Live: Israel says it’s ‘still early’ to assess impact of strikes on Iran nuclear sites

A satellite overview shows the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Facility, along with damage from airstrikes, near Qom in Iran.

The Israeli military on Wednesday said it was “still early to assess the results” of their strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. This comes after US intelligence services reportedly concluded that strikes ordered by President Trump set Tehran’s nuclear programme back by only a few months. Follow our liveblog for the latest developments.

Iran’s president announced the “end of the 12-day war” as the ceasefire held through its first day.

Israel said Iran’s nuclear programme had been set back “by years”, campaign “not over”.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said it had arrested a European accused of spying on “military” sites.

A US intelligence assessment suggested US strikes on Iran had not destroyed the country’s nuclear sites, only setting back Iran’s nuclear programme by a few months.

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(FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP and Reuters)

Read more on FRANCE 24 English

Read also:

Netanyahu declares ‘historic’ victory while US intel reports Iran nuclear sites not destroyed

Israel-Iran War: US strike set back Iran’s nuclear programme ‘by only a few months’

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WHO’S YOUR DADDY! ‘Daddy’ Trump stopped Iran & Israel fighting, Nato chief says as ‘man of strength’ Don threatens to bomb Ayatollah AGAIN

“DADDY” Donald Trump stopped Iran and Israel fighting, the Nato boss has said as the pair met during a crunch summit of alliance leaders this morning.

In the funny moment, the former Dutch PM Mark Rutte referred to the President with the fatherly word as he flattered him for holding the ceasefire together.

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4 Donald Trump meets with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima in the Palace Huis ten Bosch

4 Trump meets with Rutte as the summit begins Credit: Reuters

4 Leaders of Nato stand for a family photo Credit: Reuters

4 Trump swore outside the White House on Tuesday Credit: Getty

Rutte said: “Daddy sometimes has to use strong language” after Trump swore in front of cameras on Tuesday.

The US president shouted at reporters in front of the White House: “They don’t know what the f*** they’re doing” as the ceasefire between Israel and Iran sat on the brink of collapse.

Those present in the room at the crunch Nato summit laughed at the humorous moment with Trump saying “every now and then you have to use a certain word”.

Rutte also labelled Trump a “man of strength and peace” after his sweary outburst and a call with PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday was able to turn around Israeli jets.

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Trump has also promised to bomb Iran again if the Ayatollah tries to build back its nuclear enrichment programme.

The President is now taking a victory lap after his successful B-2 blitz on Iran’s nuke plants on Saturday.

But the mad Ayatollah is now demanding compensation over the damage the bombs caused.

Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told Iranian media Iran is going to try and chase the US through courts and diplomats to try and get paid back.

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Trump is in the Netherlands for the crunch Nato summit which is pushing for trillions more in defence spending across the alliance.

The American met with the Dutch King and Queen for breakfast this morning.

Snaps captured him grinning broadly after he became the first US President to spend a night at the luxury Palace Huis ten Bosch.

Trump’s attention will now turn to the other major global conflict – Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – with Vlad threatening the rest of the continent.

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His push to get Europeans spending more on defence has come to fruition – with Nato members expected to pledge a target of five per cent of GDP on defence spending.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump are set to meet later today.

It comes after the White House has slammed a leaked intel report as Donald Trump continues to insist the bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites “completely destroyed” them.

According to a classified Defense Intelligence Agency assessment, Saturday’s strikes only set back Tehran’s nuke ambitions back by a few months.

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A row has now erupted as to how much damage was actually done to the sensitive sites deep in the Iranian desert.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt slammed the report leaked to CNN.

She said: “This alleged assessment is flat-out wrong and was classified as ‘top secret’ but was still leaked to CNN by an anonymous, low-level loser in the intelligence community.

“The leaking of this alleged assessment is a clear attempt to demean President Trump, and discredit the brave fighter pilots who conducted a perfectly executed mission to obliterate Iran’s nuclear program.”

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Rutte personally congratulated the US president with gushing flattery for his strikes on Iran which Trump then posted on his social media accounts.

He said: “That was truly extraordinary and something no one else dared to do.”

“You will achieve something NO American president in decades could get done.”

Stay up to date with the latest on Israel vs Iran with The Sun’s live blog below…

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Early US intelligence assessments have cast doubt on President Donald Trump’s assertion that recent American air strikes had “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear programme.

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According to a classified report by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Iran’s key enrichment capabilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan were damaged, but not destroyed, and could be restored within months.

The findings, first reported by CNN and described by multiple officials familiar with the assessment, indicate that while the strikes caused “significant damage”, Iran’s centrifuges remain largely intact and much of its highly enriched uranium stockpile was likely moved ahead of the attacks.

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These findings contradict President Donald Trump who hailed the mission as having “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s enrichment facilities in a televised message following the strikes.

However, the DIA report concludes otherwise, suggesting the impact was far more limited and temporary. Intelligence gathered in the days following the strikes revealed that fortified underground facilities at Fordo, for instance, were not penetrated despite the deployment of 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs.

The tunnel entrances collapsed, but the subterranean centrifuge halls were not destroyed.

‘Flat-out wrong’: White House denies report

Trump reacts to this report in strong words, calling it an “ATTEMPT TO DEMEAN ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL MILITARY STRIKES IN HISTORY. THE NUCLEAR SITES IN IRAN ARE COMPLETELY DESTROYED!”

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The White House dismissed the assessment as “flat-out wrong”. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the leaks were intended to “discredit the brave fighter pilots” and undermine Trump’s leadership.

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“Everyone knows what happens when you drop fourteen 30,000-pound bombs perfectly on their targets: total obliteration,” she said.

Despite these claims, intelligence sources revealed that Iran likely anticipated the strikes. Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies, dated June 19 three days before the US assault showed bulldozers and trucks near Fordo, sealing tunnel entrances with dirt. Experts believe Iran may have used these vehicles to move enriched uranium and possibly centrifuges out of the strike zones.

Eric Brewer, a former US intelligence analyst, said, “It is plausible that Iran moved the material enriched to 60% out of Fordo and loaded it on a truck.” Kelsey Davenport from the Arms Control Association added that Iran could now operate a covert facility to resume enrichment, though such a move would carry significant risks.

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Vice President JD Vance, defending the operation, argued that depriving Iran of the ability to enrich to weapons-grade uranium was a sufficient military objective.

