Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi on Sunday (March 22) voiced concern over US-Israel strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran, asserting that “Iran is not the Islamic Republic” and stressing that “civilian infrastructure belongs to the Iranian people and to the future of a free Iran”.&nbsp;Pahlavi distinguished the regime’s infrastructure and civilian assets, arguing that while state-controlled systems are used for repression, civilian infrastructure serves the people and will be essential for rebuilding the country in the future.&nbsp;"Iran’s civilian infrastructure belongs to the Iranian people and to the future of a free Iran. The Islamic Republic’s infrastructure is the machinery of repression and terror used to keep that future from becoming reality," Pahlavi wrote in a post on X.&nbsp;He emphasised that “Iran must be protected. The regime must be dismantled”.Pahlavi, who has often projected himself as a potential leader for a political transition in Iran, called on US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid targeting civilian infrastructure.&nbsp;"I ask President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu to continue targeting the regime and its apparatus of repression, while sparing the civilian infrastructure Iranians will need to rebuild our country," he added.&nbsp;Expressing confidence, Pahlavi said, “With the support of the US and Israel, and above all the sacrifice of Iranian patriots, the hour of Iran’s freedom is at hand”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-will-completely-close-the-strait-of-hormuz-iran-responds-to-trump-s-48-hour-ultimatum-1774196432013">‘We will completely close the Strait of Hormuz’: Iran responds to Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum</a>&nbsp;His remarks come amid growing concerns over damage to critical infrastructure following Israel’s March 18 strike on the South Pars gas field near Asaluyeh, considered the heart of Iran’s energy economy. However, the White House has sought to distance itself from Israel’s specific strike on South Pars.&nbsp;Meanwhile, President Trump has escalated his rhetoric, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened by late Monday.&nbsp;Pahlavi has lived in exile in the United States since the 1979 Islamic Revolution toppled his pro-Western father, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

Pahlavi's remarks come amid growing concerns over damage to critical infrastructure following Israel’s March 18 strike on the South Pars gas field near Asaluyeh, considered the heart of Iran’s energy economy.

Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi on Sunday (March 22) voiced concern over US-Israel strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran, asserting that “Iran is not the Islamic Republic” and stressing that “civilian infrastructure belongs to the Iranian people and to the future of a free Iran”. Pahlavi distinguished the regime’s infrastructure and civilian assets, arguing that while state-controlled systems are used for repression, civilian infrastructure serves the people and will be essential for rebuilding the country in the future. "Iran’s civilian infrastructure belongs to the Iranian people and to the future of a free Iran. The Islamic Republic’s infrastructure is the machinery of repression and terror used to keep that future from becoming reality," Pahlavi wrote in a post on X. He emphasised that “Iran must be protected. The regime must be dismantled”. Pahlavi, who has often projected himself as a potential leader for a political transition in Iran, called on US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid targeting civilian infrastructure. "I ask President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu to continue targeting the regime and its apparatus of repression, while sparing the civilian infrastructure Iranians will need to rebuild our country," he added. Expressing confidence, Pahlavi said, “With the support of the US and Israel, and above all the sacrifice of Iranian patriots, the hour of Iran’s freedom is at hand”. Also Read: ‘We will completely close the Strait of Hormuz’: Iran responds to Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum His remarks come amid growing concerns over damage to critical infrastructure following Israel’s March 18 strike on the South Pars gas field near Asaluyeh, considered the heart of Iran’s energy economy. However, the White House has sought to distance itself from Israel’s specific strike on South Pars. Meanwhile, President Trump has escalated his rhetoric, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened by late Monday. Pahlavi has lived in exile in the United States since the 1979 Islamic Revolution toppled his pro-Western father, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

Pahlavi's remarks come amid growing concerns over damage to critical infrastructure following Israel’s March 18 strike on the South Pars gas field near Asaluyeh, considered the heart of Iran’s energy economy.

Pahlavi calls on Trump, Netanyahu to avoid hitting Iran’s civilian infrastructure

After Donald Trump threatened Tehran with 'obliterating' power plants and gave a deadline to Tehran over opening the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's military responded with a warning to completely close the vital waterway if the US military targets power infrastructure.&nbsp;"If the United States' threats regarding Iran's power plants are carried out... the Strait of Hormuz will be completely closed, and it will not be reopened until our destroyed power plants are rebuilt," the military's operational command Khatam Al-Anbiya said in a statement carried by state TV.&nbsp;Tehran's army added that it will also strike Israel's "power plants, energy, and information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure", along with power plants in regional countries hosting US bases and companies with US shareholders. It asserted that these measures will be taken "to defend our country and the interests of our nation".&nbsp;The traffic through the vital Strait, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of crude oil and liquefied natural gas, has been brought to a standstill since the start of the war.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-deploys-ice-agents-to-airports-as-dhs-funding-standoff-enters-fifth-week-1774188023973">Trump deploys ICE agents to airports as DHS funding standoff enters fifth week</a>&nbsp;These statments follows US President Donald Trump’s latest 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, issued on Saturday, warning that the United States will "obliterate" Iran's power plants, starting with the largest first, if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened.&nbsp;Based on the timing of the post, the 48-hour window is set to expire late Monday night, as global oil prices surge due to the effective closure of the waterway.&nbsp;"If Iran doesn't FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.&nbsp;The US President came under intense domestic and international pressure from rising energy prices, with crude oil trading above $100 a barrel since the start of the war on February 28. Confusing messaging from Donald Trump also added to market volatility, as he kept the US stance on the Strait of Hormuz unclear. Earlier, he had called for multilateral naval support from European allies to force open the vital waterway. However, after being snubbed by partners, he said Washington was not concerned, as it does not depend on the strait for its energy needs. On Saturday, he again shifted his position by issuing a deadline to Iran.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed the military’s stance, saying, “The illusion of erasing Iran from the map shows desperation against the will of a history-making nation. Threats and terror only strengthen our unity,” in a social media post.&nbsp;At the same time, he asserted that "The Strait of Hormuz is open to all except those who violate our soil."&nbsp;The war, triggered by a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign targeting top Iranian leadership in an apparent attempt to spark regime change, and key strategic and military locations, entered its third week.&nbsp;Despite the US and Israel killing its top leadership and targeting key infrastructure, Iran remains defiant. It has adopted a tit-for-tat strategy by attacking oil and energy facilities across Gulf nations and surprised the US by targeting the Diego Garcia military base, which is around 4,000 km away from Iran, showcasing Tehran's missile capabilities, which the US had claimed were significantly reduced in its strikes.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)&nbsp;

Tehran's army threatened that it will also strike Israel's "power plants, energy, and information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure."

After Donald Trump threatened Tehran with 'obliterating' power plants and gave a deadline to Tehran over opening the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's military responded with a warning to completely close the vital waterway if the US military targets power infrastructure. "If the United States' threats regarding Iran's power plants are carried out... the Strait of Hormuz will be completely closed, and it will not be reopened until our destroyed power plants are rebuilt," the military's operational command Khatam Al-Anbiya said in a statement carried by state TV. Tehran's army added that it will also strike Israel's "power plants, energy, and information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure", along with power plants in regional countries hosting US bases and companies with US shareholders. It asserted that these measures will be taken "to defend our country and the interests of our nation". The traffic through the vital Strait, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of crude oil and liquefied natural gas, has been brought to a standstill since the start of the war. Also Read: Trump deploys ICE agents to airports as DHS funding standoff enters fifth week These statments follows US President Donald Trump’s latest 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, issued on Saturday, warning that the United States will "obliterate" Iran's power plants, starting with the largest first, if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened. Based on the timing of the post, the 48-hour window is set to expire late Monday night, as global oil prices surge due to the effective closure of the waterway. "If Iran doesn't FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. The US President came under intense domestic and international pressure from rising energy prices, with crude oil trading above $100 a barrel since the start of the war on February 28. Confusing messaging from Donald Trump also added to market volatility, as he kept the US stance on the Strait of Hormuz unclear. Earlier, he had called for multilateral naval support from European allies to force open the vital waterway. However, after being snubbed by partners, he said Washington was not concerned, as it does not depend on the strait for its energy needs. On Saturday, he again shifted his position by issuing a deadline to Iran. Meanwhile, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed the military’s stance, saying, “The illusion of erasing Iran from the map shows desperation against the will of a history-making nation. Threats and terror only strengthen our unity,” in a social media post. At the same time, he asserted that "The Strait of Hormuz is open to all except those who violate our soil." The war, triggered by a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign targeting top Iranian leadership in an apparent attempt to spark regime change, and key strategic and military locations, entered its third week. Despite the US and Israel killing its top leadership and targeting key infrastructure, Iran remains defiant. It has adopted a tit-for-tat strategy by attacking oil and energy facilities across Gulf nations and surprised the US by targeting the Diego Garcia military base, which is around 4,000 km away from Iran, showcasing Tehran's missile capabilities, which the US had claimed were significantly reduced in its strikes. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Tehran's army threatened that it will also strike Israel's "power plants, energy, and information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure."

