Articles in this Cluster
16-06-2025
US President Donald Trump stated that the US had "nothing to do with" Israel's recent attack on Iran, but warned that if the US is attacked, it will respond with the "full strength and might" of its military. Iran claims to have evidence that the US was involved in the attack, while Israel alleged that its strikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated, with at least 10 Israelis killed and 180 injured, and casualty figures in Iran unknown. Planned US-Iran negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program have been canceled amid the ongoing conflict.
16-06-2025
Iranians are feeling stuck and scared as Israel continues its air strikes on the country, with many trying to escape Tehran but facing heavy traffic and uncertainty. The attacks have killed at least 128 people in Iran and 10 in Israel, and have led to retaliatory missile attacks from Iran. People in Tehran are worried and trying to survive, with some recalling the bombings of the Iran-Iraq war and others feeling trapped and unable to leave their loved ones behind. The lack of warnings or sirens during the attacks has added to the fear and confusion. Many are trying to get through the days in fear, exhaustion, and stress, with the situation being described as "extremely hard and painful."
16-06-2025
Israel and Iran have exchanged airstrikes for the third consecutive day, with neither country showing signs of backing down. The conflict escalated after Israel launched a major campaign on Friday, targeting Iran's nuclear program and military leadership, killing top generals and scientists. Iran retaliated by firing over 270 missiles at Israel, with 22 slipping through Israel's air defenses, killing 14 people and wounding 390 others. Israel has continued its strikes, hitting Iran's Defense Ministry, missile launch sites, and energy facilities, including oil refineries and a fuel tank, raising concerns about a broader assault on Iran's energy industry. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that if Israeli strikes stop, "our responses will also stop," and accused the US of being a partner in the attacks. The conflict has resulted in at least 224 deaths in Iran and 14 in Israel, with many more wounded. Diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran have been halted, with Oman's foreign minister saying talks "will not now take place."
16-06-2025
Israel launched airstrikes on Iran targeting nuclear facilities, scientists, and senior military commanders. The Israeli military said 200 fighter jets struck over 100 targets in Iran, including sites in Tehran and Natanz, a key uranium enrichment site. The strikes damaged Natanz's underground enrichment hall and dismantled a facility producing metallic uranium in Isfahan. Iran responded by launching over 100 drones at Israel, many of which were intercepted. The US was not involved in the Israeli strikes, which came as the Trump administration was trying to negotiate an agreement to limit Iran's nuclear program.
16-06-2025
The US State Department has instructed its embassies to inform host governments that it is "not involved" in Israel's recent attacks on Iranian territory and did not provide support for the strikes. The directive, sent via an All Diplomatic and Consular Posts (ALDAC) cable, also reaffirms the country's commitment to a diplomatic resolution to the Iran nuclear issue and emphasizes that "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon." The cable comes amid heightened clashes between the two nations, resulting in over 220 Iranian and 14 Israeli fatalities. President Trump has denied US involvement and warned against targeting US citizens or infrastructure, while also expressing support for its ally.
16-06-2025
President Trump opposed an Israeli plan to kill Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to three U.S. officials who told CBS News that Trump conveyed his opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The conversation occurred after Israel launched a massive attack on Iran. Netanyahu did not confirm or deny the report when asked about it, saying he wouldn't comment on "false reports of conversations that never happened." Trump later warned Iran against retaliating against U.S. targets and suggested that Iran and Israel should make a deal.
16-06-2025
Israel's airstrikes on Iran sent reverberations through financial markets, with oil prices jumping on fears of disrupted supply, gold prices rising as investors sought safe-haven assets, and the US dollar strengthening against other currencies. Global stocks fell, but US stocks appeared resilient despite the conflict. The Israel-Iran conflict marks the third day of violence between the two nations, with Iran retaliating against Israel's strikes on its nuclear facilities. Investors are cautioned to be extra cautious in the coming weeks as the conflict escalates.
16-06-2025
Iran and Israel have exchanged missile strikes for a fourth consecutive day, with both countries issuing new evacuation orders for parts of Tel Aviv and Tehran. Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that "the residents of Tehran will pay the price, and soon," following reported Iranian strikes against Tel Aviv and Haifa. The Israel Defense Forces claimed to have achieved "full aerial superiority over Tehran's skies" after deploying 50 fighter jets and aircraft. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it would launch attacks against Israel's military infrastructure in the Bnei Brak area of eastern Tel Aviv. The conflict has raised concerns about crude supplies and the key shipping lane through the Strait of Hormuz, with oil prices retaining recent gains. Markets initially showed signs of shrugging off the hostilities, with European and US stock markets opening higher, but investors remain cautious about the potential for further escalation. The US response is now in focus, given its close support for Israel and ongoing nuclear deal talks with Iran.
