In separate comments, the head of Russia’s SVR foreign intelligence service, Sergei Naryshkin, was quoted as saying that the situation between Iran and Israel was now critical.

Ryabkov warned the US against direct military assistance to Israel or even considering such “speculative options,” according to Russia’s Interfax news agency.

“This would be a step that would radically destabilise the entire situation,” it cited him as saying.

MNA/

Photo released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, shows Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a televised speech, under a portrait of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israel’s defense forces launched a new wave of strikes on Tehran early Wednesday, urging residents in parts of the city to evacuate immediately. Witnesses reported powerful explosions in both western and eastern Tehran on Tuesday night, according to the Associated Press. Israel said 50 jets hit around 20 sites linked to Iran’s missile program. In Israel, the IDF said families across the country sought shelter amid ongoing missile launches from Iran. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it used hypersonic missiles in the latest assault on Israel, though the extent of the damage remains unclear. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday that the world was “millimetres away from catastrophe” due to daily Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Russia’s RIA state news agency reported.

Iran’s position: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected President Donald Trump’s call for unconditional surrender, saying Iran would never yield to threats or imposed peace. “The Iranian nation will not surrender,” Khamenei said in a televised statement on Wednesday. “Any US military intervention will bring irreparable damage.” His remarks came as thousands fled Tehran following overnight Israeli airstrikes. Iran’s UN ambassador in Geneva warned that any US participation would trigger retaliation, saying Washington is already “complicit in what Israel is doing.”

India’s dilemma: At least 110 Indian students who were stranded in Iran are reported to have crossed the border into Armenia, through arrangements made by the Indian Embassy in Tehran.Armenia is one of Iran’s neighbouring countries that Delhi is in touch with. India doesn’t have amicable ties with some of the other countries bordering Iran — Turkey, Azerbaijan and Pakistan, after the recent Op Sindoor, where both Ankara and Baku were seen to be siding with Islamabad. In addition, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has set up a 24×7 emergency helpline, the MEA said. Live Updates 19:42 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iran’s air defences have been decimated – Trump Trump also said Iran’s negotiators had suggested they “may come to the White House,” though he acknowledged it was difficult. He added he was unsure “how long” the conflict would continue, noting Iran’s air defences had been “decimated.” “Two very simple words: unconditional surrender,” Trump said. “I’ve had it.” He also expressed distrust in Iran’s nuclear intentions, saying he believes the country harbours “bad intentions” with its programme. Despite his hardline stance, Trump noted he is fond of Iranians and has met many over the years. 19:39 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Why didn’t you negotiate before – Trump The US president has been speaking to reporters on the lawn of the White House. Asked if the US was moving closer to striking Iranian nuclear facilities, Trump replied, “I can’t say that … You don’t seriously think I’m going to answer that question.” “You don’t know that I’m going to even do it. You don’t know. I may do it, I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do,” he said. “I can tell you this – Iran’s got a lot of trouble, and they want to negotiate. And I said, ‘Why didn’t you negotiate with me before – all this death and destruction.’ Why didn’t you negotiate? I said to the people, ‘Why didn’t you negotiate with me two weeks ago? You could have done fine. You would have had a country.’” 19:25 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iran’s internal security headquarters destroyed claims Israel Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday that air force jets had destroyed Iran’s “internal security headquarters,” shortly after the army announced strikes on military targets in Tehran, AFP reports.

“Air Force jets have just destroyed the internal security headquarters of the Iranian regime – the main arm of repression of the Iranian dictator,” Katz said in a statement, vowing to “strike symbols of governance and hit the Ayatollah regime wherever it may be.” 18:35 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israel to ease domestic restrictions imposed due to Iran war Israel will ease domestic restrictions imposed during the war with Iran and will “reopen its economy,” Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday.

In a statement after approving the changes, Katz said they would apply to most of the country starting Wednesday evening.

