Ncuti Gatwa took to his Instagram to promote Doctor Who's Eurovision-inspired episode just hours after pulling out of hosting the contest's Grand Final.

The Rwandan-Scottish actor, 32, had been set to present the British jury's points for each participating country's song before the BBC announced he had pulled out on Thursday due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.

The announcement of his absence came just minutes after Israel's Yuval Raphael - a survivor of the October 7 attacks - secured the nation's place in the final.

It sparked rife speculation that Ncuti - who has been vocal in his support for Palestine - may have withdrawn due to Israel's qualification for the Grand Final.

But on Friday, the actor took to Instagram to promote the BBC's high-budget Doctor Who Eurovision-inspired episode, which will air before the Eurovision final on Saturday.

He shared a video to his Stories showing himself, Rylan Clark, Graham Norton and Varada Sethu featuring in a video promising the 'explosive event' will provide 'terror, trauma and tears'.

Ncuti Gatwa, 32, took to Instagram to promote Saturday night's Eurovision-inspired Doctor Who episode hours after withdrawing from presenting the contest's Final (pictured May 2025)

The 'explosive' and high-budget episode, titled the Interstellar Song Contest, will air before Eurovision begins

The announcement that Ncuti had withdrawn was made moments after Israel's Yuval Raphael - a survivor of the October 7 attacks - qualified with her song New Day Will Rise

The episode has been titled The Interstellar Song Contest and will take an intergalactic spin on the famed contest in a very special episode.

But Saturday night TV viewers will only see Ncuti on screen for an hour, with the BBC announcing Sophie Ellis-Bextor as his last-minute replacement on Eurovision.

Their statement read: 'Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend.

'However we are delighted to confirm that BBC Radio 2's very own Friday night Kitchen Disco Diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be presenting the Jury result live from the UK.'

Doctor Who's future has also been confirmed as it has been claimed that showrunner Russel T Davies has already planned the next two series, though there will be a 'big pause' before it returns to air.

Though it has not been officially confirmed if Ncuti will continue as the Time Lord, following claims he could be stepping down, it appears there are more adventures in store for fans.

'The TARDIS set is still standing in Cardiff, all ready to go on new adventures,' an insider told The Mirror.

'There will be a gap while the scripts are finalised, the episodes are filmed and the editing process takes place. But we’ll be back. The wait won’t be forever, just a big pause.'

Speculation was rife after Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa withdrew from Eurovision hosting duties - with the BBC announcement being made just two minutes after Israel qualified

The news comes as Sophie shared her excitement over stepping in for Ncuti on the Eurovision Grand Final.

She told fans: 'I love Eurovision and it's a privilege to be part of 2025's Grand Final. What an honour it is to announce the UK's jury score on such a special show which always puts music front and centre.

'I am very much looking forward to delivering the iconic douze points from the United Kingdom!'

Previously, Joanna Lumley, Fearne Cotton, Nigella Lawson and Catherine Tate have taken on the spokesperson role.

Ncuti has previously shared photographs of Free Palestine graffiti in Italy on his Instagram as well as posting links to fundraisers for Palestinian causes.

The reason for Ncuti's last minute withdrawal from his hosting duties was not made clear, aside from the BBC's initial 'unforeseen circumstances' message, but fans speculated Israel's qualification was the cause.

One pro Palestinian social media commentator said: 'Israel qualified to the Eurovision final at 22:16 last night. Then at 22:18, just two minutes later, the BBC announced Ncuti Gatwa cancelling his appearance on Eurovision for "unforseen circumstances". We see you Ncuti; we see you and we like you a lot.'

Another said: 'THAT's backing up your morals. #FreePalestine.'

The BBC confirmed in an Instagram statement on Thursday: 'Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately Ncuti Gatwa is no longer able to participate as Spokesperson during the Grand Final this weekend'

Sophie Ellis-Bextor will now replace Ncuti as the British jury’s points for each participating country’s song on Saturday

The sudden withdrawal came amid Israel's semi-final performance in Basel, Switzerland, was interrupted by six pro-Palestinian demonstrators carrying large flags.

Under the arena rules, all flags are allowed but there are limits on size, and so the audience members were quickly ejected from the St Jakobshalle arena.

Later on, footage from the TV broadcast semi-final showed the Israeli entry being booed once again by some sections of the audience.

The jeers were more audible on social media footage of the performance - but Yuval was one of the ten acts to succeed in the public vote and make it through to the final.

This year's contest has been frequently targeted by pro-Palestine activists over Israel's participation.

Ncuti's representatives were approached for comment by MailOnline.

The Rwandan-Scottish actor had been set to present the British jury's points for each participating country's song before the BBC announced he had pulled out on Thursday.

Ncuti Gatwa promotes Eurovision-inspired Doctor Who episode just hours after withdrawing from presenting contest's Grand Final - as future of sci-fi show is revealed

'Trauma is written on the faces of the evacuees'

By Jayne Secker, in Los Angeles

On a normal Saturday the Westwood recreation centre in Los Angeles is packed with people sweating through spin classes and circuits.

Today however its gym is crammed with neat rows of camp beds, each with a pillow, blanket and small pile of belongings at one end.

The American Red Cross – seen in so many international disaster zones – is now helping its own.

Spokesman Nicole Maul explained how the trailers lined up outside are full of the basics – toothpaste, soap, sanitary products – for those who now have nothing.

In the reception area new arrivals are greeted with warm smiles and tables of donated food. So much is being brought to the shelter from those who live nearby and want to help.

A large TV screen carries a local rolling news channel with wall to wall coverage of the blaze. For many though it is just too much.

Outside I spoke to one man sitting quietly on a bench. He has lost his home in the Pallisades blaze. He said the images were just too upsetting.

He has tried twice to get back to his street. Twice the authorities have turned him back, telling him it is still not safe.

He has nowhere else to go.

In the car park a local acupuncture clinic has sent up a tent offering free treatments to help relieve stress. Suddenly one of the practictioners leaps up and leaves. She'd received a call. The wind had changed and her house was now at threat.

A stark reminder of how unpredictable these fires are.