“That is mission success,” he said, even if Iran retains stockpiles of 60% enriched material.

While Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is peaceful, prior to the strikes, it was believed to possess over 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium enough, if further enriched, to build several bombs. Iran recently confirmed it has built a third enrichment facility in Isfahan, the status of which remains unclear following joint Israeli and US bombardments.

A fragile ceasefire

The ceasefire brokered by the US is currently holding, despite accusations from Israel that Iran violated the truce by firing missiles — a claim Tehran denies. Trump, expressing frustration, blamed both sides for escalating tensions, saying they had “fought so long and so hard they don’t know what they’re doing.”

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Trump reportedly told Netanyahu in a post-strike phone call that no further American military operations would follow, urging diplomatic resolution instead.

Netanyahu later announced that Israel had achieved its objectives, thanking Trump for helping neutralise the nuclear threat.

However, outside experts caution that Iran retains enough infrastructure and materials to reconstitute a covert nuclear programme, though such an effort would now face increased scrutiny and logistical setbacks. As the dust settles, the debate over the strike’s true effectiveness and the future of Iran’s nuclear ambitions continues.

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.

Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has refuted President Donald Trump’s claims that the U.S. strikes on Iran had “completely and totally obliterated” its nuclear sites. In a statement published by Iran’s state news agency IRNA Tuesday, Pezeshkian said that America and Israel had “failed” in their goals of “the destruction of facilities, the dismantling of nuclear expertise, and the incitement of social unrest.” His comments come after a U.S. intelligence report emerged that stated that the attacks on Iran’s major nuclear sites over the weekend have only delayed its nuclear program by a matter of months. What to Know: Both the U.S. and Israel have claimed that Iran’s three major nuclear sites were destroyed in the weekend’s missile strikes.

“It was my great honor to Destroy All Nuclear facilities & capability, and then, STOP THE WAR!” Trump said Tuesday.

A senior White House official said the president views the Iranian threat as neutralized.

Trump has informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States will not carry out additional offensive military action against Iran, The Associated Press reports.

Netanyahu is said to have understood the U.S. intent to avoid further military escalation.

The truce between Israel and Iran remains fragile, with both sides accusing the other of violations.

Trump continues to frame the ceasefire as a major foreign policy achievement.

The U.S. is urging a return to diplomatic negotiations and regional stability. Newsweek’s live blog is closed.

08:03 PM EDT Iranian president claims US failed to destroy nuclear facilities Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has refuted President Donald Trump’s claims that the U.S. strikes on Iran had “completely and totally obliterated” its nuclear sites. In a statement published by Iran’s state news agency IRNA, Pezeshkian said that had “failed in achieving its sinister goals: the destruction of facilities, the dismantling of nuclear expertise, and the incitement of social unrest.” Both the U.S. and Israel have claimed that Iran’s three major nuclear sites were destroyed in the weekend’s missile strikes. “It was my great honor to Destroy All Nuclear facilities & capability, and then, STOP THE WAR!” Trump said Tuesday. However, a new American intelligence report states that the strikes have only delayed Iran’s nuclear program by a matter of months. In his statement, Pezeshkian, said that the loss of women and children, as well as scientists and military members had been a “grave blow.”

07:36 PM EDT Paul Rand says it’s too soon to see how effective US strikes were Senator Paul Rand warned that it was too soon to say how effective the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites have been. “This will either be heralded as the greatest military strike in recent history, or if they make a sprint to a nuclear weapon, people will look back in in retrospect and say, ‘oh what happened here?'” Rand said Tuesday. “I don’t think it’s known yet. I don’t think anybody knows. It may take a while to know. I doubt there will be any kind of nuclear inspections. I don’t expect Iran to let anybody come in and look at the facilities,” he added. Sen. @RandPaul says it is too soon to tell how effective President @realdonaldtrump’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities will prove to be. pic.twitter.com/p91cV3VBGe — Fox News (@FoxNews) June 24, 2025

07:22 PM EDT France floats potential sanctions for Iran France’s United Nations ambassador has urged Iran to return to negotiations or face “snapback” U.N. sanctions. Jerome Bonnafont called for “a robust, verifiable and lasting diplomatic solution” to the international concerns about Iran pursuing nuclear weapons. Bonnafont said France, along with partners Britain and Germany, who are still part of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, are prepared to use the resolution’s “snapback” U.N. sanctions “if such an agreement were not to be found by the summer.” Donald Trump pulled America out of the deal in 2018.

06:55 PM EDT Schumer suggests classified briefing was delayed due to Iran intelligence report Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader of the United States Senate, has claimed that the Congressional classified briefings that set for today, were postponed over the new intelligence report on Iran. The report contradicted President Donald Trump’s account of the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, after he suggested that they had been “obliterated,” and instead stated that they had only delayed Iran’s nuclear program by a few months. “If the press reporting about the impact of last weekend’s strikes in Iran is true and I cannot confirm them, then that might be the reason why the administration postponed our classified briefing today at the very last minute,” Schumer said. .@SenSchumer: “If the press reporting about the impact of last weekend’s strikes in Iran is true and I cannot confirm them, then that might be the reason why the administration postponed our classified briefing today.” pic.twitter.com/2GVpWftGvd — CSPAN (@cspan) June 24, 2025

06:45 PM EDT WATCH: Chuck Schumer slams Trump administration for postponing Iran briefings

06:35 PM EDT Pediatrician tells RFK Jr. she will blame him for ‘every vaccine preventable’ death Rep. Kim Schrier, a pediatrician, ripped into Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. at a Tuesday House committee over his vaccine skepticism. “You have lied to the American people,” Schrier, a Democrat, said as Kennedy remained silent. “You have lied to parents about vaccines for 20 years.” “And I also want to be clear that I will lay all responsibility for every death from a vaccine-preventable illness at your feet,” she said. Kennedy has previously spread health misinformation, including linking vaccines to autism, something that has long been debunked. Before taking up his role over health in Trump’s administration, he was chair of the anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense.

06:19 PM EDT ‘Big Balls’ has left DOGE: Report A tech operative nicknamed “Big Balls” has left Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), WIRED reports. “Edward Coristine resigned yesterday,” a White House official told the outlet. Coristine was one of the few DOGE staffers regularly seen at the General Services Administration (GSA) and last month was seen attending department meetings, including a Commerce Department briefing on May 5 to discuss Trump’s golden visas. He was still listed in a report on the GSA workforce as recently as June 10. It is not yet clear why the 19-year-old resigned.