“While we continue our intense fight against Iran until the threats are removed, we will also reopen the economy, ease restrictions, and restore Israel to paths of creativity, activity, and security,” he said. 18:16 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israel is attacking military targets in Tehran According to Reuters, the Israeli military has said that it is attacking military targets in Tehran. 18:05 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: German minister to Iran – its never too late to negotiate Germany’s foreign minister has urged Iran to provide credible assurances that it is not pursuing a nuclear weapon and to demonstrate a genuine willingness to seek a negotiated solution amid growing fears of further military escalation with Israel. “We are still ready to negotiate a solution. However, Iran must act urgently … it is never too late to come to the negotiating table if one comes with sincere intentions,” Johann Wadephul said at a news conference with his Jordanian counterpart. Iran, however, says it has no trust in the US or its Western allies following Israel’s surprise attack last week, just days before the next round of nuclear talks was scheduled. 18:03 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Putin makes Iran-Israeli mediation pitch in call with UAE president The leaders of Russia and the United Arab Emirates warned on Wednesday of “extremely negative consequences” from the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, AFP reports. During a phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to mediate, with the Kremlin saying Moscow is “ready to provide mediation assistance to promote dialogue between the parties.” Both leaders voiced deep concern over the regional fallout of continued hostilities. 17:45 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Multiple explosions heard in Tehran Multiple explosions have been heard in different areas of East Tehran, Reuters is reporting, citing Iran’s Nournews. AFP reports that black smoke is visible in east. 17:42 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israeli military eases some safety restrictions The Israeli military said public safety guidelines that have mandated school closures, among other restrictions, would ease in some areas from 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Parts of the Israeli occupied-Golan Heights and West Bank, in addition to Israeli communities near Gaza and in Eilat in Israel’s south would be changed from “essential activity” to “limited activity” or “partial activity”. The changes would be in effect until 8:00 p.m. on June 20, the military said. – Reuters 17:30 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: three takeaways from Khamenei’s message Iran’s Supreme Leader delivered a pointed message to the US, with three key takeaways. First, he noted that Israel’s strikes came while Iran was engaged in indirect nuclear talks with Washington, and that Tehran had shown no signs of aggression. Second, he warned that Iran would not surrender and that any US military intervention would result in irreversible damage. Third, he framed potential US involvement as a sign of Israel’s weakness. He also expressed solidarity with Iranian civilians affected by the Israeli attacks. 17:03 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: ‘We are milimetres away from catastrophe’ – Russian Foreign Ministry According to the RIA, the Russian Foreign Ministry has released a statement saying, “we are milimetres away from catastrophe” due to daily Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. 16:33 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Khamenei evokes Iran’s past, says nation will not surrender Khamenei said, “Intelligent people who know Iran, the Iranian nation, and its history will never speak to this nation in threatening language because the Iranian nation will not surrender,” he said in a statement read by a television presenter on Wednesday. 16:25 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Under Israeli attack, Iran has ’legitimate’ right to self-defence – Erdoğan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that Iran had the “legitimate” right to defend itself in the face of Israel’s ongoing bombing campaign, AFP reports. “It is a very natural, legitimate and legal right for Iran to defend itself against Israel’s thuggery and state terrorism,” he said, a day after referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “the biggest threat to the security of the region”. “These attacks were organised while the Iranian nuclear negotiations were taking place,” Erdogan said. “Israel, which possesses nuclear weapons and does not recognise any international rules … did not wait for the negotiations to end, but carried out a terrorist act without waiting for the result.” “We are closely following Israel’s terrorist attacks on Iran. All our institutions are on high alert regarding the possible effects of these attacks on Turkey. He added, “We are making preparations for every kind of scenario. “Nobody should dare to test us.” 16:13 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Khamenei says Iran will not accept an imposed peace or war Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei told the Iranian press that “(the US) should know that Iran will not surrender and any US strike will have serious irreparable consequences.” He added that Iran would not accept an imposed peace or war. 16:06 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Russia cautions US against helping Israel militarily, Ifax reports Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned on Wednesday that direct US military assistance to Israel could radically destabilise the Middle East. According to the Interfax news agency, Ryabkov said Moscow cautions Washington against providing such support — or even considering it. He added that Russia remains in contact with both Israel and Iran, Reuters reports. 15:50 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israeli military claims to hit 1,100 targets in Iran in 5 days, says it is ‘operating freely’ Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin announced the figure at a news conference, according to The Times of Israel. He said the strikes show that Israel is “operating systematically to neutralise the nuclear threat.” “The Air Force is operating freely in Iran – this is unprecedented,” Defrin added, according to a military statement that included video footage of what appeared to be an air strike inside Iran. 15:25 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: UK removes family members of Foreign Office staff in Israel Britain says it is temporarily withdrawing the family members of staff at its embassy and consulate in Israel due to the heightened risks from the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. “Family members of staff at the British Embassy in Tel Aviv and the British Consulate in Jerusalem have been temporarily withdrawn as a precautionary measure,” the Foreign Office said in an update on its travel advice page for Israel. It added, “The Embassy and Consulate continue with essential work, including services to British nationals.” 15:22 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israeli military strikes have hit two Iranian facilities Israeli military strikes have hit two Iranian facilities involved in producing components for centrifuges used to enrich uranium, the UN nuclear watchdog said on Wednesday, according to Reuters. The sites were identified as the TESA Karaj workshop and the Tehran Research Center. The International Atomic Energy Agency posted on X: “At the Tehran site, one building was hit where advanced centrifuge rotors were manufactured and tested. At Karaj, two buildings were destroyed where different centrifuge components were manufactured.” 15:07 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Former Iranian minister calls for Iranian control over Strait of Hormuz Former Iranian Economy Minister Ehsan Khandouzi has called for all tankers and LNG cargoes to be allowed to transit the Strait of Hormuz only with Iranian permission, saying the policy should be enforced “from tomorrow for a hundred days.” It remains unclear whether Khandouzi was voicing a position under consideration by Iran’s leadership or sharing a personal view. Tehran has long threatened to block the strategic waterway — a vital global energy route — as a form of leverage against Western pressure, though it has not followed through. Tensions have escalated sharply since Israel launched an air war on Iran last week. “This policy [of controlling maritime transit in the Strait] is decisive if implemented on time. Any delay in carrying it out means prolonging war inside the country,” Khandouzi posted on X on Tuesday. 15:00 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Trump’s approval is at record highs amongst republications According to a Greyhouse poll, approval rating for Trump are at a record high amongst Republicans, 95 per cent of whom agree with his foreign policy. 14:21 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: ‘Any American intervention would be a recipe for an all-out war,’ says Iran A spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry issued a warning Wednesday that an American intervention in the ongoing Israeli strikes targeting his country would spark “an all-out war.” Esmail Baghaei made the comments in an interview live on Al Jazeera English. It was his first in the ongoing conflict. Baghaei said: “Any American intervention would be a recipe for an all-out war in the region.” President Donald Trump initially distanced himself from Israel’s attacks on Iran but has hinted at greater US involvement, saying he wants something “much bigger” than a ceasefire. The US has also sent more warplanes to the region. (AP) 13:46 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iran to respond ‘strongly’ to Israeli strikes, says Iran UN representative “We will not show any reluctance in defending our people, security and land. We will respond seriously and strongly, without restraint,” Ali Bahreini, the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations in Geneva, told reporters. (Reuters) 13:13 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Situation in Iranian nuclear facilities ‘good’, says official Iran’s nuclear chief Eslami said that the situation in Iranian nuclear facilities is “good”, reported news agency Reuters. This comes as Israel continues to attack Iran’s nuclear and military bases in an attempt to prevent Tehran from developing an atomic weapon. 12:36 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israel is running low on defensive missile interceptors, WSJ reports Israel is running low on defensive “Arrow” missile interceptors, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing an unnamed U.S. official, raising concerns about the country’s ability to counter long-range ballistic missiles from Iran. (Reuters) 12:13 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israeli military says it intercepted 3 UAVs launched from Iran The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said that it intercepted three Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) which were launched from Iran in the Israeli region on Wednesday, Reuters reported. 11:57 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israel launches airlift to bring home stranded citizens after Iran strike Israel began flying home citizens stranded abroad on Wednesday, launching a phased airlift operation after the country’s surprise military strike on Iran left tens of thousands of Israelis stuck overseas. The first rescue flight, operated by national carrier El Al , touched down at Ben Gurion Airport early Wednesday morning, bringing home passengers from Larnaca, Cyprus. Worldwide, Israel’s transport ministry estimates that more than 50,000 stranded Israelis are trying to come home. El Al has said repatriation flights are already scheduled from Athens, Rome, Milan and Paris. Smaller rivals Arkia and Israir are also taking part in the operation. “We are preparing for the airlift to bring all Israelis home,” Transportation Minister Miri Regev told the captain of the arriving El Al flight before it landed, according to a statement released by the Israeli Aviation Authority. “We are very emotional about receiving the first rescue flight as part of ‘Safe Return’. Land safely,” she added. Tel Aviv’s airport has been closed to passenger traffic since Israel launched its attack on Friday. The Airports Authority reinforced staffing on Wednesday to ensure the arriving passengers exited the airport quickly. They were shuttled to their parked vehicles or transported via train and bus to city centres nationwide. – Reuters 11:35 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iranian police reports intercepting drones and identifying hostile domestic drone facilities Iran’s police force have intercepted 14 drones and identified hostile drone-producing workshops and drone-carrying vehicles across various provinces, police spokesperson Saeed Montazerolmahdi said on Wednesday according to the Iranian Labour news agency. 11:18 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Repatriation flights start for Israelis stranded in Cyprus Flights took off for Israel on Wednesday from Cyprus, airport sources and web flight tracking sites showed, ferrying home Israelis stranded abroad during the conflict with Iran. Israel’s airspace has been closed since the two countries began trading attacks on Friday, stranding tens of thousands whose flights to Tel Aviv were cancelled. Israel announced special flights for the repatriation of its nationals on Tuesday. One flight operated by Arkia left Cyprus’s Larnaca airport at 07:25 am (0425 GMT) for Tel Aviv. Nine more were expected to depart Wednesday for Haifa, and four for Tel Aviv, carrying about 1,000 people, sources in airport operator Hermes said. Israel’s Transportation Ministry has said as many as 150,000 Israelis are abroad, with about a third trying to get home. Large numbers have converged on Cyprus, the European Union member nation closest to Israel. Earlier on Wednesday, a cruise ship arrived in Cyprus carrying 1,500 participants in a Jewish heritage programme who had left Israel on Tuesday. – Reuters 11:08 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israel claims it is close to dismantling Iran’s nuclear program The Israeli military has claimed that it is close to dismantling Iran’s nuclear program after it was confirmed with satellite images that Israeli strikes have hit Natanz nuclear site, with destroyed equipment visible above ground. However, reports claim that several equipment and components are buried deep underground which raises questions about how much damage airstrikes can do to them, DW reported. 10:59 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: 2 US Navy aircraft carrier strike group available in Middle East amid Israel-Iran conflict Amid the heightened tension and conflict between Israel and Iran, the US Navy has said that it expects two aircraft carrier strike groups, one led by the USS Nimitz and the other by the USS Carl Vinson, to be available in the Middle East. According to US officials, the USS Nimitz group left South Asian waters on Monday for the Middle East region where it is poised to join the USS Vinson group, which ahs already been in the region for the past seven months due to its deployment, reported CNN. 10:40 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: US State Department establishes Middle East task force for citizens’ support amid Israel-Iran conflict The US Department of State has announced that they have setup a Middle East task force for the American citizens to help and coordinate during the Israel-Iran conflict. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce announced the formation of task force during a press conference on Tuesday. “We continue to monitor the complex and rapidly evolving situation on the ground as we continue to assess and address the needs of US citizens,” Bruce said, reported DW. 10:20 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Russia calls Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites ‘illegal’ Russian foreign ministry has called the Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear site as “illegal” and stressed that diplomacy was the only way forward. The Russian Foreign Ministry called Iran’s nuclear program “peaceful”, reported DW. 10:17 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says Israel doing ‘dirty work for us’ in Iran Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has supported Israel in its war against Iran and said that Tel Aviv is doing the “dirty work for all of us”. 10:09 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israel unleashes intense airstrikes in Tehran in conflict that has killed nearly 600 across Iran Intense Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran’s capital early Wednesday in a conflict that a human rights group said had killed at least 585 people across Iran and wounded 1,326 others. The Washington-based group Human Rights Activists said it had identified 239 of those killed in Israeli strikes as civilians and 126 as security personnel. The group, which also provided detailed casualty figures during the 2022 protests over the death of Mahsa Amini, crosschecks local reports in the Islamic Republic against a network of sources it has developed in the country. Iran has not been publishing regular death tolls during the conflict and has minimized casualties in the past. Its last update, issued Monday, put the death toll at 224 people killed and 1,277 others wounded. Uncertainty roiled the region and residents of Tehran fled their homes in droves on the sixth day of Israel’s air campaign aimed at Iran’s military and nuclear program. Israel asserts it had to launch its airstrike campaign to stop Iran from getting closer to being able to build a nuclear weapon. It came as Iran and the United States had been negotiating over the possibility of a new diplomatic deal over Tehran’s program, though President Donald Trump has said Israel’s campaign came after a 60-day window he set for the talks. – AP 09:52 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israeli military says it attacked several weapon production sites in Iran The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has stated that they have attacked a centrifuge production site and several weapons production sites on Iran on Tuesday night, Reuters reported. 09:42 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Trump vs Khamenei on social media amid Israel-Iran conflict As tensions and hostilities rose between Israel and Iran, a social media conflict was up between US President Donald Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Here’s a look at their messages in past 24 hours: Trump claimed “complete and total control of the skies over Iran”. The US president warned Khamenei: “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.” In his final attack on the supreme leader of Iran, Trump posted “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” In a series of posts on X, Khamenei said Iran “will never compromise with Zionists”. “We will show the Zionists no mercy. The battle begins,” added Khamenei. 09:19 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Where have the airstrikes hit in Israel and Iran? The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has said that strikes by Iran have hit the capital city Tel Aviv and the port city of Haifa and both are densely populated area of Israel. Meanwhile, Israel has conducted more than 100 airstrikes on Iran’s capital city Tehran, which is home to about 10 million people. 09:13 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: US moving fighter jets to Middle East as Israel-Iran war rages The US military is deploying more fighter aircraft to the Middle East and extending the deployment of other warplanes, bolstering US military forces in the region as the war between Israel and Iran rages, three US officials said. One of the officials said the deployments include F-16, F-22 and F-35 fighter aircraft. Two of the officials stressed the defensive nature of the deployment of fighter aircraft, which have been used to shoot down drones and projectiles. – Reuters 08:55 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 585 people and wounded 1,326 others Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 585 people and wounded 1,326 others, a human rights group has said, Associated Press reported. 