Israel has estimated that its military operations against Iran have delayed Tehran’s potential to develop a nuclear weapon by “at least two or three years”, Israel’s foreign minister said in an interview published on Saturday (Jun 21). Gideon Saar told the German newspaper Bild that Israeli strikes, which targeted hundreds of nuclear and military sites, have shown “very significant” results. The attacks have also killed Iran’s top military commanders and nuclear scientists.&nbsp;“According to the assessment we hear, we already delayed for at least two or three years the possibility for them to have a nuclear bomb,” said Saar. “The fact that we took out those people who led and pushed the weaponisation of the nuclear program is extremely important,” he added.&nbsp;“We already achieved a lot, but we will do whatever we can do. We will not stop until we will do everything that we can do there in order to remove this threat.”&nbsp;After Israel launched drone and missile attacks on June 13, Iran launched retaliatory strikes on Israel. While Tel Aviv has claimed that Iran was pursuing nuclear weapons, Tehran has denied the claims consistently.&nbsp;Saar added that the Israeli government had not “defined regime change” in the Islamic Republic as “an objective in this war.” He added, “At least until now, we didn’t do that.”&nbsp;In a similar statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday (Jun 19) that a change of Iran’s regime was not a goal of Israel’s attacks, but could be a result.&nbsp;“The matter of changing the regime or the fall of this regime is first and foremost a matter for the Iranian people. There is no substitute for this,” Netanyahu said in an interview aired on Kan public television. “And that’s why I didn’t present it as a goal. It could be a result, but it’s not a stated or formal goal that we have.”

After Israel launched drone and missile attacks on June 13, Iran launched retaliatory strikes on Israel. While Tel Aviv has claimed that Iran was pursuing nuclear weapons, Tehran has denied the claims consistently.

Israel has estimated that its military operations against Iran have delayed Tehran’s potential to develop a nuclear weapon by “at least two or three years”, Israel’s foreign minister said in an interview published on Saturday (Jun 21). Gideon Saar told the German newspaper Bild that Israeli strikes, which targeted hundreds of nuclear and military sites, have shown “very significant” results. The attacks have also killed Iran’s top military commanders and nuclear scientists. “According to the assessment we hear, we already delayed for at least two or three years the possibility for them to have a nuclear bomb,” said Saar. “The fact that we took out those people who led and pushed the weaponisation of the nuclear program is extremely important,” he added. “We already achieved a lot, but we will do whatever we can do. We will not stop until we will do everything that we can do there in order to remove this threat.” After Israel launched drone and missile attacks on June 13, Iran launched retaliatory strikes on Israel. While Tel Aviv has claimed that Iran was pursuing nuclear weapons, Tehran has denied the claims consistently. Saar added that the Israeli government had not “defined regime change” in the Islamic Republic as “an objective in this war.” He added, “At least until now, we didn’t do that.” In a similar statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday (Jun 19) that a change of Iran’s regime was not a goal of Israel’s attacks, but could be a result. “The matter of changing the regime or the fall of this regime is first and foremost a matter for the Iranian people. There is no substitute for this,” Netanyahu said in an interview aired on Kan public television. “And that’s why I didn’t present it as a goal. It could be a result, but it’s not a stated or formal goal that we have.”

After Israel launched drone and missile attacks on June 13, Iran launched retaliatory strikes on Israel. While Tel Aviv has claimed that Iran was pursuing nuclear weapons, Tehran has denied the claims consistently.

‘Won’t stop until we remove threat’: Israeli FM says delayed Iran’s nuclear bomb by ‘at least two or three years’

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Jun 20) said that European powers would not be able to help end the conflict between Israel and Iran. This comes after British, German, French and EU top diplomats met an Iranian official in Geneva. Trump dismissed the chances of Europe making a difference, saying that the talks between Britain, France, Germany and EU diplomats and Tehran's foreign minister “didn't help.”&nbsp;“Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us. Europe is not going to be able to help in this,” Trump told reporters as he arrived in Morristown, New Jersey. When asked whether he would ask Israel to stop its attacks as Iran had asked, Trump said it was “very hard to make that request right now.”&nbsp;“If somebody's winning, it's a little bit harder to do than if somebody's losing, but we're ready, willing and able, and we've been speaking to Iran, and we'll see what happens.”&nbsp;Trump reiterated that Iran had a “maximum” of two weeks to avoid possible US air strikes. A day earlier, the US president said that he would make a decision whether the US would take a military action against Iran, directly involving in the conflict in the Middle East.&nbsp;“I’m giving them a period of time, and I would say two weeks would be the maximum,” Trump told reporters when asked whether he would decide to strike Iran before that. He added that the aim was to “see whether or not people come to their senses.”&nbsp;On Thursday, Trump said that he would “make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks” because there was a “substantial chance of negotiations” with Iran. Trump's comments are viewed as opening a two-week window for negotiations to end the war between Israel and Iran as European powers seek to mediate with Iran.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us. Europe is not going to be able to help in this,” Trump told reporters as he arrived in Morristown, New Jersey.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Jun 20) said that European powers would not be able to help end the conflict between Israel and Iran. This comes after British, German, French and EU top diplomats met an Iranian official in Geneva. Trump dismissed the chances of Europe making a difference, saying that the talks between Britain, France, Germany and EU diplomats and Tehran's foreign minister “didn't help.” “Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us. Europe is not going to be able to help in this,” Trump told reporters as he arrived in Morristown, New Jersey. When asked whether he would ask Israel to stop its attacks as Iran had asked, Trump said it was “very hard to make that request right now.” “If somebody's winning, it's a little bit harder to do than if somebody's losing, but we're ready, willing and able, and we've been speaking to Iran, and we'll see what happens.” Trump reiterated that Iran had a “maximum” of two weeks to avoid possible US air strikes. A day earlier, the US president said that he would make a decision whether the US would take a military action against Iran, directly involving in the conflict in the Middle East. “I’m giving them a period of time, and I would say two weeks would be the maximum,” Trump told reporters when asked whether he would decide to strike Iran before that. He added that the aim was to “see whether or not people come to their senses.” On Thursday, Trump said that he would “make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks” because there was a “substantial chance of negotiations” with Iran. Trump's comments are viewed as opening a two-week window for negotiations to end the war between Israel and Iran as European powers seek to mediate with Iran.

“Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us. Europe is not going to be able to help in this,” Trump told reporters as he arrived in Morristown, New Jersey.

‘Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe’: Trump says European powers can’t help in ending Israel-Iran conflict

A flight carrying 290 Indian students, who were evacuated from Iran, landed in New Delhi on late Friday (Jun 20), the J&amp;K Students Association said. This flight marks the second one that reached India as part of the government's efforts to evacuate Indian nationals and students from Iran amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East. In a post on X, the student association thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the External Affairs Ministry, and all concerned authorities for timely evacuating the students.&nbsp;&nbsp;The association wrote, “Mahan Air evacuation flight from Mashhad, Iran, carrying 290 students, the majority of whom are from Kashmir has landed safely in New Delhi just now. Heartfelt thanks PM, EAM and all concerned authorities for their timely intervention and support.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mahan Air evacuation flight from Mashhad, Iran, carrying 290 students, the majority of whom are from Kashmir has landed safely in New Delhi just now. Heartfelt thanks PM, EAM and all concerned authorities for their timely intervention and support. <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/smitaprakash?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@smitaprakash</a> <a href="https://t.co/QNpd1glJ8G">pic.twitter.com/QNpd1glJ8G</a>&mdash; J&amp;K Students Association (@JKSTUDENTSASSO) <a href="https://twitter.com/JKSTUDENTSASSO/status/1936129067054776589?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, “Operation Sindhu flight brings citizens home. India evacuated 290 Indian nationals from Iran, including students and religious pilgrims by a charter flight. The flight arrived in New Delhi at 2330 hrs on 20 June and was received by Secretary (CPV&amp; OIA) Arun Chatterjee.”&nbsp;“Government of India is grateful to the Government of Iran for the facilitation of the evacuation process.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationSindhu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationSindhu</a> flight brings citizens home. 🇮🇳 evacuated 290 Indian nationals from Iran, including students and religious pilgrims by a charter flight. The flight arrived in New Delhi at 2330 hrs on 20 June and was received by Secretary (CPV&amp; OIA) Arun Chatterjee. Government… <a href="https://t.co/ZORq0aeza5">pic.twitter.com/ZORq0aeza5</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1936139503044796473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Earlier, Iran said it had opened its airspace for evacuation flights to India, in a special gesture. Iran's Deputy Chief of Mission to India Mohammad Javad Hosseini told WION that Indian nationals were moved from Tehran to Mashhad via Qom. in the first phase of evacuation efforts. Arrangements were made for 1,000 Indians with the Indian Embassy in Iran, and they were allocated Mahaan Airlines.&nbsp;The first flight carrying 110 students from Iran landed at Delhi International Airport on early Thursday (Jun 19) under ‘Operation Sindhu’. The first batch of students, all from Urmia Medical University, were brought from Iran to Armenia by road and brought to Delhi via flight. The flight was delayed by three hours, NDTV reported.&nbsp;According to reports, there are over 13,000 Indian students in Iran. Most of them are pursuing medical degrees. To evacuate Indian nationals from Iran amid its conflict with Israel, the Ministry of External Affairs announced ‘Operation Sindhu’.&nbsp;“Operation Sindhu begins,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X. “India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of her nationals abroad,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This flight marks the second one that reached India as part of the government's efforts to evacuate Indian nationals and students from Iran amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

A flight carrying 290 Indian students, who were evacuated from Iran, landed in New Delhi on late Friday (Jun 20), the J&K Students Association said. This flight marks the second one that reached India as part of the government's efforts to evacuate Indian nationals and students from Iran amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East. In a post on X, the student association thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the External Affairs Ministry, and all concerned authorities for timely evacuating the students. The association wrote, “Mahan Air evacuation flight from Mashhad, Iran, carrying 290 students, the majority of whom are from Kashmir has landed safely in New Delhi just now. Heartfelt thanks PM, EAM and all concerned authorities for their timely intervention and support.”

This flight marks the second one that reached India as part of the government's efforts to evacuate Indian nationals and students from Iran amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Second flight carrying 290 Indian students evacuated from Iran lands in Delhi | WATCH

Since Israel began attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been closely monitoring the situation at those sites. In a statement to the United Nations Security Council, the agency detailed the current situation at Iran's nuclear sites.<h2>Natanz nuclear facility</h2>Starting with the Natanz enrichment site, the agency stressed that the first facility at Natanz, its main Fuel Enrichment Plant, was attacked on June 13 when Israeli attacks targeted and destroyed electricity infrastructure at the facility, including an electrical sub-station, the main electric power supply building and emergency power supply and back-up generators.Coming to the second facility, is the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant, "the above-ground part was functionally destroyed and the strikes on the underground cascade halls were seriously damaging."It added that within the Natanz facility, there is both radiological and chemical contamination. "It is possible that Uranium isotopes contained in Uranium Hexafluoride, Uranyl Fluoride and Hydrogen Fluoride are dispersed inside the facility."The radiation poses a "significant danger" if inhaled or ingested, and this risk can be effectively managed with appropriate protective measures.<h2>Fordow nuclear facility</h2>It is Iran's main enrichment location for enriching uranium to 60 per cent. The agency said that it is now aware of any damage at Fordow this time.<h2>Esfahan nuclear facility</h2>At the Esfahan site, four buildings were damaged last week, including the central chemical laboratory, a uranium conversion plant, the Tehran reactor-fuel manufacturing plant, and the enriched uranium metal processing facility. "No increase of off-site radiation levels was reported."<h2>Khondab Heavy Water Research Reactor</h2>On June 19, Israeli attacks hit the Khondab water reactor in Arak, which was under construction."As the reactor was not operational and did not contain any nuclear material, no radiological consequence is 6 expected," the statement read.<h2>Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant</h2>At Bushehr, the consequences of an attack could be "most serious", the IAEA statement read, stressing that it is an operating nuclear power plant and hosts thousands of kilograms of nuclear material." In case of an attack on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant a direct hit could result in a very high release of radioactivity to the environment," IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said to the UNSC.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The radiation poses a "significant danger" if inhaled or ingested, and this risk can be effectively managed with appropriate protective measures.

Since Israel began attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been closely monitoring the situation at those sites. In a statement to the United Nations Security Council, the agency detailed the current situation at Iran's nuclear sites. Natanz nuclear facility Starting with the Natanz enrichment site, the agency stressed that the first facility at Natanz, its main Fuel Enrichment Plant, was attacked on June 13 when Israeli attacks targeted and destroyed electricity infrastructure at the facility, including an electrical sub-station, the main electric power supply building and emergency power supply and back-up generators. Coming to the second facility, is the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant, "the above-ground part was functionally destroyed and the strikes on the underground cascade halls were seriously damaging." It added that within the Natanz facility, there is both radiological and chemical contamination. "It is possible that Uranium isotopes contained in Uranium Hexafluoride, Uranyl Fluoride and Hydrogen Fluoride are dispersed inside the facility." The radiation poses a "significant danger" if inhaled or ingested, and this risk can be effectively managed with appropriate protective measures. Fordow nuclear facility It is Iran's main enrichment location for enriching uranium to 60 per cent. The agency said that it is now aware of any damage at Fordow this time. Esfahan nuclear facility At the Esfahan site, four buildings were damaged last week, including the central chemical laboratory, a uranium conversion plant, the Tehran reactor-fuel manufacturing plant, and the enriched uranium metal processing facility. "No increase of off-site radiation levels was reported." Khondab Heavy Water Research Reactor On June 19, Israeli attacks hit the Khondab water reactor in Arak, which was under construction. "As the reactor was not operational and did not contain any nuclear material, no radiological consequence is 6 expected," the statement read. Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant At Bushehr, the consequences of an attack could be "most serious", the IAEA statement read, stressing that it is an operating nuclear power plant and hosts thousands of kilograms of nuclear material. " In case of an attack on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant a direct hit could result in a very high release of radioactivity to the environment," IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said to the UNSC.

The radiation poses a "significant danger" if inhaled or ingested, and this risk can be effectively managed with appropriate protective measures.

A significant danger? Which Iranian nuclear facility is most hit, IAEA answers - EXPLAINED

Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, a faceoff between representatives of both nations at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Friday (June 20). While Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, termed Israel's strikes as “betrayal of diplomacy by the US”, &nbsp;Israel’s United Nations ambassador Danny Danon slammed Tehran for seeking help from the international community. Slamming Iran, Danon said, “How dare you write five letters last week to this assembly to demand a session and ask the international community for sympathy? How dare you ask the international community to protect you from the consequences of your own genocidal agenda? You are not a victim. You are not even a diplomat. You are a wolf pretending to be a diplomat, and we are done pretending otherwise.”&nbsp;He added, "Iran is developing missiles with a range of 4,000 km. We are protecting our children and yours. If no one leads this fight, we will. We will not stop until Iran's nuclear threat is dismantled. We do not apologize for neutralizing a threat. We're acting where international community hesitated.”&nbsp;About Iranian foreign minister meeting European counterparts, he said that his country sought genuine efforts to dismantle Iran's nuclear capabilities. "We have seen diplomatic talks for the last few decades, and look at the results," he told reporters. "If it is going to be like another session and debates, that's not going to work."&nbsp;Ahead of the meeting, Danny Danon submitted an official letter to the President of the UN Council demanding a clear condemnation of Iran following its direct attack on Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva — a medical institution that treats Jews, Muslims, and Christians. He said, “This is not just an attack on civilian infrastructure — it is a war crime. Iran’s claims about targeting military sites are a blatant lie. This is state-sponsored terrorism.”&nbsp;Earlier, Danny had said that since the June 13 strike, Iran has launched 450 missiles and hundreds of UAVs targeting civilian populations. He added that 24 people were killed, including a 7-year-old girl battling cancer, over 1,100 were injured, and more than 25,000 civilian properties were damaged.&nbsp;<h2>What did Iran say at UNHRC?</h2>Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the Israeli attacks against the Islamic Republic as a “betrayal of diplomacy" with the US and called the attacks on nuclear facilities as “grave war crimes”. He added that Israel's strike on Iran on June 13 was to derail Tehran and Washington's efforts to craft a “promising agreement” on the Iranian nuclear program. Araghchi, making his first trip abroad since the strikes began, denounced Israel’s attack as an “outrageous act of aggression.” “It was a betrayal of diplomacy and an unprecedented blow to the foundations of international law,” he said.