By the afternoon on the astro pitch outside, young girls practise their football drills, while a man honed his golf swing.

Normal life for some, cheek by jowl with those entirely uprooted from theirs.

There is so much goodwill here, but the trauma the evacuees are continuing to go through is written on their faces.

They have no idea how long they will have to stay here.

This place is a refuge, but it is certainly not home.

Wildfires continue to burn in Los Angeles, with at least 16 people killed in the blazes and 153,000 people under evacuation orders. The public health authority has urged people to stay indoors due to the high levels of smoke and ash in the air.

LA fires latest: Fire deaths rise as weather conditions to worsen; prisoners 'deployed to fight blazes'

Numerous programs initiated regarding women empowerment: Azma Bukhari

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari says government has initiated numerous programs focused on women empowerment

In an exclusive interview with Radio Pakistan correspondent Zunera Khalid with reference to International Women's Day, she stressed women should be acknowledged every day, not merely on a singular occasion.

The Minister recognized the important contributions of women, whether they are homemakers, professionals or public servants, asserting that they are contributing toward society to make it more prosperous.

Azma Bukhari mentioned that Maryam Nawaz, as Punjab's first female Chief Minister, is devoted to empowering women and addressing their issues while prioritizing women's empowerment and overcoming their challenges.

She commended women for their greater diligence and commitment in every sector. The Minister also outlined various initiatives launched by the Punjab government, including the Pink Button initiative to combat harassment issues and the establishment of virtual police stations, which provide services to women, who may be reluctant to visit traditional police facilities.

She pointed out that women in Punjab are actively participating in various roles without facing discrimination, highlighting that many Assistant Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners working in the province are women, a significant achievement in the province history.

Azma Bukhari encouraged all women to recognize their strengths and to contribute positively to their families, communities and the nation, whether they are at home or in the workforce.

Numerous programs initiated regarding women empowerment: Azma Bukhari

HIT 3 makers face plagiarism row, asked to respond by July 7

With the court now involved, the makers of HIT 3 will have to present their side of the story soon. Whether the issue gets resolved or takes a more serious turn remains to be seen.

By Pratyusha sista Updated On - 23 June 2025, 08:04 AM

Hyderabad: The makers of HIT 3 have landed in legal trouble after the Madras High Court issued a notice over plagiarism allegations. The court has asked the team, including actor Nani and director Sailesh Kolanu, to file their response by July 7, 2025.

This unexpected development comes after writer Vimalavelan accused the team of copying his story. In his complaint, he stated that he had shared the idea with actor Nani some time ago. Much to his surprise, he later found that HIT 3 had a storyline that closely resembled his concept.

Claiming that the script was used without his knowledge or consent, Vimalavelan moved the court, naming Nani, director Sailesh Kolanu, and the producers as respondents.

With the court now involved, the makers of HIT 3 will have to present their side of the story soon. Whether the issue gets resolved or takes a more serious turn remains to be seen.

The case has stirred curiosity in the industry, and everyone is now waiting to see how the team responds to these serious allegations.

With the court now involved, the makers of HIT 3 will have to present their side of the story soon. Whether the issue gets resolved or takes a more serious turn remains to be seen.

HIT 3 makers face plagiarism row, asked to respond by July 7

Suicide bomber attacks church in Damascus, 19 killed

The Syrian health authorities put the latest official death toll at 13, with 53 others wounded, Xinhua news agency reported.

By IANS Updated On - 23 June 2025, 07:45 AM

Damascus: A suicide bomber stormed a crowded church in the Syrian capital Damascus during mass, opening fire on worshippers before detonating his explosives, killing at least 19 people and injuring dozens more, security sources and a monitoring group said.

The Syrian health authorities put the latest official death toll at 13, with 53 others wounded, Xinhua news agency reported.

The blast ripped through the Mar Elias Church in the Dweilaa district, a predominantly Christian neighbourhood on the eastern outskirts of Damascus, leaving behind blood-stained pews, shattered icons, and scenes of chaos, according to eyewitnesses and local media.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the attacker opened fire inside the packed church before blowing himself up, causing “severe human losses.” The monitoring group reported that the toll may rise given the critical condition of many of the injured.

Authorities from the interior security department confirmed that the perpetrator was affiliated with the Islamic State (IS). In a statement posted on X, interior chief Hamzah Al-Mustafa condemned the “cowardly terrorist act.” He emphasized that “such acts are contrary to the values of citizenship that bind Syrians together,” and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to national unity, equal citizenship, and defeating criminal groups that threaten public safety.

Emergency responders cordoned off the area as ambulances rushed the wounded to Damascus hospitals. Authorities urged citizens to avoid the vicinity to allow medical teams to operate freely and prevent further casualties amid fears of additional attacks.

The blast is the first of its kind targeting a church in Damascus in several years, sparking renewed concerns about sleeper cells operating in the capital.

The Syrian health authorities put the latest official death toll at 13, with 53 others wounded, Xinhua news agency reported.

Suicide bomber attacks church in Damascus, 19 killed

Amazon boss Jeff Bezos and bride to be Lauren Sanchez's have been forced to change one of the venues for their £36million Venice wedding because of 'rising global tensions' it was claimed today.

Bezos and Sanchez nuptials has already attracted huge controversy with protests planned by locals angry at the couple for 'taking over the city' for the planned three day festivities.

A team of former US marines has already been hired to provide security for the event by Bezos, which is due to take place over three days from June 26 in the iconic lagoon city.

The original plan was for a huge party at the Scuola Grande della Misericordia on Saturday night but it has now been moved to another venue in the Arsenale area of the city, according to local media.

Il Gazzettino said the days leading to wedding would be 'tension filled' and the move to the venue was due to it being 'easier to control' as large scale protests are expected.

But they also added 'the winds of war and rising global tensions between the US and Iran' were also being taken into consideration - there is a large American airbase at Aviano just 50 miles away.

On Tuesday a meeting is due to take place between local authorities and police and security teams to discuss the wedding which has been greeted with fury by many Venetians.