05:55 PM EDT EU Ambassador says Security Council needs urgent diplomatic solution to Iran European Union Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis warned the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday that “we urgently need to come back to a diplomatic solution” after the Israel-Iran ceasefire was announced. He added that ensuring Iran doesn’t develop a nuclear weapon was “a key security priority” for the E.U. and would only happen with involvement from the international community. The International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. nuclear watchdog, must remain “the sole impartial and independent international organization to monitor and verify the implementation of Iran’s nuclear non-proliferation commitments,” he added.

05:44 PM EDT NATO general secretary praises Trump for ‘pushing’ members to contribute NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised President Trump at summit. “Let me salute President Trump’s longstanding leadership in calling for NATO to increase defense spending,” Rutte said in video from the summit, in the Netherlands which Trump flew out out to join earlier on Tuesday. “NATO has already added an additional $1T in defense spending over the past decade. Mr. President — dear Donald — that is thanks to you pushing us.” “Let me salute President Trump’s longstanding leadership in calling for NATO to increase defense spending,” says @SecGenNATO.

“NATO has already added an additional $1T in defense spending over the past decade. Mr. President — dear Donald — that is thanks to you pushing us.” pic.twitter.com/DD1t9aHSRr — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 24, 2025

05:36 PM EDT US allies challenge Beijing’s claims in contested South China Sea The British and Australian militaries have challenged China’s claims over the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea with a “freedom of navigation” operation. On Monday, British River-class offshore patrol vessel HMS Spey and Australian Hobart-class guided missile destroyer HMAS Sydney “conducted a freedom of navigation activity around the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, in accordance with UNCLOS,” the United Kingdom’s Permanent Joint Headquarters wrote on X (formerly Twitter). China had not publicly commented on the operation as of press time, but it frequently criticizes military activities by “outside countries.” Read in full from Micah McCartney on Newsweek.

05:34 PM EDT US will not ignore Iran’s ‘threat to regional stability’: Ambassdor to UN The acting U.S. ambassador to the United Nations has warned that America will no long ignore Iran’s noncompliance with its global obligations or its “threat to regional stability.” Dorothy Shea told a Security Council meeting Tuesday that Iran had violated U.N. resolutions by providing weapons to Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and sending drones to Russia. They had also violated the 2015 nuclear deal it signed with six nations, which was endorsed by the Security Council, she added. “Iran’s failure to uphold its nonproliferation obligations has prolonged conflicts and perpetuated instability across the Middle East and beyond for many years,” she said. “The United States will not turn a blind eye to Iran’s noncompliance and ongoing threat to regional stability.”

05:25 PM EDT Iran’s nuclear program has only been delayed a few months by US strike: Intelligence report A new U.S. intelligence report found that Iran’s nuclear program had only been delayed by a few month by last weekend’s U.S. strikes on its nuclear sites. The report, obtained by Associated Press, found that the sites had not been “completely and fully obliterated” as President Donald Trump has said, according to two people familiar with the early assessment.

05:02 PM EDT Trump’s approval rating keeps sliding with Millennials: Polls President Donald Trump’s approval rating with millennials is sliding and has hit its lowest number in over two months, a new poll from The Economist/YouGov shows. In a new poll released on Tuesday from The Economist/YouGov, the president has a 36 percent approval rating among millennials. The poll surveyed 1,590 U.S. adult citizens from June 20 to June 23. The poll’s margin of error is 3.5 percent. The week before, in a poll taken from June 13 to June 16, the president’s approval rating with millennials was 40 percent. That poll surveyed 1,512 U.S. adult citizens and had a margin of error of 3.3 percent. The president had the same approval rating with millennials in a poll taken from June 6 to June 9. Read in full from Anna Commander on Newsweek.

04:38 PM EDT WATCH: Trump ‘deserves’ Nobel Peace Prize for Iran-Israel ceasefire, says Israeli ambassador

04:26 PM EDT Speaker Johnson announces new date for postponed House Iran briefing Speaker Mike Johnson has announced that the House’s classified briefing on Iran will now be held on Friday. The House and Senate were set to receive separate all-member briefings about the conflict in the Middle East, including U.S. missile strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, from top national security aides, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The Senate briefing has now been postponed until Thursday to accommodate Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to multiple sources familiar with the scheduling change who spoke on condition of anonymity. But there was no new date set for the House briefing, until now. In a post on X, Johnson said, “I have just confirmed with the White House that the classified bipartisan briefing for all House Members will now be held on Friday. Senior Administration officials will present the latest information pertaining to the situation involving Israel and Iran. Details to follow.” I have just confirmed with the White House that the classified bipartisan briefing for all House Members will now be held on Friday. Senior Administration officials will present the latest information pertaining to the situation involving Israel and Iran. Details to follow. — Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) June 24, 2025

04:01 PM EDT White House reacts after intel assessment contradicts Trump on Iran strikes The White House issued a scathing statement after CNN reported that an early assessment by U.S. intelligence said that military strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend failed to destroy key elements of Iran’s nuclear program. The assessment also found that the strikes only set Iran’s nuclear program back by a few months, contradicting President Donald Trump’s claim that the strikes “obliterated” the nuclear facilities. Trump’s decision to launch the strikes came after Israel launched a series of missile strikes on Iran that decimated the country’s military chain of command and nuclear infrastructure. Israel’s strikes threw a wrench into Iran-United States diplomatic efforts toward reaching a new nuclear deal. “This alleged assessment is flat-out wrong and was classified as ‘top secret’ but was still leaked to CNN by an anonymous, low-level loser in the intelligence community,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told CNN in response to the outlet’s reporting. Read in full from Sonam Sheth and Gabe Whisnant on Newsweek.

03:57 PM EDT U.S. grants $30 million to Israeli-backed Gaza aid group The Trump administration has approved $30 million in funding for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli-backed group distributing food in Gaza, a U.S. official confirmed Tuesday. This marks the first known U.S. government contribution to the foundation’s operations amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The group submitted the funding request to sustain its aid efforts, which have drawn criticism from the United Nations and several humanitarian organizations. The official, speaking anonymously due to the matter’s sensitivity, said the aid was authorized to address urgent humanitarian needs in the region, The Associated Press reported.

