1 hour ago

Trump okays Iran attack plan, keeps final call on hold: WSJ

One of the potential targets, the report adds, is Iran's underground nuclear facility in Fordo.

US President Donald Trump has approved a military plan to strike Iran but has yet to issue a final order, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, citing three sources familiar with the matter.

The report, published Wednesday, states that Trump informed senior advisers on Tuesday night that he had greenlighted the plan but wanted to wait and see if Iran would step back from its nuclear ambitions before taking further action.

One of the potential targets, the report adds, is Iran's underground nuclear facility in Fordo, located deep within a mountain. Military experts suggest that such a site could only be effectively hit using a powerful, bunker-busting bomb.

When asked on Wednesday about the possibility of attacking Iran’s nuclear sites, President Trump gave a cryptic response, “I can’t say whether the United States will attack Iran’s nuclear facilities or not. We’ll see what happens. I may do it, I may not do it.”

Trump further noted that Iran had been given 60 days to reconsider its nuclear program and was offered Iran multiple chances for a nuclear deal. He reiterated his previous statement that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons.

Despite the looming threat of military action, Trump signaled that diplomacy remains an option.

The US President stated that Iran's desire for talks comes too late, asserting that the country "will have to face difficulties." He indicated that while Iran now seeks to engage, there's a noticeable shift from two weeks prior.

The President reiterated that Iran had numerous opportunities for a nuclear deal, but his current message is one of "unconditional surrender."

He further claimed Iran's defences have failed, leaving it without adequate air defence and in growing trouble. In response to a question about Iran's decades-long "Death to America, Death to Israel" chants, the President hinted that the upcoming week is crucial, suggesting "major action" could occur before then.

He also accused Iranian officials of holding "evil intentions" regarding their nuclear program.

Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei firmly rejected any notion of surrender. In a statement, he warned that any US military intervention would lead to “irreparable consequences.”

“The US President threatens us. With his absurd rhetoric, he demands that the Iranian people surrender to him. They should make threats against those who are afraid of being threatened. The Iranian nation isn’t frightened by such threats,” Ayatollah Khamenei said in a televised message shared by Iranian media.

15 hours ago

Can't confirm whether US will strike Iran's nuclear facilities: Trump

He was speaking to reporters.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran is now “totally defenseless” amid ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, suggesting that Tehran is seeking to open negotiations with Washington.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said, “They don’t have air defense — none. They’re totally defenseless,” underscoring what he described as Iran’s growing vulnerability following escalating military exchanges in the region.

Trump, however, stopped short of confirming whether the United States intends to strike Iran, adding that no final decision has been made yet.

“They are in a lot of trouble, and they want to negotiate,” he remarked, while criticizing Iranian leadership for not pursuing diplomatic talks sooner. “They should have negotiated a long time ago,” he added.

Read more: Russia backs Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy

Trump’s comments come as tensions between Iran and Israel have dramatically intensified, drawing in global powers and raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

While the Biden administration has maintained a cautious diplomatic tone, Trump’s remarks signal a far more aggressive posture regarding Iran’s position in the standoff.

Earlier in the day, Khamenei vowed not to surrender before US or Zionists and said Iran will continue to exercise its right to self-defense. 

16 hours ago

Netanyahu always wanted to attack Iran, says CNN's Christiane Amanpour

Amanpour said Netanyahu never believed in diplomacy and consistently sought military action against Iran.

British-Iranian journalist and CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour has stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has harbored intentions to attack Iran for decades.

Amanpour said Netanyahu never believed in diplomacy and consistently sought military action against Iran.

She further remarked that former U.S. President Donald Trump failed in all major foreign policy issues he had promised to resolve, adding that Netanyahu received authorization to strike Iran only from Trump—no other leader permitted such action.

She also noted that Iran had been confident about reaching a nuclear deal with the U.S. on Sunday, emphasizing, "You don’t give 60 days for negotiations and launch an attack on the 61st day."

Read more: Russia backs Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy

The Israeli regime’s overnight attacks on June 13 targeted Iranian territory, including civilian residential areas.

The strikes led to the assassination of senior Iranian military officials and the deaths of numerous civilians, including women and children, as residential buildings were struck in multiple Iranian cities.

22 hours ago

Israel carried out five times more strikes on Iran than vice versa: report

Iran has launched 39 reported or confirmed ballistic missile strikes.

Israel conducted nearly five times more airstrikes on Iran compared to Tehran’s missile attacks on Israeli targets, according to new data released by two US-based defence think tanks.

The Critical Threats Project and the Institute for the Study of War (CTP-ISW) reported that since Israel’s offensive began on June 13, it has conducted 197 reported or confirmed airstrikes on Iranian territory. 

In comparison, Iran has launched 39 reported or confirmed ballistic missile strikes or interceptor impacts on Israeli targets.

The report also highlights a “sharp decline” in the scale of Iran’s recent missile barrages. Analysts attribute this decrease to successful Israeli strikes on Iranian missile launchers and storage sites, limiting Iran’s offensive capabilities.

Read: Hamas calls on Muslim countries to stop Israeli attacks on Iran

The findings came amid escalating regional tensions following Israel's unprecedented air campaign targeting key Iranian military and infrastructure sites. 

Iran, while retaliating, appeared increasingly constrained by the sustained Israeli assault.

CTP-ISW warned that the imbalance in strike numbers may indicate further escalation if no diplomatic intervention occurs. 

The report underscores the evolving dynamics of the conflict and raises concerns about its long-term impact on regional stability and global security. 

Notably, Israel and Iran continued their missile exchanges for a sixth consecutive day. Iranian strikes targeted buildings that housed Israeli intelligence network and military installations. 

23 hours ago

Macron says overthrowing Iran’s regime by force would be 'biggest mistake'

Macron emphasised that France does not support any actions that could destabilise the region.

French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a strong warning against pursuing regime change in Iran through military means, stating it would plunge the region into chaos.

Speaking to reporters on the final day of the G7 summit in Canada, Macron stressed that history has shown such efforts to be misguided.

“The biggest mistake today would be to try to do a regime change in Iran through military means because that would lead to chaos,” he said, adding, “No one can say what comes next.”

Macron emphasised that France does not support any actions that could destabilise the region.

“Collectively, didn’t we see the consequences this had in the region and elsewhere? Does anyone think that what was done in Iraq in 2003 was a good idea? Or in Libya in the previous decade? No,” he said, arguing that the region doesn’t need more "chaos."

He also claimed that the United States has offered Iran the opportunity to resume nuclear talks and expressed readiness to support a ceasefire with Israel.

