Protesters voice their opposition to US president Donald Trump’s decision to bomb three nuclear enrichment sites in Iran.

During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump campaigned on the promise of “no more wars” but global events have radically changed his views.

In what could be his most consequential day as president yet, Trump decided to bomb three Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday in an operation he deemed “a spectacular military success”. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities, he boasted, have been “completely and totally obliterated.”

In a post to the Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump took it a step further by addressing the issue of regime change in Iran, applying his Maga rhetoric to the Middle East.

“It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!” he wrote.

Here are the key stories at a glance.

Trump’s military attack on Iran reveals split among Maga diehards

Saturday’s US strikes on Iran provoked conflicting reactions from isolationist Republicans who support Donald Trump’s “Make America great again” (Maga) movement, catching them – like many Democrats – between supporting efforts against nuclear proliferation and opposing American intervention in foreign conflicts.

Read the full story

JD Vance claims US is at war with Iran’s nuclear program, not Iran

JD Vance has said the US is “not at war” with Iran – but is with its nuclear weapons program, holding out a position that the White House hopes to maintain over the coming days as the Iranian regime considers a retributive response to Saturday’s US strike on three of its nuclear installations.

Read the full story

US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities is Trump’s biggest gamble yet as president

Donald Trump, a self-confessed risk-taker, has taken the greatest gamble – not just with his political reputation and the future of the Middle East, but arguably with the whole concept of military intervention as a way to solve intractable geopolitical problems.

Read the full story

Judge orders release of Kilmar Ábrego García as he awaits federal trial

A Tennessee judge on Sunday ordered the release of Kilmar Ábrego García, whose mistaken deportation has become a flashpoint in Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, while he awaits a federal trial on human smuggling charges. But he is not expected to be allowed to go free.

Read the full story

Mahmoud Khalil renews devotion to Palestinian freedom at New York rally

Mahmoud Khalil, the Palestinian rights activist, freed from Ice detention on Friday, returned to Columbia University on Sunday to renew his commitment to the cause of Palestinian freedom and opposition to both the university and the Trump administration.

Read the full story

What else happened today:

Catching up? Here’s what happened 21 June.

From 3h ago 01.32 BST Opening summary Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the US and Israeli war on Iran. US president Donald Trump has brought up the possibility of regime change in Iran following US military strikes against key Iran military sites over the weekend, even as top members of his administration insisted the US was not seeking to topple the Iranian leadership. “It’s not politically correct to use the term, “Regime Change,” but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!” Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. Earlier, vice-president JD Vance had insisted the US was “not at war with Iran, we’re at war with Iran’s nuclear programme” while US secretary of state Marco Rubio said that that the US was “not looking for war in Iran”. The world was meanwhile braced for Iran’s response after to the US attacks, which saw it joining Israel in the biggest western military action against the Islamic Republic since its 1979 revolution. Speaking in Istanbul, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said his country would consider all possible responses. There would be no return to diplomacy until it had retaliated, he said. “The US showed they have no respect for international law. They only understand the language of threat and force,” he said. He later flew to Moscow to discuss “common threats” with President Vladimir Putin. In other key developments: Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is very close to meeting its goals in Iran of removing the threats of ballistic missiles and the nuclear programme. Speaking to Israeli reporters, he said: “We won’t pursue our actions beyond what is needed to achieve them, but we also won’t finish too soon. When the objectives are achieved, then the operation is complete and the fighting will stop.”

The UK, France and Germany have released a joint statement following American strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, saying that they call upon Iran to engage in negotiations leading to agreement that addresses all concerns associated with its nuclear program. The three countries also urged Iran “not to take any further action that could destabilize the region”, adding: “We have consistently been clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon and can no longer pose a threat to regional security.”

Iran’s health ministry said that the US strikes on its nuclear facilities had wounded an unspecified number of people but that none “showed any signs of radioactive contamination”. “For years, the ministry of health has set up nuclear emergency units in the nearest medical facilities to nuclear sites,” ministry spokesperson Hossein Kermanpour said on X.

Israel said that its fighter jets had struck “dozens” of targets across Iran on Sunday, including a long-range missile site in Yazd in the centre of the country for the first time, Agence France Presse reports. A military statement said that “approximately 30 IAF (air force) fighter jets struck dozens of military targets throughout Iran” – including “the ‘Imam Hussein’ Strategic Missile Command Center in the Yazd area, where long-range Khorramshahr missiles were stored”.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio said that “there are no planned military operations right now against Iran.” In a new interview with CBS, Rubio added that “no one will know for days” whether Iran had moved some of its nuclear materials prior to the strikes.

Iran’s parliament has reportedly approved the closing of the key strait of Hormuz shipping lane. Reuters reported Iran’s supreme national security council will make the final decision on the move, which could hamstring global trade by shutting the narrow passage between Iran and Oman.

Pete Hegseth, the US secretary of defence, said the impact of the air strikes was still being assessed, but that the bombing had hit the areas that had been identified in the planning of the operation. Hegseth said: “The battle damage assessment is ongoing, but our initial assessment as the chairman said is that all of our precision munitions struck where we wanted them to strike, and had the desired effect.”

Pete Hegseth praised Donald Trump’s leadership, and said he had overseen the “obliteration” of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Hegseth said: “Many presidents have dreamed of delivering the final blow to Iran’s nuclear program, and none could until President Trump.” Share

2m ago 04.23 BST What is the strait of Hormuz and why does it matter? One way Iran could retaliate to US strikes, analysts say, is to close off the strait of Hormuz, a vital trade route, through which over a fifth of the world’s oil supply, 20m barrels, and much of its liquified gas, passes each day. Iran has in the past threatened to close the strait, which would restrict trade and impact global oil prices, but has never followed through on the threat. About one-fifth of the world’s total oil consumption passes through the strait. Between the start of 2022 and last month, approximately 17.8 million to 20.8m barrels of crude, condensate, and fuels flowed through the strait daily, according to data from analytics firm Vortexa. Read on below: The strait of Hormuz: what is it, and why does it matter to global trade? Read more Share

18m ago 04.07 BST Commercial airlines around the world are weighing how long to suspend Middle East flights after the US attack on Iran over the weekend. Reuters reports: Singapore Airlines, one of the highest-profile in Asia, had called the situation “fluid” on Sunday as it cancelled flights from Singapore to Dubai following a security assessment. The Middle East route has become more important for flights between Europe and Asia since Russian and Ukrainian airspace closed due to war, but flight tracking website FlightRadar24 showed empty space over Iran, Iraq, Syria and Israel. Following US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, commercial traffic in the region is operating as it has since new airspace restrictions were put into place last week.

