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Iran Urges Citizens to Delete WhatsApp, Accuses Meta of Data Leak to Israel

June 18, 2025, 5:44 pm

Iran has urged its citizens to delete the WhatsApp app, claiming it is leaking data to Israel — but the firm rejects the accusation. In the escalated tension with Israel, Iran on Tuesday warned its people to delete WhatsApp from their mobile phones. The government asserted that the Meta-owned messaging app was transmitting user data to Israel. But Tehran did not provide any evidence to back the claim.

WhatsApp promptly refuted the claims. WhatsApp warned that the Iranian government could use these unsubstantiated claims as a pretext to ban the service during a pivotal moment. It reaffirmed that it employs end-to-end encryption and does not store logs of users’ personal messages, contacts lists, or exact locations.

WhatsApp Responds to Allegations

WhatsApp, in a public statement, stated that the app “does not give bulk information to any government.” The company reassured that it is unable to read or access private chats because of its encryption mechanisms. It further stated that users’ data is kept safe and not shared with third parties like governments.

Meta, the parent of WhatsApp, termed the Iranian allegation unfounded and politically motivated. The firm expressed concern that the false claims could disconnect communication for people who need it the most.

Social Media Access in Iran

Iran has a history of blocking social media platforms. Though most apps are still blocked, citizens use VPNs to circumvent the blocks. In 2022, Iran blocked WhatsApp and Google Play amid widespread protests over the death of a woman detained by morality police. The government later removed that block in 2024.

WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram are still among the most popular apps in Iran. Any new ban would have a devastating impact on public access to digital communications.

Wider Conflict Looms

Iran’s threat comes at a time when military tensions with Israel are growing. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump held a National Security Council meeting to determine if the US should join Israel’s military campaign against Tehran.

While that is happening, Washington has sent more troops to the region. The US has apparently shifted F-16, F-22, and F-35 fighter aircraft, refueling aircraft, and warships closer to the Middle East.

With conflict on the horizon and paranoia spreading, Iran’s shutdown of social media sites such as WhatsApp might be the latest indication of a government attempting to shape the narrative — with its people paying the price for access to the communication.

Trump Denies Iran Peace Talks, Calls It ‘Fake and Highly Fabricated’

June 17, 2025, 7:21 pm

Trump dismisses Iran peace talks as “highly fabricated and fake” as Israel-Iran war enters a perilous phase. US President Donald Trump on June 17 denied media reports that he had initiated contact with Tehran for talks. He stated that no such contact was ever made.

While this was happening, Israel and Iran’s military attacks did not cease, with over 200 reported casualties in Iran and over a dozen in Israel. Each country received fresh hits—Israel confirmed it had killed a high-ranking Iranian general, while Iran said it had attacked a Mossad compound.

Trump Calls Peace Talks ‘Fake’

Trump put up a firm denial on Truth Social. He stated, “I have not contacted Iran for ‘Peace Talks’ in any shape, form, or fashion. This is just more HIGHLY FABRICATED, FAKE NEWS! If they wish to talk, they understand how to contact me. They should have accepted the deal that was available — would have saved a lot of lives!!!”

The words came amid previous speculation that Washington was quietly calling on Tehran to stop its missile attacks. Trump rejected the report and claimed the ball was in Iran’s court.

Trump Calls For ‘Real End’

While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump outlined his expectations. He said he preferred a “real end” to the conflict instead of a ceasefire. “An end, a real end, not a ceasefire. An end. Or giving entirely. That’s OK, too,” he stated.

When asked if Israel was planning to slow its attacks, Trump responded, “You’re going to find out. Nobody’s slowed up so far.” His words imply that he anticipates continued military conflict over the next few days.

Israel and Iran Exchange Deadly Blows

On the ground, tensions ran high. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that Ali Shadmani, the chief of Iran’s Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters, was killed in an airstrike against Tehran. The IDF called it a strategic strike against Iran’s war efforts.

Retaliation

In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps indicated it had struck a Mossad headquarters in Israel. Iranian government media claimed the foreign intelligence agency’s headquarters had been hit.

With both sides dig in their heels, the war continues to escalate. Trump’s dismissal of peace overtures takes immediate hopes for diplomacy off the table. As the next 48 hours play out, world attention remains riveted on whether Israel escalates its campaign or changes course. The bombs continue to fall and the price continues to mount for the time being.

