Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict: Diplomacy and Military Action

World leaders are pushing for a truce between Israel and Iran as the two countries continue to exchange fire. Iran's foreign minister is set to meet with European counterparts in Switzerland to discuss a potential diplomatic compromise. Meanwhile, US President Trump has announced that he will wait up to two weeks before deciding whether to launch a US military attack on Iran, dashing Israeli hopes of a swift climax to the war. Israel is faced with a strategic dilemma, as it must decide whether to wait for potential US military support or use its own resources to attack Iran's nuclear enrichment program. The delay is straining Israel's air defense system and economy, and Israel may choose to attack Iran's Fordo enrichment site alone, although this is considered a high-risk option.

The conflict between Israel and Iran escalated when Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, including the Natanz nuclear facility, on June 12. Iran retaliated with ballistic missile attacks on Israel, which Israel intercepted using its Iron Dome system. The exchanges have continued, with both sides suffering casualties: over 220 people killed in Israeli strikes according to Iran's health ministry, and 24 people killed in Iranian attacks according to Israel. The Israeli military declared it achieved "full air superiority" over Tehran and destroyed a third of Iran's missile launchers. US President Donald Trump is considering joining Israel's campaign to target Iranian nuclear sites, with the US possessing a "bunker buster" bomb capable of damaging Iran's underground nuclear facilities. The conflict has heightened tensions, with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warning of "severe punishment" and "irreparable harm" if the US intervenes. The situation remains volatile, with both sides exchanging angry rhetoric and the US weighing its next move.

Iran's deputy foreign minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, warned the BBC that US involvement in Israeli strikes against Iran would cause "hell for the whole region" and turn the conflict into a "quagmire". He stated that diplomacy is the preferred option but Iran cannot negotiate while under bombardment. Khatibzadeh described Iran's attacks on Israel as "self-defence" under the UN Charter and claimed that Israel's actions had sabotaged nuclear talks. He also denied allegations that Iran is seeking to weaponize its nuclear program, calling them "nonsense". The US is expected to decide within two weeks whether to get directly involved in the conflict.

An Iranian insider, Hamidreza Gholamzadeh, director of the Diplo House think tank, acknowledged that Iran's power in the region has been weakened by recent Israeli attacks, but claimed that Iranians remain "very united" against Israel. He stated that only a small percentage of Iranians, around 5%, would actively participate in anti-government activities, despite surveys suggesting widespread opposition to the regime. Gholamzadeh warned against US involvement in the conflict, citing the vulnerability of American military bases in the region.

An Iranian missile hit the Soroka Medical Center in southern Israel, injuring 71 people, mostly with minor injuries. Israel's Defense Minister accused Iran of "war crimes" and vowed to hold Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accountable. Israel has intensified its attacks on Iranian military and government targets. The Iranian attack on Israel wounded a total of 271 people, with four seriously injured. Iran claimed its primary target was an Israeli military intelligence site. US President Trump is considering joining Israel's attacks on Iran but has not made a final decision, saying he will decide within two weeks. Israel has been carrying out airstrikes on Iran for seven days, killing at least 639 people, while Iran has fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel, killing at least 24 people.

President Trump stated that the US has not yet decided whether to join Israel's attacks on Iran, but warned that allowing Iran to have nuclear weapons would be catastrophic. Iran has readied missiles and equipment to strike US bases if the US joins the conflict, and warned that US intervention would risk "all-out war". Trump said it's "very late" to negotiate a new deal on Iran's nuclear program, but not too late. Iran's mission to the UN denied seeking talks with the US, calling Trump's claims "despicable" and "cowardly". The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in significant human suffering, with over 452 deaths in Iran and 24 in Israel. Israel has carried out airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, and Iran has retaliated with missile strikes on Israel.

President Trump has been briefed on the risks and benefits of bombing Fordo, Iran's most secure nuclear site, and believes disabling it is necessary due to the risk of nuclear weapons production. Trump approved attack plans but has delayed a final decision on striking Iran, potentially to allow for negotiations. He stated he will make a decision within two weeks. The US is considering diplomatic efforts, including a potential meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and European officials in Geneva. Iran has stated it will not negotiate under duress and has prepared for potential US strikes. Trump has not ruled out joining Israel's campaign against Iran and has considered using bunker-buster bombs to disable Fordo.

Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system's performance in a recent conflict with Iran has drawn attention to the US's proposed Golden Dome multi-layered missile defense system, a $175 billion project championed by President Donald Trump. The Golden Dome aims to defend the US homeland from ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles using a network of satellites, sensors, and interceptors. Despite concerns over its cost, which could reach $542 billion according to the Congressional Budget Office, and opposition from Russia and China, the project is moving forward with a $13 billion allocation in the House Appropriations Committee's draft fiscal 2026 defense spending bill. Private space companies are vying for a role in the project, with companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing touting their capabilities. The project's progression is seen as an opportunity for the industry despite its uncertainties.

U.S. Treasury yields remained largely unchanged on Friday morning as President Donald Trump considered a potential U.S. strike on Iran amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, with Trump stating he would make a decision within two weeks.

Israel launched a war on Iran on June 13th, 2025, based on intelligence claiming Iran had reached a "point of no return" in its nuclear quest. The Economist obtained insights into Israel's secret dossier from an authoritative source, revealing claims of Iran's enriched uranium and accelerated nuclear program. The intelligence has been shared with Western partners, but some countries' intelligence services are cautious about the threat's imminence, causing divisions within President Donald Trump's administration.

Israel has taken a significant and perilous risk by potentially escalating its conflict with Iran, a country it perceives as an existential threat due to Iran's nuclear ambitions, and this gamble has potentially far-reaching and dangerous consequences.

Israel is conducting a bombing campaign against Iran, targeting its military infrastructure, including ballistic-missile launchers, and has destroyed over a third of them. The campaign has significantly weakened Iran's air defenses, allowing Israeli aircraft to conduct daylight raids over Tehran. Despite this, Iran continues to fire ballistic missiles at Israel, although the intensity of the attacks is decreasing. The goal of Israel's campaign is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and its success is uncertain, with the outcome dependent on various factors, including the actions of Iran's supreme leader and the US president.

The Arab world is viewing the current Iran-Israel conflict differently, with many people feeling relieved that ballistic missiles fired by Iran are not targeting their own countries. In Lebanon, social media is filled with videos of the missiles, with some sharing them out of support for the strikes on Israel and others simply feeling a sense of relief that they are not the target. This is a novel feeling in the Arab world, where regional wars typically involve Arab countries.

Donald Trump's administration is escalating towards a potential military strike on Iran, following Israel's attacks on the Islamic Republic. Trump has warned that "our patience is wearing thin" and demanded "unconditional surrender" from Iran's clerical regime. A military build-up is underway, with the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and US Air Force aerial tankers being deployed to the Middle East. Insiders claim that America will be positioned to attack Iran within hours.

The article discusses the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, which escalated when Israeli aircraft struck Iran on June 13th. Israel has been fighting against Iranian clients and proxies in various countries for 20 months. The author argues that the world would be safer if Iran abandoned its nuclear ambitions, but this outcome may be difficult to achieve. The conflict has the potential to worsen if external factors, such as a potential intervention by Donald Trump, come into play.

European diplomats welcome a two-week delay in US military action against Iran, viewing it as a chance to revive diplomatic efforts to curb Iran's nuclear program. Talks between European and Iranian officials in Geneva aim to "explore what is possible" on the contentious issue of uranium enrichment, a key sticking point in negotiations. A Western European diplomat said Iran's recent losses in Israeli airstrikes might change its stance, but there's concern that US President Donald Trump's announcement may be a delay tactic ahead of potential military action.

Israeli officials are making different statements publicly and privately regarding US involvement in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Publicly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised President Donald Trump as a "tremendous friend of Israel," while Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cannot be allowed to "continue to exist." The conflict has led to significant concerns about potential US involvement, with Trump indicating that a decision on intervention will be made at the last second. Privately, Israeli officials are reportedly expressing frustration and skepticism about the level of US support, while the US is weighing its options for involvement in the conflict. The situation remains volatile, with both sides trading strikes and civilians facing significant risks.