Iran foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, termed Israel's strikes as betrayal of diplomacy by the US,  Israel’s United Nations ambassador Danny Danon slammed Tehran for seeking help from the international community

Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, a faceoff between representatives of both nations at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Friday (June 20). While Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, termed Israel's strikes as “betrayal of diplomacy by the US”, Israel’s United Nations ambassador Danny Danon slammed Tehran for seeking help from the international community. Slamming Iran, Danon said, “How dare you write five letters last week to this assembly to demand a session and ask the international community for sympathy? How dare you ask the international community to protect you from the consequences of your own genocidal agenda? You are not a victim. You are not even a diplomat. You are a wolf pretending to be a diplomat, and we are done pretending otherwise.” He added, "Iran is developing missiles with a range of 4,000 km. We are protecting our children and yours. If no one leads this fight, we will. We will not stop until Iran's nuclear threat is dismantled. We do not apologize for neutralizing a threat. We're acting where international community hesitated.” About Iranian foreign minister meeting European counterparts, he said that his country sought genuine efforts to dismantle Iran's nuclear capabilities. "We have seen diplomatic talks for the last few decades, and look at the results," he told reporters. "If it is going to be like another session and debates, that's not going to work." Ahead of the meeting, Danny Danon submitted an official letter to the President of the UN Council demanding a clear condemnation of Iran following its direct attack on Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva — a medical institution that treats Jews, Muslims, and Christians. He said, “This is not just an attack on civilian infrastructure — it is a war crime. Iran’s claims about targeting military sites are a blatant lie. This is state-sponsored terrorism.” Earlier, Danny had said that since the June 13 strike, Iran has launched 450 missiles and hundreds of UAVs targeting civilian populations. He added that 24 people were killed, including a 7-year-old girl battling cancer, over 1,100 were injured, and more than 25,000 civilian properties were damaged. What did Iran say at UNHRC? Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the Israeli attacks against the Islamic Republic as a “betrayal of diplomacy" with the US and called the attacks on nuclear facilities as “grave war crimes”. He added that Israel's strike on Iran on June 13 was to derail Tehran and Washington's efforts to craft a “promising agreement” on the Iranian nuclear program. Araghchi, making his first trip abroad since the strikes began, denounced Israel’s attack as an “outrageous act of aggression.” “It was a betrayal of diplomacy and an unprecedented blow to the foundations of international law,” he said.

While Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, termed Israel's strikes as “betrayal of diplomacy by the US”, &nbsp;Israel’s United Nations ambassador Danny Danon slammed Tehran for seeking help from the international community

'HOW DARE YOU': Israel slams Iran at UN for seeking global help, claims 'Iran making missiles with 4,000 km range'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted that he is in talks with Israel and Iran as the war between the two nations escalate, targeting nuclear facilities as well as civilians. Putin said that he is sharing ideas with both countries to end the war.The Russian president is in contact with Israel and Iran to end the bloodshed, saying that he believed that there was a diplomatic solution to the crisis, according to a report by The Times of Israel.Putin said that Russia is in touch with "our Israeli and Iranian friends” and that Moscow’s proposals are currently being discussed.This comes as the war between Israel and Iran enters its eighth day, with both nations attacking nuclear facilities, as well as leading to casualties.Earlier on Thursday, Putin said that Israel's strikes have led to a "consolidation" of Iranian society around its leadership, suggesting Tel Aviv’s offensive had backfired domestically for Tehran.Putin also ruled out entertaining any Israeli plans to assassinate Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and said he did "not even wish to discuss" the idea.Moreover, Putin struck a note of cautious optimism. "This is a delicate issue, and of course, we need to be very careful here, but in my opinion, a solution can be found," he said.<h2>Why does Russia care so much about Iran?</h2>Iran is one of Russia’s most important allies in the region. The two countries recently signed a strategic partnership agreement, and their military ties have grown significantly in recent years.Although Putin has not sent military support to Iran following the Israeli air strikes, the Kremlin has taken a firm position in backing Tehran diplomatically.Putin recently confirmed that Iran had “not asked us about this” when asked whether Tehran had requested Russian military aid. He also clarified that their treaty is not a mutual defence pact. &nbsp;

The Russian president is in contact with Israel and Iran to end the bloodshed, saying that he believed that there was a diplomatic solution to the crisis. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted that he is in talks with Israel and Iran as the war between the two nations escalate, targeting nuclear facilities as well as civilians. Putin said that he is sharing ideas with both countries to end the war. The Russian president is in contact with Israel and Iran to end the bloodshed, saying that he believed that there was a diplomatic solution to the crisis, according to a report by The Times of Israel. Putin said that Russia is in touch with "our Israeli and Iranian friends” and that Moscow’s proposals are currently being discussed. This comes as the war between Israel and Iran enters its eighth day, with both nations attacking nuclear facilities, as well as leading to casualties. Earlier on Thursday, Putin said that Israel's strikes have led to a "consolidation" of Iranian society around its leadership, suggesting Tel Aviv’s offensive had backfired domestically for Tehran. Putin also ruled out entertaining any Israeli plans to assassinate Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and said he did "not even wish to discuss" the idea. Moreover, Putin struck a note of cautious optimism. "This is a delicate issue, and of course, we need to be very careful here, but in my opinion, a solution can be found," he said. Why does Russia care so much about Iran? Iran is one of Russia’s most important allies in the region. The two countries recently signed a strategic partnership agreement, and their military ties have grown significantly in recent years. Although Putin has not sent military support to Iran following the Israeli air strikes, the Kremlin has taken a firm position in backing Tehran diplomatically. Putin recently confirmed that Iran had “not asked us about this” when asked whether Tehran had requested Russian military aid. He also clarified that their treaty is not a mutual defence pact.

The Russian president is in contact with Israel and Iran to end the bloodshed, saying that he believed that there was a diplomatic solution to the crisis.&nbsp;

Putin the peacemaker? Russian president in talks with Israel, Iran to end bloodshed after Trump's two weeks deadline

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (June 20) stressed that the goal is to destroy Iran's nuclear program, adding that Israel has the capability to achieve that. He said that the difference between Iran and Israel is that they target civilians and we target military targets.Israeli prime minister visited the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot on Friday, located near the site where an Iranian missile struck earlier this week."This is the world-renowned Weizmann Institute, where the most advanced research in human biology is conducted—medical research, genetic research," Netanyahu said.He said that the ongoing research was shattered by a missile from the "evil regime". "They seek to destroy human progress. That is the essence of this regime. They have enslaved and oppressed their people for nearly 50 years—half a century," Netanyahu said.He added, "Iran is the leading terrorist regime in the world. It must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons."The Israeli PM again reiterated Israel's mission, "to save itself from the Iranian threat of annihilation. In doing so, we are saving many, many others."<h2>Israel must prepare for 'prolonged campaign'</h2>IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said that Israel is preparing for a "prolonged campaign" against Iran to "eliminate a threat of this magnitude.”Zamir, in a video statement, said that Iran has been building for years a clear plan to destroy the State of Israel”. He added that in recent months, the plan reached the point of no return, "where the capabilities reached operational capability.”“We launched the campaign when Iran possessed around 2,500 ground-to-ground missiles, with a high production rate, such that within approximately two years, they were expected to possess around 8,000 missiles,” he said.He added that Iran's ballistic missile efforts, proxies in the Middle East, and nuclear advancements, “compelled us to strike and deliver a preemptive blow.”“The IDF will not stand by and watch as threats develop. As part of an emerging doctrine, we will act proactively and in advance to prevent an existential threat and to face any challenge,” he says.Adding that the IDF has prepared for this operation for years, the chief said that it was launched "thanks to the convergence of operational and strategic conditions.”

Netanyahu said that the difference between Iran and Israel is that they target civilians and we target military targets.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (June 20) stressed that the goal is to destroy Iran's nuclear program, adding that Israel has the capability to achieve that. He said that the difference between Iran and Israel is that they target civilians and we target military targets. Israeli prime minister visited the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot on Friday, located near the site where an Iranian missile struck earlier this week. "This is the world-renowned Weizmann Institute, where the most advanced research in human biology is conducted—medical research, genetic research," Netanyahu said. He said that the ongoing research was shattered by a missile from the "evil regime". "They seek to destroy human progress. That is the essence of this regime. They have enslaved and oppressed their people for nearly 50 years—half a century," Netanyahu said. He added, "Iran is the leading terrorist regime in the world. It must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons." The Israeli PM again reiterated Israel's mission, "to save itself from the Iranian threat of annihilation. In doing so, we are saving many, many others." Israel must prepare for 'prolonged campaign' IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said that Israel is preparing for a "prolonged campaign" against Iran to "eliminate a threat of this magnitude.” Zamir, in a video statement, said that Iran has been building for years a clear plan to destroy the State of Israel”. He added that in recent months, the plan reached the point of no return, "where the capabilities reached operational capability.” “We launched the campaign when Iran possessed around 2,500 ground-to-ground missiles, with a high production rate, such that within approximately two years, they were expected to possess around 8,000 missiles,” he said. He added that Iran's ballistic missile efforts, proxies in the Middle East, and nuclear advancements, “compelled us to strike and deliver a preemptive blow.” “The IDF will not stand by and watch as threats develop. As part of an emerging doctrine, we will act proactively and in advance to prevent an existential threat and to face any challenge,” he says. Adding that the IDF has prepared for this operation for years, the chief said that it was launched "thanks to the convergence of operational and strategic conditions.”

Netanyahu said that the difference between Iran and Israel is that they target civilians and we target military targets.

'Israel capable of DESTROYING Iran's nuclear program': Netanyahu again warns Iran, calls it 'leading terrorist regime'

In a cryptic post, French President Emmanuel Macron seems to be pushing European countries for the Rafale jets as a symbol of strategic autonomy and self-reliance in defence platforms. Without explicitly asking Europe to lessen its dependence on American combat aircraft and firepower, Macron posted a photo of the French Rafale jet on X with the caption: “European friends, you have a call.” This comes in line with Macron's repeated calls to Europe to take an independent stand on security without the aid of the United States of America. Macron projects Rafale as a sign of European independence and has proposed that it is Rafale that can “secure” Europe. His post ends with the “Secure our Europe” message. <img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250620/image-1750431438882.png">Macron, a vocal supporter of European strategic autonomy, had in March, highlighted the need for Europe's autonomy, especially after Trump's takeover in the US. "As there are doubts over the support of the Americans towards Europe over time, we need to mobilise hundreds of billions of euros... it is Europe's strategic wake-up moment.We must offer European alternatives to countries accustomed to US equipment... scaling up production of these will lower costs and create a self-sustaining defence network across Europe.," French daily Le Parisien quoted him as saying. Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, also said it was his "absolute priority" to strengthen his nation and Europe to "achieve independence from the US".<h2>Trump vs Macron</h2>The post by Macron also comes amid a war of words between Macron and Trump over the Israel-Iran war. Speaking to reporters at the G7 Summit, the French president stated that Trump's early exit could be due to the US' assurance that they will find a ceasefire between the two countries. I Donald Trump denied making any such comments and slammed Macron publically. "Publicity-seeking President Emmanuel Macron, of France, mistakenly said that I left the G7 Summit, in Canada, to go back to D.C. to work on a “cease fire” between Israel and Iran. Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that. Whether purposely or not, Emmanuel always gets it wrong," Trump wrote on the social media platform.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a cryptic post, French President Emmanuel Macron seems to be pushing European countries for the Rafale jets as a symbol of strategic autonomy and self-reliance in defence platforms

In a cryptic post, French President Emmanuel Macron seems to be pushing European countries for the Rafale jets as a symbol of strategic autonomy and self-reliance in defence platforms. Without explicitly asking Europe to lessen its dependence on American combat aircraft and firepower, Macron posted a photo of the French Rafale jet on X with the caption: “European friends, you have a call.” This comes in line with Macron's repeated calls to Europe to take an independent stand on security without the aid of the United States of America. Macron projects Rafale as a sign of European independence and has proposed that it is Rafale that can “secure” Europe. His post ends with the “Secure our Europe” message. Macron, a vocal supporter of European strategic autonomy, had in March, highlighted the need for Europe's autonomy, especially after Trump's takeover in the US. "As there are doubts over the support of the Americans towards Europe over time, we need to mobilise hundreds of billions of euros... it is Europe's strategic wake-up moment.We must offer European alternatives to countries accustomed to US equipment... scaling up production of these will lower costs and create a self-sustaining defence network across Europe.," French daily Le Parisien quoted him as saying. Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, also said it was his "absolute priority" to strengthen his nation and Europe to "achieve independence from the US". Trump vs Macron The post by Macron also comes amid a war of words between Macron and Trump over the Israel-Iran war. Speaking to reporters at the G7 Summit, the French president stated that Trump's early exit could be due to the US' assurance that they will find a ceasefire between the two countries. I Donald Trump denied making any such comments and slammed Macron publically. "Publicity-seeking President Emmanuel Macron, of France, mistakenly said that I left the G7 Summit, in Canada, to go back to D.C. to work on a “cease fire” between Israel and Iran. Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that. Whether purposely or not, Emmanuel always gets it wrong," Trump wrote on the social media platform.

In a cryptic post, French President Emmanuel Macron seems to be pushing European countries for the Rafale jets as a symbol of strategic autonomy and self-reliance in defence platforms

Trump vs Macron again? French president's 'Rafale is calling' post triggers speculations amid Israel-Iran war

US officials and President Trump’s allies have emphasised that the final call on whether or not to enter a war rests with him, expressing confidence in his judgment.As Trump increasingly signals potential US involvement in the ongoing conflict, some members of Congress are working to reassert their authority under the War Powers Act, according to an Al Jazeera report.But questions lie ahead. What is the legal framework that governs America’s entry into war? Can Trump commit the US to a conflict without Congress’s approval?<h2>Know what laws say that govern decisions about war in the US</h2>The War Powers Act, also known as the War Powers Resolution, was enacted by the US Congress on November 7, 1973, overriding a veto by then-President Richard Nixon. This legislation was designed to limit the president’s authority to deploy US military forces abroad without first consulting and notifying Congress.<h2>Here are 10 important points about the War Powers Act</h2><ul><li>The War Powers Resolution of 1973 (also known as the War Powers Act) is a congressional resolution designed to limit the US president’s ability to initiate or escalate military actions abroad.</li><li>Section 1 of the US Constitution, which sets the legislative branch of the government and outlines its duties, empowers Congress to “declare war”.</li><li>Article II of the Constitution designates the president as the “commander in chief” of the armed forces.</li><li>The Act was a reaction to the Vietnam War and Korean War, where presidents had escalated military actions without formal war declarations.</li><li>The president must notify Congress within 48 hours of committing US armed forces to military action. In addition, armed forces may remain engaged for up to 60 days, with an additional 30-day withdrawal period, unless Congress approves further involvement or declares war.</li><li>Ever since its passage, the 1973 law has been considered deeply ineffective by some critics, labelling it as more of a political tool for lawmakers to voice dissent than as a real check on power.</li><li>Therefore, congressional resolutions to end unauthorised military involvement can be vetoed by the president, and overriding the veto requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate.</li><li>&nbsp;Every president since its passage has viewed the Act as unconstitutional, arguing it infringes on the executive’s role as Commander-in-Chief.</li><li>Its practical effectiveness is debated—many presidents have complied selectively or ignored its requirements.</li><li>The Act has been invoked during military interventions in Libya (2011), Iraq, and Syria, among others, sparking ongoing debate about executive vs. legislative war powers</li></ul><h2>Will this Congress stop Trump from waging war with Iran?</h2>During the first term of Trump, Congress attempted to limit his war powers for the first time since the Vietnam War. In 2019, Congress passed a bill to end US support for the Saudi-UAE war in Yemen, which Trump vetoed.After the Soleimani drone strike, Congress passed legislation to limit war against Iran, which Trump also vetoed. With a Republican-controlled Congress in his second term, new war powers resolutions face significant challenges. It's unlikely that Congress will be able to override Trump's vetoes, given the shifted balance of power. Trump's war powers are likely to remain largely unchecked. &nbsp;

