Russia has further intensified its military operations since Donald Trump’s 50-day ultimatum.

Vladimir Putin has just authorised the world’s biggest game of cat and mouse after launching Russia’s largest naval drills in years across four bodies of water. This week, Russia’s July Storm exercises began with simultaneous operations set to be carried out in the Arctic and Pacific Oceans as well as the Baltic and Caspian seas. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT More than 15,000 personnel are believed to be taking part in the drills, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence, across 50 naval and auxiliary vessels, 120 aircraft, 10 coastal missile systems, and roughly 950 other military assets. Russia’s Baltic, Northern, Pacific and Caspian Fleets are participating, overseen by Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, who was appointed as Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy last year. The country’s naval prowess has long been questioned by military experts, with its nuclear submarine deterrents an obvious strength, though Putin’s navy is largely made up of older Soviet-era vessels lacking the ability to project power across the world in a wide-scale conflict.

Russia has previously carried out joint-sea operations with China.

Major reasons for this include Russia’s limited access to open oceans and warm-water ports, largely due to NATO and U.S. expansion creating choke points, as well as effectively not possessing any aircraft carriers, with its Admiral Kuznetsov carrier has been undergoing repairs since 2017 and is not believed to be operational. Despite this, Russia does still possess the third-largest navy in the world by volume of units, behind only the United States and China, and including losses incurred during its war with Ukraine. Russia’s Ministry of Defence cited the reason for operation July Storm as to assess its fleets’ readiness to conduct “non-standard operational tasks.” This involves deploying multiple advanced systems, such as long-range precision weapons and unmanned technologies, as the country continues to up its dismissive rhetoric to both Europe and the U.S., which recently handed Putin a 50-day ultimatum to end the war with Ukraine. Open-sea operations allow its navy to prepare units in anti-submarine warfare as well as routines in protecting military bases, shipping routes and other economic places of interest.

July Storm will be carried out across four bodies of water.

Wargame scenarios may also replicate drone and other kinds of military strikes while launching strikes of their own across both sea and land. As mentioned, the scale of this exercise is telling, but Moscow insists it is just routine. Military analysts have been attracted to the large area inhabited by the drills, stretching from NATO’s eastern point, near Poland, to maritime routes in the Pacific. July Storm is a further attempt by Putin to showcase his naval power across several theatres while also ensuring his units remain ‘match-fit’ in case of escalation. Previously, on July 2, the Royal Navy tracked the surfaced Novorossiysk, a Russian Kilo-class submarine, as it passed through the North Sea and English Channel in a likely show of force, being so close to NATO waters. The sub was met by a support tug as well as observation from HMS Mersey and navy helicopter assets.

The Russian Ministry of Defense estimates that over 15,000 personnel are participating

Vladimir Putin has initiated what could be the world’s largest maritime hide-and-seek game, launching Russia’s most extensive naval drills in years across four bodies of water. This week marked the start of Russia’s July Storm exercises, with simultaneous operations planned in the Arctic and Pacific Oceans, as well as the Baltic and Caspian seas. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The Russian Ministry of Defense estimates that over 15,000 personnel are participating in the drills, utilizing 50 naval and auxiliary vessels, 120 aircraft, 10 coastal missile systems, and approximately 950 other military assets. Russia’s Baltic, Northern, Pacific, and Caspian Fleets are all taking part, under the supervision of Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, who was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy last year. Despite its nuclear submarine deterrents being a clear strength, Russia’s naval capabilities have often been scrutinized by military experts, primarily due to its fleet consisting largely of older Soviet-era vessels that lack the ability to project power globally in a large-scale conflict, reports the Express.

Russia has previously carried out joint-sea operations with China.

Major factors contributing to this include Russia’s limited access to open oceans and warm-water ports, largely due to NATO and U.S. expansion creating choke points, and the fact that it effectively does not possess any operational aircraft carriers, with its Admiral Kuznetsov carrier having been under repair since 2017 and is not believed to be operational. Despite this, Russia still maintains the third-largest navy globally by number of vessels, trailing only the United States and China, even accounting for losses sustained during its conflict with Ukraine. Russia’s Ministry of Defense stated that operation July Storm was designed to evaluate its fleets’ preparedness to execute “non-standard operational tasks.” This includes deploying multiple sophisticated systems, such as long-range precision weaponry and unmanned technologies, as the nation continues to escalate its confrontational rhetoric toward both Europe and the U.S., which recently issued Putin a 50-day ultimatum to conclude the war with Ukraine.

July Storm will be carried out across four bodies of water.

Open-ocean operations enable its navy to train units in anti-submarine warfare as well as procedures for safeguarding military installations, shipping lanes and other strategic economic assets. War game scenarios may also simulate drone and other types of military assaults while launching their own strikes across both maritime and terrestrial domains. As noted, the magnitude of this exercise is significant, though Moscow maintains it is merely routine. Military experts have been drawn to the vast area covered by the drills, extending from NATO’s eastern boundary, near Poland, to shipping routes in the Pacific. July Storm represents another effort by Putin to display his naval strength across multiple theaters while also ensuring his forces remain ‘combat-ready’ in the event of escalation. Earlier, on July 2, the Royal Navy had its eyes on Novorossiysk, a surfaced Russian Kilo-class submarine, as it navigated through the North Sea and English Channel – a move likely intended to flex Russia’s military muscle near NATO waters. The submarine was accompanied by a support tug and closely watched by HMS Mersey and navy helicopter assets.

Jeffrey Epstein sent an ominous final message to author Michael Wolff in the hours before he was found dead in his prison cell, according to the writer.

Wolff claimed he was the last person to hear from the convicted pedophile, who died by suicide in a New York City jail cell on August 10, 2019.

Epstein’s injuries were consistent with suicide by hanging, the New York Office of the Chief Medical Examiner found.

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“I believe that I was…I got the last message from him before he died,” Wolff told the Daily Beast Podcast in Thursday’s episode.

“His message to me hours before this happened, and it was just in response to me asking how he was, and he said: ‘Still hanging around,’” Wolff said.

Podcast host, Joanna Coles, asked Wolff whether he believed that it was “a coded message.”

