Israel-Iran War Highlights (June 19): White House sets deadline for potential US intervention amid escalating war

Will US intervene in the ongoing Israel-Iran war? After days of speculations, there is an official word on the situation. During a White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared a message from President Donald Trump, saying he will decide within the next two weeks whether the US will take action, as there is a possibility of upcoming negotiations with Iran. (Read More)

• US President Donald Trump has been briefed on both the potential risks and strategic benefits of launching a strike on Iran's Fordo nuclear facility, multiple sources told CBS News. According to one source, Trump views disabling the facility as essential.
• “He believes there’s not much choice,” the source said. “Finishing the job means destroying Fordo.”
• As previously reported, Trump has been considering the extent of US involvement in the escalating conflict. On Wednesday, he told reporters that he had not yet made a final decision.
• As of Thursday morning, CBS reported that Trump was still weighing his options and had not reached a firm conclusion.

Iran’s nuclear program is at the heart of the ongoing war with Israel, a flashpoint that has triggered airstrikes, missile barrages, and fears of wider regional escalation. But not many know that Iran didn’t build its nuclear program from the ground up; it acquired key technology and expertise from abroad, effectively buying it into existence. (Read More)

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in which Merz called for moderation in Israel's campaign against Iran, a German government source told Reuters on Thursday.
• Merz voiced Germany's support in principle for Israeli military attacks on Iran's nuclear infrastructure during the call on Wednesday evening but stressed the importance of seeking diplomatic solutions to the conflict, the source said.
• Germany plans to host nuclear talks with its European partners and the Iranian foreign minister at its permanent representation in Geneva on Friday, a source told Reuters on Wednesday, with the goal of getting assurances from Iran that its nuclear programme is used solely for civilian purposes. - Reuters

• U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi have spoken by phone several times since Israel began its strikes on Iran last week, in a bid to find a diplomatic end to the crisis, three diplomats told Reuters.
• According to the diplomats, who asked not to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter, Araqchi said Tehran would not return to negotiations unless Israel stopped the attacks, which began on June 13.
• They said the talks included a brief discussion of a U.S. proposal given to Iran at the end of May that aims to create a regional consortium that would enrich uranium outside of Iran, an offer Tehran has so far rejected. - Reuters

As Israel continues its military campaign against Iran, it has also intensified airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. According to Palestinian health officials, at least 84 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza today. The majority of the casualties—59 people—were reported in Gaza City and the northern part of the enclave. An additional 16 people were killed while waiting for humanitarian aid near the Netzarim Corridor.

As Israeli bombs rain down on Iran, the biggest concern for the region and the world is not just further destabilization, but also the threat of a nuclear disaster. While Israel has repeatedly claimed it is only targeting nuclear facilities in Iran, experts are sounding the alarm over the potential fallout from such precision strikes. (Read More)

The Wall Street Journal has No Idea what my thoughts are concerning Iran! - Donald Trump in Truth Social

• The U.S. President has remained silent over the past hour, but multiple reports suggest that Washington is actively considering plans to join Israel in its conflict with Iran.
• At the heart of these deliberations is the potential use of “bunker buster” bombs — a capability the U.S. possesses, but Israel does not. According to reports, the President is assessing whether deploying such a weapon against Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow nuclear facility would be a decisive move or a dangerous trigger for a wider war.
• An Al Jazeera report indicates the President believes a one-off, targeted strike — carried out with U.S. assistance — could achieve its objective without provoking escalation. However, those assumptions are still under intense review.
• The President is scheduled to reconvene with his national security team in the White House Situation Room at 15:30 GMT. All eyes are now on that meeting

Russia's foreign ministry on Thursday warned the United States not to take military action against Iran, amid speculation over whether Washington will enter the war alongside Israel. "We would like to particularly warn Washington against military intervention in the situation, which would be an extremely dangerous step with truly unpredictable negative consequences," the ministry's spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters. (Read More)