“Now the whole world is waiting for Iran’s response,” Macron said.

However, the White House later announced that U.S. President Donald Trump had left the G7 summit early due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Trump refuted Macron’s claims, stating that he had no plans to negotiate with Iran or mediate a ceasefire.

According to official data, recent Israeli attacks on Iran have killed at least 240 people, including 70 women and children. In retaliatory strikes, Iran has reportedly killed more than 24 people.

23 hours ago

Hamas calls on Muslim countries to stop Israeli attacks on Iran

Iran has not officially responded to the latest remarks

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has issued a strongly worded statement, condemning recent US threats of military intervention against Iran and ongoing Israeli aggression, warning that such actions are pushing the region to the brink of war.

In the statement released Tuesday, Hamas said it "categorically rejects" what it described as continued Zionist attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran, calling them "a blatant violation of international law and a direct threat to regional and global peace."

Hamas also condemned US military threats, warning of "serious consequences" if Washington becomes directly involved in any military escalation against Tehran. 

“We hold Washington and the Zionist entity fully responsible for the repercussions of this escalation,” the group said.

Citing recent Israeli rhetoric, particularly claims that “no cities in the Middle East are safe,” Hamas accused Israeli leadership of harbouring “an arrogant colonial mindset” and displaying aggressive intentions that endanger regional stability.

The group affirmed its solidarity with Iran and backed Tehran’s “legitimate right to defend its national sovereignty.”

Hamas also called on Arab and Islamic countries to take a unified stance against what it termed "Zionist recklessness," urging regional governments to reject aggression and protect the collective security of the region.

The statement came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, as concerns are growing over a possible military confrontation involving Iran, the US, and Israel. However, Iran has not officially responded to the latest remarks; it has repeatedly warned of a firm response to any military attack.

1 day ago

Reports of massive explosion emerge from eastern Tehran

Israeli authorities reportedly issued evacuation warnings to residents of District 18 in Tehran.

An explosion was reportedly heard in the Hekmiyeh-Tehran Pars area of eastern Tehran, as tensions between Iran and Israel escalate.

Iranian media outlets reported the incident, while videos circulating on social media showed a massive blast accompanied by flames and thick smoke.

According to reports, Israel has launched a series of strikes on the Iranian capital, Tehran. Flames were seen rising from a residential building, visible from several miles away.

Israeli media claimed that explosions were also heard in the cities of Tehran and Karaj. Additionally, Israeli authorities reportedly issued evacuation warnings to residents of District 18 in Tehran.

There are also unconfirmed reports suggesting that Israel has targeted oil refineries near Tehran.

Meanwhile, an Iranian news outlet reported that Israel struck a missile manufacturing facility near Tehran, the same site allegedly targeted in October last year.

These developments follow a major Iranian offensive on Tuesday night, when Iran launched missiles at central and northern Israel, marking the tenth wave of Operation True Promis 3. Israeli officials stated that approximately 20 missiles were fired, resulting in fires at multiple locations.

Explosions were also reported in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Sharon, according to Israeli media.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that its Fattah missiles had successfully struck Israeli defense systems and asserted that Iran now has full control over Israeli airspace. The IRGC further stated that Israeli air bases involved in strikes on Iranian territory were among the targets.

Israel, in response, has vowed to continue its offensive until Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility is destroyed. 

According to Israeli media, Tel Aviv alone may not be capable of inflicting significant damage on the highly fortified Fordo facility and is therefore seeking US support.

Citing a statement by an Israeli military spokesperson, CNN reported that Israeli fighter jets have targeted missile launch sites and other strategic locations used to strike Israel.

1 day ago

Israel faces critical blood shortage, as hundreds seriously injured in Iranian attacks

Over the past five days, MDA has treated 708 injured individuals.

Israel’s national emergency medical service, Magen David Adom (MDA), issued an urgent appeal for blood donations on Tuesday amid what it described as a “critical blood shortage,” particularly for Type O blood. 

The call came following another intense night of Iranian airstrikes, which have left hundreds injured across the country.

According to The Telegraph, the blood supply crisis has worsened due to the escalating conflict, prompting authorities to establish special donation centres in hospitals, synagogues, and community centres nationwide.

Although the death toll in Israel is comparatively low at 21, the ongoing bombardments have resulted in a significant number of injuries. 

Over the past five days, MDA has treated 708 individuals, including 13 people in serious condition, 37 with moderate injuries, and 581 with minor injuries. Additionally, 56 people have been treated for psychological trauma, panic attacks, and stress-related symptoms.

MDA, which operates a comprehensive network of ambulances, mobile intensive care units, and motorcycle first responders, said that all 35,000 of its staff and volunteers have been fully mobilised to respond to the emergency.

In coordination with the Israeli Ministry of Health, MDA teams are also actively relocating vulnerable patients, including those on ventilators, nursing patients, and newborns, from high-risk areas to safer locations. These transfers are being carried out using specially outfitted ICU buses, mobile ICUs, and standard ambulances.

As the conflict with Iran intensifies, health authorities are urging citizens to donate blood immediately, especially those with Type O, to ensure that emergency services can continue providing life-saving care across the country.

1 day ago

What happens if Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz?

The US Fifth Fleet, stationed in Manama, Bahrain, is tasked with protecting shipping routes at sea.

Amid growing tensions following Israel’s attack on Iran, fears are mounting over the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz,  a narrow but critically important maritime chokepoint for global energy supplies.

Often referred to as the world’s most vital oil artery, the Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It lies between Iran and Oman and narrows to just 33 kilometers at its tightest point. Despite its size, it handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s total oil shipments.

Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iran rely heavily on the route to transport crude oil. Likewise, Qatar uses the strait for nearly all of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments.

The US Fifth Fleet, stationed in Manama, Bahrain, is tasked with protecting shipping routes at sea. 

Why is it in the spotlight again?

Geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel have fueled speculation that Iran could block the passagem a move that experts say would send shockwaves through the global energy market.

Oil prices surged at the start of the trading week as fears over the Strait’s security rattled markets.

Brent crude rose more than $2 (2.8%) to $76.37 per barrel in early Asian trading. UScrude also jumped about $2, reaching $75.01.

What would happen if the strait is closed?

According to analysts, any disruption could affect 20% of the world's oil flow. Investment bank JP Morgan previously warned that in the event of closure, global oil prices could soar to $120–$130 per barrel.

While Iran’s Oil Ministry stated that its production and exports remain unaffected by Israel’s attack, noting no damage to oil storage facilities or refineries, further strikes could alter that reality.

