neglectful toward her #emotional state." Comparing the strength between both the gender, he highlighted, “Women are stronger than men. Women can completely control and influence men with their wisdom and delicacy.”

Under normal circumstances, the process of appointing a new supreme leader can take months, involving intense deliberations and multiple candidates

Inside Khamenei’s bunker: Succession planning amid Israel's assassination threats-Report

Amid the rising tensions between Israel and Iran, a US envoy at a UN Security Council meeting on Friday stumbled and accidentally blamed Jerusalem for spreading "chaos, terror and suffering" in the Middle East before realising her mistake.&nbsp;The US Chargé d'Affaires ad interim to the UN, Dorothy Shea, was giving a speech during the UNSC, condemning Iran's activities against Israel.&nbsp;"Israel's government has also spread chaos, terror and suffering throughout the region," Shea reads out. She then takes an awkward pause, shakes her head as she quickly corrects herself and repeats the sentence, “Iran's government has also spread chaos, terror and suffering throughout the region.” She continues with her speech, “Let us not forget that the Iranian government was an enabling and ideological material force behind Hamas's deadly assault on Israel.” &nbsp;This slip-up by the senior US diplomat on a stage as large as the United Nations Security Council went viral on social media.&nbsp;In her speech, Shea also emphasised that it is not too late for the Iranian government "to do the right thing". She reiterated US President Donald Trump's statements and said that Iran "must completely abandon its nuclear enrichment program and all aspirations of acquiring a nuclear weapon". Dorothy Shea stated that Israel has repeatedly called for Israel's destruction as well as for "death to America".&nbsp;As much as she confirmed the US was not involved in Israeli raids on Iran, the American diplomat said, “Let there be no doubt that the United States continues to stand with Israel and supports its actions against Iran's nuclear ambitions.” The American diplomat explained that Iran's leaders could have avoided the current war if they had accepted an agreement that would have prevented them from ever having a nuclear weapon.&nbsp;By rejecting the deal, Shea explained, Iran has everything it requires to have a nuclear weapon, adding that the only thing left for it to have now is a decision by its top leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨 BREAKING: US ambassador Dorothy Shea accidentally says something honest at the UN Security Council “Israel’s government has also spread chaos, terror, and suffering throughout the region...” A Freudian slip for the ages: <a href="https://t.co/lnwPsDkHov">pic.twitter.com/lnwPsDkHov</a>&mdash; Decensored News (@decensorednews) <a href="https://twitter.com/decensorednews/status/1936100492045640063?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump will be making a decision on joining Israel in attacking Iran or not, in two weeks as the war between Israel and Iran continues for a week now with Israel attacking Tehran's nuclear facilities and military officials. During White House briefing, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said that trump will “make a decision on whether to attack Iran within two weeks.”&nbsp;"Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks," Trump said in a statement read out by his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt.&nbsp;The White House added that “correspondence has continued with Iran.” An Israeli official on Thursday told The Times of Israel that it expects that US President Donald Trump will join the strikes against Iran’s nuclear program. “The expectation is that they join, but no one is pushing them,” says the official. “They have to make their own decision.”“We’ll know in the next 24-48 hours,” the official estimated, before the White House said that the US president will decide in the next two weeks.

Oops! US envoy accidentally blames Israel for ‘chaos and terror’ at UN- WATCH

Amid the rising tensions between Israel and Iran, a US envoy at a UN Security Council meeting on Friday stumbled and accidentally blamed Jerusalem for spreading "chaos, terror and suffering" in the Middle East before realising her mistake. The US Chargé d'Affaires ad interim to the UN, Dorothy Shea, was giving a speech during the UNSC, condemning Iran's activities against Israel. "Israel's government has also spread chaos, terror and suffering throughout the region," Shea reads out. She then takes an awkward pause, shakes her head as she quickly corrects herself and repeats the sentence, “Iran's government has also spread chaos, terror and suffering throughout the region.” She continues with her speech, “Let us not forget that the Iranian government was an enabling and ideological material force behind Hamas's deadly assault on Israel.” This slip-up by the senior US diplomat on a stage as large as the United Nations Security Council went viral on social media. In her speech, Shea also emphasised that it is not too late for the Iranian government "to do the right thing". She reiterated US President Donald Trump's statements and said that Iran "must completely abandon its nuclear enrichment program and all aspirations of acquiring a nuclear weapon". Dorothy Shea stated that Israel has repeatedly called for Israel's destruction as well as for "death to America". As much as she confirmed the US was not involved in Israeli raids on Iran, the American diplomat said, “Let there be no doubt that the United States continues to stand with Israel and supports its actions against Iran's nuclear ambitions.” The American diplomat explained that Iran's leaders could have avoided the current war if they had accepted an agreement that would have prevented them from ever having a nuclear weapon. By rejecting the deal, Shea explained, Iran has everything it requires to have a nuclear weapon, adding that the only thing left for it to have now is a decision by its top leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The US Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to the UN, Dorothy Shea, was delivering a speech at the UNSC, condemning Iran's actions against Israel

Sri Lanka has welcomed the Indian announcement on evacuation of Sri Lankan nationals from Iran as the West Asia crisis intensifies. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Arun Hemachandra, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka said, that this "This gesture exemplifies the spirit of regional solidarity&nbsp;and trusted friendship that our nationals have built over decades".&nbsp; This is not the first time India has evacuated nationals from neighbouring countries during a crisis. During the 2022 Operation Ganga evacuation from Ukraine, India had evacuated foreign nationals from neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan. During 2020, evacuation from Wuhan, China during the outbreak of COVID, India evacuated Maldives nationals. The Sri Lankan Deputy Foreign minister hoped that the situation in west Asia will come to normal soon. Full Interview:&nbsp;Indian mission in Tehran has announced&nbsp;that they will help in evacuation&nbsp;of Sri Lankan nationals. If you can give your reaction to this?Arun Hemachandra: Well, in light of the rapidly escalating situation in the region, I wish to express my deep appreciation to the Government of India for their timely and generous assistance in facilitating the evacuation of Sri Lankan nationals from the Islamic Republic of Iran. Under Operation Sindhu, not only&nbsp; Indian citizens were brought to safety, but the Indian authorities also extended their helping hand to Sri Lankans and other South Asian nationals. This gesture exemplifies the spirit of regional solidarity and trusted friendship that our nationals have built over decades.&nbsp;Sir, perhaps if you can talk about the number of Sri Lankan nationals in Iran to give a broader view to us, and I believe that the Sri Lankan government also announced last week that you are moving your embassy to north of Iran?Arun Hemachandra: Due to the tensions seen in the region, we took a decision to shift the embassy from Iran to the northern part of Iran. And overall, there are 30 plus Sri Lankans living in Iran, as per the statistics that we have, including the embassy staff. So we are grateful, once again, to India's External Affairs Ministry and Indian Embassy in Tehran for their proactive coordination and the care they extended.&nbsp;What is the Sri Lankan stance of the West Asian crisis? If you can put in perspective. Arun Hemachandra: The primary motive at the moment is the safety of Sri Lankan citizens, those who are in Israel as well as Iran. So we are looking forward to making sure that each and every Sri Lankan citizen is protected and safeguarded. And in terms of the bilateral relationship, we do have relationships with both nations. And so we are really watching this situation, and then we hope there will be normalcy very soon.

Sri Lankan minister Hemachandra lauds Indian evacuation of Sri Lankans from Iran

Sri Lanka has welcomed the Indian announcement on evacuation of Sri Lankan nationals from Iran as the West Asia crisis intensifies. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Arun Hemachandra, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka said, that this "This gesture exemplifies the spirit of regional solidarity and trusted friendship that our nationals have built over decades". This is not the first time India has evacuated nationals from neighbouring countries during a crisis. During the 2022 Operation Ganga evacuation from Ukraine, India had evacuated foreign nationals from neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan. During 2020, evacuation from Wuhan, China during the outbreak of COVID, India evacuated Maldives nationals. The Sri Lankan Deputy Foreign minister hoped that the situation in west Asia will come to normal soon. Full Interview: Indian mission in Tehran has announced that they will help in evacuation of Sri Lankan nationals. If you can give your reaction to this? Arun Hemachandra: Well, in light of the rapidly escalating situation in the region, I wish to express my deep appreciation to the Government of India for their timely and generous assistance in facilitating the evacuation of Sri Lankan nationals from the Islamic Republic of Iran. Under Operation Sindhu, not only Indian citizens were brought to safety, but the Indian authorities also extended their helping hand to Sri Lankans and other South Asian nationals. This gesture exemplifies the spirit of regional solidarity and trusted friendship that our nationals have built over decades. Sir, perhaps if you can talk about the number of Sri Lankan nationals in Iran to give a broader view to us, and I believe that the Sri Lankan government also announced last week that you are moving your embassy to north of Iran? Arun Hemachandra: Due to the tensions seen in the region, we took a decision to shift the embassy from Iran to the northern part of Iran. And overall, there are 30 plus Sri Lankans living in Iran, as per the statistics that we have, including the embassy staff. So we are grateful, once again, to India's External Affairs Ministry and Indian Embassy in Tehran for their proactive coordination and the care they extended. What is the Sri Lankan stance of the West Asian crisis? If you can put in perspective. Arun Hemachandra: The primary motive at the moment is the safety of Sri Lankan citizens, those who are in Israel as well as Iran. So we are looking forward to making sure that each and every Sri Lankan citizen is protected and safeguarded. And in terms of the bilateral relationship, we do have relationships with both nations. And so we are really watching this situation, and then we hope there will be normalcy very soon.