08:50 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Air raid sirens sound in northern Israel due to hostile aircraft infiltration, says IDF The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have said that air raid sirens were sounded in northern Israel after a hostile aircraft infiltrated the airspace, Reuters reported. 08:39 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Trump set to meet Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir on Wednesday US President Donald Trump is all set to meet Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir on Wednesday, amid the escalating tension between Israel and Iran. Trump and Munir will have lunch together in the White House and reports suggest the meeting was already scheduled. According to BBC, Pakistan’s General Munir has been in the United States since June 14. The meeting could be significant as Iran and Pakistan share border with each other and there are speculations that Israel, Iran conflict could spill over in the region. 08:22 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Trump weighing option of deploying US military to target Iranian nuclear sites, reports say As US President Donald Trump returned to Washington after cutting short his G7 Summit trip to Canada and two US officials have said that the president is weighing options and warming up to the idea of using US military assets to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, CNN reported. According to the report, Israel is awaiting the response of the White House whether or not President Trump would help Tel Aviv in finishing the job of destroying Iran’s nuclear program. 08:18 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Missiles seen flying across Israeli skies on Tuesday night amid Iran’s offensive As Iran launched missiles at Tel Aviv on Tuesday night, the projectiles could be seen flying and hovering above the skies of Israel’s capital city Tel Aviv on Tuesday night, BBC reported. 08:15 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Air defenses in Tehran repelling projectiles fired by Israel, local media reports Air defenses situated in Iran’s capital Tehran are repelling the projectiles fired upon by Israel, the semi-official Iranian outlet Mehr News Agency reported. The news agency posted a video related to the incident on its X page wherein flashes could be seen in the sky as explosions were heard throughout Tehran, CNN reported. 07:37 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iran asks its people to delete WhatsApp from their devices Iranian state television on Tuesday afternoon urged people to remove WhatsApp from their smartphones, alleging without specific evidence that the messaging app gathered user information to send to Israel. In a statement, WhatsApp said it was “concerned these false reports will be an excuse for our services to be blocked at a time when people need them the most.” WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, meaning a service provider in the middle can’t read a message. “We do not track your precise location, we don’t keep logs of who everyone is messaging and we do not track the personal messages people are sending one another,” it added. “We do not provide bulk information to any government.” End-to-end encryption means that messages are scrambled so that only the sender and recipient can see them. If anyone else intercepts the message, all they will see is a garble that can’t be unscrambled without the key. Gregory Falco, an assistant professor of engineering at Cornell University and cybersecurity expert, said it’s been demonstrated that it’s possible to understand metadata about WhatsApp that does not get encrypted. – AP 07:32 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iran issues evacuation order for neighbourhoods in Israel’s Tel Aviv The Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued an evacuation order for the neighbourhoods in Israel’s capital city Tel Aviv, reported Iran’s local media. The development comes after Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it intercepted two drones flying from the east, which led to the red alert sirens in the Dead Sea region of Israel, BBC reported. 07:22 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israel strikes Imam Hossein University, linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards In its latest barrage of strikes on Tehran, Israel has attacked Imam Hossein University which is linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in Eastern Tehran, Reuters reported quoting Iran’s local media outlets. 07:04 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israel targets Khojir missile production facility in Tehran Israeli military is targeting Khojir missile production facility in Iran’s capital Tehran in its latest strike, Iranian state media has said, as reported by Reuters. The Khojir missile production facility is significant to Iran as it is a ballistic missile-related infrastructure and it was targeted by Israel in October 2024. 06:55 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Oil prices extend rise as Iran-Israel conflict enters sixth day Oil prices ticked up in early trading on Wednesday after ending the previous session up more than 4% on worries that the Iran-Israel conflict could disrupt supplies. Brent crude futures rose 19 cents, or 0.25%, to $76.64 a barrel by 0029 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 23 cents, or 0.31%, to $75.07 per barrel. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” as the Iran-Israel air war entered a sixth day. The US military is deploying more fighter aircraft to the region to bolster its forces, three officials said on Tuesday. Analysts said the market was largely worried about supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which carries a fifth of the world’s seaborne oil. Two oil tankers collided near the strait and caught fire on Tuesday. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations had warned on Monday that electronic interference is affecting ships’ navigation systems. Iran is OPEC’s third-largest producer extracting about 3.3 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil, but analysts say other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries could use their spare capacity to make up for a drop in Iranian output. Markets are also looking ahead to a second day of US Federal Reserve discussions on Wednesday, in which the central bank is expected to leave its benchmark overnight interest rate in the 4.25%-4.50% range. – Reuters 06:40 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: What did the Iranian state media say regarding launch of Fattah-1 missile at Tel Aviv The semi-official state media Mehr news agency confirmed on X that Iranian military has launched Fattah-1 missile at Tel Aviv on Wednesday. “The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) described the latest phase of the operation as a ‘turning point,’ saying the deployment of first-generation Fattah missiles marked ‘the beginning of the end’ for Israel’s ‘mythical’ missile defence systems,” BBC reported quoting state-owned Press TV. 06:25 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warns, ‘The battle begins’ After US President Donald Trump gave stern warning to Iran and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talked about eliminating the supreme leader, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned in post on X, “In the name of the noble Haidar, the battle begins.” 06:04 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iran has launched Fattah missiles toward Israel, claims Iranian media Iran has launched Fattah missiles toward Israel on early Wednesday, according to Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency. According to Iran, Fattah missiles are a “hypersonic” missile that travels at Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound (about 3,800 miles per hour, 6,100 kilometers per hour), CNN reported. 05:47 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israel issues evacuation warning for Tehran’s District 18 The Israeli military has warned the residents of Tehran’s District 18 to evacuate the area as soon as possible as Israel’s defence forces warned that it could carry out strikes over there. “Your presence in this area will put your life in danger,” the Israeli military post the message on X. 05:38 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: How has the US shifted military jets and ships in the Middle East? The US is shifting military aircraft and warships into and around the Middle East to protect Israel from Iranian attacks as President Donald Trump warns Tehran to step back from the conflict. Trump’s social media posts saying his patience with Iran was “wearing thin” have raised the possibility of deepening U.S. involvement, perhaps by using its bunker-busting bomb to strike a key Iranian nuclear site built deep underground in the mountains. Israel doesn’t have the massive munition it would take to destroy the Fordo nuclear fuel enrichment plant, or the aircraft needed to deliver it. Only the US does. As America’s national security leaders discuss the next steps, the Pentagon has moved to ensure that its troops and bases in the region are protected. Here’s a look at the US military presence in the Middle East: US aircraft moving to the Middle East In a social media post, Trump warned that “we now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran.” US officials insisted as of Tuesday that the American military has not taken any offensive actions against Iran, only defensive strikes to take out incoming Iranian missiles to protect Israel. Additional US fighter jets and refueling tankers have been deployed to the region, but officials have declined to provide specific numbers. – AP 05:18 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israeli military says it is conducting series of strikes in Iran as explosion hits Tehran suburb The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said that it conducting a series of strikes at Iran on early Wednesday as explosion hit Tehran’s suburb, while flames and smoke were seen rising the Islamic country’s capital city, Reuters reported quoting Nour News. 04:54 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israel says it killed a top Iranian general as Trump warns people to flee Iran’s capital Israel claimed Tuesday to have killed a top Iranian general as it traded more strikes with its longtime foe, and US President Donald Trump warned Tehran’s residents to evacuate while demanding that Iran surrender without conditions. Trump left the Group of Seven summit in Canada a day early to deal with the conflict between Israel and Iran, telling reporters: “I’m not looking at a ceasefire. We’re looking at better than a ceasefire.” When asked to explain, he said the US wanted to see “a real end” to the conflict that could involve Iran “giving up entirely.” He added: “I’m not too much in the mood to negotiate.” Later on social media, he warned Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that the US knows where he is hiding and called for Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER.” It was not clear whether that was a suggestion for Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions. Trump posted that there were no plans to kill Khamenei “at least not for now.” Despite warning that US “patience is wearing thin,” he indicated that diplomatic talks remained an option, and said he could send Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with the Iranians. Iran offered no immediate response to the president’s posts, but the country’s military leaders vowed that Israel would soon see more attacks. “The operations carried out so far have been solely for the purpose of warning and deterrence,” Gen. Abdul Rahim Mousavi, the commander in chief of Iran’s army, said in a video. “The punishment operation will be carried out soon.” Uncertainty roiled the region on the fifth day of Israel’s air campaign aimed at Iran’s military and nuclear program. Residents of Tehran fled their homes in droves. – AP 04:36 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: US to shut embassy in Jerusalem till Friday due to security situation The US Embassy in Jerusalem will be shut from Wednesday till Friday due to the security situation in the region and to comply with Israeli guidance, the US State Department said on Tuesday. “Given the security situation and in compliance with Israel Home Front Command guidance, the US Embassy in Jerusalem will be closed tomorrow (Wednesday, June 18) through Friday (June 20). This includes the Consular Sections in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv,” the State Department said on X. 04:20 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israeli military says missiles launched from Iran towards Tel Aviv The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that a fresh barrage of missiles were fired upon by Iran towards its capital city Tel Aviv and other central Israel region on Tuesday night. 02:02 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iran targets Israeli air bases in retaliatory strikes The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have claimed responsibility for missile attacks on Israeli air bases, which they claim were used to launch military strikes against Iran. According to the Iranian statement, the strikes are part of a larger operation that will “continue in a successive, complex, multi-layered and gradual manner”. _The Guardian 01:45 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Houthi official vows support for Iran against Israel A senior Houthi official has stated that the group will intervene to support Iran in the event of an escalation with Israel, drawing parallels with their involvement in supporting Gaza. In an interview with Al Jazeera Mubasher TV, the official emphasized the group’s commitment to standing in solidarity with Iran against Israeli aggression.-Reuters 01:18 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Russia says Israeli attacks on Iran are illegal, notes Iran’s commitment to NPT Russia’s Foreign Ministry denounced on Tuesday continued Israeli attacks on Iran as illegal and said a solution to the conflict over Tehran’s nuclear programme could only be found through diplomacy. “The continuing intensive attacks by Israel on Iran’s peaceful nuclear sites are illegal in terms of international law and create unacceptable threats to international security and push the world to a nuclear catastrophe…,” the ministry said in a statement posted on Telegram. -Reuters 00:51 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iran arrests foreigner for filming ‘sensitive’ areas near nuclear power plant for Israel Iran arrested on Tuesday a foreigner for filming “sensitive” areas near the country’s Bushehr nuclear power plant for Israel, Iranian media reported. The Iranian website eghtesadonline said the unnamed foreigner, whose nationality was not disclosed, resided illegally and filmed the power plant for Israel’s spy agency Mossad. (Reuters) 00:42 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israel on high alert: New wave of Iranian missiles identified The Israeli Defense Forces has confirmed a new wave of incoming missiles fired from Iran, prompting sirens to sound in various parts of the country, particularly in the north and Haifa. Citizens have been instructed to seek shelter immediately. According to the Israeli military, defensive systems are actively working to intercept the threat. This development comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with the IDF on high alert to respond to potential attacks.(CNN) 00:35 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: WhatsApp denies Iran’s claims of sharing user data with Israel Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has responded to Iran’s government urging citizens to delete WhatsApp, denying allegations that the app shares user information with Israel. According to the BBC, a Meta spokesperson expressed concern that these false claims might lead to unnecessary blocking of WhatsApp’s services, stating: “We do not provide bulk information to any government. For over a decade, Meta has provided consistent transparency reports that include the limited circumstances when WhatsApp information has been requested.” The spokesperson emphasized WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption feature, which ensures that only the sender and recipient have access to messages: “All messages you send to family and friends on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted, meaning no one except the sender and recipient has access to those messages.” 00:29 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: ‘We’ll take him at his word’: US State Department on Trump’s Iran comments US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce says the administration will stand by Trump’s words regarding his desire for a “real end” to the Iran-Israel conflict. When asked to elaborate, Bruce declined to speculate, stating that Trump is the singular guiding force behind US policy decisions moving forward. -BBC 00:17 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Macron suggests Trump’s stance on Iran may have shifted French President Emmanuel Macron believes there may have been a change in US President Donald Trump’s opinion on Iran since yesterday.-Reuters 00:11 (IST) 18 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Erdogan slams Netanyahu: ‘greatest threat’ to Middle East security Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has strongly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him the “greatest threat” to security in the Middle East, according to CNN. Erdogan made the remarks during a phone call with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, emphasizing the need to end the spiral of violence and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Erdogan has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions, labeling it a “terror state” and drawing comparisons between Netanyahu and Hitler. 23:56 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israel faces threats on multiple fronts, IDF warns Israel is confronting threats from multiple directions, according to IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin. “While we are working to remove threats from Iran, we are still fighting their proxy, Hamas, in Gaza,” he stated. Defrin emphasized that Hamas continues to hold 53 hostages in brutal conditions and vowed that Israel will not rest until they are safely returned home. (BBC) 23:54 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iran’s military chief calls for Haifa and Tel Aviv evacuation Iran’s top military commander, Abdolrahim Mousavi, has warned residents in Haifa and Tel Aviv to evacuate ahead of a potential “punitive operation,” according to CNN. Mousavi stated that previous operations were just a warning and a larger-scale response is imminent. “The operations carried out so far have been a warning for deterrence and a punitive operation will be carried out soon,” Mousavi said in a video statement, referencing the recent killings of Iranian commanders and scientists. 23:43 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Egypt and UAE urge caution amid Israel-Iran conflict Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are calling for caution as the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates. According to reports, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed warned that uncalculated and reckless steps could lead to a wider regional conflict. Meanwhile, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty urged for a ceasefire during phone calls with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, emphasizing the need for diplomacy to prevent further escalation.-The Guardian 23:29 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Trump shifts stance on Iran: Military action possible US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering military action against Iranian nuclear facilities, marking a significant shift in his approach. According to CNN, Trump is growing increasingly frustrated with diplomatic efforts and is now open to using US military assets to strike Iranian nuclear sites, unless Iran makes substantial concessions. Trump emphasized his objective is a “real end” to the conflict, not just a temporary ceasefire. This development comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with the US positioning military assets in the region. 