‘We will completely close the Strait of Hormuz’: Iran responds to Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu visited Arad and Dimona on Sunday after a barrage of Iranian missiles struck the towns the previous night.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu visited Arad and Dimona on Sunday after a barrage of Iranian missiles struck the towns the previous night.

Netanyahu inspects damage from Iranian missile strikes, vows to go after IRGC leadership

The US military claimed that it had “degraded” Iran's ability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz by bombing an underground facility, which it said the Islamic Republic used to store cruise missiles and other weaponry. It added that some of the heaviest bombs in its arsenal were used to penetrate nearby missile sites.&nbsp;Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM), said it had dropped multiple 5,000-pound bombs on a “hardened” underground facility located along Iran's coast that was used to store anti-ship cruise missiles, mobile missile launchers, and other equipment.&nbsp;“We not only took out the facility, but also destroyed intelligence support sites and missile radar relays that were used to monitor ship movements,” Cooper said in a video message posted on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Update from CENTCOM Commander on Operation Epic Fury: <a href="https://t.co/8yTLrVy4jk">pic.twitter.com/8yTLrVy4jk</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2035326118098518161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz is degraded as a result, and we will not stop pursuing these targets,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-iranian-missile-hits-jerusalem-warhead-lands-near-al-aqsa-mosque-on-eid-al-fitr-1774109610041">Video | Iranian missile hits Jerusalem; warhead lands near Al-Aqsa Mosque on Eid al-Fitr</a>&nbsp;The United States has come under intense pressure domestically and internationally after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, causing crude oil prices to cross $100, an increase of nearly 50 per cent. The energy crisis has also forced several countries to take emergency measures, with Washington moving to ease sanctions on Russian oil that were imposed after the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022.&nbsp;Cooper also said that the US military has so far struck over 8,000 military targets, including 130 Iranian vessels, in the past three weeks.&nbsp;The war in West Asia has entered its third week, triggered by the bombing campaign launched by the US-Israeli military on February 28. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior leaders, including security chief Ali Larijani, Minister of Intelligence Esmaeil Khatib, and IRGC Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour, were killed by the United States and Israel in decapitation strikes aimed at sparking regime change in Tehran.&nbsp;Despite the decapitation strikes and the massive bombing campaign, Iran remains defiant and has launched attacks on US bases across the region and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. From March 1 to 19, commodity carriers made just 116 crossings, according to analytics firm Kpler, a decrease of 95 per cent from peacetime averages.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Admiral Brad Cooper said that the US military has so far struck over 8,000 military targets, including 130 Iranian vessels, in the past three weeks.

The US military claimed that it had “degraded” Iran's ability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz by bombing an underground facility, which it said the Islamic Republic used to store cruise missiles and other weaponry. It added that some of the heaviest bombs in its arsenal were used to penetrate nearby missile sites. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM), said it had dropped multiple 5,000-pound bombs on a “hardened” underground facility located along Iran's coast that was used to store anti-ship cruise missiles, mobile missile launchers, and other equipment. “We not only took out the facility, but also destroyed intelligence support sites and missile radar relays that were used to monitor ship movements,” Cooper said in a video message posted on X.

Admiral Brad Cooper said that the US military has so far struck over 8,000 military targets, including 130 Iranian vessels, in the past three weeks.

US military says Hormuz threat ‘degraded’, over 8,000 targets struck across Iran since war began

As the surge in the energy crisis sparked by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continues to impact oil supply across nations, more than 20 countries have announced their readiness to contribute efforts to ensure safe passage through the strait and strongly condemned Iran's effective closure of the key waterway, which accounts for the shipment of nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply.&nbsp;In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the 22 nations, mostly European but also including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, condemned Iran's strikes on civilian infrastructure and oil and gas facilities.&nbsp;"We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces," the statement read.&nbsp;On Wednesday, Tehran targeted Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub and the UAE’s Habshan gas complex in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike that targeted Iran's South Pars gas field, the world’s largest natural gas reservoir. The US has distanced itself from the strike on the South Pars gas field, saying it was Israel's independent decision.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-iranian-missile-hits-jerusalem-warhead-lands-near-al-aqsa-mosque-on-eid-al-fitr-1774109610041">Video | Iranian missile hits Jerusalem; warhead lands near Al-Aqsa Mosque on Eid al-Fitr</a>&nbsp;The countries added that they expressed their “readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait” and welcomed the commitment of nations already engaged in preparatory planning. The statement also called for “an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.”&nbsp;The move comes as the war in West Asia enters its third week, triggered by the bombing campaign started by the US-Israeli military on February 28. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior leaders, including security chief Ali Larijani, Minister of Intelligence Esmaeil Khatib, and IRGC Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour, were killed by the United States and Israel in decapitation strikes.&nbsp;Despite the decapitation strikes and the massive bombing campaign, Iran remains defiant and has launched attacks on US bases across the region and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. From March 1 to 19, commodity carriers made just 116 crossings, according to analytics firm Kpler, &nbsp;a decrease of 95 per cent from peacetime averages.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

The countries included the UK, France, Germany, and Japan, along with key regional partners UAE and Bahrain, and various European and Indo-Pacific nations.

As the surge in the energy crisis sparked by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continues to impact oil supply across nations, more than 20 countries have announced their readiness to contribute efforts to ensure safe passage through the strait and strongly condemned Iran's effective closure of the key waterway, which accounts for the shipment of nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply. In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the 22 nations, mostly European but also including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, condemned Iran's strikes on civilian infrastructure and oil and gas facilities. "We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces," the statement read. On Wednesday, Tehran targeted Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub and the UAE’s Habshan gas complex in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike that targeted Iran's South Pars gas field, the world’s largest natural gas reservoir. The US has distanced itself from the strike on the South Pars gas field, saying it was Israel's independent decision. Also Read: Video | Iranian missile hits Jerusalem; warhead lands near Al-Aqsa Mosque on Eid al-Fitr The countries added that they expressed their “readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait” and welcomed the commitment of nations already engaged in preparatory planning. The statement also called for “an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.” The move comes as the war in West Asia enters its third week, triggered by the bombing campaign started by the US-Israeli military on February 28. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior leaders, including security chief Ali Larijani, Minister of Intelligence Esmaeil Khatib, and IRGC Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour, were killed by the United States and Israel in decapitation strikes. Despite the decapitation strikes and the massive bombing campaign, Iran remains defiant and has launched attacks on US bases across the region and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. From March 1 to 19, commodity carriers made just 116 crossings, according to analytics firm Kpler, a decrease of 95 per cent from peacetime averages. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

The countries included the UK, France, Germany, and Japan, along with key regional partners UAE and Bahrain, and various European and Indo-Pacific nations.

Over 20 countries pledge support to secure Strait of Hormuz shipping routes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday (March 21) and conveyed Nowruz greetings, wishing for "peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia." The talk marks the second conversation between the two leaders since the start of the war on February 28. The Prime Minister also condemned attacks on critical infrastructure and hailed Tehran's support for the safety of Indian nationals in Iran.&nbsp;"Spoke with President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian and conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings. We expressed hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia," PM Modi posted on X.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-loyal-friend-reliable-partner-putin-reaffirms-russia-s-support-for-iran-in-nowruz-message-1774092465048">‘Loyal friend, reliable partner’: Putin reaffirms Russia’s support for Iran in Nowruz message</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Spoke with President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian and conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings. We expressed hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia. Condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and…&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2035304185122697464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He also highlighted the importance of maritime security, particularly commercial vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, reiterating India's stance on safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping routes remain open and secure amid the tensions.&nbsp;"Condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains. Reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure," the PM wrote in his post.&nbsp;India has ramped up its diplomatic efforts since the start of the war triggered by US-Israeli strikes targeting Iran's top leadership and key nuclear and strategic facilities across the country, leading to the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the opening day of operations.&nbsp;In retaliation, Iran struck US bases across the Gulf region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for the shipment of 20 per cent of the global oil supply and over 50 per cent of India's energy requirements.&nbsp;The disruption of key maritime routes has heightened concern in New Delhi, with over 20 Indian vessels currently stuck in the Persian Gulf as movement through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely affected.&nbsp;Amid these challenges, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers , Shivalik and Nanda Devi, managed a rare and successful passage through the strait last week, transporting 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG.&nbsp;Earlier this month, PM Modi held a conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, where he raised alarm over the deteriorating regional situation. He underlined concerns about rising tensions, civilian casualties, and damage to critical infrastructure.

The Prime Minister condemned attacks on critical infrastructure and hailed Tehran's support for the safety of Indian nationals in Iran.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday (March 21) and conveyed Nowruz greetings, wishing for "peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia." The talk marks the second conversation between the two leaders since the start of the war on February 28. The Prime Minister also condemned attacks on critical infrastructure and hailed Tehran's support for the safety of Indian nationals in Iran. "Spoke with President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian and conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings. We expressed hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia," PM Modi posted on X. Also Read: ‘Loyal friend, reliable partner’: Putin reaffirms Russia’s support for Iran in Nowruz message

The Prime Minister condemned attacks on critical infrastructure and hailed Tehran's support for the safety of Indian nationals in Iran.