Tehran in Crisis, Israel’s Bombing Intensifies as Trump Pressures Iran

June 17, 2025, 3:22 pm

Tehran Israel war 2025 has reached its fifth day. Israel keeps bombing Iran’s military and nuclear installations. Iran incurs huge losses, particularly in Tehran. US President Donald Trump shortened his Canada trip to address the increasing Middle East crisis. Israel has threatened to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, even though Trump feared that such an action might increase tensions.

Meanwhile, isolated and weakened Iran is hinting at a ceasefire — but not before the attacks end. As both nations engage in missile exchanges, the regime in Tehran is left battling for survival.

Heavy Bombing Devastates Iran

Israel commenced strong air attacks on Iran from June 13. The targets were nuclear facilities, military installations, and government buildings. Israeli warplanes bombed Tehran’s state television headquarters in a stunning attack. Iran retaliated with missile attacks. Israel intercepted the majority of rockets with its defense systems. Its military requested civilians to briefly take cover on Tuesday evening.

Iran confirmed it had lost several high-ranking military officials. They were not symbolic casualties — the officials were crucial command positions. The attacks risk Iran’s military hierarchy and decision-making nucleus.

Iran Stands Alone In War

Iran is now battling without robust backing. Its regional proxies — Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthis in Yemen — have lost momentum since the October 2023 Israel-Hamas war. Tehran has to rely on its own resources now. The situation poses the greatest challenge to Iran’s leadership since the 1980s.

At 86, Khamenei faces the toughest test of his rule. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the objective clear: ending the conflict by eliminating the supreme leader. Trump expressed concern, but Israel remains defiant.

It is his moment of greatest importance, according to Sanam Vakil of Chatham House. “Survival is the objective. To them, making it through this barrage means victory.” The regime now is completely focused on remaining in power, no matter the price.

Iran Signals Possible Ceasefire

Even with the violence, Iran has signaled an openness to negotiations. It has approached Arab interlocutors such as Qatar and Oman. Messages were delivered to Washington and Jerusalem calling for a ceasefire and possible re-entry into nuclear talks.

But Iran inserted one hard condition — it will not bargain as long as bombs are raining down on its territory. For the time being, the clashes persist.

Israel Confirms Killing of 4 Top Iranian Intelligence Officials in IDF Strikes

June 16, 2025, 6:43 pm

Israeli attacks kill high-ranking Iranian intelligence officials in a significant escalation of the Israel-Iran war. They include Mohammad Kazemi, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organisation chief, his deputy Mohammad Hassan Mohaqiq, Quds Force intelligence head Mohsen Bakri, and deputy Abu al-Fadl Nikouei.

The casualties are a major blow to Tehran’s military and intelligence apparatus as the two countries keep attacking for the third consecutive day. The news comes amid heightened tensions, with rising fatalities on both sides and key diplomacy crumbling.

IRGC and Quds Force Intelligence Chiefs Killed

Israel officially identified four top Iranian commanders killed in recent strikes. Mohammad Kazemi and Mohammad Hassan Mohaqiq headed the IRGC’s Intelligence Organisation. Quds Force intelligence chief Mohsen Bakri and his deputy Abu al-Fadl Nikouei were also killed in two separate IDF operations. The officers, according to reports, coordinated Iran’s foreign strategies, including operations against Israel and Western interests.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News reported Kazemi and Mohaqiq’s deaths. Reports showed Bakri died in a Sunday strike in Tehran. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu previously confirmed the first two fatalities.

Escalation Continues on Both Sides

Since last Friday, both Israel and Iran have made direct attacks. Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 224 individuals in Iran, the majority of whom are civilians, Iranian state media reports. At least 14 individuals have been killed and 15 injured in Israel. The tit-for-tat bombing has reached its third day, with no indication of ceasefire.

Iran launched its first daytime missile strike against Israel on Sunday. Four were injured in a Haifa attack. Rocket attacks also hit northern and southern areas, leading officials to remove bunker alerts.

Blaze in Tehran, Nuclear Talks Collapse

Israel also hit oil and gas sites in Tehran, causing huge fires. Snapshots from the capital indicated that the night sky was ablaze with fire, contributing to fear among citizens. During the mayhem, the US confirmed that planned nuclear negotiations with Iran had been canceled.

In another related revelation, a US official said Donald Trump, while he was president, had turned down an Israeli proposal to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Regional Instability Deepens

As Israeli attacks assassinate top Iranian intelligence officials, the impact carries through to diplomacy, security, and public safety. Iran’s intelligence activities are now critically disabled. Israel prepares meanwhile for further retaliation.

With nuclear talks now out of the question and civilian lives in greater peril, the conflict between Israel and Iran seems far from finished.