This is not the first time India has evacuated nationals from neighbouring countries during a crisis

The war between Israel and Iran is being very expensive. Billions of rupees are spent each day on air defense equipment, which has caused a weapons shortage. Having spent $67 billion on the Gaza campaign, the cost of the war with Iran is also escalating day by day.The conflict with Iran is costing Israel very dearly. On one hand, Israeli weapons are being destroyed and on the other, billions of rupees are being used up in intercepting Iranian missiles and drones.&nbsp;&nbsp;The catch is that Israel does not possess sufficient air defense missiles to wage the war against Iran for an extended period. But during the shortage of weapons, America has again assisted and weapons were delivered to Israel in 14 cargo planes. Each blast not only destroys things but also squanders crores of rupees. It doesn't matter whether Israel bombs Iran or defends itself against Iran's attack, the war costs are mounting with each blast. Israel is spending 17 billion rupees each day on air defense systems alone.&nbsp;&nbsp;Israel's Arrow Air Defense missile costs about 16 crores. David Sling missiles cost about 8 crores. Now whether it is Iran's suicide drones or ballistic missiles, crores of rupees worth missiles are being launched daily from Israeli air defense. Billions of rupees have been spent by Israel in the war with Gaza and Iran. In 2024, Israel incurred an expenditure of 67 billion dollars in the Gaza operation. Now Israel is spending around six thousand crores rupees daily in the ongoing conflict with Iran.&nbsp;Over Rs 2500 crore alone is being spent on fuel and weapons daily. Israel's Finance Ministry says that when one lakh soldiers are deployed, approximately Rs 270 crore is incurred on their salaries and arrangements daily. Despite such massive expenditure, Israel has a massive lack of air defense. Yet, as per a new report, another stockpile of weapons has been dispatched to Israel by America once again.&nbsp;14 cargo planes have arrived in Israel. America and Germany have sent weapons. 800 cargo planes have arrived in Israel after the Gaza operation. Details of the weapons carried by cargo planes are unknown but Israel's air defense is thought to be strengthened.&nbsp;As per American news reports, Israel is employing Arrow-3 missiles. There could be an enormous lack of Arrow-3 missiles in the future times. Iran's ballistic missiles will not be intercepted in the future. The issue of worry for America is that if the war against Iran prolongs for a long duration, then how will Israel be saved. The US is also deploying more Navy to give Israel aerial protection from Iran. Now, drones are being intercepted by fighter aircraft as well as air defense, but air-to-air missiles are utilized for that. If Iran keeps on launching drones attacks, then Israel will also run low on air-to-air missiles by a great deal.

Every blast burns billions: Israel struggles to keep pace amid conflict with Iran

The war between Israel and Iran is being very expensive. Billions of rupees are spent each day on air defense equipment, which has caused a weapons shortage. Having spent $67 billion on the Gaza campaign, the cost of the war with Iran is also escalating day by day. The conflict with Iran is costing Israel very dearly. On one hand, Israeli weapons are being destroyed and on the other, billions of rupees are being used up in intercepting Iranian missiles and drones. The catch is that Israel does not possess sufficient air defense missiles to wage the war against Iran for an extended period. But during the shortage of weapons, America has again assisted and weapons were delivered to Israel in 14 cargo planes. Each blast not only destroys things but also squanders crores of rupees. It doesn't matter whether Israel bombs Iran or defends itself against Iran's attack, the war costs are mounting with each blast. Israel is spending 17 billion rupees each day on air defense systems alone. Israel's Arrow Air Defense missile costs about 16 crores. David Sling missiles cost about 8 crores. Now whether it is Iran's suicide drones or ballistic missiles, crores of rupees worth missiles are being launched daily from Israeli air defense. Billions of rupees have been spent by Israel in the war with Gaza and Iran. In 2024, Israel incurred an expenditure of 67 billion dollars in the Gaza operation. Now Israel is spending around six thousand crores rupees daily in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Over Rs 2500 crore alone is being spent on fuel and weapons daily. Israel's Finance Ministry says that when one lakh soldiers are deployed, approximately Rs 270 crore is incurred on their salaries and arrangements daily. Despite such massive expenditure, Israel has a massive lack of air defense. Yet, as per a new report, another stockpile of weapons has been dispatched to Israel by America once again. 14 cargo planes have arrived in Israel. America and Germany have sent weapons. 800 cargo planes have arrived in Israel after the Gaza operation. Details of the weapons carried by cargo planes are unknown but Israel's air defense is thought to be strengthened. As per American news reports, Israel is employing Arrow-3 missiles. There could be an enormous lack of Arrow-3 missiles in the future times. Iran's ballistic missiles will not be intercepted in the future. The issue of worry for America is that if the war against Iran prolongs for a long duration, then how will Israel be saved. The US is also deploying more Navy to give Israel aerial protection from Iran. Now, drones are being intercepted by fighter aircraft as well as air defense, but air-to-air missiles are utilized for that. If Iran keeps on launching drones attacks, then Israel will also run low on air-to-air missiles by a great deal.

After spending $67 billion on the Gaza operation, the expenditure on the war with Iran is also increasing continuously

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck near Iran's Semnan late on Friday (June 20), sending tremors through the region. According to reports from the GFZ, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake occurred around 35 km southwest of Semnan at 5.49 local time. The earthquake's depth was recorded at 10 km, indicating a relatively shallow tremor that could possibly cause major damage.&nbsp;There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. According to reports, Semnan is home to the Semnan Missile Complex operated by Iran's military as well as the Semnan Space Centre.&nbsp;Iran, located on the geologically active Alpine-Himalayan seismic belt, is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. Its complex tectonic setting results in frequent seismic events, many of which have caused significant destruction and loss of life over the years. On average, Iran experiences about 2,100 earthquakes annually, including approximately 15 to 16 of magnitude 5.0 or higher.&nbsp;Recent activity has once again underscored this persistent threat. On June 17, a magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck near Borazjan in Bushehr province, followed by another 4.2 magnitude quake near Kashmar in Razavi Khorasan just a day later. These events highlight the constant seismic risk faced by the region and the importance of preparedness in earthquake-prone areas like Iran.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, a faceoff between representatives of both nations at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Friday (June 20). While Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, termed Israel's strikes as “betrayal of diplomacy by the US”, Israel’s United Nations ambassador Danny Danon slammed Tehran for seeking help from the international community. Slamming Iran, Danon said, “How dare you write five letters last week to this assembly to demand a session and ask the international community for sympathy? How dare you ask the international community to protect you from the consequences of your own genocidal agenda? You are not a victim. You are not even a diplomat. You are a wolf pretending to be a diplomat, and we are done pretending otherwise.”&nbsp;He added, "Iran is developing missiles with a range of 4,000 km. We are protecting our children and yours. If no one leads this fight, we will. We will not stop until Iran's nuclear threat is dismantled. We do not apologize for neutralizing a threat. We're acting where international community hesitated.”

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck near Iran's Semnan late on Friday (June 20), sending tremors through the region. According to reports from the GFZ, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake occurred around 35 km southwest of Semnan at 5.49 local time. The earthquake's depth was recorded at 10 km, indicating a relatively shallow tremor that could possibly cause major damage. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. According to reports, Semnan is home to the Semnan Missile Complex operated by Iran's military as well as the Semnan Space Centre. Iran, located on the geologically active Alpine-Himalayan seismic belt, is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. Its complex tectonic setting results in frequent seismic events, many of which have caused significant destruction and loss of life over the years. On average, Iran experiences about 2,100 earthquakes annually, including approximately 15 to 16 of magnitude 5.0 or higher. Recent activity has once again underscored this persistent threat. On June 17, a magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck near Borazjan in Bushehr province, followed by another 4.2 magnitude quake near Kashmar in Razavi Khorasan just a day later. These events highlight the constant seismic risk faced by the region and the importance of preparedness in earthquake-prone areas like Iran. Meanwhile, Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, a faceoff between representatives of both nations at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Friday (June 20). While Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, termed Israel's strikes as “betrayal of diplomacy by the US”, Israel’s United Nations ambassador Danny Danon slammed Tehran for seeking help from the international community. Slamming Iran, Danon said, “How dare you write five letters last week to this assembly to demand a session and ask the international community for sympathy? How dare you ask the international community to protect you from the consequences of your own genocidal agenda? You are not a victim. You are not even a diplomat. You are a wolf pretending to be a diplomat, and we are done pretending otherwise.” He added, "Iran is developing missiles with a range of 4,000 km. We are protecting our children and yours. If no one leads this fight, we will. We will not stop until Iran's nuclear threat is dismantled. We do not apologize for neutralizing a threat. We're acting where international community hesitated.”