‘Shipping lanes must remain open’: PM Modi speaks to Iran president, condemns attacks on critical infrastructure

Traders said that the move has prompted not only India but also refiners across Asia to reassess access to Iranian barrels at a time of heightened uncertainty in global energy markets.

Traders said that the move has prompted not only India but also refiners across Asia to reassess access to Iranian barrels at a time of heightened uncertainty in global energy markets.

Indian refiners eye Iranian oil after US waives sanctions: Why the main hurdles remain

US strikes on Iran nuclear sites new assessment: Out of the three Iranian nuclear sites hit by the US B2 bombers and Tomahawk missiles in June, only one - Fordow- was ‘mostly destroyed’ while the other two - Natanz and Isfahan - were less damaged. The latter two might still have the capability to resume nuclear enrichment within months if Iran chooses to do so. This is as per a new US assessment, as reported by NBC News on Thursday (July 17).<h2>How much were the Iranian nuclear sites damaged in US strikes?</h2>As per the US assessment, the Fordow uranium enrichment site was set back by as much as two years in the air strikes. The site, deeply buried in mountainous terrain, was hit with 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs or GBU-57s.But both Natanz and Isfahan have tunnels and facilities likely beyond the reach of GBU-57s, NBC report noted citing US officials.While surface targets at Isfahan were hit with Tomahawk missiles, GBU-57s were used at Natanz.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fordow-was-just-the-beginning-new-iranian-site-twice-as-deep-as-fordow-1751042742463/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/fordow-was-just-the-beginning-new-iranian-site-twice-as-deep-as-fordow-1751042742463/embed</a>&nbsp;In the June strike that ended the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, Fordow site's work was significantly set back, said the assessment which was given to US lawmakers, defence department officials, and allied countries, reported NBC.The US strikes reportedly 'buried most enriched uranium' at Isfahan and Fordow, making extraction and enrichment difficult, as per the NBC report.&nbsp; Israel, which believes that some highly enriched uranium remains buried but is effectively unreachable, has threatened new strikes if Iran tries to recover it.Iran’s air defences were largely destroyed, making future strikes easier, as per the assessment.&nbsp;“It was made clear that Iran no longer has any more [air defences], so the idea that they can easily rebuild anything is ludicrous,” the NBC report quoted one official as saying.<h2>The plan was to strike six sites</h2>According to the report, the US Central Command had a plan as early as 2023 to strike Iranian nuclear sites. That plan was more extensive than what finally came about this June. It was to strike six sites over several weeks, deploying air defences and missile capabilities. But President Donald Trump rejected the plan. “We were willing to go all the way in our options, but the president did not want to,” the NBC report quoted an official as saying, as Trump preferred to avoid prolonged conflicts and high casualties on both sides.<h2>Iran nuclear site attacks: Official messaging and reality continue to differ</h2>The extent of damage to Iranian sites following the US strikes has been a major issue of debate inside and outside the US.&nbsp;Soon after the strikes, Trump called the operation 'a spectacular military success' and claimed that Iran’s key enrichment facilities were "completely and totally obliterated.”&nbsp; CIA Director John Ratcliffe claimed that the metal conversion facility at Natanz was “destroyed to the point that it would take years to rebuild.”&nbsp; But soon, various intelligence assessments gave more qualified descriptions, with the latest pointing towards significant damage to Fordow but less to Natanz and Isfahan.<h2>More strikes on Iran nuclear sites can't be ruled out</h2>The report said that the US and Israeli governments are still discussing more strikes in future on the less-damaged sites if Iran rebuilds them. If Iran rebuilds its nuclear programme or refuses to restart negotiations on it, the US could again enter the conflict.

Israel, which believes that some highly enriched uranium remains buried but is effectively unreachable, has threatened new strikes if Iran tries to recover it.

US strikes on Iran nuclear sites new assessment: Out of the three Iranian nuclear sites hit by the US B2 bombers and Tomahawk missiles in June, only one - Fordow- was ‘mostly destroyed’ while the other two - Natanz and Isfahan - were less damaged. The latter two might still have the capability to resume nuclear enrichment within months if Iran chooses to do so. This is as per a new US assessment, as reported by NBC News on Thursday (July 17). How much were the Iranian nuclear sites damaged in US strikes? As per the US assessment, the Fordow uranium enrichment site was set back by as much as two years in the air strikes. The site, deeply buried in mountainous terrain, was hit with 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs or GBU-57s. But both Natanz and Isfahan have tunnels and facilities likely beyond the reach of GBU-57s, NBC report noted citing US officials. While surface targets at Isfahan were hit with Tomahawk missiles, GBU-57s were used at Natanz. https://www.wionews.com/videos/fordow-was-just-the-beginning-new-iranian-site-twice-as-deep-as-fordow-1751042742463/embed In the June strike that ended the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, Fordow site's work was significantly set back, said the assessment which was given to US lawmakers, defence department officials, and allied countries, reported NBC. The US strikes reportedly 'buried most enriched uranium' at Isfahan and Fordow, making extraction and enrichment difficult, as per the NBC report. Israel, which believes that some highly enriched uranium remains buried but is effectively unreachable, has threatened new strikes if Iran tries to recover it. Iran’s air defences were largely destroyed, making future strikes easier, as per the assessment. “It was made clear that Iran no longer has any more [air defences], so the idea that they can easily rebuild anything is ludicrous,” the NBC report quoted one official as saying. The plan was to strike six sites According to the report, the US Central Command had a plan as early as 2023 to strike Iranian nuclear sites. That plan was more extensive than what finally came about this June. It was to strike six sites over several weeks, deploying air defences and missile capabilities. But President Donald Trump rejected the plan. “We were willing to go all the way in our options, but the president did not want to,” the NBC report quoted an official as saying, as Trump preferred to avoid prolonged conflicts and high casualties on both sides. Iran nuclear site attacks: Official messaging and reality continue to differ The extent of damage to Iranian sites following the US strikes has been a major issue of debate inside and outside the US. Soon after the strikes, Trump called the operation 'a spectacular military success' and claimed that Iran’s key enrichment facilities were "completely and totally obliterated.” CIA Director John Ratcliffe claimed that the metal conversion facility at Natanz was “destroyed to the point that it would take years to rebuild.” But soon, various intelligence assessments gave more qualified descriptions, with the latest pointing towards significant damage to Fordow but less to Natanz and Isfahan. More strikes on Iran nuclear sites can't be ruled out The report said that the US and Israeli governments are still discussing more strikes in future on the less-damaged sites if Iran rebuilds them. If Iran rebuilds its nuclear programme or refuses to restart negotiations on it, the US could again enter the conflict.

Israel, which believes that some highly enriched uranium remains buried but is effectively unreachable, has threatened new strikes if Iran tries to recover it.

B2 bombers failed? Only 1 out of 3 Iranian nuclear sites hit by US suffered. Fordow ‘mostly destroyed,’ Natanz and Isfahan were…

In an alarming and provocative remark, Mohammad-Javad Larijani, a former top adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has hinted at a potential Iranian strike on former US President Donald Trump, alluding to a possible drone attack while he relaxes at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. "Trump has done something… so that he can no longer sunbathe in Mar-a-Lago…because while he's lying down, a micro-drone might target and strike him right in the navel.” The comments aired on July 9 and were first reported by Iran International, a London-based Persian-language news outlet.&nbsp;When questioned about the threat during a Fox News interview, US President Trump responded with characteristic dismissiveness. "It's been a long time. I don't know, maybe I was around seven or so. I'm not too big into it," he joked when asked about his last sunbathing session. On the veiled warning, Trump added, “I guess it's a threat. I'm sure it's not a threat, actually, but perhaps it is.” The United States Secret Service (USSS) issued a statement saying it does not discuss specific protective intelligence matters. “We operate in a heightened and very dynamic threat environment and the safety and security of the President and all of our protectees remains our highest priority,” the USSS spokesperson added. The remarks come just weeks after the United States bombed three Iranian nuclear sites - Fordow, Nantz, Esfahan - as part of the Iran–Israel war, under the code name Operation Midnight Hammer. Washington’s involvement in the conflict has reignited hostility in Tehran, with senior Iranian figures vowing retribution.&nbsp;Though Larijani laughed while making the remark during a discussion on Iran’s advanced military capabilities, it has renewed doubts about Tehran's intention despite truce with Israel and Washington after the 12-day war. The Iran International also linked Larijani’s comments to a rising online campaign named "Blood Pact," which is reportedly fundraising for revenge against individuals perceived as insulting or threatening Iran’s Supreme Leader.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2020, the United States under Trump's authorisation, killed Iranian IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike. Post that, Trump has been the target of multiple alleged Iranian assassination plots. In November 2023, the US Department of Justice charged Farhad Shakeri, believed to be working with the Iranian regime, for attempting to coordinate an attack on Trump. Two American men, Carlisle Rivera and Jonathan Loadholt, were also arrested as alleged co-conspirators. Moreover, Iran had released a controversial animated video in 2022 depicting Trump being assassinated on a golf course.