Amazon boss Jeff Bezos and bride to be Lauren Sanchez 's have been forced to change one of the venues for their £36million Venice wedding because of 'rising global tensions' it was claimed today. Pictured: A large banner against Amazon founder Jeff Bezos lies on the ground

Bezos and Sanchez nuptials has already attracted huge controversy with protests planned by locals angry at the couple for 'taking over the city' for the planned three day festivities. Pictured: Protesters display a banner reading 'No Space for Bezos!' on the Rialto Bridge

A team of former US marines has already been hired to provide security for the event by Bezos, which is due to take place over three days from June 26 in the iconic lagoon city. Pictured: A banner against Bezos lies on the ground in St. Mark's Square

The original plan was for a huge party at the Scuola Grande della Misericordia on Saturday night but it has now been moved to another venue in the Arsenale area of the city, according to local media. Pictured: Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez

Meanwhile on Monday Greenpeace activists unfurled a huge banner in St Mark's Square, the iconic heart of Venice protesting against the wedding.

It showed an image of Bezos face and the slogan: 'If you can rent Venice for your wedding then you can pay more tax.'

Activists from British group 'Everyone Hates Elon' were also involved and said they had carried it out to highlight the 'environmental and social injustice of the wedding'.

One said: 'Bezos encapsulates an economic and social model which is steering us towards collapse.

'All to often now social injustice travels on an equal par with the climate, on one side the arrogance of a few billionaires who have a lifestyle that devastates the planet, the other people who suffer daily from the environment crisis.'

Venice tourism council lot Simone Venturini told MailOnline: 'Venice is honored to host a private event like Jeff Bezos's wedding, chosen from destinations around the world for its singular beauty and character.

'This celebration highlights our city's international appeal and its capacity to welcome high-profile events with both discretion and efficiency.

'The objections voiced by a few dozen professional protesters—driven solely by a desire for media attention—do not represent the spirit of Venice; they reflect little more than social envy.

'Venice has always been—and remains—open, welcoming, and respectful, ready to embrace every visitor who honors our city's heritage.

Campaign group No Space for Bezos has organised a huge protest for next Saturday with demonstrators being encouraged to bring googles and inflatables so they can dive into canals and disrupt taxis ferrying guests. Pictured: People gathered on June 13 to protest against the wedding

On its social media the group says: 'Jeff Bezos and his clique of super rich people are not welcome in Venice' adding that the city cannot be 'a showcase for the elite'

Conversely a pro Bezos campaign group called 'Yes, Venice can' has formed in recent days welcoming the wedding for bringing funds and publicity to the city

'Each year we host hundreds of events and celebrations, many of which have an even greater impact on everyday life.

'Those who bring investment, create jobs, and bolster Venice's global standing will always be welcome here.

'We will continue to strive for a city that balances hospitality with the protection of its unique heritage, guided by both vision and equilibrium.

'Our heartfelt thanks to Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez for their decision to donate substantial sums to organisations dedicated to safeguarding and protecting our lagoon.

'Now that's a genuine act of love for the city, unlike those contrived protests'.

The wedding is being organised by London based planners Lanza and Baucina who were not immediately available for comment.

On its website the firm describes itself as 'leaders in global event, creation, design and management'.

It adds: 'With experience ranging from royal and A list celebrity weddings to ground breaking productions in extraordinary and uncharted locations.

'Established in 2000 we have worked on every continent and are responsible for masterminding the world's most exclusive private and spectacular parties.

'Discretion is paramount to us. We have no social media presence and no examples of previous work are published.'

The company were behind the wedding of George and Amal Clooney in 2014.

Bezos, 61, is the world's third richest person with an estimated with of $221 billion and is the founder of Amazon and space tech firm Blue Origin.

Hundreds of high-profile guests including members of the Trump family, Katie Perry, Oprah Winfrey and Kim Kardashian are expected to attend and the wedding will take over the island of San Giorgio opposite the iconic St Mark's Square.

Campaign group No Space for Bezos has organised a huge protest for next Saturday with demonstrators being encouraged to bring googles and inflatables so they can dive into canals and disrupt taxis ferrying guests.

On its social media the group says: 'Jeff Bezos and his clique of super rich people are not welcome in Venice' adding that the city cannot be 'a showcase for the elite'.

Conversely a pro Bezos campaign group called 'Yes, Venice can' has formed in recent days welcoming the wedding for bringing funds and publicity to the city.

A source at Venice City Council told MailOnline: 'The provision has been made for a venue change but this is a private matter, and a final decision will be made at the last minute.

'It all depends on the level of protest and the Arsenale is a much easier area to secure as it is walled off and enclosed.'

Bezos and Sanchez nuptials has already attracted huge controversy with protests planned by locals angry at the couple for 'taking over the city' for the planned three day festivities.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez 'are forced to MOVE Venice wedding party venue due to protests and US involvement in Iran war'

Six dead and two missing after boat flips in Lake Tahoe

2 hours ago Share Save Max Matza BBC News Share Save

US Coast Guard The US Coast Guard released an image of the capsized boat

Six people were killed when a boat capsized in Lake Tahoe, a popular tourist destination on the border of California and Nevada. Two others are still missing following the accident on Saturday, which occurred as fierce winds battered the lake, kicking up 8ft-tall (2.5m) waves. The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office said two survivors were pulled from the water and are being treated in hospital for hypothermia and other injuries. According to the US Coast Guard, the 27-ft-long gold Chris-craft boat was caught in a large swell when winds gusted to 35mph (56km/h).

Two survivors were also pulled from the rough waters and are being treated in hospital for hypothermia and other injuries.

Six dead and two missing after boat flips in Lake Tahoe

US strikes on nuke sites send Israel-Iran conflict into ‘decisive phase’, say experts

Experts warned that if Tehran chooses to close the Strait of Hormuz -- the critical oil corridor connecting the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea -- in retaliation to the US strikes, the global economy as well as the Indian economy would be severely impacted.

By Telangana Today Published Date - 22 June 2025, 08:58 PM

New Delhi: The Israel-Iran conflict has entered a “decisive phase” after the US bombed three major Iranian nuclear sites Sunday morning, feel strategic affairs experts with some of them arguing it was Washington’s “responsibility” to not get involved in the military standoff.

