Iran says it reserves all options after ‘outrageous’ U.S. strikes, launches fresh attacks on Israel
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Israel-Iran War Live: US decided to ‘blow up’ diplomacy with strikes, says Iranian FM
At least 86 people were hospitalised overnight and into Sunday morning following renewed Iranian missile attacks on Israel. Of those admitted, two individuals suffered moderate injuries, 77 sustained mild injuries, and four were treated for anxiety-related symptoms. The latest injuries bring the total number of hospitalisations since the beginning of Iran’s missile campaign, launched in retaliation for Israel’s June 13 military action, to 2,835. In a separate incident, approximately 20 people were lightly injured after a missile struck a residential neighborhood in Ramat Aviv, a suburb of Tel Aviv. The conflict continues to escalate rapidly, raising serious international concerns over the potential for a wider regional war.
Of those admitted, two individuals suffered moderate injuries, 77 sustained mild injuries, and four were treated for anxiety-related symptoms. Three additional patients are still undergoing medical evaluation.
The latest injuries bring the total number of hospitalisations since the beginning of Iran’s missile campaign, launched in retaliation for Israel’s June 13 military action, to 2,835.
According to the Health Ministry, this figure includes 23 people with severe injuries, 107 with moderate wounds, 2,555 with mild injuries, and 119 who required treatment for anxiety.
In a separate incident, approximately 20 people were lightly injured after a missile struck a residential neighborhood in Ramat Aviv, a suburb of Tel Aviv. The missile hit a cluster of residential buildings near a school and shopping center, prompting emergency services to search for any individuals who may be trapped in the rubble.
In response to the ongoing attacks, Israel launched a fresh wave of airstrikes early today targeting military installations in western Iran. This marks Israel’s first direct military retaliation since the US carried out airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities in the wee hours today.
In a statement issued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the military confirmed that the Israeli Air Force (IAF) had initiated “a series of strikes on military targets in western Iran.” The strikes specifically targeted missile launchers and the Iranian personnel operating them.
The Israeli operation came shortly after Tel Aviv confirmed that Iran had fired a fresh barrage of ballistic missiles toward Israeli territory.
It marked the first direct Iranian strike since U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a high-profile military operation on Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
The conflict continues to escalate rapidly, raising serious international concerns over the potential for a wider regional war. In a late-night address from the White House, President Trump hailed the U.S. operation as a “spectacular military success.”
The Pentagon confirmed that the strikes were conducted using U.S. stealth bombers and targeted three of Iran’s most critical nuclear sites. In a post on social media, Trump elaborated:
“A full payload of bombs was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are now outside of Iranian airspace and safely on their way home.”
As the conflict between Israel and Iran enters a volatile new phase, world leaders have urged restraint and de-escalation, warning that the deepening crisis threatens to spiral into a broader regional war.
LIVE | America joins Israel-Iran war: Explosions rock Israel as Iran fires fresh wave of missiles after US attack, airspace closed
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu declared on Sunday that his pledge to be “the most powerful man in the world’s history” He added that he is “voting for it and implore all Senators on both sides of the aisle to vote for it,” he added. He also lauded the Israeli military and praised the American military and called it one “the likes of which the likes ofwhich the world has not seen in many, many decades’ time” The move is a ‘spectacular success’ and urged Tehran to ‘make peace,’ read more. The move was a “spectacular failure” and urged the Israeli government to “make peace’ with the U.S. and the world. It is a move that will not be seen by the world for many years to come. It will be seen in the eyes of the world, and it will be felt in the hearts of millions of people.
The Israeli military has confirmed that its air force has launched a series of airstrikes on western Iran, marking its first direct strikes since the US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces said the Israeli Air Force (IAF) targeted “military sites in western Iran,” including missile launchers poised to fire at Israeli territory and Iranian armed forces personnel.
Iran’s nuclear authority has stated that no signs of radioactive contamination have been found following US strikes on its nuclear sites, according to local media reports.
He also lauded the Israeli military and praised the American forces who carried out the operation, calling it one “the likes of which the world has not seen in many, many decades.”