US-Iran conflicts on Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz has long been a hotspot in regional conflicts. During the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988), both nations targeted oil tankers passing through the area.

In 1988, the Us Navy shot down an Iranian civilian airliner over the strait, killing 290 people. Washington later claimed it mistook the passenger aircraft for a military jet. 

Tensions flared again in 2008 when the US accused Iranian boats of harassing its warships. The then-head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad Ali Jafari, warned that any aggression would be met with retaliation, including possible seizure of US vessels.

For countries like Pakistan that heavily rely on energy imports, especially through Gulf routes, any instability in the Strait of Hormuz can directly translate to fuel shortages, price hikes, and broader economic strain. 

1 day ago

Trump says he 'may' send VP Vance to Iran to hold negotiations

Trump remains committed to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he wants a “real end” to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and is considering sending Vice President JD Vance or US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff to Iran, amid intensifying hostilities between Iran and Israel.

The conflict, now entering its sixth day, has seen Israel launch a devastating aerial campaign, reportedly killing top Iranian military leaders and senior nuclear scientists. 

Israel claims it now has effective control over Iranian airspace and plans to escalate its offensive in the coming days.

Trump made the remarks during his late-night departure from Canada, where he attended the Group of Seven (G7) summit. Speaking to reporters, he dismissed claims that he had left the summit early to negotiate a ceasefire, calling the suggestion by French President Emmanuel Macron wrong.

“He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a ceasefire. Much bigger than that,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform late Monday.

Read: ‘Iran can never have a nuclear weapon,’ say G7 leaders as Middle East tensions grow

Trump emphasised that the Israeli assault could end quickly if Iran agrees to US demands to strictly curb its nuclear program. 

“Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” he declared.

In comments posted by a CBS News reporter on X, Trump suggested that Israel would not be easing its attacks any time soon. “You’re going to find out over the next two days. Nobody’s slowed up so far,” he said.

Despite the ongoing military confrontation, the White House said Trump remains committed to reaching a nuclear deal with Iran. Politico reported that Trump is seeking a “complete give-up” of Iran’s nuclear capabilities as part of any potential agreement.

Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed Tuesday that a "more powerful" wave of missiles had been launched toward Israel, according to state media. A senior Iranian military official also warned of an incoming wave of attack drones aimed at Israeli targets.

1 day ago

Iran reportedly strikes Mossad Headquarters, building catches fire

Meanwhile, Israeli bombardment of the Iranian capital, Tehran, has continued.

Iran has reportedly struck the Mossad headquarters in the city of Herzliya, near Tel Aviv.

Visuals emerging from the scene showed a signboard in Hebrew near the building, translated as “Welcome to Mossad Headquarters” in English. The building was seen engulfed in flames following the strike.

In response to ongoing Israeli attacks, Iran launched a fresh wave of missile strikes on Israel on Tuesday morning, triggering air raid sirens across various parts of the country.

Loud explosions were reported in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as Israeli air defense systems were activated. Emergency services remain on the scene in several affected areas of central Israel.

Meanwhile, Israeli bombardment of the Iranian capital, Tehran, has continued. Explosions and heavy air defense fire were reported throughout the night. Iranian state television confirmed that three of its employees were killed in an Israeli military strike on its headquarters on Monday.

In a televised interview, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Israel had inflicted severe damage on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs but emphasized that the military "needs more time" to complete its objectives.

The Israeli military also claimed that Major General Ali Shadmani, the newly appointed commander of the IRGC’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, was killed in an airstrike on Tehran last night. Shadmani was considered one of Iran’s most senior military officials and a close aide to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

According to Israeli sources, Shadmani was directly overseeing Iran’s war strategy against Israel at the time of his reported death.

Following the latest Iranian strikes, Israeli emergency services said five people were slightly injured when a missile struck a bus parking area in central Israel. No additional casualties have been reported so far.

1 day ago

Israeli army opens fire on crowd waiting for aid in southern Gaza, killing 45 Palestinians

The deadly incident occurred near one of the controversial aid distribution sites.

At least 45 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded on Tuesday after Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid at the al-Tahlia Roundabout in Khan Younis, according to health officials in Gaza.

The Gaza Health Ministry described the aftermath as catastrophic, stating that “emergency, intensive care, and operating rooms at Nasser Medical Complex are overcrowded with the large number of casualties and deaths.”

The deadly incident occurred near one of the controversial aid distribution sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a group backed by the United States and Israel. 

Critics condemned the foundation’s operations in Israeli-controlled zones, labelling them “human slaughterhouses” due to repeated attacks on civilians during aid distributions.

Read: IDF claims Mohammed Sinwar’s remains recovered from Gaza tunnel

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk also condemned Israel's conduct in Gaza, warning that its military tactics are causing "horrifying, unconscionable suffering" for the Palestinian population.

The attack added to the growing death toll from Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, now entering its 21st month. According to Gaza health authorities, the conflict has claimed the lives of at least 55,362 Palestinians, including thousands of children, women, and the elderly.

There has been no immediate comment from the Israeli military regarding the latest killings.

Humanitarian agencies and rights groups continue to urge the international community to intervene, warning that the situation in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating and that aid access must be protected under international law.

1 day ago

At least three employees of Iranian state television killed in Israeli strike

Israel’s Defence Minister Katz swiftly claimed responsibility for the assault.

At least three employees of Iran’s state-run television headquarters in Tehran were killed on Monday, and several others injured in an Israeli airstrike on the building, roughly an hour after Israel issued a warning for the area where the station was located.

A day after the bombing, the broadcaster confirmed the casualties from what it described as a cowardly attack.

“Three of the TV station’s employees were killed and others were wounded in the Israeli attack,” the network said in a statement.

During the strike, Sahar Emami, an anchor for the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN), was seen fleeing her studio. However, she returned to the air just 25 minutes later, appearing live from a different studio alongside another presenter.

Read: Israeli strikes target Iran State Tv HQ, at least 16 martyred

As the attack unfolded, people on set could be heard shouting “Allahu Akbar,” the Arabic phrase meaning “God is great.”

The live broadcast was abruptly cut and replaced with pre-recorded content. Soon after, visuals showed smoke and flames rising into the sky, and the station later confirmed that four bombs had hit the building.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, condemned the strike, calling it a “wicked act” and labelling Israel a war criminal. He said the attack had “killed a number of journalists and media personnel.”

Israel’s Defence Minister Katz swiftly claimed responsibility for the assault.