As Trump mulls over intervention at the Israel-Iran conflict, we look at the legislation that theoretically can stop US from entering a war with Iran

US officials and President Trump’s allies have emphasised that the final call on whether or not to enter a war rests with him, expressing confidence in his judgment. As Trump increasingly signals potential US involvement in the ongoing conflict, some members of Congress are working to reassert their authority under the War Powers Act, according to an Al Jazeera report. But questions lie ahead. What is the legal framework that governs America’s entry into war? Can Trump commit the US to a conflict without Congress’s approval? Know what laws say that govern decisions about war in the US The War Powers Act, also known as the War Powers Resolution, was enacted by the US Congress on November 7, 1973, overriding a veto by then-President Richard Nixon. This legislation was designed to limit the president’s authority to deploy US military forces abroad without first consulting and notifying Congress. Here are 10 important points about the War Powers Act The War Powers Resolution of 1973 (also known as the War Powers Act) is a congressional resolution designed to limit the US president’s ability to initiate or escalate military actions abroad. Section 1 of the US Constitution, which sets the legislative branch of the government and outlines its duties, empowers Congress to “declare war”. Article II of the Constitution designates the president as the “commander in chief” of the armed forces. The Act was a reaction to the Vietnam War and Korean War, where presidents had escalated military actions without formal war declarations. The president must notify Congress within 48 hours of committing US armed forces to military action. In addition, armed forces may remain engaged for up to 60 days, with an additional 30-day withdrawal period, unless Congress approves further involvement or declares war. Ever since its passage, the 1973 law has been considered deeply ineffective by some critics, labelling it as more of a political tool for lawmakers to voice dissent than as a real check on power. Therefore, congressional resolutions to end unauthorised military involvement can be vetoed by the president, and overriding the veto requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate. Every president since its passage has viewed the Act as unconstitutional, arguing it infringes on the executive’s role as Commander-in-Chief. Its practical effectiveness is debated—many presidents have complied selectively or ignored its requirements. The Act has been invoked during military interventions in Libya (2011), Iraq, and Syria, among others, sparking ongoing debate about executive vs. legislative war powers Will this Congress stop Trump from waging war with Iran? During the first term of Trump, Congress attempted to limit his war powers for the first time since the Vietnam War. In 2019, Congress passed a bill to end US support for the Saudi-UAE war in Yemen, which Trump vetoed. After the Soleimani drone strike, Congress passed legislation to limit war against Iran, which Trump also vetoed. With a Republican-controlled Congress in his second term, new war powers resolutions face significant challenges. It's unlikely that Congress will be able to override Trump's vetoes, given the shifted balance of power. Trump's war powers are likely to remain largely unchecked.

As Trump mulls over intervention in the Israel-Iran conflict, we look at the legislation that theoretically can stop the US from entering a war with Iran

What is War Powers Act ? Can it stop Trump from striking Iran: Know all about it

Amid the intensifying Israel-Iran war and Israel's attacking Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists, the killing of Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has gained attention.Israel's Mossad intelligence agency pulled the assassination of Fakhrizadeh, who was also the former head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation.Once, he was known for saying that he would "gladly build nuclear weapons if asked". In 2010, he survived a targeted killing, however, was not able to survive the next one.The killing of Fakhrizadeh reportedly involved the use of artificial intelligence and a remote controlled machine gun.<h2>Who was he?</h2>For very long, Western Intelligence believed Fakhrizadeh was the mastermind of "Project Amad", Iran's covert operation to build a nuclear bomb in the early 2000s.Then, he became invisible, with no public speeches, interviews or photos. He was even called as Iran's Robert Oppenheimer.He was also referred to as the "father of Iran's nuclear programme" by Western intelligence agencies and Israeli officials.Later in 2018, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flashed Fakhrizadeh's name on national TV during a dramatic reveal of stolen Iranian nuclear files. "Remember that name," he said.<h2>Fakhrizadeh assassination</h2>In 2020, Fakhrizadeh was travelling with his wife and bodyguards toward their villa in Absard, east of Tehran.A convoy was following them at a distance. It was a normal routine drive.On the roadside, there was a pickup truck waiting, kept aside abandoned. A one-ton automated weapon system was hidden in the parked Nissan pickup truck on the side of the road.It was controlled remotely by Mossad agents who were operating from outside Iran, and the gun opened fire with deadly precision.Inside the truck, there was a 7.62 mm FN MAG machine gun, rigged with facial recognition AI, satellite links and explosives.Iranian official said that the weapon was linked via satellite to its operators, which were believed to be Israeli agents working outside the country.As Fakhrizadeh's car slowed down at a speed breaker, the gun identified him and fired. He was shot multiple times and later died in the hospital.However, no one else was injured due to its precision weapon.The device had been smuggled into Iran in pieces and was assembled covertly by agents, including local collaborators. The planning happened for months and over 20 individuals were involved.&nbsp;

Israel's Mossad intelligence agency pulled the assassination of Fakhrizadeh, who was also the former head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation.

Amid the intensifying Israel-Iran war and Israel's attacking Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists, the killing of Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has gained attention. Israel's Mossad intelligence agency pulled the assassination of Fakhrizadeh, who was also the former head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation. Once, he was known for saying that he would "gladly build nuclear weapons if asked". In 2010, he survived a targeted killing, however, was not able to survive the next one. The killing of Fakhrizadeh reportedly involved the use of artificial intelligence and a remote controlled machine gun. Who was he? For very long, Western Intelligence believed Fakhrizadeh was the mastermind of "Project Amad", Iran's covert operation to build a nuclear bomb in the early 2000s. Then, he became invisible, with no public speeches, interviews or photos. He was even called as Iran's Robert Oppenheimer. He was also referred to as the "father of Iran's nuclear programme" by Western intelligence agencies and Israeli officials. Later in 2018, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flashed Fakhrizadeh's name on national TV during a dramatic reveal of stolen Iranian nuclear files. "Remember that name," he said. Fakhrizadeh assassination In 2020, Fakhrizadeh was travelling with his wife and bodyguards toward their villa in Absard, east of Tehran. A convoy was following them at a distance. It was a normal routine drive. On the roadside, there was a pickup truck waiting, kept aside abandoned. A one-ton automated weapon system was hidden in the parked Nissan pickup truck on the side of the road. It was controlled remotely by Mossad agents who were operating from outside Iran, and the gun opened fire with deadly precision. Inside the truck, there was a 7.62 mm FN MAG machine gun, rigged with facial recognition AI, satellite links and explosives. Iranian official said that the weapon was linked via satellite to its operators, which were believed to be Israeli agents working outside the country. As Fakhrizadeh's car slowed down at a speed breaker, the gun identified him and fired. He was shot multiple times and later died in the hospital. However, no one else was injured due to its precision weapon. The device had been smuggled into Iran in pieces and was assembled covertly by agents, including local collaborators. The planning happened for months and over 20 individuals were involved.

Israel's Mossad intelligence agency pulled the assassination of Fakhrizadeh, who was also the former head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation.

Inside Israel's killer truck that took out 'Iran's Oppenheimer' - How Mossad killed Iran's nuclear mastermind Mohsen Fakhrizadeh

As Israel continues to attack Iranian nuclear facilities, Iran has boasted that all of its nuclear material had been moved to a "safe place" before Israeli missiles hit its nuclear plants.In the past week, Israel has hit Natanz, Isfahan, Khandab and Arak nuclear facilities, with the aim to stop Iran from building nuclear weapons."Israel hit Natanz, Isfahan, Khandab and Arak, but they had already been evacuated," Iranian commander Mohsen Rezaei said on Thursday, writes Daily Mail, the Telegraph reports.Iranian commander Mohsen Rezaei claimed, "Israel hit Natanz, Isfahan, Khandab and Arak, but they had already been evacuated"."All materials have been moved to a safe location," he added.Iranian Fars News Agency reported that Rezaei stressed that Iran's nuclear facilities were well fortified against any potential attack by Israel.Talking about the Fordow nuclear facility, the commander said that it cannot be penetrated by bombs. “The most the United States can do is target the Fordow facility,” he said, “but even that cannot be penetrated by bombs.”He said that Iran's response to Israel was rational and calculated and added that Iran is "punishing the enemy" and "will continue to do so until it backs down and surrenders".Tehran “will not give up its position and will continue to resist any attempt to impose external conditions," Rezaei added.<h2>All about Fordow nuclear facility</h2>Israel has been targeting Iran's nuclear facilities since the beginning of the war. However, Iran's Fordow facility cannot be easily attacked as it is built inside a mountain and is a heavily guarded complex.The secretive and heavily guarded complex is built close to the holy city of Qom. There have been speculations about its true nature and size since it was first made public in 2009.The site is reportedly protected by Iranian and Russian surface-to-air missile systems. But, those air defenses have likely been already struck in the Israeli attacks.If Israel wants to destroy the Fordow nuclear facility, the US has to intervene and help in attacking the site.The US has to provide "bunker-buster bombs" to Israel, which are believed to significantly damage the Fordow nuclear fuel enrichment plant. &nbsp;

In the past week, Israel has hit Natanz, Isfahan, Khandab and Arak nuclear facilities, with the aim to stop Iran from building nuclear weapons.

As Israel continues to attack Iranian nuclear facilities, Iran has boasted that all of its nuclear material had been moved to a "safe place" before Israeli missiles hit its nuclear plants. In the past week, Israel has hit Natanz, Isfahan, Khandab and Arak nuclear facilities, with the aim to stop Iran from building nuclear weapons. "Israel hit Natanz, Isfahan, Khandab and Arak, but they had already been evacuated," Iranian commander Mohsen Rezaei said on Thursday, writes Daily Mail, the Telegraph reports. Iranian commander Mohsen Rezaei claimed, "Israel hit Natanz, Isfahan, Khandab and Arak, but they had already been evacuated". "All materials have been moved to a safe location," he added. Iranian Fars News Agency reported that Rezaei stressed that Iran's nuclear facilities were well fortified against any potential attack by Israel. Talking about the Fordow nuclear facility, the commander said that it cannot be penetrated by bombs. “The most the United States can do is target the Fordow facility,” he said, “but even that cannot be penetrated by bombs.” He said that Iran's response to Israel was rational and calculated and added that Iran is "punishing the enemy" and "will continue to do so until it backs down and surrenders". Tehran “will not give up its position and will continue to resist any attempt to impose external conditions," Rezaei added. All about Fordow nuclear facility Israel has been targeting Iran's nuclear facilities since the beginning of the war. However, Iran's Fordow facility cannot be easily attacked as it is built inside a mountain and is a heavily guarded complex. The secretive and heavily guarded complex is built close to the holy city of Qom. There have been speculations about its true nature and size since it was first made public in 2009. The site is reportedly protected by Iranian and Russian surface-to-air missile systems. But, those air defenses have likely been already struck in the Israeli attacks. If Israel wants to destroy the Fordow nuclear facility, the US has to intervene and help in attacking the site. The US has to provide "bunker-buster bombs" to Israel, which are believed to significantly damage the Fordow nuclear fuel enrichment plant.

In the past week, Israel has hit Natanz, Isfahan, Khandab and Arak nuclear facilities, with the aim to stop Iran from building nuclear weapons.

'US bombs cannot penetrate Fordow facility': Former IRGC commander claims Iran evacuated nuclear material to 'safe place'

Amid the escalating tensions between Israel and the Islamic Republic, a pro-Israel hacking group by the name Predatory Sparrow (Gonjeshke Darande in Persian) has allegedly taken the responsibility of a cyberattack on Iran’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, leading to the destruction of approximately $90 million worth of digital assets. Several multiple crypto tracking firms believe that this group lost all of the proceeds from the heist after reportedly 'burning' them in process. The attack reportedly occurred on Wednesday, 18 June 2025 on the Nobitex exchange. According to blockchain forensics firms Elliptic and TRM Labs, the hackers had transferred the funds into blockchain wallets for which they did not possess cryptographic keys, rendering the assets inaccessible.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Crypto ‘burning’</h2>&nbsp;This method, which is also known as crypto 'burning', was deliberately carried out to deliver a political message to the Iranian government rather than gain financial profit. The funds are now inaccessible after they were stored in “vanity addresses” for which they do not have the cryptographic keys, The Guardian reported.&nbsp;Assets or Cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin were reportedly taken out from wallets linked to Nobitex and sent to burn addresses. Some of these addresses included phrases or words targeting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), such as “Fu*kIRGCTerroristsNoBiTEX.” The Ethereum tokens were sent to the well-known "0x...dead" burn address, which is a recognised method for permanently removing crypto from circulation.&nbsp;<h2>Source code leaked?</h2>&nbsp;Later, in a social media post on X, Predatory Sparrow confirmed that it had targeted Nobitex and later released its source code. Nobitex, which alleges to serve over seven million users, has previously faced scrutiny for being associated with IRGC-affiliated figures. The exchange went offline following the breach. It later confessed via social media post that it had experienced 'unauthorised access' and had deactivated its website and app to investigate what happened.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Time&#39;s up - full source code linked below. ASSETS LEFT IN NOBITEX ARE NOW ENTIRELY OUT IN THE OPEN. بازمانده دارایی های شما در نوبیتکس هم اکنون در معرض دید و خطر هستند But before that, lets meet Nobitex from the inside: Exchange Deployment (1/8) <a href="https://t.co/jiMfBpNXwd">pic.twitter.com/jiMfBpNXwd</a>&mdash; Gonjeshke Darande (@GonjeshkeDarand) <a href="https://twitter.com/GonjeshkeDarand/status/1935593397156270534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;This attack just comes a day after this Predatory Sparrow claimed it's responsibility for destroying the data at Bank Sepah, which is the state-owned bank of &nbsp;Iran. The group’s actions closely follows recent Israeli airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear facilities and are seen as part of a broader digital and geopolitical confrontation between Israel and Iran.Predatory Sparrow is assumed of having ties with the Israeli intelligence, and has previously targeted Iranian infrastructure. The group's name is viewed as a counterpoint to "Charming Kitten," an Iranian cyber-espionage unit.&nbsp;The major concern is that recovery of the stolen crypto is impossible, as Blockchain analysis confirms that none of the stolen funds were moved to crypto exchanges or mixer. Analysts suggest that the symbolic destruction of the funds was aimed at damaging Iran’s capacity to use cryptocurrency to evade international sanctions.

According to blockchain forensics firms Elliptic and TRM Labs, the hackers had transferred the funds into blockchain wallets for which they did not possess cryptographic keys, rendering the assets inaccessible. 

Amid the escalating tensions between Israel and the Islamic Republic, a pro-Israel hacking group by the name Predatory Sparrow (Gonjeshke Darande in Persian) has allegedly taken the responsibility of a cyberattack on Iran’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, leading to the destruction of approximately $90 million worth of digital assets. Several multiple crypto tracking firms believe that this group lost all of the proceeds from the heist after reportedly 'burning' them in process. The attack reportedly occurred on Wednesday, 18 June 2025 on the Nobitex exchange. According to blockchain forensics firms Elliptic and TRM Labs, the hackers had transferred the funds into blockchain wallets for which they did not possess cryptographic keys, rendering the assets inaccessible. Crypto ‘burning’ This method, which is also known as crypto 'burning', was deliberately carried out to deliver a political message to the Iranian government rather than gain financial profit. The funds are now inaccessible after they were stored in “vanity addresses” for which they do not have the cryptographic keys, The Guardian reported. Assets or Cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin were reportedly taken out from wallets linked to Nobitex and sent to burn addresses. Some of these addresses included phrases or words targeting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), such as “Fu*kIRGCTerroristsNoBiTEX.” The Ethereum tokens were sent to the well-known "0x...dead" burn address, which is a recognised method for permanently removing crypto from circulation. Source code leaked? Later, in a social media post on X, Predatory Sparrow confirmed that it had targeted Nobitex and later released its source code. Nobitex, which alleges to serve over seven million users, has previously faced scrutiny for being associated with IRGC-affiliated figures. The exchange went offline following the breach. It later confessed via social media post that it had experienced 'unauthorised access' and had deactivated its website and app to investigate what happened.

