Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates with Mutual Strikes

The war between Israel and Iran has entered its second week, with both countries continuing to exchange missile attacks. Diplomatic talks in Geneva, New York, and Istanbul have failed to produce a breakthrough. Iran's foreign minister warned against US involvement, saying it would be "very, very dangerous." The conflict has resulted in significant human toll, with over 700 fatalities reported in Iran and 24 in Israel. Israel has targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, including a centrifuge production site in Isfahan. US President Trump is considering whether to join Israel in striking Iran's nuclear facilities, with a decision expected within two weeks.

Some Iranians are fleeing to Armenia to escape the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, with many crossing the border at Agarak. The conflict, now in its eighth day, began when Israel attacked nuclear and military sites in Iran, killing 657 people, according to a human rights organisation. Iran has retaliated with missile attacks on Israel, killing at least 24 people. Many of those crossing into Armenia have residency or citizenship in other countries and are heading back to their places of residence, citing fear and a sense of danger due to the ongoing conflict. While some Iranians are leaving, others are returning to Iran, expressing a willingness to stay in their country despite the conflict.

Iran has ruled out new nuclear talks with the US until Israel stops its attacks, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said after meeting European diplomats in Geneva. The comments came as fighting between Iran and Israel continued, with Iran launching missiles towards central Israel and Israel carrying out a new wave of attacks on Iranian missile storage and launch sites. Araghchi insisted Iran's nuclear programme is peaceful and that Israel's attacks violate international law, adding that Iran will continue to "exercise its legitimate right of self-defence". Israel's defence minister has warned of a "prolonged" conflict, and the Israeli ambassador to the UN accused Iran of having a "genocidal agenda". The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with at least 224 people killed in Iran and 25 in Israel.

Diplomats have a "last shot" within two weeks to de-escalate the Israel-Iran conflict, according to American and European officials, as President Trump considers involving the US in Israel's offensive against Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with European foreign ministers in Geneva, where they discussed Iran's nuclear program and the possibility of diplomacy. Araghchi stated that Iran is ready to consider diplomacy, but its defense capabilities are non-negotiable. The US has made a proposal allowing Iran to have a civilian nuclear program if it agrees not to enrich uranium on its soil, but Iran has not responded substantively. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei remains the ultimate decision-maker, and it's unclear if he will move towards diplomacy. The US and European diplomats are working to initiate direct talks between the US and Iran, with several countries offering to host negotiations. Trump's interest in diplomacy is seen as genuine, but he's also considering military action, including using a bunker-buster bomb to destroy Iran's underground nuclear facilities.

Exiled Iranians, including opposition leaders and the country's former crown prince, believe the Islamic Republic's grip on power is weakening due to recent Israeli airstrikes. Kawsar Fattahi, a leader of an outlawed opposition party, told CBS News that the regime is "weakening day by day" and that Iranians are ready to build a new, democratic, and secular government. Fattahi and others are seeking support from the international community, but not U.S. "boots on the ground." Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran's last shah, has also been in discussions with U.S. officials about a potential post-Islamic Republic Iran. While it is unclear how much support these exiled groups have among Iranians, they are eager to see the back of the current regime and are preparing for a potential transition.

An Iranian insider, Hamidreza Gholamzadeh, director of the Diplo House think tank, told CBS News that despite Israel's recent attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities and the killing of top commanders and scientists, Iranians remain "very united" against Israel. Gholamzadeh acknowledged that Iran's power in the region has been weakened but claimed the government itself remains strong, with only a small percentage of Iranians, around 5%, likely to actively protest against the regime. He warned that if the US were to become involved in the conflict, Iran would target American military bases in the region. Recent independent surveys, however, suggest a significant portion of Iranians are against the cleric-led regime, contradicting Gholamzadeh's claims.

An Iranian missile strike on Friday wounded 23 people in northern Israel, with three seriously injured, as the two countries continued exchanging strikes. Iran fired around 20 missiles at Israel, which came as diplomatic efforts to negotiate a settlement began in Geneva. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his country is open to "dialogue" but has "nothing to discuss" with the US as long as Israel continues its strikes. The conflict has killed at least 657 people in Iran and 24 in Israel, with escalating violence also seen in Gaza, where at least 42 people were killed on Friday.