Israel has threatened to kill Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, sparking speculation over potential regime change in Tehran. Experts warn that killing Khamenei could lead to internal fragmentation and chaos in Iran, a country with over 90 million people and diverse ethnic and religious groups. Possible scenarios include regime collapse, civil war, or military factions taking over, potentially leading to a more hawkish approach towards Israel and the US. Iran's diverse population, including Persians, Azeris, Arabs, Baloch, and Kurds, may vie for power, exacerbating existing tensions and marginalization. Some groups, like the Baloch Sunni militant group "Army of Justice," have expressed support for Israel's strikes on Iran, seeing it as an opportunity to overthrow the current regime. US and Israeli officials have hinted at supporting Reza Pahlavi, the US-based son of the deposed Iranian monarch, as a potential replacement for Khamenei, but experts warn that military intervention rarely leads to democratization, citing the experiences of Iraq and Afghanistan.

The conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, with both countries trading strikes and neither showing signs of de-escalation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his military's objective is to strike all of Iran's nuclear facilities, while Iran plans to attack the offices of Channel 14 news station, which it accuses of being Netanyahu's "propaganda channel." US President Donald Trump has given diplomacy two weeks before deciding whether to launch a strike in Iran, with a powerful Iran-backed militia in Iraq vowing to attack US military bases if Trump enters the conflict. China and Russia have called for de-escalation, with Chinese leader Xi Jinping urging the warring parties to cease fire and emphasizing that "major powers" should work to "cool the situation." Multiple countries, including China, Japan, Australia, and India, are evacuating their nationals from Iran and Israel. The UN's International Atomic Energy Agency reported that key buildings at Iran's Arak heavy water reactor facility were damaged in Israeli strikes, with Iran's Foreign Minister condemning the attack as a breach of the UN Charter. An Iran-backed militia in Iraq has threatened to shut down the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb waterway, potentially impacting global energy markets.

An Iranian presidency official, Majid Farahani, told CNN that the US can easily stop the conflict with Iran by making one phone call to Israel, ordering it to stop its strikes. Farahani stated that Iran is open to civilian dialogue, but not while under attack. He also said that Iran won't halt nuclear enrichment but may consider concessions. Meanwhile, European powers are calling for a ban on enrichment, with France proposing "zero enrichment." Protests in Tehran showed widespread anger towards Israel and the US, with demonstrators chanting "death to Israel, death to America."

President Donald Trump's decision to open a two-week negotiating window before deciding on striking Iran has set off an urgent effort to restart stalled talks. Trump's advisers hope that Iran, under constant Israeli attack and having suffered losses to its missile arsenal, will agree to terms it previously rejected, including abandoning uranium enrichment. However, negotiations face significant hurdles, with Iran insisting it will not engage in further talks until the ongoing Israeli operation ends. US officials have low expectations for talks between Iranian representatives and European foreign ministers in Geneva on Friday, and no official talks between the US and Iran are currently scheduled.

US President Donald Trump's decision to delay a potential strike on Iran for two weeks has left Israel uncertain and cautious, with some Israeli officials speculating that Trump's move is a "smoke and mirrors" tactic to keep Iran guessing. Israeli leaders had been pushing for US involvement in the conflict, arguing it would help shorten the campaign and allow Israel to achieve its goal of removing the perceived existential threat of a nuclear-armed Iran. Trump's delay has sparked concerns among Israeli officials, who are worried that the longer the decision takes, the greater the chance of something going wrong in Israel's ongoing military operations against Iran. Some officials believe Netanyahu may have overplayed his hand in expecting US involvement, while others see Trump's decision as a sign that he has already decided to get involved.

The conflict between Israel and Iran is escalating, with both countries exchanging strikes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to topple the current Iranian regime, while Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cannot be allowed to "continue to exist." The US is considering intervening in the conflict, with President Donald Trump saying his decision will come down to the "last second." Iran has struck an Israeli hospital, and Israel has targeted Iranian military and nuclear sites. The conflict has caused widespread anxiety among Iranian residents, with many civilians facing waves of attacks in flashpoint areas. The international community is on high alert, with the G7 summit discussing the crisis, and US officials debating whether to intervene.