“No, I dont…I don’t know. I mean, it was in character,” Wolff replied. He went on to explain that the disgraced financier was often “cast” in an “unserious, ironic” tone.

Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a New York City jail cell on August 10, 2019. (New York State Sex Offender Registry)

Wolff also claimed Epstein asked if he would write a book about him but the writer declined.

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Wolff, who has written several books about President Donald Trump, said that while he didn’t believe Epstein’s death suggested anything “nefarious,” he still had some doubts.

“So how do you think he died?” Coles asked.

“I have no idea,” said Wolff. “And we’re clearly not going to find out anything more from the Department of Justice.”

Author Michael Wolff claimed he was the last person to receive a message from Epstein. (Getty Images)

The DOJ and FBI this week issued a new memo essentially closing the Epstein investigation, fueling outrage among Trump’s MAGA supporters.

Conspiracy theories swirled for years that Epstein had a “client list” of rich and powerful people involved in sex trafficking, which the agencies concluded does not exist.

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“This systematic review revealed no incriminating ‘client list,’” the FBI/DOJ memo read. “There was also no credible evidence found that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals as part of his actions. We did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties.”

Both FBI director Kash Patel and his deputy Dan Bongino had been some of the loudest voices within MAGA pushing the conspiracy that Epstein was murdered before they joined the Trump administration.

And Attorney General Pam Bondi has faced fresh calls to resign from prominent MAGA figures following her handling of the Epstein files.

Attorney General Pam Bondi oversaw a botched release of the “Phase 1” files that saw MAGA influencers descend on the White House for what turned out to be a photo opportunity. (AFP/Getty)

Bondi oversaw the botched release of “Phase 1” Epstein files that brought MAGA influencers to the White House for a photo op. Right-wing influencers posed, clutching binders containing information that was already in the public domain.

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Trump, who promised to “take a look” at the Epstein files during his presidential campaign, questioned why people were still talking about him earlier this week.

“Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy’s been talked about for years,” Trump said during a cabinet meeting Tuesday. “Are people still talking about this guy? This creep? That is unbelievable.”

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. In the UK, people having mental health crises can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org

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

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

Israeli citizens have been ordered to head into bomb shelters as the country braces for further retaliatory missile strikes from Iran. Sirens could be heard ringing out across Israel as Tehran launches a third wave of ballistic missiles. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman said: “Defense systems are working to intercept the threat” of further attacks. It is a critical moment for the Middle East, threatening to plunge the region into a full-blown war, a scenario world leaders are urging Israel and Iran to avoid through a rapid de-escalation. What to Know Israel launched the first strike against Iran in the early hours of Friday local time as part of Operation Rising Lion.

Nuclear, military facilities and commanders were targeted, top IRGC commander Salami among dead.

Trump said he was warned of strikes beforehand. He has backed Israel, saying he hopes strikes will make Iran negotiate.

Iran called the strikes a “declaration of war” and have responded on Friday evening, local times, with a barrage of strikes.

The first round of 100 missiles struck at least nine sites, Israeli media reports.

Netanyahu warned that the operation will continue. Read More: Putin’s Messages to Iran and Israel as Conflict Boils Over Iranian Missiles Hit Tel Aviv, Videos Show MAGA Warns of ‘Jihadi Sleeper Cells’ in US After Israel Strikes Iran Israel’s Strikes On Iran Were Inevitable | Opinion Iran Launches Missiles at Israel in Retaliatory Strike Newsweek’s blog is closed. Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Leo Correa/AP

05:09 PM EDT Iran military says it successfully targeted Israeli military centers, air bases Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement released Friday evening that Iran’s strikes had targeted Israeli military centers and air bases. Iran “targeted military centers and airbases that served as the source of the criminal aggression against our country,” the IRGC said in a statement. The IRGC added that field reports, satellite imagery and intercepted intelligence indicated that it had hit its strategic targets. “Despite claims of interception, the enemy failed to counter the waves of missile strikes launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the statement claimed. “This operation was executed in a powerful and offensive manner, in full coordination with all branches of Iran’s Armed Forces and institutions. Its central message is that the security of the Islamic Republic of Iran is the red line of the Armed Forces,” it added.

04:53 PM EDT Israel’s strike on Iran causing radioactive contamination—IAEA chief International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi told the United Nations Security Council on Friday that Israel’s strike on an Iranian nuclear facility was causing “radioactive and chemical contamination.” “Israel destroyed the above-ground part of the Natanz nuclear facility. There are no indications of damage to the underground enrichment facilities at the site, but the power outage may have affected the centrifuges. There is radioactive and chemical contamination at the site,” Grossi said.

04:48 PM EDT Israel destroys above ground part of Iran’s main nuclear facility, says UN nuclear chief U.N. nuclear chief Rafael Grossi told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council that the above ground part of Iran’s main nuclear facility had been destroyed by Israeli strikes. The main centrifuge facility did not appear to have been damaged, Grossi said according to AP. But all the electrical infrastructure and emergency power generators were wiped out in the strikes. A section of the facility where uranium was enriched was also severely damaged.

04:44 PM EDT 40 people being treated in Israeli hospitals after retaliatory strikes by Iran At least 40 people are currently being treated in Israeli hospitals after Iran launched a series of retaliatory attacks, following Israel’s early morning air strike. At least two of the injured are reported to be in critical condition. injuries include smoke inhalation, shrapnel injuries and shock. Footage from Tel Aviv showed huge explosions in the city after some of Iran’s missile strike got through Israel’s Iron Dome.

04:37 PM EDT Bernie Sanders slams ‘extremist’ Netanyahu’s government after strikes Sen. Bernie Sanders has slammed “extremist” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for risking “a full-blown war” through his attacks on Iran. “These strikes also directly contravened the express wishes of the United States, which was seeking a diplomatic resolution to the long-standing tensions around Iran’s nuclear program,” Sanders said. “Talks were planned for Sunday, but Netanyahu chose instead to launch an attack.” The senator called on the Trump administration to make it clear that the U.S. “will not be dragged into another Netanyahu war.” “Along with the international community we should do everything possible to prevent an escalation of this conflict and bring the warring parties to the negotiating table.”