23:21 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: UK deploys RAF fighter jets to Middle East amid Iran-Israel tensions The United Kingdom has deployed Royal Air Force fighter jets to the Middle East to protect its presence in Cyprus and Oman from potential Iranian threats, according to UK Defense Secretary John Healey. The primary goal of this deployment is to reinforce de-escalation and security in the region, while also potentially supporting allies. (The Guardian) 23:16 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iranian state media reports ‘continuous and intense’ explosions West of Tehran Multiple explosions have been heard west of Tehran, according to Iranian state media IRNA. (Reuters) 23:11 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iran warns citizens to stop using WhatsApp, Telegram amid Israeli threats The Iranian regime has advised its citizens to stop using WhatsApp, Telegram, and other location-based apps, citing Israel’s alleged use of mobile phone tracking to target individuals in the country. According to a security report cited by Iran’s state-run news agency IRIB, these apps pose a significant risk in the current circumstances, especially after recent targeted assassinations, including those of scientists. Citizens are urged to switch off their mobile phones when changing locations and avoid taking them to sensitive areas, as reported by CNN. 22:59 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Trump holds emergency meeting with national security team in Situation Room US President Donald Trump has convened a meeting with his national security team in the White House Situation Room to discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Trump returned to Washington early from the G7 summit in Canada to address the situation, weighing potential US involvement. The Situation Room meeting comes after Israel requested a “defensive posture” from the US, and over 30 US aerial refueling tankers have been deployed to the region to potentially support Israeli operations, according to CNN citing a White House official. 22:56 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Pentagon extends deployment of air assets in Middle East Pentagon is moving more fighter jets to the Middle East and extending the deployment of air assets already in the region, according to a report by Reuters. 22:46 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Pakistan recalls families of diplomats, some non-essential staff from Iran Pakistan has recalled families of diplomats and some non-essential staff from Iran amid escalating tensions in the region, an official said Tuesday. “The staff members identified as non-essential have been instructed to return to Pakistan along with their families,” the Foreign Ministry official said, adding that arrangements have been made to facilitate the safe return of the staff. However, the official said that Pakistan Embassy in Tehran and its Consulates will continue to remain functional. Earlier, a total of 78 Pakistanis, including 47 students, returned to Pakistan through the Taftan border on Tuesday, raising the total number of repatriated citizens to 1,200. – PTI 22:45 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iran’s army commander calls for evacutation According to Israeli Mehr News Agency, Iran’s senior army commander has called on Israelis to immediately evacuate the cities of Haifa and Tel Aviv. 22:31 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: More than 2,700 people have been evacuated from their homes in Israel, government says At least 2,725 people in Israel have been evacuated from their homes since the latest conflict with Iran began last week, according to Israel’s Government Press Office (GPO). 22:15 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: We know where Khamenei is hiding Trump posted on Truth Social, “We know exactly where the so-called “Supreme Leader” is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” 21:59 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: India diverts more flights as airspace disruption continues DGCA asks airlines to adopt alternative flight routing strategies to minimise disruptions due to Iranian airspace closure 21:58 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: US moving fighter jets to Middle East as Israel-Iran war rages The US military is sending additional fighter jets to the Middle East and extending the deployment of others, ramping up its presence as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, three US officials said. One official confirmed the deployments include F-16s, F-22s, and F-35s. Two officials emphasised the move is defensive, with the aircraft being used primarily to intercept drones and incoming projectiles. -with inputs from Reuters 21:46 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: ‘We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran’ – Trump Trump wrote on Truth Social, “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran. Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn’t compare to American made, conceived, and manufactured “stuff.” Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA.” 21:19 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iranian military says it struck Israeli military intelligence center in Tel Aviv Iran’s military said it struck an Israeli military intelligence center in Tel Aviv with a guided missile overnight. “The Zionist regime’s intelligence center was hit in its core, by a guided missile, despite the enemy’s heavy layers of defense, which the Americans are helping with,” said Reza Talaei-Nik, spokesperson for Iran’s defense ministry. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps called the strike “an effective operation, despite the presence of highly advanced defense systems,” claiming the “center is currently burning.” Videos verified by CNN and circulating on social media appear to show four incoming missiles landing near interceptor fire and a military facility in central Israel. “There have been hits on civilian targets, there have been hits on military targets,” an Israeli military official said Tuesday, describing the latest Iranian barrage. 20:53 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: German Chancellor said that Israel and the US could destroy Iran’s nuclear program if Tehran doesn’t back down German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday that the complete destruction of Iran’s nuclear weapons programme could be on the agenda if Tehran does not back down and return to the negotiating table. “The Israeli army is obviously unable to accomplish that. It lacks the necessary weapons. But the Americans have them,” said Merz in an interview with broadcaster ZDF on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada. – Reuters 20:43 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Owaisi urges MEA to evacuate Indian students in Iraq Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday urged the External Affairs Ministry’s intervention to evacuate around 120 Indians stranded in Iraq following the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Iran. Owaisi said the Indians, Shia Muslims, were on a pilgrimage and have been unable to come back due to stoppage of flights from Iraq, which is Iran’s neighbour, according to sources. The Hyderabad MP made the request to the MEA officials during the meeting of the parliamentary committee on external affairs. – PTI 20:35 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iran launched several missiles toward Israel, IDF said, as air raid sirens briefly sounded across country Air raid sirens rang out across large parts of Israel at around 7:30 p.m. IST (5 p.m. local time), after Iran launched another wave of attacks. “Iran is attacking again,” the Israel Defense Forces said in a brief statement on X. In a follow-up message, the military said several missiles had been fired from Iran in the past hour, and that “most of them were intercepted.” Roughly an hour later, Israel’s Home Front Command gave the all-clear, allowing citizens to leave their bomb shelters. 19:46 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Over 600 people have fled to Azerbaijan from Iran, source says More than 600 people of 17 nationalities have fled into Azerbaijan from Iran in the five days since the start of the air war between Israel and Iran, an Azerbaijani source with knowledge of the situation said on Tuesday. The source said they included citizens of Russia, the United States, Germany, Spain, Italy, Serbia, Romania, Portugal, China, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, Georgia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. -Reuters 19:03 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: IAEA confirms Iranian strikes had ‘direct impact’ on Israeli nuclear facilities The International Atomic Energy Agency said Tuesday it believes Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s Natanz enrichment site have had “direct impacts” on the facility’s underground centrifuge halls. This marks the first time the United Nations’ 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. – Reuters 19:01 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israel to operate rescue flights for citizens stranded overseas Israeli carrier, EL AL, says it expects to operate rescue flights on Wednesday for citizens stranded in Larnaca (Cyprus), Athens, Rome, and Milan. 18:58 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: News anchor celebrated for her resilliance A large banner featuring Iranian state TV presenter Sahar Emami has been raised in Tehran’s Veliasr Square, after she was targeted live on air during an Israeli strike. Agence France-Presse (AFP) reports that the image shows Emami with her finger raised in defiance, alongside a verse from the Persian poet Ferdowsi praising the bravery of women “on the battlefield.” 18:50 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Chinese leader says Beijing is ‘deeply concerned’ Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China is “deeply concerned” by the “sudden escalation” of tensions in the Middle East following Israel’s military strikes on Iran, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. In his first public remarks on the conflict since it began on Friday, Xi reaffirmed China’s opposition to “any acts that infringe on the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity” of other nations. “Military conflict is not a solution, and rising regional tensions do not serve the common interests of the international community,” he said during a joint appearance with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana. 18:36 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Qatar gas supply steady Qatar said on Tuesday that gas production at the South Pars field remains stable and supply is continuing as normal, despite an Israeli strike on Saturday that prompted Iran to partially halt its operations, Reuters reports. Qatar, the world’s third-largest exporter of liquefied natural gas after the US and Australia, shares the South Pars field with Iran. Iran suspended part of its production after the strike triggered a fire at the site. 18:36 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: ‘Basically everyone I know has left the city’ As Israel’s assault on Iran entered its fifth day, a growing number of residents have been fleeing the capital, Tehran, and heading toward the northern Caspian Sea province of Mazandaran in search of safety. One evacuee told CNN it took over 14 hours to reach Shomal, a normally three-hour drive to the popular holiday region. “Everyone left Tehran — basically everyone I know has left the city,” the person said. “People in Shomal have opened their doors, taking in those arriving from Tehran.” “They bombed my house, my street yesterday,” the evacuee added. “All the windows turned to powder. The lobby of the building is gone.” 18:00 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Diplomacy is the best tactic according to the EU The European Union reiterated that diplomacy remains the best way to address Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, following emergency talks among its 27 foreign ministers on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported. “We all agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas after the video call. “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, and diplomacy is the solution to prevent this. The EU will play its part.” Europe has so far remained largely on the sidelines as tensions have flared between the two regional adversaries following Israel’s initial strikes on Iran. 17:23 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israel has Iran’s military leadership on the run, military official says Israel struck dozens of sites tied to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs overnight and has Iran’s military leadership “on the run,” a senior Israeli military official said Tuesday. Speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, the official confirmed that while Israel had not yet targeted Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear facility, it remained a possibility. He said precautions were being taken to avoid triggering a nuclear disaster. According to the official, Iran has so far launched around 400 ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel, aiming at both civilian and military targets. A sharp overnight decline in missile launches, he said, indicated that Israel had successfully disrupted Iran’s strike capabilities. 17:15 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Trump wants a lasting resolution to the conflict Trump said he was seeking a lasting resolution to the conflict between Israel and Iran—not just a temporary halt in fighting. “I’m not looking for a ceasefire,” he told reporters after returning from the G7 summit. “We’re looking at better than a ceasefire.” 16:56 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Trump raises probability of Iran having a nuclear weapon According to the Associated Press, Trump rejected congressional testimony from US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, who informed lawmakers on March 25, 2025, that US intelligence agencies assessed Iran was not actively developing a nuclear weapon. Trump stated, “I don’t care what she said, I think they were very close to having it.” 16:52 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iranian foreign minister says country is committed to diplomacy but focus is on deterrence for now Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a joint call with the foreign ministers of France, Britain, Germany, and the EU, emphasised that while Tehran remains open to diplomacy, its current priority is “effective and deterrent confrontation” against aggression, according to a foreign ministry statement. In a separate conversation with Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Araghchi criticised certain European countries for their pro-Israel stance, per IRNA. He reiterated Iran’s commitment to diplomacy, stating it has “never left the negotiating table.” The UK, France, and Germany have urged de-escalation but expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defence and voiced serious concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. 16:44 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Cyberattack ‘disrupts’ Iranian state-owned bank Sepah Bank, a major state-owned Iranian bank, experienced a cyberattack that disrupted its online services, as reported by the Fars news agency. The bank anticipates resolving the issue within hours. An Israel-linked hacking group, Predatory Sparrow (known as Gonjeshke Darande in Persian), claimed responsibility, asserting it “destroyed” the bank’s data. 16:41 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iran claims to have struck Mossad operations Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they struck a centre of Mossad, Israel’s foreign intelligence service, in Tel Aviv on Tuesday. In a statement on state TV, 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”, adding it was “currently on fire”. There has been no Israeli confirmation of the same. 16:38 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israeli defence minister threatens Ayatollah Khamenei Israeli defence minister Israel Katz warns that Khamenei could face a similar fate to Iraq’s Saddam Hussein stating, “remember what happened to the dictator in the neighbouring country of Iran who took this path against Israel.” 16:36 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iran has fired 400 ballistic missiles and hundreds of UAVs According to an Israeli military official, Iran has so far fired 400 ballistic missiles and hundreds of UAVs towards Israel 16:19 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israel’s attacks on Iran are ‘threat to people everywhere’, Jordan’s king says Israel’s attacks on Iran have broadened its conflicts in the region to a level that poses a global threat, Jordan’s King Abdullah said in a speech in European Parliament on Tuesday. “With Israel’s expansion of its offensive to include Iran, there is no telling where the boundaries of this battleground will end,” the Jordanian monarch said. “And that is a threat to people everywhere. Ultimately, this conflict must end,” he added. – Reuters 16:00 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Trump denies reaching out to Iran for peace talks In a post on his Truth Social platform, US President Donald Trump announced that he has not reached out to Iran about ceasefire talks “in any way, shape, or form”. Trump further added that Iran should have signed a deal that he put forward during the most recent talks over Iran’s nuclear programme. “This is just more HIGHLY FABRICATED, FAKE NEWS! If they want to talk, they know how to reach me. They should have taken the deal that was on the table – Would have saved a lot of lives!!!,” he wrote. 14:29 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Residential buildings, hospitals, research centers, civilian public infrastructures targeted in Israel’s attack on Iran Residential buildings, hospitals, research centers and civilian public infrastructures were targeted in Israel’s military attacks on Iran, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran said in a press release on Tuesday. “Contrary to the claims of Zionist regime, they deliberately target residential buildings, hospitals, research centers and civilian public infrastructures,” it stated. Referring to the Israeli forces as “Zionist,” the statement further read: “The Expansionist Zionist regime is the main cause of instability and war in West Asia region. This regime permanently invades its neighbors and violates their sovereignty and territorial integrity. Iran’s military doctrine is defensive in nature and has employed various means to deter Zionist regime from threatening the security of Iran and the whole region.” Press release by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran: pic.twitter.com/yNcnt2IjML — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 17, 2025 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js 14:26 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: 224 civilians killed; 1,257 injured so far amid Israel’s military attacks on Iran, says Iran Embassy in New Delhi The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi on Tuesday revealed that about 224 of civilian citizens including women and children had died, and 1,257 others were injured so far in Israel’s military attacks on Iran. Referring to the attacks by Israel as “blatant acts of aggression,” the Embassy wrote: “On 13th June 2025, the occupying and rogue Zionist regime flagrantly violated the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Iran by waging military attacks against several locations including residential areas, killing innocent women and children. As a result of these brutal military attacks, which is the clear violation of all international principles and regulations, 224 of civilian citizens including women and children have been martyred and 1257 others injured so far.” “The Zionist regime’s unlawful military attacks on Iran, constitute a flagrant violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter and are blatant acts of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. In accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, Iran reserves its legitimate and legal rights to respond properly and timely to these aggressions,” the release stated.