The US attacked Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan, bringing itself into the Israel-Iran conflict. Later, US President Donald Trump said the Iranian nuclear sites were “totally obliterated”.

Former diplomat and author Rajiv Dogra criticised the US move and said only time will tell whether there has been a “radiation leak or if that has been contained in one way or the other” after the strikes.

Some experts underlined the old civilisational ties between India and Iran to say the bilateral relations will “suffer in the process” as the Iran-Israel confrontation has intensified with the US involvement.

They warned that if Tehran chooses to close the Strait of Hormuz — the critical oil corridor connecting the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea — in retaliation to the US strikes, the global economy as well as the Indian economy would be severely impacted.

“Iran naturally will look at all options that are available to it. Closing the

Strait of Hormuz or attacking shipping going through it are the options that seem it (Iran) might exercise,” Dogra conjectured.

If it does that, naturally all countries getting oil from the Gulf nations through the strait would get affected, in terms of supplies and eventually soaring oil prices, he said.

“So, it will be naturally hurtful for the world economy and the Indian economy. Besides our industries, even the common people who depend on petrol for vehicles will get affected,” the former diplomat told PTI.

He said the US has simply played the role of a “spoiler”.

“Even if there was a chance for things to deescalate, the US strikes have made sure that things would not deescalate quickly. As almost a sole superpower still, it was its responsibility that it should not have got into the act,” he said.

Dogra said the US could have played the role of “stabiliser” in a situation which is already quite serious. Immediate resolution of this conflict doesn’t seem likely now, he argued.

The former diplomat said that once the nuclear facilities of a country are damaged in attack, then “all bets are off”.

“Because there are international regulations which forbid escalation to the extent that nuclear site is attacked. Radiation leaks can affect many many people and many many generations. Not just in the country where it is attacked but also in nearby nations.” Another former diplomat and strategic expert Dilip Sinha said, “The war has now entered a decisive phase.”

“Israel had already gained air superiority over Iran. Now America is getting involved and it is causing such a heavy devastation to the nuclear installations of Iran,” he added.

Iran’s capacity to retaliate is “considerably reduced” now, Sinha said. He also echoed Dogra’s views on the possibility of closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its ramifications, economic and otherwise, for India and other countries importing oil from the Gulf region.

He argued that if the critical corridor is closed, not just the supply will be impacted but oil prices will also go up.

Israel launched a military action under Operation Rising Lion against Iran on June 13, targeting nuclear facilities. Iran has since then responded by firing missiles at Israel.

“There is a fear of regional conflagration. But I don’t see that happening because not too many countries have come out in support of Israel yet,” he added.

Sinha also conjectured that it is possible for Iran to block the narrow Strait of Hormuz after the US strikes. If that happens, “India will be affected, and overall the price of oil will go up”, he said.

The conflict certainly presents a challenge to India which has had closer relations with Iran, the former diplomat said, adding that India wants to have good relations with Iran, for historical, civilisational and geostrategic reasons as well.

Amid fears of radiation leak, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) posted on X on Sunday, “Following attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran – including Fordow – the IAEA can confirm that no increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of this time. IAEA will provide further assessments on the situation in Iran as more information becomes available.”

Lt Gen Kanwaljeet Singh Dhillon (retd) in an interaction with PTI Videos in Mohali said the attack on the three sites has been done with “specialised weapons that can hit deep within the ground to destroy nuclear facilities”.

Asked how long the two sides can sustain the conflict, he said if they fire missiles at each other and fight a conventional war, they can sustain longer.

“But with the advent of precision weapons, Israel can hit inside a building. Attrition on Iran’s side is higher than on the Israeli side and their military capabilities have been degraded,” the retired army officer said.

On the possibility of the Strait of Hormuz being blocked, he claimed that if it continues for a few days, it would “not have an immediate impact on the demand-supply chain” but would affect the stock markets.

Experts also referred to a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) underway in Turkiye, in the backdrop of the conflict. “Islamic countries are a house divided,” Dogra argued.

Asked if New Delhi can play some role in contributing to de-escalation in the region, he said, “India is friendly both with Israel and Iran, and its voice counts. It can definitely play a role in cooling down the tension and not let the crisis escalate further.”

Israel on June 13 targeted Iran’s nuclear and missile production and storage facilities to get rid of both. It has for years been calling Iran’s nuclear programme an existential threat and has vowed to foil its nuclear ambition at any cost.

Iran has maintained that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.

Experts warned that if Tehran chooses to close the Strait of Hormuz -- the critical oil corridor connecting the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea -- in retaliation to the US strikes, the global economy as well as the Indian economy would be severely impacted.

US strikes on nuke sites send Israel-Iran conflict into ‘decisive phase’, say experts

What we know about US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities

2 hours ago Share Save Nadine Yousif BBC News Share Save

Reuters A satellite image of Fordo, one of three Iranian nuclear sites hit by Trump

US President Donald Trump says American warplanes have bombed three nuclear sites in Iran, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing war between Iran and Israel. "Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight was the most difficult of them all by far, and perhaps the most lethal," the president said in a brief televised address to the American people. "But if peace doesn't come quickly we will go to those other targets with precision, speed and skill." One of the targets was Fordo, a uranium enrichment plant hidden in a remote mountainside that is vital to Iran's nuclear ambitions. We do not yet know the full scale of the damage at the facility. Israeli officials say they were in "full co-ordination" with the US in planning these strikes.

The US contacted Iran through diplomatic channels on Saturday to say the air strikes were all it intended to do and that "regime change efforts" were "not planned", according to US officials speaking to the BBC's US partner, CBS News. Iran could respond by targeting US military assets in the region. Its officials had earlier warned that any US attack risked a regional war and they would retaliate. Here is a breakdown of what we know so far.

How did this start?

