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Israeli Strikes Kill 20 in Gaza Amid Netanyahu’s US Visit

July 9, 2025, 2:59 pm

Gaza’s civilian defence agency said Wednesday that 20 individuals, including at least six children, were killed in two Israeli overnight air strikes. The first attack struck a tent that was a temporary home for displaced residents in Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza, just after midnight local time (2100 Tuesday GMT). A second attack followed shortly thereafter, striking a camp in the north.

When contacted by AFP, the Israeli military indicated that it was investigating the reports.

Strikes as Netanyahu Visits US

The attacks were made as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sat down with US President Donald Trump in Washington, where they addressed the current operation against Hamas in Gaza. After their meeting, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s goals: the liberation of all hostages seized during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, and the elimination of Hamas’s ‘military and governing capabilities’.

Casualty Details and Eyewitness Accounts

On Tuesday, Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that 29 had been killed in Israeli airstrikes across the enclave, most of them displaced by nearly 21 months of fighting.

Bassal detailed that the initial air strike on Wednesday killed 10 family members from the same family who were seeking shelter in the Al-Mawasi district of Khan Yunis. The second strike targeted Al-Shati camp, which is located close to Gaza City, injuring more than 30 individuals. The casualties were two separate families, he continued.

40-year-old Zuhair Judeh said the effect of the explosion on Al-Shati: “The explosion was huge, like an earthquake. It destroyed the house and a number of the surrounding houses. The martyrs’ bodies and remnants were scattered,” referring to it as ‘a horrific massacre’.

Abeer al-Sharbati, 36, who had been in a nearby tent with family members, described the bombing as ‘horrible’. She said, “You don’t know when or why they’ll bomb you. We have nothing to do but to leave ourselves in the hands of God.”

Some individuals were missing and feared trapped under debris, residents said.

Because of limitations on media access and reporting in Gaza, AFP could not independently confirm numbers of casualties and other information relayed by parties to the conflict.

Wider Context of the War

Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel killed 1,219, mostly civilians, by an AFP count based on Israeli official data. Of the 251 hostages kidnapped that day, 49 are still in Gaza, of whom 27 are said to be dead by the Israeli military.

Israel’s retaliatory campaign has taken at least 57,575 lives in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to the enclave’s Hamas-run health ministry figures, which are deemed credible by the United Nations.

Trump, Netanyahu Discuss Gaza Ceasefire as US Pushes for Middle East Deal

July 8, 2025, 7:02 am

US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. The meeting took place as Israeli officials held indirect talks with Hamas, hoping to reach a US-backed ceasefire in Gaza along with a hostage release deal.

Netanyahu’s visit came shortly after Trump predicted that both sides could finalize an agreement within the week. Before departing for Washington, Netanyahu said that his meeting with Trump could help move forward negotiations currently underway in Qatar, where Israel and Hamas are trying to find common ground.

#WATCH | Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominates US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize

PM Netanyahu says, "I want to present to you, Mr President, the letter I sent to the Nobel Prize Committee. It's nominating you for the Peace Prize, which is well… pic.twitter.com/D9QdLfw1fQ

— ANI (@ANI) July 7, 2025

Third Face-to-Face Since January

This was the third time Trump and Netanyahu met in person since Trump returned to office in January. It followed Trump’s decision to order military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which came in response to Israeli air raids. Those strikes played a key role in ending a 12-day war between Israel and Iran, and Trump helped broker a ceasefire soon afterward.

Netanyahu Nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

At a dinner hosted by Trump, Netanyahu revealed that he had nominated the US President for the Nobel Peace Prize. He presented Trump with a letter sent to the prize committee. “He’s forging peace as we speak, in one country, in one region after the other,” Netanyahu said.

Trump has been nominated for the prize several times before by his supporters. However, he has often expressed frustration at being overlooked by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. He has pointed out his past efforts in mediating conflicts, including those between India and Pakistan, and Serbia and Kosovo, as reasons why he deserved the recognition.

Using Iran’s Weakness to Push Forward

Now, Trump and his advisors are trying to use Iran’s weakened state—as a result of the recent military pressure—to gain momentum in the 21-month-long Gaza war. Iran supports Hamas, so weakening Iran could influence the group’s decisions.

Trump also said he plans to speak with Netanyahu about the possibility of a permanent peace deal with Iran, which remains Israel’s most powerful rival in the region.

A Private Dinner Instead of Formal Talks

Unlike past meetings held in the Oval Office, Trump and Netanyahu chose to have a private dinner this time. The White House did not provide a clear reason for skipping the traditional, more formal discussion.

After arriving in Washington overnight, Netanyahu first met with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prepare for his sit-down with Trump. On Tuesday, he planned to visit the US Capitol for meetings with congressional leaders.

Qatar Talks and Regional Diplomacy in Focus

Before leaving for the US, Netanyahu told reporters that he would personally thank Trump for launching airstrikes on Iran. He also confirmed that Israeli negotiators were continuing talks in Doha, Qatar’s capital, in hopes of securing progress in Gaza.

Israeli officials believe that resolving tensions with Iran could also lead to better ties with regional neighbors, such as Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia. These topics are also expected to be part of Netanyahu’s discussions with Trump.

Israel To Send Delegation To Qatar Amid Renewed Hopes For Gaza Ceasefire Deal

July 6, 2025, 12:49 am

Israel is to send a delegation to Qatar on Sunday as part of a fresh bid to restart stalled talks on a Gaza ceasefire and possible hostage exchange, an Israeli official said. The initiative was a sign of guarded optimism for a breakthrough in the 21-month conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The development comes after Hamas announced that it had reacted with a “positive spirit” to a US-sponsored ceasefire plan, days after President Donald Trump asserted Israel had consented to the terms under which a 60-day truce was possible.

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said nothing publicly about Trump’s statement, a senior Israeli official authenticated the delegation’s planned visit to Doha, underscoring the sensitivity of the current talks.

But major obstacles still exist. A high-ranking Palestinian official linked to Hamas mentioned some of these issues as still unsolved, such as the passage of humanitarian aid, entry through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, and a clear timetable for Israeli withdrawals from Gaza.

Although public rhetoric by both Hamas and Israeli officials continues to conflict, Israeli media on Friday reported that the government had received Hamas’s reply and was reviewing its contents.

Netanyahu, who will see Trump in Washington on Monday, has repeatedly insisted that dismantling Hamas is a non-negotiable requirement something the militant group has so far refused to discuss. Hamas is said to be holding around 20 hostages,.

The ongoing war broke out on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack against southern Israel and killed approximately 1,200 individuals and took 251 hostages, as per Israeli estimates. Israel’s military response has since claimed more than 57,000 Palestinian lives, as per Gaza’s health ministry, and initiated a humanitarian crisis characterized by stringent food shortages and mass displacement.

Israel rejects allegations of genocide and war crimes associated with its military action.

How Does the New Gaza Ceasefire Deal Differ From the March Agreement?

July 4, 2025, 3:00 pm

U.S. President Donald Trump said Israel has agreed to a 60-day Gaza ceasefire, a notion far from new. The two-month truce has been on the table since the previous fragile ceasefire collapsed in March. The same proposal was raised in May but was rejected by Hamas as not being anything more than a ruse for Israel to stop and resume its military operation, not create long-term peace.

As the Gaza humanitarian crisis continues to intensify, people are wondering if this new plan will be the result of anything different.

What’s in the New Proposal?

Facilitated by Qatar, the draft apparently calls for ten surviving hostages and the bodies of 18 others to be released by Hamas within the 60-day period. To this, Israel would release a number of Palestinian detainees.

If a full-fledged agreement is struck, the remaining 22 hostages will be released too. This phase is supposed to set the stage for negotiations regarding a definitive cessation of hostilities and an arrangement for post-war Gaza management.

But these conditions are remarkably similar to the three-phase, eight-week agreement that was initiated in January and collapsed following only the first stage of hostage releases. Negotiations for peace have repeatedly broken down since then.

Differing Goals of Hamas and Israel

For Hamas, a ceasefire must come after the end of the war and the total Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. For Israel, Hamas must be totally dismantled, its military wing disarmed, and its leaders exiled. These opposed goals still stand in the way of a lasting solution.