According to reports, the earthquake's depth was recorded at 10 km

Earthquake of 5.2 magnitude strikes near Iran's Semnan

In the early part of 2003, American Army rumbled over the Kuwait border into Iraq in the name of liberation. The pretext: weapons of mass destruction, regime change, and freedom for the Iraqi people. Within a matter of weeks, Baghdad had fallen. Saddam Hussein had been toppled; his regime destroyed.&nbsp;But as history would soon reveal, over-throwing a government was the simple part. What ensued was decades of sectarian strife, insurgencies, foreign interventions, and a region thrown into disarray. Now, with Israel bombarding Iranian military and nuclear facilities and the threat of American intervention hanging over it, the world is asking an all-too-familiar and foreboding question: Is America about to revive 2003 in Tehran?&nbsp;The Iran-Israel war that has broken out has spread much beyond covert attacks and proxy tensions. In what Israel called as ‘Operation Rising Lion’, its fighter jets have initiated prolonged air bombardment operations above Tehran, Natanz, Esfahan, and other military centres.&nbsp;Civilian neighbourhoods have been hit; communication and energy grids are crumbling. As of June 19, more than 500 have been killed and thousand injured, according to a human rights group. Iran’s response, swift and muscular, included launching hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli territory—most intercepted, some not. The region is on fire.&nbsp;Amidst this spiral, the voice of US President Donald Trump—now again a leading figure in American foreign policy—is unmistakably belligerent. He has called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” declared that the Supreme Leader is “not hard to find,” and suggested that only full military intervention can bring this war to a decisive close. The language mirrors that of George W. Bush in 2003. The assumptions do too: that air superiority, regime decapitation, and a short, sharp campaign can reset the Middle East in America’s favour.&nbsp;But this is not Iraq. And that assumption may be the most dangerous one yet. The strategic thinking in 2003 was based on two key premises: that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, and that a swift removal of Saddam’s regime would lead to democratic transformation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both premises collapsed under the weight of reality. Iran, on the other hand, does have an advanced nuclear program—although how close it is to building a weapon remains hotly debated. What’s beyond dispute is that its nuclear infrastructure is more advanced, more dispersed, and significantly better protected than Iraq’s ever was. Facilities like Fordow and Natanz are buried deep underground, hardened against aerial attacks. Even Israel’s cutting-edge F-35s and intelligence assets cannot reach them without either massive US bunker-busting weaponry or ground troops.&nbsp;Therein lies the Iraq parallel—and the trap. Just as Iraq’s regime change required boots on the ground to truly take control of the state apparatus, any serious attempt to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and military command structure would likely require a similar invasion. Airstrikes, however sophisticated, have their limits. And Tehran knows this.&nbsp;But there are deeper differences that make a repeat of 2003 far more perilous in 2025. Iran is a large, militarily capable state with regional networks—from Hezbollah in Lebanon to militias in Iraq and Syria—that can ignite multiple fronts. Its ability to retaliate is proven. Within hours of the first Israeli strikes, it launched one of the largest missile salvos in modern military history. Though most were intercepted, the message was clear: this is not a regime that will fall quietly.&nbsp;Even more critical is the geopolitical context. In 2003, the United States enjoyed broad—if ultimately misguided—international support. Today, the US is deeply divided at home and increasingly distrusted abroad. More importantly, it's not a unipolar world anymore. Russia and China—both Iran's friends—are vying for global power and actively shaping a multipolar order that resists American dominance. Any US action against Tehran will have to contend not just with Iran, but with a broader geopolitical axis that sees American interventionism as a common threat.&nbsp;These questions have no clear answers—and that’s exactly the problem. Iran, for all its internal repression and foreign policy aggressions, retains a resilient state structure. Removing its leadership without triggering national fragmentation would be almost impossible.&nbsp;Already, the Israeli bombings have stirred both fear and fury within Iran. Anti-government protests have erupted, yes—but so have nationalistic calls for unity. The regime is bloodied but not broken. And unlike Iraq, it has prepared for this scenario for decades.&nbsp;There are also the legal and humanitarian ramifications to consider. Several civilians have died in the Tehran region alone since Israeli strikes began. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and infrastructure is buckling. An American-led invasion would only magnify the toll—likely exponentially. The US would find itself at the center of international condemnation, with little to show but further destabilisation.&nbsp;And yet, despite all this, the temptation to act militarily remains strong in Washington’s more hawkish circles. They argue that deterrence has failed, that Iran’s leadership is emboldened, and that without a decisive blow, the region will descend into permanent conflict. They point to the limitations of sanctions, the breakdown of the 2015 nuclear deal, and the erosion of American credibility. To them, war is not the worst option—it is the only option left.&nbsp;But this is a false binary. Between all-out invasion and passive diplomacy lies a spectrum of action. The United States could intensify its containment strategy—reinforce missile defense across the Gulf, expand cyber operations to disrupt Iranian command-and-control networks, empower internal dissent, and prepare for limited retaliatory strikes without committing to regime change.&nbsp;The lessons of 2003 are not just historical footnotes. They are warnings. They tell us that removing a regime without understanding the society underneath is folly. That military victory without political vision is ruinous. And that America’s power, though vast, cannot impose stability on nations from 30,000 feet in the sky. As Israeli jets continue to strike and Tehran vows vengeance, the drums of intervention beat louder. But the echoes from Baghdad still ring. The world would do well to listen.

The Iraq invasion playbook returns: But can it work against Iran?

In the early part of 2003, American Army rumbled over the Kuwait border into Iraq in the name of liberation. The pretext: weapons of mass destruction, regime change, and freedom for the Iraqi people. Within a matter of weeks, Baghdad had fallen. Saddam Hussein had been toppled; his regime destroyed. But as history would soon reveal, over-throwing a government was the simple part. What ensued was decades of sectarian strife, insurgencies, foreign interventions, and a region thrown into disarray. Now, with Israel bombarding Iranian military and nuclear facilities and the threat of American intervention hanging over it, the world is asking an all-too-familiar and foreboding question: Is America about to revive 2003 in Tehran? The Iran-Israel war that has broken out has spread much beyond covert attacks and proxy tensions. In what Israel called as ‘Operation Rising Lion’, its fighter jets have initiated prolonged air bombardment operations above Tehran, Natanz, Esfahan, and other military centres. Civilian neighbourhoods have been hit; communication and energy grids are crumbling. As of June 19, more than 500 have been killed and thousand injured, according to a human rights group. Iran’s response, swift and muscular, included launching hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli territory—most intercepted, some not. The region is on fire. Amidst this spiral, the voice of US President Donald Trump—now again a leading figure in American foreign policy—is unmistakably belligerent. He has called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” declared that the Supreme Leader is “not hard to find,” and suggested that only full military intervention can bring this war to a decisive close. The language mirrors that of George W. Bush in 2003. The assumptions do too: that air superiority, regime decapitation, and a short, sharp campaign can reset the Middle East in America’s favour. But this is not Iraq. And that assumption may be the most dangerous one yet. The strategic thinking in 2003 was based on two key premises: that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, and that a swift removal of Saddam’s regime would lead to democratic transformation. Both premises collapsed under the weight of reality. Iran, on the other hand, does have an advanced nuclear program—although how close it is to building a weapon remains hotly debated. What’s beyond dispute is that its nuclear infrastructure is more advanced, more dispersed, and significantly better protected than Iraq’s ever was. Facilities like Fordow and Natanz are buried deep underground, hardened against aerial attacks. Even Israel’s cutting-edge F-35s and intelligence assets cannot reach them without either massive US bunker-busting weaponry or ground troops. Therein lies the Iraq parallel—and the trap. Just as Iraq’s regime change required boots on the ground to truly take control of the state apparatus, any serious attempt to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and military command structure would likely require a similar invasion. Airstrikes, however sophisticated, have their limits. And Tehran knows this. But there are deeper differences that make a repeat of 2003 far more perilous in 2025. Iran is a large, militarily capable state with regional networks—from Hezbollah in Lebanon to militias in Iraq and Syria—that can ignite multiple fronts. Its ability to retaliate is proven. Within hours of the first Israeli strikes, it launched one of the largest missile salvos in modern military history. Though most were intercepted, the message was clear: this is not a regime that will fall quietly. Even more critical is the geopolitical context. In 2003, the United States enjoyed broad—if ultimately misguided—international support. Today, the US is deeply divided at home and increasingly distrusted abroad. More importantly, it's not a unipolar world anymore. Russia and China—both Iran's friends—are vying for global power and actively shaping a multipolar order that resists American dominance. Any US action against Tehran will have to contend not just with Iran, but with a broader geopolitical axis that sees American interventionism as a common threat. These questions have no clear answers—and that’s exactly the problem. Iran, for all its internal repression and foreign policy aggressions, retains a resilient state structure. Removing its leadership without triggering national fragmentation would be almost impossible. Already, the Israeli bombings have stirred both fear and fury within Iran. Anti-government protests have erupted, yes—but so have nationalistic calls for unity. The regime is bloodied but not broken. And unlike Iraq, it has prepared for this scenario for decades. There are also the legal and humanitarian ramifications to consider. Several civilians have died in the Tehran region alone since Israeli strikes began. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and infrastructure is buckling. An American-led invasion would only magnify the toll—likely exponentially. The US would find itself at the center of international condemnation, with little to show but further destabilisation. And yet, despite all this, the temptation to act militarily remains strong in Washington’s more hawkish circles. They argue that deterrence has failed, that Iran’s leadership is emboldened, and that without a decisive blow, the region will descend into permanent conflict. They point to the limitations of sanctions, the breakdown of the 2015 nuclear deal, and the erosion of American credibility. To them, war is not the worst option—it is the only option left. But this is a false binary. Between all-out invasion and passive diplomacy lies a spectrum of action. The United States could intensify its containment strategy—reinforce missile defense across the Gulf, expand cyber operations to disrupt Iranian command-and-control networks, empower internal dissent, and prepare for limited retaliatory strikes without committing to regime change. The lessons of 2003 are not just historical footnotes. They are warnings. They tell us that removing a regime without understanding the society underneath is folly. That military victory without political vision is ruinous. And that America’s power, though vast, cannot impose stability on nations from 30,000 feet in the sky. As Israeli jets continue to strike and Tehran vows vengeance, the drums of intervention beat louder. But the echoes from Baghdad still ring. The world would do well to listen.