According to blockchain forensics firms Elliptic and TRM Labs, the hackers had transferred the funds into blockchain wallets for which they did not possess cryptographic keys, rendering the assets inaccessible.&nbsp;

‘Jacked, burned, and roasted’: How pro-Israel hackers stole $90 million from Iran and leaked source code?

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Friday (June 20) attacked the Iranian regime's internal security headquarters in Tehran as the war between the two nations intensifies and enters eight day.In a social media post on X, the IDF stated that the Israeli Air Force fighter jets executed the operation under precise intelligence guidance from the Intelligence Directorate."Air Force fighter jets, under precise intelligence guidance from the Intelligence Directorate, have in recent days attacked the Iranian regime's Internal Security Headquarters and the headquarters of the Internal Security Special Units located in the Tehran area," the IDF said in a post on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">צה״ל תקף את מטה ביטחון הפנים של המשטר האיראני בטהראן מטוסי קרב של חיל האוויר בהכוונה מודיעינית מדויקת של אגף המודיעין תקפו בימים האחרונים את מטה ביטחון הפנים של המשטר האיראני ואת מטה היחידות המיוחדות של ביטחון הפנים הממוקמים במרחב טהראן. מנגנוני ביטחון הפנים מהווים חלק מהגופים… <a href="https://t.co/LBaGm9gJ4D">pic.twitter.com/LBaGm9gJ4D</a>&mdash; צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) <a href="https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1936009419478753317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"The Internal Security Mechanisms are part of the Iranian regime's military bodies," it added.Moreover, earlier this morning, more than 25 Air Force completed a wave of attacks against military targets of the Iranian regime in areas such as Ramanesh and Tiberias in Iran, with precise intelligence guidance from the Intelligence Branch.<h2>What did IDF accomplish in Iran overnight?</h2>The Israel Defence Forces stressed that more than 60 fighter jets struck dozens of military targets in Iran using approximately 120 munitions."Several industrial sites used to manufacture missiles were struck in the Tehran area. These sites served as a key industrial center for the Iranian Ministry of Defense," it added.The SPND headquarters in Tehran was also struck by Israel. According to the IDF, this building was used for the development of advanced technologies and weapons supporting the Iranian regime’s military capabilities.As Israel continues to attack Iran and its nuclear scientists in the past week, another scientist was killed in a strike on a building in Tehran on Friday, according to Reuters. However, the Israeli military has not commented on this so far.Meanwhile, in Iran, thousands of people have joined a protest against Israel after weekly prayers, chanting slogans in support of their leaders.According to the footage, protesters were seen holding up photographs of commanders killed since the beginning of the war which happened last week.

The Israeli Air Force fighter jets executed the operation under precise intelligence guidance from the Intelligence Directorate.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Friday (June 20) attacked the Iranian regime's internal security headquarters in Tehran as the war between the two nations intensifies and enters eight day. In a social media post on X, the IDF stated that the Israeli Air Force fighter jets executed the operation under precise intelligence guidance from the Intelligence Directorate. "Air Force fighter jets, under precise intelligence guidance from the Intelligence Directorate, have in recent days attacked the Iranian regime's Internal Security Headquarters and the headquarters of the Internal Security Special Units located in the Tehran area," the IDF said in a post on X.

The Israeli Air Force fighter jets executed the operation under precise intelligence guidance from the Intelligence Directorate.

Israel-Iran war: Israel attacks Internal Security Headquarters in Tehran - What did IDF accomplish in Iran overnight?

US President Donald Trump has been using his "favourite" phrase "two weeks" for several issues including policy-making, and diplomatic issues or even during the ongoing Israel-Iran war. On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Trump would determine "within the next two weeks" whether to join Israel in attacking Iran or not.In the past also, "two weeks" has been considered one of US president's favourite span of time."Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks," Trump said in a statement read out by his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt.But, this is not the first time he said this. Around eight weeks ago, he was asked if he could trust Russian President Vladimir Putin, to this, the US president replied, "I’ll let you know in about two weeks.”Not just this, from health care policies, tax plans, evidence of conspiracy theories he claimed were true, the fight against ISIS, opening of coal mines, to infrastructure plans, Trump promised to solve all these concerns in about two weeks, according to The New York Times report.However, these two weeks can either mean something, or nothing at all. It can be a yes or a no. Moreover, it might means that he is delaying something, or probably scheduling.During Thursday's White House briefing, the reporters also remembered Trump's "two weeks" phrase, as one of the reporters tried to bring this up.“President Trump has said previously, in regard to Russia, he’s used the phrase ‘about two weeks’ several times, in terms of, like, ‘We expect a two-week deadline,’ and then he’ll give another two-week deadline,” the reporter said, further asking, "How can we be sure he’s going to stick to this one on making a decision on Iran?”To this, the White House spokesperson replied that one thing can't be compared with another.The Israel-Iran war entered the eighth day on Friday, as IDF continued to attack the nuclear facilities in Tehran, while Iran retaliates by launching missiles in Israel.Meanwhile, Netanyahu on Thursday announced the two-fold goal in the Iran war as the Israel-Iran continues for over a week now, attacking nuclear facilities and military officials.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Trump would determine within the next two weeks whether to join Israel in attacking Iran or not.

US President Donald Trump has been using his "favourite" phrase "two weeks" for several issues including policy-making, and diplomatic issues or even during the ongoing Israel-Iran war. On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Trump would determine "within the next two weeks" whether to join Israel in attacking Iran or not. In the past also, "two weeks" has been considered one of US president's favourite span of time. "Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks," Trump said in a statement read out by his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt. But, this is not the first time he said this. Around eight weeks ago, he was asked if he could trust Russian President Vladimir Putin, to this, the US president replied, "I’ll let you know in about two weeks.” Not just this, from health care policies, tax plans, evidence of conspiracy theories he claimed were true, the fight against ISIS, opening of coal mines, to infrastructure plans, Trump promised to solve all these concerns in about two weeks, according to The New York Times report. However, these two weeks can either mean something, or nothing at all. It can be a yes or a no. Moreover, it might means that he is delaying something, or probably scheduling. During Thursday's White House briefing, the reporters also remembered Trump's "two weeks" phrase, as one of the reporters tried to bring this up. “President Trump has said previously, in regard to Russia, he’s used the phrase ‘about two weeks’ several times, in terms of, like, ‘We expect a two-week deadline,’ and then he’ll give another two-week deadline,” the reporter said, further asking, "How can we be sure he’s going to stick to this one on making a decision on Iran?” To this, the White House spokesperson replied that one thing can't be compared with another. The Israel-Iran war entered the eighth day on Friday, as IDF continued to attack the nuclear facilities in Tehran, while Iran retaliates by launching missiles in Israel. Meanwhile, Netanyahu on Thursday announced the two-fold goal in the Iran war as the Israel-Iran continues for over a week now, attacking nuclear facilities and military officials.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Trump would determine "within the next two weeks" whether to join Israel in attacking Iran or not.

‘Two weeks’ is Trump’s favourite deadline—be it war with Iran or trusting Putin | Here’s what his go-to timeline reveals

Amid war with Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the delay in his son's wedding is a "personal cost" he is paying for the conflict. &nbsp;He has been slammed for his statement. Speaking in front of Soroka Hospital in Beirut, which was destroyed by a missile, Netanyahu said that even his family has not been exempted from the cost of war. "There are people who were killed, families who grieved loved ones, I really appreciate that," Netanyahu said. "Each of us bears a personal cost, and my family has not been exempt...my son's wedding has been cancelled," he said. "It reminds me of the British people during the Blitz. We are going through a Blitz," Netanyahu added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🇮🇱 “Everyone is paying the price for War - My Son had to cancel a Wedding” Benjamin Netanyahu speaking this morning outside some of the bombing devastation. <a href="https://t.co/MCIbOnN6XX">pic.twitter.com/MCIbOnN6XX</a>&mdash; Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGatesIsaPyscho/status/1935789394017104020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Netanyahu further described the situation as painful for both his son's fiancée and his wife, Sara, whom he called "a hero" for enduring the disappointment. Born in 1994, Netanyahu's son Avner is a former combat soldier in the Israel Defense Forces.&nbsp;Israel had earlier announced that 24 of its civilians had been killed so far in the conflict. Netanyahu was slammed for stating the delay in his son's wedding as “cost of war.” Public outrage grew after reports suggested Netanyahu was planning to take time off for his son's wedding, which was set for Monday despite ongoing hostilities and threats of anti-government protests. The wedding was planned for November but was cancelled due to the Israel-Gaza war. It was cancelled a second time last week due to heightened tensions between Israel and Iran.&nbsp;Anat Angrest, whose son has been held hostage in Gaza since the Hamas attack in October 2023, responded sharply: "I've been in the hellish dungeons of Gaza for 622 days now," Angrest wrote on X. Gilad Kariv, a Democratic Knesset member, called Netanyahu a "borderless narcissist," adding: "I know many families who were not forced to postpone a wedding, but who will now never celebrate the weddings that were once meant to take place."&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been slammed for saying that the delay in his son's wedding is a "personal cost" he is paying for the conflict. 

Amid war with Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the delay in his son's wedding is a "personal cost" he is paying for the conflict. He has been slammed for his statement. Speaking in front of Soroka Hospital in Beirut, which was destroyed by a missile, Netanyahu said that even his family has not been exempted from the cost of war. "There are people who were killed, families who grieved loved ones, I really appreciate that," Netanyahu said. "Each of us bears a personal cost, and my family has not been exempt...my son's wedding has been cancelled," he said. "It reminds me of the British people during the Blitz. We are going through a Blitz," Netanyahu added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been slammed for saying that the delay in his son's wedding is a "personal cost" he is paying for the conflict.&nbsp;

Israel's PM Netanyahu shares 'personal cost of war' with Iran, faces backlash from Israelis: Here's what it is

Radioactive fallout can spread for miles. Thick walls, concrete, and earth can block much of this radiation. If possible, take shelter behind several layers of material. The further you are from outside air, the better.

In today’s unstable world with rising tensions between nuclear powers the risk of nuclear conflict is no longer unthinkable. But if the worst happens, what should you do? Here are 7 critical steps to follow if Earth plunges into a nuclear war:

Iran-Israel War: 7 critical steps to take if Earth plunges into a nuclear war

Amid continuing talk of a possible regime change in Iran in the wake of its ongoing war with Israel, Russia has firmly opposed any such move. The Kremlin described a potential regime change as unaccpetable and unimaginable, while also warning that killing the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would open a Pandora's Box in the region.&nbsp; The comments from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov came amid speculation of a regime change, with the possible involvement of the US in the war. US President Donald Trump has been ambivalent about the same, saying that the US knows exactly where Khamenei is, while also giving two weeks' time for Iran and Israel to resolve the conflict.<h2>Russia opposes regime change in Iran, assassination of Khamenei</h2>Peskov said Russia will react 'very negatively' to Khamenei's assassination if it happens. A regime change in Iran, Peskov said, "is unimaginable," adding: "It should be unacceptable, even talking about that should be unacceptable for everyone." He warned that a regime change or threats to Iranian leadership will "open Pandora's box," and cause more instability in the Middle East and beyond."It would lead to the birth of extremist moods inside Iran and those who are speaking about [Khamenei assassination], they should keep it in mind. They will open the Pandora's box," Peskov told Sky News in an interview published Friday (June 20). <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-iran-s-supreme-leader-ali-khamenei-issues-warning-says-zionist-enemy-being-punished-1750411568337/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-iran-s-supreme-leader-ali-khamenei-issues-warning-says-zionist-enemy-being-punished-1750411568337/embed</a> "The situation is extremely tense and is dangerous not only for the region but globally. An enlargement of the composition of the participants of the conflict is potentially even more dangerous. It will lead only to another circle of confrontation and escalation of tension in the region," &nbsp;he added.<h2>Where does the US stand on possible assassination of Khamenei?</h2>According to western and Israeli reports, Israel had made a proposal to Trump to assassinate the Iranian Supreme Leader, which he rejected. Trump later said in a Truth Social post that US does not plan to kill Khamanei “for now.” Asked if Russia would respond to an attack targeting Khamenei, Peskov said any reaction would 'come from inside Iran'.<h2>Russia's mediation offer was rejected by Trump</h2>Russia, a traditional close ally of Iran, had entered into a strategic partnership with the Islamic Republic in January. It should be noted that Iran had supplied many drones and ballistic missiles to Russia, which it used in its ongoing war against Ukraine.Russian President Vladimir Putin had reportedly reached out to Iranian and Israeli leaders in the wake of the June 13 attack on Iran by Israel. The Kremlin said Israel was reluctant to accept the peace proposal, while the EU leaders rejected it.Trump earlier this week brushed off Russia's offer to mediate in the Israel-Iran war. He asked Putin to "mediate your own" war, referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;While calling Trump's language unique, Peskov urged mutual tolerance.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments in the Israel-Iran conflict. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

Iran had supplied many drones and ballistic missiles to Russia that it used in its ongoing war against Ukraine.

Amid continuing talk of a possible regime change in Iran in the wake of its ongoing war with Israel, Russia has firmly opposed any such move. The Kremlin described a potential regime change as unaccpetable and unimaginable, while also warning that killing the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would open a Pandora's Box in the region. The comments from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov came amid speculation of a regime change, with the possible involvement of the US in the war. US President Donald Trump has been ambivalent about the same, saying that the US knows exactly where Khamenei is, while also giving two weeks' time for Iran and Israel to resolve the conflict. Russia opposes regime change in Iran, assassination of Khamenei Peskov said Russia will react 'very negatively' to Khamenei's assassination if it happens. A regime change in Iran, Peskov said, "is unimaginable," adding: "It should be unacceptable, even talking about that should be unacceptable for everyone." He warned that a regime change or threats to Iranian leadership will "open Pandora's box," and cause more instability in the Middle East and beyond. "It would lead to the birth of extremist moods inside Iran and those who are speaking about [Khamenei assassination], they should keep it in mind. They will open the Pandora's box," Peskov told Sky News in an interview published Friday (June 20). https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-iran-s-supreme-leader-ali-khamenei-issues-warning-says-zionist-enemy-being-punished-1750411568337/embed "The situation is extremely tense and is dangerous not only for the region but globally. An enlargement of the composition of the participants of the conflict is potentially even more dangerous. It will lead only to another circle of confrontation and escalation of tension in the region," he added. Where does the US stand on possible assassination of Khamenei? According to western and Israeli reports, Israel had made a proposal to Trump to assassinate the Iranian Supreme Leader, which he rejected. Trump later said in a Truth Social post that US does not plan to kill Khamanei “for now.” Asked if Russia would respond to an attack targeting Khamenei, Peskov said any reaction would 'come from inside Iran'. Russia's mediation offer was rejected by Trump Russia, a traditional close ally of Iran, had entered into a strategic partnership with the Islamic Republic in January. It should be noted that Iran had supplied many drones and ballistic missiles to Russia, which it used in its ongoing war against Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin had reportedly reached out to Iranian and Israeli leaders in the wake of the June 13 attack on Iran by Israel. The Kremlin said Israel was reluctant to accept the peace proposal, while the EU leaders rejected it. Trump earlier this week brushed off Russia's offer to mediate in the Israel-Iran war. He asked Putin to "mediate your own" war, referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While calling Trump's language unique, Peskov urged mutual tolerance. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments in the Israel-Iran conflict. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

It should be noted that Iran had supplied many drones and ballistic missiles to Russia that it used in its ongoing war against Ukraine. &nbsp;

A Pandora's Box: Iran regime change coming? Russia calls it unimaginable, unacceptable, warns killing Khamenei will...