16-06-2025
China has condemned Israel's recent attack on Iran, seeing an opportunity to position itself as a potential peace broker in the escalating conflict between the two nations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with both Iranian and Israeli counterparts, expressing China's opposition to Israel's actions and offering to play a constructive role in resolving the conflict. China's stance contrasts with its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which Beijing refused to condemn. The move is part of China's efforts to expand its clout, particularly in the Global South, where Israel has faced condemnation for its actions in Gaza. China has deepened its ties with Iran in recent years, including joint naval drills, and has criticized US sanctions on Iran. While China's influence in the region is growing, its ability to broker peace remains limited, and the US is likely to play a key role in regional security.
16-06-2025
Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has encouraged the United States to assist Israel's operation against Iran, stating that the US "has an obligation to assist Israel's operation" and that President Donald Trump "has the option to change the Middle East and influence the world." Gallant noted that the US possesses capabilities that Israel does not, and therefore, should help Israel in its conflict with Iran.
16-06-2025
Iran launched a new barrage of missiles Sunday evening, with an explosion reported in Haifa, Israel. In turn, Israel initiated another round of attacks on military targets within Iran, continuing the escalating cycle of violence between the two countries.
16-06-2025
Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated after Israel launched an unprecedented strike on Iran's Ministry of Defense headquarters and other locations tied to Iran's nuclear program, killing at least 224 people in Iran and 24 in Israel. Iran retaliated with 370 ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones, striking 30 sites in Israel. Israeli strikes targeted three Iranian nuclear facilities - Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow - causing significant damage to several structures, including four critical buildings at Isfahan. The conflict is expected to continue for "weeks, not days" with implicit US approval, although US President Donald Trump claimed the country had "nothing to do with" the Israeli attacks.
16-06-2025
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested that Israel's recent attacks on Iran could lead to the overthrow of the Iranian regime, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at its head. However, experts and Iranians interviewed by CNN disagree, saying that the strikes are unlikely to spark a popular uprising and may instead direct public anger towards Israel. Many Iranians are dissatisfied with their government, but they do not see Netanyahu or his government as having the solution to their problems. In fact, some anti-regime Iranians are angered by Israel's actions and are calling for unity in the face of the assault. Iranian activists, including Nobel Peace Prize winners, have also spoken out against the war and demanded that Iran stop enriching uranium and that the regime step down. Overall, the likelihood of Israel's operation leading to regime change in Iran appears low.
16-06-2025
A former IDF spokesperson, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Conricus, stated that Israel's recent strikes on Iran have significantly damaged Tehran's influence in the region and its deterrence capabilities. Conricus believes that Iran is currently at its weakest point militarily and politically, and that the country's nuclear program has suffered a major setback. He also noted that other countries in the region are likely to be less deterred by Iran's threats following the Israeli strikes, and that there is a chance that the Iranian regime could be at stake due to internal unrest and the recent defeats.
16-06-2025
Analysts say Israel's recent precision strike on Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure could create a strategic opportunity for the US to pressure Tehran into a new nuclear agreement. The Israeli operation, carried out in coordination with the US, has weakened Iran's nuclear capabilities and may prompt Tehran to negotiate. Experts, including Heritage Foundation senior fellow Brent Sadler and Israeli analyst Nadav Eyal, suggest that the strike could be part of a "bad cop, good cop" strategy, with Israel applying military pressure and the US extracting diplomatic gains. The US could now capitalize on the situation by signaling to Iran that further escalation will trigger American consequences, potentially driving Iran back to the negotiating table.
16-06-2025
A senior Israeli intelligence official told Fox News that Israel has "more surprises coming up" for Iran following the initial wave of strikes during "Operation Rising Lion." The official stated that Israel's goal was to prevent Iran from developing an arsenal of 8,000 ballistic missiles, which it projected Iran would have in two years. The operation has already hit 40 Iranian air defense systems and killed 30 IRGC air force commanders. The official expects more incoming Iranian missiles but believes the conflict could be largely over in a matter of days, thanks in part to the coordination with the US, which he described as "unprecedented" and "fully coordinated" with Israel.