An Iranian missile hit the Soroka Medical Center in southern Israel, injuring 71 people, mostly with minor injuries, and causing significant damage. Israel's Defense Minister accused Iran of "war crimes" and vowed to hold Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accountable. The attack was part of a larger Iranian missile strike that hit multiple locations in Israel, wounding a total of 271 people. Israel responded with airstrikes on Iranian military sites and nuclear facilities, including the Arak heavy water nuclear reactor. The conflict has resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries on both sides, with the US considering joining Israel's attacks on Iran under President Trump's leadership.

Iran and Israel exchanged fresh attacks on Saturday after Tehran ruled out nuclear talks while under threat. Iran's Fars news agency reported that Israel targeted the Isfahan nuclear facility and a building in Qom, killing a 16-year-old and injuring two. Israel's military said it launched attacks on Iranian missile storage and launch sites after Iran fired five ballistic missiles towards Israel, which were intercepted by Israel's air defense systems. The conflict escalated after Iran retaliated against Israel's air attacks, which have killed 639 people in Iran, while 24 civilians have been killed in Iranian missile attacks in Israel. US President Donald Trump said Iran could have a nuclear weapon "within weeks or months" and was undecided on whether to enter the conflict on Israel's side. European foreign ministers met with Iran in Geneva to try to revive diplomacy, but made little progress.

Israel and Iran have escalated their conflict with mutual strikes, with Israel targeting military infrastructure in southwestern Iran and Iran launching missile attacks towards Israel. A senior Iranian official deemed European proposals to curb Iran's nuclear program "unrealistic," hindering diplomatic efforts. Israel claimed to have killed a veteran Iranian commander, Saeed Izadi, in a strike on an apartment in Qom. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties: at least 430 killed and 3,500 injured in Iran, and 24 civilians killed and 1,272 injured in Israel. The US is weighing whether to support Israel, with President Donald Trump stating he would take up to two weeks to decide, while other global powers, including Turkey, Russia, and China, are urging de-escalation.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, was recently on the verge of a potential breakthrough with the US, with talks underway to lift sanctions in exchange for Iran rolling back its nuclear programme, but the situation changed with the outbreak of war with Israel, putting Khamenei back in his comfort zone of a Manichean worldview.

The article discusses the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, with the US playing a crucial role. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is seen as being in his comfort zone amidst the conflict. The war has led to a bloody limbo in Gaza, with deadly shootings at aid-distribution sites. The conflict is also having a spillover effect in Sudan and Libya. Meanwhile, China is trying to win over Africa in the global trade war by offering zero duties, as opposed to the US, which is slapping tariffs on African goods. The article also touches on the potential for a refugee crisis in Iran and the role of espionage in the conflict, with a review of the secret intelligence that led Israel to war.

US President Donald Trump is increasingly leaning towards military action against Iran, signaling a potential shift in his administration's policy. Trump has demanded "unconditional surrender" from Iran's clerical regime and warned that "our patience is wearing thin." A military buildup is underway, with the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and a battle group heading to the Gulf, and a significant number of US Air Force aerial tankers flying to the Middle East, positioning the US to potentially attack Iran within hours.

Donald Trump's withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 derailed a deal aimed at eliminating Iran's nuclear threat and preventing an Israeli attack. Abbas Araghchi, an Iranian negotiator, had previously worked on the deal in Geneva in 2013. The article assesses the challenges of negotiating with Iran, citing the unreliability of the US president and the inflexibility of the Islamic Republic.

Since Israel's strikes began on Tehran, at least 585 Iranians have been killed and the country's basic services are collapsing, with cyberattacks on banks, shops shutting down, and nurses leaving hospitals. Many people are fleeing big cities, but the borders are currently quiet. The ongoing conflict may escalate into a regional war and potentially lead to the collapse of Iran's clerical regime, raising concerns about a potential refugee crisis.

Israeli officials are saying one thing publicly and another privately regarding US involvement in the escalating conflict with Iran. Publicly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised President Donald Trump as a "tremendous friend of Israel." However, privately, officials are reportedly expressing frustration and concern over the US's level of involvement. The conflict has seen Iran launch missiles at Israel, striking a hospital, and Israel responding with attacks on Iran. The US has been debating whether to intervene, with Trump saying his decision will come down to the "last second."