Image from 01:45 UTC 22 June. pic.twitter.com/IeJBa9kvF4 — Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) June 22, 2025 Air France KLM said on Sunday that it cancelled flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh on Sunday and Monday. British Airways, owned by IAG ICAG.L, also cancelled flights to and from Dubai and Doha for Sunday. It was still reviewing the situation, it said in a statement on Sunday evening, when asked about later flights. Missile and drone barrages in a growing number of conflict zones represent a high risk to airline traffic, and an organization that monitors flight risks, Safe Airspace, a website run by OPSGROUP, warned on Sunday that US attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites could heighten the threat to American operators in the region. In the days before the U.S. strikes, American Airlines suspended flights to Qatar and United Airlines did the same with flights to Dubai. Airlines are also concerned about a potential spike in oil prices following the U.S. attacks, which will increase the cost of jet fuel. Israel meanwhile is ramping up flights to help stranded travellers at home and abroad. The country’s Airports Authority says that so-called rescue flights to the country would expand on Monday with 24 a day, although each flight would be limited to 50 passengers. Israeli airline El Al on Sunday said it had received applications to leave the country from about 25,000 people in about a day. Share

38m ago 03.47 BST Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed earlier that Israel is “very close” to achieving its goals in the war with Iran, adding that he is “genuine friends” with US President Donald Trump and knew in advance about the US strikes. 0:53 Israel ‘very close’ to achieving goals in war with Iran, Netanyahu says – video Share

55m ago 03.30 BST Nine Palestinian civilians were killed late on Sunday by an Israeli artillery strike that targeted people waiting for food aid in the Al-Waha area, northwest of Gaza City, the Palestinian news agency Wafa has reported. It was not possible to independently verify the report as Israeli does not allow foreign journalists into the occupied territory. As we reported earlier, medical authorities in Gaza say about 450 Palestinians have been killed and thousands more have been injured over the past 12 days in Israeli attacks on people waiting to collect aid from food distribution sites recently opened by the US and Israeli-backed “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation”. Share

1h ago 03.22 BST Nick Visser NZ foreign minister looking for evidence that justified US strikes on Iran Winston Peters, New Zealand’s foreign minister, has said he is looking for “evidence to do with” Iran’s nuclear program that was “way outside the negotiated position they’ve been taking all this time” to justify the US strikes on sites across the country. Peters told Radio NZ that Iran had “been marvellously good at negotiating their way out of things and the question is, have they kept to their commitments, have they breached their international obligations”. View image in fullscreen Photograph: Mark Tantrum/AP He said the world needed to “find that out before we rush to judgment”. Yesterday, Peters said he found the strikes “extremely worrying” and said it was “critical” further escalation was avoided. He said: New Zealand strongly supports efforts towards diplomacy. We urge all parties to return to talks. Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action. The NZ prime minister, Christopher Luxon, said the right response “cannot be more military action” saying politics needed to take precedent, AAP reports. Share Updated at 03.42 BST

1h ago 03.12 BST ‘Obliteration is an accurate term’, Trump says after officials say damage from Iran strikes not yet clear “Monumental damage” was done to “all Nuclear sites” in Iran during the US attack on the country at the weekend, Donald Trump has said in his latest comments, after officials said the extent of damage done remained unconfirmed. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social the US president wrote: Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term! The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame. The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!! The comments came after Gen Dan Caine, the chair of the joint chiefs of staff, said the scale of the damage underground was not yet confirmed. He said it was not clear whether Iran retained some nuclear capability. Donald Trump when announcing the strikes on Saturday night said that the sites had been “completely and totally obliterated”. Share

1h ago 02.58 BST Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese has said his government supports the US strikes on Iran, blaming Tehran for not coming “to the table” on nuclear diplomacy but adding that Canberra now wanted “diplomacy, dialogue and de-escalation”. Iran was holding talks on a nuclear agreement with Washington when Israel launched its shock attack on the country. International law experts have said the US and Israeli strikes are unlawful under the UN charter. Israel is the only Middle East state with nuclear weapons but has never formally acknowledged its arsenal. It has not signed the nuclear nuclear non-proliferation treaty, unlike Iran. Speaking to reporters in Canberra just now, Albanese said: The world has long agreed that Iran cannot be allowed to get a nuclear weapon and we support action to prevent that – that is what this is. The US action was directed at specific sites central to Iran’s nuclear program. We don’t want escalation and a full-scale war. We continue to call for dialogue and for diplomacy. As I have said for many days now, we are deeply concerned about any escalation in the region and we want to see diplomacy, dialogue and de-escalation. We have been upfront about the challenge facing the international community – that is, dealing with the threat posed by any Iranian nuclear weapons program and dealing with the risk of regional escalation. That’s why Australia called upon Iran to come to the table and abandon any nuclear weapons program. Iran didn’t come to the table just as it has repeatedly failed to comply with its international obligations. View image in fullscreen Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP Share

2h ago 02.45 BST Israeli forces have bombed tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in al-Buraq camp near Khan Younis in southern Gaza, Al Jazeera has reported. The broadcaster said it had verified footage circulating online that showed a deep crater resulting from the bombing and people searching for those trapped. It is not possible to independently verify reports from Gaza as Israel does not allow foreign journalists into the occupied territory. Share

2h ago 02.31 BST Israeli aid massacres in Gaza continue as world’s attention turns to Iran Malak A Tantesh Just after midnight on Thursday morning, Abdullah Ahmed left his sleeping wife and children in their small and crowded home in the battered al-Bureij camp in central Gaza and headed north. The 31-year-old vegetable seller had heard that the nearby food distribution site recently opened by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a secretive Israeli- and US-backed private organisation that began operations in the territory last month, would be handing out food at 2am. To get there early and maximise his chance of grabbing a box of flour, oil, beans and other basics, Ahmed and some friends set out across the dangerous rubble-strewn roads. View image in fullscreen Palestinians gather to receive aid supplies in Beit Lahia on Sunday. Photograph: Mahmoud Issa/Reuters Just reaching the vicinity of the centre, one of four run by the GHF, was dangerous. “All the time we could hear the sound of shells and stray bullets flying over us. We kept taking cover behind the ruins of houses. Whoever doesn’t take cover is exposed to death,” he said. All last week, every night and most mornings, there were similar scenes across Gaza, as tens of thousands of hungry, desperate people converged on the GHF sites or waited at points where trucks loaded with UN flour were expected. Every day, somewhere in the devastated territory, these gatherings had a similarly lethal conclusion when Israeli forces open fire. The exact toll over the last 12 days is unclear. Medical authorities in Gaza say about 450 have died and thousands more have been injured. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) admit that some have been hurt by their fire but have not admitted any deaths in shootings, which they say are directed at “suspects” who have posed a threat to their forces and only ever follow warning shots. Gaza slides into lethal chaos as desperate Palestinians fight to survive Read more Share Updated at 03.49 BST

2h ago 02.19 BST Australia’s ASX plummets more than $10bn after US Iran strikes Luca Ittimani More than $10bn has been wiped from the Australian share market on opening after the US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, as traders react to worsening economic growth prospects. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 fell below 8,460 points, back to near where it was at the start of June after holding above 8,500 points on Friday. It had closed at an all-time high of 8,592 on 11 June, days before Israel began its military strikes on Iran, but has fallen in six of the subsequent seven trading days. Energy companies including Woodside, Origin and Santos rose in value after predictions the widening conflict in the Middle East would drive up global oil and gas prices. But those higher prices would restrict economic activity in Australia, which saw traders sell down the big banks as well as consumer-facing companies from Flight Centre and Qantas to Breville and gambling company Tabcorp. Furniture retailer Temple and Webster shed more than $100m in value. Worsening prospects for global economic growth mean a poorer outlook for Australian commodity prices, pushing down share prices for Mineral Resources, Pilbara Minerals and Champion Iron. Share Updated at 02.22 BST

2h ago 02.16 BST Earlier, Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, told an emergency meeting of the UN security council that the US had “decided to destroy diplomacy” with its strikes on Iran. 2:50 Iran will decide ‘timing, nature and scale’ of its response to US, Israeli attacks – video Share