14:05 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Flights with evacuees from Israel arrive in Slovakia and Czech Republic Flights carrying evacuees from Israel arrived in Slovakia and the Czech Republic amid the war between Iran and Israel, authorities said on Tuesday, making these countries among the first to get their citizens out of the Middle East, news agency Reuters reported. Slovak authorities said that the first evacuation flight with 73 people, including 25 Slovak tourists and five family members of Slovak diplomats working in Tel Aviv, had arrived in the capital Bratislava late on Monday. Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar said Slovakia had also helped bring citizens of other countries to Europe, including 15 Poles, 14 Czechs, nine Austrians, two Slovenians and one citizen each of Estonia, Spain and Malaysia, as per the report. “Our partners are contacting us and we are preparing another flight on Tuesday, which should include citizens of the Slovak Republic, as well as citizens of the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Latvia, and France,” Reuters quoted Blanar as saying. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Slovakia had helped evacuate seven Hungarians. Meanwhile, Czech Defence Minister Jana Cernochova said that a flight with 66 people evacuated from Israel had landed near Prague. Poland said on Monday that it was organising the evacuation of around 200 of its citizens from Israel via Jordan. (Reuters) 14:03 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Spanish foreign minister calls for weapons embargo on Israel Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares called on Tuesday for a weapons embargo on Israel while the war in Gaza lasts and urged the resumption of talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, news agency Reuters reported. “We are the largest trade partner of Israel in the world, the European Union,” he said on Bloomberg TV. “We must impose, for our European partners, an arms embargo, not to sell weapons to Israel as long as this war continues.” He said he wanted the EU to act as it did after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 to try to achieve peace, as per the Reuters report. The minister regretted there were no signs of de-escalation between Israel and Iran and called for a resumption of dialogue with Iran on its nuclear programme. (Reuters) 13:40 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Egypt, Jordan, others call for halting Israel-Iran conflict Twenty countries denounced in a joint statement the escalating tensions in the Middle East caused by what they term Israel’s aggression against Iran and called for diplomacy and dialogue to restore stability in the region, news agency AP reported. “There’s an imperative need to halt Israeli hostilities against Iran, which come during a time of increasing tension in the Middle East, and to work towards de-escalation, to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire and restoration of calm,” read the statement. Foreign ministers of Algeria, Bahrain, Brunei, Chad, the Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, and Mauritania rejected finding resolution through military campaigns. Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Somalia, Sudan, Turkey, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates also condemned the escalation. They also highlighted the importance of clearing the region of nuclear and mass destruction weapons and called for refraining from targeting nuclear facilities and protecting maritime navigation in international waters. (AP) 13:36 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Shops closed, lines for gas in Iran’s capital Downtown Tehran appeared to be starting to empty out early Tuesday, with many shops closed, news agency AP reported. The city’s ancient Grand Bazaar was also closed, something that has only happened in the past during anti-government demonstrations or at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, as per the report. On the roads out of Tehran to the west, traffic stood bumper to bumper. Many appeared to be heading to the Caspian Sea area. Long queues also could be seen at gas stations in Tehran. Authorities within Iran’s government continued to insist everything was under control and did not offer any guidance for the public on what to do, AP report noted. (AP) 13:11 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Attacks against Israel to intensify in next hours, says senior Iranian army commander Senior Iranian Army Commander on Tuesday said that attacks against Israel will intensify in the next hours, news agency Reuters reported quoting the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). A new wave of hundreds of drones will hit Israel, the senior commander told IRNA. (Reuters) 13:06 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: ‘No sign of de-escalation between Israel, Iran’, says Spain’s Foreign Minister Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno on Tuesday stated that he sees “no sign” of de-escalation in conflict between Israel and Iran, news agency Reuters reported. “I see no sign of de-escalation in conflict between Israel and Iran,” Albares said. He also suggested that the European Union must impose a weapon embargo on Israel “as long as this war lasts.” (Reuters) 12:59 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Embassies, consulates working to ensure safety of citizens in Iran, Israel, says China’s Foreign Ministry The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday said that embassies and consulates are working with relevant departments to ensure the safety of its citizens in Iran and Israel amid the brewing conflict, news agency Reuters reported. “Some Chinese nationals have been evacuated to neighbouring countries. Embassies and consulates are working with relevant departments to ensure the safety of its citizens in Iran and Israel, and quickly organise evacuations,” the Ministry said, according to Reuters. The Ministry also called on all parties, “especially those with ‘special influence on Israel side to shoulder their due responsibilities and take immediate measures to cool down the tension.” China will continue to strengthen their communication with relevant parties, it stated. (Reuters) 12:52 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates | Trump says he wants Iran to give up entirely on nukes: Report United States President Donald Trump Tuesday said he wanted a “real end” to the nuclear problem with Iran, with Iran “giving up entirely” on nuclear weapons, news agency Reuters reported quoting the comments posted by a CBS News reporter on social media platform X. Trump made the comments during his midnight departure from Canada, where he attended the Group of Seven nations summit on Monday, the CBS News reporter said early on Tuesday. Trump predicted that Israel would not be slowing its attacks on Iran. “You’re going to find out over the next two days. You’re going to find out. Nobody’s slowed up so far,” the CBS journalist quoted Trump as saying on Air Force One. Trump said “I may”, on the prospect of sending US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President JD Vance to meet with Iran. However, he added that “it depends what happens when I get back”, according to the CBS reporter. Washington has said Trump was still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran. (Reuters) 12:32 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Iran’s wartime chief of staff killed in strikes, says Israeli military Amid fresh wave of airstrike between the two countries, Israel’s military said it had killed Ali Shadmani, identified as Iran’s wartime chief of staff and one of the most senior military commander, news agency Reuters reported. For the second time in 5 days— the IDF has eliminated Iran’s War-Time Chief of Staff, the regime’s top military commander.