03:42 PM EDT Speaker Johnson defends Trump’s Iran strikes, calls War Powers Act unconstitutional Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., and the Republican leadership depart a news conference after defending President Donald Trump’s handling of protests in Los Angeles by sending thousands of National Guard troops and 700… Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., and the Republican leadership depart a news conference after defending President Donald Trump’s handling of protests in Los Angeles by sending thousands of National Guard troops and 700 active duty Marines to quell the immigration protests, at the RNC near the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 10, 2025. More J. Scott Applewhite/AP House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday defended President Trump’s decision to strike Iranian nuclear sites without congressional approval, arguing the action was fully within the president’s Article II powers as commander in chief. At a press conference, Johnson said the War Powers Act of 1973, which limits presidential military action without congressional authorization, is unconstitutional. “Many respected constitutional experts argue that the War Powers Act is itself unconstitutional. I’m persuaded by that argument,” he said. Johnson pointed to historical precedent, noting that presidents from both parties have ordered military strikes without prior approval—from Obama’s campaign in Libya to Biden’s strikes in Syria and Yemen. He emphasized that Congress has not formally declared war since World War II, despite over 125 military operations since then. The comments come amid bipartisan criticism of Trump’s recent strikes on Iran and growing calls for a vote on a War Powers resolution to limit further military action.

03:28 PM EDT Netanyahu and Pezeshkian both claim ‘historic victory’ after Iran-Israel war Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a “historic victory” Tuesday following the end of Israel’s 12-day conflict with Iran, saying the campaign eliminated an existential nuclear threat and neutralized thousands of Iranian ballistic missiles. In a televised address, Netanyahu said the outcome would “stand for generations,” framing the military operation as a defining moment in Israel’s national security history. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian offered a competing narrative, telling state-run IRIB that Iran had also achieved a “historic victory” in a war he described as “imposed” by Israel. Pezeshkian praised the “heroic resistance” of the Iranian people and said the ceasefire marked a triumph for national sovereignty. The dueling declarations underscore the deep divisions that remain even as the ceasefire holds, for now.

03:12 PM EDT US intel: Iran’s nuclear program only set back months by US strikes The recent US military strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities likely delayed—but did not destroy—Iran’s nuclear capabilities, according to an early Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessment described by multiple sources. The classified analysis, based on a battle damage assessment by US Central Command, suggests that the core infrastructure of Iran’s nuclear program remains largely intact, with the strikes setting it back by only a few months. The findings contradict President Trump’s claims that the facilities were “completely and totally obliterated.” Officials familiar with the assessment said Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and centrifuges survived the attack. The White House has disputed the report, calling it inaccurate and defending the mission as a “perfectly executed” success.

03:00 PM EDT Trump tells Netanyahu U.S. won’t expand military role in Iran conflict Trump has informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States will not pursue further offensive military action against Iran, according to a senior White House official, cited by Associated Press. The message followed Sunday’s U.S. strikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites and came as Trump urged a shift toward diplomacy. The official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the talks, said Trump believes the immediate threat from Iran has been neutralized and that Netanyahu understood the U.S. position. The announcement comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which Trump has framed as a major diplomatic achievement. Both sides have since scaled back military activity despite early violations and mutual accusations. Trump’s stance signals a desire to avoid deeper entanglement in the conflict, even as tensions remain high and regional stability hangs in the balance.

02:48 PM EDT Over 400 Americans evacuated from Israel on U.S.-assisted flights More than 400 American citizens, permanent residents, and their families have departed Israel on U.S.-facilitated flights since Saturday, a State Department official confirmed Tuesday. The emergency flights—operated by a mix of charter and government aircraft—were launched due to limited commercial availability amid the ongoing conflict. While demand has outpaced capacity, some planes have left with empty seats as passengers struggled to reach departure points. The official noted that evacuees are required by law to reimburse the government, with fares ranging from $140 to $250 depending on the destination. Thousands more have exited Israel independently via land routes to Jordan and Egypt, or by boat to Cyprus, often through tour groups like Birthright. The State Department urged those with alternative means to depart without waiting for U.S. assistance, citing the dynamic security situation and hopes that the ceasefire will soon allow commercial flights to resume.

02:35 PM EDT Stocks climb as Israel-Iran ceasefire calms markets, oil prices tumble Global stock markets extended gains Tuesday as a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran helped ease investor anxiety and sent oil prices sharply lower. The S&P 500 rose 1% in afternoon trading, building on Monday’s gains and inching closer to its February record high. The rally reflects renewed optimism that the worst Middle East conflict may have passed, at least for now. Oil prices, which had surged amid fears of supply disruptions, continued their retreat. Brent crude dropped more than 6%, while West Texas Intermediate fell over 6%, following a 7% plunge the day before — the steepest single-day decline in nearly three years. Lower energy costs helped ease inflation concerns, contributing to a dip in the 10-year Treasury yield, which fell below 4.30% for the first time in over a month. Markets in Europe and Asia also rallied, buoyed by hopes that the ceasefire would hold and that global trade disruptions could be avoided.

02:23 PM EDT IDF chief says Iran campaign not over, focus now shifts to Gaza IDF Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir said Tuesday that while Israel has completed a significant phase of its military campaign against Iran, the broader operation is far from over. “We are entering a new phase based on the achievements of the current one,” Zamir said in a statement, following the recent ceasefire agreement. Zamir credited Israeli forces with setting back Iran’s nuclear program by years, but cautioned against complacency. “We must stay focused,” he said, adding that the military’s attention is now turning back to Gaza, intending to dismantle Hamas and secure the return of hostages. “Despite the phenomenal achievement — we must keep our feet on the ground. Many challenges still lie ahead,” Zamir said.

02:09 PM EDT Thune believes voting on budget bill will start Friday Senate Majority Leader John Thune said that he expects to start voting on President Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill” on Friday. “I think we get on it, and then we will plow through, and we’ll get into vote-a-rama and grind it out until — until whenever,” Thune told Axios. “It’s just the nature of the beast at the end.” Beginning the vote Friday vote would see senators voting into the weekend. It would also upend the House recess next week. Thune and House majority leader Mike Johnson are aiming to meet the July 4 deadline to pass the bill. Earlier today, Trump told lawmakers not to take vacation to ensure it gets passed.