Israel launched a surprise attack on dozens of Iranian nuclear and military targets on 13 June. It said its ambition was to dismantle its nuclear programme, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said would soon be able to produce a nuclear bomb. Iran insists its nuclear ambitions are peaceful. In retaliation, Tehran launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel. The two countries have continued exchanging strikes since, in an air war which has now lasted more than a week. Trump has long said that he is opposed to Iran possessing a nuclear weapon. Israel is widely believed to have them, although it neither confirms nor denies this. In March, US national intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard said that while Iran had increased its uranium stockpile to unprecedented levels, it was not building a nuclear weapon - an assessment that Trump recently said was "wrong". On the campaign trail, Trump had criticised past US administrations for engaging in "stupid endless wars" in the Middle East, and he vowed to keep America out of foreign conflicts. The US and Iran were in nuclear talks at the time of Israel's surprise attack. Only two days ago, Trump said he would give Iran two weeks to enter into substantial negotiations before striking - but that timeline turned out to be much shorter. Follow live: US attacks Iran nuclear sites

Israel-Iran: How did latest conflict start and where could it lead?

Iran's secretive nuclear site that only a US bomb could hit

What has the US bombed, and what weapons did it use?

The US says it hit three nuclear sites - at Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan. Fordo is hidden away in a mountainside south of Tehran, and is believed to be deeper underground than the Channel Tunnel connecting the UK and France. Fordo's depth below the Earth's surface has made it difficult to reach with Israel's weaponry. Only the US was considered to have a "bunker buster" bomb strong and large enough to destroy Fordo. That American bomb is called the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP). It weighs 13,000kg (30,000lb), and is able to penetrate about 18m of concrete or 61m of earth before exploding, according to experts. Fordo tunnels are thought to be 80m to 90m below the surface, so the MOP is not guaranteed to be successful, but it is the only bomb that could come close. US officials have confirmed to CBS that MOPs were used in the strikes, with two for each target struck.

What is the impact on the ground in Iran?

It is unclear yet what damage the US attack has had on the nuclear facilities, or whether there are any injuries or casualties. The deputy political director of Iran's state broadcaster, Hassan Abedini, said Iran had evacuated these three nuclear sites a "while ago". Appearing on state-run television, he said Iran "didn't suffer a major blow because the materials had already been taken out". In his televised address, Trump said the "nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated". But speaking on the BBC News Channel, Mark Kimmitt, a former US assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, was far more circumspect. "There's no way to suggest that it has been destroyed for all time," he said. Iran has said that more than 200 people were killed since its latest round of fighting with Israel began, and more than 1,200 were injured. Meanwhile, Israel is ramping up security in the wake of the US attacks on Iran's key nuclear sites. Israel has tightened its public security restrictions across the country, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said. The upgrade - including a "prohibition on education activities, gatherings, and workplaces" - comes after the US strikes on Iran.

How might Iran retaliate?

Iran has been weakened significantly by Israel's attacks on its military bases so far, experts say, as well as the dismantling of its regional proxies in Lebanon (Hezbollah), in Syria and in Gaza (Hamas). But Iran is still capable of doing a considerable amount of damage. Iranian officials warned the US against getting involved, saying it would suffer "irreparable damage" and that it risked an "all-out war" in the region. It has threatened to target US bases in the region in retaliation. The US operates military sites across at least 19 regions in the Middle East, including in Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Among the most obvious targets for Iran is the US Navy's 5th Fleet HQ at Mina Salman in Bahrain. It could also target a critical shipping route known as the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean and through which 30% of the world's oil supply is transported. It could also attack on other sea routes that risk destabilising global markets. Iran could also target the assets of nearby countries it perceives to be aiding the US, which risks the war spilling over to the entire region.

Does Trump need approval from Congress to send the US to war?

Three nuclear facilities are reported to have been bombed, including the uranium enrichment facility at Fordo.

What we know about US air strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities

Trump calls US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities 'spectacular success'

2 hours ago Share Save Ana Faguy BBC News, Washington DC Share Save

Reuters

President Donald Trump called the bombing of three nuclear facilities in Iran a "spectacular military success". He called on Iran to quickly bring peace or said the US would go after other targets with "speed" and "precision". "This cannot continue. There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days," Trump said in an address to the nation from the White House. Israel initially attacked Iran earlier this month, while the Americans and the Iranians were in nuclear talks. Trump urged Iran to continue negotiations, but on Saturday he went ahead with strikes.

Appearing alongside Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump boasted of the mission's success. "Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated," Trump said. "Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks would be far greater and a lot easier." The Iranians have not yet said exactly what damage the strikes, which occurred in the middle of the night, caused. We do not know the full extent of the damage. The bombing marked the first time since the Iranian Revolution in1979 that the US sent troops into Iran to strike facilities inside the country. Using "bunker buster bombs", the GBU-57A Massive Ordnance Penetrator, the US struck Fordo, Natanz and Esfahan in the middle of the night local time. During his remarks, Trump described the three targets as the "most difficult" and said that if peace does not "come quickly" the US will go after other sites. "Remember, there are many targets left," Trump said. "Tonight was the most difficult of them all by far, and perhaps the most lethal." Trump announced the strikes Saturday evening in a post on Truth Social after all US planes were out of Iranian air space. The US reached out to Iran "diplomatically" on Saturday to say the strikes are all it plans to do and that "regime change efforts are not planned", according to the BBC's US partner CBS News.

In a televised address, Trump called on Iran to make peace or threatened further attacks.

Trump calls US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities 'spectacular success'

The US has struck three key nuclear sites in Iran, President Donald Trump said Saturday evening. The sites are Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz, which lie at the heart of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Here’s what we know about the three facilities:

Natanz: The nuclear complex, about 250 kilometers (150 miles) south of the capital Tehran, is considered Iran’s largest uranium enrichment facility.

Analysts say it is used to develop and assemble centrifuges for uranium enrichment, a key technology that turns uranium into nuclear fuel.

Natanz has six above-ground buildings and three underground structures, two of which can hold 50,000 centrifuges, according to the non-profit Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI).

Iran had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity at its above-ground Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Weapons-grade uranium is enriched to 90%.

Fordow: Much is still unknown about the full size and nature of this facility, located close to the holy city of Qom and buried deep in a group of mountains. A good chunk of what we do know comes from a trove of Iranian documents stolen years ago by Israeli intelligence.