Ali Shadmani, Iran’s senior-most military official and Khamenei’s closest military advisor, was killed in an IAF strike in central Tehran, following precise… pic.twitter.com/Bq6Z49zeCj — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 17, 2025 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js 11:57 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Trump is at a moment of choosing as Israel looks for more US help crushing Iran’s nuclear program US President Donald Trump in about eight hours Monday went from suggesting a nuclear deal with Iran remained “achievable” to urging Tehran’s 9.5 million residents to flee for their lives as he cut short his visit to an international summit to return to Washington for urgent talks with his national security team. He was expected to arrive at the White House early Tuesday at a moment of choosing in his presidency. Israel, with five days of missile strikes, has done considerable damage to Iran and believes it can now deal a permanent blow to Tehran’s nuclear program — particularly if it gets a little more help from Trump. But deepening American involvement, perhaps by providing the Israelis with bunker-busting bombs to penetrate Iranian nuclear sites built deep underground or offering other direct US military support, comes with enormous political risk for Trump. He appears to be gradually building the public case for more direct American involvement. “Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign,” Trump posted on social media shortly before the White House announced Trump was cutting short his visit to the Group of Seven summit in the Canadian Rockies. “What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” – AP 11:52 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: At least one hit reported in central Israel as loud boom heard in Tel Aviv amid Iran’s strike Loud booms were heard in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Tuesday as Iran launched fresh wave of missiles at Israel and at least one has reportedly hit central Israel, reports BBC. The explosions were heard in Tel Aviv after air raid sirens and alert went out to residents which asked them to take shelter in protected areas until further notice. The Israel Defense Forces had earlier said that air force was operating to intercept and strike out the necessary threats. 11:39 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israeli military says it has killed Iran’s armed forces chief of staff The Israeli military has claimed that it has killed Iran’s armed forces chief of staff Ali Shadmani in its barrage of strikes on Tehran. Shadmani was the most senior military commander, reported Reuters. The conflict between Israel and Iran began on Friday when both the warring nations started trading strikes. 11:29 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Indian students in Tehran moved out of city for safety, says External Affairs ministry Indian students in Iran’s capital Tehran have been moved out of the city for safety in light of Iran’s conflict with Israel while others who are “self-sufficient” in terms of transport have been advised to move out too, Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday. “Separately, some Indians have been facilitated to leave Iran through the border with Armenia. The Embassy remains continuously in touch with the community with a view to extending all feasible assistance,” the ministry added. Our Statement on the situation in Iran⬇️