Why This Ceasefire Might Be Different

Some issues point towards this latest effort having a greater probability of success. Among the most important are the recent so-called ’12-day war’ between Israel and Iran. Israel celebrated this as a strategic victory that diminished Iran’s nuclear power though analysts warn the situation is far more nuanced.

This perceived victory provides Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with political capital to try for a ceasefire, even over the objections of far-right coalition leaders who once threatened to bring down his government.

The battle between Iran and Israel, in which the U.S. conducted contentious airstrikes at Iranian nuclear facilities, also reignited Trump’s Middle East emphasis.

Throughout his first term, Trump was not eager to put pressure on Israel to advance beyond the first stage of the last ceasefire, which permitted war to resume by March.

Now, having militarily supported Israel against Iran, Trump has tremendous leverage over Netanyahu—leverage he could use during Netanyahu’s visit to Washington.

Both leaders also envision Iran’s weakened condition as an opportunity to enlarge the Abraham Accords, the deals Trump negotiated normalizing Israeli relations with a number of Arab states. Netanyahu has been particularly interested in a similar U.S.-sanctioned agreement with Saudi Arabia, and preliminary talks are even reported with Syria. These plans can’t go forward, though, as long as Gaza is under war.

Old and New Challenges

Despite this potential opening, many obstacles persist. It’s unclear whether the proposed terms will include solid guarantees preventing Israel from resuming hostilities after the 60-day period. Meanwhile, new complications have emerged since the last round of negotiations.

Hamas now demands a return to age-old aid distribution or even disbanding of the disputed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which substituted more than 400 former aid centers with only four within militarized zones.

Over 400 individuals have been killed since May 26 while attempting to seek assistance in the vicinity of these GHF centers. More than 170 international NGOs and charities called for its closure.

At the same time, Israel’s military control over Gaza has grown. Over 80% of Gaza is subject to evacuation orders, and new orders for northern Gaza and Gaza City were issued on June 29 and July 2.

Israeli leaders claim the operations are pressure on Hamas to sign a ceasefire agreement, although Netanyahu has publicly acknowledged plans for a permanent military presence in Gaza. He recently insisted Israel would have ‘full security control of Gaza’ after the war.

A Narrow Window for Peace

Despite these challenges, there is a narrow opportunity for a breakthrough. Trump is now more inclined to facilitate a ceasefire, and Netanyahu has an unusual political opportunity to sign a deal that can also bring back the hostages.

Meanwhile, Hamas has been weakened not just by Israel’s unremitting attacks but also by increasing frustration among the residents of Gaza, who long for peace.

There are myriad reasons to end the war in Gaza. The question is whether Hamas and Israel have the will to finally do so.

Hamas Seeks War’s End As Ceasefire Talks Resurface Amid US Pressure On Israel

July 4, 2025, 3:09 am

Hamas said on Wednesday that it is considering a new short-range truce offer from foreign mediators but reaffirmed its call for an end to the entire Israeli military operation against Gaza. The organization confirmed it is holding talks in an effort to “bridge gaps” to allow resuming the negotiations and obtaining a truce ensuring the Israeli withdrawal from the enclave.

The announcement comes after US President Donald Trump asserted that Israel has accepted a 60-day ceasefire proposal and called on Hamas to endorse the deal to avoid further escalation. Trump announced the two-month timeout as an opportunity to seek a lasting end to the conflict although Israeli officials have continued to say they will stop operations only when Hamas is disarmed. Trump is scheduled to sit down with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week.

Hamas’s demand for a permanent cessation of hostilities, though, raises questions about whether the new initiative will lead to an effective truce. Netanyahu reacted to the announcement by reiterating that “there will be no Hamas” in Gaza upon its conclusion.

Israeli authorities, Axios reports, have threatened that military action will escalate if ceasefire negotiations do not move forward. “We’ll destroy Gaza City and the central camps like we did with Rafah,” said a top Israeli official in a reported remark. “Everything will be reduced to dust.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reiterated that any opportunity to rescue hostages has to be seized, as right-wing cabinet ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich withheld backing for the US-sponsored proposal.

Israel Kills 300 in 48 Hours as Gaza Ceasefire Talks Hang by a Thread

July 3, 2025, 2:02 pm

Israel has murdered over 300 Palestinians within 48 hours, raising severe questions about the prospects of a ceasefire in Gaza. The Gaza Government Media Office reported Thursday that Israeli forces committed 26 massacres within this timeframe.

Most of the victims were civilians who were attempting to receive aid at distribution centres supported by the questionable US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). At least 73 Palestinians perished on Thursday alone, including 33 at GHF-dispensed aid centres.

The relentless military assault has destroyed shelters, public rest stops, residential homes, and even schools. The escalation of the murders coincides with Hamas considering a new short-term truce offer, while US President Donald Trump calls on both parties to stop the war. The humanitarian emergency, meanwhile, continues to deteriorate.

Aid Seekers Gunned Down

Israeli troops have allegedly killed 33 individuals close to GHF installations where civilians queued for relief. In al-Mawasi, 13 individuals lost their lives when Israel bombed a tent shelter. A further 11 died in a bombing of the Mostafa Hafez school, west of Gaza City. Medical personnel verified the information to Al Jazeera.

Journalist Tareq Abu Azzoum in Deir al-Balah spoke of “horror scenes.” Survivors explained that Israeli fire came out of nowhere. Panicked civilians scrambled for protection as bullets ripped through the throng. People who came seeking aid had waited for hours for food. Emergency workers were unable to reach the area because of heavy fire.

Contractors and Violence at Aid Sites

Two US contractors reported that poor, well-armed guards at GHF facilities used live ammunition and stun grenades on hungry civilians. They said the guards operated with impunity and presented serious threats to humanitarian work.

Over 130 NGOs, including Save the Children and Amnesty International, have called for the GHF to close down. They have implicated Israeli forces and armed guards in shooting civilians at a systematic rate at aid facilities. The GHF has, since starting operations in May, seen over 600 killed and nearly 4,000 wounded.

Ceasefire Talks Under Strain

At the same time, Hamas announced it is considering a temporary ceasefire offer. Hamas wants a full cessation of Israel’s war and withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Negotiations are being held with mediators.

Trump has just declared that Israel had agreed to an offer of a 60-day ceasefire plan. He urged Hamas to agree to the deal before things worsen. Israeli media now indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to yield to US pressure.

Fragile Window for Peace

For the very first time since October 7, 2023, Israeli authorities indicated willingness to bring the war to an end. Al Jazeera cites that Netanyahu has conducted internal meetings and could be willing to accept a ceasefire.

But with more than 56,647 Palestinians killed and 134,105 injured, Gaza’s Health Ministry says, the price of procrastination keeps increasing. The fate of a ceasefire now hangs by a thread, as humanitarian sites are becoming killing grounds.

Israel Bombed Gaza Cafe with US-Made MK-82 Bomb, Experts Call It ‘War Crime’

July 3, 2025, 11:34 am

In a sickening intensification of the war in Gaza, Israel attacked a crowded beachside cafe with a 230kg US-manufactured bomb that killed at least 24 civilians. The lethal attack, which destroyed the family-owned Al-Baqa cafe in Gaza City, has unleashed outrage around the world. Legal specialists now say the attack may constitute a war crime under international humanitarian law.

Fragments unearthed at the site validate that an MK-82 general-purpose bomb was used, generally employed against military installations, not civilian facilities. The cafe, filled with children, women, and families, received no advance evacuation notice and no announced military target in the area.

Deadly Strike Hits Family Cafe

The Israeli military carried out the airstrike on Monday in the two-story Al-Baqa cafe. Gaza medical officials reported that the airstrike killed between 24 and 36 people and injured many more. Those killed included a prominent filmmaker, an artist in the city, a housewife, and a four-year-old boy. Wounded survivors included a 14-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl.

The 500lb (230kg) bomb creates intense blast and dispersal shrapnel damage. Israel did not officially declare the port facility housing the cafe as a combat zone, even though witnesses and experts emphasize that the bomb is intended for hardened military targets, not civilian sites like cafes.

International Law and Civilian Protection

Under the Geneva Conventions, warring parties must avoid attacks where civilian harm is “excessive or disproportionate” to the military gain. Experts say the military would have seen, via aerial surveillance, that the cafe was full of unarmed civilians.