Anderson Cooper reported from a bomb shelter in the basement of a hotel in Tel Aviv as Iran fired missiles at Israel. Israel's military identified the missiles and activated defense systems to intercept them, urging the public to enter protected spaces. The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated with both countries trading strikes, resulting in damage and casualties. The US is considering intervening in the conflict, with President Trump open to assisting Israel. The situation remains volatile, with civilians facing waves of attacks and daily anxieties in both Israel and Iran.

Iranian Nobel laureate and human rights activist Narges Mohammadi sent a message to US President Donald Trump from a safe shelter in Iran. The message comes amid escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, with both countries trading strikes. Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cannot be allowed to "continue to exist" after an Iranian missile struck an Israeli hospital. The conflict has led to significant anxiety among civilians, with hospitals in Israel moving operations underground and hundreds of Pakistani students leaving Tehran. President Trump is considering whether to intervene in the conflict, with some US officials disputing his assessment of Iran's nuclear capabilities.

Israel and Iran's UN ambassadors vowed to continue fighting during a tense UN Security Council meeting amid escalating conflict between the two countries. Israel's military reported identifying missiles launched from Iran and intercepting them, while also launching a new wave of attacks in Iran. The conflict has resulted in significant violence, including Israeli strikes in Gaza that killed over 70 people, mostly civilians, and Iranian missile strikes on Israeli targets, including a major medical center. Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cannot be allowed to "continue to exist."

The conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, with both countries trading strikes. An Iranian official told CNN that US President Donald Trump could end the conflict with one call to Israel's leadership, asking them to stop their attacks on Iran. However, Trump said it would be "very hard" for him to make that request. Diplomatic efforts in Geneva between Iranian and European officials showed no significant progress, with Iran refusing to re-enter negotiations with the US while under Israeli attack. The conflict has resulted in casualties on both sides, with two people killed in a strike on the Iranian city of Qom and reports of explosions in Isfahan. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused the US of "a betrayal to diplomacy" and said negotiations with the US were a "cover" for Israeli attacks. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation will convene in Istanbul on Saturday to address the conflict, with Iran's foreign minister attending to represent the Iranian perspective. Security analysts suggest that Iran may aim to prolong the conflict to inflict more damage on Israel, as it has "nothing really to lose" given its nuclear program is already compromised and its regional proxies have been degraded. The conflict has also prompted other countries, such as India, to evacuate their nationals from Iran.

Israel's military reported identifying missiles launched from Iran and urged the public to seek shelter as defense systems worked to intercept them. A new wave of Israeli attacks in Iran was also initiated. The incident was reported live by CNN's Anderson Cooper from Tel Aviv.

European diplomats from Britain, France, Germany, and the European Union met with Iran's foreign minister in Geneva, urging Iran to continue nuclear talks with the US despite recent attacks between Iran and Israel. The diplomats expressed their "grave concerns" over the escalation of tensions and reiterated their commitment to Israel's security, while also emphasizing that Iran should not obtain a nuclear weapon. Iran's foreign minister indicated a willingness to continue talks, and the European leaders welcomed ongoing US efforts to seek a negotiated solution. The meeting came after Israel launched airstrikes against Iranian nuclear sites, prompting Iran to retaliate, and amid concerns over Iran's expanding nuclear program.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has stated that the US is working on evacuation options for Americans in Israel amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran. The US Embassy in Israel has directed government employees and their families to shelter in place and is advising Americans to sign up for a list to be notified of potential evacuation flights. The Department of State is planning for contingencies to assist with private US citizens' departure from the crisis area, and Americans seeking to leave Israel can complete a form to receive assistance. If the US government provides departure assistance, Americans would be expected to repay the costs, but would not be required to pay upfront.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi stated that Iran has enough nuclear material for several warheads, but there is no evidence of a nuclear weapon program. Grossi told Fox News that while Iran has the material, it should not be equated with having a nuclear weapon, and the IAEA has no tangible proof of a plan to manufacture one. Despite Israel's recent attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, Grossi believes a diplomatic solution is still viable and that military action alone cannot undo Iran's decades of nuclear research.

