Iran Israel war highlights: The conflict between Iran and Israel has entered its fifth day, with continued strikes from both countries. With both Iran and Israel vowing to carry out large strikes and target key areas, global and regional allies have called for an urgent de-escalation. US president Donald Trump, speaking at the G7 summit in Canada, has called on Iran to “talk before its too late”….Read More

In a major statement against Iran, Trump said that the US knows where Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is “hiding”, adding that Washington is “not going to take him out (kill!), at least for now”. He also called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” as tensions continued to flare up between Israel and Iran.

Since June 13, a total of 224 people have been killed in Iran, and over 1,200 others have been injured. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that at least 24 people have been killed and 592 have been injured.

Amid mounting conflict with Israel, Khamenei shifts powers to Iranian military: Report

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has transferred critical military authority to the IRGC. This follows reports of Khamenei relocating to a bunker. The conflict, now in its sixth day, has resulted in significant casualties. The US, while aware of Khamenei’s location, has yet to take action, but its patience is waning.

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Photo: TV9 Network)

New Delhi: Amid renewed threats issued by the US to Iran as Tehran’s war with Tel Aviv escalates, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has handed over crucial powers to the Supreme Council of the Iranian military, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

This follows after reports suggesting that Khamenei has been moved to an underground bunker in northeast Tehran, accompanied by close family members, including his son Mojtaba, according to Iran Insight.

Israel and Iran continued to trade missile attacks as their conflict entered its sixth day on Wednesday. The mounting tensions have increased risks for Iran, especially amid US involvement in the strife. US President Donald Trump has said even though the US knows where Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei is ‘hiding’, there is no plan to kill or take him out for the time. However, he also wrote: “Our patience is wearing thin.” Trump has also called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender”.

After he assumed power in 1989, Khamenei gradually consolidated ultimate control over the Iranian military and key state appointments. However, Khamenei, who once enjoyed unwavering support from trusted commanders and strategists, now finds himself increasingly isolated.

Several Iranian military officials, including senior commander Ali Shadmani, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes. The death of senior IRGC officials, most trusted by the Supreme Leader, has created a significant strategic vacuum in Iran, Reuters reported quoting officials familiar with the inner workings of Khamenei’s circle.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has contended that killing Khamenei would bring an end to the Iran-Israel conflict.

At least 248 people have died in the conflict that started after Israel attacked Iran’s nuclear sites and Tehran on Friday night.

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Tirtho Banerjee Tirtho has 28 years of experience as a media professional. He has worked in a number of media organisations, including India Today, The Times of India, The Telegraph, Down To Earth, Hindustan Times, Muscat Daily and Khaleej Times, in key roles. He has five poetry collections under his belt, and is working on his next book on short stories. Read More

A series of powerful Israeli airstrikes rocked the Iranian capital early Wednesday, marking the most direct and intense escalation yet in a weeklong military campaign aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. The strikes came just hours after US President Donald Trump warned Tehran’s residents to evacuate and demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender.” Smoke billows in the distance from an oil refinery following an Israeli strike on the Iranian capital Tehran.(AFP)

The early-morning bombardment sent shockwaves across Tehran as explosions lit up the predawn sky and shook buildings. While Iranian officials made no formal acknowledgment of the attacks, continuing a pattern of silence amid escalating strikes, residents reported a deafening blast around 5 am, with earlier detonations in the darkness.

At least 224 Iranians have been killed in the Israeli campaign so far, while Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks have left 24 Israelis dead. Over 400 missiles and hundreds of drones have been launched by Iran since Friday, with Israel’s air defence intercepting the majority.

Israeli Strike Hits Underground Natanz Centrifuge Facility

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed Wednesday that Israeli airstrikes had damaged the underground centrifuge halls at the Natanz uranium enrichment site – an escalation from initial reports indicating only above-ground destruction.

“Satellite imagery reveals direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls,” the IAEA reported, calling it the first confirmed hit on the deeply buried facility, where Iran is believed to house 10,000 centrifuges enriching uranium up to 60%.

Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful, but Western intelligence agencies and the IAEA warn that Tehran now possesses enough enriched uranium to produce multiple nuclear weapons if it decides to do so.

Israel Claims Assassination of Top Iranian Commander

Israel claimed that in the strikes, it has killed General Ali Shadmani, Iran’s newly appointed top military commander. Shadmani, little known until last week, had just taken over the role of commander at the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters following the death of his predecessor in another Israeli strike.

The Israeli military also warned of future strikes near Mehrabad International Airport, targeting both military and industrial zones within residential neighborhoods – raising concerns about civilian casualties.

Trump ‘considering US strike on Iran’ – hours after claiming to know supreme leader’s location

Donald Trump is said to be considering joining Israel in striking Iran. Picture: Alamy

By Josef Al Shemary

Donald Trump is reportedly considering joining Israel in attacking Iran, as officials say the US president is considering a US strike on the country.

Listen to this article Loading audio…

According to reports from American news outlets NBC and CBS, Trump is considering several options, including a US strike on Iran.

One possible location the US President is considering striking is Fordow, an underground nuclear site which Iran allegedly uses to enrich uranium.

The site is believed to be at the heart of Iran’s nuclear programme, according to sources who spoke to CBS, which include senior US officials.

Fordow is located almost 300 feet underground inside a mountain, and is protected by heavy fortifications and air defences. Experts believe it is where Iran has been enriching uranium for weapons purposes, which hasn’t yet been proven.

It comes just hours after the US president claimed to know the location of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Taking to his platform Truth Social, the US president claimed to know the “exact” location of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, adding: “We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.”

Labelling him an “easy target”, the bold statement follows threats that Iran would feel the “full strength and might” of the military if America be placed in Iran’s crosshairs.

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Taking to his platform Truth Social, the US president lauded that the US “know exactly” where Iran’s Supreme Leader is currently hiding, adding: “We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.”. Picture: Truth Social

Speaking from the G7 in Scotland on Tuesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insisted British people should not feel unsafe with President Donald Trump in the White House amid fears over conflict in the Middle East.

Reports suggest around 40 additional US air force jets have now arrived in the UK and Europe, comprising of stealth fighter bombers and air to air refuellers amid escalating tensions with Iran.

It comes as two unnamed US officials told Reuters on Monday that the jets were there “to provide options to President Donald Trump as Middle East tensions erupt into conflict between Iran and Israel.”

In another post to Truth Social, Trump urged for the “unconditional surrender” of Iran.

It’s a stance reinforced by JD Vance, who took to X to deliver a lengthy monologue praising the US Presidents “amazingly consistent’ opposition to Iranian enrichment.

“The president has made clear that Iran cannot have uranium enrichment. And he said repeatedly that this would happen one of two ways–the easy way or the “other” way,” Vance insisted.

“He may decide he needs to take further action to end Iranian enrichment,” he continued.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer arrives for G7, Ukraine and NATO Working Breakfast Session V during the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada. Picture date: Tuesday June 17, 2025. Picture: Alamy

“That decision ultimately belongs to the president. And of course, people are right to be worried about foreign entanglement after the last 25 years of idiotic foreign policy.”

The move follows Trump’s two-day deadline issued to Iran, as he vowed to bring a “real end” to Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Starmer later insisted Trump had been on “good form” at the G7.

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

Donald Trump has declared he wants “better than a ceasefire” and said he wants a “real end” to Iran’s nuclear threat.

Speaking to reporters on board Air Force One late on Monday, Mr Trump said: “I didn’t say I was looking for a ceasefire.”

He said he wants a ‘real end’ with Iran to give up “entirely” its ambitions to have nuclear weapons.

Mr Trump added he hoped the Iranian nuclear programme would be “wiped out long before” US involvement was required.

“The Israelis aren’t slowing up their barrage on Iran,” CBS reported the president as saying. “You’re going to find out over the next two days. You’re going to find out. Nobody’s slowed up so far.”