04:14 PM EDT US ‘assisting’ Israel in shooting down Iran missiles amid attack: Source A U.S. defense official has confirmed to Newsweek that the United States was playing a role in supporting Israel’s efforts to fend off an Iranian retaliatory strike following a series of large-scale Israeli attacks against Iran. “Yes, the U.S. is assisting in shooting down missiles targeting Israel,” the official told Newsweek. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it launched more than 200 strikes across Iran as part of “Operation Rising Lion,” which began late Thursday and continued at least through Friday afternoon. The attacks targeted senior military sites, nuclear facilities as well as key personnel, including military leaders and nuclear scientists. The Israeli operation prompted vows of retaliation from Iran, whose military announced “Operation True Promise III” targeting Israel with what was said to be hundreds of ballistic missiles. Read in full from Tom O’Connor on Newsweek.

03:56 PM EDT WATCH: Iran launches missiles at Israel in retaliatory strike

03:54 PM EDT US military is helping Israel to intercept missiles fired by Iran The U.S. military is assisting Israel in intercepting missiles fired from Iran, Associated Press reports. Iran has launched a third wave of strikes on Israel in retaliation for its early morning attacks on Tehran. The U.S. has already relocated two Navy destroyers to the Eastern Mediterranean which are able to to assist in intercepting ballistic missiles.

03:45 PM EDT At least five injured in Iran’s strikes At least five people were injured in the strikes on Tel Aviv in Israel, according to the national ambulance service, Magen David Adom. One person is reported to be in “moderate condition” while the other four were “lightly injured” by shrapnel. “As of this moment, [ambulance] teams have gone out to search seven locations where reports [of strikes] were received in the Dan Bloc [Tel Aviv metropolitan area]”, a spokesperson for Magen David Adom said.

03:44 PM EDT Fox News reporters forced to rapidly change location amid strikes A Fox News team, on the ground in Tel Aviv Israel, were forced to rapidly relocate live on air after the Iranian strikes got closer to their filming location. “Let’s go, time to go,” Trey Yingst, chief foreign correspondent, is heard telling his crew. “Everyone move, everyone move now, stay with us.” Footage from the scene captured the barrage of retaliatory Iranian missiles headed towards Tel Aviv. Most were blocked by Israel’s Iron Dome.

03:25 PM EDT IN PICTURES: Huge explosion in Tel Aviv after Iranian missile strikes building An explosion is seen during a missile attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Tomer Neuberg) An explosion is seen during a missile attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Tomer Neuberg) Tomer Neuberg/AP 13 June 2025, Israel, Tel Aviv: Smoke and flames rise from an apartment building following an Iranian missile attack in Tel Aviv. Photo by: Ilia Yefimovich/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images 13 June 2025, Israel, Tel Aviv: Smoke and flames rise from an apartment building following an Iranian missile attack in Tel Aviv. Photo by: Ilia Yefimovich/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images Ilia Yefimovich/AP An explosion is seen during a missile attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Tomer Neuberg) An explosion is seen during a missile attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Tomer Neuberg) Tomer Neuberg/AP

03:17 PM EDT MAGA warns of ‘jihadi sleeper cells’ in US after Israel strikes Iran Several prominent Make America Great Again (MAGA) figures, such as Laura Loomer, have posted online warnings about unverified, potential “jihadi sleeper cells” they claim could be activated in response to Israel’s attacks on Iran. There is no evidence the American public is at risk. Israel launched strikes across multiple locations in Iran on Thursday, announcing the start of Operation Rising Lion—an effort it said was aimed at preempting a reportedly planned Iranian attack and disrupting Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Iran’s nuclear program has long been a focal point of U.S. and Israeli concern, with Tehran insisting its efforts are solely for energy purposes. “Sleeper cells” refer to covert terrorist operatives who remain inactive until activated—a concept that gained heightened attention following the September 11 attacks. In the aftermath, Islamophobia and xenophobia surged, with people from Iran and other countries in the region often stereotyped and wrongly associated with terrorism despite no evidence of wrongdoing or malicious activity. Loomer, a conservative personality and supporter of President Donald Trump, warned Americans about going out in public, writing on X, formerly Twitter: “Be very careful today and this weekend in American cities and tourist locations, especially if you are going to be in DC.” Read in full form Mandy Taheri on Newsweek.

03:04 PM EDT Iranian missiles hit Tel Aviv, videos show Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025. Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025. Leo Correa/AP Photo Iranian missiles struck Tel Aviv, causing property damage but no reported injuries, according to Israeli police. “At this stage, no injuries have been reported, but property damage has occurred,” a police spokesperson said, adding that bomb disposal experts were working to secure the impact sites. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that another wave of missiles had been launched toward Israel late Friday night. “The attack is ongoing. Dozens of additional missiles were launched toward the State of Israel,” an IDF spokesperson said. Iranian state media described the missile barrage as the beginning of Tehran’s “crushing response” to Israeli strikes earlier in the day. “Moments ago, with the launch of hundreds of various ballistic missiles toward the occupied territories, the operation of decisive response to the savage attack of the Zionist regime has begun,” IRNA reported. Videos from Tel Aviv showed rockets breaching Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, with explosions heard in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

03:01 PM EDT Iran’s Supreme Leader says his country ‘will inflict heavy blows’ on Israel, as he launches second round of strikes Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has warned that his country “will inflict heavy blows” on Israel, as Iran launches a second round of strikes. Khamenei accused Israel of having “launched war” after it launched strikes on Iran early Friday morning local time.

02:56 PM EDT Iran has downed two Israeli fighter jets, local media reports Iranian media has reported that Iran has downed two Israeli fighter jets. At least one of the pilots, a woman, survived and was detained by Iranian authorities, Fox News reports.

02:54 PM EDT Israeli media reports at least nine impacts from Iran strikes as missiles get through Iron Dome Several of Iran’s barrage of missiles have got through Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, Israeli missile reports. At least impact sites have been recorded from the first round of missiles after Iran launched at least 100 missiles against Israel, local media reports.