2h ago 02.10 BST Israel has made a ‘grave mistake’, Khamenei’s social media account says Israel has made a “grave mistake” and “must be punished”, a social media account associated with Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said in what would be his first comments since the US joined Israel’s war on his country. The post on X read: The Zionist enemy has made a grave mistake, committed a great crime; it must be punished and is being punished; it is being punished right now. The post was accompanied by a picture of a skull with the star of David on it sitting on top a darkened city with missiles raining down. Share

3h ago 01.54 BST US state department issues ‘worldwide caution’ for Americans The US State Department has issued a “worldwide caution” for Americans, saying the conflict between Israel and Iran could put those travelling or living abroad at an increased security risk. In a post on its website it wrote: The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East. There is the potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises US citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution. The statement made no mention of the US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend which Tehran has warned will have “irreparable consequences.” Iran on Sunday warned that US forces could be attacked in retaliation for the unprecedented air strikes, which were condemned by international law experts as illegal. “Any country in the region or elsewhere that is used by American forces to strike Iran will be considered a legitimate target for our armed forces,” Ali Akbar Velayati, an advisor to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said in a message carried by the official Irna news agency. The US on Saturday began evacuation flights from Israel for American citizens and permanent US residents living in Israel or the West Bank. It also ordered staff at its diplomatic missions in Iraq and Lebanon to leave those countries. Share

3h ago 01.48 BST Israel and Iran exchange another round of missiles Israel and Iran have exchanged another round of missiles in the past hour. In Iran, explosions were heard in Karaj, west of Tehran, Iranian news agencies reported. In an update last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency said Israeli strikes had destroyed two buildings in Karaj where different centrifuge components were manufactured. Iranian outlet Nour news also reported early on Monday that airstrikes had hit Parchin, a military complex south-east of Tehran. In Israel, sirens were sounded after 3am when the military said that Iran had launched a missile attack, but no direct impacts or injuries were reported. On Sunday at least three people were killed when an Israeli airstrike hit an ambulance in central Iran, local media reported, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP). The ISNA news agency reported, quoting Hamidreza Mohammadi Fesharaki, the governor of Najafabad county in the central Isfahan province: The ambulance … was en route to transfer a patient when it was severely damaged by a drone strike. All occupants of the ambulance – including the driver, the patient, and the patient’s companion – were martyred. The impact of the drone caused the ambulance to veer off course and collide with a passing vehicle. Share

It is already obvious that some governments are not acting fast enough to keep the planet’s temperature from rising dangerously. While it is essential to continue to concentrate on reducing methane and carbon dioxide emissions as quickly as possible, other methods of cooling the planet need to be urgently explored, according to academics at the University of Cambridge’s engineering department.

One of the problems is that many of the ideas put forward so far, including injecting sulphates into the atmosphere to reflect sunlight back into space, could do more harm than good. This is because sulphates cause acid rain and interfere with rainfall patterns.

To avoid controversy researchers are experimenting with alternatives to sulphates, substances that reflect sunlight but are benign. They will hoist them into the stratosphere using weather balloons then recover them to see what changes this exposure causes. No materials will be released but their cooling effect and whether they could otherwise be harmless can be gauged.

Other ideas like drilling holes in the Arctic ice in the winter and pumping seawater over existing ice floes in below freezing air temperatures to thicken them are also being tried, along with spraying seawater to form clouds over the ocean, also to reflect sunlight. If these ideas are otherwise harmless, and work, they might yet save us.

4.07am BST

Commercial airlines around the world are weighing how long to suspend Middle East flights after the US attack on Iran over the weekend. Reuters reports:

Singapore Airlines, one of the highest-profile in Asia, had called the situation “fluid” on Sunday as it cancelled flights from Singapore to Dubai following a security assessment. The Middle East route has become more important for flights between Europe and Asia since Russian and Ukrainian airspace closed due to war, but flight tracking website FlightRadar24 showed empty space over Iran, Iraq, Syria and Israel.

Following US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, commercial traffic in the region is operating as it has since new airspace restrictions were put into place last week.

Image from 01:45 UTC 22 June. pic.twitter.com/IeJBa9kvF4 — Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) June 22, 2025

Air France KLM said on Sunday that it cancelled flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh on Sunday and Monday. British Airways, owned by IAG ICAG.L, also cancelled flights to and from Dubai and Doha for Sunday. It was still reviewing the situation, it said in a statement on Sunday evening, when asked about later flights.

Missile and drone barrages in a growing number of conflict zones represent a high risk to airline traffic, and an organization that monitors flight risks, Safe Airspace, a website run by OPSGROUP, warned on Sunday that US attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites could heighten the threat to American operators in the region.

In the days before the U.S. strikes, American Airlines suspended flights to Qatar and United Airlines did the same with flights to Dubai.

Airlines are also concerned about a potential spike in oil prices following the U.S. attacks, which will increase the cost of jet fuel.

Israel meanwhile is ramping up flights to help stranded travellers at home and abroad.

The country’s Airports Authority says that so-called rescue flights to the country would expand on Monday with 24 a day, although each flight would be limited to 50 passengers. Israeli airline El Al on Sunday said it had received applications to leave the country from about 25,000 people in about a day.

Continuous updates; facts and sources are still being cross-checked.

Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.

Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on the phone Tuesday, shortly after the president’s Situation Room briefing on Iran, a White House official told Associated Press. The official did not offer details about their call. Netanyahu told media on Monday that he had spoken with Trump on the phone almost every day since the Israel-Iran conflict broke out last week. What to Know: During his security briefing on Tuesday afternoon, Trump discussed a range of options for dealing with Iran, including a U.S. strike on the country, several administration officials told NBC News.

Several military leaders were spotted leaving the White House after the briefing, along with Special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine.

Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric, calling for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and suggesting U.S. military involvement in the conflict.

Israeli officials are pushing for U.S. strikes on Iran’s Fordow nuclear site, but Trump has yet to confirm direct intervention.

Iran launched a new series of strikes of Israel on Tuesday evening, hours after accusing the nation of launching cyberattacks on its digital infrastructure, disrupting banking and online services.

The G7 leaders issued a statement backing Israel but urging de-escalation, while Trump signals he seeks a decisive end to hostilities. Newsweek’s live blog is closed.

07:48 PM EDT Lindsey Graham says Trump will be the US president to finally rid Iran of its nuclear ambitions Sen. Lindsey Graham has said that President Donald Trump will keep his promise to rid Iran of its nuclear program forever. Speaking at the Capitol on Tuesday, the Republican senator, who has been pushing for the U.S. to take a more active role in the Israel-Iran conflict, warned that Iran having a nuclear weapon was not just a threat to Israel, but also to the United States. “Four presidents have promised to make sure that Iran never has a nuclear weapon. I think it will be Donald Trump that delivers on that promise,” he told CNN.

07:35 PM EDT Israeli ambassador warns of a ‘war to end wars’ with Iran Israeli ambassador Yechiel Leiter has warned that Israel’s conflict with Iran will be a “war to end wars.” “This is a war to end wars not to start endless wars,” said Leiter, Tuesday. “We are going to prosecute this war whether the ayatollah survives or not.” The ambassador’s comments came during a discussion about President Donald Trump’s claim earlier Tuesday, that he knows where Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is hiding, but that he doesn’t plan to kill him, “at least not for now.”