Iran Rules Out Nuclear Weapons, Defends Energy Rights As Israel War Escalates

June 16, 2025, 12:10 pm

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday (June 16) asserted that Iran will not seek nuclear weapons but will keep enriching its right to nuclear energy and scientific progress. He issued the statement amidst a fierce battle with Israel in which hundreds have died.

Although Iran defends its nuclear program as peaceful, Israel accuses Tehran of an existential danger and has promised to destroy Iranian nuclear facilities through continued assaults.

Pezeshkian Reaffirms Iran’s Nuclear Position

President Pezeshkian firmly stated that Iran does not intend to develop nuclear arms. Instead, he emphasized Iran’s sovereign right to nuclear energy and research. According to Reuters, he echoed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s religious edict, which bans weapons of mass destruction.

This pronouncement comes amid high tensions across the world and as nuclear activities continue to be under scrutiny. Iran seems to be making a distinction between peaceful advancement and military build-up.

Death Toll Increases on Both Sides

The conflict between Iran and Israel broke out on Friday, June 13, when Israel conducted massive airstrikes against Iran. Iran has since reported 224 civilian fatalities and more than 1,200 injuries by its health ministry. The spokesman for health said that 90 percent of the casualties were civilians, including women and children.

In Israel, 17 people are killed and 390 are injured. Israeli leaders do not give any indication of withdrawal despite the losses.

Israeli Strikes Kill Iranian Top Brass

Israel’s attacks have been aimed at top Iranian officials. The Revolutionary Guard confirmed the death of its intelligence chief, Mohammad Kazemi, and two other generals. Many other senior officials and nuclear scientists were killed in the strikes. These fatalities represent a severe blow to Iran’s military and scientific leadership.

Netanyahu Threatens to Continue the Offensive

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has come to the defense of the strikes. In an interview with Fox News, he stated that Israel will keep fighting Iran to eradicate two existential threats: nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. He explained that Israel has to do it for its own security and for the security of the world.

“We did take action, to save ourselves,” Netanyahu stated. “We can’t have the world’s most dangerous regime possess the world’s most dangerous weapons.”

As the fourth day of the war arrives, neither country is in the mood to back down. Iran remains adamant on its peaceful nuclear development right. Israel, meanwhile, vows to scrap what it perceives as an impending menace. As both sides refuse to budge, the region becomes increasingly unstable.

Trump Says ‘Deal Can Be Done’ as Israel and Iran Bomb Each Other

June 15, 2025, 1:19 pm

Israel and Iran carried out lethal attacks on one another overnight into Sunday, escalating a rapidly developing conflict with increasing regional threats. US President Donald Trump cautioned Tehran not to attack American targets and invited Iran to negotiate a peace accord with Israel through his mediation.

Trump explicitly stated that the US was not involved in Israel’s attack on Iranian military installations. While that was unfolding, the two sides exchanged missiles, killing dozens in Iran and at least a dozen in Israel.

There are ongoing rescue efforts being made in Tel Aviv suburbs and Tehran’s battered districts, amid concerns of an expanded war. Trump’s words added urgency, arriving at the moment Tehran cancelled nuclear negotiations and retaliated at energy installations and civilian zones.

Israel Pounds Tehran as Death Toll Mounts

Israel carried out a new series of attacks on Iranian land late on Friday, striking nuclear and intelligence installations. Iran said 78 were killed on the first day, and dozens more on the second. One of the missiles struck a 14-storey apartment building in Tehran, killing 60, including 29 children.

Israeli warplanes also destroyed Iran’s defence ministry and caused fires at an oil refinery and Shahran oil depot. Tehran announced that the situation is now under control but damage is still heavy.

Trump Warns Iran, Offers Peace Deal

President Trump sent a blunt warning to Iran. “If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never before seen,” he wrote. Trump also tweeted, “We can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict.” But he did not describe what such a deal would entail.

Iran called off nuclear negotiations scheduled in Oman. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi explained that the negotiations could not proceed while Israeli bombs strike Iranian cities. Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned that the ongoing attacks were merely the start. “What Iran has experienced is nothing in comparison to what is yet to come,” he declared.

Missile Barrages Land Both Sides

Iran fired new missile attacks on Israel in the late hours of Saturday. Air raid sirens sounded all over Jerusalem and Haifa, sending close to a million individuals to shelter. Interceptors retaliated as explosions illuminated Tel Aviv and Jerusalem’s night skies. At least seven fatalities were reported by Israel’s ambulance service overnight, including a 10-year-old boy and a 20-year-old woman. More than 140 others were injured, with numerous others stuck in rubble.