02:08 PM EDT Israel lifts nationwide restrictions as ceasefire holds Israel’s Home Front Command announced Tuesday that it has lifted all nationwide restrictions, allowing the public to resume full activity following the ceasefire with Iran. The decision, effective until at least Thursday night, permits the reopening of workplaces, schools, and public gatherings across most of the country. However, in communities near Gaza, crowd sizes remain capped at 2,000 people, in accordance with existing security protocols. The Israel Airports Authority also confirmed that Ben Gurion and Haifa airports have resumed full operations. As part of the return to routine, all previous limits on flight frequency and passenger capacity have been removed.

01:59 PM EDT Rep. Crockett congratulates Robert Garcia being appointed to House committee Rep. Jasmine Crockett has congratulated her fellow Democratic congressmember, Rep. Robert Garcia, for being elected as a Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee. “The work of this committee has never been more critical. Let’s get the American people the accountability they deserve,” she said. Congratulations to @RepRobertGarcia for being elected Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee.

The work of this committee has never been more critical. Let’s get the American people the accountability they deserve. — Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) June 24, 2025

01:55 PM EDT President Trump has landed in the Netherlands President Donald Trump has landed in the Netherlands ahead of a NATO summit. He is expected to stay at the Huis Ten Bosch palace, on the edge of The Hague, for a dinner with other alliance leaders hosted by Dutch King Willem-Alexander.

01:52 PM EDT Israeli official says they don’t believe Iran can reconstruct nuclear site after US strikes Benny Gantz, former Israeli defense minister, said on Tuesday that he doesn’t believe that Iran will be able to reconstruct its nuclear sites after the U.S. strikes over the weekend. “It was badly damaged and I don’t think it’s going to be easy or possible to reconstruct this site in Fardow or any other place,” he said, during an appearance on Fox News.

01:33 PM EDT Pakistan urges Iran, Israel to uphold the ceasefire Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed news of the ceasefire between Israel and Iran and urged both nations to uphold the agreement. “Pakistan believes that lasting peace and stability can only be achieved through strict adherence to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and by refraining from the use of force,” the ministry said. Pakistan has also offered to help mediate and take a role in promoting peace in the Middle East.

01:17 PM EDT WATCH: Iran is the topic on everyone’s mind at NATO Summit 2025

12:53 PM EDT Classified Iran briefings on Capitol Hill postponed amid ceasefire tensions Classified briefings on the escalating situation in Iran that were scheduled for Tuesday on Capitol Hill have been postponed, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The Senate briefing has been rescheduled for Thursday, while the timeline for the House briefing remains unclear. The delay comes as lawmakers await more information on the U.S.-led strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, and the broader implications for U.S. national security. No official reason has been given for the postponement, though the rescheduling coincides with President Trump’s travel to the NATO summit in The Hague and ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.

12:40 PM EDT Top U.S. military official says Iran still poses tactical threat after strikes Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, the nominee to lead U.S. Central Command, told senators Tuesday that Iran retains significant tactical capability, despite recent U.S. airstrikes on three of its nuclear sites. Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Cooper pointed to Iran’s retaliatory missile strike on a U.S. base in Qatar as evidence of its enduring threat. Asked whether Iran still poses a danger to American forces and citizens worldwide, he responded, “They do.” Cooper, currently CENTCOM’s deputy commander, is known for his hawkish stance on Iran and has played a key role in regional security operations. His remarks come as lawmakers weigh the long-term implications of the U.S. strikes and the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel.

12:27 PM EDT Iran says it will honor ceasefire if Israel does, open to talks Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tuesday that Tehran remains committed to the ceasefire with Israel, provided that Israel also upholds the agreement. Speaking to state-affiliated Nour News, Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s readiness to engage diplomatically, stating the country is “ready to discuss and defend the rights of the Iranian people” at the negotiating table. “Iran will not violate the ceasefire unless the Zionist regime does so,” he added, reinforcing Tehran’s position that it will only respond if provoked.

12:11 PM EDT Global travel snarled as U.S. entry into Israel-Iran war sparks flight chaos An Emirates Boeing 777 stands at the gate at Dubai International Airport as another prepares to land on the runway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Aug. 17, 2022. An Emirates Boeing 777 stands at the gate at Dubai International Airport as another prepares to land on the runway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Aug. 17, 2022. Jon Gambrell/AP Photo The U.S. military’s entry into the Israel-Iran conflict has triggered a wave of global travel disruptions, with hundreds of flights canceled or rerouted amid rising security concerns. Despite President Donald Trump’s declaration that a ceasefire is “in effect,” airspace closures and airline suspensions continued into Tuesday. Following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Iran’s retaliatory missile attack on a U.S. base in Qatar, Qatar temporarily shut its airspace, prompting Qatar Airways to suspend operations and warn of continued delays through Thursday. Middle East carriers were hit hardest: Emirates halted flights to Iran and Iraq through June 30.

Etihad Airways suspended routes to Tel Aviv and several Gulf cities through mid-July.

Gulf Air extended cancellations to Jordan until June 27. Major international airlines also adjusted schedules: Singapore Airlines and British Airways suspended flights to Doha and Dubai.

Air India paused all Middle East and transatlantic operations, citing safety and logistical challenges.

KLM, Philippine Airlines, and Japan Airlines canceled or diverted flights to the region. FlightAware reported 382 cancellations globally by midmorning Tuesday, following over 800 the day before. Aviation experts emphasized that airspace closures are essential for safety, especially in volatile regions. “We do not want to repeat MH17,” said Flight Safety Foundation CEO Hassan Shahidi, referencing the 2014 downing of a passenger jet over Ukraine.

11:56 AM EDT Trump says it was his ‘honor’ to ‘stop the war’ between Israel and Iran In a Truth Social post, Trump said it was his “honor” to “stop the war” between Iran and Israel.

11:41 AM EDT Republicans say Trump at war with ‘nuclear program,’ not Iran

11:28 AM EDT Trump’s CENTCOM nominee warns of growing Iran-Russia-China-North Korea ties Vice Admiral Charles B. Cooper II, President Trump’s nominee to lead U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), warned Congress on Tuesday about the strategic threat posed by deepening ties among Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea. Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Cooper said the emerging alignment is “troubling” and pledged to monitor it closely if confirmed. “We’ve seen tactical implications of support from Iran to Russia,” he said, citing Chinese companies supplying components to Iran that Houthi militants then use to target U.S. forces. Cooper, currently CENTCOM’s deputy commander, emphasized the need to “call those types of things out more” and said the U.S. must remain vigilant against this evolving axis of cooperation.