Ex-Iranian official Mohammad-Javad Larijani hinted at a drone strike on Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, saying a "micro-drone might strike him in the navel." The remarks were made on July 9  during a discussion on Iran’s advanced military capabilities

In an alarming and provocative remark, Mohammad-Javad Larijani, a former top adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has hinted at a potential Iranian strike on former US President Donald Trump, alluding to a possible drone attack while he relaxes at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. "Trump has done something… so that he can no longer sunbathe in Mar-a-Lago…because while he's lying down, a micro-drone might target and strike him right in the navel.” The comments aired on July 9 and were first reported by Iran International, a London-based Persian-language news outlet. When questioned about the threat during a Fox News interview, US President Trump responded with characteristic dismissiveness. "It's been a long time. I don't know, maybe I was around seven or so. I'm not too big into it," he joked when asked about his last sunbathing session. On the veiled warning, Trump added, “I guess it's a threat. I'm sure it's not a threat, actually, but perhaps it is.” The United States Secret Service (USSS) issued a statement saying it does not discuss specific protective intelligence matters. “We operate in a heightened and very dynamic threat environment and the safety and security of the President and all of our protectees remains our highest priority,” the USSS spokesperson added. The remarks come just weeks after the United States bombed three Iranian nuclear sites - Fordow, Nantz, Esfahan - as part of the Iran–Israel war, under the code name Operation Midnight Hammer. Washington’s involvement in the conflict has reignited hostility in Tehran, with senior Iranian figures vowing retribution. Though Larijani laughed while making the remark during a discussion on Iran’s advanced military capabilities, it has renewed doubts about Tehran's intention despite truce with Israel and Washington after the 12-day war. The Iran International also linked Larijani’s comments to a rising online campaign named "Blood Pact," which is reportedly fundraising for revenge against individuals perceived as insulting or threatening Iran’s Supreme Leader. In 2020, the United States under Trump's authorisation, killed Iranian IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike. Post that, Trump has been the target of multiple alleged Iranian assassination plots. In November 2023, the US Department of Justice charged Farhad Shakeri, believed to be working with the Iranian regime, for attempting to coordinate an attack on Trump. Two American men, Carlisle Rivera and Jonathan Loadholt, were also arrested as alleged co-conspirators. Moreover, Iran had released a controversial animated video in 2022 depicting Trump being assassinated on a golf course.

Ex-Iranian official Mohammad-Javad Larijani hinted at a drone strike on Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, saying a "micro-drone might strike him in the navel." The remarks were made on July 9 &nbsp;during a discussion on Iran’s advanced military capabilities

Iran planning to kill Trump? 'Drone might hit Mar-a-Lago' remark raises doubt | US president issues 3-word reaction

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public appearance on Saturday (Jul 5) since the start of his country's 12-day war with Israel. The Iranian supreme leader was seen attending a religious ceremony in central Tehran, state media reported. Dressed in traditional black mourning robes, the 86-year-old leader was seen on state television greeting a large crowd at the Imam Khomeini Mosque, where Shia Muslims were marking the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussein.<h2>Why did Khamenei go missing?</h2>The Iranian supreme leader has been missing from the public for quite a while. His absence during the Israel-Iran conflict had given rise to speculations over his health. However, as crowds chanted, "The blood in our veins for our leader!" Khamenei on Saturday was seen waving and smiling, he appeared physically stable.Earlier, amid the conflict between Israel and Iran, which the US entered later, Mehdi Fazaeli, head of Khamenei's archives office, during an interview with The New York Times, was asked about Khamenei's well-being: "People are very worried about the Supreme Leader." To this, Fazaeli, without offering a direct answer, ominously said, "We all should be praying."He assured the host that the people who are responsible for protecting the Supreme Leader were doing their job well, and said, "God willing, our people can celebrate victory next to their leader, God willing."<h2>Khamenei absent from action</h2>The appearance marked Khamenei's first in-person event since June 11 — just two days before Israel launched surprise airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites on June 13. The Israeli airstrikes ignited the most direct military confrontation between the two countries in decades.On June 11, Khamenei met with members of parliament, and just last week, he released a pre-recorded message. However, his lack of public presence during the height of the conflict had drawn global attention. Meanwhile, reports suggested that the Supreme Leader had been hiding in a secure underground bunker and was avoiding all electronic communication to prevent assassination attempts. Khamenei's public reappearance may just be Iran's attempt at projecting stability and control after the so-called 12-day conflict.

Dressed in traditional black mourning robes, the 86-year-old leader was seen on state television greeting a large crowd at the Imam Khomeini Mosque, where Shia Muslims were marking the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussein.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public appearance on Saturday (Jul 5) since the start of his country's 12-day war with Israel. The Iranian supreme leader was seen attending a religious ceremony in central Tehran, state media reported. Dressed in traditional black mourning robes, the 86-year-old leader was seen on state television greeting a large crowd at the Imam Khomeini Mosque, where Shia Muslims were marking the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussein. Why did Khamenei go missing? The Iranian supreme leader has been missing from the public for quite a while. His absence during the Israel-Iran conflict had given rise to speculations over his health. However, as crowds chanted, "The blood in our veins for our leader!" Khamenei on Saturday was seen waving and smiling, he appeared physically stable. Earlier, amid the conflict between Israel and Iran, which the US entered later, Mehdi Fazaeli, head of Khamenei's archives office, during an interview with The New York Times, was asked about Khamenei's well-being: "People are very worried about the Supreme Leader." To this, Fazaeli, without offering a direct answer, ominously said, "We all should be praying." He assured the host that the people who are responsible for protecting the Supreme Leader were doing their job well, and said, "God willing, our people can celebrate victory next to their leader, God willing." Khamenei absent from action The appearance marked Khamenei's first in-person event since June 11 — just two days before Israel launched surprise airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites on June 13. The Israeli airstrikes ignited the most direct military confrontation between the two countries in decades. On June 11, Khamenei met with members of parliament, and just last week, he released a pre-recorded message. However, his lack of public presence during the height of the conflict had drawn global attention. Meanwhile, reports suggested that the Supreme Leader had been hiding in a secure underground bunker and was avoiding all electronic communication to prevent assassination attempts. Khamenei's public reappearance may just be Iran's attempt at projecting stability and control after the so-called 12-day conflict.

Dressed in traditional black mourning robes, the 86-year-old leader was seen on state television greeting a large crowd at the Imam Khomeini Mosque, where Shia Muslims were marking the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussein.

Where was Khamenei hiding? Iran's Supreme Leader makes public appearance days after 12-day war with Israel

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has granted final approval to a law to suspend cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), state media said Wednesday (July 2). "Masoud Pezeshkian promulgated the law suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency," state TV said, meaning the measure drawn up in the aftermath of the Iran-Israel war last month is now in effect. This comes a week after the Iranian Parliament approved a bill suspending cooperation with IAEA. The decision followed recent US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites in Esfahan, Fordow, and Natanz. During an open session of Parliament, Iranian lawmakers agreed on the general outline of a plan with 223 representatives present at the session, 221 voted in favour, one voted against, and one abstained.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi slammed IAEA chief Rafael Grossi and said, “Grossi’s insistence on visiting the bombed sites under the pretext of safeguards is meaningless and possibly even malign in intent…Iran reserves the right to take any steps in defence of its interests, its people and its sovereignty.” On the same lines, Iranian President Pezeshkian told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that Tehran had halted cooperation with the IAEA due to what he called Grossi’s “destructive” behaviour towards Iran. Iranian officials have sharply criticised the IAEA not only for failing to condemn the Israeli and US strikes, but also for passing a resolution on June 12 accusing Tehran of non-compliance with its nuclear obligations, the day before Israel attacked. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel was announced on June 24 and has held forth since then.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Parliament of Iran has voted for a halt to collaboration with the IAEA until the safety and security of our nuclear activities can be guaranteed. This is a direct result of <a href="https://twitter.com/rafaelmgrossi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rafaelmgrossi</a>&#39;s regrettable role in obfuscating the fact that the Agency—a full decade ago—already…&mdash; Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) <a href="https://twitter.com/araghchi/status/1938619328397488281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What are the implications of Iran suspending cooperation with IAEA?</h2>The IAEA plays a central role in maintaining international peace and security by verifying that nuclear programmes around the world are strictly peaceful in nature. Amid the West's allegations that Iran was close to develop a nuclear weapon, it was important that IAEA keeps a check on Iranian facilities. Though the US has said that Iran's nuclear capabilities are 'obliterated', IAEA checks would have helped Iran improve its own standards, benefitting its civilian nuclear ambitions while avoiding environmental or safety disasters. Iran suspended its formal nuclear weapons program in 2003, and claims its program is for peaceful purposes only. By banning IAEA, Iran is effectively suspending all transparency mechanisms related to its nuclear program. &nbsp;