In Bat Yam, to the south of Tel Aviv, a missile hit an 8-story building. The authorities evacuated survivors, but confirmed deaths and at least 35 missing. The death toll in Israel so far from Friday’s attacks is 10, with more than 300 wounded.

Iran’s Energy Assets Now in the Crosshairs

For the first time, Israeli strikes have hit Iran’s vital energy infrastructure. A blaze erupted at the South Pars gas field, which is the largest in the world, prompting Iran to delay some operations. The field accounts for most of the country’s gas supply.

Dreads of interrupted oil exports already boosted oil prices 9% on Friday, despite the fact that Israel initially refrained from striking key oil and gas facilities.

Strait of Hormuz at Risk

Iranian General Esmail Kosari indicated that Tehran could close the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow strait regulates shipping access for oil to the Gulf and could disrupt the global market if closed. Tehran also threatened regional US military bases would be targeted if they assist in the defense of Israel.

Tehran’s regional surrogates such as Hamas and Hezbollah are badly damaged after a decade of war. Nevertheless, Yemeni Houthi rebels fired ballistic missiles at Israel’s Jaffa, the first time an Iranian ally openly entered the conflict. With Netanyahu calling on Iranians to revolt against their rulers and promising a protracted campaign, the crisis threatens to engulf the region.

Nuclear Fears Return

Israel maintains that Iran’s nuclear project poses a threat to its survival. The latest bombardment, Israel says, is meant to stop Iran from taking its last steps towards the construction of a bomb.

Iran has dismissed this, stating its project is purely peaceful. Yet, the UN nuclear watchdog recently declared that Iran is breaking major non-proliferation treaty commitments.

As bombs are dropped and negotiations break down, the window for diplomacy is closing. Trump’s peace offer now looms over a spilling conflict. Iran’s response in negotiation or more bombs is still unknown. The next steps may set the direction for the Middle East.

Houthis Confirm Iran’s Role in Missile Attack on Israel’s Jaffa

June 15, 2025, 12:32 pm

In an unprecedented and daring step, Yemen’s Houthis have confessed to coordinating with Iran on a shared missile attack on Israel. This is the first public confirmation of the direct military collaboration between the Houthis and Tehran. The Houthis fired multiple ballistic missiles at central Israel’s Jaffa in the last 24 hours.

Their military spokesperson Yehya Sarea confirmed the attack in a live broadcast. The escalation follows repeated retaliatory attacks between Israel and Iran since Friday. The Israeli army also reported a wave of sirens in several areas following missile launches by Iran and Yemen.

The Houthis claim they launched the attack in solidarity with Palestinians and Iran. The move reflects a deeper military cooperation and raises the risk of more extensive regional war.

Houthis Confirm Missile Attack on Jaffa

The Houthi military spokesman Yehya Sarea declared the missile attack on Israel’s central area, including Jaffa. He reiterated that the operation was to assist both Palestinians and Iranians. The missile attack was a component of a bigger, orchestrated campaign against the Israeli military by Iran’s military, as per Sarea.

The statement is the first public recognition of cooperation on a military level between an Iran-aligned militia group and the Iranian state itself.

Israel-Iran Conflict Heightens

The Houthis’ attack follows Israel’s biggest-ever military strike against Iran last Friday. Iran and Israel have since been exchanging direct missile fire. The Houthis also put pressure in by attacking from the south.

The Israeli military confirmed a missile fired from Yemen struck Hebron in the occupied West Bank earlier. Although the Houthis did not claim responsibility then, the recent incidents have made the connection more apparent.

US Strikes and Strategic Pause

US had repeatedly struck Houthi positions earlier this year after their attacks on American ships. President Donald Trump did order a pause, though, after the Houthis offered to cease firing at US ships. The ceasefire seems to hold, but the group has not ceased operations against Israel.

Regional Axis Takes Shape

Houthi-Iran coordination marks a perilous new era. It indicates Iran’s reach into several regional fronts. The Houthis, which have routinely fired repeatedly against Israel since the October 7 Hamas attack, now act with official Iranian support. Their missiles have been mostly intercepted up to this point, but the emerging alliance may pose a threat to Israeli security in the long run.

This union highlights the multifaceted and widening character of the conflict—where regional players now move in tandem, ratcheting up tensions far beyond Gaza.