The Iran-Israel war that has broken out has spread much beyond covert attacks and proxy tensions

If the Strait of Hormuz is closed, much of the world could go without fuel. After the Israeli bombing that started on June 13, several Iranian politicians have suggested that the Strait should be closed. Esmail Kowsari, a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said the option was 'under consideration'. Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important? Can Iran really close the strait? Here is what you should know:<h2>What is the Strait of Hormuz? Why is it strategically important?</h2>Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway located between Iran and Oman. The strait, only 33 kilometres across at its narrowest point, links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. It is the only sea passage for oil exports from key oil producers in the Gulf, like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Iraq and Qatar.<h2>Why is Strait of Hormuz important for global trade?</h2>Through this chokepoint passes nearly 20 per cent of the world's oil. It is estimated that 20 million barrels of petroleum liquids were transported every day through the strait in 2024. Nearly a third of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade also passes through the strait.&nbsp;A closure or disruption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz can cause a rise in global energy prices. It can play havoc with supply chains and impact economies, particularly in Asian importers like China, India, Japan and South Korea, which together account for &nbsp;84 per cent of its crude oil shipments.Much of the Gulf oil and LNG for Europe also passes through the Strait of Homuz. These factors make the waterway strategically important for global energy security. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-war-us-officials-prepare-for-possible-strike-on-iran-in-coming-days-report-1750335066169/embed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-war-us-officials-prepare-for-possible-strike-on-iran-in-coming-days-report-1750335066169">Iran-Israel War: US Officials Prepare For Possible Strike On Iran In Coming Days: Report</a><h2>Does Iran really control Strait of Hormuz?</h2>The direct answer is, not entirely. But Iran's geographic position is along the northern coast of the Strait of Hormuz. This helps Iran exert influence on the strait. Technically, Iran can block traffic along the strait, as its narrowest point, at 21 nautical miles, is partly within its territorial waters, overlapping with Oman’s to the south.<h2>Iranian military presence near the Strait of Hormuz</h2>In theory, at least, Iran can deploy naval mines, launch ballistic and cruise missiles, suicide drones, fast attack boats, as well as Kilo and Ghadir class submarines. While it has not entirely used its military muscle in the strait, it has often threatened to do so. Iranian military's presence in the nearby strategic islands such as Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa emboldens it to disrupt shipping along the Strait of Hormuz.<h2>Has Iran ever fully closed Strait of Hormuz?</h2>No, because it's against global law on 'innocent passage', specifically the international maritime law, formally known as United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS. Iran has ratified the 1982 convention, though it has not signed the treaty. Besides, Oman has control over the southern coast of the strait, which limits Iran’s ability to exert any unilateral control over the strait.<h2>Iran's threats to close or block Strait of Hormuz are not new: Past actions</h2>Even so, Iran has quite often resorted to threatening the global community with closure or blocking of the Strait of Hormuz. The threats, which are being made amid the the ongoing war with Israel, happened in 2011, 2012, 2018 and 2019 too, at the height of tensions with the US, Israel, or as a response to international sanctions. Iran conducted mine attacks on oil tankers and seized some vessels in 2019. In April 2024, it seized a container ship amid the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza.<h2>Will the Tanker War of the 1980s repeat?</h2>But the first major disruption of the Strait of Hormuz occurred during the Iran-Iraq War of 1980–1988. At the time, Iran conducted attacks on neutral oil tankers, disrupting traffic, though not entirely stopping it.&nbsp;If push comes to shove, Iran can try to hit the strait using its military capabilities around the area. But it is likely going to be one of its last options.

After the Israeli bombing that started on June 13, several Iranian politicians have suggested that the Strait of Hormuz should be closed. Can Iran really close the strait? 

If the Strait of Hormuz is closed, much of the world could go without fuel. After the Israeli bombing that started on June 13, several Iranian politicians have suggested that the Strait should be closed. Esmail Kowsari, a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said the option was 'under consideration'. Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important? Can Iran really close the strait? Here is what you should know: What is the Strait of Hormuz? Why is it strategically important? Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway located between Iran and Oman. The strait, only 33 kilometres across at its narrowest point, links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. It is the only sea passage for oil exports from key oil producers in the Gulf, like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Iraq and Qatar. Why is Strait of Hormuz important for global trade? Through this chokepoint passes nearly 20 per cent of the world's oil. It is estimated that 20 million barrels of petroleum liquids were transported every day through the strait in 2024. Nearly a third of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade also passes through the strait. A closure or disruption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz can cause a rise in global energy prices. It can play havoc with supply chains and impact economies, particularly in Asian importers like China, India, Japan and South Korea, which together account for 84 per cent of its crude oil shipments. Much of the Gulf oil and LNG for Europe also passes through the Strait of Homuz. These factors make the waterway strategically important for global energy security. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-war-us-officials-prepare-for-possible-strike-on-iran-in-coming-days-report-1750335066169/embed Iran-Israel War: US Officials Prepare For Possible Strike On Iran In Coming Days: Report Does Iran really control Strait of Hormuz? The direct answer is, not entirely. But Iran's geographic position is along the northern coast of the Strait of Hormuz. This helps Iran exert influence on the strait. Technically, Iran can block traffic along the strait, as its narrowest point, at 21 nautical miles, is partly within its territorial waters, overlapping with Oman’s to the south. Iranian military presence near the Strait of Hormuz In theory, at least, Iran can deploy naval mines, launch ballistic and cruise missiles, suicide drones, fast attack boats, as well as Kilo and Ghadir class submarines. While it has not entirely used its military muscle in the strait, it has often threatened to do so. Iranian military's presence in the nearby strategic islands such as Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa emboldens it to disrupt shipping along the Strait of Hormuz. Has Iran ever fully closed Strait of Hormuz? No, because it's against global law on 'innocent passage', specifically the international maritime law, formally known as United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS. Iran has ratified the 1982 convention, though it has not signed the treaty. Besides, Oman has control over the southern coast of the strait, which limits Iran’s ability to exert any unilateral control over the strait. Iran's threats to close or block Strait of Hormuz are not new: Past actions Even so, Iran has quite often resorted to threatening the global community with closure or blocking of the Strait of Hormuz. The threats, which are being made amid the the ongoing war with Israel, happened in 2011, 2012, 2018 and 2019 too, at the height of tensions with the US, Israel, or as a response to international sanctions. Iran conducted mine attacks on oil tankers and seized some vessels in 2019. In April 2024, it seized a container ship amid the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza. Will the Tanker War of the 1980s repeat? But the first major disruption of the Strait of Hormuz occurred during the Iran-Iraq War of 1980–1988. At the time, Iran conducted attacks on neutral oil tankers, disrupting traffic, though not entirely stopping it. If push comes to shove, Iran can try to hit the strait using its military capabilities around the area. But it is likely going to be one of its last options.

After the Israeli bombing that started on June 13, several Iranian politicians have suggested that the Strait of Hormuz should be closed. Can Iran really close the Strait?&nbsp;

Where is Strait of Hormuz? Can Iran really close it as some officials threatened amid war with Israel?

One of Iran’s main state-owned financial institutions, Sepah Bank, suffered a serious cyberattack on Tuesday, according to local reports. The Fars news agency said the bank’s online systems were disrupted due to the attack but added that services were expected to be restored within hours.“A cyberattack targeted the infrastructure of Sepah Bank, causing disruptions to the institution’s online services,” the agency reported.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-war-iran-issues-evacuation-warning-for-israeli-tv-channels-after-tel-aviv-bombs-state-television-1750100357948">'In response to hostile attack': Iran issues EVACUATION WARNING for Israeli TV channels after Tel Aviv bombs state television</a><h2>Mobile phone ban for Iranian officials</h2>In an unusual move, Iran’s Cyber Authority has reportedly issued a directive barring government employees, officials, and security teams from using mobile phones connected to public networks. The move comes as fears grow over the use of phone tracking by Israeli forces.Channel 12, an Israeli outlet, said the directive was likely prompted by concerns that Israel is using phone tracking to locate and assassinate targets within Iran, including nuclear scientists.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-iran-test-israel-s-limits-israel-deploys-barak-magen-air-defence-system-for-the-first-time-1750077787485">Did Iran test Israel’s limits? Israel deploys Barak Magen air&nbsp;defence&nbsp;system for the first time</a><h2>Mobile phones being used to track assassination targets</h2>According to the IRGC-linked Fars News Agency, Israel has used mobile tracking to identify and kill high-profile figures in Iran. The outlet claimed, “Israel uses mobile tracking to assassinate individuals in Iran. It previously killed Ismail Haniyeh the same way in Tehran.”The report warned that even switching off mobile phones does not always prevent tracking. It urged officials to use secure, anti-tracking devices instead.Following the revelations, a lawmaker in Tehran called for military and government officials to collect all mobile devices used by themselves and their associates to limit exposure.<h2>Israeli ambassador hints at more ‘surprises’</h2>Amid the escalating conflict, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, hinted that more covert operations may follow.“There’s still a lot of things we can do,” Leiter told Merit TV. “We’ve pulled off a number of surprises — when the dust settles — you’re going to see some surprises on Thursday night and Friday, that will make the beeper operation almost seem simple,” he added.In a previous operation in September, Israel had reportedly detonated thousands of Hezbollah walkie-talkies and communication devices, injuring many fighters through a complex intelligence effort.

In an unusual move, Iran’s Cyber Authority has reportedly issued a directive barring government employees, officials, and security teams from using mobile phones connected to public networks. The move comes as fears grow over the use of phone tracking by Israeli forces.

One of Iran’s main state-owned financial institutions, Sepah Bank, suffered a serious cyberattack on Tuesday, according to local reports. The Fars news agency said the bank’s online systems were disrupted due to the attack but added that services were expected to be restored within hours. “A cyberattack targeted the infrastructure of Sepah Bank, causing disruptions to the institution’s online services,” the agency reported. Also read | 'In response to hostile attack': Iran issues EVACUATION WARNING for Israeli TV channels after Tel Aviv bombs state television Mobile phone ban for Iranian officials In an unusual move, Iran’s Cyber Authority has reportedly issued a directive barring government employees, officials, and security teams from using mobile phones connected to public networks. The move comes as fears grow over the use of phone tracking by Israeli forces. Channel 12, an Israeli outlet, said the directive was likely prompted by concerns that Israel is using phone tracking to locate and assassinate targets within Iran, including nuclear scientists. Also read: Did Iran test Israel’s limits? Israel deploys Barak Magen air defence system for the first time Mobile phones being used to track assassination targets According to the IRGC-linked Fars News Agency, Israel has used mobile tracking to identify and kill high-profile figures in Iran. The outlet claimed, “Israel uses mobile tracking to assassinate individuals in Iran. It previously killed Ismail Haniyeh the same way in Tehran.” The report warned that even switching off mobile phones does not always prevent tracking. It urged officials to use secure, anti-tracking devices instead. Following the revelations, a lawmaker in Tehran called for military and government officials to collect all mobile devices used by themselves and their associates to limit exposure. Israeli ambassador hints at more ‘surprises’ Amid the escalating conflict, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, hinted that more covert operations may follow. “There’s still a lot of things we can do,” Leiter told Merit TV. “We’ve pulled off a number of surprises — when the dust settles — you’re going to see some surprises on Thursday night and Friday, that will make the beeper operation almost seem simple,” he added. In a previous operation in September, Israel had reportedly detonated thousands of Hezbollah walkie-talkies and communication devices, injuring many fighters through a complex intelligence effort.