02:51 PM EDT Putin also speaks with Iran president, condemns Israel’s actions Vladimir Putin also held a telephone call with President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian in which he offered his condolences and condemned Israel’s actions, according to the Kremlin. The Kremlin said that Putin had “expressed his condolences to the authorities and citizens of Iran over the heavy death toll resulting from Israeli strikes, including among civilians.” “Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia condemned Israel’s actions, which had been carried out in violation of the UN Charter and international law,” the Kremlin added in a statement. Putin has agreed to stay in close contact with both Pezeshkian and Netanyahu to try and de-escalate the situation it described as “fraught with the most disastrous consequences.”

02:45 PM EDT More than 100 missiles launched by Iran More than 100 missiles have been launched by Iran against Israel, Fox News reports, citing a military source.

02:44 PM EDT WATCH: Israel UN ambassador says strike on Iran was ‘calculated and necessary’

02:40 PM EDT Putin urges Netanyahu to de-escalate with Iran, in Friday phone call Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Friday, in which he urged him to de-escalate tensions with Iran, the Kremlin said. Putin “emphasized the importance of resuming the negotiations and resolving any issues pertaining to Iran’s nuclear program exclusively via political and diplomatic means,” during the call, according to a statement from the Kremlin Friday. He also offered to provide mediation “so as to prevent further escalation.”

02:34 PM EDT Iranian air defenses activated in Tehran amid Israeli air strikes Iranian air defenses have been activated in parts of Tehran as Israel continues to launch strikes on Iran, according to Iranian media. “News received indicates that enemy projectiles have been intercepted by Tehran’s air defense system,” the Islamic Republic News Agency reported.

02:33 PM EDT Huge plumes of smoke spotted over Tel Aviv Huge plumes of thick, black smoke have been spotted over Tel Aviv in Israel on Friday. It is not yet clear if this is connected to the Iranian retaliatory strikes on Israel, or their interceptions. ⚠ SMOKE RISES OVER CENTRAL TEL AVIV pic.twitter.com/3K5WiJFshw — NewsWire (@NewsWire_US) June 13, 2025

02:17 PM EDT Iran launched missiles aimed at Israel, Israeli military says Israel’s military says that it intercepted missiles from Iran, aimed at Israel, a short time ago. Citizens have been told to seek shelter until further notice. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said that it has responded by striking Iran’s Isfahan nuclear facility. In a statement it said it has “destroyed a facility for producing metallic uranium, infrastructure for converting enriched uranium, laboratories, and additional infrastructure”.

02:11 PM EDT Israel’s attack on Iran sends oil prices soaring in boost for Putin Soaring oil prices following Israel’s airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities could turn out to be a boost for Russia’s war effort. Israel launched Operation Rising Lion against Iran’s nuclear facilities in the early hours of Friday morning, in what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said was “a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.” Iran is expected to respond, after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the attacks a “declaration of war.” This is a critical moment for the Middle East, but also for the rest of the world, as it has far-reaching consequences, including its affect on global oil prices. Brent crude oil prices were up almost 7 percent at $74.2 per barrel, said Reuters. They had been as high as 14 percent on Asian markets. Prices were headed for their biggest daily rise since 2022, when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, said the agency. This will be good news for Russia which, has been bracing for a budget shortfall with slumping oil prices, the Moscow Times reports. “Higher prices for Russia mean higher revenues,” said I Read in full from Jordan King on Newsweek.

02:10 PM EDT Israel unleashes new series of strikes on Iran Israel has launched a new wave of strikes on Iran, targeting nuclear facilities, a spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces said. The strikes targeted Iran’s nuclear plant in Isfahan. They follow strikes on military sites and other targets as part a multiday operation named “Operation Rising Lion”.

02:00 PM EDT Trump says suggests Israel’s strikes could make Iran more likely to “negotiate seriously” President Donald Trump has dismissed suggestions that Israel’s strike on Iran could jeopardize his attempts to secure a nuclear deal. “Maybe the opposite,” Trump told Axios. “Maybe now they will negotiate seriously.” Trump said he had given Iran a 60-day deadline to reach consensus on a nuclear deal. Israel’s attack occurred one day after the deadline expired. “I couldn’t get them to a deal in 60 days. They were close, they should have done it. Maybe now it will happen,” Trump said.

01:39 PM EDT Where are Iran’s allies amid ‘war’ with Israel? Facing the most devastating attacks since its 1980s war with Iraq, Iran has described the still-ongoing Israeli assault as a “declaration of war,” the harshest language yet in a decades-long rivalry now trending toward full-scale conflict. But despite having invested in a sprawling network of allies across the Middle East, Iran finds its “Axis of Resistance” coalition severely weakened as a result of an exhausting battle with Israel, sparked by an October 7, 2023, surprise attack led by the Palestinian Hamas movement. Hamas condemned the Israeli strikes against Iran, which began late Thursday, but the group remains mired in its 20-month fight in the Gaza Strip. Other groups, such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah and factions aligned with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, have also criticized Israel’s actions, but they have fallen short of pledging intervention. Thus far, only one group, Yemen’s Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthi movement, has pledged new attacks against Israel, part of a continuous campaign tied to the war in Gaza. Read in full from Tom O’Connor on Newsweek

01:32 PM EDT Israel seals off West Bank Israel has closed all checkpoints to Israeli-occupied West Bank Friday as the country braces for a retaliatory attack from Iran. All entry and exit to the territory has been closed meaning that the 3 million Palestinians who live there, cannot leave without special coordination.

12:20 PM EDT US state department warns citizens to leave Iran immediately The US state department has issued a security warning after the Israeli strikes, telling American citizens not to travel to Iran for any reason and to depart Iran immediately. U.S. citizens who are not able to leave “should shelter in place,” the alert read. “US citizens in Iran face serious, increasing dangers due to rising regional tensions.” The warnings also noted that Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization has closed the country’s airspace until further notice so anyone wishing to fly out should check with their airlines.

12:08 PM EDT Israeli President Herzog says strike on Iran ‘helps to defend and protect innocent lives’ Israeli President Herzog said on Friday that the strike on Iran “helps to defend and protect innocent lives” by delaying the “Iranian nuclear threat.” “Freedom is not preserved by words alone—it demands courage, vigilance, and the resolve to act when necessary,” he said in a post on X. “Every delay of the Iranian nuclear threat, every Iranian missile intercepted, every drone neutralized, helps to defend and protect innocent lives—not only in Israel, but across the region and beyond.” Freedom is not preserved by words alone—it demands courage, vigilance, and the resolve to act when necessary.