07:29 PM EDT Israeli Air Force responds with series of strikes on Tehran The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has responded to Iran’s multiple rounds of missile attacks on Tuesday, with its own series of strikes on Tehran, CNN reports.

07:26 PM EDT Defiant Iran leader Khamenei says he will show Israel ‘no mercy’ Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei has announced he will show Israel “no mercy” as Iran launches its second round of missiles within an hour. “We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime,” he said in a Tuesday evening post on X, formerly Twitter. “We will show the Zionists no mercy.” We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime.

We will show the Zionists no mercy. — Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 17, 2025

07:19 PM EDT Iran launches ten ballistic missiles towards Israel, military says Irani military says it launched approximately 10 ballistic missiles toward Israel on Tuesday evening. Most of them were intercepted by Israel’s missile defense system. Fire and rescue teams in Israel teams are responding to reports of a direct hit on a residential building in Tel Aviv and multiple fires.

07:17 PM EDT US embassy in Jerusalem closed as Donald Trump weighs attacks on Iran The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will be closed from Wednesday through Friday as President Donald Trump weighs military attacks on Iran.

07:07 PM EDT Israeli military tells residents to brace for second round of missiles Israel’s IDF Home Front Command has warned residents to seek shelter after it detected a second round of Iranian missiles launched towards Tel Aviv within an hour.

06:43 PM EDT Trump spoke with Netanyahu by phone today President Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke via phone today, a White House official told Politico. Netanyahu told media on Monday that he’d had a call with Trump almost every day since the Israel-Iran conflict broke out last week. The call took place shortly after Trump met with his national security team to discuss potential options on Iran.

06:31 PM EDT IN PICTURES: Israeli Iron Dome air defense system intercepts missiles during Iranian attack over Tel Aviv The Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles during an Iranian attack over Tel Aviv, Israel, early Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) The Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles during an Iranian attack over Tel Aviv, Israel, early Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Leo Correa/AP The Israeli air defense system fires to intercept missiles during an Iranian attack over Tel Aviv, Israel, early Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) The Israeli air defense system fires to intercept missiles during an Iranian attack over Tel Aviv, Israel, early Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Leo Correa/AP

06:15 PM EDT Son of Iran’s last shah and prominent critic says regime is near collapse Reza Pahlavi, the American-based son of Iran’s last shah, has warned that supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s regime and the Islamic Republic is at the point of collapse. Pahlavi, whose father was overthrown in 1979, called for Iranians to rise up and seize their country in several posts on X. “The Islamic Republic has come to its end and is collapsing. What has begun is irreversible. The future is bright, and together we will turn the page of history. “Now is the time to stand up; the time to reclaim Iran. May I be with you soon,” he added. The Islamic Republic has come to its end and is collapsing. What has begun is irreversible. The future is bright, and together we will turn the page of history. Now is the time to stand up; the time to reclaim Iran. May I be with you soon. pic.twitter.com/qrbnDmf8SX — Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) June 17, 2025

06:00 PM EDT Donald Trump’s pledge of no new wars runs into reality of Middle East President Donald Trump entered office vowing to bring a swift end to the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Five months in, foreign conflicts are now threatening to overshadow Trump’s second term as a new war escalates between Israel and Iran and concerns grow that the United States could soon take an active role in fighting Tehran. Trump referred to himself as an anti-war president upon his return to the White House and even argued that his efforts to broker peace around the world deserved a Nobel Peace prize. But the Israel-Iran conflict has highlighted Trump’s challenge in shaping foreign affairs while maintaining political support at home with the isolationist and ascendent MAGA wing of the Republican Party. “Trump has found that making peace is hard,” said Richard Gowan, the UN director of the International Crisis Group. Read in full from Daniel Bush on Newsweek.

05:52 PM EDT Israelis urged to seek shelter as new round of Iranian missiles aimed at Israel, say military Israel’s home front command is urging residents to seek immediate shelter. The IDF home front command said that is has detected a new round of Iranian missile launches aimed at Israel. Meanwhile, air raid sirens rang out across Tel Aviv as explosions were seen overhead.

05:37 PM EDT Trump considering potential strike on Iran, say officials after Situation Room briefing Donald Trump is considering a range of options to dealing with Iran, including a U.S. strike on the country, several administration officials told NBC News after the president’s Situation Room briefing with his national security team. The meeting wrapped earlier this afternoon and several military leaders were spotted leaving the White House a short time later, along with Special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine.

05:21 PM EDT WATCH: Trump looking for a ‘real end’ to Iran-Israel conflict

05:14 PM EDT All the signs Trump is preparing for a US attack on Iran As an unprecedented conflict between Israel and Iran dragged on into a fifth day, President Donald Trump has increasingly indicated that he was seriously considering a direct intervention in the fight. And while the Pentagon has thus far maintained that U.S. forces were operating in a purely “defensive posture,” while also assisting Israeli interceptions of Iranian missiles, evidence is mounting that the White House is marching toward military action against the Islamic Republic. Just prior to Israel launching its large-scale campaign on Thursday, Trump had signaled a willingness to continue nuclear negotiations with Iran, the sixth round of which had been scheduled to be held in Oman last Sunday. Even after the initial Israeli strikes began, Trump called on Tehran to double down on efforts to reach an agreement. As of Monday, however, Trump has adopted a notably more ominous tone. Shortly before his abrupt exit from the G7 meeting being held in Canada, he called on residents of Tehran, home to nearly 10 million people, to immediately evacuate, and later met with top national security officials at the White House Situation Room. Read in full from Tom O’Connor on Newsweek.

05:07 PM EDT Iranian state TV warns of ‘a surprise tonight that the world will remember’ Iranian state TV has warned of “a surprise tonight that the world will remember for centuries.” The warning comes as President Donald Trump called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” as tensions rapidly escalate in the Israel-Iran conflict. JUST IN – Iranian TV: There is a surprise tonight that the world will remember for centuries pic.twitter.com/rO4sv7MKoV — Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) June 17, 2025

04:50 PM EDT Democrat senator says ‘hell yes’ to US involvement on Iran Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman says he support the U.S. getting involved in the Israel-Iran war. “I’ve been saying, ‘Oh, hell yes,’ for I think it’s almost six weeks,” Fetterman said when asked about America launching a pre-emptive strike on Iran. “Bombing and destroying their nuclear facilities, that’s about peace,” he added. Fetterman also rejected the resolution put forward by Sen. Tim Kaine to limit Trump’s war powers.

04:35 PM EDT WATCH: Trump says Canada can be under ‘Golden Dome’ for $71 billion

04:29 PM EDT Lindsey Graham takes a swipe at Marjorie Taylor Greene over Iran Sen. Lindsey Graham has taken aim at Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene after she accused Republicans of “slobbering” over the idea of the U.S. entering Israel’s war with Iran. “Yeah, I mean, I like Marjorie, but I’d be honest with it, she doesn’t understand the threat in my view,” Graham said on Fox News Tuesday. “If you don’t understand that Iran, a religious theocracy, religious Nazis would use a nuclear weapon to kill all the Jews, you don’t listen to what they say, they’re a threat to us.” Graham praised Trump’s apparent willingness to go to war, and urged the president to join the conflict early and not “overthink” it. “Somebody’s got to deal with it,” the senator added.

04:12 PM EDT Trump’s Situation Room meeting with national security aides has ended President Donald Trump’s Situation Room meeting with national security aides has ended, according to the White House.