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian promulgated the law suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency days after US struck three nuclear facilities in Iran namely Esfahan, Fordow, and Natanz

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has granted final approval to a law to suspend cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), state media said Wednesday (July 2). "Masoud Pezeshkian promulgated the law suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency," state TV said, meaning the measure drawn up in the aftermath of the Iran-Israel war last month is now in effect. This comes a week after the Iranian Parliament approved a bill suspending cooperation with IAEA. The decision followed recent US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites in Esfahan, Fordow, and Natanz. During an open session of Parliament, Iranian lawmakers agreed on the general outline of a plan with 223 representatives present at the session, 221 voted in favour, one voted against, and one abstained. Earlier, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi slammed IAEA chief Rafael Grossi and said, “Grossi’s insistence on visiting the bombed sites under the pretext of safeguards is meaningless and possibly even malign in intent…Iran reserves the right to take any steps in defence of its interests, its people and its sovereignty.” On the same lines, Iranian President Pezeshkian told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that Tehran had halted cooperation with the IAEA due to what he called Grossi’s “destructive” behaviour towards Iran. Iranian officials have sharply criticised the IAEA not only for failing to condemn the Israeli and US strikes, but also for passing a resolution on June 12 accusing Tehran of non-compliance with its nuclear obligations, the day before Israel attacked. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel was announced on June 24 and has held forth since then.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian promulgated the law suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency days after US struck three nuclear facilities in Iran namely Esfahan, Fordow, and Natanz

Iran suspends cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog IAEA days after US strikes - What this means | WION Explains

Amid claims that American strikes on Iran did not destroy its nuclear sites, Pentagon on Thursday (June 26) released test footage showing how bunker-busters work. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that the footage during a press conference stating that the media is spinning the story of a “highly successful” strike. The US hit three nuclear sites in Iran, namely Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, and claimed that these have been completely ‘obliterated.’ Trump slammed the US media particularly, CNN, for asking question on the intelligence report leak that suggested US strike did not damage the nuclear sites. Trump accused Democrats of leaking the intelligence report about US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, calling for prosecution of those responsible. There is no public evidence supporting his claims but the Trump administration has vowed to punish those who were responsible for the leaks.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Pentagon releases test footage showing how bunker-busters work.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDef</a> Hegseth: “Because of the hatred of this press... your people are trying to leak &amp; spin that it wasn&#39;t successful. It&#39;s irresponsible.” Gen. “Razin” Caine, on the mission: “I have chills..talking about this.” <a href="https://t.co/nS1q6ml7Ae">pic.twitter.com/nS1q6ml7Ae</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1938259832416391576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Earlier, Hegseth addressed the media at the Pentagon and said, “Strikes in Iran were highly successful, it was a resounding success and brought the end of the war. Trump created the conditions to end war destroying Iran's nuclear capabilities. What other presidents talked about, President Trump achieved. This is a historic moment." “Leaked preliminary report is based on lynchpin assumptions. Rafael Grossi also said that US strikes caused enormous damage. This is a historically successful mission," he added.&nbsp;Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also addressed the media and said, “We received intel on Monday that Iran intended to attack US bases in the region. Patriot cruise were deployed from Korea and Japan. We were joined in this engagement with Qatari Patriot cruise. In the days preceding the fordo attacks Iranians tried to cover the shafts with concrete."&nbsp;Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused Trump of exaggerating the impact of US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, in his first appearance since a ceasefire in the war with Israel. "The American president exaggerated events in unusual ways, and it turned out that he needed this exaggeration," Khamenei said, rejecting US claims Iran's nuclear programme had been set back by decades. The strikes, he insisted, had done "nothing significant" to Iran's nuclear infrastructure.<h2>Iran-Israel-US conflict</h2>Tensions heightened between Israel and Iran on June 13 when Israel under Operation Rising Lion, targeted Iran's nuclear sites and killed top commanders. In retaliation, Iran launched Operation True Promise 3, and hit Israeli cities, citing the ‘right to respond.’ The situation worsened day by day with both countries attacking each other with missiles and drones. The US, in a major escalation of tensions, entered he war on June 21, launched Operation Midnight Hammer and hit three nuclear sites in Iran, namely, Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. In response, Iran hit US bases Al Udeid air base in Qatar. Soon after this on June 24, US President Trump announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, which intially faltered but has held forth since then.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that the footage is being shared with the media so that they cannot spin the story of a “highly successful” strike.

Amid claims that American strikes on Iran did not destroy its nuclear sites, Pentagon on Thursday (June 26) released test footage showing how bunker-busters work. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that the footage during a press conference stating that the media is spinning the story of a “highly successful” strike. The US hit three nuclear sites in Iran, namely Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, and claimed that these have been completely ‘obliterated.’ Trump slammed the US media particularly, CNN, for asking question on the intelligence report leak that suggested US strike did not damage the nuclear sites. Trump accused Democrats of leaking the intelligence report about US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, calling for prosecution of those responsible. There is no public evidence supporting his claims but the Trump administration has vowed to punish those who were responsible for the leaks.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that the footage during a press conference stating that the media is spinning the story of a “highly successful” strike.

US shares video proof of 'HISTORICALLY SUCCESSFUL' strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities - WATCH how bunker busters work

The spectre of the global nuclear black market is rising again in the wake of the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites by Israel and the US B2 bombers in the just-concluded 12-day war. Iran has benefited in the past from the nuclear black market led by the Pakistani AQ Khan network. Recent news reports and studies show that the nuclear black market is alive and thriving, both offline and on the dark web, and could become a source for future nuclear weapon programmes of countries, including possibly Iran.&nbsp;<h2>Recent incidents show the nuclear black market is alive</h2>An article in the Harvard International Review in 2024 noted that there were 146 incidents involving the transfer of items related to illicit nuclear weapons development in 2021 alone. Illicit nuclear goods are becoming available to terrorist networks, with groups like Al-Qaeda expected to continue their attempts to acquire the bomb, it said.&nbsp;It pointed out that the US and NATO store 20 B-61 gravity bombs at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey. "In 2010, activists easily entered the compound and walked freely through the nuclear vaults for over an hour before security arrived. If an unarmed group can get inside a military compound, what will happen if a small army of dangerous actors knocks on the door?"&nbsp;The UN reported in 2023 that 2.3 tonnes of uranium went missing in Libya. In the hands with technical know-how, that could be turned into 12 pounds of weapons-grade material, the HIR article noted. The uranium barrels were later found in Chad.&nbsp;<h2>Nuclear manuals sold on the dark web, material smuggled by ex-Soviet networks</h2>A study in March 2021 by Roderic G Broadhurst of Australian National University noted that DIY manuals were available on the darknet for nuclear and radiological weapons. In 2015, the Moldovan government said that the FBI had helped the former Soviet republic three times in the previous five years to thwart potential smuggling of nuclear and radioactive material. There were fears that the smugglers would try to sell the material to terrorists like ISIS.&nbsp;In April 2009, three Ukrainians were arrested for trying to sell nuclear materials. They tried to sell a metal container of what they said contained some 3.7 kg of plutonium-239 for $10, according to the Ukrainian Security Service, the SBU.&nbsp;In 2010, nuclear bomb material was found for sale on the Georgia black market. The highly enriched uranium had been smuggled through train inside lead-lined cigarette box.&nbsp;<h2>The global nuclear black market, explained</h2>The nuclear black market, where illicit trade of nuclear materials, technologies and expertise takes place, involves both states and non-state actors. There are three main participants: buyers, sellers and transit points. The aim of the buyers is to acquire nuclear capabilities outside the purview of international regulations.<h2>What is traded in the nuclear black market?</h2>Items and tech needed for nuclear weapons are sold in the black market, such as uranium enrichment technology like gas centrifuge components, and designs including digitised warhead blueprints. Fissile materials, like uranium hexafluoride and enriched uranium are highly coveted. Also on demand are dual-use equipment like high-precision machine tools, aluminium tubes and nuclear application software. Those with technical expertise are sought for consultancy on centrifuge assembly and warhead integration.Various other pieces of the puzzle have been traded in the nuclear black market, such as infrastructure components like piping, electrical systems, and uranium feed/withdrawal equipment for enrichment facilities.<h2>State-linked entities are allegedly involved in the nuclear black market</h2>It has been reported in the past that state-affiliated entities in Pakistan, Iran, North Korea, and Libya, were allegedly involved in the nuclear black market as buyers or sellers. Chinese state-owned companies have been implicated in providing expertise and equipment to North Korea and Iran. Pakistan was once the centre of the AQ Khan network, of which Iran was a major recipient, specifically centrifuge designs and components. North Korea is both a seller and buyer in the global nuclear black market. It has done both arms exports and procurement through front companies. Libya had sought a centrifuge facility through the Khan’s network until it abandoned its nuclear programme in 2003. Syria is reported to have sought nuclear-related materials through intermediaries.&nbsp;<h2>Intermediary countries</h2>Studies on the nuclear black market have named more than 20 countries as having been involved as transit points or places of intermediary activities. These include Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, South Africa, Switzerland, South Korea, and the UAE. These countries were either transit hubs or supplier locations for components and expertise.&nbsp;<h2>AQ Khan network</h2>Abdul Qadeer Khan, the Pakistani scientist, led a proliferation network in the 1980s and 1990s, whose material and technology transfers went to Iran, Libya, North Korea, and other countries. The father of Pakistan’s nuclear bomb, Khan confessed publicly in 2004 to transferring nuclear technology to multiple countries. It was a sophisticated network of middlemen, front companies, academics, banks, businessmen and bureaucrats across Europe, West Asia, and Asia.&nbsp;<h2>Iran was a big client of the nuclear black market</h2>Iran's clandestine nuclear weapons programme, the AMAD Project that ran from 1999–2003, is recorded to have procured warhead designs from the AQ Khan network and elsewhere in the nuclear black market. These included re-engineered Pakistani designs. In this period and subsequent years, Iran is thought to have sourced materials, equipment, technology, designs, and expertise from the global nuclear black market.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-strikes-iran-s-nuclear-sites-wion-speaks-to-experts-on-israel-iran-war-escalation-1750687603061/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-strikes-iran-s-nuclear-sites-wion-speaks-to-experts-on-israel-iran-war-escalation-1750687603061/embed</a>&nbsp;Centrifuge blueprints, components, and technical drawings it acquired from the black market were used to establish secret enrichment workshops, such as the Kalaye Electric Company in Tehran. Uranium hexafluoride feedstock and equipment for Natanz were also bought in the black market, with centrifuge designs resembling those from Pakistan’s Kahuta facility, which again is based on stolen European technology.&nbsp;With its current nuclear capabilities bombed back by several months if not years, Iran might be tempted to dial the nuclear black market once again.&nbsp;