“I thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. We worked as a team like perhaps no team has worked before,” President Donald Trump said following the strikes on Iran.
The meeting began at 10 pm local time and continued until after the strikes were carried out around 3 am. Attendees included Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Mossad’s chief, the military chief of staff, and Netanyahu confidant Ron Dermer. Ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich also participated.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a five-hour security cabinet meeting with top officials that lasted through the duration of the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, a source familiar with the matter told CNN.
He criticised the president for acting without a clear strategy and called for an immediate vote on the War Powers Act. “I am voting for it and implore all Senators on both sides of the aisle to vote for it,” he added.
“President Trump must provide the American people and Congress clear answers on the actions taken tonight and their implications for the safety of Americans,” Schumer said in a statement.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is demanding that President Donald Trump provide clear answers to Congress and the American people following the US strikes on Iran.
He added that any hazardous materials had been removed from the site prior to the attack, minimizing potential risk to the public.
An Iranian lawmaker representing Qom, near the Fordow nuclear facility, claimed the damage from recent U.S. strikes was “only above ground and can be restored,” according to state media.
He added that the strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were carried out “in perfect coordination” between Israeli forces and the U.S. military, as well as between himself and President Donald Trump.
“From the beginning of the operation, I promised you that Iran’s nuclear facilities would be destroyed, one way or another. This promise has been fulfilled,” Netanyahu said in a video message.
Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu declared on Sunday that his pledge to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities has been fulfilled, following joint US-Israeli strikes on key sites.
A US official told the NYT that the bombers refueled multiple times mid-air before hitting the Iranian targets early Sunday, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
US B-2 stealth bombers used in the strike on Iran’s Fordow nuclear site flew non-stop for 37 hours from their base in Missouri, according to a New York Times report.
Speaking at a rally, Sanders responded to chants of “no more war” by saying, “I agree. The news we’ve just heard is alarming. The president does not have the right to take this country to war — only Congress does.”
The agency said the attacks would not stop Iran’s nuclear advancement, accusing the IAEA of “complicity” and urging global condemnation of the US actions. “We will never allow the progress of this national industry to be halted,” it declared.
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization has denounced the US strikes on its Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, calling them a “savage assault” and a “blatant violation” of international law, according to Iranian media.
Earlier, shortly after midnight, another drone from Iran was intercepted over the Golan Heights, as tensions between the countries continue to escalate.
The Israeli Air Force intercepted two drones launched from Iran over the southern Arava region, the IDF said, noting the drones had likely been airborne before the US strike on Iran’s nuclear sites.
Posting on X, Araghchi said the strikes breached the UN Charter and the NPT, adding that the actions were “outrageous” and would have “everlasting consequences.”
The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations. The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting…
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has warned that Iran reserves “all options” to defend its sovereignty following US strikes on its nuclear sites, calling the attacks a “grave violation” of international law.
Residents in affected areas have been instructed to remain in bomb shelters until further notice.
Sirens are blaring across central and northern Israel as Iran launches a new ballistic missile attack, marking the first such strike since the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites, The Times of Israel reported.
“Commercial traffic in the region is operating as it has since new airspace restrictions were implemented last week,” FlightRadar24 said on X, noting continued diversions amid heightened regional tensions.
Commercial airlines are still steering clear of large portions of Middle Eastern airspace following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 shows.
The IDF confirmed the launches and said defensive systems are working to intercept the threat, urging civilians to take shelter and remain in protected areas until further notice.
Iran has fired a fresh wave of missiles at Israel — the first since the US struck Iranian nuclear facilities, according to the Israeli military.
Multiple explosions were reported across central Israel on Sunday, shortly after Iran launched missiles toward the country. Reuters witnesses saw visible interceptions in the skies over Jerusalem amid ongoing aerial defense operations.
In a letter obtained by AP, Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani urged the council to “take all necessary measures” to hold the US accountable, calling the strikes “unprovoked and premeditated acts of aggression” following Israel’s June 13 attack on Iran’s nuclear sites.
Iran has called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council following US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities.
“The public is requested to follow Home Front Command instructions,” the IDF said on Telegram, urging people not to share footage or locations of impact sites.