In an unusual move, Iran’s Cyber Authority has reportedly issued a directive barring government employees, officials, and security teams from using mobile phones connected to public networks. The move comes as fears grow over the use of phone tracking by Israeli forces.

Is Israel's tech-war threatening Iran? Here's why Tehran is banning officials from using mobile phones

As the tensions rise between Iran and Israel, US has issued a fresh security alert for its citizens in Iran.&nbsp;In a statement issued, it said, “US citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason and should depart Iran immediately if they are there. US citizens who are unable to depart Iran should be prepared to shelter in place for extended periods.&nbsp;US citizens in Iran face serious, increasing dangers due to rising regional tensions. &nbsp;The US government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.&nbsp;The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for United States interests in Iran.”&nbsp;“As of Saturday, June 14, Iran airspace remains closed.&nbsp;U.S. citizens seeking to depart Iran by air should confirm travel plans with their airlines.”&nbsp;For US citizens seeking to depart Iran by land via the Armenian border:As of Saturday, June 14, the land border with Armenia (Agarak) is open.&nbsp;For US citizens seeking to depart Iran by land via the Turkish borders:As of Saturday, June 14, the Turkish government reports that land borders with Türkiye (Gürbulak, Kapiköy, Esendere) are open. However, the Iranian government may restrict non-Türkiye nationals crossing this border. Onward flights from eastern Türkiye are reported to have limited availability.&nbsp;For US citizens seeking to depart Iran by land via the Azerbaijan border:Azerbaijan’s land borders remain closed, but U.S. citizens may be able to enter Azerbaijan at the Astara border crossing on June 15 with special authorization.&nbsp;US citizens need approval from the Government of Azerbaijan before going to the border.&nbsp;US Embassy Baku must facilitate this.&nbsp;US citizens that plan to request entry into Azerbaijan should send personal details (name, date of birth, passport information) and a photograph of their passport biodata page to the US Embassy Baku American Citizens Services Unit at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:BakuACS@state.gov">BakuACS@state.gov</a>.

Iran Israel war Leave immediately US issues fresh security alert for its citizens in Iran

As the tensions rise between Iran and Israel, US has issued a fresh security alert for its citizens in Iran. In a statement issued, it said, “US citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason and should depart Iran immediately if they are there. US citizens who are unable to depart Iran should be prepared to shelter in place for extended periods. US citizens in Iran face serious, increasing dangers due to rising regional tensions. The US government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for United States interests in Iran.” “As of Saturday, June 14, Iran airspace remains closed. U.S. citizens seeking to depart Iran by air should confirm travel plans with their airlines.” For US citizens seeking to depart Iran by land via the Armenian border: As of Saturday, June 14, the land border with Armenia (Agarak) is open. For US citizens seeking to depart Iran by land via the Turkish borders: As of Saturday, June 14, the Turkish government reports that land borders with Türkiye (Gürbulak, Kapiköy, Esendere) are open. However, the Iranian government may restrict non-Türkiye nationals crossing this border. Onward flights from eastern Türkiye are reported to have limited availability. For US citizens seeking to depart Iran by land via the Azerbaijan border: Azerbaijan’s land borders remain closed, but U.S. citizens may be able to enter Azerbaijan at the Astara border crossing on June 15 with special authorization. US citizens need approval from the Government of Azerbaijan before going to the border. US Embassy Baku must facilitate this. US citizens that plan to request entry into Azerbaijan should send personal details (name, date of birth, passport information) and a photograph of their passport biodata page to the US Embassy Baku American Citizens Services Unit at BakuACS@state.gov.

As of Saturday, June 14, Iran airspace remains closed.&nbsp;US citizens seeking to depart Iran by air should confirm travel plans with their airlines.

Iran-Israel war | 'Leave immediately': US issues fresh security alert for its citizens in Iran

US President Donald Trump has called on Iran to come to the negotiating table over its nuclear programme, warning of “much worse” consequences if it fails to act.In a post on Truth Social on Friday (June 13), Trump said, “I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal. I told them, in the strongest of words, to ‘just do it’, but no matter how hard they tried, no matter how close they got, they just couldn’t get it done.”He also issued a clear threat about the strength of US and Israeli military power, saying, “The United States makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and that Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come, And they know how to use it.”Trump claimed that Iranian hardliners underestimated the response they would face.US president said, “Certain Iranian hardliner’s spoke bravely, but they didn’t know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse!”He said there had already been “great death and destruction”, but stressed there was still time for diplomacy.He said, “Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire. No more death, no more destruction, JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. God Bless You All!”<h2>Iran accuses Israel of declaring war</h2>Iran, meanwhile, accused Israel of launching strikes on its military and nuclear facilities on Friday and called the attack a “declaration of war”.Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi sent a letter to the United Nations Security Council, urging the international body to act quickly.The Iranian foreign ministry said Araghchi “called on the Security Council to immediately address this issue”, according to AFP.

In a post on Truth Social on Friday (June 13), Trump said, “I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal. I told them, in the strongest of words, to ‘just do it’, but no matter how hard they tried, no matter how close they got, they just couldn’t get it done.”

US President Donald Trump has called on Iran to come to the negotiating table over its nuclear programme, warning of “much worse” consequences if it fails to act. In a post on Truth Social on Friday (June 13), Trump said, “I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal. I told them, in the strongest of words, to ‘just do it’, but no matter how hard they tried, no matter how close they got, they just couldn’t get it done.” He also issued a clear threat about the strength of US and Israeli military power, saying, “The United States makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and that Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come, And they know how to use it.” Trump claimed that Iranian hardliners underestimated the response they would face. US president said, “Certain Iranian hardliner’s spoke bravely, but they didn’t know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse!” He said there had already been “great death and destruction”, but stressed there was still time for diplomacy. He said, “Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire. No more death, no more destruction, JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. God Bless You All!” Iran accuses Israel of declaring war Iran, meanwhile, accused Israel of launching strikes on its military and nuclear facilities on Friday and called the attack a “declaration of war”. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi sent a letter to the United Nations Security Council, urging the international body to act quickly. The Iranian foreign ministry said Araghchi “called on the Security Council to immediately address this issue”, according to AFP.

In a post on Truth Social on Friday (June 13), Trump said, “I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal. I told them, in the strongest of words, to ‘just do it’, but no matter how hard they tried, no matter how close they got, they just couldn’t get it done.”

'They are DEAD now, and it will get worse': Trump warns Iran to 'make a deal' before nothing's left after Israeli strikes