Garry Simpson of Human Rights Watch stated, “The military would have also known that dropping a big guided bomb would kill and injure many civilians there.” He continued to say that the attack seemed disproportionate, indiscriminate, and possibly illegal.

IDF Responds, Rights Groups Demand Probe

An IDF spokesman said the strike from Israel was under examination. The military said that it acted to minimize harm to civilians through aerial monitoring. But legal analysts retort that the mere employment of a 230kg bomb in a populated area gravely undermines that argument.

Human rights organizations are demanding an independent probe. They urge investigators to treat the situation as a potential war crime and demand accountability for the killings of unarmed civilians.

A Café Turned Graveyard

The Al-Baqa cafe was a tranquil social venue for more than 40 years. Its destruction now constitutes yet another tragic installment in Gaza’s deteriorating humanitarian crisis. As the world becomes increasingly alarmed, the world must confront the laws of war and the imperative to safeguard civilians—even in the midst of conflict.

Gaza Strike Kills 24 at Seafront Café as Israel Says Incident Under Review

July 1, 2025, 2:16 pm

A Gaza strike on a busy seaside café killed 24 people on Monday, sparking international concern and prompting Israel to launch a formal review of the incident. The Israeli army claimed the target was a group of Hamas fighters in northern Gaza.

However, local civil defense teams said dozens of civilians were killed and injured in the Al-Baqa café strike, a venue that had become one of the few remaining gathering places in war-torn Gaza City.

Israeli military officials stated that they took measures to reduce civilian harm, including using aerial surveillance before the attack. “The incident is under review,” an army spokesperson said in a statement. Gaza’s civil defense responders said the scene was horrifying, with mangled and burned bodies scattered across the area.

Among the victims was Palestinian journalist Ismail Abu Hatab, according to an AFP photographer.

Whoever goes to trivialize the pressures of war and life gets killed
Targeting a cafe on the beach, killing more than 40 people and wounding others so far. pic.twitter.com/X3NcsXabJP

— dr. mohammed hamad – Gaza (@Medo198518) June 30, 2025

06/30/25 ⚡️🇮🇱🇵🇸 An Israeli airstrike on a cafeteria in the Gaza Strip killed 24 Palestinians, Quds News Network reports.

Video by RT

WorldPravda #Israel #GazaGenocide pic.twitter.com/HqoFQ9mFAO

— Ray Murray jr (@rmjr2654) June 30, 2025

Israel’s Response to Gaza Strike

Israel’s military claimed it targeted “several Hamas terrorists” in the area, though it did not clarify what threat they posed at the time. Gaza residents described the café as one of the few remaining escapes in the city offering drinks, internet access, and space for families during more than 20 months of nonstop conflict.

Eyewitness Ahmad al-Nayrab called the blast a “massacre,” saying, “I saw bits of bodies flying everywhere, bodies mangled and burned.” Journalists and aid workers face heavy restrictions in Gaza, making it difficult to independently verify casualty figures. However, the United Nations considers data from the territory’s health ministry to be reliable.

Civilians Bear the Brunt

The Gaza strike comes amid stalled truce talks. Qatar recently pointed to a “window of opportunity” for a ceasefire. Hamas launched its October 7 attack, killing over 1,200 people in Israel and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel began sustained air and ground operations.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, Israeli strikes have killed at least 56,531 people, mostly civilians. The United Nations considers these figures reliable. As the war enters its 21st month, the rising death toll and destruction continue to draw global criticism.

Israel Confirms Settlers Attacked West Bank Army Base, ‘Red Line Crossed’

June 30, 2025, 5:06 pm

Israel confirmed that ultra-right-wing Jewish settlers had overrun a West Bank military base, vandalised cars, and torched a security facility. The attack has sparked outrage in the public and condemnation from senior Israeli politicians, including Defence Minister Israel Katz, who branded it as a “red line” breach. Katz stated he would call an emergency session for top security officials to consider what he termed as an acute rise in settler violence.

West Bank tensions continue high following last week’s rampage of settlers through a Palestinian village. There have been escalating violent clashes between settlers and Israeli security forces since then, leading to Sunday night’s riot outside the Binyamin Regional Brigade base.

Settlers Assault Soldiers, Vandalise Vehicles

The Israeli army reported dozens of civilians assembled at the gate of the Binyamin Brigade base. The demonstrators became violent. Soldiers were attacked by settlers, pepper-sprayed, and vehicles belonging to the military were wrecked.

The army indicated the same group was probably in a confrontation with troops on Friday. Soldiers had prevented them from entering a restricted military area near Kafr Malik, a Palestinian village within the central West Bank.

Subsequently, the army verified settlers reoccupied the area and torched a security facility. The facility held surveillance equipment utilized to deter terror attacks. The attack gravely hampered military operations.

Katz Demands Action Over Settler Violence

Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a firm warning in response. “This trend must be brought to an immediate halt,” he said. “We will do everything required and root out entirely this violence. No one will even think of laying a hand on IDF soldiers and members of the security forces.”

Israel Katz said that he would meet security chiefs urgently. He emphasized that soldier violence is unacceptable and must be brought to a halt immediately.

Israeli Ministers Deplore the Attacks

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also deplored the violence perpetrated by settlers. Posting on X, he stated, “Such incidents are unacceptable, and perpetrators should be punished heavily.”

He further stated, “The IDF and security agencies work day and night to safeguard the people of Israel. We must empower them, not obstruct them.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a right-wing politician who has supported settlers, also denounced the attacks. “A red line has been crossed,” he posted on X. He demanded a complete police inquiry into the incidents.

Rights Groups Warn of Growing Impunity

Human rights groups have cautioned for decades about increasing settler attacks in the West Bank. They claim Israeli authorities have been neglecting these attacks.

Since the outbreak of the Gaza war on 7 October 2023, settler violence in the West Bank has intensified. Rights groups claim that the government has not held perpetrators accountable.

Sunday’s rampage on an army base is a rare occurrence when settlers have actively attacked Israeli soldiers, as opposed to Palestinian civilians. Officials are now coming under increased pressure to intervene and restore discipline.

Iran: 71 Dead in Israeli Strike on Tehran’s Evin Prison

June 29, 2025, 1:39 pm

Iran’s judiciary said Sunday at least 71 were killed when Israel targeted Tehran’s Evin prison during this month’s 12-day war, days after a ceasefire ended fighting between the arch-enemies.

Judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir said, “Based on official estimates, 71 individuals were killed in the bombing of Evin prison,” in reference to the bombing conducted on June 13 as part of the campaign of bombardments by Israel.

Extent of Destruction and Injuries

The Monday Israeli raid severely destroyed part of Evin’s administrative building. The large, well-equipped prison compound in northern Tehran is notorious for keeping political detainees and foreign nationals, according to human rights organizations.

Jahangir added that the victims of the attack included prison officials, guards, prisoners, and visiting family members as well as neighboring residents.

Facility and Inmates Impacted

The judiciary disclosed that Evin’s health centre and waiting areas were among the targeted sections. Photos released by the authorities depicted widespread damage within the prison, including ceilings that had collapsed, broken walls, debris scattered everywhere, and broken floors in waiting areas.

One day after the attack, Tuesday, Iranian authorities confirmed that prisoners were evacuated from Evin prison but declined to give the number of prisoners relocated or their identities.

Evin has previously held high-profile detainees, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi, several French citizens, and other foreigners.

Houthis Fire Ballistic Missile At Israel, Vow More Strikes Until Gaza Siege Ends

June 28, 2025, 8:35 pm

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebel movement said on Saturday that it had fired a ballistic missile at Israel, citing the continued military activities in Gaza by Israel as the reason for the attack.

Sirens were triggered in several parts of the country, and the missile was “most likely successfully intercepted” before it was able to inflict any damage, according to the Israeli military. It is the first reported missile attack by the Houthis since the June 24 ceasefire between Israel and Iran, after 12 days of fierce hostility.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree released a statement announcing the firing, which he labeled as a Dhu al-Fiqar ballistic missile, and said it hit a “sensitive Israeli enemy location in the occupied city of Beersheba.” Saree said that the attack was in response to what he called “crimes of the criminal Zionist enemy against civilians in the Gaza Strip.