Recent news reports and studies show that the nuclear black market is alive and thriving, both offline and on the dark web, and could become a source for future nuclear weapon programmes of countries, including possibly Iran.

The spectre of the global nuclear black market is rising again in the wake of the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites by Israel and the US B2 bombers in the just-concluded 12-day war. Iran has benefited in the past from the nuclear black market led by the Pakistani AQ Khan network. Recent news reports and studies show that the nuclear black market is alive and thriving, both offline and on the dark web, and could become a source for future nuclear weapon programmes of countries, including possibly Iran. Recent incidents show the nuclear black market is alive An article in the Harvard International Review in 2024 noted that there were 146 incidents involving the transfer of items related to illicit nuclear weapons development in 2021 alone. Illicit nuclear goods are becoming available to terrorist networks, with groups like Al-Qaeda expected to continue their attempts to acquire the bomb, it said. It pointed out that the US and NATO store 20 B-61 gravity bombs at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey. "In 2010, activists easily entered the compound and walked freely through the nuclear vaults for over an hour before security arrived. If an unarmed group can get inside a military compound, what will happen if a small army of dangerous actors knocks on the door?" The UN reported in 2023 that 2.3 tonnes of uranium went missing in Libya. In the hands with technical know-how, that could be turned into 12 pounds of weapons-grade material, the HIR article noted. The uranium barrels were later found in Chad. Nuclear manuals sold on the dark web, material smuggled by ex-Soviet networks A study in March 2021 by Roderic G Broadhurst of Australian National University noted that DIY manuals were available on the darknet for nuclear and radiological weapons. In 2015, the Moldovan government said that the FBI had helped the former Soviet republic three times in the previous five years to thwart potential smuggling of nuclear and radioactive material. There were fears that the smugglers would try to sell the material to terrorists like ISIS. In April 2009, three Ukrainians were arrested for trying to sell nuclear materials. They tried to sell a metal container of what they said contained some 3.7 kg of plutonium-239 for $10, according to the Ukrainian Security Service, the SBU. In 2010, nuclear bomb material was found for sale on the Georgia black market. The highly enriched uranium had been smuggled through train inside lead-lined cigarette box. The global nuclear black market, explained The nuclear black market, where illicit trade of nuclear materials, technologies and expertise takes place, involves both states and non-state actors. There are three main participants: buyers, sellers and transit points. The aim of the buyers is to acquire nuclear capabilities outside the purview of international regulations. What is traded in the nuclear black market? Items and tech needed for nuclear weapons are sold in the black market, such as uranium enrichment technology like gas centrifuge components, and designs including digitised warhead blueprints. Fissile materials, like uranium hexafluoride and enriched uranium are highly coveted. Also on demand are dual-use equipment like high-precision machine tools, aluminium tubes and nuclear application software. Those with technical expertise are sought for consultancy on centrifuge assembly and warhead integration. Various other pieces of the puzzle have been traded in the nuclear black market, such as infrastructure components like piping, electrical systems, and uranium feed/withdrawal equipment for enrichment facilities. State-linked entities are allegedly involved in the nuclear black market It has been reported in the past that state-affiliated entities in Pakistan, Iran, North Korea, and Libya, were allegedly involved in the nuclear black market as buyers or sellers. Chinese state-owned companies have been implicated in providing expertise and equipment to North Korea and Iran. Pakistan was once the centre of the AQ Khan network, of which Iran was a major recipient, specifically centrifuge designs and components. North Korea is both a seller and buyer in the global nuclear black market. It has done both arms exports and procurement through front companies. Libya had sought a centrifuge facility through the Khan’s network until it abandoned its nuclear programme in 2003. Syria is reported to have sought nuclear-related materials through intermediaries. Intermediary countries Studies on the nuclear black market have named more than 20 countries as having been involved as transit points or places of intermediary activities. These include Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, South Africa, Switzerland, South Korea, and the UAE. These countries were either transit hubs or supplier locations for components and expertise. AQ Khan network Abdul Qadeer Khan, the Pakistani scientist, led a proliferation network in the 1980s and 1990s, whose material and technology transfers went to Iran, Libya, North Korea, and other countries. The father of Pakistan’s nuclear bomb, Khan confessed publicly in 2004 to transferring nuclear technology to multiple countries. It was a sophisticated network of middlemen, front companies, academics, banks, businessmen and bureaucrats across Europe, West Asia, and Asia. Iran was a big client of the nuclear black market Iran's clandestine nuclear weapons programme, the AMAD Project that ran from 1999–2003, is recorded to have procured warhead designs from the AQ Khan network and elsewhere in the nuclear black market. These included re-engineered Pakistani designs. In this period and subsequent years, Iran is thought to have sourced materials, equipment, technology, designs, and expertise from the global nuclear black market. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-strikes-iran-s-nuclear-sites-wion-speaks-to-experts-on-israel-iran-war-escalation-1750687603061/embed Centrifuge blueprints, components, and technical drawings it acquired from the black market were used to establish secret enrichment workshops, such as the Kalaye Electric Company in Tehran. Uranium hexafluoride feedstock and equipment for Natanz were also bought in the black market, with centrifuge designs resembling those from Pakistan’s Kahuta facility, which again is based on stolen European technology. With its current nuclear capabilities bombed back by several months if not years, Iran might be tempted to dial the nuclear black market once again.

Recent news reports and studies show that the nuclear black market is alive and thriving, both offline and on the dark web, and could become a source for future nuclear weapon programmes of countries, including possibly Iran.

Nuclear black market still exists, and Iran might dial again: Inside the murky trade of radioactive material, designs and tech