Experts say Israel's military campaign against Iran has achieved "enormous" success, citing the operation as the payoff for years of preparation, battlefield innovation, and intelligence development. Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, called Israel's progress "a resounding military win," stating they've dominated the Iranian military, taken out senior leaders, and destroyed a significant percentage of missile launchers. Hilla Hadad-Chmelnik, a strategist at "Mind Israel" think tank, attributed the success to years of preparation, including developing long-range strike capabilities and building an intelligence apparatus. Despite Iran's retaliation, including a missile striking a hospital in Beersheba, Israel continues to hold the upper hand, with its defensive systems intercepting over 90% of missile salvos. Experts believe Israel's success creates an opportunity for the US to join and target remaining key facilities, such as the Fordow nuclear enrichment facility.

The US is yet to address a critical issue in potential negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program: securing Iran's nuclear material. Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, stated that if Iran were to give up its nuclear program as demanded by President Trump, the next step would be to remove the nuclear material from the country. Rubin suggested that the US could task the International Atomic Energy Agency or a trusted country like India with taking control and custody of the material until it's outside of Iran. He emphasized the need for proactive planning and international cooperation to address this issue, warning that the Europeans might prioritize quiet over taking decisive action.

If President Trump decides not to order a strike on Iran's main underground enrichment site at Fordow, Israel has several options to destroy the facility. One option is to send elite Israeli Air Force commandos from Unit 5101, known as Shaldag, to carry out a covert operation, similar to one they conducted in Syria in September. Israel could also use its air force to bomb the site, as it has done in the past, such as in 1981 when it bombed Iraq's nuclear reactor at Osirak. Another option is to cut power to Fordow, disabling the centrifuges enriching uranium. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted that Israel has other plans and capabilities to take out Fordow without US assistance, saying "we have quite a few startups too and quite a few rabbits up our sleeve."

The UN nuclear watchdog confirmed that an Israeli strike hit a centrifuge manufacturing workshop at Iran's Isfahan nuclear site, but said the attack would have "no radiological consequences" due to the lack of nuclear material. The Israeli military claimed to have killed several Iranian commanders, including Saeed Izadi, a top Iranian official in charge of military coordination with Hamas. At least 430 people were killed and 3,500 injured in Iran since the start of the conflict with Israel on June 13. The conflict continues into its ninth day, with Iran and Israel exchanging missile strikes, and world powers urging restraint to prevent the war from spiraling into a wider conflict. Russia's President Putin stated that there is no evidence Iran is aiming to obtain nuclear weapons and is ready to support Iran in developing a peaceful nuclear programme.

The Israeli military launched a new round of air strikes against missile storage and launch sites in Iran on the ninth day of the war between the two countries, targeting the Isfahan nuclear site. Iran reported no hazardous leaks or risk to the population. The Israeli military also claimed to have killed two Iranian Revolutionary Guard commanders, including Saeed Izadi, commander of the Palestine Corps for the Iranian Quds Force. At least 430 people were killed and 3,500 injured in Iran since the start of the conflict on June 13. Iran's foreign minister emphasized that his country has no interest in negotiating with the US while Israel continues its attacks and warned it would be "very dangerous for everyone" if the US gets involved. The conflict has also worsened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with residents lacking access to food, baby formula, and clean drinking water. Russia's President Vladimir Putin stated that there is no evidence Iran is aiming to obtain nuclear weapons and is ready to support Iran in developing a peaceful nuclear programme.

Israel has announced that it has killed three senior Iranian commanders, including one official allegedly in charge of coordinating with Palestinian militant group Hamas, in its ongoing bombing campaign against Iran. Israel's Foreign Minister claimed that the strikes have delayed Iran's alleged nuclear progress by two years. The Israeli military said a strike in Qom targeted top Iranian official Saeed Izadi, along with two other Revolutionary Guards commanders. Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported five members killed in separate attacks. The conflict between Israel and Iran has now entered its second week, with both sides trading missile and drone attacks, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.

Israel's UN ambassador, Danny Danon, has vowed that Israel "will not stop" attacks on Iran until its "nuclear threat is dismantled" and "its war machine is disarmed". The statement came after Israel and Iran traded accusations at the UN Security Council, with Iran's ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, saying Iran would continue to respond to Israeli airstrikes. The conflict has escalated with Israel carrying out airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites, killing hundreds and wounding thousands, prompting Iran to condemn the attacks as "grave war crimes". Meanwhile, the UK, France, and Germany met with Iran's foreign minister to discuss a diplomatic solution, but US President Donald Trump was dismissive of the talks, saying "Europe is not going to be able to help".