11:12 AM EDT Trump hedges on NATO defense pledge ahead of summit in The Hague On Tuesday, President Donald Trump cast doubt on the U.S. commitment to NATO’s mutual defense clause, telling reporters en route to the alliance’s summit in The Hague that Article 5 “depends on your definition.” The remarks revived European allies’ concerns about Washington’s security partner reliability. Pressed for clarification aboard Air Force One, Trump said he was “committed to saving lives” but declined to elaborate further. The comments come amid heightened global tensions following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Trump has long criticized NATO members for underspending on defense and is now pushing for a 5% GDP target, a sharp increase from the current 2% guideline. While most allies are preparing to endorse the pledge, Spain remains a holdout. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) warned that undermining NATO unity would benefit adversaries like China, while analysts noted that Trump’s unpredictability continues to shape alliance dynamics. The summit, already overshadowed by Middle East developments, is expected to focus on defense spending, alliance cohesion, and the future of U.S. leadership within NATO.

10:50 AM EDT Guterres welcomes Israel-Iran ceasefire, urges broader regional peace UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, calling it a vital step toward ending the violence that has gripped the region for nearly two weeks. “I urge the two countries to respect it fully. The fighting must stop. The people of the two countries have already suffered too much,” Guterres said in a post on X. I very much welcome President Trump’s announcement of a cease-fire between Israel and Iran.

I urge the two countries to respect it fully.

The fighting must stop.

The people of the two countries have already suffered too much.

It is my sincere hope that this ceasefire can… — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) June 24, 2025

10:39 AM EDT ICE arrests 11 Iranian nationals in weekend sweep, cites national security concerns U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 11 Iranian nationals across multiple states over the weekend, citing national security threats and prior criminal convictions. The arrests, announced Tuesday, also included a U.S. citizen charged with threatening ICE agents while harboring an undocumented Iranian national. Among those detained were individuals with alleged ties to Hezbollah, a former Iranian army sniper, and others with histories of drug trafficking, firearms violations, and domestic abuse. ICE officials said the arrests were part of a broader effort to remove “the worst of the worst” from U.S. communities. Key arrests included: Ribvar Karimi, arrested in Alabama, allegedly served as an Iranian army sniper and entered the U.S. on a K-1 visa.

Mehran Makari Saheli, arrested in Minnesota, is a convicted felon and former IRGC member with admitted Hezbollah ties.

Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand, arrested in Arizona, was convicted of threatening law enforcement and possessing a firearm.

Linet Vartaniann, a U.S. citizen, was arrested for threatening to shoot ICE officers and harboring Eidivand.

Yousef Mehridehno, arrested in Mississippi, was listed as a known or suspected terrorist earlier this year.

ICE emphasized that while no specific terror plots were linked to the arrests, the individuals posed serious public safety risks.

10:26 AM EDT Rep. Al Green introduces impeachment article over Trump’s Iran strikes Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) has introduced an article of impeachment against President Donald Trump, accusing him of abusing presidential power by launching military strikes on Iran without congressional approval. Green argues the action violates the War Powers Clause of the Constitution and constitutes an “illegal and unconstitutional war”. In his resolution, Green calls Trump “a threat to democracy” and warns that his “authoritarian actions” must not go unchecked. The Texas Democrat, who has filed multiple impeachment efforts against Trump in the past, said Congress must act to protect the Constitution from “an authoritarian president who seeks unchecked power.”

10:14 AM EDT Trump shares message from NATO chief praising Iran strikes, defense push Trump on Tuesday posted what he said was a text exchange with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, praising Trump’s military action against Iran and his push for increased defense spending across the alliance. “Congratulations and thank you for your decisive action on Iran,” the message read, calling the strikes “truly extraordinary” and crediting Trump with making the world “safer.” The screenshot, shared on Truth Social, also highlighted Trump’s success in pushing NATO members to commit to spending 5% of GDP on defense by 2035. “Europe is going to pay in a BIG way as they should, and it will be your win,” the message said. The authenticity of the exchange has not been independently verified, and NATO has not commented on the post.

10:12 AM EDT Iran says 606 killed since June 13 as Monday marks deadliest day At least 606 people have been killed in Iran since Israel launched its military campaign on June 13, according to figures released by Iran’s Health Ministry during a crisis meeting in Tehran on Tuesday. The ministry reported that 107 people died on Monday alone, making it the deadliest day of the 12-day conflict. Officials said 95% of the victims died at the scene, many buried under rubble from airstrikes targeting nuclear, military, and residential sites. The ministry also noted that more than 5,000 people have been injured, and several hospitals were evacuated due to damage or risk of further attacks.

10:00 AM EDT Trump says he may meet Zelenskyy at NATO summit after missed G7 meeting President Donald Trump said Tuesday he expects to see Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the NATO summit in The Hague, after the two leaders missed a planned meeting at last week’s G7 summit in Canada. “Yeah, probably I’ll see him,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, referring to the possibility of a meeting during the summit. Trump had left the G7 gathering a day early to return to Washington amid the escalating Iran crisis, canceling his scheduled talks with Zelenskyy. Both leaders are expected to attend a NATO leaders’ dinner Tuesday night, offering a potential opportunity for a bilateral conversation on the summit’s sidelines.

09:47 AM EDT Congress to receive classified briefing on Iran strikes amid bipartisan concerns Members of Congress are set to receive classified briefings Tuesday from top intelligence and defense officials, just days after President Donald Trump ordered strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and one day after Iran retaliated by targeting a U.S. base in Qatar. The briefings—held separately for the House and Senate—will be led by CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, and Deputy Secretaries of State Christopher Landau and Steve Feinberg. The sessions come amid growing bipartisan concern over the president’s decision to launch military action without prior congressional approval. Lawmakers are expected to press for details on the legal rationale, effectiveness of the strikes, and the administration’s long-term strategy for avoiding further escalation.