US President Donald Trump has decided to pause for two weeks before deciding whether to join Israel's assault on Iran, despite previously appearing to be moving towards ordering US bombing raids on Iran's nuclear facilities. The pause may be a sign of caution rather than weakness, as Trump weighs the risks of military action, including the potential for a regional war or Iranian reprisals. Trump's record of unpredictability, however, casts doubt on whether he will follow through on a decision to use force. The delay gives Trump time to consider diplomatic options, including potential new talks with Iranian officials, but his approach to negotiations has been criticized for being uncompromising. To achieve a diplomatic resolution, Trump may need to offer Iran a face-saving way out, rather than demanding "unconditional surrender".

Experts say Israel's military campaign against Iran has achieved "enormous" success, dominating the Iranian military, taking out senior leaders, and destroying a significant percentage of missile launchers and ballistic inventory. The campaign is seen as a payoff for years of preparation, innovation, and intelligence development. Israel's air force has launched strikes on Iranian surface-to-surface missile sites, and its defensive systems, such as Iron Dome and David's Sling, have intercepted missile salvos with over 90% effectiveness. Despite Iran's retaliation, including a missile strike on a hospital in Beersheba, Israel is considered to hold the upper hand. Experts believe the campaign may be a turning point, comparing it to the Six-Day War, and that it has created an opportunity for the US to join and target the remaining Fordow nuclear enrichment facility.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel "will exact the full price" from Iran after a missile struck Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, causing significant damage. The Iranian missile hit a major medical center, injuring dozens, with reports of 3 seriously injured, 2 moderately injured, 42 with shrapnel/blast injuries, and 18 hurt on route to shelters. Israel had previously bombarded Iran, targeting nuclear and missile facilities, in response to Iran's hostile actions. The conflict escalated with both sides exchanging attacks, amid speculation about potential US military intervention, with President Donald Trump leaving the door open to striking Iranian nuclear facilities.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Donald Trump will decide within the next two weeks whether the US will become involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran. Leavitt quoted Trump as saying his decision is pending possible negotiations with Iran. Trump had previously given Iran a 60-day warning to negotiate, after which Israel took action against Iran. Leavitt emphasized that Trump's top priorities are preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East, and urged the public to trust Trump's instincts amid dissenting voices.

US President Donald Trump stated that Europe would be unable to help end the conflict between Israel and Iran. European leaders, including the French, British, German, and EU top diplomats, met with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva, urging Iran to revive nuclear talks without awaiting an end to Israeli air strikes. Iran's Foreign Minister said Tehran would consider diplomacy once Israel halted its strikes. Meanwhile, Israel continued its air strikes on Iran, and thousands protested in Tehran against Israel. Trump's Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, suggested there was no evidence Iran was building a nuclear weapon, but Trump disagreed, saying "she's wrong." Trump also gave Iran a two-week ultimatum to avoid possible US air strikes. The conflict has resulted in 25 deaths and hundreds injured in Israel, with daily missile strikes from Iran.

The Israel-Iran conflict has entered its second week, with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that Tehran will not negotiate as long as Israeli attacks continue, ahead of a meeting with top European diplomats in Geneva. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered intensified attacks on Iranian government targets, aiming to destabilize the regime. The conflict has led to several countries, including Australia, closing their diplomatic missions in Iran due to a "deteriorating security situation". The Israeli army has reported striking dozens of targets in Tehran, including a centre for the "research and development of Iran's nuclear weapons project". Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has delayed a decision on whether to join Israel's attacks on Iran, saying he will decide within the next two weeks, causing crude oil prices to sink.

Israel's military chief warned Israelis to be ready for a 'prolonged campaign' in Iran as the conflict between the two countries entered its second week. Iran stated it would not resume nuclear negotiations with the US until Israel halted its attacks. The conflict began when Israel launched a massive wave of strikes aimed at stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran has responded with barrages, killing at least 25 people in Israel, while Iran reports at least 224 people killed, including military commanders and civilians. Top diplomats from Britain, France, and Germany met with Iran's foreign minister, who said Iran is ready to consider diplomacy once Israel stops its aggression. US President Donald Trump said he will decide within two weeks whether to involve the US in the fighting, and a US Navy official announced that an aircraft carrier will be moved closer to the Middle East. International leaders, including the UN chief and Turkish President, have called for an end to the conflict, warning of regional escalation and the dangers of military action.