Israel's attack on Iran, targeting its top military and government officials, nuclear facilities and scientists on Friday (June 13) has placed the global focus back on the Shia Islamic Republic. With several top military and political leaders killed, one wonders who really runs the show in Iran. In the unique theocratic republic, the power is centred around a handful of people, mostly those linked to the Islamic Revolution of 1978-79. The military is also led by those with links to the Islamic Revolution. The governance system is a blend of Islamic theocracy, with a limited democracy overseen by the clerics.&nbsp; Iran's governance structure has its base in Islamic Revolution leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s doctrine of velayat-e faqih or Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist. This system gives the ultimate authority to clerics, led by the Supreme Leader.&nbsp;&nbsp;The complex web of power has both elected and unelected officials running the country, with critics saying that democracy is a sham, as the political leadership including the president is screened by various clerical bodies.&nbsp; Here is the Islamic Republic of Iran's government, explained: &nbsp;<h2>Supreme Leader &nbsp;</h2>The Iranian Supreme Leader or ‘Rahbar’ is the head of state, and the highest authority of both politics and religion. It's a role with near absolute power over all branches of government, military, judiciary, and state media. Supreme leaders are appointed for life by the Assembly of Experts, the only body to whom he is accountable.&nbsp; Office of the Supreme Leader supervises the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.&nbsp; Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the current supreme leader, is the final deciding authority on foreign policy, economy and security. &nbsp;Khamenei is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, including the IRGC or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Basij militia. The supreme leader appoints the heads of the judiciary, state media, military, and half of the Guardian Council members. &nbsp;He also controls economic entities like charitable trusts worth billions of dollars, making his office financially independent.&nbsp;The supreme leader supervises the Guardian Council, which vets electoral candidates and legislation. He issues fatwas or decrees, can veto legislations, declare war or peace, and pardon convicts. The supreme leader has a netwok of delegates who enforce his will across the government. Khamenei is only the second supreme leader of Iran, having succeeded Khomeini in 1989. He can be in office till death.&nbsp;<h2>Iranian president &nbsp;</h2>The President is Iran's head of government and the highest elected official, but is subordinate to the Supreme Leader, who must approve his appointment and can dismiss him.&nbsp; Masoud Pezeshkian is the current president of Iran. The president , though elected by people for a four-year-term, has only limited powers. The president is responsible for domestic policy, planning the econmy, and some aspects of foreign policy. The president can hold two consecutive terms. &nbsp;<h2>Assembly of Experts &nbsp;</h2>The Assembly of Experts is an 88-member group of Islamic jurists elected by popular vote every eight years. The assembly selects and supervises the supreme leader. Theoretically, it can also dismiss the supreme leader, but such a thing has never happened.&nbsp; Candiates for the Assembly of Experts are selected by the Guardian Council. Currently, &nbsp;Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati chairs the Assembly of Experts, whose roles include monitoring the Supreme Leader's performance and choosing his successor. It's largely a ceremonial group of regime loyalists with not much actual power. &nbsp;<h2>Guardian Council &nbsp;</h2>The Guardian Council is yet another Islamic jurist body whose main role is the selection and vetting of candidates for elections. The 12-member body is currently chaired by Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, who also leads the Assembly of Experts. &nbsp;The Guardian Council has veto power over laws, and can disqualify election candidates, which it had done in the past to keep out reformists from contesting elections. The supreme leader appoints half of the Guardian Council, while the six other lawyers are nominated by the judiciary and approved by parliament.&nbsp;The council screens candidates for key posts like the president, legislature, and Assembly of Experts, and has the power to shape election outcomes. The Guardian Council is the interpreter of the constitution. It has traditionally been dominated by hardliners.<h2>Expediency Council</h2>The Expediency Council is yet another layer of authority in the Iranian system. Its main roles are the resolution of disputes between the Guardian Council and parliament.&nbsp;&nbsp;It advises the supreme leader on policy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Expediency Council members are appointed by the supreme leader for five-year terms.&nbsp;&nbsp;Currently chaired by Ayatollah Amoli Larijani, the Expediency Council mediates legislative disagreements. In practice, it has sided with the Guardian Council in such matters.&nbsp;<h2> Islamic Consultative Assembly or Majlis, the Iranian parliament</h2>The Majlis, Iran’s unicameral parliament, has 290 members who are elected by the people every four years. While Majlis, like any other parliament, drafts legislation and approves the budget, its powers are limited by a variety of actors like the Supreme Leader, the Guardian Council and the Expediency Council. &nbsp;<h2>Iranian Judiciary &nbsp;</h2>Iran has a judiciary which is not seen as independent, as it is controlled by the Supreme Leader. The chief justice is appointed by the supreme leader. The judiciary's main role is to enforce Islamic law and oversee courts.&nbsp; In practice, critics of the judiciary see it as an instrument of political repression. It also operates a Special Clerical Court, which prosecutes dissident clerics and reports directly to the supreme leader.<h2>The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or IRGC &nbsp;</h2>While Iran does have a regular military known as Artesh, much of the defence power is with IRGC, a paramilitary that rose out of the Islamic Revolution. IRGC is tasked with managing internal security through the powerful Basij militia and intelligence units, and expanding Iran's regional influence. As its name implies, it is supposed to protect the principles of the Islamic Revolution.&nbsp;&nbsp;IRGC answers directly to the supreme leader and controls significant economic assets. Its Quds Force, responsible for external operations, is accused of arming and training anti-Israel militia groups like Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis. Its current Commander-in-Chief, Maj Gen Hossein Salami, was killed in Friday's Israeli attack. Chief of General Staff Maj Gen Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, who oversees the coordination of IRGC and the regular army, was also killed.&nbsp;IRGC is thought to be controlling up to 30 per cent of Iran's economy, including its infrastructure and energy sectors. Significantly, IRGC also oversees the nuclear and missile programmes of Iran. IRGC is also deployed to suppress dissent, and protests like the 2022 anti-veil movement after the death of Mahsa Amini.<h2>Supreme National Security Council &nbsp;</h2>This is the body that coordinates defence and foreign policy of Iran. The Security Council is chaired by the president but dominated by the Supreme Leader’s appointees. &nbsp;The security council formulates national security and foreign policy, which have to be approved by the supreme leader.&nbsp;&nbsp;Members of the council include &nbsp;the IRGC commander, foreign minister, and the intelligence minister. &nbsp;

In the unique theocratic republic, the power is centred around a handful of people, mostly linked to the Islamic Revolution of 1978-79. The governance system blends Islamic jurisprudence with limited democracy overseen by the clerics.

Israel's attack on Iran, targeting its top military and government officials, nuclear facilities and scientists on Friday (June 13) has placed the global focus back on the Shia Islamic Republic. With several top military and political leaders killed, one wonders who really runs the show in Iran. In the unique theocratic republic, the power is centred around a handful of people, mostly those linked to the Islamic Revolution of 1978-79. The military is also led by those with links to the Islamic Revolution. The governance system is a blend of Islamic theocracy, with a limited democracy overseen by the clerics. Iran's governance structure has its base in Islamic Revolution leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s doctrine of velayat-e faqih or Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist. This system gives the ultimate authority to clerics, led by the Supreme Leader. The complex web of power has both elected and unelected officials running the country, with critics saying that democracy is a sham, as the political leadership including the president is screened by various clerical bodies. Here is the Islamic Republic of Iran's government, explained: Supreme Leader The Iranian Supreme Leader or ‘Rahbar’ is the head of state, and the highest authority of both politics and religion. It's a role with near absolute power over all branches of government, military, judiciary, and state media. Supreme leaders are appointed for life by the Assembly of Experts, the only body to whom he is accountable. Office of the Supreme Leader supervises the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the current supreme leader, is the final deciding authority on foreign policy, economy and security. Khamenei is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, including the IRGC or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Basij militia. The supreme leader appoints the heads of the judiciary, state media, military, and half of the Guardian Council members. He also controls economic entities like charitable trusts worth billions of dollars, making his office financially independent. The supreme leader supervises the Guardian Council, which vets electoral candidates and legislation. He issues fatwas or decrees, can veto legislations, declare war or peace, and pardon convicts. The supreme leader has a netwok of delegates who enforce his will across the government. Khamenei is only the second supreme leader of Iran, having succeeded Khomeini in 1989. He can be in office till death. Iranian president The President is Iran's head of government and the highest elected official, but is subordinate to the Supreme Leader, who must approve his appointment and can dismiss him. Masoud Pezeshkian is the current president of Iran. The president , though elected by people for a four-year-term, has only limited powers. The president is responsible for domestic policy, planning the econmy, and some aspects of foreign policy. The president can hold two consecutive terms. Assembly of Experts The Assembly of Experts is an 88-member group of Islamic jurists elected by popular vote every eight years. The assembly selects and supervises the supreme leader. Theoretically, it can also dismiss the supreme leader, but such a thing has never happened. Candiates for the Assembly of Experts are selected by the Guardian Council. Currently, Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati chairs the Assembly of Experts, whose roles include monitoring the Supreme Leader's performance and choosing his successor. It's largely a ceremonial group of regime loyalists with not much actual power. Guardian Council The Guardian Council is yet another Islamic jurist body whose main role is the selection and vetting of candidates for elections. The 12-member body is currently chaired by Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, who also leads the Assembly of Experts. The Guardian Council has veto power over laws, and can disqualify election candidates, which it had done in the past to keep out reformists from contesting elections. The supreme leader appoints half of the Guardian Council, while the six other lawyers are nominated by the judiciary and approved by parliament. The council screens candidates for key posts like the president, legislature, and Assembly of Experts, and has the power to shape election outcomes. The Guardian Council is the interpreter of the constitution. It has traditionally been dominated by hardliners. Expediency Council The Expediency Council is yet another layer of authority in the Iranian system. Its main roles are the resolution of disputes between the Guardian Council and parliament. It advises the supreme leader on policy. Expediency Council members are appointed by the supreme leader for five-year terms. Currently chaired by Ayatollah Amoli Larijani, the Expediency Council mediates legislative disagreements. In practice, it has sided with the Guardian Council in such matters. Islamic Consultative Assembly or Majlis, the Iranian parliament The Majlis, Iran’s unicameral parliament, has 290 members who are elected by the people every four years. While Majlis, like any other parliament, drafts legislation and approves the budget, its powers are limited by a variety of actors like the Supreme Leader, the Guardian Council and the Expediency Council. Iranian Judiciary Iran has a judiciary which is not seen as independent, as it is controlled by the Supreme Leader. The chief justice is appointed by the supreme leader. The judiciary's main role is to enforce Islamic law and oversee courts. In practice, critics of the judiciary see it as an instrument of political repression. It also operates a Special Clerical Court, which prosecutes dissident clerics and reports directly to the supreme leader. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or IRGC While Iran does have a regular military known as Artesh, much of the defence power is with IRGC, a paramilitary that rose out of the Islamic Revolution. IRGC is tasked with managing internal security through the powerful Basij militia and intelligence units, and expanding Iran's regional influence. As its name implies, it is supposed to protect the principles of the Islamic Revolution. IRGC answers directly to the supreme leader and controls significant economic assets. Its Quds Force, responsible for external operations, is accused of arming and training anti-Israel militia groups like Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis. Its current Commander-in-Chief, Maj Gen Hossein Salami, was killed in Friday's Israeli attack. Chief of General Staff Maj Gen Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, who oversees the coordination of IRGC and the regular army, was also killed. IRGC is thought to be controlling up to 30 per cent of Iran's economy, including its infrastructure and energy sectors. Significantly, IRGC also oversees the nuclear and missile programmes of Iran. IRGC is also deployed to suppress dissent, and protests like the 2022 anti-veil movement after the death of Mahsa Amini. Supreme National Security Council This is the body that coordinates defence and foreign policy of Iran. The Security Council is chaired by the president but dominated by the Supreme Leader’s appointees. The security council formulates national security and foreign policy, which have to be approved by the supreme leader. Members of the council include the IRGC commander, foreign minister, and the intelligence minister.

In the unique theocratic republic, the power is centred around a handful of people, mostly linked to the Islamic Revolution of 1978-79. The governance system blends Islamic jurisprudence with limited democracy overseen by the clerics.