09:34 AM EDT Trump slams Rep. Massie over opposition to tax bill, calls him a ‘loser’ On Tuesday, Trump launched a scathing attack on Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), accusing the congressman of undermining the Constitution and opposing what Trump called “THE GREAT, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump labeled Massie a “Third Rate Congressman” and a “RINO,” claiming the Kentucky lawmaker would vote against a sweeping legislative package that includes major tax cuts, border security funding, and elimination of taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security. “He votes ‘NO!’ on everything, because he thinks it makes him cool, but he’s not cool, he’s a LOSER!” Trump wrote.

09:22 AM EDT Iran transfers Evin prison inmates after Israeli airstrike damages facility Iranian authorities have confirmed the transfer of inmates from Evin prison in Tehran to other facilities across the province following an Israeli airstrike that damaged parts of the notorious detention center. The prison, long known for housing political dissidents, journalists, and dual nationals, was struck early Monday, with damage reported to administrative buildings and internal infrastructure. According to Iran’s judiciary, the relocation was “to respect prisoners’ rights and provide better services,” as ISNA and other state-affiliated outlets reported. While officials did not disclose how many inmates moved, eyewitnesses reported dozens of buses transporting prisoners to alternate sites such as Fashafuyeh and Saheli prisons. No inmate casualties were reported, though at least 16 prison staff were killed in the strike, according to independent sources. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and growing scrutiny over the treatment of detainees in Iran’s prison system.

09:10 AM EDT Ceasefire sparks cautious optimism among global powers World leaders reacted with measured hope on Tuesday following the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, ending 12 days of intense conflict. The truce, brokered by President Donald Trump, was confirmed by both governments, though early reports of continued hostilities have raised concerns about its durability. Trump, speaking before departing for the NATO summit in the Netherlands, acknowledged violations by both sides and warned Israel that further attacks would be a “major violation.” Russia welcomed the ceasefire, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressing hope it would hold. France’s President Emmanuel Macron called the situation “fragile,” while Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged all parties to uphold the agreement and pledged to discuss stabilization efforts with allies. Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, described the ceasefire as being in a “gray area,” noting that no side wants to appear as the last strike. Saudi Arabia and the European Union also welcomed the truce but emphasized the need for restraint and renewed diplomacy.

08:57 AM EDT Donald Trump’s approval rating plunges in multiple polls President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, N.J., Saturday, June 21, 2025. President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, N.J., Saturday, June 21, 2025. Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP President Donald Trump’s approval rating has taken a sharp hit across multiple recent polls, signaling potential trouble for the president. The latest Ipsos/Reuters and American Research Group polls show Trump’s net approval rating at record lows for his second term. In the Ipsos/Reuters poll, conducted between June 21-23 among 1,139 registered voters, Trump’s net approval rating stood at -16 points, with 41 percent approving and 57 percent disapproving. That is down from a previous low of net approval of -12 points in last week’s poll. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. Similarly, in the latest American Research Group poll, conducted June 17-20 among 1,100 adults, Trump’s net approval rating hit -21 points, with 38 percent approving and 59 percent disapproving, down from a low of -14 points in the previous poll conducted in May. And the latest Morning Consult poll, conducted between June 20-22 among 2,205 registered voters, did not show Trump’s approval rating at an all-time low. But it did show a notable decline in Trump’s approval rating, with 45 percent approving and 53 percent disapproving, giving him a net approval rating of -8 points. That is down from a -6 net approval rating in the previous poll. The margin of error is plus or minus 2 points. Read the full story by Martha McHardy on Newsweek.

08:45 AM EDT Netanyahu confirms ceasefire violations, says Israel held fire after Trump call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Tuesday that Iran violated the ceasefire agreement within hours of its scheduled start, but said Israel refrained from further retaliation following a call with Trump. According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, Israel launched a major strike on Tehran at 3:00 AM, targeting regime assets and killing hundreds of Basij and Iranian security forces. The ceasefire officially began at 7:00 a.m., but Iran reportedly fired three missiles afterward—one at 7:06 a.m. and two more at 10:25 a.m. The Israeli Air Force responded by destroying a radar installation near Tehran, but halted additional operations after Trump’s call. Netanyahu said Trump expressed “immense appreciation” for Israel’s military success and voiced confidence in the ceasefire’s durability.

08:39 AM EDT Kremlin welcomes Iran-Israel ceasefire, denies reports of Iranian plea for support The Kremlin on Tuesday welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, calling it a positive step toward regional stability. The statement came a day after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. “If a ceasefire has indeed been reached, then this can and should only be welcomed,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, adding that Russia had advocated for de-escalation from the outset of the conflict. During the meeting, Peskov confirmed that Araghchi praised Russia’s “clear position” on the Middle East crisis. However, he denied a Reuters report claiming Araghchi delivered a letter from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei requesting additional support. “There was no written document,” Peskov said, though he acknowledged that “some signals” were conveyed. He also noted that the talks did not discuss Iran’s response to U.S. strikes.

08:26 AM EDT IRGC says 14 missiles fired at Israel before ceasefire, calls it ‘historic lesson’ Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it launched 14 missiles at Israel in the final hours before the ceasefire took effect, describing the operation as “a historic and unforgettable lesson,” according to FARS, a state-affiliated news outlet. The IRGC claimed the strikes were in retaliation for what it called a “brutal attack” by Israel that killed several Iranians. It accused Israel of “begging its American partners for a ceasefire” while continuing its military campaign. The missile barrage marked the 22nd wave of Operation True Promise 3, the IRGC said, and targeted Israeli military centers across the country.

08:12 AM EDT Former UN inspector says U.S.-Israel strikes ‘destroyed’ Iran’s centrifuge program A view of Fordow prior to U.S. airstrikes on the underground complex, taken on Thursday, June 19, 2025. A view of Fordow prior to U.S. airstrikes on the underground complex, taken on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Satellite image ©2025 Maxar Technologies David Albright, a former UN nuclear weapons inspector and president of the Institute for Science and International Security, has assessed that recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes have “destroyed” Iran’s centrifuge program, a key component of its uranium enrichment efforts. Albright based his conclusion on satellite imagery and insider accounts, noting that the strikes—particularly on the Fordow facility, buried deep in a mountain—targeted critical infrastructure such as ventilation shafts and areas housing centrifuges. However, he cautioned that Iran’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium remains a concern. While the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) cannot confirm the material’s current location, Albright said converting it to weapons-grade would now take “a good year or two,” given the damage to Iran’s enrichment infrastructure.