🔗 https://t.co/vMiKDM6kvg pic.twitter.com/VZK1UmP5mm — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 17, 2025 11:23 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israeli military claims it destroyed dozens of ground-to-ground missile storage, launch facilities of Iran The Israeli military has stated that it destroyed dozens of ground-to-ground missile storage and launch facilities and ground-to-air missile launchers in western part of Iran during Monday night. In a post on X, the Israeli military claimed “Air Force fighter jets completed several waves of strikes last night targeting dozens of military targets of the Iranian regime in western Iran.” 11:19 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: New wave of missiles launched by Iran, alert sounded in Israel A new wave of missiles were launched by Iran on Tuesday morning as Israel Defense Forces said that the strikes were targeted towards the territory of Israel. The Israeli defence systems are working to intercept the Iranian missiles. Advising the residents to take shelter in protected area, IDF said “You must enter the protected areas upon receiving the alert, and remain there until further notice. Exiting the protected area will only be possible after receiving explicit instructions.” 11:07 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Trump calls Macron ‘publicity seeking’, says he didn’t leave G7 Summit to work on Israel-Iran ceasefire US President Donald Trump, who cut short his trip to Canada where the G7 Summit was underway, has now said that he didn’t leave G7 to work on the Israel-Iran ceasefire, and that French President Emmanuel Macron mistakenly said it as he is seeking publicity. Trump said that Macron had “no idea” why the US president was returning to Washington and the reason is “much bigger” than the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. “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,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. 10:53 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Israeli strike on Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB leaves two dead During an Israeli strike at Iran on Monday, the building of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Iran’s state broadcaster was hit which left a news editor and a employee dead, Iranian state media IRNA reported. Iran’s local media earlier reported that only one staff member of the news organistaion was killed in the attack. As the headquarter of the IRIB was struck during a live broadcast, the blast could be heard and studio lights went off as debris fell over the studio. The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting started broadcasting hours after the attack, BBC reported. 10:40 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: Trump flies out of Canada as Israel-Iran tension derails his G7 Summit US President Donald Trump cut short his G7 Summit being held in Canada and has left for Washington due to the prevailing situation between Israel and Iran. Trump left a day early and reportedly asked the National Security Council to be ready and convene in the Situation Room in the White House. A White House aide has earlier clarified that the United States is not joining the Israeli offensive against Iran, and that American forces are maintaining their defensive posture. 10:33 (IST) 17 Jun 2025 Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: US embassy in Jerusalem says not in a position to ‘evacuate or assist’ Americans The United States embassy in Jerusalem has said that it is not in a position to “evacuate or directly assist” Americans who are departing Israel. The embassy, which was shut on Monday, said it will remain closed on Tuesday as well. The embassy in Jerusalem further added that all US government employees and their family members should continue to remain in the protected shelters which are already in place and near their residences until any further notice.