04:00 PM EDT MAGA split deepens over Trump’s stance on Israel-Iran conflict A growing divide has emerged among Trump’s MAGA supporters, as some of his most vocal allies push back against his consideration of greater U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran war. Figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Tucker Carlson, and Charlie Kirk have publicly criticized Trump’s departure from his America First stance, reminding audiences of his 2024 campaign promises to avoid foreign entanglements. Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham and other conservatives argue that Trump should fully back Israel, including providing bunker-busting bombs to target Iran’s nuclear sites. Trump’s abrupt exit from the G7 Summit and his ominous social media warnings have fueled speculation that the U.S. may be deepening its involvement. His recent call for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” has further intensified the debate within his base.

03:51 PM EDT Oil prices surge as U.S. weighs deeper involvement in Israel-Iran war Oil prices climbed nearly 5%, surpassing $75 per barrel, as traders reacted to the possibility of U.S. military involvement in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. The surge marks a $10 increase since early June, reflecting heightened concerns over regional stability and potential disruptions to Middle East oil supplies. Market analysts warn that further escalation could increase prices, particularly if tensions threaten key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil exports.

03:38 PM EDT Israel’s covert operation cripples Iran’s defenses, nuclear sites Israel executed a highly coordinated intelligence and military operation, striking key Iranian targets with precision. The attack, guided by spies and artificial intelligence, involved warplanes and armed drones smuggled into Iran, effectively disabling air defenses and missile systems. With greater aerial freedom, Israel bombarded nuclear sites and eliminated top Iranian generals and scientists. By the time Iran responded, its retaliatory capabilities were significantly weakened, following previous Israeli strikes. The operation, reportedly years in the making, was based on intelligence gathered by Israeli officials, some of whom spoke anonymously about the clandestine mission.

03:25 PM EDT Macron warns against military-driven regime change in Iran French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned against using military force to change Iran’s government, calling it a strategic mistake that could lead to chaos. Speaking at the G7 summit in Canada, Macron referenced past interventions in Iraq and Libya, questioning their effectiveness. While Macron reaffirmed France’s stance that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons and that Israel has the right to defend itself, he criticized Israeli strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure, warning they could further destabilize the region. His remarks come as concerns grow over potential U.S. involvement in the conflict, with Trump signaling a hardline approach toward Iran.

03:07 PM EDT Israel targets ballistic missile sites in Isfahan amid ongoing strikes The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Tuesday evening that its air force is striking 12 ballistic missile launch sites in Isfahan, continuing its broader campaign against Iranian military infrastructure. Since launching airstrikes on Iran, Israel has targeted three key nuclear facilities, including Isfahan, aiming to weaken Iran’s missile capabilities. Meanwhile, Iranian state television reported that Tehran’s air defenses were responding to a fresh wave of Israeli attacks in densely populated areas. The IDF released footage claiming to show three missile storage and launch sites struck in Isfahan, though independent verification remains pending. IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin stated that Iranian forces have retreated toward central Iran, shifting their missile launch operations to Isfahan. In a separate statement, the IDF announced that it had destroyed over 70 Iranian aerial defense missile batteries, along with missile launchers and detection radars designed to counter Israeli airstrikes.

03:00 PM EDT ‘President is perfectly within his authority,’ says Thune on Iran Majority Leader of the United States Senate, John Thune, has backed President Trump’s actions on Iran so far, as lawmakers introduced a bipartisan resolution seeking to restrain his war powers. “I think the President is perfectly within his authority in the steps that he has taken,” Thune said Tuesday. “You know, clearly, if this thing were to extend for some period of time, there could be a more fulsome discussion about what the role of Congress should be.”

02:56 PM EDT DHS establishes Middle East Task Force to help Americans fleeing Israel, Iran The State Department has established a special task force to help Americans trying to flee Israel, Iran and neighboring countries amid the escalating conflict. Run by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the task force is operating 24 hours to provide information to U.S citizens and lawful permanent residents trying to return to America. So far, no government evacuations have been planned. A State Department spokeswoman told reporters on Tuesday that the department is continuing to monitor the “complex and rapidly evolving situation on the ground as we continue to assess and address the needs of US citizens.”

02:38 PM EDT Republican lawmaker introduces resolution to block US involvement in Israel-Iran conflict Republican Congressman, Rep. Thomas Massie, has introduced a bipartisan resolution to block America’s involvement in the rapidly escalating Israel-Iran conflict. The ‘Iran War Powers Resolution’ seeks to limit the powers of President Donald Trump to unilaterally decide to carry out strikes on Iran. “This is not our war. But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution,” Massie said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday ahead of the resolution, which is co-sponsored by Democrat Ro Khanna. “I invite all members of Congress to cosponsor this resolution,” said Massie, one of the few Republicans to regularly break ranks to oppose Trump. Just IN 🚨: Rep. Thomas Massie officially introduces bipartisan ‘Iran War Powers Resolution’ to prohibit U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict.

The resolution would seek to limit ‘War Powers’ President Trump takes, to include strikes to nuclear facilities deep in Iran. pic.twitter.com/ecY6XbtkqJ — Anthony (@AnthonyCabassa_) June 17, 2025

02:30 PM EDT Iran military warns Israelis in Haifa, Tel Aviv to evacuate before ‘punitive operation’ The chief of staff of Iran’s Armed Forces has warned residents of Israeli cities Haifa and Tel Aviv in Israel to evacuate ahead ahead of what he dubbed Iran’s “punitive operation.” “The operations carried out so far have been a warning for deterrence and a punitive operation will be carried out soon,” Abdolrahim Mousavi said in a clip shared by Iranian state media.

02:14 PM EDT Trump reveals new price tag for Canada to join ‘Golden Dome’ defense system President Donald Trump increased the proposed price for Canada’s participation in the U.S. Golden Dome missile defense system. “They want to be in,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday. “Seventy-one billion they’re going to pay.” The new price tag is $10 billion higher than Trump’s earlier public demand for Canadian entry into the program. Newsweek has contacted the White House and Canada’s prime ministerial office via email for comment. Canada’s defense ministry directed questions to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office. Read in full from Ellie Cook on Newsweek.

01:52 PM EDT Russia warns Israel-Iran conflict could spark global crisis Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia cautioned Tuesday that the military exchanges between Israel and Iran pose a risk of wider geopolitical escalation beyond the region. Nebenzia revealed that President Vladimir Putin spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump after Israeli strikes began, offering Moscow’s assistance in facilitating de-escalation. The Russian envoy also expressed concerns about potential radiation leaks from Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, which Israeli attacks have targeted. He warned that threats to strike Iran’s underground Fordo site and other nuclear locations could have severe consequences.

01:23 PM EDT HRANA reports over 450 killed in Iran amid Israel conflict The Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA) has reported that 452 people have been killed since Israeli strikes began on Friday, with 646 others injured. According to HRANA, 224 of the dead were civilians, while 109 were military personnel. The remaining casualties have not yet been identified. Iranian authorities have not released official figures on losses since the conflict began. The escalating violence has led to widespread destruction, with Tehran residents fleeing as airstrikes continue.