07:59 AM EDT Turkey welcomes Israel-Iran ceasefire, urges focus on Palestinian issue Turkey has welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, while cautioning that reports of violations must be closely monitored. In a statement Tuesday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry called on all parties to fully observe the truce during what it described as a “critical period” for the region. The ministry emphasized the urgent need for peace and stability in the Middle East, and reiterated that the Palestinian issue remains central to resolving broader regional tensions. “This process has once again demonstrated the need to resolve the Palestinian issue, which lies at the core of many problems in the Middle East,” the statement said. Turkey reaffirmed its commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts and maintaining open channels for dialogue to achieve lasting peace.

07:44 AM EDT Trump says Iran’s nuclear program ‘demolished’ after U.S. strikes President Donald Trump declared Tuesday that Iran will “never” be able to rebuild its nuclear program, following U.S. airstrikes on key facilities over the weekend. Speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Trump said, “Iran will never rebuild itself… that place is under rock, that place is demolished.” He praised the U.S. military, singling out the B-2 bomber pilots who carried out the mission. “They did their job, they did it better than anybody could even imagine,” he said. Trump also dismissed media reports suggesting the strikes had limited impact, insisting the operation was a decisive blow to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. According to the Pentagon, the mission involved seven B-2 stealth bombers and over 125 aircraft, targeting deeply buried sites like Fordow and Natanz with 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs.

07:38 AM EDT Trump insists ‘ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran’ Trump shared another Truth Social posts, insisting that “ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran.” He also added another post, writing: “IRAN WILL NEVER REBUILD THEIR NUCLEAR FACILITIES!”

07:36 AM EDT Hostage families urge Israel to expand Iran ceasefire to include Gaza The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing relatives of those still held in Gaza, has called on the Israeli government to extend the ceasefire with Iran to include the Palestinian enclave. In a statement Tuesday, the group urged leaders to seize the diplomatic momentum to secure the release of the remaining hostages and end the war. “Those who can achieve a ceasefire with Iran can also end the war in Gaza,” the forum said, warning that failing to act now would be a “grave failure.” The group emphasized that the 12-day military operation in Iran had concluded, while the 627-day conflict in Gaza continues. Of the 251 people abducted by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack, 50 remain in captivity, with fewer than half believed to be alive.

07:21 AM EDT Iran tells Qatar it seeks stronger ties, defends missile strike as self-defense Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his Qatari counterpart on Tuesday that Tehran remains committed to strengthening bilateral ties and being a “good neighbor,” according to a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry. In the phone call, Araghchi emphasized Iran’s desire to “continue and strengthen comprehensive relations” with Qatar based on mutual benefit and regional cooperation. Addressing Monday’s missile strike on Al Udeid Air Base, Araghchi said the action was taken “within the framework of the right of legitimate defense” in response to U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. He stressed that the strike “should not be considered an action against the friendly and brotherly government of Qatar.” The foreign minister also praised Doha’s constructive role in promoting regional security and diplomacy.

07:13 AM EDT Trump blasts Israel and Iran for ceasefire violations, warns Israel to stand down President Donald Trump lashed out at both Israel and Iran on Tuesday, expressing frustration over renewed fighting just a day after he announced a ceasefire agreement between the two adversaries. “They don’t know what the f*** they’re doing,” Trump told reporters at the White House before departing for the NATO Summit in The Hague. In a striking rebuke of a longtime U.S. ally, Trump posted on Truth Social: “ISRAEL. DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS. IF YOU DO IT IS A MAJOR VIOLATION. BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!” The remarks came amid reports of continued missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, despite the ceasefire brokered by the U.S. and regional partners. Trump’s unusually blunt language underscored the fragility of the truce and the high stakes of renewed escalation.

06:32 AM EDT Map shows Israel-Iran strikes The latest map from Newsweek’s John Feng showing strikes in Iran and Israel up to June 23, the eve of the ceasefire that is now hanging by a thread just a handful of hours since taking effect.

06:11 AM EDT Iran taunts Trump over Al Udeid Iranian state media taunted President Donald Trump over the missiles Iran fired at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, publishing an image of him with a slapped face and comparing his remarks before and after the attack. They highlight Trump’s comments about the force of the response Iran could expect if it attacked U.S. bases versus his comment saying it is now “time for peace” after them. The Iranian regime had told the U.S. and Qatar in advance of its missile attack on Al Udeid to minimize the potential for damage as it sought to de-escalate the conflict while presenting an image of defiance for its citizens at home. Trump joined Israel in striking Iranian nuclear facilities, which he said were now “obliterated” after U.S. intervention. The Al Udeid attack was Iran’s retaliation for U.S. strikes.

Israelis on the streets of Haifa Tuesday afternoon welcomed a tentative end to their country’s 12-day conflict with Iran and expressed some gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his role in the currently holding ceasefire.

Interviews conducted in the northern city by the Reuters news agency came just hours after Trump used a profanity to lash out at Israel, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, and Iran, of breaching the ceasefire he had announced.

“Yes, that’s typical Trump,” a 70-year-old Haifa resident, who gave her name as Esther, told Reuters.

“It’s like a parent scolding the child. He’s scolding us. But it’s not anything dramatically serious, I think.”

Haifa has been the target of Iranian missiles since Israel’s initial strikes on June 13, including an attack that injured dozens on Saturday.

Daniel Kopylkov, a 27-year-old cook, told Reuters: “Honestly, I don’t care that much about what Trump said about Israel.

“At the end of the day, I think he’s the one that truly helped to, you know, bring an end to this war and that’s what’s important to me.”

The US struck three Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday, in attacks the White House said “obliterated” Tehran’s nuclear program. However, US intelligence sources told CNN the strikes may only have set Iran’s nuclear ambitions back by a matter of months, according to preliminary assessments.

President Trump announced a ceasefire after Iran launched an attack at a US base in Qatar Monday, which it sent warning of in advance.

Israel and Iran traded missile strikes Tuesday, accusing one another of breaking the ceasefire, before each side recommitted to it.

Marc Volovici, a 42-year-old historian, told Reuters in Haifa that the US involvement in the conflict underscored Israel’s dependence on its key ally.

“It’s just a demonstration that Israel, even though it claims to be in charge of its own fate and future, is still dependent on American support completely in terms of both political and financial backing and, of course, ammunition.”