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed on Thursday (June 19) that Iran fired cluster bombs in response to an increase in civilian casualties. The attacks with scattered small bombs mark the first use of cluster munitions in the ongoing conflicts between Iran and Israel.The Israeli military reported that a missile fired from Iran on June 19 exploded about 7 kilometres above ground, releasing around 20 submunitions over an 8-kilometre area in central Israel. These unguided munitions fall to the ground and are designed to explode on impact.“They are egregious weapons with their wide-area destruction, especially if used in a civilian populated area and could add to the unexploded ordnance left over from conflicts,” said Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association.<h2>What are cluster bombs?</h2>According to a report in NDTV, the cluster bomb is designed in a way that releases smaller bombs or “submunitions” covering wider areas. This bomb opens mid-air and is scattered into multiple smaller explosives across a broad target zone, instead of detonating in a single explosion.As per the HT report, cluster munitions can scatter smaller bombs over a wide area, posing long-term risks to civilians, as some take a longer time to detonate. Unexploded cluster bombs can cause casualties and harm unintended targets long after the conflict ends, and their removal is often costly and challenging.These bombs lack precision in targeting and can be affected by environmental factors like weather, potentially hitting unintended areas beyond the intended military target.<h2>When were cluster bombs first used?</h2>The cluster munitions were first used during World War II. In addition, a large number of stockpiled cluster munitions were designed during the Cold War to destroy multiple military targets scattered over a wide area, such as tanks or to kill or injure soldiers, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.Earlier in March 2025, Ukraine’s eastern region of Dobropillia was attacked by Russia with cluster bombs targeting the centre of the town, which claimed the lives of 11 people, injuring 40.Several media reports confirm that the Convention on Cluster Munitions was established in 2008 to prohibit the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions. It was signed by 123 nations, excluding Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. Through this convention, it also required members to destroy existing stockpiles of cluster munitions. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Iran fired cluster bombs at Israel. What are cluster bombs, and when were they first used? Find out all about cluster bombs.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed on Thursday (June 19) that Iran fired cluster bombs in response to an increase in civilian casualties. The attacks with scattered small bombs mark the first use of cluster munitions in the ongoing conflicts between Iran and Israel. The Israeli military reported that a missile fired from Iran on June 19 exploded about 7 kilometres above ground, releasing around 20 submunitions over an 8-kilometre area in central Israel. These unguided munitions fall to the ground and are designed to explode on impact. “They are egregious weapons with their wide-area destruction, especially if used in a civilian populated area and could add to the unexploded ordnance left over from conflicts,” said Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association. What are cluster bombs? According to a report in NDTV, the cluster bomb is designed in a way that releases smaller bombs or “submunitions” covering wider areas. This bomb opens mid-air and is scattered into multiple smaller explosives across a broad target zone, instead of detonating in a single explosion. As per the HT report, cluster munitions can scatter smaller bombs over a wide area, posing long-term risks to civilians, as some take a longer time to detonate. Unexploded cluster bombs can cause casualties and harm unintended targets long after the conflict ends, and their removal is often costly and challenging. These bombs lack precision in targeting and can be affected by environmental factors like weather, potentially hitting unintended areas beyond the intended military target. When were cluster bombs first used? The cluster munitions were first used during World War II. In addition, a large number of stockpiled cluster munitions were designed during the Cold War to destroy multiple military targets scattered over a wide area, such as tanks or to kill or injure soldiers, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Earlier in March 2025, Ukraine’s eastern region of Dobropillia was attacked by Russia with cluster bombs targeting the centre of the town, which claimed the lives of 11 people, injuring 40. Several media reports confirm that the Convention on Cluster Munitions was established in 2008 to prohibit the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions. It was signed by 123 nations, excluding Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. Through this convention, it also required members to destroy existing stockpiles of cluster munitions.

Iran fired cluster bombs at Israel. What are cluster bombs, and when were they first used? Find out all about cluster bombs.

EXPLAINED: What are Cluster Bombs? the deadly weapons used by Iran on Israel

In recent weeks, intelligence reports and defence experts have highlighted Iran’s growing advances in MIRV, a development that is raising alarms in Israel’s defence circles. Here’s what this technology is and why it matters:

In recent weeks, intelligence reports and defence experts have highlighted Iran’s growing advances in MIRV, a development that is raising alarms in Israel’s defence circles. Here’s what this technology is and why it matters:

What is Iran’s MIRV technology that has left Israel concerned?

Iranian missiles have hit the city of Beersheba in the ongoing war with Israel, hitting its hospitals, buildings and other installations. Soroka Hospital was among the targets, and Israel vowed revenge for the attack. So, where is Beersheba? Why is it important, and why did Iran attack the hospital? Please note that Iran and Israel are separated by 1,000 miles of territory. So the only major way to attack is through the air, which is why Iran is raining missiles on Israel, in the wake of the Jewish nation's offensive on the Islamic Republic that started on June 13.<h2>Where is Beersheba?</h2>Beersheba is a prominent city located in southern Israel’s Negev Desert. It is nearly 70 miles south of Jerusalem and 25 miles east of the Gaza Strip, where Israel is locked in battle with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Known as the capital of the Negev, Beersheba is the administrative and economic hub of southern Israel. &nbsp;As it is not located near a border, Beersheba is safe from conventional cross-border attacks.But it can be reached by Iran's long-range ballistic missiles. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-moves-closer-to-attacking-iran-1750397169331/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-moves-closer-to-attacking-iran-1750397169331/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>Iran's attack on Soroka Hospital</h2>Several people were injured in Iran's missile attack on Beersheba's Soroka Medical Center on Thursday (June 19). Iran claimed that the barrage was targeted at a nearby military and intelligence headquarters.&nbsp; The missiles, it appears, were meant for the Southern Command of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Gav-Yam Technology Park in the city. The Southern Command is believed to be located some two kilometres from Soroka Hospital. The attack on the hospital injured dozens of people. Casualties at the Soroka Hospital were limited as patients were moved underground in time, according to reports, but the building was damaged and on fire. Israeli leaders called the hospital attack by Iran a deliberate war crime. &nbsp;<h2>Beersheba’s strategic importance</h2>The IDF's Southern Command headquarters is believed to be coordinating military operations in southern Israel from Beersheba. The city is near airbases like Hatzerim and Nevatim. These airbases are playing a crucial role in Israel's air defence and operations.&nbsp; Beereheba also supports logistics and communication hubs. For all these reasons, Beersheba is strategically important, &nbsp;making it a high-value target Iran, in order to hit its military and civilian infrastructure.<h2>Is there a nuclear angle to Beersheba attack?</h2>Besides its role as a key urban centre hosting critical infrastructure, Beersheba is also located near Dimona. Some 20 miles away from Beersheba, Dimona hosts the nuclear research center of Israel. This adds to the strategic significance of Beersheba. By attacking Beersheba, Iran is possibly sending a signal that it can come very close to, and possibly attack, Israel's nuclear installations too. By using ballistic missiles and cluster munitions on a densely populated area like Beersheba, Iran is also possibly signalling that it can target civilian areas if it wants to. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments in the Israel-Iran conflict. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos. &nbsp;

Soroka Hospita in Beersheba was among Iran missile targets, and Israel vowed revenge for the attack. So, where is Beersheba? 

Iranian missiles have hit the city of Beersheba in the ongoing war with Israel, hitting its hospitals, buildings and other installations. Soroka Hospital was among the targets, and Israel vowed revenge for the attack. So, where is Beersheba? Why is it important, and why did Iran attack the hospital? Please note that Iran and Israel are separated by 1,000 miles of territory. So the only major way to attack is through the air, which is why Iran is raining missiles on Israel, in the wake of the Jewish nation's offensive on the Islamic Republic that started on June 13. Where is Beersheba? Beersheba is a prominent city located in southern Israel’s Negev Desert. It is nearly 70 miles south of Jerusalem and 25 miles east of the Gaza Strip, where Israel is locked in battle with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Known as the capital of the Negev, Beersheba is the administrative and economic hub of southern Israel. As it is not located near a border, Beersheba is safe from conventional cross-border attacks.But it can be reached by Iran's long-range ballistic missiles. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-moves-closer-to-attacking-iran-1750397169331/embed Iran's attack on Soroka Hospital Several people were injured in Iran's missile attack on Beersheba's Soroka Medical Center on Thursday (June 19). Iran claimed that the barrage was targeted at a nearby military and intelligence headquarters. The missiles, it appears, were meant for the Southern Command of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Gav-Yam Technology Park in the city. The Southern Command is believed to be located some two kilometres from Soroka Hospital. The attack on the hospital injured dozens of people. Casualties at the Soroka Hospital were limited as patients were moved underground in time, according to reports, but the building was damaged and on fire. Israeli leaders called the hospital attack by Iran a deliberate war crime. Beersheba’s strategic importance The IDF's Southern Command headquarters is believed to be coordinating military operations in southern Israel from Beersheba. The city is near airbases like Hatzerim and Nevatim. These airbases are playing a crucial role in Israel's air defence and operations. Beereheba also supports logistics and communication hubs. For all these reasons, Beersheba is strategically important, making it a high-value target Iran, in order to hit its military and civilian infrastructure. Is there a nuclear angle to Beersheba attack? Besides its role as a key urban centre hosting critical infrastructure, Beersheba is also located near Dimona. Some 20 miles away from Beersheba, Dimona hosts the nuclear research center of Israel. This adds to the strategic significance of Beersheba. By attacking Beersheba, Iran is possibly sending a signal that it can come very close to, and possibly attack, Israel's nuclear installations too. By using ballistic missiles and cluster munitions on a densely populated area like Beersheba, Iran is also possibly signalling that it can target civilian areas if it wants to. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments in the Israel-Iran conflict. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

Soroka Hospita in Beersheba was among Iran's targets, and Israel vowed revenge for the attack. So, where is Beersheba?&nbsp;

Why did Iran target Beersheba? Is there a nuclear angle? Know about city burning after Iranian missile attack

A young girl who escaped Ukraine to get treatment for a rare form of blood cancer died in Israel this week. The disease did not kill her; humans did. Her heart-wrenching story is a testimony to the common man's struggle to survive in a world where world leaders are out to reign supreme by using missiles and bombs, without a care about the people who live in these countries. Seven-year-old Nastya Buryk's father is still fighting the war against Russia, while his entire family has now perished in an Iranian attack far from home. In 2022, Nastya's father joined the Ukrainian army after Russia invaded the country. He is a soldier of the elite 95th Airborne Assault Brigade. The same year, Nastya was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.Her mother, Maria, shared the news on social media: "On August 29, 2022, we heard the terrible news: 'Your daughter has cancer.'" She added that since that day, she has been "living in a parallel reality, where her main aim is to save her little girl, not to give up, and breathe. Nastya underwent her first course of chemotherapy in Ukraine. Her condition improved, but she suffered a relapse.Ukraine was fighting a war, and the country was not equipped to treat Nastya.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-appoints-brig-gen-majid-khadami-as-new-intelligence-chief-after-israeli-strike-kills-top-irgc-commanders-1750379791746">Iran appoints Brig Gen Majid Khadami as new intelligence chief after Israeli strike kills top IRGC commanders</a>&nbsp;The family started looking at their options and decided to take her to another country. They got some charitable donations, but largely using their own money, they went to Israel in December 2022, almost a year before the Hamas attack.Nastya and her mother were now out of a war zone. She underwent a bone marrow transplant, but it failed. Leukaemia continued to hold the little one. The family started falling short of money. Her mother shared their ordeal on social media, while her father, Artem, appealed for donations in videos recorded from the front line. One hospital even discharged Nastya because her mother could not pay the bills.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-iran-war-saroka-hospital-bunkers-saved-many-lives-services-halted-rooms-damaged-1750388166390/embed&nbsp;Soon, doctors suggested a new line of treatment to make the failed bone marrow transplant a success. Her mother shared that "it would be a risk, but without it, the disease would win, and they had to remain hopeful. Amid this, Nastya's grandmother decided to go to Israel this year to support the young one and her mother. She took with him two of Nastya's young cousins to get them a proper education, which was hard to come by in Odesa, where missiles continued to wreak havoc.Then Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, and the family once again found itself in a war zone. It attacked Iran and killed several of its officials. Iran responded with a barrage of missile and drone attacks, one of which struck the apartment building in Bat Yam where Nastya and her family were staying on June 13. All of them died. &nbsp;

Iran-Israel war: A young girl escaped her war-torn country to get treatment for cancer in Israel. She died in the Iranian attack in Bat Yam, Israel, along with her mother, grandmother and two young cousins.

A young girl who escaped Ukraine to get treatment for a rare form of blood cancer died in Israel this week. The disease did not kill her; humans did. Her heart-wrenching story is a testimony to the common man's struggle to survive in a world where world leaders are out to reign supreme by using missiles and bombs, without a care about the people who live in these countries. Seven-year-old Nastya Buryk's father is still fighting the war against Russia, while his entire family has now perished in an Iranian attack far from home. In 2022, Nastya's father joined the Ukrainian army after Russia invaded the country. He is a soldier of the elite 95th Airborne Assault Brigade. The same year, Nastya was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Her mother, Maria, shared the news on social media: "On August 29, 2022, we heard the terrible news: 'Your daughter has cancer.'" She added that since that day, she has been "living in a parallel reality, where her main aim is to save her little girl, not to give up, and breathe. Nastya underwent her first course of chemotherapy in Ukraine. Her condition improved, but she suffered a relapse. Ukraine was fighting a war, and the country was not equipped to treat Nastya. Also Read: Iran appoints Brig Gen Majid Khadami as new intelligence chief after Israeli strike kills top IRGC commanders The family started looking at their options and decided to take her to another country. They got some charitable donations, but largely using their own money, they went to Israel in December 2022, almost a year before the Hamas attack. Nastya and her mother were now out of a war zone. She underwent a bone marrow transplant, but it failed. Leukaemia continued to hold the little one. The family started falling short of money. Her mother shared their ordeal on social media, while her father, Artem, appealed for donations in videos recorded from the front line. One hospital even discharged Nastya because her mother could not pay the bills. https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-iran-war-saroka-hospital-bunkers-saved-many-lives-services-halted-rooms-damaged-1750388166390/embed Soon, doctors suggested a new line of treatment to make the failed bone marrow transplant a success. Her mother shared that "it would be a risk, but without it, the disease would win, and they had to remain hopeful. Amid this, Nastya's grandmother decided to go to Israel this year to support the young one and her mother. She took with him two of Nastya's young cousins to get them a proper education, which was hard to come by in Odesa, where missiles continued to wreak havoc. Then Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, and the family once again found itself in a war zone. It attacked Iran and killed several of its officials. Iran responded with a barrage of missile and drone attacks, one of which struck the apartment building in Bat Yam where Nastya and her family were staying on June 13. All of them died.

Iran-Israel war: A young girl escaped her war-torn country to get treatment for cancer in Israel. She died in the Iranian attack in Bat Yam, Israel, along with her mother, grandmother and two young cousins.