The main halls are an estimated 80 to 90 meters (around 262 to 295 feet) beneath the ground. The US is the only country with the kind of bomb required to strike that deep, Israeli officials and independent reports have previously said.

Recent IAEA reports suggested Iran had ramped up production of enriched uranium to a level of 60% at Fordow. The facility now contains 2,700 centrifuges, according to experts and the IAEA.

Isfahan: Isfahan, in central Iran, is home to the country’s largest nuclear research complex.

The facility was built with support from China and opened in 1984, according to the NTI. According to NTI, 3,000 scientists are employed at Isfahan, and the site is “suspected of being the center” of Iran’s nuclear program.

It “operates three small Chinese-supplied research reactors,” as well as a “conversion facility, a fuel production plant, a zirconium cladding plant, and other facilities and laboratories,” the NTI says.

Follow for live updates on the evolving conflict between Israel and Iran.

Live updates: Iran-Israel conflict continues with more strikes; US moves B-2 bombers

Britain was warned in advance that the US planned to hit Iran's nuclear sites, a Cabinet minister said today as Keir Starmer gave Donald Trump's attack the UK's backing.

Jonathan Reynolds said the UK had played no role in the strikes on three facilities overnight, but warned the threat of terrorism here due rise due to the close transatlantic alliance.

And he confirmed that efforts were underway to get trapped Britons out of Israel, as Tehran launched a barrage of revenge missiles.

The Business Secretary said it would be 'hours, not days' before they could be evacuated, with delays so far caused by Israeli airspace being closed.

The Foreign Office has asked British nationals in Israel to register their interest in a Government-organised flight out of the country early next week.

It came as the Prime Minister said that Tehran's atomic programme was 'a grave threat to international security' after bombers dropped 30,000-pound 'bunker buster' bombs on the Fordow nuclear facility.

Sir Keir added that the US had taken action to 'alleviate that threat', having previously urged Trump to use diplomacy instead, warning that military action could cause wider ramifications.

Trump last night claimed the attack using B2 steal bombers had been 'a spectacular military success,' something Tehran denied.

The bombers flew direct from the US rather than using the joint UK/US base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, with Mr Reynolds saying there had been no request to use it.

The Prime Minister said that Tehran's atomic programme was 'a grave threat to international security' after bombers dropped 30,000-pound 'bunker buster' bombs on the Fordow nuclear facility.

Reports from the US suggested that the bombers flew direct from the US to attack Fordow (pictured) rather than using the joint UK/US base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told Sky News the UK was not involved in the attacks but it was told in advance that it was happening.

He told Sky News that 'we were informed, as you might expect, by a key ally, of this action.

'I know people will be waking up this morning and they'll be worried. They'll want to know what this means,' he added.

'And I do want to give them reassurance that whilst the British government, the UK, has not been involved in these attacks, we have been making extensive preparations for all eventualities, including how we look after British nationals in the region and how we get them out, and the assets we have in the region to protect British infrastructure, British bases, British personnel, if we need to do that.'

Asked about the threat from Iran-sponsored terrorism, he said: 'It's already at a significant level. I think it would be naïve to say that that wouldn't potentially increase.'

As recently as Thursday Sir Keir was warning the president not to 'ramp up' tensions with an attack, having earlier told reporters at the G7 in Canada: 'There is nothing the President said that suggests he's about to get involved in this conflict.'

Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch said: 'By targeting Iran's nuclear sites, the US has taken decisive action against a regime that fuels global terror and directly threatens the UK.

'Iranian operatives have plotted murders and attacks on British soil. We should stand firmly with the US and Israel.'

The military action was also backed by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who tweeted: 'Iran must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons, the future of Israel depends on it.'

The attack also saw US submarines fire 30 Tomahawk missiles at two other Iranian nuclear sites at Natanz and Isfahan.

Trump last night claimed the attack using B2 steal bombers had been ' a spectacular military success,' something Tehran denied.

The attack also saw US submarines fire 30 Tomahawk missiles at two other Iranian nuclear sites at Natanz and Isfahan.

'The strikes were a spectacular military success,' the president claimed in a late-night address to the nation from the White House.

Trump claimed the top secret uranium enrichment base hidden deep inside a mountain at Fordow, 80 miles south of Tehran, was flattened.

Mr Reynolds told Sky News: 'We were not and have not been involved in these attacks.'

Asked if the UK knew the attacks were about to happen, he said: 'I can't tell you exactly when we did know but we were informed, as you might expect, by a key ally, of this action.'

The Business Secretary said 'no request was made' by the US for support.

Iran's foreign minister condemned the offensive as 'extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior.'

'The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,' Seyed Abbas Araghchi said. 'Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.'

This morning Israel was being struck by a barrage of missiles as Iran launched a retaliatory attack.

Jonathan Reynolds said the UK had played no role in the strikes on three facilities overnight, but warned the threat of terrorism here due rise due to the close transatlantic alliance.

UK 'told Trump planned to hit Iran's nukes but played no part in US strike': Keir Starmer backs attack as officials make plans to get Britons out of Israel

Keir Starmer this morning gave British backing to strikes on Iran's nuclear capabilities by Donald Trump's America.

The Prime Minister said that Tehran's atomic programme was 'a grave threat to international security' after bombers dropped 30,000-pound 'bunker buster' bombs on the Fordow nuclear facility.

Sir Keir added that the US had taken action to 'alleviate that threat', having previously urged Trump to use diplomacy instead, warning that military action could cause wider ramifications.

Trump last night claimed the attack using B2 steal bombers had been 'a spectacular military success,' something Tehran denied.

Reports from the US suggested that the bombers flew direct from the US rather than using the joint UK/US base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told Sky News the UK was not involved in the attacks but it was told in advance that it was happening.

In a statement this morning Sir Keir said: 'Iran's nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security.

'Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat.

The Prime Minister said that Tehran's atomic programme was 'a grave threat to international security' after bombers dropped 30,000-pound 'bunker buster' bombs on the Fordow nuclear facility.

Reports from the US suggested that the bombers flew direct from the US to attack Fordow (pictured) rather than using the joint UK/US base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean

'The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority.