Every delay of the Iranian nuclear threat, every Iranian missile intercepted, every drone neutralized, helps to defend and protect innocent lives—not only in Israel, but… — יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) June 13, 2025

11:47 AM EDT Israel will ‘deeply regret’ strike: Iran Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Israel will come to “deeply regret” its strike on Tehran, in a letter to the U.N. Security Council requesting an emergency meeting. Araghchi branded Israel’s strike “clear instances of state terrorism” and argued that Iran has the right to defend itself under the U.N. Charter. “This right is non-negotiable,” Araghchi said. “Israel will come to deeply regret this reckless aggression and the grave strategic miscalculation it has made.” The Security Council will meet at 3 p.m. in New York.

11:34 AM EDT Israel calling up reservists, stationing troops in ‘all combat areas’ Israel’s military has begun calling up reservists across all different military units as it begins stationing troops in “all combat arenas.” A military spokesperson said they rapidly taking action as “part of preparations for defense and offense” as it braces for retaliation from Iran for its attack.

11:31 AM EDT Ted Cruz says Iran ‘gave the middle finger’ to Trump as he backs Israel Sen. Ted Cruz said that Iran had given “President Trump the middle finger” by refusing his nuclear deal, as he backed Israel’s strike on Tehran. “President Trump has been clear that Iran must completely dismantle their nuclear capacity,” Cruz said. “Iran has given President Trump the middle finger. Israel is acting to defend themselves, and we should stand with them.” President Trump has been clear that Iran must completely dismantle their nuclear capacity.

Iran has given President Trump the middle finger.

Israel is acting to defend themselves, and we should stand with them. pic.twitter.com/SHNE5vnw6J — Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) June 13, 2025

11:15 AM EDT China deeply concerned about Israel attack consequences China is calling for all parties to de-escalate tensions after the Israeli attack on Iran Lin Jian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said they were “deeply worried about the serious consequences” of the attack and offered to play a constructive role in the de-escalation efforts. “China opposes any infringement on Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, and opposes actions that escalate tensions and expand the conflict” he said. China has been taking a more active role in the Middle East and in 2023, it brokered an agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia after a break down in relations.

11:09 AM EDT WATCH: NATO chief calls for de-escalation in region as Israel attacks Iran

10:51 AM EDT At least eight dead in Israeli strikes on Iran At least eight people were killed in the Israeli strike on the Iranian city of Tabriz, according to Iranian media. Another 12 were injured in the strike, Majid Farshi, governor of East Azerbaijan province, where Tabriz is the capital, told Iranian news agency ISNA.

10:41 AM EDT ‘Hardliners’ who opposed US nuclear deal killed in strike, says Trump President Donald Trump has said that the “hardliners” he had been dealing with Iran, who had opposed his nuclear deal, had been killed in the Israeli strikes. Trump told CNN’s Dana Bash that he backed Israel’s major strikes on Iran, calling them a “a very successful attack.” “We of course support Israel, obviously and supported it like nobody has ever supported it,” Trump told her via phone on Friday. “They should now come to the table to make a deal before it’s too late. It will be too late for them. “You know the people I was dealing with are dead, the hardliners,” the president said, referring to the strikes.

10:24 AM EDT US moving military resources towards Middle East after Iran strike The United States is shifting military resources, including ships, towards the Middle East amid fears of potential retaliation from Iran after Israel’s strikes on Tehran, Associated Press reported Friday. Destroyer USS Thomas Hudner has begun sailing toward the Eastern Mediterranean and the U.S. Navy has directed a second destroyer to move forward so it is ready if requested by the White House, two officials told AP. President Donald Trump is meeting with the National Security Council Friday to discuss the situation.

10:09 AM EDT U.S. air weapons show dominance in Israel’s strike on Iran Israel conducted precision airstrikes on Iran Friday, deploying over 200 fighter jets and launching 330 munitions, the Israeli military said. Despite Iran’s claims of full military readiness to repel Israeli or U.S. attacks, the results of “Operation Rising Lion” laid bare the true capabilities on both sides, showcasing Israel’s success with a reliance on advanced U.S.-made aircraft and munitions that overcame Iran’s air defenses. The successful execution of the strike without reported losses underscores the effectiveness of U.S.-made military technology at a time of growing competition in the global arms industry. This is especially significant in a region where the U.S. has long limited the sale of top-tier fighter jets to Arab countries to maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge. It also reflects the broader competition in modern air warfare—where stealth, precision, and electronic warfare capabilities increasingly define battlefield success. Read in full from Amira El-Fekki‎ on Newsweek.

09:51 AM EDT IN PICTURES: Aftermath of Israel’s strikes on Iran A firefighter calls out his colleagues at the scene of an explosion in a residence compound in northern Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) A firefighter calls out his colleagues at the scene of an explosion in a residence compound in northern Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) Vahid Salemi/AP Firefighters and people clean up the scene of an explosion at a residence compound after Israeli attacks in Tehran, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) Firefighters and people clean up the scene of an explosion at a residence compound after Israeli attacks in Tehran, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) Vahid Salemi/AP A man walks at the scene of an explosion in a residence compound in northern Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) A man walks at the scene of an explosion in a residence compound in northern Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) Vahid Salemi/AP Damage is seen in a building after an explosion in a residence compound after Israel attacked Iran’s capital Tehran, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) Damage is seen in a building after an explosion in a residence compound after Israel attacked Iran’s capital Tehran, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) Vahid Salemi/AP

09:43 AM EDT Netanyahu set to speak with Trump today, Israeli official says President Donald Trump is set to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, CNN reports. It is not yet clear what time the call will take place. An official told CNN that Netanyahu is also expected to hold a situational assessment later today.