Seven-year-old girl who escaped war-torn Ukraine for cancer treatment in Israel dies in Iranian attack

An explosion was reported on Thursday (Jun 19) at the residence of the Norwegian ambassador to Israel in Herzliya, the Norwegian foreign ministry said. This comes as Israel and Iran trade attacks for the seventh day. According to officials, a grenade was thrown into the yard of the home of the Norwegian ambassador to Israel. The officials added that there had been no injuries.&nbsp;“There was an explosion outside the Norwegian residence in Tel Aviv Thursday evening,” Tuva Bogsnes, Head of Communications at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement to AFP.&nbsp;He added that “no embassy staff were physically injured in the incident.” The Israeli police was present at the scene.&nbsp;In a post on X, Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar said that he had been in contact with Norway’s ambassador to Israel, Per Egil Selvaag. He added that Selvaag’s home was targeted by “a shrapnel grenade.”&nbsp;“I strongly condemn this serious and dangerous crime,” Saar said.&nbsp;The conflict between Israel and Iran have continued for a week now, as both sides launch missiles and drone attacks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said that Israel is capable of striking all Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow. He also claimed that Israel had destroyed more than half of Iran’s missile launchers as the fighting continues on the seventh day.&nbsp;Meanwhile, The White House on Thursday (Jun 19) said that Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in the space of a “couple of weeks”. US President Donald Trump said that he will decide whether the United States will join Israel in its military operations against Iran in the next two weeks, the White House said in a statement.&nbsp;Iran and European diplomats said that talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme will be held in Geneva on Friday. Top officials from Britain, France, Germany, the European Union, along with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, will be present at the discussions.&nbsp;According to a Wall Street Journal report, Trump has approved attack plans but is waiting to see if Iran will give up its nuclear programme. However, in a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “The Wall Street Journal has No Idea what my thoughts are concerning Iran!”&nbsp;

Hebrew media reported that a grenade was thrown at the residence, which resulted in damage to the building.

An explosion was reported on Thursday (Jun 19) at the residence of the Norwegian ambassador to Israel in Herzliya, the Norwegian foreign ministry said. This comes as Israel and Iran trade attacks for the seventh day. According to officials, a grenade was thrown into the yard of the home of the Norwegian ambassador to Israel. The officials added that there had been no injuries. “There was an explosion outside the Norwegian residence in Tel Aviv Thursday evening,” Tuva Bogsnes, Head of Communications at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement to AFP. He added that “no embassy staff were physically injured in the incident.” The Israeli police was present at the scene. In a post on X, Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar said that he had been in contact with Norway’s ambassador to Israel, Per Egil Selvaag. He added that Selvaag’s home was targeted by “a shrapnel grenade.” “I strongly condemn this serious and dangerous crime,” Saar said. The conflict between Israel and Iran have continued for a week now, as both sides launch missiles and drone attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said that Israel is capable of striking all Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow. He also claimed that Israel had destroyed more than half of Iran’s missile launchers as the fighting continues on the seventh day. Meanwhile, The White House on Thursday (Jun 19) said that Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in the space of a “couple of weeks”. US President Donald Trump said that he will decide whether the United States will join Israel in its military operations against Iran in the next two weeks, the White House said in a statement. Iran and European diplomats said that talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme will be held in Geneva on Friday. Top officials from Britain, France, Germany, the European Union, along with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, will be present at the discussions. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Trump has approved attack plans but is waiting to see if Iran will give up its nuclear programme. However, in a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “The Wall Street Journal has No Idea what my thoughts are concerning Iran!”

Hebrew media reported that a grenade was thrown at the residence, which resulted in damage to the building.

Israel-Iran war: Explosion reported at Norwegian envoy’s residence in Israel’s Herzliya

The White House on Thursday (Jun 19) said that Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in the space of a “couple of weeks”. This comes as the conflict between Israel and Iran enters the seventh day, with both sides engaging in missile and drone attacks. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said that he will decide whether the United States will join Israel in its military operations against Iran in the next two weeks, the White House said in a statement.&nbsp;“Iran has all that it needs to achieve a nuclear weapon. All they need is a decision from the supreme leader to do that, and it would take a couple of weeks to complete the production of that weapon,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters during a press briefing on Thursday.&nbsp;Reading out a message from the US president, Leavitt said that there had been “a lot of speculation” about whether the US will get “directly involved” in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.&nbsp;“Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” Trump said in the statement.&nbsp;Iran and European diplomats said that talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme will be held in Geneva on Friday. Top officials from Britain, France, Germany, the European Union, along with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, will be present at the discussions.&nbsp;According to a Wall Street Journal report, Trump has approved attack plans but is waiting to see if Iran will give up its nuclear programme. However, in a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “The Wall Street Journal has No Idea what my thoughts are concerning Iran!”&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said that Israel is capable of striking all Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow. He also claimed that Israel had destroyed more than half of Iran’s missile launchers as the fighting continues on the seventh day.

This comes as the conflict between Israel and Iran enters the seventh day, with both sides engaging in missile and drone attacks.

The White House on Thursday (Jun 19) said that Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in the space of a “couple of weeks”. This comes as the conflict between Israel and Iran enters the seventh day, with both sides engaging in missile and drone attacks. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said that he will decide whether the United States will join Israel in its military operations against Iran in the next two weeks, the White House said in a statement. “Iran has all that it needs to achieve a nuclear weapon. All they need is a decision from the supreme leader to do that, and it would take a couple of weeks to complete the production of that weapon,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters during a press briefing on Thursday. Reading out a message from the US president, Leavitt said that there had been “a lot of speculation” about whether the US will get “directly involved” in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. “Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” Trump said in the statement. Iran and European diplomats said that talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme will be held in Geneva on Friday. Top officials from Britain, France, Germany, the European Union, along with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, will be present at the discussions. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Trump has approved attack plans but is waiting to see if Iran will give up its nuclear programme. However, in a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “The Wall Street Journal has No Idea what my thoughts are concerning Iran!” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said that Israel is capable of striking all Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow. He also claimed that Israel had destroyed more than half of Iran’s missile launchers as the fighting continues on the seventh day.

This comes as the conflict between Israel and Iran enters the seventh day, with both sides engaging in missile and drone attacks.

Iran could make nuclear bomb in ‘a couple of weeks’, says White House

As the conflict between Israel and Iran entered its Seventh day on Thursday (June 18), the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said, ‘Any American intervention would be a recipe for an all-out war in the region.’Iran's comments come amid reports that the United States is ramping up its military presence in the Middle East and Europe. US officials told The Washington Post on Monday (June 16) that this includes sending more refuelling aircraft and redirecting a major aircraft carrier to the region, signs that Washington may be preparing for possible involvement in the conflict.On Tuesday (June 17), President Donald Trump said that the US now had “complete and total control” of Iran’s airspace, the clearest signal yet that America might be getting involved.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-entering-israel-iran-war-trump-claims-complete-us-control-over-iran-s-airspace-1750176925020">US entering Israel-Iran war? Trump claims 'complete US control' over Iran’s airspace</a>Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated, “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran. Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn’t compare to American-made, conceived, and manufactured ‘stuff.’ Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA.”This marked the first open suggestion that the US might be taking direct military steps beyond previously declared defensive support for Israel.<h2>Tankers and jets moved closer to the Middle East</h2>Over Sunday and Monday, more than two dozen US tanker aircraft were flown to air bases across Europe, including in Spain, Greece, Germany, Italy and Scotland. These included KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-46 Pegasus jets.This movement puts the aircraft closer to the Middle East, allowing them to support US operations or respond to threats near conflict zones. US officials told The Washington Post that the deployment was part of contingency planning to protect American bases and assets in the region.<h2>USS Nimitz redirected towards Middle East</h2>The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, originally scheduled for a port visit in Vietnam, has been sent more quickly toward the Middle East. The carrier, carrying around 5,000 sailors and dozens of fighter jets and is expected to cross the Indian Ocean to join other US warships already in the region.<h2>Where are US warships currently deployed?</h2>The Pentagon has stationed a wide range of forces in and around the region:• USS Carl Vinson is in the Arabian Sea, accompanied by the USS Princeton and three destroyers: USS Milius, USS Sterett and USS Wayne E. Meyer.• USS Truxtun and USS Forrest Sherman are in the Red Sea.• USS Canberra, a littoral combat ship, is docked in Bahrain.• In the Mediterranean, USS Sullivans, USS Arleigh Burke, and USS Thomas Hudner are on patrol. The Hudner was moved closer to Israel after strikes on Iran began.<h2>US says it’s acting defensively, for now</h2>Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Monday that he had “directed the deployment of additional capabilities” to the Middle East.“Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region,” he said in a post on X.Speaking later on Fox News, Hegseth said, “What it looks like right now is that we’re vigilant. We’re prepared. And, we’ve messaged consistently from the beginning that we’re in the region to defend our people and our assets.”He added that while speculation was growing, the US remained “strong, prepared and acting defensively.”<h2>What started the latest round of the Israel-Iran war?</h2>The military build-up follows a series of Israeli air strikes last week on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which triggered counterattacks and intensified fighting on both sides. Though the US has publicly said it is not taking part in the attacks, it has been helping to intercept Iranian drones and missiles using systems like Patriot and THAAD.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on Monday that “American pilots also are targeting Iranian drones” and said he has been in regular contact with President Trump.So far, Iran has not targeted US military bases or taken steps like mining the Strait of Hormuz, which could trigger direct American involvement.

Though the US has publicly said it is not taking part in the attacks, it has been helping to intercept Iranian drones and missiles using systems like Patriot and THAAD.

As the conflict between Israel and Iran entered its Seventh day on Thursday (June 18), the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said, ‘Any American intervention would be a recipe for an all-out war in the region.’ Iran's comments come amid reports that the United States is ramping up its military presence in the Middle East and Europe. US officials told The Washington Post on Monday (June 16) that this includes sending more refuelling aircraft and redirecting a major aircraft carrier to the region, signs that Washington may be preparing for possible involvement in the conflict. On Tuesday (June 17), President Donald Trump said that the US now had “complete and total control” of Iran’s airspace, the clearest signal yet that America might be getting involved. Also read: US entering Israel-Iran war? Trump claims 'complete US control' over Iran’s airspace Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated, “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran. Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn’t compare to American-made, conceived, and manufactured ‘stuff.’ Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA.” This marked the first open suggestion that the US might be taking direct military steps beyond previously declared defensive support for Israel. Tankers and jets moved closer to the Middle East Over Sunday and Monday, more than two dozen US tanker aircraft were flown to air bases across Europe, including in Spain, Greece, Germany, Italy and Scotland. These included KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-46 Pegasus jets. This movement puts the aircraft closer to the Middle East, allowing them to support US operations or respond to threats near conflict zones. US officials told The Washington Post that the deployment was part of contingency planning to protect American bases and assets in the region. USS Nimitz redirected towards Middle East The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, originally scheduled for a port visit in Vietnam, has been sent more quickly toward the Middle East. The carrier, carrying around 5,000 sailors and dozens of fighter jets and is expected to cross the Indian Ocean to join other US warships already in the region. Where are US warships currently deployed? The Pentagon has stationed a wide range of forces in and around the region: • USS Carl Vinson is in the Arabian Sea, accompanied by the USS Princeton and three destroyers: USS Milius, USS Sterett and USS Wayne E. Meyer. • USS Truxtun and USS Forrest Sherman are in the Red Sea. • USS Canberra, a littoral combat ship, is docked in Bahrain. • In the Mediterranean, USS Sullivans, USS Arleigh Burke, and USS Thomas Hudner are on patrol. The Hudner was moved closer to Israel after strikes on Iran began. US says it’s acting defensively, for now Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Monday that he had “directed the deployment of additional capabilities” to the Middle East. “Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region,” he said in a post on X. Speaking later on Fox News, Hegseth said, “What it looks like right now is that we’re vigilant. We’re prepared. And, we’ve messaged consistently from the beginning that we’re in the region to defend our people and our assets.” He added that while speculation was growing, the US remained “strong, prepared and acting defensively.” What started the latest round of the Israel-Iran war? The military build-up follows a series of Israeli air strikes last week on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which triggered counterattacks and intensified fighting on both sides. Though the US has publicly said it is not taking part in the attacks, it has been helping to intercept Iranian drones and missiles using systems like Patriot and THAAD. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on Monday that “American pilots also are targeting Iranian drones” and said he has been in regular contact with President Trump. So far, Iran has not targeted US military bases or taken steps like mining the Strait of Hormuz, which could trigger direct American involvement.

Though the US has publicly said it is not taking part in the attacks, it has been helping to intercept Iranian drones and missiles using systems like Patriot and THAAD.

'Tankers moving closer, warships deployed': Is US military ready to enter Israel-Iran war? Here's what the weapon movement suggest

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (June 19) said that Israel is capable of hitting all Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordo, adding that Israel&nbsp; has destroyed more than half of Iran's missile launchers as the war continues for over a week now.In a Hebrew language interview with Kan public broadcaster, Netanyahu said that Israel is "changing face of the world" in war with Iran, now in its seventh day."I said that we're changing the face of the Middle East, and now I say we're changing the face of the world," he told public broadcaster Kan.When asked whether Israel has the ability to destroy Iran's underground Fordo nuclear facility without US assistance, he said, “We will achieve all our objectives and hit all of their nuclear facilities. We have the capability to do that.”<h2>'All help welcome'</h2>Netanyahu said that Israel is capable of striking all of Iran's nuclear facilities, but "all help is welcome".He added that US President Donald Trump "will do what is good for the United States, and I will do what is good for the State of Israel".Netanyahu said that Israel is "ahead of schedule" in its operation against Iran.“We are ahead of the schedule we set — both in terms of timing and results,” he said on the seventh day of the campaign.He further praised the work, calling it "outstanding" and explained that he decided on the operation after Israel weakened Iran’s strongest proxy, Hezbollah at the end of last year when it was clear that Iran “was racing toward a nuclear capability.”“The elimination of (former Hezbollah head Hassan)Nasrallah broke the Iranian axis. What does (Iran) have left?… This operation has been in planning for many months,” he added.Earlier in the day, Netanyahu announced the two-fold goal in the Iran war as the Israel-Iran continues for over a week now, attacking nuclear facilities and military officials.He vowed to "remove" the nuclear and ballistic missile threat posed by Iran, on the seventh day of war between the arch-foes."We are committed to destroying the nuclear threat, the threat of nuclear annihilation against Israel," Netanyahu told reporters in the southern city of Beersheba, where a hospital was hit during an Iranian missile attack.He stressed that the goal is twofold, nuclear and ballistic missile."Our goal is twofold -– nuclear, ballistic missile. We're going to remove them. We are in the process of completing the (removal of) this threat," he said.He also said that Israel is eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat, and Tehran will not obtain a nuclear weapon.&nbsp;

During an interview with Kan public broadcaster, Netanyahu said that Israel is "ahead of schedule" in its operation against Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (June 19) said that Israel is capable of hitting all Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordo, adding that Israel has destroyed more than half of Iran's missile launchers as the war continues for over a week now. In a Hebrew language interview with Kan public broadcaster, Netanyahu said that Israel is "changing face of the world" in war with Iran, now in its seventh day. "I said that we're changing the face of the Middle East, and now I say we're changing the face of the world," he told public broadcaster Kan. When asked whether Israel has the ability to destroy Iran's underground Fordo nuclear facility without US assistance, he said, “We will achieve all our objectives and hit all of their nuclear facilities. We have the capability to do that.” 'All help welcome' Netanyahu said that Israel is capable of striking all of Iran's nuclear facilities, but "all help is welcome". He added that US President Donald Trump "will do what is good for the United States, and I will do what is good for the State of Israel". Netanyahu said that Israel is "ahead of schedule" in its operation against Iran. “We are ahead of the schedule we set — both in terms of timing and results,” he said on the seventh day of the campaign. He further praised the work, calling it "outstanding" and explained that he decided on the operation after Israel weakened Iran’s strongest proxy, Hezbollah at the end of last year when it was clear that Iran “was racing toward a nuclear capability.” “The elimination of (former Hezbollah head Hassan)Nasrallah broke the Iranian axis. What does (Iran) have left?… This operation has been in planning for many months,” he added. Earlier in the day, Netanyahu announced the two-fold goal in the Iran war as the Israel-Iran continues for over a week now, attacking nuclear facilities and military officials. He vowed to "remove" the nuclear and ballistic missile threat posed by Iran, on the seventh day of war between the arch-foes. "We are committed to destroying the nuclear threat, the threat of nuclear annihilation against Israel," Netanyahu told reporters in the southern city of Beersheba, where a hospital was hit during an Iranian missile attack. He stressed that the goal is twofold, nuclear and ballistic missile. "Our goal is twofold -– nuclear, ballistic missile. We're going to remove them. We are in the process of completing the (removal of) this threat," he said. He also said that Israel is eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat, and Tehran will not obtain a nuclear weapon.