'We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.'

As recently as Thursday Sir Keir was warning the president not to 'ramp up' tensions with an attack, having earlier told reporters at the G7 in Canada: 'There is nothing the President said that suggests he's about to get involved in this conflict.'

Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch said: 'By targeting Iran’s nuclear sites, the US has taken decisive action against a regime that fuels global terror and directly threatens the UK.

'Iranian operatives have plotted murders and attacks on British soil. We should stand firmly with the US and Israel.'

The military action was also backed by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who tweeted: 'Iran must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons, the future of Israel depends on it.'

The attack also saw US submarines fire 30 Tomahawk missiles at two other Iranian nuclear sites at Natanz and Isfahan.

'The strikes were a spectacular military success,' the president claimed in a late-night address to the nation from the White House.

Trump claimed the top secret uranium enrichment base hidden deep inside a mountain at Fordow, 80 miles south of Tehran, was flattened.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told Sky News the UK was not involved in the attacks but it was told in advance that it was happening.

The attack also saw US submarines fire 30 Tomahawk missiles at two other Iranian nuclear sites at Natanz and Isfahan.

Trump last night claimed the attack using B2 steal bombers had been ' a spectacular military success,' something Tehran denied.

B-2 Stealth Bombers were used in the attack to drop bunker buster bombs

Mr Reynolds told Sky News: 'We were not and have not been involved in these attacks.'

Asked if the UK knew the attacks were about to happen, he said: 'I can't tell you exactly when we did know but we were informed, as you might expect, by a key ally, of this action.'

The Business Secretary said 'no request was made' by the US for support.

Iran's foreign minister condemned the offensive as 'extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior.'

'The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,' Seyed Abbas Araghchi said. 'Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.'

This morning Israel was being struck by a barrage of missiles as Iran launched a retaliatory attack.

The Prime Minister said that Tehran's atomic programme was 'a grave threat to international security' after bombers dropped 30,000-pound 'bunker buster' bombs on the Fordow nuclear facility.

Keir Starmer backs strike by Trump's US on Iran saying its nuclear weapons are 'a grave threat to international security'

Iran's foreign minister has branded Donald Trump a 'lawless bully' who 'betrayed' diplomacy after the US blew up three nuclear bases overnight - as he warned the world is facing an 'unprecedented level of danger'.

In a press conference after the strikes, US President Trump said he had 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear weapons programme, and warned of the possibility of more attacks to come.

In return, Iran targeted Israel in a set of attacks this morning - with emergency services reporting at least 16 people are injured, including a young man with shrapnel wounds to his upper body.

The US will be braced for Iranian attacks on its forces in the region.

Iran foreign minister Abbas Araghchi furiously condemned the US strikes during a press conference today, in which he attacked Trump and threatened to act on the attack.

'Humanity has come too far as a species to allow a lawless bully to take us back to the law of the jungle,' he said.

Araghchi added that 'urgent and decisive action' must now be taken, warning that 'silence' will 'plunge the world into an unprecedented level of danger'.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivered a speech during a press conference today, during which he called Donald Trump a 'lawless bully'

Emergency workers attend to a building hit by a reported Iranian missile strike on Sunday in the Ramat Aviv neighborhood of Tel Aviv, Israel

Digital billboards display a message thanking US President Donald Trump for his administration's strikes on Iranian nuclear sites

Top US officials urged Iran to surrender today after strikes on the nation's nuclear sites 'severely damaged' its nuclear capabilities overnight.

Trump broke his two-week deadline on Saturday night as he launched 'Operation Midnight Hammer', sending a fleet of B-2 bombers to key nuclear sites.

The US strikes included 14 bunker-buster bombs, more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles and over 125 military aircraft.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said at a morning press conference that the strikes were 'bold' and 'brilliant', and warned Iran that there would be dire consequences if it does not come to the negotiating table.

Officials admitted that the strikes on the Fordow site, a deep underground nuclear enrichment facility, may not have been entirely destroyed in the operation, but described it as significantly damaged.

President Trump broke his two-week deadline on Saturday night as he launched 'Operation Midnight Hammer', sending a fleet of B-2 bombers to key nuclear sites

A view shows damage to buildings and vehicles after a missile fired by Iran, in retaliation for Israeli attacks, struck the city of Ness Ziona, near Tel Aviv

The press conference came as world leaders condemned Trump's decision to wade into the conflict, with Chinese President Xi Jinping saying Trump 'violated international peace'.

Iran's foreign minister branded Trump a 'lawless bully' who 'betrayed' diplomacy after the US blew up three nuclear bases.

Early this morning, Iran retaliated by targeting Israel in a devastating set of attacks - with emergency services reporting more than a dozen people injured.

Horrific photos showed entire buildings obliterated while cars were crushed by debris and residents forced to evacuate their homes.

In a press conference after the strikes, US President Donald Trump said he had 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear weapons programme, and warned of the possibility of more attacks to come.

Iran strikes back: Foreign minister brands Trump a 'lawless bully' who 'betrayed diplomacy' after US blew up three nuclear bases in overnight strike

JK Rowling's favourite BBC newsreader has won global praise after she rejected woke gender-neutral language live on air - but it is not the first time she has stuck her neck out for women on screen.

Martine Croxall, 56, has won a legion of new fans after she dismissed an autocue line instructing her to say 'pregnant people', replacing it with 'women' instead.

Ms Croxall has said thanks to JK Rowling and her other supporters following the extraordinary TV moment during a live BBC News broadcast, which has now made headlines around the world.

'A huge thank you to everyone who has chosen to follow me today for whatever reason. It's been quite a ride', the married mother-of-two tweeted last night.

Martine has supported women on TV before - and behind the scenes also stood up with female colleagues in their fight for equal pay at the corporation.

Famously she also got tough with a transgender wannabe politician who said she felt attacked when Ms Croxall questioned her claim that the Supreme Court's April ruling that trans women are legally male and trans men are legally female might need further 'clarification'.

There have also been lighter moments, including when she winked and joked that she was a 'beautiful creature' and also the times she was wasn't in her seat as cameras began rolling.