16-06-2025
Israeli parliament member Ohad Tal rejected President Donald Trump's call for Israel and Iran to negotiate a deal, stating that the goal should be to topple Iran's "evil, jihadist regime" rather than negotiating with it. Tal believes that making deals with Iran would only allow it to re-arm and re-develop its nuclear program. He argued that Israel's ongoing military operation against Iran is in line with Trump's "America First" policy and is necessary to prevent a broader conflict. Tal also stated that Iran is a threat not just to Israel, but to the entire world, and that Israel is doing the world a favor by fighting back against the Iranian regime.
16-06-2025
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the Iranian people to "stand up" to their regime after Israel's recent strikes on Iran's nuclear and military facilities. Netanyahu stated that the regime is weakened and that the Iranian people's opportunity for regime change has arrived. He emphasized that Israel's fight is not against the Iranian people, but against the "murderous Islamic regime" that oppresses them. Minority groups in Iran, who make up around 50% of the population, have a history of opposing the regime and could potentially play a critical role in toppling it.
16-06-2025
The US Embassy in Jerusalem has issued a security alert, directing all US government employees and their family members to shelter in place due to ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The alert comes after Iran launched drone and missile strikes against Israel, killing at least 10 people and injuring over 180. The embassy offered employees living near the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv the option to voluntarily relocate to new accommodations further away. Israel's airspace remained closed, and the country has warned Iranian citizens to evacuate areas near military weapons production factories, as it continues to respond to Iran's attacks.
16-06-2025
Iran's ambassador to the UK, Seyed Ali Mousavi, has stated that his country's response to Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities is a "matter of principle" and "self-defence". Mousavi told Sky News that Iran will "do our best to preserve our territorial integrity" and that, "with the help of God", it will take concrete action against Israel. He described Israel's actions as "barbaric" and "an act of aggression against the Iranian people", and claimed that Iran's nuclear activities are peaceful and monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated in recent days, with Israel carrying out a major attack on Iranian nuclear sites and army leaders, prompting Iran to retaliate with a wave of missiles.
16-06-2025
Israel's recent attack on Iran was motivated not only by concerns over Iran's nuclear program but also by a desire to lay the groundwork for regime change in Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Iranians to overthrow their "evil and oppressive regime" after the attack, suggesting that Israel is seeking to capitalize on widespread discontent among the Iranian population. The attack targeted senior leaders and bases of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful branch of the Iranian military that is loyal to the ruling regime, potentially weakening the regime's grip on power. However, it remains uncertain whether this will lead to a popular uprising or regime change, with some experts warning that the regime may still be able to suppress dissent and that alternative outcomes, such as a military takeover, are possible.
16-06-2025
Israel escalated its bombings across Iran, striking the nation's state broadcaster and the Tehran command center of the Quds Force, a key part of Iran's military, on Monday. The attacks, which entered their fourth day, have caused thousands to flee Tehran and disrupted phone and internet services. Iranian state media reported injuries and damage to its facilities during a live broadcast. Israel's expanded strikes, targeting not just nuclear and military sites but also energy infrastructure and a government broadcaster, mark a significant escalation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested the strikes could topple the Iranian government, while President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran stated that the attacks had halted international talks on Iran's nuclear program. Iran retaliated with missile strikes towards Israel, though many were intercepted. The conflict has resulted in at least 224 deaths in Iran and 24 in Israel, with thousands injured on both sides.
16-06-2025
President Trump left a G7 summit in Canada early to deal with the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The conflict has entered its fifth day, with Israel targeting Iran's nuclear development program and Iran retaliating with barrages of ballistic missiles at Israel. Israeli officials have been pressuring the US to intervene militarily, but Trump has been hesitant, despite his opposition to a nuclear-armed Iran. The G7 leaders, including Trump, issued a joint statement calling for de-escalation and affirming Israel's right to defend itself. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with at least 224 people killed in Iran and 24 in Israel. Iran's foreign minister signaled openness to resuming talks with the US about curtailing its nuclear development program, and Trump has encouraged his officials to meet with the Iranians. The war is likely to last weeks, not days.
16-06-2025
President Donald Trump will leave the G7 summit in Canada early to monitor the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Trump warned Iranians to "immediately evacuate" Tehran, and his administration is attempting to arrange a meeting with Iranian officials to negotiate a resolution. The G7 released a statement calling for a "resolution" to the crisis, which Trump ultimately supported after initially hesitating to sign a joint statement. Trump's national security team is convening in the Situation Room, and the US has maintained a defensive posture, with no indication of joining Israel in attacking Iran unless US interests are targeted.