US President Donald Trump is set to decide within two weeks whether to directly involve US forces in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The decision is expected to be made amid a "substantial chance" for renewed nuclear talks. Trump's administration is weighing striking Iran's Fordo uranium enrichment facility, a heavily fortified site buried under a mountain. The conflict between Israel and Iran has intensified, with both sides exchanging attacks for a seventh day, resulting in significant casualties and damage, including a major hospital in southern Israel hit by Iranian missiles.

Iran's foreign minister met with European counterparts in Geneva as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the country's conflict with Israel. The meeting, which included foreign ministers from the UK, France, and Germany, focused on finding a negotiated solution to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that his country will not negotiate with the US while Israel continues its assault. The talks come as the UN Security Council met to discuss the conflict, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres urging the body to act to prevent a wider war. The conflict between Israel and Iran continues, with both sides trading strikes.

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hezbollah to stay out of its conflict with Iran, stating that the group's leader "hasn't learned from his predecessors." The warning came after Hezbollah's leader, Naim Qassem, declared solidarity with Iran and threatened to act against Israel if it continued to threaten Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel has been conducting airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites since June 13, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile and drone strikes, resulting in over 240 injuries in Israel and 639 deaths in Iran. US Special Envoy Thomas Barrack met with Lebanese officials to urge Hezbollah not to attack Israel, warning it would be a "very bad decision." The conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, with the US considering further action against Iran.

President Trump can halt Iran's nuclear threat with a crucial phone call, as Israel has already taken action against Iranian nuclear facilities but lacks the capability to completely destroy them without US assistance, specifically bunker-buster bombs. Iran is nearing the production of enough enriched uranium for around 10 nuclear weapons, posing a significant risk to regional and global stability. With 65% of Trump's MAGA base backing US intervention to finish off the nuclear program, Trump has a unique opportunity to fulfill his campaign vow to stop Iran from acquiring nukes, thus sending a strong message to the Iranian regime that has vowed to annihilate Israel and threatened his own.

President Trump's announcement that he will take up to two weeks to decide whether to join Israel's bombing campaign against Iran gives diplomacy a chance to work but also opens up new military and covert options. The delay allows time to assess whether six days of Israeli bombing has changed Iran's stance, and whether a previously rejected deal to limit Iran's nuclear program may now be more appealing to Tehran. However, some experts believe Trump's announcement could be a ruse to deceive Iran, and that the delay also bolsters US military options, including giving a second US aircraft carrier time to get into place and allowing Israel to prepare further attacks on Iranian nuclear targets. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled that he will use the time to try his own attacks on Iran's deeply buried Fordo nuclear plant. The international community is watching to see whether Iran will seize the opportunity to avoid further conflict or remain resolute in its stance.

US intelligence agencies believe that it remains unclear whether Iran intends to produce a nuclear bomb, even as it has accumulated a significant stockpile of enriched uranium necessary for one. The assessment has not changed since March, despite Israel's recent strikes on Iranian facilities. Officials say that while Iranian leaders may be provoked into deciding to do so if attacked, the US and Israel are divided over the timeline, ranging from a couple of weeks to several months or more, to produce a nuclear bomb.

Israel and Iran continued to exchange attacks a week into their air war, with US President Donald Trump considering US military involvement. Trump said he would decide within two weeks whether to strike Iran's Fordo uranium enrichment facility. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was reportedly heading to Geneva for talks with European counterparts amid a new diplomatic push.

European foreign ministers met with their Iranian counterpart in Geneva to press for curbs on Tehran's nuclear program, but the meeting yielded no breakthrough. The talks came as President Donald Trump set a two-week deadline to decide whether to join Israel in a military campaign against Iranian nuclear sites, saying "two weeks would be the maximum." Despite the lack of progress, all ministers expressed their readiness to continue talking.

Hundreds of U.S. citizens have fled Iran through its land borders since Israel launched a deadly assault on the country, according to a State Department cable. The U.S. government has acknowledged that large numbers of Americans are at risk from both Israeli strikes and the Iranian regime. Some U.S. citizens trying to flee have faced delays and harassment from Iranian authorities, with unconfirmed reports of Americans being detained and imprisoned. The State Department is advising U.S. citizens in Iran to find alternative routes to leave the country after Turkmenistan rejected over 100 requests for entry. The U.S. has not offered direct government-assisted departures, instead advising Americans to use existing means to leave. The situation is precarious due to the lack of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Iran since 1980, and the Iranian government's history of targeting foreign citizens and dual nationals.