Diego Garcia is home to lush vegetation dotted with palm and coconut trees, pristine white sand beaches surrounded by turquoise blue water – a picture-perfect heaven on Earth. One of the remotest islands on the planet, the nearest landmass from this island is roughly 1,600 km away. Totally out of bounds for civilians, this is not a tourist destination. Instead, Diego Garcia is a not-so-secretive military base jointly administered by the UK and the US. Mired in rumours, the island has been at the centre of a dispute between the UK and Mauritius. But soon, this picturesque island will likely be roaring with loud thunders of fighter jets. This is because there is a strong buzz that the Donald Trump administration is likely to authorise the use of B-2 stealth bombers from the airbase at Diego Garcia. (Read More)

One of America's top-secret aircraft — the E-4B Nightwatch, nicknamed the “doomsday plane” — made a rare and closely watched flight to Joint Base Andrews near Washington DC on Tuesday as tensions between Israel and Iran soared. The mission coincided with US President Donald Trump's escalating rhetoric toward Iran, sparking speculation about America's next move in the conflict and possible military involvement against Tehran. (Read More)

• In view of the recent developments between Israel and Iran, the Government of India has decided to evacuate from Israel those Indian nationals who wish to leave. Their travel from Israel to India will be facilitated through the land borders and thereafter by air to India.
• 2. In view of the above, the Embassy of India in Tel Aviv would be making arrangements for the evacuation of Indians. All Indian nationals are requested to register themselves with the Embassy of India in Tel Aviv at (https://www.indembassyisrael.gov.in/indian_national_reg), if not already registered. In case of any queries, they may contact the 24/7 Control Room established at Embassy of India, Tel Aviv: telephone numbers: +972 54-7520711; +972 54-3278392; email: cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in.
• 3. The Embassy also reiterates its earlier advisories urging all Indian citizens in Israel to remain vigilant and strictly follow the safety guidelines issued by Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command: (https://www.oref.org.il/eng).
• 4. The Government of India accords the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad. The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely. The Embassy remains continuously in touch with the community with a view to extending all feasible assistance.

• Shutting down the Strait of Hormuz—through which nearly 20% of the world’s daily oil supply flows—is among the potential responses Iran could take against foreign adversaries, according to Behnam Saeedi, a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Committee presidium. He made the remarks to Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency.
• Iran has previously issued similar threats to close the key waterway in retaliation for Western pressure. Shipping industry sources told Reuters that commercial vessels are already steering clear of Iranian waters near the strait amid the escalating tensions.

• U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack has warned Hezbollah against entering the Israel-Iran conflict, calling it a “very, very, very bad decision.” Speaking on behalf of President Donald Trump, Barrack issued the stark warning in response to questions about the Iran-backed Lebanese group’s potential involvement.
• Hezbollah, which suffered major setbacks in its confrontation with Israel last year—including the assassination of its leader Hassan Nasrallah and a wave of pager-triggered explosions that injured thousands—has so far remained on the sidelines.

• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has warned that any American intervention in the Israel-Iran conflict could trigger "another terrible spiral of escalation," according to remarks published by Russian state news agency TASS.
• The U.S. and Russia back opposing sides in the standoff. While former President Donald Trump is pushing for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and is reportedly weighing potential military strikes, Moscow continues to view Tehran as a crucial ally in the region.

China's President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for all parties but "especially Israel" to stop hostilities in a phone call with Russia's Vladimir Putin, Chinese state media reported.

"Parties to the conflict, especially Israel, should cease hostilities as soon as possible to prevent a cyclical escalation and resolutely avoid the spillover of the war," Xi said, according to Xinhua.

China's President Xi Jinping said Thursday a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was the 'top priority' during a phone call with Russia's Vladimir Putin, Chinese state media reported.

"Promoting a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities is the top priority. Armed force is not the correct way to resolve international disputes," Xi said, according to Xinhua.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Thursday strongly condemned Israeli attacks on Iran in a phone call, the Kremlin said, adding that both leaders called for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

"Both sides adhere to identical approaches, strongly condemn Israel's actions," Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters, adding that Moscow and Beijing believed the end to the hostilities "should be achieved exclusively by political and diplomatic means"

Israel's defence minister said Thursday that Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "can no longer be allowed to exist" after an Israeli hospital was hit during an Iranian missile attack.