The Houthis have continued to fire missiles and drones at Israel since the attack by Hamas in October 2023 set off the current conflict in Gaza. The group temporarily ceased attacking during a two-month ceasefire earlier this year, but then resumed once Israel resumed its military campaign.

In retaliation for past attacks, Israel has made several airstrikes inside Yemen, including against Houthi-held ports and Sanaa airport, the rebel-controlled capital.

Saree underlined that the Houthis would continue their battles “until the aggression against Gaza ends and the blockade is removed.” The statement marks ongoing regional tensions in spite of recent ceasefire attempts.

The new attack reaffirms the Houthis’ dedication to backing the Palestinian cause and underlines the wider regional stakes of the conflict in Gaza, as proxy militiamen continue to raise the stakes above the immediate confines of Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Israeli Official: 30 Iranian Commanders, 11 Nuclear Scientists Killed In Assault

June 28, 2025, 1:48 am

Israel gave a major blow to the nuclear ambitions of Iran by killing more than 30 top security officials and 11 leading nuclear scientists in its latest 12-day aerial campaign, a top Israeli military officer stated on Friday.

The operation started on June 13 with precision long-distance strikes that hit Iranian military facilities about 1,500 kilometers from Israel. The opening shot heavily crippled Iran’s air defense systems, the official said, depriving Tehran of the capability to launch an effective counterattack during the critical first hours of the conflict.

During the air campaign, Israeli forces struck over 900 strategic targets, reportedly causing significant damage to Iran’s ability to produce missiles. The official further alleged that the attacks had “neutralized” Iran’s ability to enrich uranium to the point where weapons could be produced for the foreseeable future, hence crippling its capability to produce a nuclear weapon core.

Iran has repeatedly dismissed allegations that it is working to produce nuclear weapons. Following the Israeli attacks, Tehran retaliated by firing missiles at Israeli military bases and cities. The Iranian leaders asserted that the retaliatory actions compelled a halt to the fighting, which ended in a US-brokered ceasefire.

Casualties on both sides have been significant. Iranian authorities reported 627 deaths, although independent verification remains difficult due to media restrictions. Israel reported 28 fatalities during the hostilities.

After the ceasefire, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said he had ordered the military to develop a strategic plan for maintaining Israel’s air superiority over Iran, thwarting Tehran’s nuclear and missile development programs, and thwarting its regional sponsorship of militant organizations.

The recent upsurge represents one of the most straightforward clashes between the two neighboring foes in years, with both sides projecting strategic victories following the fighting.

Ships Signal “Chinese” To Dodge Trouble As Hormuz Tensions Cloud Ceasefire Calm

June 27, 2025, 12:50 am

Ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding seas have started transmitting unusual messages announcing their countries of allegiance in an attempt not to become targets with tensions between Iran and Israel remaining high, Reuters reports, based on maritime analytics firm Windward.

The trend is said to have started after the recent 12-day war between Iran and Israel, which led to US strikes against Iranian nuclear targets. Even though there has been an imposed ceasefire facilitated by US President Donald Trump, maritime security threats in the region are still elevated.

The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) has confirmed that the threat to ships is still high, even after the hostilities have ceased. Windward CEO Ami Daniel added that because of the intricacies involved in ownership and registration of vessels, owners of ships are trying to define national alignments to shed Western affiliation, deemed to be at higher risk namely the US, UK, and Israel.

From June 12 to June 24, Windward spotted 101 anomalous messages from 55 ships passing through the Gulf and Red Sea. The messages contained words like “China owned” or “Russian crude,” which sought to indicate non-Western origins in the hope of scaring off attacks.

Maritime commercial traffic in the area increased by 30% on June 24, a day after the announced ceasefire, JMIC said.

Normally, ships usually transmit voyage information or common signals such as “For Orders.” When navigating in high-risk areas, vessels occasionally announce “Armed Guards on Board.” The recent announcements are, however, quite distinct and more political in nature.

Such examples include the Chinese container ship Yuan Xiang Fa Zhan flashing “PKKHI all Chinese” on its way to Pakistan, and the Chinese Yuan Yang Hu transmitting “Chinese ship” when sailing through the strait.

In addition, JMIC cautioned of rising electronic interference to the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which would create further threats to maritime navigation.

Trump Says US Ended Iran-Israel War, Draws Hiroshima-Nagasaki Parallel

June 25, 2025, 11:23 pm

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday tried to steal the limelight for bringing an end to the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict, saying the US military strikes against Iranian nuclear targets effectively brought the hostilities to a close which caused havoc to civilian lives and assets on both sides. He made the contentious comparison of last week’s military strikes with the US nuclear attacks on Japan in 1945 that destroyed the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Trump Claims Iran Has Abandoned Nuclear Ambitions

Asked about Iran’s nuclear program, Trump said Tehran “went through hell” during the 12-day war, which forced it to forgo its nuclear weapon ambitions.

“I don’t think they will ever do it again. They will take their oil, they will take their missiles and have their defence… I think they have had it. They just went through hell. The last thing they would want to do is enrich. They had been trying to enrich… by the way, it is hard to enrich.

They spent trillions of dollars trying to do this thing, but they couldn’t come up with this,” he told reporters in The Hague.

Trump Draws Parallel to Hiroshima, Nagasaki Bombings

He said the US and Iran were getting along well.

“We are actually getting along with them very well right now. Had we not succeeded in that hit… that hit ended the war…I don’t want to use the example of Hiroshima, I don’t want to use an example of Nagasaki, but it is essentially the same thing – that thing ended that war, this thing ended this war,” he said.

The United States dropped two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, which killed more than 2 lakh people, the majority being civilians. Within days of the attack, the government of Japan declared unconditional surrender to the Allied forces, and thereby the long World War 2 came to an end. The attacks are the sole nuclear bombings in warfare.

Donald Trump Dismisses Intelligence Report on Iran Strikes

Trump challenged an intelligence report that concluded that the airstrikes he had ordered against Iran had only a modest effect on its nuclear development, although the analysis was by the Pentagon, reported Bloomberg.

“The nuclear sites in Iran are completely destroyed,” Trump said on Truth Social. He said CNN and the New York Times, which first reported the intelligence findings on Tuesday, “have teamed up in an attempt to demean one of the most successful military strikes in history.”

Israel initiated the war by bombing Iranian nuclear facilities and assassinating the nation’s leading nuclear scientists. It claimed it aimed to bring an end to Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Iran Maintains Its Uranium Enrichment Was Peaceful

Iran maintained that it had enriched uranium for peaceful use and not for developing nuclear weapons. Iran and Israel both shot salvos at each other for 12 days.

Trump recently directed attacks on nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan last week. He then reported that the attacks “totally obliterated” their targets.

Trump arranged a ceasefire to end the 12-day battle between Israel and Iran that seemed to be holding on Wednesday, after the president had condemned both nations on Tuesday, and specifically Israel, for what he claimed were initial breaches of the truce.

First UK Evacuation Flight from Israel Lands Safely in Birmingham

June 24, 2025, 10:51 pm

The first group of British nationals evacuated from Israel has returned to the UK, landing early Tuesday morning at Birmingham Airport following what passengers described as a “long and intense” journey. The RAF-organised evacuation flight departed Ben Gurion Airport on Monday afternoon, carrying 63 British citizens and their family members.

Evacuees Criticise UK Government’s Israel Exit Plan

Among the evacuees was Max Radford, who accompanied his elderly parents on the flight. While he expressed gratitude to RAF and Foreign Office personnel on the ground, he criticised the overall evacuation plan as “shambolic.” Radford said the UK government appeared to be “making it up as they go along,” noting the limited capacity of just one flight per day amid an urgent need to evacuate thousands. “There are thousands of people – and 63 on one flight is nowhere near enough,” he said.

The return comes after Israel reopened its airspace on Monday, following a 10-day closure triggered by escalating conflict with Iran. The tensions began when Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, prompting retaliatory missile attacks from Tehran. The UK government confirmed that around 4,000 nationals had registered their presence in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and roughly 1,000 of them had requested evacuation.

Passengers Describe Journey from Israel and Arrival Support

Passengers also criticised logistical aspects of the evacuation. Radford, who paid £1,050 for three tickets, called the decision to land in Birmingham “ridiculous,” suggesting cost-cutting may have influenced the choice over a more central location like London. Nonetheless, he shared a poignant moment from the flight, recalling how passengers united in song, singing both the Israeli national anthem and “God Save the King.”