Iran's foreign minister met with European counterparts in Geneva amid rising tensions with Israel, but the talks yielded no breakthroughs. The US, via the UK's foreign secretary, delivered a message threatening military force if Iran doesn't stand down, but Iran may be skeptical due to Trump's past actions and a perceived "credibility gap." Iran may choose to take its chances and escalate the conflict, believing Trump's threats are empty and that he won't follow through, potentially due to backlash from his own supporters.

The US is considering assisting Israel in its conflict with Iran, with President Trump mulling direct involvement. Flight tracking data shows a significant build-up of US Air Force assets near the Middle East, with 52 US military planes spotted flying over the eastern Mediterranean towards the Middle East between Monday and Thursday. Many of these planes, including cargo and refuelling aircraft, have passed through the UK, with 63 US military flights landing at three key UK air bases between June 16 and 19. The movement of military equipment suggests a build-up of warfighting capability, with the US potentially providing Israel with the capability to destroy Iran's underground nuclear facilities, including the Fordow enrichment plant. The US has assets such as the GBU-57 "Massive Ordnance Penetrator" bomb, which is specifically designed to destroy deep underground targets. Israel has already struck several of Iran's western missile bases, but may need US assistance to target Iran's more distant facilities.

The ongoing war between Israel and Iran hinges on a crucial math problem: how many long-range missiles Iran has versus how many missile interceptors Israel has. Iran has launched over 400 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel, which has managed to shoot most of them down, but is now using interceptors faster than it can produce them. Experts warn that Israel's interceptors could eventually run out, forcing it to ration its arsenal and potentially prioritize defending key military targets over civilian infrastructure. Iran is believed to have used around a third to a half of its missile stockpile, and Israel claims to have destroyed several munitions caches and over half of Iran's missile launchers. The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with over 430 killed in Iran and 24 killed in Israel.

The US military, in coordination with Israel, launched airstrikes against three Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, marking a significant escalation in the conflict between Iran and Israel. President Trump announced the successful attack on social media and later addressed the nation, stating that the strikes were intended to destroy Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and that the facilities had been "completely and totally obliterated." The attack involved the use of "bunker buster" bombs, which are capable of penetrating deeply fortified sites like Fordow. The move was criticized by several prominent Democrats, who argued that it was unconstitutional for Trump to launch military action without Congressional approval. Trump's decision marks a shift from his previous stance on avoiding involvement in Middle East conflicts, and introduces a new phase of uncertainty into the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.

Israel's Defense Minister announced that the country's military killed two high-ranking commanders of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' overseas arm, Quds Force. Saeed Izadi was killed in an apartment in Iran's Qom province, while Benham Shariyari was killed in a drone strike on his vehicle in western Tehran. The Israeli military stated that Izadi led the Palestine Corps and financed and armed Hamas, while Shariyari was responsible for transferring weapons to Iranian proxies, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and Yemen's Houthis.

Diplomats who have negotiated with Iran warn that reaching a deal takes a long time, citing the two years it took to negotiate the Obama-era agreement and the 15 months it took the Biden administration to attempt to revive it. Despite this, President Trump has given Iran a two-week ultimatum to negotiate a deal, which experts say is an unrealistic timeframe. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has expressed openness to limiting Iran's nuclear output but has also stated that Iran will not negotiate while Israel continues to attack its military bases and nuclear facilities. Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, has been in contact with Araghchi, but it's unclear if a meeting or deal can be reached. Experts suggest that a narrower, face-saving halt in nuclear enrichment might be possible, but "unconditional surrender" is unlikely. The pressure on both Trump and Iran to reach a deal is intense, and the situation remains volatile.

The conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its ninth day, with both countries trading strikes despite a European diplomatic effort to prevent the war from escalating. Iran launched a barrage of missiles toward Israel, prompting Israeli airstrikes against Iranian missile sites and nuclear facilities. The Israeli military said it killed a senior Quds Force official, Mohammed Said Izadi, who was linked to Hamas's 2023 attack on Israel. European diplomats met with Iran's foreign minister, urging a resumption of nuclear talks with the US, but Iran's diplomat said diplomacy would only resume if Israel ceased its offensive. US President Trump has said he will decide within two weeks whether to attack Iran, and Israel is hoping for US assistance in targeting Iranian nuclear sites. The war has sparked widespread protests in Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon, and has raised fears among neighboring countries that the conflict could spill beyond their borders.