Iran-Israel war - Ceasefire and future of Iranian nuclear programme: Remarks made by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, hinting that other countries can help Iran get a nuclear weapon, have ruffled quite a few feathers, with even US President Donald Trump slamming him. While Medvedev later clarified his remarks that he didn't mean Russia will give Iran the bomb, the reality is that Moscow is deeply entrenched in the Iranian nuclear programme. The Russian nuclear export industry is in fact one of the biggest in the world, helping several countries in their peaceful nuclear programmes. While Russia may not directly help Iran with the nuclear bomb, one must not forget Russia's deep involvement in the Iranian nuclear programme through personnel, material and knowledge transfer. Here is what you should know about the Russian nuclear industry, and how it has been helping Iran.&nbsp;<h2>Russian nuclear industry is a multi-billion-dollar enterprise</h2>Led by state-run Rosatom, Russia is a top global player in the nuclear export industry. As of 2023, Rosatom made $11.8 billion in revenue. Nuclear material exports, reactor construction, fuel supply, and related services contributed to this. Globally, Russia controls nearly 38 per cent of uranium conversion and 46 per cent of uranium enrichment. This makes Russia a dominant supplier in the nuclear fuel cycle in the world.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-summit-2025-donald-trump-says-iran-nuclear-facility-collapsed-nobody-can-go-inside-1750853229936/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-summit-2025-donald-trump-says-iran-nuclear-facility-collapsed-nobody-can-go-inside-1750853229936/embed</a>&nbsp;Russian nuclear exports include a variety of services and materials: building nuclear power plants, supply of nuclear fuel, technical expertise and consulting. Russia has contracts with countries across continents.&nbsp;<h2>Which countries' nuclear programmes has Russia helped?</h2>Russia's clients for mainly peaceful nuclear programmes include Iran, China, India, Turkey and Egypt. Much of this is in the nuclear power generation, such as Turkey's Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, Egypt's El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, India's Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, China's Tianwan and Xudabao Nuclear Power Plants, Bangladesh's Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Hungary's Paks II Nuclear Power Plant and Belarus' Ostrovets Nuclear Power Plant.Russia has nuclear tech and fuel supply agreements with Vietnam and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;<h2>Russian civilian nuclear partnerships have raised dual-use concerns</h2>There are concerns that some of the dual-use material Russia has provided could cause the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The most significant currently is the case of Iran. Russia has, over the decades, extensively supported Iranian civilian nuclear infrastructure. From the Soviet Union era onwards, Russia has helped the nuclear programme of North Korea, though the cooperation currently is of limited scope. While Russia did discuss nuclear cooperation with Syria during the Assad regime, there are no active programmes, mainly due to international pressure.While Russia maintains that its nuclear exports are for civilian purposes, how the technology transfers could be used for military capabilities is a cause of concern, something Moscow may not be able to control.&nbsp;<h2>From manpower to fuel to infra, Russia has deep links to the Iranian nuclear programme</h2>Hundreds of Russian specialists are working at Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. They are engineers and technicians from Rosatom, and come from prestigious institutions like the Kurchatov Institute. They are engaged in overseeing reactor operations and maintenance and have trained Iranians for years, enhancing the Islamic Republic's nuclear know-how. According to some recent estimates, there are some 300 Russian firms and research institutions involved in the Iranian nuclear programme.&nbsp;On the one hand, it gives employment to Russians in the nuclear sector, while on the other, it provides an additional workforce for the Iranian nuclear programme.&nbsp;<h2>How Russia is helping Iranian nuclear programme</h2>Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is the flagship entity in Iran's civil nuclear programme. Russia became the main contractor of the plant after the Germans, who started it, left the plant after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Russia helped build the first VVER-1000 reactor at Bushehr in 2011 and is helping the construction of two more reactors - Bushehr 2 and 3. In 2014, the two nations signed contracts for up to eight more reactors. Russia exports the nuclear fuel for Bushehr, monitored by the IAEA. Moscow has also conducted feasibility studies for additional reactors.&nbsp;Beyond nuclear fuel, the main help Iran gets from Russia is in technology transfer: reactor design, operational protocols and training. There is worry among the international community, particularly Israel and the US, that Iran could use the Russian expertise for a nuclear weapon, specifically in uranium enrichment and fuel cycle technologies.&nbsp;<h2>The Medvedev remarks: Can countries other than Russia help Iran in building the bomb?</h2>As per official records, Russia has not provided bomb-grade enrichment technology directly to Iran. But over the years, Russia has helped in Iran’s nuclear research and uranium mining capabilities, things that could be used by Tehran in its alleged quest for the bomb.It is in this context that Medvedev’s remarks should be seen. He said that “a number of countries are ready to directly supply Iran with their own nuclear warheads”. His comments came after American B2 bombers struck Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.&nbsp;<h2>Was Medvedev making a threat?</h2>Observers think Medvedevs' remarks were mostly rhetoric. An assessment by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, for instance, said that direct transfer of nuclear warheads is not practical: it is technically complex and can be traced.&nbsp;Note that nuclear weapons require specialised delivery systems and maintenance. Fissile material forensics can trace back any such transfers, including from Russia, if it indeed supplies nuclear warheads to Iran. Any such move by Russia will lead to global retaliation, particularly from the US, and will be violative of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).&nbsp;<h2>For the civil nuclear programme, Russia will continue to be a key helper for Iran</h2>In all likelihood, the Russian cooperation with Iran in its civilian nuclear programme will continue, partly due to the revenue and employment aspects mentioned earlier.Russia’s foreign ministry has already condemned the Israeli and American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as violating international law. Russia vowed it will continue cooperating with Iran for a peaceful nuclear programme, including ongoing work at Bushehr. It might also include support for new enrichment facilities, given that Iran said after the strikes that it plans to install advanced centrifuges.&nbsp;<h2>What's Russia’s motivation to continue help in Iran's nuclear programme?</h2>Much of it has to do with global power play. Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, wants to continue countering US dominance, and keep its influence alive in the West Asian region. Nuclear energy contracts are lucrative, and a key aspect of the Russian economy.Therefore, Russia will most likely continue giving Iran fuel, technical expertise, and infrastructure support, ostensibly for the civilian nuclear programme, which might contain dual-use material that can be leveraged by Iran for the bomb.&nbsp;

While Russia may not directly help Iran with the nuclear bomb, one must not forget Russian involvement in the Iranian nuclear programme through fuel, personnel, and knowledge transfers



Iran-Israel war - Ceasefire and future of Iranian nuclear programme: Remarks made by former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, hinting that other countries can help Iran get a nuclear weapon, have ruffled quite a few feathers, with even US President Donald Trump slamming him. While Medvedev later clarified his remarks that he didn't mean Russia will give Iran the bomb, the reality is that Moscow is deeply entrenched in the Iranian nuclear programme. The Russian nuclear export industry is in fact one of the biggest in the world, helping several countries in their peaceful nuclear programmes. While Russia may not directly help Iran with the nuclear bomb, one must not forget Russia's deep involvement in the Iranian nuclear programme through personnel, material and knowledge transfer. Here is what you should know about the Russian nuclear industry, and how it has been helping Iran. Russian nuclear industry is a multi-billion-dollar enterprise Led by state-run Rosatom, Russia is a top global player in the nuclear export industry. As of 2023, Rosatom made $11.8 billion in revenue. Nuclear material exports, reactor construction, fuel supply, and related services contributed to this. Globally, Russia controls nearly 38 per cent of uranium conversion and 46 per cent of uranium enrichment. This makes Russia a dominant supplier in the nuclear fuel cycle in the world. https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-summit-2025-donald-trump-says-iran-nuclear-facility-collapsed-nobody-can-go-inside-1750853229936/embed Russian nuclear exports include a variety of services and materials: building nuclear power plants, supply of nuclear fuel, technical expertise and consulting. Russia has contracts with countries across continents. Which countries' nuclear programmes has Russia helped? Russia's clients for mainly peaceful nuclear programmes include Iran, China, India, Turkey and Egypt. Much of this is in the nuclear power generation, such as Turkey's Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, Egypt's El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, India's Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, China's Tianwan and Xudabao Nuclear Power Plants, Bangladesh's Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Hungary's Paks II Nuclear Power Plant and Belarus' Ostrovets Nuclear Power Plant. Russia has nuclear tech and fuel supply agreements with Vietnam and Uzbekistan. Russian civilian nuclear partnerships have raised dual-use concerns There are concerns that some of the dual-use material Russia has provided could cause the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The most significant currently is the case of Iran. Russia has, over the decades, extensively supported Iranian civilian nuclear infrastructure. From the Soviet Union era onwards, Russia has helped the nuclear programme of North Korea, though the cooperation currently is of limited scope. While Russia did discuss nuclear cooperation with Syria during the Assad regime, there are no active programmes, mainly due to international pressure. While Russia maintains that its nuclear exports are for civilian purposes, how the technology transfers could be used for military capabilities is a cause of concern, something Moscow may not be able to control. From manpower to fuel to infra, Russia has deep links to the Iranian nuclear programme Hundreds of Russian specialists are working at Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. They are engineers and technicians from Rosatom, and come from prestigious institutions like the Kurchatov Institute. They are engaged in overseeing reactor operations and maintenance and have trained Iranians for years, enhancing the Islamic Republic's nuclear know-how. According to some recent estimates, there are some 300 Russian firms and research institutions involved in the Iranian nuclear programme. On the one hand, it gives employment to Russians in the nuclear sector, while on the other, it provides an additional workforce for the Iranian nuclear programme. How Russia is helping Iranian nuclear programme Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is the flagship entity in Iran's civil nuclear programme. Russia became the main contractor of the plant after the Germans, who started it, left the plant after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Russia helped build the first VVER-1000 reactor at Bushehr in 2011 and is helping the construction of two more reactors - Bushehr 2 and 3. In 2014, the two nations signed contracts for up to eight more reactors. Russia exports the nuclear fuel for Bushehr, monitored by the IAEA. Moscow has also conducted feasibility studies for additional reactors. Beyond nuclear fuel, the main help Iran gets from Russia is in technology transfer: reactor design, operational protocols and training. There is worry among the international community, particularly Israel and the US, that Iran could use the Russian expertise for a nuclear weapon, specifically in uranium enrichment and fuel cycle technologies. The Medvedev remarks: Can countries other than Russia help Iran in building the bomb? As per official records, Russia has not provided bomb-grade enrichment technology directly to Iran. But over the years, Russia has helped in Iran’s nuclear research and uranium mining capabilities, things that could be used by Tehran in its alleged quest for the bomb. It is in this context that Medvedev’s remarks should be seen. He said that “a number of countries are ready to directly supply Iran with their own nuclear warheads”. His comments came after American B2 bombers struck Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. Was Medvedev making a threat? Observers think Medvedevs' remarks were mostly rhetoric. An assessment by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, for instance, said that direct transfer of nuclear warheads is not practical: it is technically complex and can be traced. Note that nuclear weapons require specialised delivery systems and maintenance. Fissile material forensics can trace back any such transfers, including from Russia, if it indeed supplies nuclear warheads to Iran. Any such move by Russia will lead to global retaliation, particularly from the US, and will be violative of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). For the civil nuclear programme, Russia will continue to be a key helper for Iran In all likelihood, the Russian cooperation with Iran in its civilian nuclear programme will continue, partly due to the revenue and employment aspects mentioned earlier. Russia’s foreign ministry has already condemned the Israeli and American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as violating international law. Russia vowed it will continue cooperating with Iran for a peaceful nuclear programme, including ongoing work at Bushehr. It might also include support for new enrichment facilities, given that Iran said after the strikes that it plans to install advanced centrifuges. What's Russia’s motivation to continue help in Iran's nuclear programme? Much of it has to do with global power play. Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, wants to continue countering US dominance, and keep its influence alive in the West Asian region. Nuclear energy contracts are lucrative, and a key aspect of the Russian economy. Therefore, Russia will most likely continue giving Iran fuel, technical expertise, and infrastructure support, ostensibly for the civilian nuclear programme, which might contain dual-use material that can be leveraged by Iran for the bomb.