Trump Warns Iran of Unmatched US Military Retaliation If Attacked

June 15, 2025, 12:14 pm

US President Donald Trump issued a foreboding threat to Iran, promising an unprecedented military action if Iran targets the United States. Trump flatly rejected any US involvement in Israel’s recent attack on Iranian nuclear and intelligence bases.

Trump emphasized that any Iranian attack on America will unleash a destructive retaliation. Trump also raised the possibility of mediating peace between Iran and Israel, adding that a deal would easily stop the current conflict.

No US Involvement in Israel’s Strikes on Tehran

Trump went online late Sunday to clarify his stance. He wrote, “The US had nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight.” His statement aimed to keep Washington out of the Israeli raid on Tehran’s highly sensitive military installations. Trump’s clarification comes in the face of escalating tensions since Israel’s daring raids deep within Iranian territory.

Stark Warning to Tehran

Trump did not go as far as denial. He made a stinging and unequivocal threat to the Iranian regime. “If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before,” Trump stated. The words left no doubt. Trump explicitly stated that the US would retaliate with unmatched force against any provocation.

Peace Proposal in Time of Escalation

Trump, no less in the same breath, indicated a potential diplomatic solution. “We can easily get a deal done between Israel and Iran, and end this bloody conflict!!!” he tweeted. This quick about-face from war threat to peacemaking was noteworthy.

US President seemed to stand as a possible mediator in spite of the volatile regional politics.

Conflict or Compromise?

Trump’s words are timely. Iran has threatened retaliation against Israel, and many fear a wider war in the Middle East. Trump’s threat puts an added level of tension on the table. Whether or not Iran sees his statement as a warning or a goading is uncertain.

President Donald Trump has drawn a red line—and warned that any Iranian action against America would have historic repercussions for now.

IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi Warns After Israel Strikes Iran, ‘Nuclear Facilities Must Never Be Attacked’

June 13, 2025, 5:20 pm

The sender of the IAEA in response to Israel’s ongoing attacks on Iran has heightened international concerns. On Friday, IAEA head Rafael Grossi denounced the Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, stating “such facilities must never be attacked.” Grossi warned that there would be dangerous consequences for Iran, the Middle East, and indeed the world if nuclear security is breached.

Israel conducted targeted attacks against Iranian military and nuclear installations just hours before the remark. Iran retaliated, accusing the UN nuclear monitor’s silence as complicity. The tensions now risk spiraling out of control, with Tehran pledging to speed up its uranium enrichment and missile programs.

IAEA Calls for Maximum Restraint

Rafael Grossi informed IAEA board members that the situation was “deeply concerning.” He emphasized that any military intervention risking nuclear sites puts millions in danger. Grossi called for “maximum restraint” by all sides to avoid further escalation.

He also proposed going to Iran at once to gauge the extent of the damage and guarantee the safety of its nuclear program continuing. He added that the IAEA stands ready to enable technical discussions and foster transparency and non-proliferation objectives.

Iran Criticizes IAEA for Lying Low

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation reacted with a stinging retort. It condemned the IAEA for its silence over Israeli attacks and denounced this inaction as being “cooperation with the Zionist regime.” The statement termed the Israeli attacks a “defeat for the IAEA” and attributed the agency’s “unjustifiable shortcomings.

Tehran made it plain that it views such attacks as justification for continuing with its nuclear and missile plans. “The world now better understands Iran’s insistence on the right to enrichment, nuclear technology, and missile power,” the government stated.

Hamas Calls Strikes a Dangerous Escalation

Palestinian militant movement Hamas also denounced the Israeli attacks. Hamas, in its statement, referred to the strikes as a “dangerous escalation” that may destabilize the region. Hamas said Iran is now “paying the price for its steadfast stance” in defense of the Palestinian cause.

Watershed for Nuclear Diplomacy?

Rafael Grossi’s urgent message adds weight to fears that a broader conflict could follow. With Israel acting militarily and Iran vowing retaliation, global diplomacy faces a critical test. The IAEA’s role now hinges on de-escalation and rebuilding trust among all parties.

Whether Rafael Grossi’s offer to visit Iran succeeds may shape the future of nuclear oversight in the region.

Israel Hits Iran Nuclear and Missile Facilities in Massive Strike

June 13, 2025, 3:14 pm

Israel struck Iran’s nuclear and missile centers in a mass military action on Friday. The attack, the beginning of “Operation Rising Lion,” was against Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile production plants, and military command. Iran threatened a severe reaction.

Israel intercepted almost 100 retaliatory drones, in return. The attack has turned the balance of regional stability around and sent global oil prices soaring, while flights across West Asia ceased amidst concerns of escalation.