12:58 PM EDT Iranian state TV urges public to delete WhatsApp over spying claims Iranian state television on Tuesday called on citizens to remove WhatsApp from their smartphones, alleging—without evidence—that the app collects user data for Israel. WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, swiftly denied the accusations, stating that its end-to-end encryption prevents any third party from accessing private messages. The company expressed concern that false claims could be used as a pretext to block its services at a critical time. Iran has previously restricted access to foreign apps during periods of unrest, raising concerns that the government may be tightening control over digital communication

12:46 PM EDT Gabbard insists no divide with Trump on Iran nuclear assessment Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard defended her stance on Iran’s nuclear program, insisting there is no contradiction between her earlier testimony and Trump’s recent remarks. Speaking on Capitol Hill, Gabbard said Trump’s claim that Iran is “very close” to obtaining a nuclear weapon aligns with her March threat assessment, despite media reports suggesting a discrepancy. In her March testimony, Gabbard said that Iran was not actively building a nuclear weapon and that Supreme Leader Khamenei had not reauthorized a nuclear weapons program since suspending it in 2003. However, Trump dismissed concerns over the distinction, asserting that Iran was on the verge of acquiring nuclear capabilities. Pressed on whether she and Trump were in agreement, Gabbard told CNN, “We are on the same page.”

12:36 PM EDT Trump posts ‘unconditional surrender’ amid conflict Trump posted “unconditional surrender!” on Truth Social, likely referring to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.

12:31 PM EDT Cyberattack disrupts Iran’s Sepah Bank, threatens gas station services Iran’s Sepah Bank, a significant financial institution linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has suffered a cyberattack, causing widespread disruptions to its online and remote services. The Fars News Agency reported that the attack could impact fuel stations, potentially leading to service interruptions in the coming hours. Reports from Iranian media and local sources indicate that customers are experiencing difficulties accessing accounts online and withdrawing cash from ATMs. The hacktivist group Predatory Sparrow, known for previous cyberattacks on Iranian infrastructure, has claimed responsibility, stating that it destroyed key banking data. Iranian authorities have yet to officially comment on the extent of the damage, but concerns are growing over the broader impact on financial and fuel services

12:17 PM EDT Trump declares U.S. air superiority over Iran Trump said on Truth Social that the United States has complete control over Iran’s airspace. Trump’s statement follows reports that Israeli forces have crippled Iran’s air defenses, allowing unrestricted aerial operations over Tehran. Military analysts suggest that U.S. technology has played a key role in securing air dominance, though Iran has attempted to counter Israeli and U.S. air operations. The declaration comes amid ongoing missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, raising concerns about further escalation in the region.

12:05 PM EDT JD Vance defends Trump’s stance on Iran’s nuclear program Vice President JD Vance took to social media Tuesday to defend Trump’s long-standing position that Iran must not have a nuclear weapon. In a detailed post, Vance emphasized that Trump has been consistent for over a decade in opposing Iranian uranium enrichment, arguing that Tehran has violated non-proliferation obligations. Vance distinguished between civilian nuclear power and uranium enrichment, stating that Iran rejected alternatives that would allow nuclear energy without enrichment. He also noted that Trump has exercised restraint, keeping the U.S. military focused on protecting American troops and citizens. While acknowledging concerns about U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts, Vance asserted that American interests drive Trump’s decisions. He hinted that further action against Iran’s enrichment program remains on the table. Look, I’m seeing this from the inside, and am admittedly biased towards our president (and my friend), but there’s a lot of crazy stuff on social media, so I wanted to address some things directly on the Iran issue:

First, POTUS has been amazingly consistent, over 10 years, that… — JD Vance (@JDVance) June 17, 2025

11:52 AM EDT Iran bans officials from using communication devices amid conflict According to a Tuesday announcement by the semiofficial Fars news agency, Iran has prohibited government officials and their bodyguards from using mobile phones, smart watches, and laptops. While Iranian authorities did not provide a reason for the ban, reports suggest it may be linked to concerns that Israel used digital signatures from electronic devices to target Iranian military leaders in recent airstrikes. The restriction comes as Iran continues to face Israeli attacks

11:33 AM EDT Iran restricts international calls, internet access amid conflict Iran has begun limiting access to international communication, with landline phones unable to receive or dial overseas calls as of Tuesday night. The government has not officially acknowledged the restriction, but similar measures have been imposed during past protests and the Iran-Iraq war. Internet users also report blocked access to international websites, while local sites remain functional. This suggests Iran has activated its “halal net”, a state-controlled version of the internet designed to restrict public access to foreign information. The move comes amid escalating tensions with Israel, raising concerns about government control over information flow

11:08 AM EDT Germany’s Merz: Iran’s regime weakened, future uncertain German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated Tuesday that recent Israeli attacks have significantly weakened Iran’s leadership and may not regain its former strength. Speaking at the G7 summit in Canada, Merz described Iran’s future as “uncertain” amid its ongoing conflict with Israel. Merz also suggested that Iran’s nuclear program could be targeted if Tehran refuses to negotiate on abandoning its pursuit of nuclear weapons. “We will have to wait and see,” he told German broadcaster Welt. Despite the escalating tensions, Merz reaffirmed that Germany, France, and the United Kingdom remain open to diplomatic assistance if talks resume. “If a new situation were to arise, we would again be prepared to provide diplomatic assistance, as we were until last Thursday,” he said.

10:52 AM EDT ‘Iran is attacking again’ – IDF The Israel Defense Forces X account has shared, “Iran is attacking again, so we’re posting again.” Iran is attacking again, so we’re posting again. — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 17, 2025

10:50 AM EDT Lawmakers push to limit Trump’s war powers on Iran Members of Congress are moving to restrict President Donald Trump’s authority to engage U.S. forces in hostilities against Iran, as concerns grow over potential American involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, The New York Times reported this morning. In the House of Representatives, Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) plan to introduce a bipartisan resolution on Tuesday requiring congressional approval before U.S. troops could launch offensive attacks against Iran. The measure reflects growing sentiment among lawmakers that military action should not be left solely to the president. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) introduced a similar effort in the Senate on Monday, though it faces significant hurdles in the Republican-controlled chamber. Kaine has long advocated for Congress to reclaim its constitutional authority over war decisions, arguing that any military engagement with Iran must be explicitly authorized. The push comes as Israel continues its military campaign against Iran, raising fears of broader regional conflict and potential U.S. entanglement.

10:35 AM EDT Narges Mohammadi signals departure from Tehran amid Israeli strikes Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi, who has been on extended leave from Evin Prison, indicated on X that she has left Tehran as Israeli airstrikes continue to target the city. “I left home,” Mohammadi wrote, hoping she would return one day. She acknowledged the millions of Iranians fleeing war and urged solidarity: “Let’s be each other’s refuge.” Mohammadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has long been a vocal critic of Iran’s government, despite multiple arrests and years behind bars. She had been serving a 13-year sentence on charges of collusion against state security and propaganda. Her departure comes as Tehran empties, with residents seeking safety amid escalating conflict.

10:21 AM EDT US tanker aircraft head to Middle East as threat of Iran war rises U.S. Air Force aerial refueling aircraft are heading for the Middle East amid an escalating war between Israel and Iran and the possibility that U.S. forces could also become involved, according to flight data tracking sources. Newsweek has reached out to the Pentagon for comment. The U.S. is redeploying military forces as the conflict between Israel and Iran stretched over the week, raising tensions between Washington and Tehran. The American repositioning could be a sign of an increased possibility that it gets involved in an attack on Iran although Washington has so far said that it is not joining Israel in striking Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously not ruled out military action if Iran did not agree to curbs on its nuclear program. Iran has also blamed the United States for Israel’s attacks though has not repeated earlier threats of attacking U.S. bases in the region. Read the full story by Amira El-Fekki on Newsweek.