On arrival, evacuees were welcomed by Rabbi Yehuda Pink of Solihull Synagogue, alongside Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council staff. A reception hub was set up with medical staff, social workers, and food provisions to assist passengers with onward travel.

More Flights to Be Scheduled Based on Demand

Another evacuee, Richard Kafton from North London, said his trip to Jerusalem for the Jewish festival of Shavuot became increasingly stressful. The conflict escalated during their stay. Their return flight was cancelled, and he and his wife had to take shelter from air raids almost every day. He criticised the Foreign Office for its slow initial response and confusing communication. However, he praised the RAF and described the repatriation journey via Cyprus and Athens as well-coordinated and efficient.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said more flights are being arranged based on demand and the volatile security situation. “Our priority remains the safety of British nationals,” the statement read.

Ceasefire Declared After Heavy Israel-Iran Strikes

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran was “now in effect,” though violations were reported shortly after. Four were killed and 22 injured in Israeli territory, while Iran endured heavy strikes with casualties still unknown.

Israel Agrees to Ceasefire, Netanyahu Boasts ‘Dual Existential Threat Removed’ After Intense Strikes

June 24, 2025, 1:47 pm

Israel officially accepted a ceasefire with Iran after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces had achieved all their military objectives. Following 12 days of conflict, Netanyahu declared that Israel had eliminated both nuclear and ballistic threats from Iran, framing the ceasefire as a major strategic victory.

Israel Says Military Goals Achieved

During a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu informed his ministers that Operation “Rising Lion” had successfully neutralised what he called the “immediate dual existential threat” posed by Iran. “Israel has achieved all the goals of the operation and more,” the government statement read. Netanyahu warned that any violation of the ceasefire would trigger a “forceful” response from Israel.

Rising Lion,’ and even more.

Israel has removed a dual immediate existential threat—both in the nuclear field and in the realm of ballistic missiles.

Additionally, the IDF has achieved complete air control over the skies of Tehran, inflicted severe damage on military

— Reign (@iOGOTC) June 24, 2025

The Israeli government also thanked President Trump for brokering the agreement and for US support in addressing Iran’s nuclear threat. Meanwhile, Iran’s position fluctuated. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi initially denied any ceasefire agreement, writing on social media, “There is currently no agreement on a ceasefire or halt to military operations.”

However, he added that Iran would halt retaliatory actions if Israel stopped its attacks by 4 am Tehran time.

US Airstrikes Fuel Tensions

The ceasefire came shortly after the United States conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow. President Trump claimed the strikes inflicted significant underground damage, although US officials continued assessing the extent. Satellite images suggested that Iran may have sealed tunnel entrances before the attacks.

Russia condemned the US strikes, with President Vladimir Putin labelling them “unprovoked aggression” and promising full support for Iran. During a meeting with Araghchi in Moscow, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s backing as tensions escalated.

At the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit, Araghchi has condemned the US for crossing a critical red line and vowed Iran would respond decisively to any future aggression. He dismissed any prospects of renewed negotiations and has accused Washington of favouring coercion over diplomacy.

Iran Ceasefire Whiplash: Trump Announces Truce, Tehran Confirms After Denial

June 24, 2025, 1:44 pm

Iran ceasefire talks took a confusing turn after Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi denied any agreement shortly after US President Donald Trump announced a truce between Israel and Iran.

Speaking on X, Araghchi declared, “As of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations.”

Iran Ceasefire Denial Followed By Confirmation

At first, Iran rejected Trump’s ceasefire announcement and insisted that it had not received any formal proposal. Araghchi explained that Iran would halt attacks only if Israel stopped its aggression by 4 am Tehran time. “However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 am Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards,” he wrote.

As Iran has repeatedly made clear: Israel launched war on Iran, not the other way around.

As of now, there is NO “agreement” on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations. However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no…

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 24, 2025

Minutes later, Araghchi confirmed the ceasefire and announced that operations stopped at 4 am. “The military operations of our powerful Armed Forces to punish Israel for its aggression continued until the very last minute, at 4am. Together with all Iranians, I thank our brave Armed Forces who remain ready to defend our dear country until their last drop of blood, and who responded to any attack by the enemy until the very last minute,” he posted on X.

The military operations of our powerful Armed Forces to punish Israel for its aggression continued until the very last minute, at 4am.

Together with all Iranians, I thank our brave Armed Forces who remain ready to defend our dear country until their last drop of blood, and who…

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 24, 2025

Israel mostly stayed silent. Hebrew media reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu supports Trump’s ceasefire if Iran halts missile strikes. The Israeli military and Netanyahu’s office offered no official comment, according to AP.

US base Attack Near Doha

Iran announced the ceasefire just hours after launching missiles at the US al-Udeid Air Base near Doha. Trump confirmed that the attack caused no injuries. After the strike, Trump declared on Truth Social that both sides had secured a ceasefire. “CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE… for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED!” he wrote.

Trump explained that Iran would start the ceasefire, and Israel would follow 12 hours later, officially ending what he called “THE 12 DAY WAR.”

Israel-Iran War: Iranian Missiles Hit Beersheba Killing 4 As Ceasefire Stalls

June 24, 2025, 11:24 am

The Israel-Iran war turned deadly when Iranian missiles struck Beersheba, killing four people, while ceasefire talks struggled to take hold. Rescue workers pulled the fourth body from under the rubble of a destroyed apartment building, reported the Times of Israel. Sirens echoed across multiple cities as residents rushed to shelters.

The attack came just as leaders tried to broker peace after nearly two weeks of intense conflict.

🚨💥 Israeli Army: #Iranian missile hit Beersheba directly.

Channel 12, citing #Israel Railways: Beersheba station closed due to damage caused by an Iranian missile.#IsraelIranConflict #IsraelUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/YVvNtASkeE

— ARIKA🇮🇳🚩 (@nidhisj2001) June 20, 2025

Israel-Iran War Escalates After Ceasefire

Iranian missiles hit a residential building in Beersheba, southern Israel. Several people died, and sirens rang out across multiple cities. Authorities warned people to stay inside or seek shelter immediately.

The strike came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. He stated that both sides would observe a 24-hour phased ceasefire. During each phase, both nations must maintain peaceful and respectful relations. “On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end what should be called ‘THE 12 DAY WAR,’” Trump said.

“CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE…” –President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/hLTBT34KnG

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 23, 2025

Iran’s foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, posted on X that their military strikes continued “until the very last minute at 4am.” He suggested they stop afterwards. Earlier, he denied any formal agreement but added, “However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 am Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards.”

I love my country. That said, I’ll take the word of Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, over the serial lying sociopath every day of the week: “there is NO “agreement” on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations.” Trump is and always will be an habitual liar. pic.twitter.com/ofik7AYQE0

— Bill Madden (@maddenifico) June 24, 2025

Israel’s military has not commented on Trump’s statement yet. However, no new Israeli strikes occurred after 4am, AP reported.

US strikes spark Iranian retaliation

Before talks began, the US attacked Iran’s nuclear sites in Isfahan, Fordow, and Natanz. In response, Iran launched “Operation Basharat al-Fath” and fired missiles at a US air base in Qatar. This exchange pulled the United States deeper into the conflict.

Dashcam Captures Moment Iranian Missile Strikes Israeli City of Ashdod | WATCH

June 23, 2025, 4:18 pm

While the 11th day of tensions between Israel and Iran saw both countries fire missiles at each other on Monday, international pressure for de-escalation intensified. New Iranian aerial attacks propelled sirens throughout northern Israel, while social media brought dramatic videos of the conflict happening in real time.

Dashcam Video Captures Missile Strike

A dashcam video that was posted online caught the very moment an Iranian missile hit the Israeli city of Ashdod. The video records a brief explosion on the side of a road, with rocks and pieces of debris flying into the air. Moments later, dust covers the windshield of a passing car to its left as the driver speeds away from the point of explosion.

Watch:

#IsraelIranWar | Dashcam Footage Shows Moment Iranian Missile Hit Israeli City Ashdod pic.twitter.com/YcrXpq1gVl

— NDTV WORLD (@NDTVWORLD) June 23, 2025

The missile is said to have struck one of the power stations in Ashdod, significantly impairing its functioning capacity. There were no immediate injury reports from this specific strike, although there were other effects throughout the country, The Times of Israel reported.