Israeli state media reports that Iran has fired at least 30 missiles toward Israel in a renewed barrage.
Lawmaker Manan Raeisi, representing nearby Qom, said the strike was “superficial” and affected mostly above-ground structures, which can be restored. He also noted that sensitive materials had been moved beforehand and no radiation was detected.
Iranian officials and state media are minimizing the extent of damage caused by U.S. strikes on the Fordow nuclear site, contradicting President Donald Trump’s claim that the facility was “obliterated.”
Moseybi was accused of attempting to share classified information with Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency. The execution comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv.
Iran has executed a man identified as Majid Moseybi after convicting him of espionage for Israel, according to the judiciary-affiliated outlet Mizan.
The statement comes after hours of heightened alert and nationwide shelter-in-place advisories following Iran’s strike.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have announced that residents are now permitted to leave protected areas, indicating that the missile attack from Iran has concluded.
El Al also announced it is extending the cancellation of all scheduled flights through June 27. The move comes after Israeli airspace was closed following US strikes on Iran.
Israel’s main airlines, El Al and Arkia, have suspended rescue and evacuation flights until further notice amid escalating regional tensions.
In its first public response since the attack, the agency posted on X that it would provide further assessments as more information emerges. Iran has criticized the IAEA in recent days, accusing it of complicity without evidence—claims the agency rejects, asserting its neutrality.
Following attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran – including Fordow – the IAEA can confirm that no increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of this time. IAEA will provide further assessments on situation in Iran as more information becomes available.
The UN’s nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, said Sunday there has been no reported increase in off-site radiation levels at the three Iranian nuclear facilities hit by U.S. strikes, including Fordow.
Magen David Adom said one of the injured, a 30-year-old man, sustained moderate wounds from shrapnel to the upper body and was among those taken to hospital.
At least 11 people were injured after Iran’s latest missile barrage on Israel, according to the country’s national emergency services.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces said the Israeli Air Force targeted missile launchers prepared to fire at Israeli territory and Iranian troops. “The launchers responsible for the earlier missile attack were swiftly neutralized,” the IDF added.
Israel has launched a new wave of airstrikes on military targets in western Iran, the country’s first such operation since the U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear sites.
“As part of our ongoing effort to streamline operations, additional personnel departed Iraq on June 21 and 22,” the official said. Despite the drawdown, both the embassy in Baghdad and the consulate remain operational.
More personnel from the United States diplomatic mission have left Iraq as tensions in the region continue to escalate, a U.S. official told AFP.
In a statement posted on X, the IDF added that the IAF also hit missile launchers that were prepared to strike Israeli territory, as well as personnel in Iran’s armed forces.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗔𝗙 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗻 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗜𝗿𝗮𝗻. Additionally, this morning, the IAF struck missile launchers ready to launch toward Israeli territory, soldiers in the Iranian Armed…
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that the Israeli Air Force (IAF) has launched a series of airstrikes targeting military sites in western Iran.
According to a statement quoted by the Fars news agency, “The twentieth wave of Operation Honest Promise 3 began using a combination of long-range liquid and solid fuel missiles with devastating warhead power.”
Iran’s armed forces have claimed responsibility for launching a series of missile strikes on multiple sites in Israel, including Ben Gurion Airport, in response to US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The statement also warned that Iran reserves the right to respond “by all necessary means” to defend its national security and urged the UN and IAEA to address the “criminal act of illegality.”
Iran’s foreign ministry has accused the United States of launching a “dangerous war against Iran” following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. In a statement carried by Tasnim News Agency, the ministry called the strikes a violation of international law and the UN Charter, saying Washington “bears full responsibility for the grave consequences.”
This military escalation constitutes a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East and poses serious risks to regional stability”, he said.
Government spokesperson Basim Alawadi said Iraq “expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation of the targeting of nuclear facilities” in Iran.
In the wake of US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Iraq has condemned the attacks, warning they endanger peace and stability across the Middle East.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Iran’s nuclear programme a “grave threat to international security” and urged Tehran to return to the negotiating table, following US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.
Officials clarified that no ballistic missile was heading toward the city and the incident is under investigation.