During an interview with Kan public broadcaster, Netanyahu said that Israel is "ahead of schedule" in its operation against Iran.

Israel capable of hitting Iran's Fordo nuclear facility, but Netanyahu 'still welcomes help'

Iran’s possession of American-made F-14 Tomcat jets, decades after they were retired by the US Navy, remains one of the most curious stories in military aviation.These fighter aircraft were originally sold to Iran under very different political circumstances, long before the 1979 Islamic Revolution transformed Iran’s relationship with the West.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-how-did-iran-breach-israel-s-iron-dome-tel-aviv-s-air-defence-shield-has-cracks-and-tehran-is-exploiting-them-1750239971013">Israel-Iran war: How did Iran breach Israel’s Iron Dome? Tel Aviv’s air defence shield has cracks and Tehran is exploiting them</a>In the mid-1970s, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, then the Shah of Iran and a key US ally, wanted to modernise Iran’s air force. As part of a landmark arms deal worth $2 billion, the United States agreed to sell Iran 80 F-14s along with hundreds of Phoenix air-to-air missiles. This agreement, known as Project Persian King, was at the time the largest foreign military sale in American history.Alongside the jets, the US Navy trained Iranian pilots, many of whom were sent to San Diego’s Miramar Naval Air Station to learn the ins and outs of the Tomcat.<h2>What happened after the 1979 revolution?</h2>After the Shah was overthrown in 1979 and Ayatollah Khomeini came to power, Iran suddenly became America’s adversary. The Islamic Republic seized the US Embassy in Tehran, and relations collapsed. Initially, the new regime grounded the F-14s and imprisoned many of the pilots who had been trained in the US.But that soon changed. When Iraq invaded Iran in September 1980, launching both ground and air assaults, Iran needed every capable aircraft it could deploy. The F-14s were quickly brought back into service, and their pilots were released from jail.Despite sabotage by departing American technicians and the absence of support from Grumman Aerospace, Iran managed to return the Tomcats to the skies.<h2>The only other F-14 operator in the world</h2>The United States Navy retired the F-14 in 2006, making Iran the only country still flying the aircraft. According to the Military Balance 2024 report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Iran had up to 10 F-14s in its inventory at the start of 2024, although it is unclear how many of those were actually airworthy.Iran also possesses other aircraft such as MiG-29s and F-4 Phantoms. But the continued visibility of the ageing Tomcats, most recently seen in Israeli drone strike footage from 16 June 2025, suggests Tehran still considers them a strategic asset.<h2>The challenge of keeping them flying</h2>Keeping the F-14s operational has been extremely difficult for Iran. The jets rely on complex American-made systems such as the AN/AWG-9 radar and advanced missiles like the AIM-54 Phoenix. Over time, as sanctions tightened, Iran turned to a black market network of smugglers and arms dealers to acquire spare parts, some even sourced from within the US.In a surprising twist, early in the 1980s, Israeli arms dealers are believed to have sold F-14 parts to Iran despite the official hostility between the two nations. This covert supply chain eventually collapsed once Iran-backed Hezbollah began attacking Israel.<h2>Combat history: The Tomcat in Iran-Iraq War</h2>Iranian F-14s played a major role during the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War. Using superior radar and missiles, the Tomcats reportedly shot down over 100 Iraqi aircraft, including MiG-21s and MiG-23s. According to military historian Tom Cooper, during that war, “the Iranian F-14 pilots scored 159 total kills.”In contrast, US Navy F-14 pilots shot down only five enemy aircraft across 34 years of service.<h2>Where do things stand today?</h2>Despite operating in near-total isolation for decades, Iran has managed to maintain a small fleet of F-14s. However, their operational readiness remains questionable. During a planned air show in late 2024, Iran showcased only one F-14, while many other aircraft were either absent or reportedly in poor condition.Even so, the Tomcat’s endurance in Iranian service, almost 50 years since it was first delivered, is a testament to the lengths Iran has gone to preserve one of the most advanced fighters of its time.

The United States Navy retired the F-14 in 2006, making Iran the only country still flying the aircraft. 

Iran’s possession of American-made F-14 Tomcat jets, decades after they were retired by the US Navy, remains one of the most curious stories in military aviation. These fighter aircraft were originally sold to Iran under very different political circumstances, long before the 1979 Islamic Revolution transformed Iran’s relationship with the West. Also read: Israel-Iran war: How did Iran breach Israel’s Iron Dome? Tel Aviv’s air defence shield has cracks and Tehran is exploiting them In the mid-1970s, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, then the Shah of Iran and a key US ally, wanted to modernise Iran’s air force. As part of a landmark arms deal worth $2 billion, the United States agreed to sell Iran 80 F-14s along with hundreds of Phoenix air-to-air missiles. This agreement, known as Project Persian King, was at the time the largest foreign military sale in American history. Alongside the jets, the US Navy trained Iranian pilots, many of whom were sent to San Diego’s Miramar Naval Air Station to learn the ins and outs of the Tomcat. What happened after the 1979 revolution? After the Shah was overthrown in 1979 and Ayatollah Khomeini came to power, Iran suddenly became America’s adversary. The Islamic Republic seized the US Embassy in Tehran, and relations collapsed. Initially, the new regime grounded the F-14s and imprisoned many of the pilots who had been trained in the US. But that soon changed. When Iraq invaded Iran in September 1980, launching both ground and air assaults, Iran needed every capable aircraft it could deploy. The F-14s were quickly brought back into service, and their pilots were released from jail. Despite sabotage by departing American technicians and the absence of support from Grumman Aerospace, Iran managed to return the Tomcats to the skies. The only other F-14 operator in the world The United States Navy retired the F-14 in 2006, making Iran the only country still flying the aircraft. According to the Military Balance 2024 report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Iran had up to 10 F-14s in its inventory at the start of 2024, although it is unclear how many of those were actually airworthy. Iran also possesses other aircraft such as MiG-29s and F-4 Phantoms. But the continued visibility of the ageing Tomcats, most recently seen in Israeli drone strike footage from 16 June 2025, suggests Tehran still considers them a strategic asset. The challenge of keeping them flying Keeping the F-14s operational has been extremely difficult for Iran. The jets rely on complex American-made systems such as the AN/AWG-9 radar and advanced missiles like the AIM-54 Phoenix. Over time, as sanctions tightened, Iran turned to a black market network of smugglers and arms dealers to acquire spare parts, some even sourced from within the US. In a surprising twist, early in the 1980s, Israeli arms dealers are believed to have sold F-14 parts to Iran despite the official hostility between the two nations. This covert supply chain eventually collapsed once Iran-backed Hezbollah began attacking Israel. Combat history: The Tomcat in Iran-Iraq War Iranian F-14s played a major role during the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War. Using superior radar and missiles, the Tomcats reportedly shot down over 100 Iraqi aircraft, including MiG-21s and MiG-23s. According to military historian Tom Cooper, during that war, “the Iranian F-14 pilots scored 159 total kills.” In contrast, US Navy F-14 pilots shot down only five enemy aircraft across 34 years of service. Where do things stand today? Despite operating in near-total isolation for decades, Iran has managed to maintain a small fleet of F-14s. However, their operational readiness remains questionable. During a planned air show in late 2024, Iran showcased only one F-14, while many other aircraft were either absent or reportedly in poor condition. Even so, the Tomcat’s endurance in Iranian service, almost 50 years since it was first delivered, is a testament to the lengths Iran has gone to preserve one of the most advanced fighters of its time.

The United States Navy retired the F-14 in 2006, making Iran the only country still flying the aircraft.

Israel-Iran war: How did Iran get American F-14 'Tomcats' fighter jet, and why is it still flying them years after US retired them?

US President Donald Trump will be making a decision on joining Israel in attacking Iran or not, in two weeks as the war between Israel and Iran continues for a week now with Israel attacking Tehran's nuclear facilities and military officials.During White House briefing, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said that trump will “make a decision on whether to attack Iran within two weeks.”"Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks," Trump said in a statement read out by his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt.The White House added that “correspondence has continued with Iran.”<h2>'No one is pushing them'</h2>An Israeli official on Thursday told The Times of Israel that it expects that US President Donald Trump will join the strikes against Iran’s nuclear program.“The expectation is that they join, but no one is pushing them,” says the official. “They have to make their own decision.”“We’ll know in the next 24-48 hours,” the official estimated, before the White House said that the US president will decide in the next two weeks.Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz is fully coordinated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his threats to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, saying that the official “Katz always makes his statements according to what Netanyahu asks him to do. He’s not doing it on his own.”Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (June 19) said that Israel has destroyed more than half of Iran's missile launchers as the war continues for over a week now."I said that we're changing the face of the Middle East, and now I say we're changing the face of the world," he told public broadcaster Kan.Netanyahu said that Israel is capable of striking all of Iran's nuclear facilities, but "all help is welcome".He added that US President Donald Trump "will do what is good for the United States, and I will do what is good for the State of Israel".Netanyahu announced the two-fold goal in the Iran war as the Israel-Iran continues for over a week now, attacking nuclear facilities and military officials.

During White House briefing, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said that trump will “make a decision on whether to attack Iran within two weeks.”

US President Donald Trump will be making a decision on joining Israel in attacking Iran or not, in two weeks as the war between Israel and Iran continues for a week now with Israel attacking Tehran's nuclear facilities and military officials. During White House briefing, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said that trump will “make a decision on whether to attack Iran within two weeks.” "Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks," Trump said in a statement read out by his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt. The White House added that “correspondence has continued with Iran.” 'No one is pushing them' An Israeli official on Thursday told The Times of Israel that it expects that US President Donald Trump will join the strikes against Iran’s nuclear program. “The expectation is that they join, but no one is pushing them,” says the official. “They have to make their own decision.” “We’ll know in the next 24-48 hours,” the official estimated, before the White House said that the US president will decide in the next two weeks. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz is fully coordinated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his threats to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, saying that the official “Katz always makes his statements according to what Netanyahu asks him to do. He’s not doing it on his own.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (June 19) said that Israel has destroyed more than half of Iran's missile launchers as the war continues for over a week now. "I said that we're changing the face of the Middle East, and now I say we're changing the face of the world," he told public broadcaster Kan. Netanyahu said that Israel is capable of striking all of Iran's nuclear facilities, but "all help is welcome". He added that US President Donald Trump "will do what is good for the United States, and I will do what is good for the State of Israel". Netanyahu announced the two-fold goal in the Iran war as the Israel-Iran continues for over a week now, attacking nuclear facilities and military officials.

During White House briefing, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said that trump will “make a decision on whether to attack Iran within two weeks.”

Trump to make decision on attacking Iran in 'NEXT TWO WEEKS' as Israel-Iran war enters seventh day

As fighting between Israel and Iran completes its first week, US President Donald Trump continues to keep the world guessing about whether America will take military action against Tehran.The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had approved military plans to strike Iran, but had not yet given the final order. According to the paper, senior officials said the Fordow nuclear site, buried under a mountain, was among the potential targets, one that would require the most powerful weapons in the US arsenal.<h2>Trump hits back at reports</h2>Trump reacted angrily to the article without naming it directly, writing on Truth Social, “The Wall Street Journal has No Idea what my thoughts are concerning Iran!”At a press conference earlier, he admitted he had not made a final decision: “I may do it. I may not do it.”Trump added that he does not want war, but left the door open if it means stopping Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.“I’m not looking to fight. But if it’s a choice between fighting and them having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do,” he added.Trump also said, “I have ideas as to what to do. I like to make a final decision one second before it’s due.”According to the Journal, Trump hopes his unpredictability will pressure Iran into dropping its nuclear programme. However, Iran has continued its retaliatory strikes after Israeli air raids began last Friday.<h2>Rising death toll in Iran and Israel</h2>The conflict began when Israel launched attacks on several Iranian sites, including military and nuclear facilities. Since then, the situation has spiralled.In Israel, at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds more injured by Iranian missile strikes. In Iran, local media report 585 dead and more than 1,300 wounded in Israeli attacks.Despite the worsening conflict, Trump’s stance remains unclear, not just to the public or US allies, but perhaps even to himself.<h2>A president like no other</h2>No modern US president has managed a potential war with such unpredictability. Iran’s leaders and Israel are all watching closely, but they still don’t know what Trump will do. And judging by his own words, neither&nbsp;does&nbsp;he.Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

The conflict began when Israel launched attacks on several Iranian sites, including military and nuclear facilities. Since then, the situation has spiralled.

As fighting between Israel and Iran completes its first week, US President Donald Trump continues to keep the world guessing about whether America will take military action against Tehran. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had approved military plans to strike Iran, but had not yet given the final order. According to the paper, senior officials said the Fordow nuclear site, buried under a mountain, was among the potential targets, one that would require the most powerful weapons in the US arsenal. Trump hits back at reports Trump reacted angrily to the article without naming it directly, writing on Truth Social, “The Wall Street Journal has No Idea what my thoughts are concerning Iran!” At a press conference earlier, he admitted he had not made a final decision: “I may do it. I may not do it.” Trump added that he does not want war, but left the door open if it means stopping Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. “I’m not looking to fight. But if it’s a choice between fighting and them having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do,” he added. Trump also said, “I have ideas as to what to do. I like to make a final decision one second before it’s due.” According to the Journal, Trump hopes his unpredictability will pressure Iran into dropping its nuclear programme. However, Iran has continued its retaliatory strikes after Israeli air raids began last Friday. Rising death toll in Iran and Israel The conflict began when Israel launched attacks on several Iranian sites, including military and nuclear facilities. Since then, the situation has spiralled. In Israel, at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds more injured by Iranian missile strikes. In Iran, local media report 585 dead and more than 1,300 wounded in Israeli attacks. Despite the worsening conflict, Trump’s stance remains unclear, not just to the public or US allies, but perhaps even to himself. A president like no other No modern US president has managed a potential war with such unpredictability. Iran’s leaders and Israel are all watching closely, but they still don’t know what Trump will do. And judging by his own words, neither does he. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

The conflict began when Israel launched attacks on several Iranian sites, including military and nuclear facilities. Since then, the situation has spiralled.

Israel-Iran war: World has 'no idea' what Trump's thoughts on Iran are, but does he?