“In response to the Iranian regime’s propaganda and incitement, the IOF targeted their broadcasting authority after a full evacuation of local residents,” Katz said in a statement. “We will pursue and strike the Iranian dictatorship wherever it exists.”

2 days ago

‘Iran can never have a nuclear weapon,’ say G7 leaders as Middle East tensions grow

G7 leaders emphasised the urgent need to ease hostilities across the region.

The G7 economic bloc reaffirmed its commitment to preventing Iran from having a nuclear weapon amid the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East after Israeli strikes on Iran. 

At the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in the Canadian Rockies, world leaders, including the US President Donald Trump, issued a strong call for de-escalation in the Middle East amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

In a joint statement, the G7 leaders emphasised the urgent need to ease hostilities across the region, stating, "We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza," the statement read. 

The leaders also reaffirmed their collective stance that “Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”

China joined the chorus for restraint, urging both Israel and Iran to "immediately take measures to cool down the tensions" and prevent the region from plunging into further instability.

Meanwhile, Iran has hardened its position following Israel's intensified military campaign, which showed the indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear programme this week. 

However, those talks have stalled as Iranian officials said negotiations would not resume while the country is under attack.

"Absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue," said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday. 

He added that a diplomatic breakthrough could still be possible, stating on the social media platform X: "It takes one phone call from Washington to muzzle someone like Netanyahu. That may pave the way for a return to diplomacy."

In a startling development, a senior US official revealed to AFP that Donald Trump had personally intervened to stop Israel from carrying out a targeted assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, did not confirm or deny the allegation in an interview with ABC News. 

“It’s not going to escalate the conflict, it’s going to end the conflict,” he said, in a cryptic response that has raised further concerns about the trajectory of the crisis.

2 days ago

Trump weighs using biggest US bomb to target Iran’s nuclear enrichment facility: NYT

Iran’s Fordo facility is believed to be reachable only by such deeply penetrating munitions.

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering bombing Iran’s nuclear enrichment facility at Fordo using a Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a precisely guided, 30,000-pound bunker-buster bomb, which is the largest conventional weapon in the US arsenal, according to The New York Times.

These bombs are designed to penetrate heavily fortified underground targets, and Iran’s Fordo facility is believed to be reachable only by such deeply penetrating munitions.

“If he decides to go ahead, the United States will become a direct participant in a new conflict in the Middle East, taking on Iran in exactly the kind of war Mr Trump has sworn, in two campaigns, he would avoid,” reporters David E Sanger and Jonathan Swan wrote in their piece.

US President Donald Trump threatened civilians to evacuate Tehran immediately, warning that Iran is being "foolish" for refusing to sign the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He stressed, “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”

Late Monday, Iran launched a series of missile attacks on Israel, targeting Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories. According to Israeli media reports, these attacks struck military intelligence centers, leading to a complete halt in production at the Haifa refinery and the deaths of three employees.

These Iranian attacks were launched in retaliation for Israel's earlier assault on Iran's state television during a live broadcast, which killed two media personnel. The news anchor, who was on air at the time, narrowly avoided injury.

According to official data, the Israeli attacks on Iran killed 220 people, 70 of whom were women and children, while Iran has killed more than 20 people in retaliatory attacks.

2 days ago

Iranian parliament drafting bill to exit nuclear non-proliferation treaty

President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that the development of nuclear weapons is prohibited by a religious fatwa.

Iran’s parliament has initiated steps to draft legislation for the country’s potential withdrawal from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in response to ongoing Israeli military aggression.

The NPT, signed in 1970, is an international agreement aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and related technologies while promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei announced the move, stating that while the parliament is preparing to leave the treaty, Tehran remains firmly opposed to the development and use of weapons of mass destr*ction.

The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which Iran ratified in 1970, permits signatory states to pursue civilian nuclear energy, provided they refrain from developing nuclear weapons and cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Last week, Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, alleging that Tehran was nearing the development of a nuclear bomb. Iran has consistently asserted that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes. However, the IAEA stated last week that Iran was not fulfilling its obligations under the NPT.

President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated on Monday that the development of nuclear weapons is prohibited by a religious fatwa issued by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

While Iranian state media reported that parliament has not yet made a formal decision to withdraw from the NPT, a senior lawmaker confirmed that the proposal is currently in its early legislative stages.

Ismail Baqeri, a member of the Iranian parliament, stated that Israel’s attack has naturally impacted the country’s strategic considerations. He also linked the assault to a recent IAEA resolution, calling it one of the factors that led to the strike.

2 days ago

Rumors of a nuclear test near Pak-Iran border are false

Tremors with a 2.5-magnitude quake were recorded in Iran’s Qom region

As the armed conflict between Iran and Israel stretches into its fourth consecutive day, two earthquakes struck near the Pakistan- Iran border late Sunday, sparking speculation and concern on social media.

According to Pakistan's Meteorological Department (PMD), tremors with a 2.5-magnitude quake were recorded in Iran’s Qom region, near the Fordow Nuclear Facility, while a stronger 4.3-magnitude quake hit Sistan, a province bordering Pakistan’s Balochistan. No casualties were reported.

However, the timing of the tremors, occurring shortly after Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites including Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, triggered speculation of possible nuclear-related activity.

Iranian officials confirmed that Israel had targeted the Fordow site, which is known for its deep-underground uranium enrichment capabilities.

However, rumors of a nuclear test by Iran near its border with Pakistan, which allegedly caused the tremors, are entirely false, with no official accounts reporting such activity.

The latest round of hostilities began Friday when Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed six Iranian nuclear scientists and several top military commanders. Iran retaliated with a barrage of missiles on Tel Aviv, leaving multiple civilians wounded.

Since the exchange began, more than 220 people, among them 70 women, children, scientists, and military personnel, were reportedly killed in Israeli strikes, according to various media reports. Iran's retaliatory missile attacks have also led to casualties and widespread damage in Tel Aviv.

With both nations continuing to escalate militarily, the situation remains volatile, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

2 days ago

Mohsin Dawar faces backlash for defending pro-Israel journalist Yalda Hakim

Dawar focused instead on the online trolling she faced, claiming it was due to her Afghan identity.

National Democratic Movement leader Mohsin Dawar faced backlash for defending pro-Israel journalist Yalda Hakim, who was widely criticised online after Iranian academic Dr Mohammad Marandi confronted her over her visibly biased stance during coverage of the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.

Ignoring her pro-Israel leanings and journalistic bias, Dawar focused instead on the online trolling she faced, claiming it was due to her Afghan identity.

However, several Pakistani journalists and activists pushed back, clarifying that the criticism was not rooted in her ethnicity but in her partial reporting and prejudice, which Dr Marandi highlighted in their exchange.