The IDF Home Front Command said an air defense interceptor misfired and crashed in Haifa during Iran’s missile barrage, causing injuries to three people and triggering confusion over the lack of sirens.
Turkey’s Transport Minister said seven Turkish civilian planes are stranded in Iran and four in Iraq due to airspace closures triggered by the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.
Iran’s IRGC has confirmed the use of its new multi-warhead “Khyber-Shaken” ballistic missile during the 20th wave of Operation Sadeq Promise 3, launching 40 missiles targeting Israeli sites including Ben Gurion Airport and a biological research facility.
Israel’s stock market surged to an all-time high following the US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Reuters reported, signaling investor confidence amid escalating regional tensions.
“In light of the urgent situation in Iran, I am convening an emergency meeting of the @IAEAorg Board of Governors for tomorrow,” he posted on X.
In light of the urgent situation in Iran, I am convening an emergency meeting of the @IAEAorg Board of Governors for tomorrow.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has convened an emergency meeting of the UN nuclear watchdog’s board of governors following US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.
Pakistan on Sunday strongly condemned the US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—voicing deep concern over potential escalation in the region. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry called the strikes alarming and urged all parties to exercise restraint.
This Week in Explainers: What did the US target in Iran? And how?
The scheduled visit of Egypt’s Foreign Minister to India has been officially postponed. Authorities have advised that all previous notifications or advisories related to the visit should now be considered void.
In a post on X, Doha said it “deplores the deterioration” of the situation following the attacks.
Qatar’s foreign ministry has expressed deep concern over the US strikes on Iran, warning that the escalation could have “catastrophic repercussions” regionally and globally.
The jets, part of Iran’s aging fleet from the shah era, were struck during Israeli airstrikes. Israel also released black-and-white footage showing one of the aircraft being destroyed. Earlier, Israeli forces said they had also targeted Iranian F-14 Tomcats.
Israel has claimed it shot down two Iranian F-5 fighter jets at Dezful airport, according to the Associated Press.
According to The Times of Israel, the injured include two in moderate condition, 77 with minor wounds, four suffering acute anxiety, and three currently under medical evaluation.
Israel’s health ministry has confirmed that 86 people were injured following Iran’s missile strikes on Sunday.
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Israel and Iran’s air war entered a second week on Friday and European officials sought to draw Tehran back to the negotiating table after President Donald Trump said any decision on potential US involvement would be made within two weeks.
Iran has launched a fresh wave of attacks against Israel, with missiles targeting the southern city of Beersheba, where a hospital was struck yesterday. The air strikes reportedly hit a tech park in the city and fires were reported near a Microsoft office.
Meanwhile, Israeli air attacks have killed 639 people in Iran, said the Human Rights Activists News Agency. Those killed include the military’s top echelon and nuclear scientists. Israel has said at least two dozen Israeli civilians have died in Iranian missile attacks. Reuters could not independently verify the death toll from either side.
British, German and French foreign ministers will meet their Iranian counterpart Abbas Argachi in Geneva for nuclear talks, in a first diplomatic sit-down between Europe and Iran as Trump weighs US involvement.
Israel has targeted nuclear sites and missile capabilities, and sought to shatter the government of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Western and regional officials.
“Are we targeting the downfall of the regime? That may be a result, but it’s up to the Iranian people to rise for their freedom,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping both condemned Israel and agreed that de-escalation is needed, the Kremlin said on Thursday.
The role of the United States remained uncertain. Lammy also met Trump’s special envoy to the region, Steve Witkoff, on Thursday in Washington, and said they had discussed a possible deal.