The United States and Iran have been in direct contact several times since Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites last week. These talks come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Russia has issued a strong warning to the United States not to take military action against Iran. Amid rising speculation that Washington might join Israel’s strikes, Moscow’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, “We would like to particularly warn Washington against military intervention in the situation.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-washington-called-first-us-and-iran-held-direct-talks-multiple-times-since-israeli-strikes-what-did-they-talk-about-1750350325016">'Washington called first': US, Iran held direct talks multiple times since Israeli strikes - What did they talk about?</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250619/image-1750350461626.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Washington called first': US, Iran held direct talks multiple times since Israeli strikes - What did they talk about?"></figure>The United States and Iran have been in direct contact several times since Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites last week. These talks come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-russia-warns-us-against-military-action-in-iran-why-putin-doesn-t-want-trump-to-step-in-1750343527125">Israel-Iran war: Russia warns US against 'military action' in Iran - Why Putin doesn't want Trump to step in</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250619/image-1750343764505.png?rect=(0,240,1440,1080)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Israel-Iran war: Russia warns US against 'military action' in Iran - Why Putin doesn't want Trump to step in"></figure>Russia has issued a strong warning to the United States not to take military action against Iran. Amid rising speculation that Washington might join Israel’s strikes, Moscow’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, “We would like to particularly warn Washington against military intervention in the situation.” <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-what-is-iran-s-arak-nuclear-reactor-tehran-s-second-pathway-to-a-potential-nuclear-bomb-explained-1750345507630">What is Iran's Arak nuclear reactor? Tehran's second pathway to a potential nuclear bomb</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250619/image-1750346000202.jpeg?rect=(0,50,358,268)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="What is Iran's Arak nuclear reactor? Tehran's second pathway to a potential nuclear bomb | EXPLAINED"></figure>As the war in the Middle East intensifies, Israel on Thursday (June 19) carried out strikes on Iran's Arak heavy water reactor with an aim to halt any potential plutonium production, which could be further used in nuclear weapons development. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-what-is-iran-s-bushehr-nuclear-power-plant-a-site-that-can-cause-chernobyl-like-disaster-if-struck-by-tel-aviv-1750345486475">Israel-Iran war: What is Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant? A site that can cause 'Chernobyl-like' disaster if struck by Tel Aviv</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250619/image-1750346237377.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Israel-Iran war: What is Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant? A site that can cause 'Chernobyl-like' disaster if struck by Tel Aviv"></figure>Amid high tensions between Israel and Iran, Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. While one Israeli military spokesperson claimed that Bushehr had been struck, another official later called it a “mistake” and refused to confirm or deny the report.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-killed-30-iranian-commanders-in-first-strikes-must-hunt-down-remaining-intel-chief-1750350395861">IDF killed 30 Iranian commanders in first strikes, must ‘hunt down’ remaining: Intel chief</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250619/image-1750351004394.jpg?rect=(0,77,1214,911)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="IDF killed 30 Iranian commanders in first strikes, must ‘hunt down’ remaining: Intel chief"></figure>The chief of the Military Intelligence Directorate, Major General Shlomi Binder, revealed on Thursday that the IDF had eliminated 30 Iranian commanders in its initial strikes last Friday but had named only eight top generals killed that morning, and said they must “hunt down” the fleeing Iranian military commanders, wherever they are. “We struck the Quds Force very hard on the first night. This includes roughly 30 commanders, the names that were published are those of the more senior ones. But we’re talking about Chiefs of Staff and Air Force Commanders,” he said.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-more-suicide-prevention-lifeline-for-lgbtq-in-us-trump-announces-new-anti-dei-policy-here-s-all-you-need-to-know-1750342892604">No more suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ+ in US? Trump announces new anti-DEI policy</a> <img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250619/image-1750343087184.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="No more suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ+ in US? Trump announces new anti-DEI policy - Here's all you need to know">US President Donald Trump's administration has announced to end the national LGBTQ youth suicide lifeline in 30 days. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) put out on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) that the 988 Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline will not use its LGBTQ youth services. As of July 17, the "Press 3" option, which connected callers to counselors trained to support LGBTQ youth, will no longer be available.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-starship-explodes-into-massive-fireball-in-texas-black-smoke-engulfs-sky-watch-1750333148415">SpaceX Starship explodes into massive fireball in Texas, black smoke engulfs sky - WATCH</a> <img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250619/image-1750333619471.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="SpaceX Starship explodes into massive fireball in Texas, black smoke engulfs sky - WATCH">A SpaceX Starship prototype erupted into flames during a routine test at the company's facility in Tesla late Wednesday night (June 18). As it exploded, the rocket was seen bursting into a giant ball of fire during the test. The incident has raised concerns about the timeline for SpaceX's next launch attempt. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmiri-students-evacuated-from-iran-have-arrive-in-valley-thankful-to-modi-government-for-swift-evacuation-1750342061540">Kashmiri students evacuated from Iran arrive in Valley, thankful to Modi government for swift evacuation</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250619/image-1750342763037.jpg?rect=(0,0,1920,1440)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Kashmiri students evacuated from Iran arrive in Valley, thankful to Modi government for swift evacuation"></figure>The Ministry of External Affairs and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had once again proven that they care for every citizen of the country. Over 110 Indian students which included 94 Kashmiri students were evacuated from the war zone to India and many of them have already reached Kashmir. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/-working-with-aamir-khan-was-like-climbing-the-mt-everest-sitaare-zameen-par-director-rs-prasanna-on-working-with-the-superstar-exclusive-1750337542940">Sitaare Zameen Par director on working with Aamir Khan, power of cinema &amp; more</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250619/image-1750338132036.png?rect=(0,160,960,720)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="‘Working with Aamir Khan was like climbing the Mt Everest’: Sitaare Zameen Par director RS Prasanna on working with the superstar| Exclusive"></figure>Filmmaker RS Prasanna believes cinema plays an important role in starting important conversations and forging relationships. His latest film Sitaare Zameen Par- featuring Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh- is hours away from release and while the director feels it is a big responsibility to be working with Aamir- he is confident that the film, much like his debut Bollywood feature Shubh Mangal Savdhan, will start an important conversation about inclusivity. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-1st-test-match-prediction-what-should-india-do-after-winning-toss-and-how-much-is-par-score-1750349099064">IND vs ENG, 1st Test Match Prediction: What should India do after winning toss</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250619/image-1750349581454.jpg?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="IND vs ENG, 1st Test Match Prediction: What should India do after winning toss and how much is par score - check inside"></figure>India are ready to start a new journey in Test cricket with a five-match series against England, starting on June 20 (Wednesday). The team will play under their new captain, Shubman Gill. This is India’s first Test series after a 162-day break. The last time they played a Test was in Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25). Looking at the last five Test matches at Headingley, teams that batted second have won four times. Teams batting first have won just once. This shows that the toss will be very important, as the pitch mostly helps teams that bat second. &nbsp;

Here are the top 10 stories from across the world

The United States and Iran have been in direct contact several times since Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites last week. These talks come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Russia has issued a strong warning to the United States not to take military action against Iran. Amid rising speculation that Washington might join Israel’s strikes, Moscow’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, “We would like to particularly warn Washington against military intervention in the situation.” 'Washington called first': US, Iran held direct talks multiple times since Israeli strikes - What did they talk about? The United States and Iran have been in direct contact several times since Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites last week. These talks come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Israel-Iran war: Russia warns US against 'military action' in Iran - Why Putin doesn't want Trump to step in Russia has issued a strong warning to the United States not to take military action against Iran. Amid rising speculation that Washington might join Israel’s strikes, Moscow’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, “We would like to particularly warn Washington against military intervention in the situation.” What is Iran's Arak nuclear reactor? Tehran's second pathway to a potential nuclear bomb As the war in the Middle East intensifies, Israel on Thursday (June 19) carried out strikes on Iran's Arak heavy water reactor with an aim to halt any potential plutonium production, which could be further used in nuclear weapons development. Israel-Iran war: What is Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant? A site that can cause 'Chernobyl-like' disaster if struck by Tel Aviv Amid high tensions between Israel and Iran, Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. While one Israeli military spokesperson claimed that Bushehr had been struck, another official later called it a “mistake” and refused to confirm or deny the report. IDF killed 30 Iranian commanders in first strikes, must ‘hunt down’ remaining: Intel chief The chief of the Military Intelligence Directorate, Major General Shlomi Binder, revealed on Thursday that the IDF had eliminated 30 Iranian commanders in its initial strikes last Friday but had named only eight top generals killed that morning, and said they must “hunt down” the fleeing Iranian military commanders, wherever they are. “We struck the Quds Force very hard on the first night. This includes roughly 30 commanders, the names that were published are those of the more senior ones. But we’re talking about Chiefs of Staff and Air Force Commanders,” he said. No more suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ+ in US? Trump announces new anti-DEI policy US President Donald Trump's administration has announced to end the national LGBTQ youth suicide lifeline in 30 days. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) put out on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will not use its LGBTQ youth services. As of July 17, the "Press 3" option, which connected callers to counselors trained to support LGBTQ youth, will no longer be available. SpaceX Starship explodes into massive fireball in Texas, black smoke engulfs sky - WATCH A SpaceX Starship prototype erupted into flames during a routine test at the company's facility in Tesla late Wednesday night (June 18). As it exploded, the rocket was seen bursting into a giant ball of fire during the test. The incident has raised concerns about the timeline for SpaceX's next launch attempt. Kashmiri students evacuated from Iran arrive in Valley, thankful to Modi government for swift evacuation The Ministry of External Affairs and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had once again proven that they care for every citizen of the country. Over 110 Indian students which included 94 Kashmiri students were evacuated from the war zone to India and many of them have already reached Kashmir. Sitaare Zameen Par director on working with Aamir Khan, power of cinema & more Filmmaker RS Prasanna believes cinema plays an important role in starting important conversations and forging relationships. His latest film Sitaare Zameen Par- featuring Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh- is hours away from release and while the director feels it is a big responsibility to be working with Aamir- he is confident that the film, much like his debut Bollywood feature Shubh Mangal Savdhan, will start an important conversation about inclusivity. IND vs ENG, 1st Test Match Prediction: What should India do after winning toss India are ready to start a new journey in Test cricket with a five-match series against England, starting on June 20 (Wednesday). The team will play under their new captain, Shubman Gill. This is India’s first Test series after a 162-day break. The last time they played a Test was in Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25). Looking at the last five Test matches at Headingley, teams that batted second have won four times. Teams batting first have won just once. This shows that the toss will be very important, as the pitch mostly helps teams that bat second.

Here are the top 10 stories from across the world

Top 10 world news: Israel-Iran war updates; Russia warns US against 'military action' in Tehran, and more

The chief of the Military Intelligence Directorate, Major General Shlomi Binder, revealed on Thursday that the IDF had eliminated 30 Iranian commanders in its initial strikes last Friday but had named only eight top generals killed that morning, and said they must “hunt down” the fleeing Iranian military commanders, wherever they are. “We struck the Quds Force very hard on the first night. This includes roughly 30 commanders, the names that were published are those of the more senior ones. But we’re talking about Chiefs of Staff and Air Force Commanders,” he said.&nbsp;Binder was speaking to soldiers at one of the directorate’s command centres when he shared details of the elimination of Maj. Gen. Ali Shadmani, Iran’s most senior military commander, earlier this week.&nbsp;“Two days ago, thanks to excellent work by the headquarters and command and control array, we struck one of the regime’s covert headquarters in the mountains. Some of the commanders managed to flee to a secondary location. Twelve hours later, we succeeded in striking the Chief of Staff of Khatam al-Anbiya, who had fled to the same secondary location in another mountain ridge in Tehran,” said the head of the Intelligence Directorate.&nbsp;Exhorting the troops for continuing their excellent work, Binder said, “We need to hunt them down wherever they flee, and you are succeeding in turning Iran, as I said earlier, from some distant place, 1,500 kilometres from here, into an army that we know how to deal with, with the sense of it being a first-circle threat. You’ve turned that third-circle threat into a first-circle one. And your ability to deliver high-value results in the coming days is integral.”&nbsp;“We need to deliver, increase the pace, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Because this is the kind of threat that, I emphasize, the State of Israel cannot tolerate. Period. That’s the reason we launched this campaign, and that’s the reason you are working hard,” he added.&nbsp;Binder said that in the IDF’s initial strikes last Friday, 30 Iranian commanders were killed, but they shared names of only eight top generals. The strikes killed dozens of commanders and at least nine nuclear scientists, he added.

The intelligence chief said that the IDF had eliminated 30 Iranian commanders in its initial strikes last Friday. but had shared names of only eight top generals killed that morning. The strikes killed dozens of commanders and at least nine nuclear scientists, he added.

The chief of the Military Intelligence Directorate, Major General Shlomi Binder, revealed on Thursday that the IDF had eliminated 30 Iranian commanders in its initial strikes last Friday but had named only eight top generals killed that morning, and said they must “hunt down” the fleeing Iranian military commanders, wherever they are. “We struck the Quds Force very hard on the first night. This includes roughly 30 commanders, the names that were published are those of the more senior ones. But we’re talking about Chiefs of Staff and Air Force Commanders,” he said. Binder was speaking to soldiers at one of the directorate’s command centres when he shared details of the elimination of Maj. Gen. Ali Shadmani, Iran’s most senior military commander, earlier this week. “Two days ago, thanks to excellent work by the headquarters and command and control array, we struck one of the regime’s covert headquarters in the mountains. Some of the commanders managed to flee to a secondary location. Twelve hours later, we succeeded in striking the Chief of Staff of Khatam al-Anbiya, who had fled to the same secondary location in another mountain ridge in Tehran,” said the head of the Intelligence Directorate. Exhorting the troops for continuing their excellent work, Binder said, “We need to hunt them down wherever they flee, and you are succeeding in turning Iran, as I said earlier, from some distant place, 1,500 kilometres from here, into an army that we know how to deal with, with the sense of it being a first-circle threat. You’ve turned that third-circle threat into a first-circle one. And your ability to deliver high-value results in the coming days is integral.” “We need to deliver, increase the pace, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Because this is the kind of threat that, I emphasize, the State of Israel cannot tolerate. Period. That’s the reason we launched this campaign, and that’s the reason you are working hard,” he added. Binder said that in the IDF’s initial strikes last Friday, 30 Iranian commanders were killed, but they shared names of only eight top generals. The strikes killed dozens of commanders and at least nine nuclear scientists, he added.

The intelligence chief said that the IDF had eliminated 30 Iranian commanders in its initial strikes last Friday but had shared the names of only eight top generals killed that morning. The strikes killed dozens of commanders and at least nine nuclear scientists, he added.

IDF killed 30 Iranian commanders in first strikes, must ‘hunt down’ remaining: Intel chief

The United States and Iran have been in direct contact several times since Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites last week. These talks come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.According to a Reuters report, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke multiple times by phone to find a diplomatic way out of this crisis.The report suggests that Iran has made it clear it will not return to nuclear negotiations with the US unless Israel stops its attacks, which began on 13 June. Araqchi reportedly told Witkoff that Tehran “could show flexibility in the nuclear issue” if the United States pressured Israel to halt the air raids.A diplomat familiar with the talks said, “The (first) call was initiated by Washington, which also proposed a new offer” to break the deadlock between both sides.Among the topics discussed was a US proposal first presented to Iran in late May, which aimed to set up a regional uranium enrichment consortium. Under the plan, uranium would be enriched outside of Iran, reducing nuclear tensions. So far, Tehran has rejected the idea.However, the latest conversations suggest there may be some room for movement, depending on how Washington handles Israel’s military actions.<h2>One week of the Israel-Iran war</h2>It has now been a week since open fighting erupted between Israel and Iran. The violence began after Israeli strikes on key nuclear sites in Iran triggered a series of retaliatory attacks.The situation has spiralled quickly, with missile and drone attacks from both sides. Although the United States says it is not directly involved, it has helped defend Israeli airspace using missile systems like Patriot and THAAD to intercept incoming Iranian attacks.According to official reports, over 200 people have died in Iran, and 24 in Israel, since hostilities broke out. With fighting ongoing, the actual toll could be significantly&nbsp;higher.

The report suggests that Iran has made it clear it will not return to nuclear negotiations with the US unless Israel stops its attacks, which began on 13 June. 

The United States and Iran have been in direct contact several times since Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites last week. These talks come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. According to a Reuters report, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi spoke multiple times by phone to find a diplomatic way out of this crisis. The report suggests that Iran has made it clear it will not return to nuclear negotiations with the US unless Israel stops its attacks, which began on 13 June. Araqchi reportedly told Witkoff that Tehran “could show flexibility in the nuclear issue” if the United States pressured Israel to halt the air raids. A diplomat familiar with the talks said, “The (first) call was initiated by Washington, which also proposed a new offer” to break the deadlock between both sides. Among the topics discussed was a US proposal first presented to Iran in late May, which aimed to set up a regional uranium enrichment consortium. Under the plan, uranium would be enriched outside of Iran, reducing nuclear tensions. So far, Tehran has rejected the idea. However, the latest conversations suggest there may be some room for movement, depending on how Washington handles Israel’s military actions. One week of the Israel-Iran war It has now been a week since open fighting erupted between Israel and Iran. The violence began after Israeli strikes on key nuclear sites in Iran triggered a series of retaliatory attacks. The situation has spiralled quickly, with missile and drone attacks from both sides. Although the United States says it is not directly involved, it has helped defend Israeli airspace using missile systems like Patriot and THAAD to intercept incoming Iranian attacks. According to official reports, over 200 people have died in Iran, and 24 in Israel, since hostilities broke out. With fighting ongoing, the actual toll could be significantly higher.

The report suggests that Iran has made it clear it will not return to nuclear negotiations with the US unless Israel stops its attacks, which began on 13 June.&nbsp;

'Washington called first': US, Iran held direct talks multiple times since Israeli strikes - What did they talk about?

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