In her interview with Marandi, Yalda attempted to justify Israeli attacks and painted Iran as the aggressor by suggesting that the US had given a 60-day deadline to Tehran to finalise a nuclear deal, and Israel attacked on the 61st day, saying that this raises questions about Iranian intelligence and its government's competence.

Yalda Hakim previously faced criticism for her biased treatment of Pakistani guests on her show, especially during heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. It later surfaced that she was closely associated with a senior BJP leader, raising further concerns about her journalistic impartiality.

2 days ago

Israel claims destruction of 30% of Iran's missile launchers

The development marks a significant escalation in the conflict.

As the conflict between Israel and Iran entered its fourth day, the Israeli military claimed to have destroyed nearly one-third of Iran’s surface-to-surface missile launchers in a series of intensive air strikes.

According to Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier-General Effie Defrin, more than 50 fighter jets and aircraft carried out coordinated attacks, targeting and destroying over 120 missile launchers across Iran.

“This amounts to one-third of the surface-to-surface missile launchers possessed by the Iranian regime,” Defrin said during a televised briefing.

He further stated that after sustained strikes on Iran’s air defence systems, Israeli aircraft now control the skies over much of the country. “We have achieved full air supremacy in the Tehran airspace,” he declared.

The development marks a significant escalation in the conflict.

On the other hand, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has clarified that Israel does not intend to intentionally target civilians in Tehran, softening the more aggressive remarks he made previously.

“I would like to clarify the obvious: there is no intention to physically harm the residents of Tehran as the murderous dictator does to the residents of Israel,” Katz said in a statement on X.

"The residents of Tehran will have to pay the price of dictatorship and evacuate their homes from areas where it will be necessary to attack regime targets and security infrastructures in Tehran," he said.

Earlier, Katz had warned that residents of Iran’s capital would “face consequences, and soon” in response to Iran’s deadly retaliatory attacks on Israel.

2 days ago

Iran-Israel war: Mehdi Hasan drops facts the Western media won’t tell you

Hasan stressed that “Iran is the victim here, and Israel is the aggressor.”

Journalist Mehdi Hasan called out Western media for biased reporting on the Iran-Israel conflict, accusing it of unfairly blaming Tehran while exaggerating the country’s nuclear threat, despite the fact that Iran does not possess nuclear weapons.

In a video on X, Hasan critiqued the mainstream media's portrayal of Iran’s retaliatory strikes. He argued that the reporting conveniently overlooks Israel’s earlier attacks on civilian and military targets in several Iranian cities.

“If you're watching Western media coverage, you might come away with the impression that Iran attacked Israel out of the blue, and Israel is just responding, when in fact, it's the other way around,” he said.

 “We all saw on Thursday night that it was Israel that launched an illegal act of aggre$sion against Iran.”

Hasan stressed that “Iran is the victim here, and Israel is the aggressor.” He criticised the consistent narrative that frames Israel as the victim while dismissing Iran’s perspective.

Highlighting the double standards, he said, “Iran doesn’t have nukes. Israel does. Iran is a signatory to the NPT. Israel isn’t. Iran has allowed IAEA inspectors into its country. Israel hasn’t.”

Hasan also shared a clip from a previous interview with Israel’s former deputy foreign minister, Danny Ayalon, where he confronted the Israeli official on the country's undeclared nuclear arsenal and the international community’s silence over it.

“Israel violates UN Security Council resolutions regarding its nuclear stockpile. Yet Western media interviewers who have multiple Israelis on air, all the time, never really asked about Israel’s nukes?,” Hasan pointed out.

2 days ago

“Iran wants to kill Trump, he’s enemy number one, they tried to kill me too,” says Netanyahu

He added that Iran sees Trump as a major obstacle to its nuclear ambitions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of planning an assassination attempt on US President Donald Trump, claiming Tehran views him as its "enemy number one" and had targeted him for elimination.

In a recent interview with Fox News, Netanyahu was asked about his earlier statements alleging that Iran had plotted to kill Trump. The anchor asked him whether those claims were backed by intelligence reports.

Netanyahu responded by stating that Israeli intelligence had received credible information suggesting that “Iranian intelligence and their proxies” were seeking to 'kill Trump.'

 “He is their number one enemy,” Netanyahu said. “He’s a decisive leader. He never took the path to bargain with them (Iran) in a way that showed weakness. giving them a pathway to enrich uranium which means a pathway to a bomb, padding it with billions of dollars."

He tore up the fake agreement, he killed Qasem Soleimani, and he made it very clear, even now, that you cannot have nuclear weapons, which means you cannot enrich.”

He added that Iran sees Trump as a major obstacle to its nuclear ambitions.

 “They tried to kill me, too,” Netanyahu said, “but I’m just his junior partner. President Trump is a great threat to Iran’s nuclear program.”

Netanyahu also revealed that Israel had informed the US about the assassination threat in advance.

“They knew about it, Of course,” he claimed.

When asked about Trump’s recent comments urging Israel not to escalate military action against Iran, Netanyahu emphasised that both leaders prioritise the interests of their own nations.

 “President Trump will do what is best for America and its people. As the Prime Minister of the only Jewish state, I will do what is best for Israel. There is a mutual respect between us.”

2 days ago

Reza Pahlavi defends Israeli strikes on Iran, blames Khamenei for civilian deaths

He maintained that the responsibility lies with the regime, stating the conflict is “Khamenei’s war, not Iran’s.”

Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of Iran’s last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, defended Israeli airstrikes on Iran, claiming that Israel never intended to target civilians. He accused Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of using ordinary Iranians as human shields.

In an interview with the BBC, when asked whether he considered Israeli attacks on his country “a positive thing,” Pahlavi did not condemn the civilian casualties.

Instead, he placed the blame on Khamenei and the Iranian government, stating, “I am not saying the targeting was meant to hurt the Iranian people. The targeting was meant to neutralise the regime's threat. Clearly, it wasn’t the intention of the Israeli government to attack Iranian civilians.”

Despite Israel targeting multiple civilian sites in Iran, including a strike that killed 60 people, among them children, in a residential building housing the family of an Iranian military general, Pahlavi continued to shift responsibility for the deaths.

In a separate interview with Fox News, he said, “What angers me the most is that Khamenei is using my compatriots as human shields while he himself is hiding like a rat in an underground tunnel.”

While he expressed sympathy for the loss of innocent lives, he maintained that the responsibility lies with the regime, stating the conflict is “Khamenei’s war, not Iran’s.”