US President Trump has delayed his decision on whether to involve the US in the ongoing war between Israel and Iran by up to two weeks, which has significant implications for both countries. Civilians in Israel and Iran are experiencing terror and fear as airstrikes continue, with at least two dozen Israelis and over 200 Iranians killed. The delay allows for potential diplomacy to resolve the war without US involvement, but it also prolongs the suffering of civilians. Israeli leaders were initially confident that Trump would join their attacks on Iran, but their confidence has waned after the delay. Israel may continue to strike Iran alone, potentially targeting the Fordo nuclear plant, while Iran remains defiant and refuses to compromise on its nuclear enrichment program. The delay gives Iran a few more days to negotiate, but it's unclear if they'll back down under the looming threat of US military involvement.

A week of Israeli strikes has shaken Iran, damaging vital infrastructure and leaving the population anxious about potential further conflict. Iranians are struggling with daily needs, including fuel shortages and soaring food prices, and the government has responded by clamping down, imposing a near-total internet blackout. The loss of internet access has heightened anxiety and fueled rumors, with many turning to less secure government messaging apps out of desperation. Iranian security forces have also increased their presence, with additional checkpoints and plainclothes officers, which some residents find menacing. The government is trying to show that it remains in control, promoting a narrative of normalcy on state television, but many Iranians are fearful of further escalation, particularly if the US enters the conflict. Despite their differences, many Iranians are showing solidarity in the face of the crisis, helping each other and blaming the war on the regime rather than supporting it.

Israel and Iran continued exchanging strikes, with Israel targeting Iranian nuclear sites and Iran hitting Israeli military sites. US President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, remained in contact with Iranian officials, but talks in Geneva yielded no breakthrough. Hundreds of US citizens fled Iran amid the escalating conflict, and European foreign ministers pressed Iran for nuclear curbs. Trump set a two-week deadline to decide whether to join Israel's military campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, stating that "two weeks would be the maximum." The conflict has resulted in significant damage and civilian casualties, with Iranians experiencing shortages and fear due to Israeli strikes. The Arab League condemned Israel's actions as a "clear violation of international law" and called for negotiations.

Israel's recent attacks on Iran have dramatically shifted the strategic balance in the Middle East, according to analysts, after decades of intense but largely covert conflict between the two powers. The situation escalated further with the US carrying out "successful" strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites under President Trump's orders.

President Donald Trump announced that the US carried out airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, saying they were "totally obliterated". The strikes involved B-2 bombers, fighter jets, and "bunker buster" bombs. Iran's atomic agency condemned the strikes and vowed to continue its nuclear program. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported no increase in off-site radiation levels. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of "everlasting consequences" and reserved Iran's right to defend itself. The Israeli military began striking Iranian military targets, and law enforcement agencies in the US were put on high alert. Trump warned Iran not to retaliate, while US lawmakers urged restraint and called for congressional briefings on the strikes.

President Trump said his Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, was "wrong" when she testified that Iran wasn't building a nuclear weapon, contradicting her March testimony. Trump claimed Iran is "very close to having" a nuclear weapon, and the White House stated that Iran has everything it needs to build one, needing only the approval of Iran's supreme leader. Gabbard later clarified that her testimony was taken out of context and that the US intelligence community assesses Iran can produce a nuclear weapon within weeks to months if it decides to. Trump is weighing whether to join Israel in potential strikes on Iran and has given Iran two weeks to negotiate before making a decision.

President Donald Trump decided to hold off on striking Iran for up to two weeks to explore a diplomatic resolution after a week of intense crisis consultations with his national security team. Trump had been considering a military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, but was divided on the decision, alternating between militaristic threats on social media and private concerns about being dragged into a prolonged war. He relied on CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine to discuss options, while his foreign envoy Steve Witkoff corresponded with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to determine if diplomacy could be restarted. Trump's decision to defer a strike allows for more time for divergent factions within his party to make their case for and against a strike, with some, like GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, supporting a strike, while others, like Steve Bannon, opposing it.

President Donald Trump has publicly rebuked his Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, over her assessment of Iran's nuclear capabilities, saying she is "wrong" about the country's efforts to obtain a nuclear weapon. According to a senior White House advisor, Trump's disagreement with Gabbard stems from her being "off message" on the conflict in the Middle East, which has led to a diminishment in her standing within the Trump administration.