Mossad and the Military Coordinate Deep Strikes

Mossad commandos had operated deep within Iran prior to the strike, Israeli sources confirmed. The intelligence agency coordinated closely with the military to take down Iran’s radar stations and surface-to-air missile launchers. Israel also disclosed that it had established a secret base for attack drones near Tehran.

Israel’s air force sent around 200 fighter planes, hitting more than 100 targets. The military acknowledged the demise of top Iranian military officials, including Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami, Iran’s chief of staff for the armed forces, and head of Iran’s command of emergency affairs. State media also confirmed the killing of six nuclear scientists and children in residential attacks.

Netanyahu Announces Existential War

PM Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to the country with a blunt threat. He declared the operation was intended to “roll back the Iranian threat” and would keep going until Israel’s survival was assured. He urged citizens to stock up and prepare for long periods of sheltering.

Top military officer Eyal Zamir labelled the attacks a “historic campaign” and confirmed that tens of thousands of Israeli military personnel had been mobilised.

Iran Vows to Retaliate

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei denounced the strikes as “wicked crime” and vowed an “oppressive fate” for Israel. Iran responded with drones, but most were said to have been intercepted by Israeli defenses.

Tehran’s military spokesperson threatened that Israel and the U.S. would be punished. Iran claims it will persist with nuclear enrichment, denouncing the Israeli attack as validation of its missile capability.

World-Wide Fallout: Oil, Flights, and Markets

Brent crude climbed more than 6% following the attack but settled back from its highs. Airlines canceled flights over Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel. Emirates, El Al, Israir, and Arkia all suspended services. Israel closed Ben Gurion Airport and moved aircraft. US stock futures fell. Israel’s shekel fell close to 2% in Asian trade.

Washington Distances Itself

President Trump denied US involvement in the attack and reaffirmed his opposition to Iran acquiring a nuclear bomb. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that Israel was acting independently. Israeli media, however, suggested some degree of coordination with Washington. Trump has convened a National Security Council meeting.

US and Iranian officials still plan to meet on Sunday in Oman for another round of nuclear talks despite the fresh crisis.

IAEA and Nuclear Tensions

Iran has denied any intent to develop nuclear weapons. Yet, the IAEA’s board recently declared Tehran in breach of non-proliferation rules for the first time in nearly two decades. Iran responded by defending its enrichment program as a matter of sovereignty.

The International Atomic Energy Agency saw no increase in radiation at the Natanz facility after the airstrikes.

Escalation or Containment?

As Israel prepares for possible follow-up attacks, and Iran weighs its next move, the region holds its breath. With high-profile killings and key facilities reduced to rubble, the Middle East now has the specter of a long and bloody conflict.

Who Was Hossein Salami? Iran’s Top Commander Killed in Israeli Strike

June 13, 2025, 12:38 pm

Israel’s Operation Rising Lion has changed the Middle Eastern balance. Israeli warplanes attacked deep within Iranian territory early on Friday morning. They hit several nuclear and military targets. Along the way, they killed Major General Hossein Salami—one of Iran’s most powerful and feared individuals. General Salami was the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). His passing is a significant blow to the leadership and regional stance of Iran.

The airstrike also took out other senior military leaders, including General Mohammad Bagheri. Israel deemed the attack pre-emptive, one that was meant to stop Iran’s nuclear advancements. Iran retaliated by sending over 100 drones towards Israel.

Who Was Hossein Salami?

Hossein Salami was born in 1960 in Golpayegan, Isfahan Province. He entered the IRGC in 1980, the year the Iran–Iraq war had started. He fought on the Kurdish and southern fronts. His early combat experience led to rapid promotions.

Following the war, Salami obtained a master’s degree in defence management. Subsequently, he remained in leadership roles in the IRGC for decades. From 1997 to 2005, he worked as chief of operations for IRGC Joint Staff. He went on to command the IRGC Air Force and later became the deputy commander in 2009.

In April 2019, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promoted him to Major General. He also appointed him as commander-in-chief of the IRGC. From then on, Salami reported directly to Khamenei. He became one of the most trusted and influential figures in Iran’s power structure.

Salami’s Role in Iran’s War Machine

General Salami contributed to the development of Iran’s missile program and regional proxy approach. He oversaw underground missile bases and drone projects. Salami was photographed inspecting an underground missile depot in January last year. Iranian media reported that the depot was making “new special missiles” targeting Israel.