“We are now faced with a great opportunity. In the past three days alone, the regime has become tenfold weaker. The Iranian people clearly see that the playing field has leveled for them, and this has provided them with an opportunity to rise up and get rid of the regime,” he added.

The Pahlavi family and their allies have long been active in opposing the current Iranian government and continue efforts to overthrow it.

2 days ago

Iran hangs Mossad spy accused of leaking secrets to Israel

The execution was a huge failure for the Israeli intelligence network operating within the country.

Iranian authorities have executed an undercover agent accused of working for the Isr@eli intelligence agency after the Supreme Court upheld his death sentence.

The suspect, identified as Ismail Fikri, was arrested in December 2023 on charges of transferring sensitive and classified information to Israeli intelligence. He was also allegedly connected to two Mossad officials.

A news agency affiliated with Iran’s judiciary reported that the execution was a huge failure for the Israeli intelligence network operating within the country.

According to Iranian media, Fikri’s conviction and execution highlight Tehran’s ongoing crackdown on foreign espionage amid escalating regional tensions.

Iranian authorities on Sunday arrested two Mossad operatives hiding in a building in Fashafuyeh, a district of Ray County in Tehran, where they were involved in manufacturing drones.

According to Iranian state media, “Over 200 kilograms of explosives, equipment for 23 drones, launchers, and other materials were confiscated.”

A video released from the scene showed equipment scattered across the three-storey building where the explosives were allegedly being produced.

This was not the first arrest of its kind. Two other Israeli spies were also detained on Sunday for producing explosives and targeting multiple locations from within Iran.

3 days ago

Fact-check: AI-generated video of Iranian general saying Pakistan would drop nuclear bomb on Israel goes viral

Such propaganda seeks to portray Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities as dangerous and irresponsible.

An AI-generated video falsely showing Iranian National Security Council member Mohsen Rezaei claiming that Pakistan would drop a nuclear bomb on Israel in the event of a nuclear attack on Iran went viral, garnering millions of views online.

Claim

"Pakistan told Iran that if Israel drops a nuclear bomb in Tehran, we will drop a nuclear bomb on them," senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) general Mohsen Rezaei  said in the AI-generated vide.

Original interview show no mentions of Pakistan's nuclear bomb

Several verified accounts on X shared the video, which appeared to be a clip from an interview with Rezaei on Iranian media. However, the original interview, posted by the verified Press TV account on June 15, 2025, contains no such statement.

Manipulated content

Instead, an AI-generated voice was inserted into a specific portion of the footage, spreading disinformation linking Pakistan’s nuclear policy to Iran’s conflict with Israel.

The video reveals Moeszani's unnatural facial expressions and movements, further confirming it's altered.

Disninformation campaign targets Pakistan 

This manipulated content is part of a growing disinformation campaign aimed at creating panic and misleading public opinion during a sensitive time. Such propaganda seeks to portray Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities as dangerous and irresponsible, framing the country as a global threat.

While Pakistan has expressed unequivocal support for Iran and condemned Israeli aggression, no official statement has called for a nuclear attack on Israel.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also clarified on X that Pakistan's nuclear capabilities are not intended to pursue hegemonic designs in the region, unlike Israel.

“Pakistan is signatory to all international nuclear disciplines, our nuclear capability is for the benefit of our people and defence of our country against hostile designs of our enemies. We do not pursue hegemonic  policies against our neighbours which are being amply demonstrated by Israel these days,” his post read. 

Who shared the video?

Many viral posts featuring this fake clip were shared by accounts with verified checkmarks on X, including those with vague or misleading identities. Surprisingly, even some Indian news websites,  journalists and accounts known for sharing credible updates contributed to the spread of the false video due to its sophistication.

Accounts that shared the video include:

Brian’s Breaking News and Intel

Sidhant Sibal

Sulaiman Ahmed

US Homeland Security News

Sprinter Observer

Anshul Saxena

Aditya Raj Kaul

Nabila Jamal

Esther Carvalho

This incident highlights the urgent need for critical media literacy and verification in the age of AI-driven disinformation.

3 days ago

Convoy of stranded Pakistani students leaves Tehran amid regional tensions

At least 180 Pakistani citizens managed to cross into Pakistan on Sunday

A convoy of six buses carrying Pakistani students who were stranded in Iran due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has departed from Tehran and is en route to the Taftan border, according to diplomatic sources.

The Pakistani nationals, including students, traders, and pilgrims, had been stuck in Iran after cross-border clashes between Iran and Israel and uncertainty surrounding air routes amid escalating regional tensions. 

Diplomatic officials confirmed that the convoy will be received at the Taftan border between Pakistan and Iran, which is expected to open after 4 pm today to facilitate the repatriation.

On Sunday, at least 180 Pakistani citizens managed to cross into Pakistan, including 168 pilgrims and 12 traders. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe repatriation of all remaining Pakistani nationals in Iran.

Read: Pakistan's airspace becomes strategic route amid Iran-Israel conflict

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Mudassar Tipu, who is currently in Pakistan for official meetings, confirmed via social media that the Pakistani embassy in Tehran, along with consulates in Mashhad and Zahedan, is actively providing assistance to its citizens.

He also shared contact numbers and email addresses of embassy and consulate staff, as well as a dedicated support unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad.

Meanwhile, security concerns remain high. The Ministry of Interior has advised all Pakistani citizens to refrain from travelling to Iran due to the volatile situation triggered by Israeli military actions. Both crossing points in Panjgur, which borders Iran, have been closed indefinitely, and all direct flights between the two countries remain suspended.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that all necessary diplomatic and logistical measures are in place to support Pakistani nationals stranded in the region.

3 days ago

Iran arrests two Mossad operatives from secret drone-making base in Tehran

A video released from the scene showed equipment scattered across the three-storey building.

Iranian authorities on Sunday arrested two Mossad operatives hiding in a building in Fashafuyeh, a district of Ray County in Tehran, where they were involved in manufacturing drones.

According to Iranian state media, “Over 200 kilograms of explosives, equipment for 23 drones, launchers, and other materials were confiscated.”

A video released from the scene showed equipment scattered across the three-storey building where the explosives were allegedly being produced.

This was not the first arrest of its kind. Two other Israeli spies were also detained on Sunday for producing explosives and targeting multiple locations from within Iran.

Earlier, Israel released a video on Friday claiming to show Moss@d operatives operating drones inside Iran and targeting key sites from within the country. The footage surfaced after a series of Israeli strikes hit nuclear and military installations across Iran.