09:29 AM EDT France backs Israel’s ‘right to defend itself’ after strike French President Emmanuel Macron has said France “reaffirms Israel’s right to defend itself and ensure its security” in the wake of its major military strikes on Iran. However, he has called for “maximum restraint” to avoid “jeopardizing the stability of the entire region.” “France has repeatedly condemned Iran’s ongoing nuclear program and has taken all appropriate diplomatic measures in response,” he said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “All necessary steps will be taken to protect our nationals and our diplomatic and military missions in the region. All measures will also be implemented to ensure the protection of our national territory and our fellow citizens,” he added. “France stands ready to work with all its partners to push for de- escalation in the Near and Middle East.” Macron added that he has convened the National Defense and Security Councils this morning. He also said he has spoken with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the King of Jordan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, the Emir of Qatar, the German Chancellor, the British Prime Minister, and the President of the United States. France has repeatedly condemned Iran’s ongoing nuclear program and has taken all appropriate diplomatic measures in response.

In this context, France reaffirms Israel’s right to defend itself and ensure its security.

To avoid jeopardizing the stability of the entire region,… — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 13, 2025

09:15 AM EDT Why Israel alone can’t stop Iran getting nuclear weapons without US Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” has delivered the heaviest blow yet to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with air strikes killing the Islamic Republic’s top military command and nuclear scientists as well as hitting its main uranium enrichment plant in Natanz. But completely halting Iran’s nuclear program is likely beyond the means of the region’s only nuclear weapons power without the open support of its U.S. ally — and possibly even with it, security experts believe. “Israel by itself cannot completely halt the program. Only toppling the regime can do that. Anything less achieves at most a delay for X number of years. X being dependent on the level of success of the strikes,” Eado Hecht, of the BESA Center for Security Studies in Israel, told Newsweek. “That is the best we can hope for in the current situation: if Iran provokes the USA into attacking it or the weakening of the regime sets off a revolution. Otherwise in X years time we will have to do it again,” he said. Read in full from Matthew Tostevin and Amira El-Fekki‎ on Newsweek.

09:04 AM EDT Trump attending National Security Council over Iran President Donald Trump will attend a National Security Council meeting on Friday morning, the White House said. The meeting takes place after Israel’s major strikes on Iran.

08:55 AM EDT UN security council to meet today on Iran The United Nations security council is set to meet later on Friday over Israel’s strikes on Iran. The meeting is being held at the request of Tehran, U.N. diplomats said.

08:49 AM EDT Trump says clock ran out for Iran President Donald Trump said on Friday that he had given Iran a 60-day deadline to make a deal on nuclear weapons. Israel’s attack took place on day 61, he said. “They should have done it!” Trump said in a Truth Social post. “I told them what to do, but they just couldn’t get there. Now they have, perhaps, a second chance!”

08:34 AM EDT New York Republican says Israel had ‘no choice’ but to strike Iran Rep. Nicole Malliotakis has claimed, in a post on X on Friday, that Israel had “no choice” but to strike Iran following the deadly attack. “A nuclear-armed Iran is an existential threat to Israel, the region and the world,” said Malliotakis, a Republican of Staten Island, New York. “The Iranian regime’s unabated pursuit of nuclear weapons left Israel with no choice other than to act to destroy uranium enrichment facilities. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we achieved the Abraham Accords and we must continue the work to build on its success and bring lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.” A nuclear-armed Iran is an existential threat to Israel, the region and the world. The Iranian regime’s unabated pursuit of nuclear weapons left Israel with no choice other than to act to destroy uranium enrichment facilities. Under President Trump’s leadership, we achieved the… — Office of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (@RepNicole) June 13, 2025

08:25 AM EDT Israel shuts its embassies warns warns citizens after it launched Iran attck Israel has closed its embassies around the world and advised citizens to avoid displaying Israeli symbols after it launched a deadly attack on Iran. In a statement on embassy websites, it said Israel would not be providing consular services and urged citizens to seek help from local authorities if they faced any issues. “In light of recent developments, Israeli missions around the world will be closed and consular services will not be provided,” the statement said. Nations have already begun stepping up protections for Israeli and Jewish sites amid fear of backlash after its major strikes on Iran. It is not yet clear how long the embassies will remain closed.

08:03 AM EDT Iranian president asks for unity after Israeli attack Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged Iranians to trust him after Israel’s strike on the country Friday. “I ask the entire nation to maintain their unity… at the same time to trust the officials,” Pezeshkian said. He added that Iran needs unity “more than ever” in the wake of the attack. Huge crowds have gathered in Tehran calling for retaliatory strikes against Israel.

07:48 AM EDT Trump says Iran has “second chance” Trump has posted more to Truth Social. Here’s the latest: “Two months ago I gave Iran a 60 day ultimatum to “make a deal.” They should have done it! Today is day 61. I told them what to do, but they just couldn’t get there. Now they have, perhaps, a second chance!”

07:39 AM EDT More Trump comments on Israel strikes Trump has been speaking again, this time to ABC News. “I think it’s been excellent,” Trump said of Israel’s operation against Iran. “We gave them a chance and they didn’t take it. They got hit hard, very hard. They got hit about as hard as you’re going to get hit. And there’s more to come. A lot more.” Asked if the U.S. took part in the attack, Trump replied: “I don’t want to comment on that.” Iran has accused the U.S. of aiding Israel. But Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington played no part and warned Iran against attacking American targets in the region.

07:36 AM EDT Flight data map shows Iranian airspace clearing out amid strikes Flightradar24 shared a short clip of what happened to flight patterns when the Israeli operation began against Iran. You can see the airspace clearing out as flights divert away from the danger. 9-second video of the clearing of Iranian and Iraqi airspace. pic.twitter.com/VZLWbmk9sC — Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) June 13, 2025

07:13 AM EDT Iran restraint needed to avoid “full-scale war”—Russian official Konstantin Kosachev, vice-speaker of Russia’s upper house of parliament, made clear that Russia would stand by its ally, Iran. “Israel’s actions cannot be justified from a legal, political, military or moral point of view. The only hope, albeit illusory, of avoiding a full-scale war is a consolidated condemnation of this operation by the international community,” he said, according to Russia’s official TASS news agency. “We can and must hope for another demonstration of restraint from Iran. One must always hope for the best, but naturally there are limits to [Iran’s] patience.” He added that the “vicious circle of escalation is rapidly spiraling upward.” Read more on Newsweek.