"Khamenei openly declares that he wants Israel destroyed -- he personally gives the order to fire on hospitals. He considers the destruction of the state of Israel to be a goal," Israel Katz told journalists in Holon near Tel Aviv. "Such a man can no longer be allowed to exist."

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday he would head to Geneva to attend talks on his country's nuclear programme with counterparts from key European powers France, Germany and Britain and the EU's top diplomat.

"We will meet with the European delegation in Geneva on Friday," he said in a statement carried by state news agency IRNA.

The US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack on Thursday warned Hezbollah against getting involved in the war between its main backer Iran and Israel.

"I can say on behalf of President (Donald) Trump... that would be a very, very, very bad decision," Barrack said, responding to a question on what the US position would be on any involvement by Hezbollah in the war.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is expected to participate in a special session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul on Saturday, amid escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel, a Turkish foreign ministry source said on Thursday.

The session, part of the 51st OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, will reportedly focus on Israel’s recent strikes inside Iran, including Thursday’s attack on the Khondab nuclear facility in Arak.

Israel has claimed responsibility for targeting the partially built heavy-water reactor at the site, which experts warn has the potential to produce weapons-grade plutonium.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held separate discussions on Thursday with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and U.K. National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell, focusing on the rising tensions between Iran and Israel.

Following the calls, Abdelatty stressed on the role of the E3, the informal security and foreign policy group comprising the U.K., France, and Germany, in facilitating dialogue. He urged the trio to engage all available channels with Tehran to seek compromises aimed at de-escalating the conflict.

Iran has accused International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of undermining the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. In a sharp statement on Thursday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson claimed that Grossi had “betrayed” the principles of non-proliferation and made the agency "a partner to an unjust war of aggression" by Israel.

(From Reuters)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed retaliation against Iran after a missile strike damaged Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva and targeted civilians in central Israel.

“This morning, Iran’s terrorist dictators fired missiles at Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva and at civilians in the centre of the country,” Netanyahu posted on X. “We will make the tyrants in Tehran pay a heavy price.”

Meanwhile, Iran has issued a fresh warning to the United States. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, in remarks carried by Reuters, said Tehran does not seek a wider conflict but is fully prepared to respond if provoked.

“Iran will teach aggressors a lesson,” he said, adding that military leaders have “all necessary options on the table.”

In a significant escalation, Israel’s military has confirmed that its fighter jets struck multiple targets across Iran overnight, including the Arak heavy-water nuclear reactor.

According to the Israeli military, the strike on Arak specifically targeted the core seal structure, a critical component used in the production of plutonium.

In addition, Israel claims to have hit a “nuclear weapons development site” in Natanz, along with several factories involved in producing components for ballistic missiles.

Israel’s Defence Minister said that both he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to intensify strikes on strategic targets inside Iran. The goal, he stated, is to eliminate threats to the State of Israel and weaken the regime led by Iran’s Ayatollahs.

Israel Iran News: Over 20 injured in Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv Stock Exchange damaged

More than 20 people were lightly injured after an Iranian missile struck the Ramat Gan area in the Tel Aviv district, according to The Times of Israel.

The attack, part of Iran’s latest missile barrage, caused damage to multiple buildings, including the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Emergency services are on site assessing the extent of injuries and structural damage as tensions in the region remain high.

At least 30 people have been injured in Israel following a massive Iranian missile strike that targeted multiple locations, including the southern city of Be’er Sheva and Tel Aviv. Among the wounded, two are reported to be in critical condition, according to reports from Amman-based correspondent Nour Odeh.

Iranian missiles caused damage to Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva, though officials said the hospital was not directly hit. The damage, they noted, resulted from a blast wave caused by a nearby strike. This aligns with claims by Iranian state media that the intended target was a “sensitive” military facility adjacent to the hospital.

Addressing public concern, a spokesperson for Israel’s national ambulance service confirmed that no dangerous materials had leaked from the hospital as a result of the attack.

Elsewhere, the Israeli stock exchange building in Tel Aviv sustained damage during the missile barrage.