According to IRNA, Israel continues to carry out “punitive strikes” in the occupied Palestinian territories, while Iranian forces have been targeting Israeli settlements in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa in response.

3 days ago

Trump predicts peace between Iran and Israel 'soon'

"Iran and Israel should make a deal — and they will make a deal," Trump wrote, confidently adding, "We will have peace, soon."

US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about an imminent peace agreement between Iran and Israel.

In a statement shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Sunday, Trump claimed that several behind-the-scenes meetings were already underway to ease tensions between the two nations.

"Iran and Israel should make a deal — and they will make a deal," Trump wrote, confidently adding, "We will have peace, soon."

While Trump did not provide specific details about the nature or participants of these meetings, his remarks come as global attention remains focused on the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Read more: Israeli airstrikes hit army HQ, airports near Tehran

The conflict between Iran and Israel intensified late Sunday as Israeli forces reportedly launched coordinated airstrikes on army headquarters and three major airports in and around Tehran.

The targeted sites included Mehrabad Airport within the capital, Karaj Airport to the west, and Imam Khomeini International Airport, Iran’s largest aviation hub.

Eyewitnesses described powerful explosions reverberating across Tehran, with at least two major blasts followed by the activation of Iran’s air defence systems.

The latest strikes come amid a rapidly escalating cycle of retaliatory attacks between the two adversaries.

In an emergency announcement on state television, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed that Tehran’s metro stations and mosques would be opened as bomb shelters starting immediately. “As attacks continue, we’re implementing safety measures to protect the public,” she stated.

3 days ago

Video: Israeli jet refuels mid-air over Syria after Iran strike

The footage offers a rare look at the Israeli Air Force’s long-distance operational capabilities

A video circulating on social media purportedly shows an Israeli F-16 fighter jet receiving mid-air refueling from a Boeing 707 tanker over Syria’s Deir ez-Zor region, reportedly during its return from a recent Israeli strike on Iranian positions.

Believed to be recorded by local sources in Syria, the footage offers a rare look at the Israeli Air Force’s long-distance operational capabilities.

MUST WATCH 🔴🔴

An Israeli F-16i fighter jet was refueled mid-air by an Israeli Boeing 707 Re’em tanker over Syria’s Deir ez-Zor province while returning from a strike on Iran. pic.twitter.com/6uMfXhPzTM

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) June 13, 2025

Deir ez-Zor’s location is considered strategically important, as it lies along a probable route between Israel and Iran.

The video surfaced the same day Israel carried out extensive airstrikes on Iran, reportedly hitting two nuclear-related sites.

3 days ago

6,000 flights cancelled globally in two days due to Iran-Israel conflict

The airspace over key Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, Iraq, and Israel, remains closed

The conflict between Israel and Iran has triggered widespread disruption to international air travel, with around 6,000 flights cancelled globally over the past two days.

According to media reports, the airspace over key Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, Iraq, and Israel, remains closed, severely impacting flight routes and airport operations across the region.

Among the most affected is Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, which has seen a complete suspension of flights as Israel continues its military operations. Airports in Damascus, Baghdad, Tehran, Beirut, and Amman’s Queen Alia Airport have also remained shut due to the escalating hostilities. 

According to aviation officials, airspace closures in Iran, Baghdad, and Israel have persisted for two consecutive days, while limited air traffic has been allowed through Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, but only with prior approval and under strict restrictions.

These closures are particularly disruptive given the region's vast network of international routes. Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport operates flights to 100 destinations across 44 countries daily, while Queen Alia Airport in Amman connects with 81 airports in 40 countries.

Similarly, Damascus Airport in Syria services 20 international airports in 13 countries, Baghdad Airport links to 32 airports in 18 countries, Tehran connects with 51 airports in 23 countries, and Beirut handles flights to 49 destinations in 26 countries. Flight tracking data from FlightRadar suggests that around 3,000 flights have been cancelled each day since the conflict escalated.

The sharp rise in cancellations follows Israel’s announcement on Friday that it had launched targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, ballistic missile sites, and senior military personnel.

4 days ago

Iran launches retaliatory strikes after attacks on oil sites, 10 dead in Israel

Iranian missiles managed to breach Israeli air defenses, striking areas in the northern and central parts of the country, including a scientific facility near Tel Aviv

Israel and Iran engaged in another exchange of attacks from late Saturday into Sunday, resulting in the death of at least ten people in Israel.

Iranian missiles managed to breach Israeli air defenses, striking areas in the northern and central parts of the country, including a scientific facility near Tel Aviv.

The latest round of Iranian missile launches began shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday, triggering air raid sirens in cities such as Jerusalem and Haifa.

According to Israeli news outlets, a second wave of strikes occurred after 2 a.m., with a significant impact reported in Bat Yam, a city just south of Tel Aviv, where around 35 people were unaccounted for following a missile strike.

Emergency services stated that an eight-storey residential building was hit, and while numerous individuals were rescued, four fatalities were confirmed.

Another Iranian missile hit the town of Tamra in northern Israel, home to a predominantly Palestinian population. Four members of the same family, including a mother and her two daughters aged 13 and 20, were killed in the blast.

On the Iranian side, officials reported that an Israeli strike set fire to the Shahran oil depot in Tehran, though they claimed the situation was brought under control. Israeli missiles also hit a building belonging to Iran’s defense ministry, causing limited damage, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

Iran reported 78 fatalities from Israeli airstrikes on Friday, marking the beginning of Israel’s unexpected assault. An additional 60 people, including 29 children, were killed the following day when a missile strike caused a 14-storey apartment building in Tehran to collapse.

4 days ago

Trump calls Israeli attacks ‘excellent’, blames Iran for rejecting his proposals on nuclear deal

Israel recently killed Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator

US President Donald Trump's position has shifted noticeably amid the growing conflict between Iran and Israel, from initially urging restraint to now openly supporting Israel’s military offensive.

Despite Israel’s unprovoked aggression, Trump blamed Iran for rejecting a US proposal on a renewed nuclear deal and uranium enrichment limits, warning that the country could face further attacks.

It is worth noting that Israel recently killed Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, who had been engaged in talks with Washington, an act that effectively derailed the entire diplomatic process.

According to BBC News, when Israel launched airstrikes on Iran last Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the move "unilateral," and the Trump administration initially sought to distance itself from the action.

However, President Trump has since changed tone, describing the operation as “excellent” and praising the use of “American military equipment” in the Israeli strikes.

Reports from the White House suggest that US officials have been actively assisting in intercepting Iranian missile attacks.

Domestically, this shift places President Trump in a politically sensitive position. While Republicans and their voter base remain staunchly pro-Israel, there are widespread concerns about US involvement in yet another foreign war.