07:01 AM EDT Iran restricts internet access amid Israeli strikes The Iranian communications ministry is restricting the internet in the country, state media says. Iran heavily censors the media and the content its citizens consume. It has closed off internet access in the past during protests and civil unrest. The ministry cited “special circumstances”—i.e. the Israeli strikes—that meant that internet access needed to be limited. “Obviously, with the return of the situation to normal, these restrictions will be removed,” the ministry said.

06:37 AM EDT Ukrainians raise eyebrows at Russia statement The irony of Russia’s criticism of Israeli action is not lost on Ukraine. Russia is engaged in an ongoing invasion of Ukraine and has struck its cities and energy facilities, including a nuclear power plant. A spokesman for the Ukrainian foreign ministry had this to say on social media: This awkward moment when Russia’s Foreign Ministry made a statement about the Middle East but forgot to look at the mirror. pic.twitter.com/atskFNqzES — Heorhii Tykhyi (@SpoxUkraineMFA) June 13, 2025

06:33 AM EDT IDF shares more details on IRGC air force targets The IDF confirmed earlier reports that it had essentially decapitated the leadership of the air force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in a strike on an underground command center. It said Israeli intelligence had “identified that the senior chain of command” of the air force had gathered at the location to “prepare for an attack” on Israel. “As part of the combined opening strike, IAF fighter jets struck the command center where the Commander of the IRGC’s Air Force, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, was located along with other senior officials,” the IDF said. “Along with Hajizadeh, the Commander of the UAV Force of the IRGC’s Air Force, Taher-pour, and the Commander of the Aerial Command of the IRGC’s Air Force, Davoud Shaykhian, were eliminated. “The IRGC’s Air Force is responsible for repeated attacks against Israeli civilians. “Notably, Hajizadeh and his subordinates commanded Iran’s direct missile and UAV attacks against Israel in October 2024 and the direct missile strike in April 2024. “In addition, the senior officials who were eliminated led the attack on Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities in September 2019.”

06:24 AM EDT The Iranian figures killed by Israel Israel took out some serious names in its strikes on Iran, not least Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of the IRGC. Other senior military officials and nuclear scientists were named among the dead. Newsweek’s Amira El-Fekki‎ has more on the who’s who of Israel’s targets.

06:17 AM EDT Israel hits Natanz again Israel has struck the Natanz nuclear facility again, Iranian state media said. The UN’s IAEA has said it is monitoring the situation at the site, used for uranium enrichment, over radiation leak fears. The IDF had earlier said it had done critical damage to Natanz. Iran has also confirmed damage but said there is no problem with radiation.

06:12 AM EDT Video shows damage done by Israel strikes More footage of the damage in Iran after the Israeli strikes.

06:10 AM EDT Trump: I gave Iran chance after chance U.S. President Donald Trump has given a fresh reaction to Israel’s strikes, having earlier said he was warned of them beforehand. Trump had been trying to negotiate a new nuclear deal with Iran, with another round of talks due this coming Sunday. He implored Iran to make a deal, saying there is still time. “I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal. I told them, in the strongest of words, to ‘just do it,’ but no matter how hard they tried, no matter how close they got, they just couldn’t get it done,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform. “I told them it would be much worse than anything they know, anticipated, or were told, that the United States makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and that Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come – And they know how to use it. “Certain Iranian hardliner’s spoke bravely, but they didn’t know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse! “There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end. “Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire. No more death, no more destruction, JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. God Bless You All!”

06:01 AM EDT Israel strikes “declaration of war”: Iran foreign minister Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called Israel’s strikes “tantamount to a declaration of war” in a letter to the United Nations, Iranian state media reported. “Israel, the world’s most terrorist regime, has now crossed all red lines, and the international community must not allow these crimes to go unpunished,” Araghchi’s letter said, Fars News Agency reported. “The Security Council and the Secretary-General must immediately and unequivocally condemn this attack and take action…Israel will deeply regret this reckless aggression and the great strategic miscalculations it has committed.”

05:41 AM EDT Israeli officials say they smuggled weapons into Iran ahead of strikes Israeli security officials say the country’s Mossad spy agency smuggled weapons into Iran ahead of Friday’s strikes that were used to target its defenses from within. Two security officials spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Friday to discuss the highly secretive missions. It was not possible to independently confirm their claims. There was no official comment. The officials said a base for launching explosive drones was established inside Iran and that the drones were activated during Friday’s attack to target missile launchers at an Iranian base near Tehran. They said Israel had also smuggled precision weapons into central Iran and positioned them near surface-to-air missile systems. They said it also deployed strike systems on vehicles. Both were activated as the strikes began, in order to target Iran’s defenses, the officials said. This is reporting by The Associated Press.

05:35 AM EDT Trump was briefed on Israeli strikes beforehand U.S. President Donald Trump knew the Israeli strikes were coming, he told Fox News. Trump has spoken with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recent days, and Americans living and working in the region were given security warnings on Thursday. “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table,” Trump told Fox News. “We will see. There are several people in leadership in Iran that will not be coming back.”

05:29 AM EDT IDF reveals new details about Natanz strike The IDF had more to say about Natanz, an Iranian site for nuclear enrichment. Israeli media had reported that the site was destroyed. Iran acknowledged it had been damaged in various parts. “As part of the strikes, the underground area of the site was damaged,” the IDF has said in a new statement. “This area contains a multi-story enrichment hall with centrifuges, electrical rooms, and additional supporting infrastructure. “In addition, critical infrastructure enabling the site’s continuous operation and the Iranian regime’s ongoing efforts to obtain nuclear weapons were targeted.” A graphic shared by the IDF about its strike on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility. A graphic shared by the IDF about its strike on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility. IDF

05:21 AM EDT Watch: Netanyahu confirms Operation Rising Lion Here’s the moment Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Operation Rising Lion to the world.

05:18 AM EDT New explosion in Iran Iranian state media reported a new explosion in Tabriz, northwestern Iran, and shared a picture of a plume of smoke in the distance. It said there were 10 explosions in the area this morning and three people had died. Iranian state media picture of smoke near Tabriz, Iran. Iranian state media picture of smoke near Tabriz, Iran. Fars News Agency Iranian social media users shared similar images. همین الان یه حمله دیگه ، حاشیه #تبریز pic.twitter.com/brrvHgwkKi — شهاب کیان آرا (@ShahabKiyanara) June 13, 2025

05:11 AM EDT Israel took out IRGC air force leadership at underground meeting: report According to Amichai Stein, diplomatic correspondent at Israel’s i24NEWS, in a post on X: “The majority of the senior leadership of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ Air Force was neutralized during a meeting at an underground headquarters.”