With inputs from Reuters
Iran considering ‘all options’ as it plots revenge for US strikes
Iran considering ‘all options’ as it plots revenge for US strikes on its nuclear facilities. U.S. President Donald Trump said the strikes were a ‘grave violation’ of the UN charter. He said he would make a final decision over the course of two weeks. The U.N. Security Council is expected to meet on Monday to discuss the situation. The UN has called on Iran to stop threatening the world with nuclear weapons. It has also called on the US to stop attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities in the Middle East. The US has said it will not allow Iran to build nuclear weapons in the region. It also said it would not allow Iranian nuclear weapons to be used as a weapon of mass destruction. It said the attack was a response to Iran’s threat to use nuclear weapons against the U.K. and its allies in the Mideast. The attack was carried out by US Air Force B-2 bombers, which flew to the scene of the strike in the Caspian Sea.
iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi speaks at the 59th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Picture: Alamy
By Jacob Paul
Iran is “considering all options” as it mulls over how to respond to what it called the US’ “outrageous” and “extremely dangerous” attacks on its nuclear facilities overnight.
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Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi blasted the US strikes on three of its nuclear facilities as “extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour”.
In a statement, he said that every member of the United Nations should be “alarmed” by the “grave violation of the UN charter”.
He said: “The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations.
“The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences.
“Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior.
“In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defence, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.”
Read more: Trump hails ‘spectacular military success’ after US ‘obliterates’ Iran’s nuclear capabilities
Read more: US moves B-2 bombers capable of destroying underground nuclear facilities as Israel-Iran conflict continues
Rescue workers and firefighters survey the site of a direct missile strike launched from Iran in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Picture: Alamy
Rescue workers and firefighters survey the site of a direct missile strike launched from Iran in Nes Ziona ,Israel, Sunday, June 22, 2025. Picture: Alamy
Iran said it has already launched a wave of retaliatory strikes on Israel.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it used 40 solid and liquid fuel missiles to targets including Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, a biological research centre and a command centre.
It also claimed to have deployed the Kheibar Shekan multi-warhead ballistic missile for the first time.
The US stunned the world on Saturday night by striking three Iranian nuclear facilities with a dozen “bunker buster bombs”.
US president Donald Trump authorised the bombings of the underground Fordow plant, one of the country’s key nuclear sites, and two other facilities in the early hours of Sunday morning, calling it a “successful attack”.
He surprised the world a little before 8 p.m. Saturday by announcing on Truth Social that he had given the go-ahead to attack Iran, using 12 massive 30,000-pound ‘bunker buster’ bombs and 30 Tomahawk missiles to destroy Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
In what is the most consequential decision of Mr Trump’s presidency so far, the assault signals a significant escalation in the conflict with Tehran.
Pressure had been mounting on the US to intervene in the escalating conflict in support of Israel, and to force Iran’s leaders to end its nuclear programme.
President Donald Trump speaks from the East Room of the White House. Picture: Alamy
Trump told reporters on Friday that he was not interested in sending ground forces into Iran, saying it’s “the last thing you want to do.”
He had previously indicated that he would make a final choice over the course of two weeks, a timeline that seemed drawn out as the situation was evolving quickly.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said Tehran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon after the US’ strikes.
In a statement on Sunday morning, the PM said: “Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat.
“The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”
Starmer’s statement comes after the US military bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities in an historic strike against the Islamic Republic.
Trump last night claimed the attack using B2 steal bombers had been “a spectacular military success,” something Tehran denied.
Reports from the US suggested that the bombers flew direct from the US rather than using the joint UK/US base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
There is understood to have been no UK involvement in the action, which comes after Sir Keir and Foreign Secretary David Lammy had pushed for a diplomatic solution rather than US action which could further destabilise the region.
Israel-Iran conflict LIVE: UK PM Starmer backs US strike in Iran, moves military assets to defend bases in Middle East
US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday morning (Indian time) that American forces successfully struck three Iranian nuclear sites. The targets — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — have long been central to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The operation was carried out by B-2 bombers, with all American aircraft safely leaving Iranian airspace after the strikes. The strikes come as tensions in the region enter their second week. Trump earlier gave Iran a two-week deadline to negotiate a nuclear deal with the US. Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported that the country had evacuated personnel from the three nuclear sites “some time ago” According to the broadcaster, Iran had relocated its nuclear stockpiles from those sites to secure locations.
“We have completed our very successful attack on the three nuclear sites in Iran,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “A full payload of bombs was dropped on Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American warriors. There is no other military like this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!”