President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews early this morning. Picture: Alamy

Trump’s comments came just hours before Israel launched a fresh wave of strikes at the Iranian capital of Tehran.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it believes Israeli air strikes on Iran’s Natanz enrichment site have had “direct impacts” on the facility’s underground centrifuge halls.

The strikes are part of an air campaign Israel launched against its long-time enemy five days ago, which it said was targeting Iran’s military and nuclear programme.

But several residential buildings have also been hit in Tehran, as more than 220 people have been killed in Iran.

This marks the first time the UN’s nuclear watchdog has assessed damage from the strikes in the underground parts of Natanz, which is the main enrichment facility of Iran’s nuclear programme.

“Based on continued analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery collected after Friday’s attacks, the IAEA has identified additional elements that indicate direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls at Natanz,” the agency said.

Trump said he warned “everyone should evacuate Tehran” – as it was announced he would be departing the G7 leaders’ summit early due to the situation in the Middle East.

The conflict between Israel and Iran has been top of the agenda at the summit of wealthy democracies, taking place in Canada.

In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Mr Trump criticised Iran for refusing to agree to a nuclear deal with his administration.

“What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” he wrote.

“I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”

He later added: “AMERICA FIRST means many GREAT things, including the fact that, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”

A new round of nuclear talks scheduled for the weekend between the US and Iran were cancelled after Israel’s missile strikes.

Later on Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on X that Mr Trump would be leaving the summit early, following a dinner with heads of state.

“Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State,” she said.

Downing Street declined to comment on Mr Trump’s early exit.

(Left to right) European Council President Antonio Costa, Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Picture: Getty

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Picture: Getty

In a statement agreed at the summit, G7 leaders described Iran as “the principal source of regional instability and terror” as conflict rages in the Middle East, adding they “affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself”.

The statement, agreed before Mr Trump left the conference early on Monday evening, also includes a call for a “ceasefire in Gaza”.

The statement said: “We, the leaders of the G7, reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East.

“In this context, we affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel. We also affirm the importance of the protection of civilians.

“Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror. We have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.

“We will remain vigilant to the implications for international energy markets and stand ready to coordinate, including with like-minded partners, to safeguard market stability.”

Iran said at least 224 people had been killed in the country since strikes began on Friday, while Israeli officials said 24 people had been killed and more than 500 injured.

The back-and-forth between Israel and Iran has raised concerns about all-out war between the rival nations.

The latest conflict kicked off on Friday, when Israel launched an attack on top Iranian military leaders and the country’s nuclear programme.

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Leaders leave after the ‘family photo session’ during the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. Picture: Getty

Following this, Trump then blasted French President Macron over his early exit, saying he “always gets it wrong”.

“Publicity seeking President Emmanuel Macron, of France, mistakenly said that I left the G7 Summit, in Canada, to go back to D.C. to work on a “cease fire” between Israel and Iran. Wrong!

“He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire.

“Much bigger than that. Whether purposely or not, Emmanuel always gets it wrong. Stay Tuned!”

Caller Som has a warning from history as Israel and Iran conflict escalates

Iran retaliated by firing waves of missiles at Israel.

It comes after Sir Keir Starmer urged British nationals in Israel to register their presence there as countries step up efforts to bring back stranded citizens.

The Foreign Office has advised against all travel to Israel, but Britons already in the country now face difficulties getting home, with the airspace closed due to the conflict with Iran.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (right) and US President Donald Trump (second right) during the first working session at the G7 summit. Picture: Alamy

The Prime Minister said the UK was issuing advice for British citizens in Israel to register their presence.

“All of us are giving advice to our citizens for British nationals in Israel, we’re giving advice today to register their presence, so there will be a portal for that,” he said.

Downing Street said its key message to British nationals in Israel was to stay near shelter and follow the advice of local authorities.

The social-media trend du jour in Lebanon is videos of ballistic missiles streaking across the night sky. The projectiles, fired by Iran at Israel, have been the dramatic backdrop for house parties, dinners out and even a few weddings. Some of the people sharing such clips are glad to see strikes on Israel, which waged war in Lebanon last year. Many others are simply relieved that the missiles are headed somewhere else. The latter is a novel feeling, not only in Lebanon but across the Arab world. A regional war has erupted—but for once, it does not involve Arab countries (at least not yet).