04:56 AM EDT Ursula von der Leyen calls for “maximum restraint” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has responded to the Israeli strikes on Iran. “The reports emerging from the Middle East are deeply alarming,” she posted to X. “Europe urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate immediately and refrain from retaliation. “A diplomatic resolution is now more urgent than ever, for the sake of the region’s stability and global security.”

04:51 AM EDT Israel Air Force video shows hit on Iranian ballistic missile More footage from the Israeli military now. The Israel Air Force shared a video that it said shows the destruction of an Iranian ballistic missile pointed at Israel. חיל-האוויר השמיד טילים בליסטיים שכוונו למדינת ישראל.

תיעוד מתקיפת טילי קרקע-קרקע באיראן: pic.twitter.com/sFSApTaWw2 — Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) June 13, 2025

04:48 AM EDT Russia condemns Israeli strikes, detailed statement incoming Russia is concerned by the Israeli strikes on Iran and condemns the escalation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, Interfax reported. He said the Russian foreign ministry will soon issue a detailed statement on the Israel-Iran situation and distribute it at the UN. Peskov said the statement would be made on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

04:31 AM EDT Iran confirms Natanz damage The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran confirmed that “various parts” of its Natanz nuclear facility “have been damaged in the attack,” Iranian state media reported. “Investigations are underway on the extent of the damage,” the organization said. “So far, there have been no reports of casualties to the forces stationed at the site. In the investigations carried out, it was found that no radioactive and chemical contamination had spread outside the site.” Israeli media reported that the strikes had destroyed Natanz, a site used for uranium enrichment.

04:21 AM EDT Images show damage from strikes in Tehran Photos show some of the damage caused by the Israeli strikes in Tehran. Israel targeted senior military commanders and top nuclear scientists, saying it had killed several, including the IRGC chief Hossein Salami, a major scalp. Iran said women and children had also been killed in the strikes. People look over damage to buildings in Nobonyad Square following Israeli airstrikes on June 13, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. People look over damage to buildings in Nobonyad Square following Israeli airstrikes on June 13, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. Majid Saeedi/Getty Images Rescue teams work outside a building targeted by an Israeli strike in the Iranian capital Tehran on June 13, 2025. Rescue teams work outside a building targeted by an Israeli strike in the Iranian capital Tehran on June 13, 2025. ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images Rescue teams work outside a heavily damaged building, targeted by an Israeli strike in the Iranian capital Tehran on June 13, 2025. Rescue teams work outside a heavily damaged building, targeted by an Israeli strike in the Iranian capital Tehran on June 13, 2025. AFP via Getty Images People look over damage to buildings following Israeli airstrikes on June 13, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. People look over damage to buildings following Israeli airstrikes on June 13, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. Majid Saeedi/Getty Images

04:06 AM EDT IDF: We destroyed dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its air force fighter jets had “completed a large-scale strike against the aerial defense array of the Iranian regime in western Iran.” “As part of the strikes, dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers were destroyed,” the IDF statement said. “Throughout the war, the IDF has systematically targeted the aerial defense systems of the Iranian regime and its proxies across the Middle East. “These strikes enhance the Israeli Air Force’s freedom of aerial operation.” The IDF shared footage of what it said was a strike on an Iranian aerial defense system.

04:02 AM EDT Israeli media says Natanz facility was destroyed Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility was a target of the Israeli strikes. Israel’s News12 is reporting that it was destroyed. Earlier, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that Natanz was among the targets hit, saying it was “closely monitoring the deeply concerning situation in Iran” and was in contact with the authorities about radiation levels. Natanz is used for uranium enrichment.

03:48 AM EDT Oil prices surge after Israel strikes on Iran Oil prices surged after Israel struck Iranian nuclear and military targets, bringing the prospect of an all-out war much closer in the oil-producing Middle East region. U.S. benchmark crude oil rose by $3.93, or 5.8 percent, to $71.97 per barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, increased by $3.82 to $73.18 per barrel. Iran is one of the world’s major oil producers.

03:43 AM EDT Iran’s options for retaliation Though Iran has sent drones towards Israel as its initial retaliation for the strikes, it has several much stronger options for a bigger response. And it has threatened a “severe punishment”—so we can expect much more to come. Among its options are choking the global oil supply—causing economic pain all over the world—and unleashing its proxy forces across the region. Amir Daftari explores Iran’s options in more detail for Newsweek.

03:23 AM EDT Iran points finger of blame at U.S. after Rubio denial The Iranian foreign ministry said it held the U.S. responsible for Israel’s attacks, after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington had no involvement and strongly warned Tehran not to target Americans in the region. “The Zionist regime’s aggressive actions against Iran could not have been carried out without the coordination and authorization of the United States,” a statement from the ministry said, according to Iranian state media “Accordingly, the U.S. government, as Israel’s main supporter, will also be responsible for the dangerous effects of the Zionist regime’s adventure.”

03:05 AM EDT Arab states condemn Israel, call for diplomacy Arab states are reacting to the Israeli strikes on Iran. The Saudis issued a “strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran”. Qatar called it a “dangerous escalation as part of a repeated pattern of illegal Israeli policies,” while the UAE called on the sides to “resolve disputes through diplomatic means rather than through confrontation and escalation”. Newsweek’s Amira El-Fekki‎ has the full story and more reactions.

China has sent a message to Russia, the US, UK and Ukraine as fears of World War 3 grow.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday that “all parties” need to show restraint to avoid further escalation.

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He said: “Under the current circumstances, all parties should remain calm and restrained, work to cool the situation through dialogue and consultations, and create conditions for a political settlement of the crisis [as China refers to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine], in order to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the US, made similar remarks in an interview with Newsweek.

He said: “Realising an early ceasefire and striving for political settlement serves the interests of all sides.