He stridently clashed with Israel and the United States. His passionate orations demanded the annihilation of the “Zionist regime.” He was directly responsible for Iran’s sponsorship of proxy entities such as Hezbollah and Hamas.

Salami was also at the helm of Iran’s military when it conducted drone and missile strikes on Israel in April and October 2024. On both occasions, Iran said it was retaliating against Israeli aggression.

Why Was Hossein Salami Sanctioned?

Hossein Salami has been sanctioned for more than 15 years. The United Nations sanctioned him in December 2006 for having worked on ballistic missiles. The US then sanctioned him in 2007, freezing his assets under an order on weapons proliferation.

The European Union sanctioned him in 2021 for Iran’s violent crackdown on protesters in 2019. He was among eight officials who were held accountable for human rights abuses.

French prosecutors charged Salami with death threats and inciting terrorism against Iranians protesting the death of Mahsa Amini in 2023.

What Did He Say Before He Died?

One day before the Israeli attack, Salami pledged to protect Iran. “We are completely prepared for any situations, conditions, and circumstances,” he said. He termed Israeli military operations as weak, likening them to their blockade of Palestinians.

“We are war-tested and experienced,” he went on.

In earlier this year, he threatened, “If a threat is carried out, we will respond in the most severe manner—decisive, crushing and devastating.”

Symbolism of His Death

General Hossein Salami was not just a commander. He was the public face of Iran’s military strategy, regional ambition, and nuclear defiance. His death is a harsh psychological and operational blow for Tehran.

He was the embodiment of the doctrine of resistance. His removal from the fighting could change Iran’s strategy—or increase its revenge. Iran’s response is already underway. More than 100 drones had been sent toward Israel hours after the attack.

His last words indicate that he anticipated this moment. But he promised to attack first. Israel did just that. Now, Iran must choose whether to seek revenge—or another war.

Trump Warns After Israeli Strike on Iran, Says ‘Iran Cannot Have a Nuclear Bomb’

June 13, 2025, 12:08 pm

US President Donald Trump told Fox News in an interview that he had prior warning of the Israeli airstrikes against Iranian military and nuclear targets. He insisted that while the US did not join in, he remains adamant that Iran will not be able to get a nuclear weapon.

Further, Trump said he is monitoring the response from Iran. His comments come as Washington tries to balance diplomacy with the preparedness to defend Israel during tense nuclear talks with Tehran.

Trump Confirms That He Was Informed Informally

Trump said in an interview with Fox News that the White House received advance notice of Israel’s plans. However, he stressed that the US had not been involved in the operation. He confirmed that the US Central Command and allied forces are on high alert. He made it categorically clear: if Iran attacks back, the US will protect its interests and Israel.

In the same interview, Trump asserted, “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb,” reaffirming his administration’s long-held position. He also said that while he would like to have negotiations back, “we will see,” since Iran has not fully committed as of yet. He also darkly warned that Israel had eliminated several Iranian leaders who would not return.

Administration Distances Itself From Military Strikes

While Trump confirmed it, his administration has underlined that the US had no tactical involvement in the action. Secretary of State Marco Rubio again asserted that Israel acted alone and the US merely aimed at safeguarding its personnel in the region.

The distancing is a sign of the precarious balancing act of strategic support for Israel and continued efforts to re-launch nuclear negotiations with Iran.

Diplomatic Talks Hang in the Balance

The news comes ahead of a scheduled sixth round of American-Iranian negotiations in Oman. A top US diplomat has recently affirmed that negotiations will go on this Sunday. Trump was tentatively set in his optimism but indicated the agreement will have to be tougher than past agreements.

Trump’s revelation highlights the extent of US–Israel strategic coordination and intelligence sharing. At the same time, it provokes concerns about the boundaries of American power and the tenuous divide between diplomacy and military escalation.

Trump called on Iran to use this moment as an opportunity: “We are hoping to get back to the negotiating table.” But he also cautioned that upcoming US personnel evacuations from the Middle East represent the nuance and danger of the moment.

A Pivotal Moment

This moment recasts the US’s role in Middle East security. Trump’s recognition of Israel’s unilateral move and pledge to defend Israel if Iran attacks represents a sharp change. He mixes tough-guy deterrence — “Iran can’t have a nuclear bomb” — with ongoing diplomatic gestures.

With nuclear talks looming and Israel poised for further attacks, the world holds its breath. A miscalculation could set off overt war in an extremely volatile region.