Trump has repeatedly vowed to end “endless wars” and avoid new ones, frequently claiming he could resolve the Ukraine conflict in 24 hours and promising to secure the release of all hostages held in Gaza.

5 days ago

“Iran has right to self-defence,” Pakistan strongly denounces Israeli attacks at UNSC

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar said that the Israeli assault reflects a dangerous pattern of Tel Aviv’s reckless military behavior.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, has affirmed that "Iran has the right to defend itself under the article 51 of the United Nations Charter."

Addressing a United Nations Security Council meeting convened to discuss the recent attacks on Iran, Iftikhar strongly condemned Israel’s “illegal and unjustified” assault on Iranian territory.

He stated that the Israeli strike constitutes a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reiterated that Iran is entitled to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

The Security Council session was held as Iran continues retaliatory strikes following Israel’s attack on multiple Iranian military and nuclear installations on June 13. That assault resulted in the deaths of top Iranian military leaders, including Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Baqeri, Revolutionary Guards Commander Major General Hossein Salami, and several nuclear scientists.

During his remarks, the Pakistani envoy expressed solidarity with the “brotherly people of Iran” and conveyed Pakistan’s deepest condolences over the loss of life and destruction caused by the Israeli attacks.

“These attacks are a serious threat to regional peace, security, and stability,” Iftikhar said, warning that Israel’s repeated violations of sovereignty are becoming dangeous norm.

He added that the Israeli assault reflects a dangerous pattern of Tel Aviv’s reckless military behavior, as evidenced by its ongoing operations in Gaza and repeated cross-border attacks in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. This conduct, he stressed, demonstrates a deliberate and continuing disregard for international law and norms.

Ambassador Iftikhar stated that Israel’s actions constitute a clear violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, and amount to acts of aggression as defined under General Assembly Resolution 3314 (1974).

Following Friday’s Israeli strikes, Iran launched a large-scale retaliatory operation, dubbed ‘Operation True Promise 3,’ firing hundreds of missiles at Israel.

The commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed that over 150 targets were hit across Israel, with explosions reported throughout the capital, Tel Aviv.

While Israel stated that many of the incoming missiles were intercepted by its air defense system with US assistance, several Iranian projectiles reportedly reached their targets, including military bases and the Ministry of National Security, according to Iranian media.

5 days ago

Netanyahu invokes Biblical Verse to justify strikes on Iran

Overnight on Friday, Israel began rounds of strikes in and near Tehran, as well as Natanz, Tabriz, Isfahan, Arak, and Shiraz, among other places.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invoked a provocative biblical reference before airstrikes against Iranian nuclear sites.

Just hours before Israel launched military strikes on Iranian territory, Netanyahu placed a handwritten note in the Western Wall in occupied East Jerusalem on Thursday, quoting a verse from the Torah that inspired the name of the offensive, Operation Rising Lion. The note was made public on Friday.

The cited verse, from Numbers 23:24, reads: “Behold, a people that rises up as a lioness, and as a lion lifts himself up; he shall not lie down until he eats the prey, and drinks the blood of the slain.”

Various locations in Iran, including in the capital, Tehran, have come under attack by the Israeli regime, and a number of top Iranian military commanders have been assassinated in targeted strikes in a major escalation.

Overnight on Friday, Israel began rounds of strikes in and near Tehran, as well as Natanz, Tabriz, Isfahan, Arak, and Shiraz, among other places.

The Israeli military also carried out targeted strikes against Iran’s top military brass. Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri and Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami were assassinated in Tehran.

Read more: Pakistan activates crisis management unit following Israeli strikes on Iran

So were Commander of the Aerospace Force of the IRGC Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh and Commander of Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters Major General Gholamali Rashid.

All of them were decorated veterans of the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988).

Unconfirmed reports say Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and a former secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has also been severely wounded in a targeted strike.

A number of top nuclear scientists were also targeted. Mohammad-Mehdi Tehranchi, president of the Islamic Azad University, and Fereydoun Abbasi, former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, were among them. Tehranchi and Abbasi were reportedly targeted at their homes in the capital.

5 days ago

Who are the three powerful Iranian figures killed in Israeli strikes?

Salami was a staunch opponent of the United States and its allies.

Israel announced that its "Operation Rising Line" was aimed at thwarting Iran's nuclear program, however it also the killed several top Iranian military figures and nuclear scientists. Iran has also confirmed these deaths of its prominent officials and scientists.

Here are the details of the figures whose deaths have been confirmed by Iranian state media so far:

General Mohammad Bagheri – Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces

General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s military chief of staff, was the second-most powerful military figure in the country after Khamenei. As the highest-ranking officer in Iran’s armed forces, Bagheri was responsible for implementing key military strategies and overseeing Iran's defense policies.

The United States had sanctioned Bagheri in 2009 along with Ayatollah Khamenei. In April 2024, he made headlines after meeting Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud in Tehran—a rare diplomatic gesture amidst regional tensions.

Major General Hossein Salami – Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC

Major General Hossein Salami, head of Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was among the top officials reportedly killed in the Israeli operation. He led Iran’s elite military force and reported directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Salami was a staunch opponent of the United States and its allies, overseeing several regional operations involving Iran-backed militias. Under his command, the IRGC provided military and logistical support to Yemen’s Houthis, especially during the Red Sea disruptions amid the Gaza war. He also oversaw Iran’s first-ever direct missile attacks on Israel in April and October 2024.

He was in charge of the IRGC when it mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane in 2020.

Ali Shamkhani – Senior Advisor to Supreme Leader

Ali Shamkhani, a key advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has held various prominent government positions, including roles within the IRGC and the Defense Ministry, and continues to be a top national security official.

Shamkhani was not only a prominent figure domestically but was also well-regarded in diplomatic circles for his role in re-establishing diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia after years of estrangement. He also ran for the presidential office in 2001.

Notably, Shamkhani advised Khamenei on nuclear talks with the US. He had also previously warned that Iran would cease cooperation with the IAEA if it felt threatened by the organisation.

Iranian state media confirmed the death of Commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, in an Israeli attack. This adds to casualties within the IRGC, the Defense Ministry, and the Supreme National Security Council.

Additionally, six nuclear scientists were also among those killed:

Abdulhamid Minouchehr, Ahmadreza Zolfaghari, Seyyed Amirhossein Faqhi, Motlabizadeh, Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, a theoretical physicist and the president of the Islamic Azad University in Tehran, and Fereydoun Abbasi, former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.