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Israel’s ‘Operation Rising Lion’ targets Iran not just militarily but symbolically, evoking the pre-1979 ‘Lion and Sun’ emblem of Iran’s monarchy. Analysts see it as psychological warfare aimed at stirring internal divisions and reviving memories of Iran’s royal past amid rising regional tensions. read more

Israel’s latest military offensive against Iran, named “Operation Rising Lion” has drawn attention not only for its strategic objectives but also for its symbolic messaging, particularly its historical resonance with Iran’s monarchical past.

According to Israeli media reports confirmed by officials, the name was chosen to echo the “Lion and Sun” emblem. This centuries-old symbol represented Iran during the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties. Known in Persian as Shir o Khorshid, the emblem featured prominently on Iran’s national flag until the Islamic Revolution of 1979, when it was replaced by a new insignia aligned with the Islamic Republic’s ideological identity.

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In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Israel’s official Persian-language account appeared to underscore the symbolic intent behind the operation’s name. The post featured imagery referencing the imperial Lion and Sun emblem associated with Iran’s former Pahlavi dynasty, accompanied by the Persian caption: “The rise of the lions for the victory of light over darkness.”

خیزش شیران برای پیروزی نور بر تاریکی. pic.twitter.com/73Wp1gh2LI — اسرائیل به فارسی (@IsraelPersian) June 17, 2025

The emblem historically combined the lion symbolising strength and courage, with the sun, representing power and divine glory. It became emblematic of the Persian monarchy and Shi’a Islam, before being discarded by the post-revolutionary regime.

By referencing this lost royal iconography, Israeli officials appear to be sending a message that goes beyond military force. Analysts suggest that the operation’s name serves as psychological warfare, reminding Iran’s leadership of its pre-revolutionary identity and appealing, perhaps, to internal divisions between regime loyalists and those nostalgic for the monarchy.

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While the Israeli government has not issued an official explanation, the choice of name is widely interpreted as a calculated move that infuses historical symbolism into an escalating conflict between two regional adversaries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (l.) and Iranian President Massud Peseshkian sealed a strategic partnership in January. The pact is now putting the Kremlin leader in a tight spot. Archivbild: Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Pool Sputnik Kremlin/AP/dpa

It was only in January that Russia and Iran concluded a “comprehensive strategic partnership”. Now a warlike emergency has arisen between Iran and Israel.

Keystone-SDA SDA

No time? blue News summarizes for you How Russia could help its strategic partner Iran in the war with Israel has been a hotly debated question for days, and not just in Moscow.

So far, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, who has contacts with the leaders of both countries, has put himself forward as a mediator.

US President Donald Trump is even in favor of this – even though Putin himself started a brutal war in Ukraine. Show more

Vladimir Putin has so far refused to provide Iran with military support – instead, the Kremlin leader is currently only offering himself as a mediator in negotiations.

Above all, Tehran would need military assistance – above all Moscow’s air defense systems. But Putin is not only in a difficult position because of his own war. He does not want to spoil things with Trump either, now that Moscow and Washington want to improve their relations again. Russia does not only see disadvantages in the war in the Middle East: The price of oil has risen, flushing more money into Putin’s war chest.

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And Russia is happy about anything that draws the international community’s attention away from its attacks on Ukraine.

Moscow surprised by Israel’s “brutality”

However, Moscow is well aware of the disappointment in Tehran that there has been no tangible support so far, says the prominent expert on Russia’s foreign policy, Fyodor Lukyanov, in a podcast. Russia itself is under the impression of Israel’s “level of brutality” and Iran’s poor preparation for the attacks.

The editor-in-chief of the specialist journal “Russia in Global Politics” explains that Russia is also grateful to Iran, above all because of its support in the Ukraine war. Moscow mainly uses Iranian-made drones for its attacks, some of which it has now produced itself. However, Lukyanov believes that Russia’s military or diplomatic support is conceivable at best, not a real military operation in Iran.

Russia warns the USA against direct military assistance from Israel

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned the USA on Wednesday against providing Israel with direct military aid. This would lead to a radical destabilization of the situation in the Middle East. “We warn the USA against providing direct military support to Israel or even thinking about it,” said Ryabkov, according to the Interfax news agency.

BREAKING:

Russia’s Foreign Ministry issues a warning to the USA, telling them not to get involved in Israel’s airstrikes against the Islamic Regime in Iran:

“We caution the U.S. against direct military assistance to Israel, or even thinking about it”

🇺🇸🇷🇺 pic.twitter.com/Re2C4dbB8L — Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) June 18, 2025

Russians brought to safety from the Middle East

According to information from Moscow, more than 300 Russians and members of friendly states have left Iran following the escalation in the Middle East. A group of 86 people had already been evacuated via the Azerbaijani border crossing at Astara on Saturday, Russia’s human rights commissioner, Tatyana Moskalkova, wrote on Telegram. On Sunday, a safe border crossing was organized for 238 Russians, including families of diplomats.

Due to Azerbaijan’s strict entry regulations, Russians must submit an application to the Russian embassy in Tehran before crossing the border, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced. Russian citizens could therefore leave Israel via one border crossing each to neighboring Egypt or Jordan.

Expert: Putin’s war against Ukraine has priority

“Russia will not become militarily involved in Iran because the country is pursuing different interests in the region,” says Lukyanov. “Russia has one priority – and that is the war in Ukraine.” The country is militarily committed there.

For years, Russia and Iran, together with the militias supported by Tehran, were the most important allies of Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad. However, since his fall, the balance of power in the region has shifted – also in Israel’s favor.

Russia is relying on Iranian kamikaze drones in the Ukraine war. Archivbild: sda

It is true that Moscow and Tehran officially concluded a widely respected strategic partnership this year. However, this does not include a clause on military assistance – unlike the agreement concluded between Russia and North Korea. Experts in Moscow therefore see the possibility of humanitarian, financial and economic aid, among other things, especially as both sides have sworn mutual solidarity in the face of tough Western sanctions.

Russia warns of nuclear danger

Nuclear power Russia has always supported the civilian use of nuclear energy in Iran and has repeatedly acted as a mediator in the conflict over the nuclear program. The Kremlin has now once again offered to take nuclear material from Iran to Russia for storage. Everything must be done for a peaceful solution, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov now emphasizes almost daily. However, some commentators in Moscow are now openly asking whether Iran should not have nuclear weapons after all – in view of the Israeli threat. Officially, Russia also rejects possible Iranian nuclear weapons.

🇷🇺 Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemns Israel’s attacks on peaceful nuclear sites in Iran as illegal and warns they push the world toward nuclear disaster. Moscow accuses Israel’s allies of complicity, praises Iran’s IAEA commitment, and insists on a diplomatic Iran-Israel… pic.twitter.com/NDYffNqHq4 — NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) June 17, 2025

The Russian Foreign Ministry reacted particularly sharply, accusing Israel – itself a nuclear power – of “atrocities” in an unprecedented tone following the strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and military forces. Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned of a nuclear threat in the Middle East, saying that the world was drifting towards “a nuclear catastrophe”.

Israel is also targeting nuclear facilities in its major attack on Iran. Archivbild: Vahid Salemi/AP/dpa

Moscow places part of the blame on Western states – they have supported Israel’s destructive and dangerous policy with “anti-Iranian hysteria”. It is particularly “cynical” that Israel began its attacks in the midst of ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran on the controversial Iranian nuclear program.

Is Russia dropping Iran because of Trump?

Such harsh condemnations of Israel go down well in Iran. But there are probably also great fears that Putin could refuse to help Iran in a possible deal with Trump and thus sacrifice it if the USA stops helping Ukraine in return. Russian military bloggers are already rejoicing that every missile that Trump hands over to Israel will ultimately be missing for Ukraine.

In an article for the Russian journal “Russia in Global Politics”, Iranian political scientist Alireza Noori recognizes the efforts of Tehran and Moscow to stick together in the event of conflicts. At the same time, the expert points out one of the “main problems in Iranian-Russian relations”: The relationship has always been particularly strong in times of tension between Moscow and the West – such as at the beginning of the Russian war against Ukraine. In times of greater sympathy between Moscow and Washington, however, things are different. Tehran is therefore keeping a particularly close eye on Trump’s relationship with Putin.

Israel-Iran War Live updates: Russia tells US not to strike Iran, warns of nuclear catastrophe

By CNBCTV18.COM | Jun 18, 2025 7:34 PM IST (Updated)

Israel Iran War Live Updates: The Israel Iran conflict entered its sixth day on Wednesday (June 18). US President Donald Trump has called for “unconditional surrender” of Iran to stop the conflict to escalate in the West Asian region. Iran has threatened of an all-out war in the region if American intervenes. Stay tuned for all the latest developments on the Israel-Iran War.

Israel Iran War Live Updates: The Israel Iran conflict has entered its sixth day on Wednesday (June 18). US President Donald Trump has called for “unconditional surrender” of Iran to stop the conflict to escalate in the West Asian region.

Israel and Iran both launched new missile attacks on June 18. The Israeli military said two barrages of Iranian missiles were launched toward Israel in the first two hours in the morning, with explosions being heard over Tel Aviv, reported Reuters.

Israel has issued a warning to Iranian citizens living in southwest Tehran, asking them to evacuate as its air force plans to attack on the Iranian military installations in the region.

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of more military strikes by IDF, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran has said that a strong response will be given to the attacks.

“We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy,” Khamenei said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on June 18.

Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear programmes in the early hours of Friday (June 13) under Operation Rising Lion. Iran retaliated with missiles and drones and the conflict has posed concerns over stability in the Middle East region.

Stay tuned here for all the minute by minute update on the new developments in Israel-Iran war.