Israel Eliminates Iran’s Army Chief Mohammad Bagheri & IRGC Head Salami in Tehran Strike

June 13, 2025, 11:53 am

Israel eliminated Iran army chief Mohammad Bagheri in a dramatic heightening of tensions, striking at the center of Iran’s military command. Major General Mohammad Bagheri, the top regular army officer of Iran, was killed in an Israeli air strike in Tehran, Iranian state TV IRINN reported.

Earlier, Iran had also announced that General Hossein Salami, the dominant commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), had died. These are the two highest-ranking military casualties in Iran after historic attack by Israel on Tehran’s capital, military, and nuclear facilities.

Tehran Reels as Bagheri Dies in Airstrike

General Bagheri was Iran’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, the highest rank in the nation’s official military. His passing represents a significant loss to Iran’s defence establishment. Iran’s state media announced his assassination on Thursday, confirming that he was among Israel’s top targets in its precision attack on strategic military compounds and facilities in Tehran.

It is the second high-profile Iranian military commander Israel has killed during the same operation. The attack also hit military and nuclear facilities in and around the capital city, a gesture seen as symbolic and strategic.

IRGC Confirms Salami’s Death

The Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran later released an official statement confirming the death of General Hossein Salami. He was a central figure in both Iran’s military and political landscape and had headed the IRGC since 2019.

The IRGC praised Salami’s long-standing service. “Without a doubt, Major General Salami was one of the most distinguished commanders of the Islamic Revolution,” the statement said. It described his leadership across scientific, cultural, security, and military efforts. The Guard called him a front-line warrior who always defended the ideals of Iran’s Supreme Leader and the Revolution.

IRGC Promises Retaliation

In its press release, the IRGC threatened a response to come. The IRGC said all of Iran’s military branches are “completely ready to inflict a crushing and severe response.” This has been said before but is more heavily weighted given the loss of both Salami and Bagheri.

The IRGC is still Iran’s strongest military branch. It was established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and consists of elite ground, air, naval, intelligence, and special forces. It is responsible for both internal and external operations, such as alliances with Lebanon’s proxy militias, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.

Analysts say that although Iran’s conventional military handles national defense, the IRGC tends to dominate foreign policy on military issues. Its connections to Iran-backed forces such as Hezbollah and its activity in Iraq and Syria render it a focus of Iran’s regional strategy.

A Major Escalation

The murders of both Bagheri and Salami will unsettle Iran’s military command hierarchy. It is one of the most brazen Israeli actions to date in its shadow conflict with Iran. Tehran is now under pressure to retaliate by force, but while at the same time seeking to contain unrest internally.

This strike can reshape the regional conflict dynamic, with both sides waiting for what is yet to come.

Hossein Salami, Head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Killed in Israeli Strike: Report

June 13, 2025, 8:39 am

In a major escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran, Israeli forces launched a large-scale strike on Tehran early Friday, killing Major General Hossein Salami, the Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Hossein Salami was “assassinated in an Israeli strike in Tehran.”

The airstrikes also killed several other top Iranian officials. Senior IRGC commander Gholamali Rashid and nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi were among the dead. The attacks reportedly hit at least six military bases in and around Tehran.

Israel Targets Military Bases, Nuclear Scientists

Israeli forces targeted strategic locations, including Parchin, a known military facility, and residential complexes housing senior Iranian military commanders. “In what appears to be targeted assassinations”, Israel struck multiple highly secure areas, according to four senior Iranian officials cited by The New York Times.

A senior Israeli official told Iran International that the airstrikes focused on leadership targets and not civilians. “Homes of senior military and political officials were targeted in Israeli airstrikes in Tehran,” the official said. “Civilians are not the intended targets.”

Operation ‘Rising Lion’ and Nuclear Facility Strikes

Dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” the offensive also targeted missile factories and sites connected to Iran’s nuclear program. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “Israel targeted Iranian scientists working on a nuclear bomb, its ballistic missile program, and its Natanz uranium enrichment facility, in an operation that would continue for days.”

Israel has consistently warned that it would act to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Although Tehran denies intentions to build a bomb, it has frequently issued warnings that it possesses the capability.

Tensions Rise After IAEA Censure

The airstrikes come just a day after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors censured Iran for the first time in 20 years, criticizing Tehran’s lack of cooperation with nuclear inspectors. In response, Iran announced it would build a third enrichment site and replace existing centrifuges with more advanced models.

In anticipation of Iranian retaliation, the United States has begun repositioning its personnel. The U.S. has already evacuated some diplomats from Baghdad and offered voluntary evacuation options for the families of U.S. troops stationed across the Middle East.