Iran fired several waves of missiles within almost 40 minutes, one of the longest barrages of the ongoing war. There were also loud explosions heard in Jerusalem, though Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service, reported there were no instantaneous casualties.

The continued exchanges of missiles follow Tehran’s threat of mounting repercussions after the U.S. attacked Iranian nuclear facilities. Iranian military forces spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari on state TV denounced what he termed a U.S. ‘hostile act’, claiming it would ‘open the way for the continuation of war in the region’.

“The warriors of Islam will bring severe, unforeseen consequences upon you with strong and precise (military) attacks,” he stated.

Israeli Response Aims at Iran’s Military Base

In response, the Israeli military conducted airstrikes against missile bases in western Iran and hit six Iranian regime airports, according to reports. The operations destroyed fighter jets and helicopters, Israeli defense sources said.

Casualty reports of the mounting conflict keep rising. Iran’s health ministry said over 400 individuals have lost their lives as a result of Israeli attacks. Iranian attacks on Israel, on the other hand, are said to have claimed 24 lives.

As both sides intensify offensives, concerns of an wider regional war are growing with the international community calling for restraint as the hostilities intensify.

Where Is Ayatollah Khamenei? Iran’s Supreme Leader Names 3 Successors Amid Assassination Fear

June 22, 2025, 7:00 pm

As the Middle East tensions rise, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has allegedly taken refuge in an underground safe bunker and identified three top clerics as possible successors, according to The New York Times. The extreme action comes in light of rising fears of being assassinated and increasing military action against Israel and America.

This emergence marks a significant change in the leadership equation in Iran as the country deals with one of its most precarious wartime challenges in decades, a two-front war with Israel and now, US air raids.

As per the report, Ayatollah Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, has also been ruled out as a probable successor despite being long regarded as a strong contender because of his clerical lineage and close association with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Another former president, Ebrahim Raisi, perished in a helicopter accident in 2024.

Leadership Under Lockdown

As questions arose about where Khamenei was after the recent US missile strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, President Donald Trump has called on Iran to ‘end the war’ at once. According to reports, the White-haired 86-year-old supreme leader, who is used to living in isolation, has severed all electronic communications and is issuing orders only through a loyal aide.

Three Iranian officials told The New York Times that this was part of an emergency wartime procedure meant to evade Israeli and United States detection, both of which have been accused of plotting an assassination attempt.

In an audio recording the publication received, Mahdi Mohammadi, adviser to parliament speaker Gen. Mohammad Ghalibaf, confessed to a grave intelligence failure:

“We obviously had a tremendous intelligence and security breach; there is no doubt about this. Our top commanders were all killed within an hour’s time.”

Heavy Casualties in Iran

Ten days into the Iran-Israel conflict, more than 865 Iranians have been killed and 3,396 wounded, a human rights group quoted by the Associated Press said. Israeli and US attacks have reached deep into the heart of Tehran, targeting vital infrastructure such as nuclear experts, military installations, and energy installations.

The crisis escalated when the US became involved in the war, conducting airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities; Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan by employing B-2 bombers, Bunker Busters, and Tomahawk missiles.

In a televised message, President Trump justified, “Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s No. 1 state sponsor of terror.”

Preparing for Succession

Given the heightened threat to his life, Ayatollah Khamenei has reportedly directed the Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for choosing the next Supreme Leader-to-be ready to appoint a successor swiftly from the three individuals he has selected. Normally, this process would take months, but Khamenei’s directive aims to ensure a ‘quick, orderly transition’ in case of his death, the NYT report added.

Satellite Footage Captures Moment When US Striked Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Site | Watch

June 22, 2025, 2:18 pm

In a dramatic escalation of the current Israel-Iran standoff, satellite pictures have recorded the moment when the United States conducted an airstrike on Iran’s Fordow nuclear enrichment plant. The strike, as confirmed by US President Donald Trump, is a game-changer in the already tense regional dynamics.

The European Meteosat-9 satellite, as quoted by Faytuks Network, registered an abrupt flash over the Fordow enrichment facility around 22:30 UTC. The flash, which was observed at a wavelength of 3.90 micrometers on midnight microphysics scans, was a sign of a high-temperature event that is usually linked to military operations.

Watch Here:

Faytuks Network: At 22:30 UTC, Meteosat-9 detected a flash over the Fordow enrichment plant. The event registered at 3.90 micrometers and was visible on nighttime microphysics scans. The location aligns with the salt plain east of Fordow. pic.twitter.com/Uk8hg6VBuI

— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) June 22, 2025

The flash was over the salt flats east of the Fordow plant, one of Iran’s most heavily guarded below-ground nuclear facilities. Hewn out of a mountain by the city of Qom, Fordow is at the hub of Iran’s uranium enrichment activity.

Further, The New York Times quoted statistics from NASA’s fire observation system, which also detected a strong heat signature close to the Fordow facility. “One detection was around 30 minutes before President Trump’s statement on the US strikes,” the publication stated.

Trump Confirms Strike

President Trump subsequently confirmed the strike through a post on Truth Social, stating, “We have finished our very successful attack on the three Nuclear facilities in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All aircraft are now out of Iranian air space. Entire payload of BOMBS was released at the main location, Fordow. All aircraft safely on their way home. Congratulations to our fantastic American Warriors. There is no other military in the World capable of doing this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your concern with this matter.”

pic.twitter.com/wu9mMkxtUg

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 21, 2025

Trump reiterated that the strike hit Fordow as the ‘primary’ facility, as well as the other major facilities at Natanz and Isfahan.

Warnings Prior to Attack

The attack followed a two-week ultimatum issued by the US to Iran to secure a diplomatic settlement to escalating tensions. With no breakthrough achieved, Washington proceeded with its military action, citing concerns over Iran’s progressing nuclear program.

The US and its allies have long believed that Iran should not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, threatening that if Tehran can do so, it will pose a threat to American and international security. The concerns mounted after Israel carried out a pre-emptive strike against several Iranian targets on June 13.

Though Trump has persisted in advocating for diplomatic talks and called on Iran to pursue a peace agreement, this recent airstrike has raised questions about the prospects of near-term negotiations.

Following previous warnings from Washington, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had warned the US not to meddle militarily.

The Americans ought to be aware that any US military action will certainly be accompanied by irreversible harm. The US intervention in this issue (war) is 100% to its disadvantage. The harm that it will incur will be much more than any other harm that Iran will face,” he had cautioned.

To date, Tehran hasn’t made an official comment on the US airstrikes, including the one that hit the buried Fordow facility. The Iranian leadership’s silence has raised many eyebrows about what they might do next.

Iran Warns: ‘Every US Citizen Now a Target’ After Strikes on Nuclear Sites

June 22, 2025, 12:20 pm

The United States conducted precision strikes on Saturday against and destroyed, reportedly ‘completely’, three prominent Iranian nuclear facilities: Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow heightening tensions in the burgeoning conflict between Iran and Israel.

Iranian officials, in comments on state TV, confirmed the strikes. Quoting Isfahan governor’s aide Akbar Salehi, the IRNA news agency confirmed the attacks, and said that ‘many residents witnessed attacks near the nuclear centres of Isfahan and Natanz’, and reported hearing a number of explosions in both areas.

Iran’s state television reported that ‘the Islamic Republic had pulled out the three nuclear facilities some time ago’, reducing the possible human damage. The network also minimized the long-term damage, stating, “Trump typically bluffs. How much damage has to be determined. The nuclear industry of the Islamic Republic cannot be wrecked through bombing.”

‘Every US Citizen a Target’

Following the US attack, Iranian state television issued warnings of future retaliation in fierce tones. An IRNA presenter announced that all US military and civilian personnel in the region are now a ‘legitimate target’.

One viral broadcast had a map with US military installations throughout the Middle East, pointing out that ‘majority of these bases were within the fire range of Iran’. Another Iranian host made a stern threat to President Trump: “The battle has just begun, Mr. Trump! Now you speak of peace? We will deal with you in a way that makes you understand the consequences of recklessness,” Iran International said.

Iran’s Atomic Agency Criticizes US Attacks

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization criticized the attacks, a ‘blatant violation of international law’.