The conflict between Israel and Iran has stretched into its eighth day, with both countries exchanging strikes. Iranian missiles hit Haifa, Israel, damaging an office building at a tech hub, while Israel carried out dozens of strikes against military targets in Iran, including the headquarters of Iran's Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research in Tehran. European foreign ministers met with their Iranian counterpart in Geneva, but the talks resulted in no breakthroughs. The US has been coordinating with European officials and hundreds of US citizens have fled Iran through its land borders. Israel's Defense Minister claimed that a strike on an apartment in Qom, Iran, killed Saeed Izadi, a commander of the Palestine Corps in Iran's Quds Force, who allegedly funded and armed Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces also attacked a building in southern Lebanon connected to Hezbollah's Radwan force. The Arab League condemned Israel's actions in Iran, calling for negotiations. The conflict continues to escalate, with both sides trading fire and the US considering potential military action against Iran's nuclear program.

Tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate as the two countries exchange strikes. President Donald Trump stated that he will wait up to two weeks to decide whether to attack Iran's nuclear program, citing a "substantial chance of negotiations." European foreign ministers from Germany, France, and Britain will meet with their Iranian counterpart in Geneva to discuss the situation. Iran launched a missile barrage at southern Israel, damaging a six-story building, while Israel targeted Iranian defense research headquarters and sites involved in the country's nuclear program. The conflict has raised concerns about the potential for a wider war, with the head of Russia's atomic agency warning that a strike on Iran's Bushehr reactor would "lead to disaster not only for Iran, but also for a large number of countries including Israel." A Washington Post poll found that Americans oppose U.S. airstrikes against Iran by a 20 percentage-point margin.

Israel's air defense system has been tested by Iran's recent barrage of ballistic missiles and drones, with over 1,000 projectiles fired since June 13. Israel's multilayered defense includes the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow systems, which have intercepted the majority of incoming threats. The Iron Dome is designed to stop short-range rockets and artillery, while David's Sling and Arrow counter medium- and long-range threats. Israel claims a success rate of over 90% in intercepting Iranian missiles. The US military has also assisted Israel in intercepting incoming missiles. Iran's ballistic missiles can travel over 1,000 miles in 12 minutes, and the country has also used cruise missiles and drones, including the Shahed-136, a self-detonating drone with a range of 1,100-1,500 miles. Despite Israel's defenses, some projectiles have made impact, including a strike on a hospital in Beersheba that wounded around 80 people.

Iran has released images showing Israel's covert operation inside its territory, which involved Israeli agents and the use of small drones, including FPV (first-person view) drones, in an attack that began on June 13. The drones were used to neutralize Iran's anti-air defenses and were manufactured in covert production facilities deep within Iran. Iranian state TV broadcast images of camouflaged lorries and vans used to transport the drones, as well as makeshift FPV factories. The Israeli attack targeted commanders of the Revolutionary Guard Corps, nuclear scientists, and military and nuclear facilities, resulting in the elimination of 16 IRGC commanders and 14 nuclear scientists. Experts believe that Israel's infiltration of Iranian intelligence services and the use of local assets were key to the success of the operation. The Iranian authorities have since cut internet connections, which they claim has significantly reduced the drone attacks.

American students and tour groups in Israel are waiting to be evacuated amid escalating missile strikes between Israel and Iran. Some U.S. citizens, including University of Michigan junior Julia Cohen, who was participating in the Birthright Onward program, have been staying in hotels in southern Israel and running to bomb shelters during attacks. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem informed enrolled Americans that the State Department is planning for contingencies to help with private U.S. citizens' departure from Israel. Birthright Israel has evacuated around 1,500 program participants on a luxury cruise ship to Cyprus, but many more remain in Israel, with some exiting through Jordan or taking boats to Cyprus to await flights. Families, including Lauren Field and her family, who were visiting their son studying in Tel Aviv, are waiting for evacuation, having enrolled in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. As of Wednesday, at least 24 people have been killed by Iranian missiles that slipped through Israel's air defenses.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem announced that the State Department is "planning for contingencies to assist with private U.S. citizens' departure from Israel" amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. The embassy advised Americans in Israel to fill out an online form if they are interested in leaving, and noted that if departure assistance is provided, it would likely involve travel to a nearby safe country, with consular officers available to assist with onward travel, including potential repatriation loans to the U.S. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee urged Americans to register for the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and said that the U.S. is working to secure military, commercial, charter flights, and cruise ships for evacuations. Israel's airports and seaports remain closed, and several other countries have begun evacuating their citizens from Israel.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has indicated that options are being explored to evacuate Americans from Israel amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran. The US Embassy in Israel has directed government employees and their families to shelter in place and is working on providing evacuation options, including military, commercial, charter flights, and cruise ships, for Americans who want to leave. Americans seeking assistance to depart Israel can sign up on a State Department website and may be eligible for a loan to repatriate to the US, which they would be expected to repay.