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 Israel's conflict with Iran, citing a direct quote from Trump that a decision will be made due to the potential for near-future negotiations with Iran. Leavitt emphasized that Trump's top priorities are preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and achieving peace and stability in the Middle East, and urged the public to trust Trump's instincts amid dissenting voices.

Americans in Israel are desperate to leave due to escalating conflict with Iran, with many stranded after flights were canceled following Israel's surprise attack. The US embassy is arranging evacuation flights and ships, but the process is slow, and some Americans have been waiting for days to be processed. The Mamons, dual American-Israeli citizens, were among those processed and are set to leave, but others, like Elana Hayman and her family, are still waiting. The Haymans experienced a traumatic event when an Iranian missile struck a building next to their Tel Aviv apartment. The US State Department has received over 25,000 inquiries about the situation, and around 700,000 Americans live in Israel.

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 informed U.S. citizens enrolled in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program that if departure assistance is provided, options would likely include travel to a nearby safe country, and not directly to the U.S. Americans in Israel are being asked to fill out an online form if they are interested in leaving, and will be responsible for onward travel after arriving in the safe country. The U.S. government will provide a loan to repatriate to the U.S. if needed, which citizens will be expected to repay. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee urged Americans to register for the STEP program and said the U.S. is working to arrange military, commercial, charter flights, and cruise ships for evacuations. Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport and airspace remain closed, and several other countries have started evacuating their citizens from Israel.

The Kremlin has stated that regime change in Iran is "unacceptable" and that the assassination of the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, would "open the Pandora's box". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Sky News that Russia would react "very negatively" if Khamenei was killed, warning that it would lead to "another circle of confrontation and escalation of tension in the region". Russia has deepened its ties with Iran since invading Ukraine and signed a strategic partnership with the country in January.

Vladimir Putin has made hawkish comments on Ukraine at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, stating that "all of Ukraine is ours" and that "where a Russian soldier sets foot, that is ours." This marks a contrast to the Kremlin's recent softer tone, which was seen as an attempt to show interest in a settlement with the US under Donald Trump's push for a peace deal. Putin also threatened a nuclear strike on Ukraine, warning of "catastrophic" consequences if Kyiv used a dirty bomb against Russian forces. The comments are seen as a deliberate message that Russia has no intention of backing down, and show Putin's confidence that things are going his way, despite Trump's apparent pursuit of warmer ties with Moscow.

Israeli forces have killed 23 Palestinians near an aid distribution site in central Gaza, with witnesses and medics saying tanks and drones fired on the crowds. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed they fired warning shots and struck "suspects" who approached troops. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation denied a shooting occurred near its site. The incident is part of a larger pattern, with over 400 Palestinians killed in similar incidents since late May, and is exacerbated by a lack of clarity on aid distribution, according to Unicef, which is warning of a desperate humanitarian situation.

Gaza is experiencing a dire situation, with desperate crowds gathering for aid and frequent deadly incidents occurring, including a recent shooting at a World Food Programme aid-distribution site that killed 51 Palestinians and wounded over 200, with the Israeli Defence Forces under investigation for the incident.

Israel's block on international journalists in Gaza is unjustified and appears to be aimed at preventing scrutiny and accountability for the situation there. The war in Gaza has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, widespread destruction, and a humanitarian crisis. International journalists are being barred from entering Gaza, with Israel instead offering controlled "embeds" with Israeli soldiers, which fall short of independent journalism. Local Palestinian journalists have been reporting on the conflict, but at great personal risk, with 185 killed and 86 imprisoned. Israel's restrictions on reporting are seen as a "war on truth" that undermines its claim to be a democracy.

Palestinians in Gaza are risking their lives to obtain food, facing gunfire from Israeli troops and ambushes by knife-wielding thieves. Israel has allowed some food aid into Gaza, but most of it goes to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private contractor, which operates distribution centers in Israeli military zones. Palestinians describe the process as chaotic and violent, with many being injured or killed while trying to access the aid. Witnesses say Israeli troops fire on crowds, and thieves steal food from those who manage to obtain it. Some Palestinians have reported being pepper-sprayed, cut, or trampled in the scramble for supplies. The situation is dire, with families struggling to feed themselves and aid organizations describing the conditions as "apocalyptic."