While Russia may not directly help Iran with the nuclear bomb, one must not forget Russia's deep involvement in the Iranian nuclear programme through fuel, personnel, and knowledge transfer.&nbsp;

Will Russia help Iran rebuild nuclear programme hit hard by B2 bombers and Israeli strikes? Moscow is deeply involved in…

United States President Donald Trump has gone from stating 2016 Iran Nuclear Deal “the stupidest deal of all time” to "e're oing to talk to them next week". While the previous remark was made by Trump in 2017 when he entered the White House for the first time, his latest remark comes in the aftermath of the Iran-Israel war. Trump has largely been known for his approach of 'isolation' to achieve his goal of 'America First.' While he continues to spread the same goal in his second term, his willingness to strike a deal with West Asian nations, including Iran, has not only surprised his critics but also his own MAGA base.<h2>Here we look at how Trump's approach to Iran has changed over the years</h2>1. During first term as President (2017–2021) Trump began his presidency by withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) in 2018, calling it “a horrible, one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made.” He then reinstated heavy sanctions on Iran’s economy, especially targeting oil exports, banking, and the Revolutionary Guard. His rhetoric was consistently aggressive, including statements like “<a href="https://x.com/realdonaldtrump/status/1130207891049332737">If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran” (May 2019)</a>. One of the most provocative moments came in January 2020, when he ordered a drone strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, igniting fears of a full-scale war. He then justified his move saying, “<a href="https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-killing-qasem-soleimani/">We took action to stop a war… not to start one</a>.”&nbsp;2. Post-Presidency and Early 2024 Campaign Following his presidency, Trump’s tone cooled somewhat, focusing more on contrasting his approach with that of President Biden. In campaign speeches, he framed his first-term Iran policy as a deterrent success, claiming things were under control because Iran “wouldn’t even think of enriching uranium if I were in the White House.” While still critical of Iran, the emphasis shifted from threats to pointing out his record of strength and containment. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-says-china-can-buy-iranian-oil-undermines-years-of-sanctions-on-iran-1750913535553/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-says-china-can-buy-iranian-oil-undermines-years-of-sanctions-on-iran-1750913535553/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Shift in tone in the second term as president By mid-2025, Trump’s position became more nuanced - hinting that if Trump doesn't want Iran as a friend, he doesn't want it as a foe either. After a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Trump told Israel to “<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114737953503348541">stop dropping bombs</a>” &nbsp;on Iran, marking a rare moment of assertiveness toward a traditional US ally. At the same time, he publicly stated, “<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114738521695017472">China can now continue to purchase oil from Iran</a>”, suggesting a possible softening of US sanctions enforcement. It also suggested that Trump wants Iran to continue their business despite the tensions in the region - a stance that has even shocked his MAGA base. While some say that Trump's statement is to stabilize global oil prices and leveraging trade dynamics with China, his comment that Iran's Supreme Leader would not be killed and that he doesnt want a “regime change” in Iran certainly hints at a change in discourse. He also made a striking remark at a NATO briefing: “They’re going to need money to put that country back into shape. We want to see that happen” - representing a notable shift from his earlier goal of total economic isolation for Iran.&nbsp;While the US president continues to frame Iran as a threat and has also said during the NATO Summit that he does not care about the agreement, and his goal is simple - "Iran should not have nuclear," his current stance is a focus on diplomacy and business and not assertive. He seems to be using war and strength to bring business deals in what may be called - a Trumpian diplomacy.

While US President Donald Trump continues to spread the ‘America First’ goal, his willingness to strike a deal with West Asian nations, including Iran, has not only surprised his critics but also his own MAGA base. So is Trump looking for a friend in Iran?

United States President Donald Trump has gone from stating 2016 Iran Nuclear Deal “the stupidest deal of all time” to "e're oing to talk to them next week". While the previous remark was made by Trump in 2017 when he entered the White House for the first time, his latest remark comes in the aftermath of the Iran-Israel war. Trump has largely been known for his approach of 'isolation' to achieve his goal of 'America First.' While he continues to spread the same goal in his second term, his willingness to strike a deal with West Asian nations, including Iran, has not only surprised his critics but also his own MAGA base. Here we look at how Trump's approach to Iran has changed over the years 1. During first term as President (2017–2021) Trump began his presidency by withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) in 2018, calling it “a horrible, one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made.” He then reinstated heavy sanctions on Iran’s economy, especially targeting oil exports, banking, and the Revolutionary Guard. His rhetoric was consistently aggressive, including statements like “If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran” (May 2019). One of the most provocative moments came in January 2020, when he ordered a drone strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, igniting fears of a full-scale war. He then justified his move saying, “We took action to stop a war… not to start one.” 2. Post-Presidency and Early 2024 Campaign Following his presidency, Trump’s tone cooled somewhat, focusing more on contrasting his approach with that of President Biden. In campaign speeches, he framed his first-term Iran policy as a deterrent success, claiming things were under control because Iran “wouldn’t even think of enriching uranium if I were in the White House.” While still critical of Iran, the emphasis shifted from threats to pointing out his record of strength and containment. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-says-china-can-buy-iranian-oil-undermines-years-of-sanctions-on-iran-1750913535553/embed 3. Shift in tone in the second term as president By mid-2025, Trump’s position became more nuanced - hinting that if Trump doesn't want Iran as a friend, he doesn't want it as a foe either. After a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Trump told Israel to “stop dropping bombs” on Iran, marking a rare moment of assertiveness toward a traditional US ally. At the same time, he publicly stated, “China can now continue to purchase oil from Iran”, suggesting a possible softening of US sanctions enforcement. It also suggested that Trump wants Iran to continue their business despite the tensions in the region - a stance that has even shocked his MAGA base. While some say that Trump's statement is to stabilize global oil prices and leveraging trade dynamics with China, his comment that Iran's Supreme Leader would not be killed and that he doesnt want a “regime change” in Iran certainly hints at a change in discourse. He also made a striking remark at a NATO briefing: “They’re going to need money to put that country back into shape. We want to see that happen” - representing a notable shift from his earlier goal of total economic isolation for Iran. While the US president continues to frame Iran as a threat and has also said during the NATO Summit that he does not care about the agreement, and his goal is simple - "Iran should not have nuclear," his current stance is a focus on diplomacy and business and not assertive. He seems to be using war and strength to bring business deals in what may be called - a Trumpian diplomacy.

While US President Donald Trump continues to spread the ‘America First’ goal, his willingness to strike a deal with West Asian nations, including Iran, has not only surprised his critics but also his own MAGA base. So is Trump looking for a friend in Iran?

From 'horrible, one-sided' deal to seeking new nuclear agreement: How Trump’s Iran stance has FLIPPED over the years

The Iran-Israel war has ended. The 12-day war, as termed by US President Donald Trump, came to an end after Qatar and the US administration mediated. Here's what happened in its aftermath 

The Iran-Israel war has ended. The 12-day war, as termed by US President Donald Trump, came to an end after Qatar and the US administration mediated. Here's what happened in its aftermath&nbsp;

Dreadful remains of 12-day war exist even as fragile ceasefire holds: Images of celebrations, and what's happening in the aftermath