“Relentless attacks by the Zionist enemy in the last couple of days, Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were subjected to a brutal attack at dawn today, a move in blatant disrespect of international law,” said the organization.

They also condemned international monitoring agencies, alleging, “This transgression against international rules has regrettably occurred under the negligence or even collusion of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The enemy of America, via the U.S. president’s official declaration on social media, has taken credit for bombing these facilities. The international community is supposed to denounce these acts of jungle logic and lawlessness and support Iran in exercising its natural rights.”

The situation keeps unfolding as the two sides ready themselves for possible repercussions of the strike.

US Strike on Iran: Targets, Munitions, and Air Power Used Against Nuclear Sites

June 22, 2025, 12:01 pm

In a dramatic rise in the long-standing confrontation between Israel and Iran, the United States joined the fight on Saturday, and its military dropped bombs on three Iranian nuclear and military facilities.

US President Donald Trump labeled the mission as ‘very successful’ and assured the public that all aircraft used had departed Iranian airspace safely. The attack was subsequently confirmed by Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization.

Even with the publicized attack, Iranian officials on Sunday reported no release of radioactive material. The nation’s National Nuclear Safety System Center verified through state media that radiation monitors had detected “no signs of contamination” at the attacked nuclear facilities.

What Caused the Escalation?

The US intervention came on the heels of Israel’s June 13 operation, code-named Operation Rising Lion, which saw airstrikes against Iranian military facilities. This is a significant new development in the regional crisis, with American troops actively targeting Iranian targets for the first time throughout this escalation.

What were the Main Targets?

The United States attacked three prominent nuclear facilities in Iran: Natanz, Fordow (also known as Fordo), and Isfahan.

Natanz, about 220 kilometers southeast of Tehran, is Iran’s main uranium enrichment plant. While it was hit by Israeli airstrikes in the past, the complex still enriched uranium up to 60 percent purity—beneath weapons-grade levels, yet extremely sensitive per the International Atomic Energy Agency. The UN nuclear watchdog said that Natanz centrifuges to speed enrichment were largely destroyed in previous attacks.

Fordow, the other large enrichment plant, southwest of Tehran, was the second one attacked. Constructed deep beneath a mountain close to the city of Qom, this facility is estimated to be home to as many as 3,000 centrifuges. Trump stated that the plant was struck with a “full payload of bombs.” He reposted later a tweet from an open-source intelligence community stating, ‘Fordow is gone’.

The third strike targeted Isfahan, a facility that not only has nuclear enrichment capacity but also contains three Chinese-constructed research reactors and ancillary laboratories.

The Munitions Employed

To penetrate Fordow’s deep-buried, highly defended underground bunker, the U.S. allegedly employed six GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), AFP reports. These 30,000-pound bunker-busting bombs are the largest non-nuclear munitions in the U.S. arsenal and were specifically constructed to kill deep, hardened underground targets.

Military officials quoted by AP explained that such bombs are designed to pierce the surface before exploding deep inside, making them perfectly suitable for deeply buried nuclear facilities like Fordow.

Aircraft Used in the Operation

The GBU-57 is deployable and transportable only by the U.S. Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bombers. These bombers have a range of 6,000 nautical miles on a single flight without refueling and are specifically intended to penetrate advanced enemy air defenses while striking well-defended installations.

A number of B-2 bombers were seen leaving their base in Missouri before the attacks, according to flight-tracking agencies and U.S. media reports.

Trump’s Reaction and Warning

After the surgery, Trump made a blunt warning, “There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran.”

In a post on Truth Social, he announced, “We have successfully completed our attack on the three Nuclear facilities in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.” He specifically noted that all U.S. planes had returned safely and asserted that a “full payload of bombs” had been dropped on Fordow.

In another post, Trump described the strikes as a pivotal event: “This is an HISTORIC MOMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ISRAEL, AND THE WORLD. IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR. THANK YOU!”

Later, in a televised address, he claimed that Iran’s major nuclear sites had been “completely and totally obliterated.”

Who Was Saeed Izadi, Iranian Commander Linked to Hamas’ Oct 7 Attack, Killed in Israeli Strikes?

June 21, 2025, 5:00 pm

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday verified that Saeed Izadi, a high-ranking commander within Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in an overnight raid in the Iranian city of Qom. Izadi was in charge of the Palestinian sector of the IRGC’s Quds Force, an external operation branch of the IRGC.

“Saeed Izadi, one of the creators of the Iranian regime’s policy for annihilating Israel, was killed in a targeted IDF attack in the Qom area,” the IDF declared in a message on X. His passing was previously confirmed by Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who described it as part of Israeli activity at night in Iran.

War With Iran Enters Second Week

Izadi’s assassination coincides with Israel’s ongoing battle with Iran, now in its second week. Israel’s Foreign Minister says recent attacks have delayed Iran’s nuclear plans by ‘at least two to three years’. Israel’s military commander meanwhile warned that the nation may experience a ‘protracted campaign’ as tensions with Iran build.

Izadi’s involvement in Hamas’ October 7 Attack

Saeed Izadi was at the center of coordinating the Iranian regime’s relationship with Hamas, the Israeli military said.

Izadi, who served as commander of the Palestine Corps of the Quds Force, was one of the masterminds behind the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and sparked a fiery war in Gaza. The war has since killed more than 54,000 Palestinians.

“He was in charge of military coordination between the top commanders of the IRGC and the Iranian regime with leading figures in Hamas,” the IDF said. “In his capacity, Izadi was responsible for expanding the financial budget from Iran to Hamas for terror activities against Israel.”

Rebuilding Hamas

Izadi was reportedly engaged in managing Hamas activities in Lebanon, striving to strengthen the group’s military branch and ensure it had influence in Gaza. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz charged Izadi with ‘financing and equipping Hamas’ prior to the October 7 attacks.

Katz described the operation as a significant breakthrough, calling it a “enormous achievement for Israeli intelligence” and “justice for slain civilians and hostages.

IAEA Chief Warns Israeli Strike On Iran’s Bushehr Plant Could Spark Nuclear Catastrophe

June 21, 2025, 2:41 am

United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi made a grim warning to the UN Security Council on Friday, warning that an Israeli strike on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant could result in a major regional catastrophe.

Addressing an extraordinary meeting on the continuing Iran-Israel conflict its eighth consecutive day Grossi reported that a direct attack on the Russian-built nuclear plant, located on the Gulf coast of Iran, would risk a huge release of radioactive material with serious consequences far beyond Iranian borders.

“This would lead to a very high level of radioactivity release,” Grossi stressed, calling on all sides to practice “maximum restraint.” He repeated that nuclear facilities must never be attacked by the military under any circumstances.

Grossi outlined possible ramifications of such an attack, including a core meltdown if the two electrical power lines to the plant were cut. Such an event would require mass emergency actions such as iodine distribution, food supply limitations, and long-distance radiation monitoring, which could impact Gulf states within several hundred kilometers.

He also pointed out that Bushehr contains thousands of kilograms of nuclear material and is thus an extremely sensitive and risky target. In the case of an attack, officials would have to order large-scale evacuations.

Again emphasizing his appeal for diplomacy, Grossi volunteered to help negotiate a solution and pointed out that the IAEA’s integrated inspection regime can confirm that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons.

In the meantime, Iranian news website Rouydad24 said air defense systems in Bushehr were deployed on Friday during reports of a purported Israeli attack, but no information on the target or extent of damage was immediately confirmed.

The appeal by Grossi comes as tensions are running high with Israeli airstrikes and Iranian retaliatory attacks still escalating in the region.

What Is Sejjil? Iran Fires Long-Range Ballistic Missile at Israel

June 19, 2025, 8:00 pm

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on Thursday it had fired a Sejjil-2 ballistic missile, which is ultra-heavy and long-range, at Israeli soil.

In a statement posted by the Iranian embassy in India on X (Twitter), the missile was among an extensive offensive: “The twelfth wave of Operation ‘True Promise 3’ has commenced with the firing of ultra-heavy, long-range, two-stage Sejjil missiles.” The embassy added, “Sejjil missiles, solid-fueled and with long-range potential, are some of Iran’s most accurate and powerful strategic weapons. They have the capability to penetrate and target key enemy objectives.”