16-06-2025
The Trump administration informed US allies in the Middle East about Israel's strikes on Iran in advance, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (erroneously referred to as Marco Rubio in the article, likely due to a mix-up as Mike Pompeo was the Secretary of State during the Trump administration, not Marco Rubio) personally reaching out to several allies to convey that the strikes were not a US operation and that the US preferred diplomacy to military force. The administration aimed to distance itself from the military action and potential fallout, including unintended consequences for allies hosting US forces. Israel's airstrikes hit Iranian nuclear facilities, research scientists, and top military officials, prompting Iran's military to retaliate with missile and drone attacks on Israel. The US helped Israel intercept Iranian missiles fired in retaliation. The situation has raised concerns among US allies about a wider war in the region and unintended consequences, with some fearing radiation fallout from strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
16-06-2025
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 50-minute phone call, discussing tensions between Iran and Israel, as well as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump stated that Putin called him to wish him a happy birthday and to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East. Putin briefed Trump on his recent talks with Iranian and Israeli leaders and reiterated Russia's proposal to seek a mutually acceptable solution on the Iranian nuclear issue. The two leaders also discussed Ukraine peace talks, including a prisoner swap, with Trump noting his interest in a speedy end to the conflict.
16-06-2025
The G7 summit is taking place in Canada, with leaders gathering to discuss major global issues, including trade instability, the Ukraine conflict, and escalating tensions in the Middle East. However, the meeting is overshadowed by uncertainty over U.S. President Donald Trump's stance on key issues, with allies questioning whether he stands with or against them. Trump's trade tariffs have been a major point of contention, with countries like Canada facing significant duties on imports. Bilateral meetings between Trump and other leaders are expected, but the likelihood of major trade deals being struck is uncertain. The summit's outcome is also complicated by Trump's past behavior, including his withdrawal of U.S. support for the joint communique at previous summits.
16-06-2025
President Donald Trump is facing pressure to involve the US in the conflict with Iran, despite his initial reluctance. While Trump has rejected an Israeli plan to kill Iran's Supreme Leader, he may be drawn into the conflict if Iran attacks US bases or personnel, or if Tehran creates a global energy crisis by attacking international shipping. Hawks within Trump's own party, including Mike Pence and Lindsey Graham, are urging him to take action to destroy Iran's nuclear program, which could involve direct US military intervention. However, such a move would contradict Trump's "America first" vision and risk a domestic backlash from his base, who are wary of US involvement in foreign wars. Trump's decision will be influenced by both national security considerations and domestic political pressures.
16-06-2025
The G7 summit in Canada's Rocky Mountains is centered around US President Donald Trump, with the event being shaped by his presence and policies. The meeting is expected to be tense, particularly on issues like the Israel-Iran conflict and Ukraine, where Trump's views may differ from other leaders. The Canadian hosts are trying to avoid friction by abandoning the traditional joint communique, a decision likely made to prevent a repeat of Trump's previous actions, where he ripped up an agreement on his flight home from a previous G7 meeting in Canada. The summit's dynamics will revolve around Trump, reflecting the global challenge of navigating his presidency.
16-06-2025
US President Donald Trump cut short his G7 summit visit in Canada to return to Washington amid escalating Middle East tensions. Trump posted on social media that "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon" and urged everyone to immediately evacuate Tehran, a city of nearly 9.5 million people, after Israel's military issued an evacuation warning affecting up to 330,000 people in central Tehran.
16-06-2025
US President Donald Trump said he would welcome China and Russia joining the G7, contradicting the bloc's stance on the two countries. Trump called Russia's 2014 expulsion from the former G8 "a big mistake" and considered China's inclusion "not a bad idea" as the G7 summit began in Canada. The G7 has taken a firm stance against China and Russia in recent years, citing human rights, trade issues, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
16-06-2025
Donald Trump repeated his call for Russia to be readmitted to the G7 at a summit in Canada, stating that the war in Ukraine would not have happened if Moscow had not been expelled from the G8 in 2014. Trump blamed former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Barack Obama for Putin's expulsion, calling it a "big mistake." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet Trump on the sidelines of the summit, pressing him to impose sanctions on Russia. The EU is seeking to tighten sanctions on Russia by lowering the oil price cap, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stating that sanctions are "critical" to achieving peace. Trump also met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, giving no ground on tariffs and reiterating his support for using them.