Supreme Leader, IRGC, Guardian Council or Army - Who really runs Iran? Islamic Republic's complex web of power, explained

UN nuclear watchdog head Rafael Grossi on Friday (June 13) said that nuclear facilities "must never be attacked" and called "on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation" following Israeli strikes on Iran.&nbsp;"This development is deeply concerning... I reiterate that any military action that jeopardizes the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond," Grossi, who heads the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in a statement to board members.&nbsp;“I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran. IAEA stands ready to facilitate technical discussions and support efforts that promote transparency, safety, security and the peaceful resolution of nuclear-related issues in Iran,” he added.&nbsp;Prior to the statement from the IAEA chief, Iran sharply criticised the UN nuclear watchdog on Friday, accusing it of "silence" over Israel's strikes on its nuclear facilities and scientists.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a statement, Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation said it considers the "silence" from the International Atomic Energy Agency "as a form of cooperation with the Zionist regime," adding that the Israeli attack was a "defeat for the IAEA resulting from its unjustifiable shortcomings".&nbsp;Meanwhile, Iran said Israel's deadly attacks on Friday underscored its need to advance uranium enrichment and missile capabilities. "One should not speak to such a predatory regime except in the language of power," the Iranian government said in a statement. “The world now better understands Iran's insistence on the right to enrichment, nuclear technology, and missile power.”&nbsp;Palestinian militant group Hamas on Friday also condemned a wave of Israeli strikes on Iran's military and nuclear facilities, warning they could "destabilise the region". "This aggression constitutes a dangerous escalation that threatens to destabilise the region," said the Iran-backed militant group, whose October 2023 attack on Israel sparked the Gaza war. "Today, Iran is paying the price for its steadfast stance in support of Palestine and its resistance," it added.

Nuclear facilities must never be attacked says IAEA chief Rafael Grossi after Israel attacks Iran

UN nuclear watchdog head Rafael Grossi on Friday (June 13) said that nuclear facilities "must never be attacked" and called "on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation" following Israeli strikes on Iran. "This development is deeply concerning... I reiterate that any military action that jeopardizes the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond," Grossi, who heads the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in a statement to board members. “I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran. IAEA stands ready to facilitate technical discussions and support efforts that promote transparency, safety, security and the peaceful resolution of nuclear-related issues in Iran,” he added. Prior to the statement from the IAEA chief, Iran sharply criticised the UN nuclear watchdog on Friday, accusing it of "silence" over Israel's strikes on its nuclear facilities and scientists. In a statement, Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation said it considers the "silence" from the International Atomic Energy Agency "as a form of cooperation with the Zionist regime," adding that the Israeli attack was a "defeat for the IAEA resulting from its unjustifiable shortcomings". Meanwhile, Iran said Israel's deadly attacks on Friday underscored its need to advance uranium enrichment and missile capabilities. "One should not speak to such a predatory regime except in the language of power," the Iranian government said in a statement. “The world now better understands Iran's insistence on the right to enrichment, nuclear technology, and missile power.” Palestinian militant group Hamas on Friday also condemned a wave of Israeli strikes on Iran's military and nuclear facilities, warning they could "destabilise the region". "This aggression constitutes a dangerous escalation that threatens to destabilise the region," said the Iran-backed militant group, whose October 2023 attack on Israel sparked the Gaza war. "Today, Iran is paying the price for its steadfast stance in support of Palestine and its resistance," it added.

Grossi called "on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation" following Israeli strikes on Iran

'Nuclear facilities must never be attacked', says IAEA chief Rafael Grossi after Israel attacks Iran

In a significant development, US President Trump was aware of the strikes beforehand, claimed American media outlet Fox News.&nbsp;In a post on X, Jennifer Griffin, Chief National Security Correspondent for Fox News said, “President Trump was aware of the strikes beforehand. There were no surprises, but the US was NOT involved militarily and hopes Iran will return to the negotiating table.”&nbsp;US President Donald Trump said, “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see. There are several people in leadership that will not be coming back.” (A reference to some of the Iranian leaders who were killed tonight by Israel.) Pres Trump has spoken to PM Netanyahu several times in recent days. The Trump Administration reached out to at least one key Middle Eastern ally to acknowledge that the strike was going to happen but that the US was not involved in the strikes and the goal is still to get Iran back to the negotiating table." &nbsp;&nbsp;“The President is looking to see if there is retaliation, CENTCOM is on high alert, The US will defend itself and Israel if Iran retaliates. He said I hope they get back to the negotiating table. The US has replenished Iron Dome missiles in recent weeks, according to administration officials. US officials confirm a number of top Iranian leaders are dead after the strikes. Again, the US military was not involved in any way in these strikes, but clearly the administration knew about the Israeli plans in advance and was not surprised.”&nbsp;Notably, The United States still hopes to hold talks Sunday with Iran, even after Israel launched a massive attack on the Islamic republic, a US official said. "We still intend to have talks Sunday," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;Meanwhile, After Israel launched a ‘preemptive strike’ on Iran, Iranian supreme leader Khamenei has vowed ‘harsh punishment’ for Israel after Friday's attack killed several Iranian top commanders and scientists. "The Zionist regime at dawn today extended its vile and bloody hand to commit a crime in our dear country and revealed its evil nature more than ever by striking residential centers," Khamenei said in a statement to the Iranian people.&nbsp;"The regime must expect harsh punishment. The powerful hand of the Islamic Republic's armed forces will not let it go, God willing," he added.

Trump was aware of Israeli strikes on Irans nuclear facilities Report

In a significant development, US President Trump was aware of the strikes beforehand, claimed American media outlet Fox News. In a post on X, Jennifer Griffin, Chief National Security Correspondent for Fox News said, “President Trump was aware of the strikes beforehand. There were no surprises, but the US was NOT involved militarily and hopes Iran will return to the negotiating table.” US President Donald Trump said, “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see. There are several people in leadership that will not be coming back.” (A reference to some of the Iranian leaders who were killed tonight by Israel.) Pres Trump has spoken to PM Netanyahu several times in recent days. The Trump Administration reached out to at least one key Middle Eastern ally to acknowledge that the strike was going to happen but that the US was not involved in the strikes and the goal is still to get Iran back to the negotiating table." “The President is looking to see if there is retaliation, CENTCOM is on high alert, The US will defend itself and Israel if Iran retaliates. He said I hope they get back to the negotiating table. The US has replenished Iron Dome missiles in recent weeks, according to administration officials. US officials confirm a number of top Iranian leaders are dead after the strikes. Again, the US military was not involved in any way in these strikes, but clearly the administration knew about the Israeli plans in advance and was not surprised.” Notably, The United States still hopes to hold talks Sunday with Iran, even after Israel launched a massive attack on the Islamic republic, a US official said. "We still intend to have talks Sunday," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity. Meanwhile, After Israel launched a ‘preemptive strike’ on Iran, Iranian supreme leader Khamenei has vowed ‘harsh punishment’ for Israel after Friday's attack killed several Iranian top commanders and scientists. "The Zionist regime at dawn today extended its vile and bloody hand to commit a crime in our dear country and revealed its evil nature more than ever by striking residential centers," Khamenei said in a statement to the Iranian people. "The regime must expect harsh punishment. The powerful hand of the Islamic Republic's armed forces will not let it go, God willing," he added.

US President Donald Trump has spoken to Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu several times in recent days

Trump was aware of Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities: Report

After Israel launched a ‘preemptive strike’ on Iran, Iranian supreme leader Khamenei has vowed ‘harsh punishment’ for Israel after Friday's attack killed several Iranian top commanders and scientists. "The Zionist regime at dawn today extended its vile and bloody hand to commit a crime in our dear country and revealed its evil nature more than ever by striking residential centers," Khamenei said in a statement to the Iranian people.&nbsp;"The regime must expect harsh punishment. The powerful hand of the Islamic Republic's armed forces will not let it go, God willing," he added.&nbsp;Khamenei confirmed that "several commanders and scientists were martyred" in the attacks, saying their successors would "immediately continue their duties."&nbsp;"With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared a bitter and painful fate for itself and will certainly receive it," the Supreme Leader said.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces have also vowed “strong response” to Israel’s early morning strikes that targeted its military bases and nuclear facilities.&nbsp;“The armed forces will certainly respond to this Zionist attack,” said Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for the general staff of the armed forces, adding that Israel “will pay a heavy price and should await strong response from the Iranian armed forces.”&nbsp;Senior Revolutionary Guards commander Gholam Ali Rashid and top nuclear scientists were killed in Israel's attack on Iran on Friday, Iranian media reported.&nbsp;"The martyrdom of... Major General Gholam Ali Rashid is confirmed," state television said, while Tasnim news agency reported nuclear scientists Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi "were targeted and martyred".&nbsp;Iran also shut its airspace until further notice after Israel carried out air strikes on multiple targets across the country, including the capital, Tehran, state TV reported.&nbsp;"Public relations of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization announced the closure of the country's airspace until further notice by issuing aeronautical notices (NOTAM)," state TV reported.

Iranian leader Khamenei vows harsh punishment after Israel strikes nuclear facilities in Tehran

After Israel launched a ‘preemptive strike’ on Iran, Iranian supreme leader Khamenei has vowed ‘harsh punishment’ for Israel after Friday's attack killed several Iranian top commanders and scientists. "The Zionist regime at dawn today extended its vile and bloody hand to commit a crime in our dear country and revealed its evil nature more than ever by striking residential centers," Khamenei said in a statement to the Iranian people. "The regime must expect harsh punishment. The powerful hand of the Islamic Republic's armed forces will not let it go, God willing," he added. Khamenei confirmed that "several commanders and scientists were martyred" in the attacks, saying their successors would "immediately continue their duties." "With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared a bitter and painful fate for itself and will certainly receive it," the Supreme Leader said. Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces have also vowed “strong response” to Israel’s early morning strikes that targeted its military bases and nuclear facilities. “The armed forces will certainly respond to this Zionist attack,” said Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for the general staff of the armed forces, adding that Israel “will pay a heavy price and should await strong response from the Iranian armed forces.” Senior Revolutionary Guards commander Gholam Ali Rashid and top nuclear scientists were killed in Israel's attack on Iran on Friday, Iranian media reported. "The martyrdom of... Major General Gholam Ali Rashid is confirmed," state television said, while Tasnim news agency reported nuclear scientists Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi "were targeted and martyred". Iran also shut its airspace until further notice after Israel carried out air strikes on multiple targets across the country, including the capital, Tehran, state TV reported. "Public relations of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization announced the closure of the country's airspace until further notice by issuing aeronautical notices (NOTAM)," state TV reported.