Damage and Response

The Times of Israel gave an account of how the missile was intercepted by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) successfully. The interception is said to have caused minor damage to an adjacent vehicle, though.

This missile attack follows as tensions between Iran and Israel persist, now on their seventh day consecutively. The escalation started after Israel attacked a major Iranian nuclear site. Iran retaliated by firing several missiles, with one reportedly landing at an Israeli hospital.

Israel has asserted the nuclear facility it bombed was being utilized to further the development of nuclear weapons. Iran, on the other hand, denied striking the hospital directly, claiming the aimed location was a military compound and that the damage to the hospital was caused by the missile’s “blast wave.”

What Is the Sejjil-2 Missile?

Sejjil-2 is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) of Iranian origin. It is said to have a two-stage solid-fuel rocket motor and an estimated range of around 2,000 km with a payload capacity of close to 700 kg.

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the missile is approximately 18 meters long, 1.25 meters in diameter, and 23,600 kilograms in weight. The missile has a solid-fuel structure that makes it faster to launch than earlier liquid-fueled Iranian missiles like the Shahab series.

History of Development and Testing

Iran originally tested the Sejjil-2 missile in 2008, with the test flight said to have traveled 800 kilometers. A second test took place in May of 2009, with the focus being on enhancements in the missile’s guidance and navigation system. Four more test launches were conducted by Iran since then, with one shot that saw the missile traveling about 1,900 kilometers into the Indian Ocean.

Putin Refuses to Even Discuss Israeli-U.S. Plot to Kill Iran’s Supreme Leader

June 19, 2025, 11:18 am

Putin has finally weighed in on the explosive speculation swirling between Israel and the U.S. over the fate of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

As world leaders hint at regime change and military strikes, Putin’s sharp refusal to even discuss a possible assassination leaves global observers wondering how far tensions in the Middle East might escalate.

Assassination Talk Ignored

While Netanyahu speculated that military pressure could force regime change in Iran, Trump revealed that the U.S. knew Khamenei’s location but had no immediate plans to strike. When asked about a joint Israeli-U.S. attack on Khamenei, Putin replied, “I do not even want to discuss this possibility. I do not want to.” Pressed further, he refused to elaborate.

Head of European news at AFP asks Putin what he would do ‘if tomorrow, Israel KILLS’ Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei

Putin’s short reply: ‘I am not even going to discuss such a possibility’

-Slavyangrad pic.twitter.com/KRbx2lbWZs

— MARIA (@its_maria012) June 19, 2025

Speaking in St. Petersburg to senior editors, Putin said Iran’s population was uniting behind its leadership despite internal issues. He urged all parties to find solutions ensuring Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear power while safeguarding Israel’s security.

As Trump kept the world guessing about U.S. involvement in Israeli airstrikes on Iranian sites, many Iranians fled the capital amidst attacks. Putin confirmed ongoing talks with Trump and Netanyahu, sharing Moscow’s proposals to resolve the conflict while preserving Iran’s access to civil nuclear energy.

Putin Calls For Diplomacy

Questioned on regime change, Putin advised careful evaluation of goals before acting. He confirmed Iran’s underground uranium enrichment plants remained intact, stating, “These underground factories, they exist, nothing has happened to them.” Repeating his call for diplomacy, he said, “It seems to me that it would be right for everyone to look for ways to end hostilities and find ways for all parties to agree with each other.”

BREAKING: #PUTIN SAYS #IRAN’S UNDERGROUND FACILITIES ARE FULLY OPERATIONAL AND UNTOUCHED BY #ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES.

He said trust between #Russia and Iran is at an all-time high.

He said their relationship is very strong. #iranisraelwar pic.twitter.com/1g5Nz5MOGP

— Aazim manzoor (@Manzoor32306834) June 18, 2025

On military support, Putin clarified that the strategic partnership treaty excludes military cooperation and that Iran made no formal request. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned that any U.S. attack could destabilise the Middle East. The Russian Foreign Ministry also warned Israeli strikes risk triggering a nuclear catastrophe.

Putin said Israel assured Moscow its airstrikes would not endanger Russian specialists building new reactors at Iran’s Bushehr plant. He reaffirmed Russia’s offer to handle enriched uranium and supply nuclear fuel, saying, “It is possible to ensure Iran’s interests in peaceful nuclear energy. And at the same time, to address Israel’s concerns about its security.” Russia shared these proposals with the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

Loud Blasts Rock Tehran as Israel Hits Iranian Military Sites

June 18, 2025, 6:50 pm

On the sixth day of rising tensions between Iran and Israel, massive explosions shook eastern Tehran on Wednesday, AFP reported.

The explosions, which happened about 3:50 p.m. local time, billowed thick plumes of smoke into the air. At least five columns of smoke were seen going up from Iran’s capital city from the east and southeast areas, witnesses said.

Soon after the attack, the Israeli army owned up to the assault. On X, it posted, “The IAF is currently striking military targets belonging to the Iranian Regime in Tehran.”

🔴 The IAF is currently striking military targets belonging to the Iranian Regime in Tehran.

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 18, 2025

The attacks are a major heightening of tensions between the traditional Middle Eastern rivals, as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East.

Iran Launches Fattah-1 Hypersonic Missile at Israel

June 18, 2025, 1:50 pm

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed it launched a Fattah-1 hypersonic missile at Israel. This marks the first reported use of this missile during the ongoing conflict.

The Fattah missile—unveiled in 2023—was named by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Earlier, Iran fired multiple Fattah-1 missiles at Jerusalem during its large-scale attack on Israel on October 1, 2024. However, this recent launch appears to be the missile’s debut use in the current wave of attacks.

What is the Fattah-1 Missile?

Iran’s military describes the Fattah-1 as a powerful weapon. The IRGC even nicknamed it the “Israel-striker.” At the launch event in Tehran, a massive banner carried a chilling warning in Hebrew, “400 seconds to Tel Aviv.”

This missile is Iran’s first hypersonic weapon. It boasts high speed, precision, and the ability to change direction mid-flight—making it harder to shoot down.

Why Is It Considered Dangerous?

Fattah-1 can reportedly bypass advanced missile defense systems, including Israel’s Iron Dome and Arrow. In general, hypersonic missiles fly at speeds above Mach 5—five times the speed of sound. They can also shift paths during flight, making them much harder to intercept.

According to Iran Watch, Fattah-1 has:

A range of 1,400 km
Solid-fuel propulsion
A single-stage launch system
A top speed of around 6,100 km/h (3,800 mph)

Experts Raise Doubts About Actual Use

Some experts are skeptical about Iran’s claim. Fabian Hinz, an analyst with the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told CNN that the missile’s warhead likely sits on a “manoeuvrable reentry vehicle,” which allows last-minute movement to avoid interception. Still, not everyone believes the missile was truly launched this week. Trevor Ball, a former US Army explosives technician, said, “It’s one of their newest ballistic missiles, and they have a lot to lose from using it.”

He added, “Israel would get an idea of its capabilities just from being used. There’s also the chance it could fail to function, giving Israel an even greater idea of its capabilities. They get free propaganda and risk nothing by saying it was used.”

Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict

Tensions have escalated sharply. Israel has defended its aggressive airstrikes, claiming they aim to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

So far:

224 people have died in Iran due to Israeli strikes.
Iran responded with around 400 missiles and launched hundreds of drones at Israel.
In Israel, 24 people have died, and over 500 are injured.

Trump’s Warning and US Involvement

As the conflict intensifies, the US deployed fighter jets to the region.

Former President Donald Trump made provocative comments. He warned Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, that the US knows his location, but added there were “no plans to kill him—at least not for now.”

This message added tension, especially as many residents in Tehran fled their homes amid ongoing Israeli air raids on military and nuclear sites.

Iran Vows More Retaliation

Meanwhile, Israel claimed it killed General Ali Shadmani, calling him Iran’s top surviving military leader. Iran has not officially confirmed this.

Iran’s army leaders, however, issued strong warnings. Gen. Abdul Rahim Mousavi, Iran’s Army Commander-in-Chief, said, “The operations carried out so far have been solely for the purpose of warning and deterrence.” He promised, “The punishment operation will be carried out soon.”

Violence Spreads Beyond Iran

In parallel, Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza. Clashes and daily shootings have been reported, especially in areas where Palestinians gather for food.