10:05 AM EDT Timelapse shows US tankers flying to the Middle East

09:51 AM EDT Xi Jinping calls for de-escalation in Middle East conflict Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, calling for diplomatic efforts to restore stability. Speaking at the China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, Xi emphasized that military conflict is not a solution and urged all parties to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity. China, a key diplomatic and economic partner of Iran, has positioned itself as a potential mediator. Xi states that Beijing is ready to play a constructive role in achieving peace. His remarks mark his first public statement on the conflict since it began on Friday

09:38 AM EDT EU warns U.S. involvement in Israel-Iran war could escalate conflict European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas cautioned Tuesday that U.S. military involvement in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict could drag the region into a broader war. Following a video conference with the foreign ministers of the 27-nation bloc, Kallas emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions and urged all sides to exercise restraint. She reiterated that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon, stressing that diplomacy is the only viable path to prevent further escalation. Kallas also noted that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had acknowledged concerns about American involvement, stating that it was not in Washington’s interest to be drawn into the conflict.

09:16 AM EDT Alon Pinkas warns U.S. regime change in Iran could backfire Former Israeli Consul General Alon Pinkas cautioned against U.S.-led regime change in Iran, arguing that such an effort could create instability rather than a smooth transition. Speaking on CNN’s Early Start, Pinkas noted that “it’s not like Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson are waiting on the sidelines” to take over from Iran’s leadership. Pinkas outlined three options for the U.S.: staying out of the conflict, offering Iran a diplomatic off-ramp, or direct military involvement. He warned that deeper U.S. engagement could repeat past mistakes, referencing the failed regime change in Iraq.

08:59 AM EDT Russia’s drone production unlikely to be affected by Middle East conflict Russia manufactures its drones for the war in Ukraine, making it unlikely to face immediate disruptions from the escalating conflict in the Middle East, according to David Albright, an expert on Russian and Iranian drones, the Associated Press reported. Most of Russia’s drones are produced at the Alabuga plant in Tatarstan, though Moscow initially purchased a limited number from Tehran before establishing its production facilities. Albright noted that Iran has decades of experience in drone manufacturing. Still, with rising tensions, Russia may struggle to obtain more advanced models from Iran, which will likely prioritize its own military needs.

08:46 AM EDT China touts weapons capabilities as Iran’s defenses collapse Black smoke billows from the headquarters of Iranian state television in Tehran following an Israeli attack on June 16, 2025. The attack occurred during a live broadcast, filling the studio with dust and debris and… Black smoke billows from the headquarters of Iranian state television in Tehran following an Israeli attack on June 16, 2025. The attack occurred during a live broadcast, filling the studio with dust and debris and forcing an anchor to run off camera. More Kyodo via Associated Press The collapse of Iran’s air defenses in the face of Israeli attacks has prompted influential Chinese commentators to say it could have fared better if it had been supplied with Chinese weaponry. Chinese fighter aircraft proved themselves in combat for Pakistan during its recent confrontation with India, with Pakistani forces claiming to have shot down Indian jets. “Iran’s biggest mistake was not purchasing weapons from China,” wrote “Former HR himself,” a Weibo account with two million followers. Newsweek reached out to the Iranian and Chinese foreign ministeries by email with requests for comment. The Chinese comments on the failure of Iran’s air defenses, which were largely dependent on Russian systems, highlight the increasing prominence of the latest Chinese weapons technology and China’s desire to secure new markets for it. The apparent success of Chinese air power in the confrontation between India and Pakistan had already elevated its profile, with stocks in Chinese defense company AVIC Shenyang soaring by 10 percent on last week’s news that Pakistan planned to acquire 40 of its J-35 fighters. Countries unable to acquire advanced fighter jets from the U.S. are increasingly turning to China as an alternative supplier, as Beijing positions itself as a viable competitor by ramping up exports and strategic partnerships, as well as showcasing its aircraft in military drills. Read the full story by Micah McCartney and Amira El-Fekki on Newsweek.

08:33 AM EDT WHO chief warns of health risks from strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned Tuesday that military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities could have serious environmental and health consequences across the region. Since Friday, Israel has targeted multiple sites in Iran, including nuclear infrastructure, raising concerns about radiation exposure and long-term health risks. In a statement on social media, Dr. Tedros called the escalation “extremely concerning” and urged all parties to work toward peace. The warning comes as global leaders debate diplomatic solutions to prevent further destabilization in the Middle East. The escalation of violence between Israel and Iran is extremely concerning — and is costing the lives of civilians, including children. The growing number of injured civilians are also distressing.

@WHO’s particular concern is the targeting of nuclear sites, which may have… pic.twitter.com/ECCXlxoBRy — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) June 17, 2025

08:20 AM EDT European ministers urge Iran, Israel to de-escalate tensions France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot delivers a speech during a conference dubbed “Paris Call for the Two-State Solution, Peace and Regional Security” at the French Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE)… France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot delivers a speech during a conference dubbed “Paris Call for the Two-State Solution, Peace and Regional Security” at the French Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) in Paris on June 13, 2025. More Thibaud Moritz/Getty Images French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and later with Iranian, British, and German foreign ministers on Monday, discussing the escalating conflict in the Middle East. According to a French diplomatic official, the ministers urged Iran to return to negotiations without conditions and avoid actions that could further destabilize the region. They also warned against nuclear escalation, including withdrawing from the Non-Proliferation Treaty or halting cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Additionally, the ministers conveyed messages to Israel, emphasizing the need to avoid targeting Iranian authorities, infrastructure, and civilians. The discussions reflect growing international concerns over the conflict’s impact on regional stability and global security.

08:07 AM EDT 45 Palestinians killed while waiting for aid trucks in Gaza At least 45 Palestinians were killed in the Gaza Strip while waiting for U.N. and commercial trucks carrying desperately needed food, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry and a local hospital. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, but Palestinian officials claim that Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire on crowds attempting to reach food distribution points run by a U.S. and Israeli-backed aid group, per AP. Local health officials report that scores have been killed and hundreds wounded in similar incidents. The Israeli military has acknowledged firing warning shots at individuals it deemed suspicious. The killings come amid growing concerns over famine in Gaza, as humanitarian aid deliveries face major obstacles due to military restrictions and lawlessness.

07:53 AM EDT 20 nations condemn Israel’s strikes on Iran, call for de-escalation Foreign ministers from 20 countries issued a joint statement Tuesday denouncing Israel’s military actions against Iran and urging diplomacy to restore stability in the Middle East. The statement emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire and warned that continued hostilities could further destabilize the region. The signatories, including Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE, rejected military solutions and called for peaceful negotiations. They also stressed the importance of eliminating nuclear and mass destruction weapons and protecting maritime security in international waters. The statement follows Israel’s recent airstrikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure, escalating tensions between the two nations. The foreign ministers urged all parties to respect international law and pursue diplomatic resolutions.