The Israeli PM stressed that the goal of the operation is to strike Iran's nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile factories, and military capabilities

Iranian leader Khamenei vows 'harsh punishment' after Israel strikes nuclear facilities in Tehran

President Donald Trump said Thursday any country or person that buys oil or petrochemicals from Iran will not be allowed to do any business with the U.S.

Iran slams new US sanctions in midst of nuclear talks, Trump calls for boycott of Iran oil

At least 40 people have been killed and 1,000 were injured after a powerful explosion rocked the port at Iran's Bandar Abbas city. The port authorities said in a statement that the blast resulted from a fire in a chemical materials depot. Watch this for more details!

Iran Port Blast: 40 Dead, 1000 injured in blaze at key economic hub

Tehran, Iran
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Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has denied claims that Iran relies on proxy forces in the West Asia region, insisting that groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis act independently, based on their own convictions and beliefs, rather than under the direction of the Islamic Republic.
Speaking on Sunday (December 22) during a gathering of elegists and eulogists to mark the birth anniversary of Hazrat Fatemeh Zahra (SA), the daughter of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Khamenei dismissed "absurd statements from Western and Israeli officials". He rejected the suggestion that Iran's influence in the region depends on the use of proxy forces.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-condemns-gaza-bombings-as-cruelty-israel-hits-back-785888" target="_blank">Pope Francis condemns Gaza bombings as 'cruelty,' Israel hits back</a>
“They constantly say that the Islamic Republic has lost its proxy forces in the region! This is another mistake! The Islamic Republic does not have proxy forces,” Khamenei said.
He added, “Yemen fights because of its faith; Hezbollah fights because its faith empowers it to take action; Hamas and [Islamic] Jihad fight because their beliefs compel them to do so. They are not acting on our behalf.”
Reiterating Iran’s ability to act independently, he said, “If one day we decide to take action, we do not need proxy forces.”
Khamenei also commented on the situation in Syria, saying, “I predict that a powerful and honourable group will rise in Syria as well. A young Syrian has nothing to lose — his university is unsafe, his school is unsafe, his home is unsafe, his street is unsafe, his entire life is unsafe. What is he supposed to do?”
He called for resistance against forces that he claimed were responsible for spreading instability in the region. “We must stand with strength and determination against those who have designed and implemented this insecurity, and God willing, we will prevail over them,” he said.
Khamenei’s comments come amid scrutiny over Iran’s role in regional conflicts.
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

“They constantly say that the Islamic Republic has lost its proxy forces in the region! This is another mistake! The Islamic Republic does not have proxy forces,” Khamenei said.



Tehran, Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has denied claims that Iran relies on proxy forces in the West Asia region, insisting that groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis act independently, based on their own convictions and beliefs, rather than under the direction of the Islamic Republic. Speaking on Sunday (December 22) during a gathering of elegists and eulogists to mark the birth anniversary of Hazrat Fatemeh Zahra (SA), the daughter of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Khamenei dismissed "absurd statements from Western and Israeli officials". He rejected the suggestion that Iran's influence in the region depends on the use of proxy forces. Also read: Pope Francis condemns Gaza bombings as 'cruelty,' Israel hits back “They constantly say that the Islamic Republic has lost its proxy forces in the region! This is another mistake! The Islamic Republic does not have proxy forces,” Khamenei said. He added, “Yemen fights because of its faith; Hezbollah fights because its faith empowers it to take action; Hamas and [Islamic] Jihad fight because their beliefs compel them to do so. They are not acting on our behalf.” Reiterating Iran’s ability to act independently, he said, “If one day we decide to take action, we do not need proxy forces.” Khamenei also commented on the situation in Syria, saying, “I predict that a powerful and honourable group will rise in Syria as well. A young Syrian has nothing to lose — his university is unsafe, his school is unsafe, his home is unsafe, his street is unsafe, his entire life is unsafe. What is he supposed to do?” He called for resistance against forces that he claimed were responsible for spreading instability in the region. “We must stand with strength and determination against those who have designed and implemented this insecurity, and God willing, we will prevail over them,” he said. Khamenei’s comments come amid scrutiny over Iran’s role in regional conflicts. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran's Khamenei rejects ‘proxy force’ accusations, says Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis act independently

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has denied claims that Iran relies on proxy forces in the West Asia region, insisting that groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis act independently, based on their own convictions and beliefs, rather than under the direction of the Islamic Republic.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has denied claims that Iran relies on proxy forces in the West Asia region, insisting that groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis act independently, based on their own convictions and beliefs, rather than under the direction of the Islamic Republic. Speaking on Sunday (December 22) during a gathering of elegists and eulogists to mark the birth anniversary of Hazrat Fatemeh Zahra (SA), the daughter of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Khamenei dismissed "absurd statements from Western and Israeli officials". He rejected the suggestion that Iran's influence in the region depends on the use of proxy forces. Also read: Pope Francis condemns Gaza bombings as 'cruelty,' Israel hits back “They constantly say that the Islamic Republic has lost its proxy forces in the region! This is another mistake! The Islamic Republic does not have proxy forces,” Khamenei said. He added, “Yemen fights because of its faith; Hezbollah fights because its faith empowers it to take action; Hamas and [Islamic] Jihad fight because their beliefs compel them to do so. They are not acting on our behalf.” Reiterating Iran’s ability to act independently, he said, “If one day we decide to take action, we do not need proxy forces.” Khamenei also commented on the situation in Syria, saying, “I predict that a powerful and honourable group will rise in Syria as well. A young Syrian has nothing to lose — his university is unsafe, his school is unsafe, his home is unsafe, his street is unsafe, his entire life is unsafe. What is he supposed to do?” He called for resistance against forces that he claimed were responsible for spreading instability in the region. “We must stand with strength and determination against those who have designed and implemented this insecurity, and God willing, we will prevail over them,” he said. Khamenei’s comments come amid scrutiny over Iran’s role in regional conflicts. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid ongoing debate in Iran over strict hijab laws, the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Wednesday (Dec 18) dubbed women as ‘delicate flowers’. In a cryptic post on social media platform X, Khamenei, who is accused of curbing women's rights in the Shi’ite country, said women ‘need to be cared for’.

"A woman is a delicate flower and not a housemaid. A woman should be treated like a flower in the home. A flower needs to be cared for. Its freshness and sweet scent should be benefitted from and used to perfume the air," the post read.

Watch:&nbsp;Iran Pauses Crackdown On Strict Hijab Laws Amid Ongoing Protests

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The post came amidst ongoing protests in Iran by women over stringent hijab laws, triggered after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in 2022. The Iranian regime has attracted condemnations by human rights organisations and countries, like the US, who have called on Tehran to rein in its suppressive actions against ‘delicate flowers’.

<h2>Debate over hijab law</h2>

Iranian women are up in arms over a hijab law approved by the parliament in September 2023. The law aims to tighten restrictions on women's public attire and threaten action against businesses that fail to enforce the dress code. The bill was later okayed by the Guardian Council, a body empowered to vet legislation, but it has yet to be sent to the government for final approval.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjpn4PI87KKAxWCn68BHTvfMdgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-delays-hijab-law-president-calls-it-ambiguous-and-in-need-of-reform-784612" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-delays-hijab-law-president-calls-it-ambiguous-and-in-need-of-reform-784612&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjpn4PI87KKAxWCn68BHTvfMdgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Iran delays hijab law, president calls it `ambiguous and in need of reform`</a>

Now, some lawmakers in Iran are urging the government to tone down the bill to give relief to protesting women. Shahram Dabiri, Iran's vice president for parliamentary affairs, earlier appealed to hold the bill and make necessary changes.

Since Amini died in 2022, Iran has doubled down on efforts to suppress the growing dissent of women. Khamenei also issued a directive to Iran’s so-called morality police to launch a campaign called 'Noor' or light, aimed at enforcing the compulsory hijab with fresh vigour.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid ongoing debate in Iran over strict hijab laws, the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Wednesday (Dec 18) dubbed women as ‘delicate flowers’. In a cryptic post on social media platform X, Khamenei, who is accused of curbing women's rights in the Shi’ite country, said women ‘need to be cared for’.

Amid ongoing debate in Iran over strict hijab laws, the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Wednesday (Dec 18) dubbed women as ‘delicate flowers’. In a cryptic post on social media platform X, Khamenei, who is accused of curbing women's rights in the Shi’ite country, said women ‘need to be cared for’. "A woman is a delicate flower and not a housemaid. A woman should be treated like a flower in the home. A flower needs to be cared for. Its freshness and sweet scent should be benefitted from and used to perfume the air," the post read. Watch: Iran Pauses Crackdown On Strict Hijab Laws Amid Ongoing Protests × The post came amidst ongoing protests in Iran by women over stringent hijab laws, triggered after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in 2022. The Iranian regime has attracted condemnations by human rights organisations and countries, like the US, who have called on Tehran to rein in its suppressive actions against ‘delicate flowers’. Debate over hijab law Iranian women are up in arms over a hijab law approved by the parliament in September 2023. The law aims to tighten restrictions on women's public attire and threaten action against businesses that fail to enforce the dress code. The bill was later okayed by the Guardian Council, a body empowered to vet legislation, but it has yet to be sent to the government for final approval. Also read: Iran delays hijab law, president calls it `ambiguous and in need of reform` Now, some lawmakers in Iran are urging the government to tone down the bill to give relief to protesting women. Shahram Dabiri, Iran's vice president for parliamentary affairs, earlier appealed to hold the bill and make necessary changes. Since Amini died in 2022, Iran has doubled down on efforts to suppress the growing dissent of women. Khamenei also issued a directive to Iran’s so-called morality police to launch a campaign called 'Noor' or light, aimed at enforcing the compulsory hijab with fresh vigour. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran’s Khamenei dubs women as ‘delicate flowers’ amid growing calls to amend hijab bill

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