Iranian missiles struck southern Israel’s Be’er Sheva, damaging Soroka Hospital, and also hit Tel Aviv, damaging the Israeli Stock Exchange building, Al Jazeera reports.

At least 44 injured, including 3 in serious condition, by Iranian missiles says Israel’s National Emergency Service (Anadolu Agency).

Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) has claimed that the primary target of this morning’s missile strike was the Israeli army’s Command and Intelligence (IDF C4I) headquarters located in the Gav-Yam Technology Park in Be’er Sheva.

In a Telegram post, IRNA stated that the facility, adjacent to Soroka Medical Center, was the intended strike site, describing it as a “precise and direct target.” The agency added that the hospital suffered only minor damage from the shockwave caused by the nearby missile impact.

Israel Iran News: Iranian missile hits Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva, roof collapse reported

An Iranian missile has struck Soroka Medical Center in the southern Israeli city of Be’er Sheva, according to reports from Israeli media.

Photos published by The Times of Israel show significant damage at the hospital, with journalist Emanuel Fabian reporting that part of the roof has collapsed due to the impact. Emergency teams are currently assessing the extent of the structural damage and any potential casualties.

Israeli media reports that Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva, located in southern Israel, sustained damage during the latest wave of Iranian missile attacks.

Missiles were also reported to have struck areas in and around Tel Aviv, including Ramat Gan to the east and Holon to the south. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage, and emergency protocols remain in place across affected regions.

If you’re just joining us, here’s a quick roundup of the latest developments in the escalating conflict:

• Israeli Airstrikes on Iran: Israeli fighter jets have bombed targets in Iran’s capital, Tehran, the city of Karaj, and the Arak Nuclear Complex, which houses a heavy-water reactor.
• Evacuation Orders in Iran: Ahead of the strikes, the Israeli military urged residents near Arak and Khondab to evacuate, warning of imminent operations against Iranian “military infrastructure.”
• Missiles Over Israel: Several explosions were heard over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as Iran launched another wave of missiles, with at least four impact sites reported across Israel.
• Attack in Gaza: Israeli forces carried out a deadly strike on civilians seeking aid near Netzarim Junction in central Gaza, killing at least 16 people and injuring over 100.
• Putin Reacts: Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed speculation about the possible assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, saying, “I do not even want to discuss this possibility.”
• China Evacuates Citizens: The Chinese Embassy in Israel announced plans to help Chinese nationals evacuate to Egypt via the Sinai desert starting Friday.

More updates to follow. Stay tuned.

The Israeli military announced on Friday that its forces have killed Yassin Abdel Moneim Ezzedine, a senior artillery commander in Hezbollah’s Litani sector.

According to Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee, Ezzedine had played a key role in advancing several attacks targeting Israel and was involved in efforts to rebuild Hezbollah’s artillery capabilities in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah has not yet issued a statement regarding Ezzedine’s reported killing.

(From Al Jazeera)

Israel has carried out an attack on Iran’s Arak heavy-water nuclear reactor, according to Iranian state television reports cited by Reuters.

The strike comes shortly after the Israeli military issued an urgent warning for residents in the Arak-Khondab region to evacuate immediately, citing ongoing operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure.

Details on the extent of the damage or potential casualties are not yet available. Authorities are continuing to assess the situation, and more information is expected to follow.

Multiple explosions were heard over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv early Friday as Iran launched a fresh wave of missiles targeting Israel, triggering air raid sirens across central and northern parts of the country.

Israeli media reported at least four missile impact sites, though further details on damage or casualties were not immediately available.

Air defense systems were activated as the missiles approached, marking another escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two countries. More information is expected as authorities assess the situation on the ground.

Shell CEO Wael Sawan has said the company is taking heightened precautions with its shipping operations in the Middle East as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate.

Speaking at an industry conference in Tokyo, Sawan acknowledged the growing volatility in the region. “The escalation in tensions over the last few days, in essence, has added to what has already been significant uncertainty in the region,” he said. “We’re being very careful with, for example, our shipping in the region, just to make sure that we do not take any unnecessary risks.”