07:40 AM EDT India evacuates students from Tehran amid rising regional tensions India has begun evacuating students from Tehran, citing safety concerns as tensions escalate between Iran and Israel. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed Tuesday that some Indian nationals have also been assisted in leaving Iran through the Armenian border. The Indian government has advised those who can arrange their transport to evacuate immediately. The Indian Embassy in Tehran maintains contact with the community, providing logistical support and emergency assistance. The evacuation follows five days of missile strikes between Iran and Israel, prompting concerns for civilians in affected areas. The MEA has set up a 24/7 control room to coordinate evacuation efforts and provide updates.

07:25 AM EDT Israel claims killing of top Iranian general Ali Shadmani Israel announced Tuesday that its military had killed Gen. Ali Shadmani, a high-ranking Iranian commander, in an airstrike targeting Tehran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters. Shadmani was recently appointed to lead the command center, which oversees Iran’s military emergency operations. Iran has not yet officially acknowledged Shadmani’s death, but reports indicate that the strike is part of Israel’s broader campaign against Iran’s military leadership. Shadmani was a senior figure in Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, playing a key role in strategic operations. The attack follows a series of Israeli strikes aimed at weakening Iran’s military infrastructure, escalating tensions between the two nations.

07:12 AM EDT Iran warns U.S. of ‘painful responses’ over Israel’s attacks Iranian army cadets march during a parade commemorating National Army Day in front of the shrine of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, just outside Tehran, Iran, Friday, April 18, 2025. Iranian army cadets march during a parade commemorating National Army Day in front of the shrine of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, just outside Tehran, Iran, Friday, April 18, 2025. Vahid Salemi/AP Photo Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that the Islamic Republic “will have to show more painful responses,” if the United States fails to curb Israel’s attacks and accused Washington of being complicit in the strikes. Iran’s armed forces had previously threatened a massive regional response if Israel attacked its nuclear sites, including against U.S. targets in the region. Newsweek has reached out to the Israeli prime minister’s office and the U.S. State Department for comment. Pezeshkian’s comments come after Iran blamed Washington for the five-day-old Israeli offensive, accusing it of complicity and support. The escalating rhetoric signals the deepening rift between Tehran and Washington, raising fears of a broader regional confrontation that could draw in U.S. forces and further destabilize the Middle East. It raises further doubts over whether Iran will do a deal with the United States on its nuclear program as U.S. President Donald Trump has said it should.

06:54 AM EDT At least 51 Palestinians killed while waiting for aid trucks in Gaza, health officials say At least 51 Palestinians were killed and more than 200 others wounded Tuesday in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis as they waited near aid trucks carrying food, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry and local hospital sources. Eyewitnesses told The Associated Press that Israeli forces launched an airstrike on a nearby home before opening fire on the crowd gathered near United Nations and commercial relief convoys attempting to enter the besieged enclave. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the incident, stating troops had observed a large group of people near an aid truck that had become stuck in Khan Younis—an area where Israeli military operations were underway. “There are reports of several casualties from IDF gunfire as the crowd approached. The details are being investigated,” the IDF said in a statement.

06:25 AM EDT Khamenei warned he faces ‘a fate similar to Saddam Hussein’ Israel’s defence minister has warned Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei he could face “a fate similar to Saddam Hussein”, The Times of Israel reports. “I warn the Iranian dictator against continuing to commit war crimes and launching missiles at Israeli civilians,” Israel Katz said. “He would do well to remember the fate of the dictator in the country neighbouring Iran who chose this same path against the state of Israel.” Saddam was executed by hanging in 2006 after being convicted of crimes against humanity. In this television screen grab taken from Iraqi national television station Al-iraqia, a video shows the moments leading up to the execution of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein as he is led into the gallows… In this television screen grab taken from Iraqi national television station Al-iraqia, a video shows the moments leading up to the execution of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein as he is led into the gallows room to be prepared for hanging, on December 30, 2006 in Baghdad, Iraq. The former Iraqi president was executed by hanging at 0600 (0300 GMT) in a secure facility in the Northern Baghdad suburb of Khadimeya. More Photo by Al-iraqia via Getty Images

06:10 AM EDT Iran claims strike on Mossad center in Tel Aviv Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have claimed to have struck a Mossad center in Tel Aviv, Agence France-Presse reports. In a statement on state television, the Guards said they “struck the military intelligence centre of the Zionist regime’s army, Aman, and the Zionist regime’s terrorist operations planning centre, the Mossad, in Tel Aviv”. The Guards claimed the building was “currently on fire”. There was no immediate response from Israel.

06:01 AM EDT Iran cancels leave for doctors, nurses and emergency staff Iranian authorities have cancelled all leave for medical personnel nationwide. The directive affects doctors, nurses and emergency staff, reflecting heightened concerns over potential retaliation or regional fallout. Across the capital, banners calling for a “severe” response to Israel were prominently displayed, underscoring the government’s mobilization efforts. Long queues formed at gas stations throughout Tehran, as residents braced for possible disruptions. The government has yet to announce any formal measures affecting fuel distribution, but the panic buying is widespread, The Associated Press reported. Black smoke billows from the headquarters of Iranian state television in Tehran following an Israeli attack on June 16, 2025. The attack occurred during a live broadcast, filling the studio with dust and debris and… Black smoke billows from the headquarters of Iranian state television in Tehran following an Israeli attack on June 16, 2025. The attack occurred during a live broadcast, filling the studio with dust and debris and forcing an anchor to run off camera. More Kyodo via AP Images

05:35 AM EDT Trump seeking ‘a real end’ Trump has been speaking to reporters on board Air Force One and said he was “not too much in the mood to negotiate”. “We’re looking at better than a ceasefire,” he said. He was asked what is better than a ceasefire, and responded: “A real end. Not a ceasefire. An end.” “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, it’s very simple,” he said. “They should have done the deal. I told them, do the deal. So I don’t know. I’m not too much in the mood to negotiate.” When asked why he called for the nine million residents of Tehran to evacuate immediately, Trump said: “I just want people to be safe.” President Trump said on Air Force One that he wants “a real end,” with #Iran “giving up entirely” on its nuclear program. He predicted that Israeli won’t be slowing up its barrage on Iran. “You’re going to find out over the next two days. You’re going to find out. Nobody’s slowed… pic.twitter.com/z9PLFNdjhj — Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) June 17, 2025

05:30 AM EDT Tom O’Connor: Iran’s Opposition Is Divisive and Divided As Israel continues an unprecedented military operation against Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly called on Iranians to overthrow their government, going so far as to indicate that his forces’ operations “could certainly” lead to a regime change effort, Tom O’Connor writes. Now, a number of opposition groups based in the country and abroad are calling for a mass uprising against the Islamic Republic. Yet the Iranian government’s domestic foes are composed of a diverse and largely fractured array of factions, including secular dissidents, militias organized along ethnic lines, Islamist militants and those seeking to restore a monarchy with ancient roots. READ IN FULL: As Israel Eyes Regime Change, Iran’s Opposition Is Divisive and Divided People raise flags of Iran and allied factions in Enghelab Square during a rally in Tehran amid Israeli strikes against Iran on June 14, 2025. People raise flags of Iran and allied factions in Enghelab Square during a rally in Tehran amid Israeli strikes against Iran on June 14, 2025. HOSSEIN BERIS/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images

05:20 AM EDT Meloni urges Trump to negotiate with Iran Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni stressed “the opportunity to reopen the road of negotiations” with Iran during a bilateral meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the G-7 meeting in Canada, her office said in a statement Tuesday. She also underlined “the necessity in this moment” of reaching a ceasefire in Gaza.