The article summarizes key events in the Middle East since October 7, 2023, starting with Hamas's attack on Israel, which had far-reaching consequences across the region. The conflict escalated into wars in Gaza and Lebanon and heightened tensions with Iran, with implications that have drawn in other countries, including considerations by former President Donald Trump of potential U.S. involvement.

The article from The Economist discusses the escalating conflicts and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Africa, including the war in Sudan, the Iran-Israel conflict, and China's efforts to win over Africa in the global trade war, while the US imposes tariffs on African goods. The conflict between Israel and Iran is intensifying, with both sides preparing for an air and missile war, and the US is being drawn in deeper. The article also touches on the potential for a refugee crisis in Iran and the impact of the conflict on the region.

CNN investigated Israel's strikes on key Iranian officials and found that the strikes not only killed top Iranian leaders but also caused civilian deaths. CNN's Katie Polglase broke down the human toll at the locations where top Iranian officials were killed.

CNN accompanied an elite Israeli military rescue unit as they responded to a missile strike by Iran on a high-rise building in Tel Aviv, following them into the affected building as they searched for those affected by the attack.

At least six people were seriously wounded when an Iranian ballistic missile struck Be'er Sheva's Soroka Medical Center, part of a broader barrage that also hit Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Holon, leaving many homeless and lucky to be alive. Ariel Levin-Waldman, who was staying at his in-laws' home in Rishon LeZion when it was hit by a missile, recounted his survival story, describing how he and his family narrowly escaped the rubble. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, shared their own experiences with the attacks, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the Iranian missile strikes, which have killed 24 Israelis and wounded over 800 since June 13. The attacks have affected people across different regions and backgrounds, with four women killed in the predominantly Arab town of Tamra, and Lapid's son's house in Tel Aviv suffering damage. Israeli officials vowed to remove the nuclear threat and missile threat posed by Iran, with Netanyahu surveying the damage at the Soroka Medical Center and stating that Israel is hitting nuclear and missile targets precisely, in contrast to Iran's attacks on civilians.

At least 12 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces while waiting for aid in central Gaza, according to rescuers and medics. The incident occurred near an aid distribution site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The Israeli military claimed that "suspects" had attempted to approach forces and were met with warning shots, but said it was unaware of any injuries. The Gaza health ministry and civil defence agency reported the deaths, with the latter stating 15 people were killed and 60 injured. The incident is the latest in a series of shootings near aid sites in Gaza, where hundreds have been killed since late May.

Former Israeli defence minister Benny Gantz has denied that the Israeli military deliberately targets hospitals in Gaza, saying it is "absolutely not true". The claim comes amid reports that 94% of hospitals in the Gaza Strip have been damaged or destroyed, and 917 healthcare workers have been killed. Gantz stated that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) take steps to evacuate hospitals before targeting them, as they are allegedly used by Hamas as cover for their infrastructure.

Israel's block on international journalists in Gaza is unjustified and prevents proper scrutiny and accountability for the situation there. Despite claims of safety concerns, international journalists have previously operated in Gaza with safety protocols in place. The Israeli military's organised 'embeds' with soldiers are not a substitute for independent journalism, and local Palestinian journalists have paid a heavy price for their reporting, with 185 killed and 86 imprisoned. The block on international journalists, combined with the delegitimisation of existing reporting as anti-Semitic, constitutes a "war on truth" that undermines Israel's claim to be a democracy.