Sawan also flagged rising concerns over electronic interference disrupting commercial navigation systems, which he said poses an additional challenge for vessels operating in sensitive areas.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that while Moscow has held discussions with the United States, Iran, and Israel, the resolution to the ongoing conflict ultimately depends on Tehran and Jerusalem.

Speaking at a news conference, Putin emphasised that Iran’s pursuit of peaceful nuclear energy can be accommodated while also addressing Israel’s security concerns. However, he made it clear that Russia would not attempt to dictate terms to either side.

“We won’t impose anything on anyone,” Putin stated, underlining Russia’s position as a mediator willing to support dialogue but not enforce a settlement.

Israel Iran News: Protesters rally in New York against Israeli strikes on Iran, urge US non-involvement

Following demonstrations outside the White House, a similar protest erupted in New York City on Thursday, where hundreds gathered to oppose Israel’s ongoing strikes on Iran and warn against potential US military involvement.

Videos shared by activists online showed large crowds marching through Manhattan, carrying placards that read “Hands off Iran now” and “Stop funding genocide.” The protestors also condemned continued US support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Chants and banners reflected widespread concern over Washington’s role in the escalating Middle East conflict, as tensions rise over whether the United States will join Israel in expanding strikes inside Iranian territory.

Gold prices inched higher on Thursday as escalating tensions in the Middle East bolstered demand for the precious metal as a safe-haven asset. However, the U.S. Federal Reserve’s measured stance on interest rate cuts curbed further upside.

Spot gold rose 0.2% to $3,376.48 an ounce by 0215 GMT, while U.S. gold futures slipped 0.4% to $3,393.70.

“Gold has made a modest bounce as we await the next steps in the Israel-Iran conflict. If the U.S. does decide to get directly involved in the conflict, this could raise the geopolitical stakes,” said Tim Waterer, Chief Market Analyst at KCM Trade.

The geopolitical backdrop remained tense after U.S. President Donald Trump declined to confirm whether Washington would support Israel’s ongoing strikes on Iranian nuclear and missile facilities.

Oil prices edged lower on Thursday as market participants remained cautious following mixed messages from former US President Donald Trump on Washington’s possible involvement in the intensifying Israel-Iran conflict.

Brent crude futures slipped 37 cents, or 0.48%, to $76.33 a barrel in early trade, after a volatile previous session that saw prices swing nearly 3%. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for July delivery fell 28 cents, or 0.37%, to $74.86. The more actively traded August WTI contract was also down, shedding 21 cents to $73.29 a barrel.

“There’s still a healthy risk premium baked into the price as traders await to see whether the next stage of the Israel-Iran conflict is a U.S. strike or peace talks,” said Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG. He noted a potential $5 price swing in either direction depending on how the geopolitical situation unfolds.

Trump told reporters Wednesday that he may or may not support US military involvement alongside Israel, leaving energy markets uncertain.

Around 100 Indian students evacuated from Iran amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes landed safely in Delhi on Thursday morning, after being transported via Armenia as part of India’s Operation Sindhu.

According to Indian media reports, the first batch of 110 students had crossed into Armenia by road on Tuesday and later boarded a special flight from Yerevan to India. The evacuation was coordinated by Indian authorities in response to intensifying hostilities in Iran.

“As part of the ongoing operation, the Indian Embassy in Iran has been assisting large numbers of Indian nationals in moving from areas seeing increased hostilities to relatively safer areas within the country and to subsequently evacuate them using the available and feasible options,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

The ministry has urged all Indian nationals in Iran to remain in contact with the Embassy in Tehran via its emergency helpline and the 24/7 control room set up for evacuation support. Iran remains a popular destination for Indian students, especially those pursuing medical education.

Australia has reiterated its call for Iran to halt any nuclear weapons-related activities, even as it begins evacuating citizens from Israel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Thursday confirmed that a small group of Australians had been evacuated via land from Israel, and that efforts are underway to assist more in the coming 24 hours. “This is a very stressful and risky situation, and we are very focused on doing whatever we can to assist,” Wong said during a press briefing in Canberra.