The strikes come as tensions in the region enter their second week. Trump earlier gave Iran a two-week deadline to negotiate a nuclear deal with the US.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported that the country had evacuated personnel from the three nuclear sites in advance. The three nuclear sites the US says it struck “some time ago.” According to the broadcaster, Iran had relocated its nuclear stockpiles from those sites to secure locations.
What we know about Iran’s key nuclear sites
Natanz: Located 250 kilometers south of Tehran, Natanz is Iran’s largest uranium enrichment center. The facility houses six above-ground buildings and three underground halls capable of containing up to 50,000 centrifuges, which enrich uranium for potential weapons use.
Fordow: Situated deep inside mountains near Qom, Fordow is considered one of Iran’s most fortified nuclear sites. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimates that Iran had been enriching uranium up to 60% at Fordow — well above civilian requirements — making it a significant target.
Isfahan: Home to Iran’s largest nuclear research complex, Isfahan houses a fuel production plant, research reactors, and other critical facilities. Established with Chinese support in 1984, the site is key to Iran’s nuclear program.
Why is Iran under attack? Iran is under attack primarily because Israel aims to halt Tehran’s nuclear program, which it views as an existential threat. Since June 13, 2025, Israel has launched airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites, including uranium enrichment facilities and centrifuge production plants near Tehran and Isfahan. These strikes have killed hundreds, including civilians and military personnel, and damaged key infrastructure.
Israel’s goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability, which it believes would destabilise the Middle East and threaten Israeli security. In retaliation, Iran has fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel, escalating the conflict. The war also involves targeted killings of senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard commanders linked to arms transfers to proxy groups. Diplomatic efforts have so far failed, and Iran’s leadership warns that any US intervention would be extremely dangerous, underscoring the high stakes of this ongoing conflict.
What IAEA said? The IAEA, which initially flagged Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, told Sky News that despite Iran enriching uranium up to 60%, the agency cannot confirm any systematic effort by Iran to produce a nuclear weapon. However, Iran’s failure to meet its safeguards obligations, as noted in a recent IAEA report, combined with Israel’s Operation Rising Lion strikes, has heightened serious international concerns.
Live Updates
US Bombs Iran Live Updates | Tehran Says It Fired Khorramshahr-4, One Of Its Biggest Ballistic Missiles Targeting Israel
China’s government-run media asked whether the U.S. is “repeating its Iraq mistake in Iran” Australia, which shuttered its embassy in Tehran and evacuated staff Friday, pushed for a diplomatic end to the conflict. Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to hold a meeting with key ministers Sunday afternoon to discuss the impact of the attack. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Iran to “return to the negotiating table” over its nuclear ambitions after the US carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
China: A flash commentary from China’s government-run media asked whether the U.S. is “repeating its Iraq mistake in Iran.” The online piece by CGTN, the foreign-language arm of the state broadcaster, said the U.S. strikes mark a dangerous turning point. “History has repeatedly shown that military interventions in the Middle East often produce unintended consequences, including prolonged conflicts and regional destabilization,” it said, citing the American invasion of Iraq in 2003. It said a measured, diplomatic approach that prioritizes dialogue over military confrontation offers the best hope for stability in the Middle East.
New Zealand: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters urged “all parties to return to talks.” He wouldn’t tell reporters Sunday whether New Zealand supported President Trump’s actions, saying they had only just happened. The three-time foreign minister said the crisis is “the most serious I’ve ever dealt with” and that it was “critical further escalation is avoided.” “Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action,” he said.
Japan: Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to hold a meeting with key ministers Sunday afternoon to discuss the impact of the U.S. attack, according to Japan’s NHK television.
South Korea: South Korea’s presidential office said it would hold an emergency meeting Sunday to discuss the security and economic ramifications of the U.S. strikes and potential South Korean responses.
Australia: Australia, which shuttered its embassy in Tehran and evacuated staff Friday, pushed for a diplomatic end to the conflict. “We have been clear that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security,” a government official said in a written statement. “We note the U.S. President’s statement that now is the time for peace.” “The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.”
United Kingdom: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Iran to “return to the negotiating table” over its nuclear ambitions after the US carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. “Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat,” Starmer said on X, adding that “stability in the region is a priority”. “We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”