There has been little sympathy for Israel, which should be no surprise: its brutal tactics in Gaza over the past 20 months have turned even some of its onetime Arab admirers into sharp critics. Scenes of ballistic missiles crashing into Tel Aviv, Haifa and other cities have looked, to some viewers in the region, like a small bit of karma. What is less obvious, perhaps, is the lack of sympathy for Iran as well.

More on the war between Israel and Iran:

The Islamic Republic has spent decades arming and funding militias in Arab countries: Hizbullah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, myriad others in Iraq. They were meant to serve as Iran’s forward defence, an insurance policy against Israeli or American attack. Over time they grew into uncontrollable forces: Iran’s militias assassinated scores of critics (including a former Lebanese prime minister), extorted billions from treasuries and carried out attacks on neighbouring countries, among them Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

For many in the Levant and the Gulf, Iran was a powerful and hated hegemon—until, suddenly, it was not. The ease with which Israel penetrated Iran’s security services has been a source of both confusion and glee in the region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the vanguard of Iranian power, dug its hooks into Arab countries; ironically, it failed to notice as Israel did the same in its backyard.

Nowhere is the Schadenfreude stronger than in Syria, which has just emerged from a decade-long civil war against Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Mr Assad, who fled the country in December, could not have endured for so long without help from Iran, which sent the IRGC and allied militias to prop up his regime.

Some of the Iranian commanders assassinated by Israel on June 13th played a central role in the Syrian war, which killed more than half a million people. Syrians were quick to celebrate their demise. One man brought a box of sweets to the Iranian embassy in Damascus, which has been shuttered since Mr Assad fled. Another joked that it was probably the only safe bit of Iranian territory—because it was empty. After a decade of brutality, it is hard for anyone to begrudge Syrians such morbid humour.

For most, though, this is war as a spectator sport. At the onset of the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, Menachem Begin, the Israeli prime minister, famously wished both sides good luck. One hears similar sentiments from Arab audiences today: social media is full of jokes about setting out snacks and drinks to watch “the match” each evening, as Israel and Iran trade fire.

The tone is rather different on pan-Arab news channels. Al-Jazeera, the Qatari-funded broadcaster, has been broadly sympathetic to Iran in its coverage. That is easy to understand: The channel is hostile to Israel, and Qatar has long tried to maintain cordial relations with Iran, with which it shares ownership of the enormous South Pars gas field in the Persian Gulf. But the tone has also been unexpectedly measured on Saudi-run outlets. Ideology is not a factor there. The Saudis have long viewed Iran as their arch-nemesis. Three years ago, when Iran erupted in protest against the regime, their media outlets covered the unrest eagerly: even small demonstrations in far-flung villages became breaking-news items.

Today, though, the Saudis are worried about antagonising their regional neighbour, lest Iran blame the kingdom for egging on the war and decide to attack it (as it did in 2019). Staff have been told not to air hawkish Israeli voices or dwell on the vulnerability of Iran’s regime. Should the regime fall, though, the tone in the Gulf might flip: Saudi deference to Iran is tactical, not heartfelt.

The war in Iran has erased any lingering doubt in the region about Israel’s regional hegemony. “Israel is scary and powerful, and it confirms day after day that it is a master on the military and intelligence levels,” wrote Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, an Emirati academic who is one of his country’s most outspoken critics of Israel. Yet its growing strength is a source of growing concern, even in countries like the UAE, Israel’s closest Arab ally.

Israel has shown itself able to smash its foes—first the Arab ones, now the Persians. But it seems uninterested in working with friends to build a more stable regional order. The war in Gaza is still grinding on, a source of misery for Palestinians and anger across the Arab world. The war in Iran risks drawing in other countries. “[Israel] becomes the main source of instability in the region, a position it used to share with Iran,” frets Mohammed Baharoon, an analyst in Dubai. Gulf states, in particular, want stability and calm; Israel seems to offer anything but.

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