With nearly 3,000 Australians registered for assistance across the region, 1,500 in Iran and 1,200 in Israel, the government is urging citizens to follow travel advisories closely. “Leave if it is safe to do so, if not, shelter in place,” Wong said.

She also issued a direct appeal to Tehran: “Iran has a choice here, and it should make the choice to discontinue its program, any program, and to return to talks.” Iran maintains that its nuclear efforts are for peaceful purposes.

Wong emphasized that options remain limited given closed airspace and security conditions but assured that emergency consular assistance is being provided.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on June 19 issued an evacuation warning for residents living near the cities of Arak and Khondab in western Iran, escalating tensions around a key nuclear site.

In a statement posted on its Farsi-language channel, the IDF urged civilians to "evacuate immediately from the marked area in the vicinity of the Arak-Khondab cities," warning that “your presence in this area puts your life at risk.” The military added that it is continuing operations targeting Iran’s military infrastructure across the country.

Satellite imagery confirms that the red-circled area highlighted by the IDF corresponds with Iran’s Arak nuclear facility, which houses a heavy water reactor and production plant.

In the early hours of Thursday, Iran’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technology imposed nationwide restrictions on internet access. The blackout, which officials claim is temporary, was introduced in response to what they call “security concerns.” The move follows a series of Israeli airstrikes in Tehran and missile launches from Iran, and appears aimed at controlling the flow of information both within the country and to the outside world.

The United States has begun evacuating some embassy personnel and their families from Israel using military aircraft, CNN has reported. The move comes amid fears of a deeper regional war and uncertainty around US involvement. However, the US Embassy in Israel issued a security alert clarifying that there is “no announcement” yet on assisting private US citizens in leaving the country. Ben Gurion Airport remains closed, and the embassy is advising people to monitor updates closely. Though preparations for crisis evacuation are underway, US officials continue to emphasise that all plans remain contingent on how events unfold in the coming days.

In a major escalation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed the launch of Sejjil-2 medium-range ballistic missiles aimed at Israel. The announcement came after a wave of Israeli airstrikes pummeled military infrastructure across Tehran. The Sejjil-2, known for its solid-fueled design and range of around 2,000 kilometers, marks a dangerous step in the conflict’s spiral. The IRGC framed the missile launches as proportional retaliation, warning that further aggression will be met with “strong and decisive” responses.

Israel is escalating its air campaign against Iran, conducting what the Israel Defense Forces described as ‘a series of strikes’ in Tehran and surrounding areas. The strikes targeted over 20 military sites, including Iran’s missile manufacturing hubs and even the national police headquarters. Iranian media confirmed several injuries. Residents of Tehran describe a city under siege, plagued by near-constant air raid sirens and the booming sounds of explosions.

Israeli officials claim the strikes have significantly weakened Iran’s ability to launch missile barrages toward Israel, while Tehran has activated its air defense systems in response.

As speculation grows over possible US involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, Iran has issued a clear warning. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi told CNN that if the US joins militarily, “we have no choice but to retaliate wherever we find the targets necessary.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed the sentiment, framing Iran’s actions as defensive and lawful. Despite the threatening language, Tehran continues to stress that it remains ‘committed to diplomacy,’ a message intended as both deterrent and invitation. Iran’s red line, however, is clear: any direct US involvement will lead to consequences.

President Donald Trump has reviewed military strike options against Iran, but he’s holding off, at least for now. Speaking to CNN in the Oval Office, Trump said he prefers to make “the final decision one second before it’s due.' The deliberations unfolded in the White House Situation Room earlier this week, with top military advisers presenting a range of possible actions. Trump’s wait-and-watch strategy appears to hinge on one thing: whether Iran steps back from its nuclear program. While officials stress that no decision has been made, sources told WSJ that the president is increasingly open to a potential military strike targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Israel and Iran are engaged in a sharp military escalation, with both sides launching direct strikes over the past 48 hours. As the situation intensifies, former US President Donald Trump has reviewed military options for Iran but has not yet approved any action. The developments come amid growing concerns over regional stability and diplomatic fallout.

Follow this blog for verified updates, official statements, and key developments from the region.