She also appeared tearful when she announced the death of Prince Philip in 2021.

Martine Croxall's message for supporters after after she was praised for rejecting woke gender-neutral language live on air

Martine with colleagues Kasia Madera, Annita McVeigh and Karin Giannone. The BBC agreed a settlement with four of its female broadcast news presenters over employment claims including age and sex discrimination in March this year

Heather Herbert, a trans campaigner and former Labour MSP candidate, provoked a furious response from Croxall after declaring: 'I feel like I'm under attack' when they discussed the Supreme Court's ruling on gender

In April the broadcaster was praised when she challenged a transgender activist who claimed the Supreme Court's ruling that the definition of a woman is based on biological sex may still need 'clarification'.

The BBC veteran firmly told ex-Labour MSP candidate Heather Herbert that the landmark ruling made it clear 'sex is binary and immutable'.

Leicestershire-born Ms Croxall repeatedly challenged Herbert after she called for further 'clarification' on single sex spaces, at one point reminding her: 'The ruling is that woman means biological sex.'

She spearheaded a legal case against the BBC over pay, with the corporation settling the case in March.

Martine, Karin Giannone, Kasia Madera and Annita McVeigh launched an employment tribunal against the BBC in a bombshell case, which included the claim they had not been paid equally compared with their male counterparts.

All four claimed they lost their roles on the BBC News Channel following a 'rigged' recruitment exercise when it was merged with BBC World. The case was settled by the BBC in the spring of this year.

The row meant the women were all off for 12 months, which Martine chronicled on social media. Instead of being in the studio she enjoyed trips to Mexico, Bulgaria and Thailand.

During her time off, she went swimming with whale sharks and sea lions in the Gulf of California, zipwired over a canyon in Mexico and fed elephants at a sanctuary in Phuket.

That's on top of taking a hot balloon over the pyramids in Mexico and venturing on two ski trips, including one where she was seen relaxing in a massive hot tub after spending a day on the slopes.

Croxall joined the corporation in 1991 following work experience with her local station, BBC Radio Leicester.

She grew up in the countryside, attending an independent school before graduating from the University of Leeds.

In 2022, she was briefly taken off air after breaking the corporation's impartiality rules.

Martine Croxall, arriving at the Central London Employment Tribunal, before the case was settled by the BBC

Martine has made viewers smile on a number of occasions when she rushed on camera

She also winked on an occasion and joked she was a 'beautiful creature' on a feature about sealife

In 2022, she was briefly taken off air after breaking the corporation's impartiality rules when reporting that Boris Johnson was stepping down from the Tory leadership race with a smile

The blunder happened on October 23 after Boris Johnson ran out of the leadership contest that Rishi Sunak went on to win.

During the Sunday night edition of The Papers, where press members discuss the main stories of the day, she said in the wake of Johnson's departure: 'Well this is all very exciting, isn't it? Am I allowed to be this gleeful? Well I am.'

Later in the show she also admitted that she was 'probably breaking' some of the BBC's impartiality rules when she laughed at Tony Grew's mocking of Johnson.

The corporation later ruled that Croxall had made 'several remarks and reactions' that caused 'significant risk' that the audience could believe 'opinions were being expressed' on the Conservative leadership race. She returned to air after 11 days off.

Following the death of Prince Philip, Ms Croxall was close to tears as she interrupted the broadcast to break the news to the country.

Ms Rowling reposted the clip on X, captioning it: 'I have a new favourite BBC presenter'

During her year out from the BBC, Martine Croxall spent time travelling around the world. Pictured: On a hot air balloon in Mexico

The presenter beams from a balcony of a villa in Morestel in France in July 2023

Another photo from her social media showed her skiing in Bulgaria in February that year

Now she is in the headlines again after standing up for women.

The clip from a recent BBC News episode saw Ms Croxall introduce new research on the number of heat-related deaths expected amid Britain's current heatwave.

But as the autocue prompted her to warn 'pregnant people' to take care in the heat, she first read the term out before overriding it, with a smirk and eyebrow raise.

She said: 'Malcolm Mistry, who was involved in the research, said the aged, pregnant people - women! - and those with pre-existing health conditions need to take precautions.'

Ms Rowling reposted the clip on X, captioning it: 'I have a new favourite BBC presenter.'

It is understood the phrase 'pregnant people' was the term used in the research the presenter was reporting on, rather than the BBC having written it.

Ms Croxall herself soon responded to a commenter who had praised her move as 'brilliant' by saying: 'I hope you don't get hauled before the BBC News beak.'

The broadcaster simply replied: 'Braced x.'

The original clip was first reposted to X by campaign group SEEN In Journalism, which says it 'seeks to restore accuracy and impartiality to media coverage of sex and gender'.

They captioned their post, 'Good to see accuracy on BBC News', followed by an emoji of a pregnant woman.

Martine Croxall, 56, has won a legion of new fans after she dismissed an autocue line instructing her to say 'pregnant people', replacing it with 'women' instead.

The BBC newsreader who stood up for women: Martine Croxall wins new fans over 'pregnant people' correction - but has always been proud rights campaigner

Pakistan to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

Trump has often suggested he should receive the Nobel Peace Prize, whose winner this year will be named in October.

India has denied the US served as a mediator to end the fighting last month, and says it does not want any diplomatic intervention from a third party.

On X, the Pakistani government said Trump deserved the award "in recognition of his decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership during the recent India-Pakistan crisis".

Pakistan has announced it plans to nominate US President Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, citing the role that Islamabad says he played in helping to negotiate a ceasefire last month between India and Pakistan.

In May, Trump made a surprise announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following four days of fighting between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Pakistan's government said in its post early on Saturday: "President Trump demonstrated great strategic foresight and stellar statesmanship through robust diplomatic engagement with both Islamabad and New Delhi, which de-escalated a rapidly deteriorating situation.

"This intervention stands as a testament to his role as a genuine peacemaker."

There was no immediate response from Washington or New Delhi.

Trump has repeatedly said that India and Pakistan ended the conflict after a ceasefire brokered by the US, and also that he had used trade as a lever to make them agree.

Pakistan has corroborated US statements about brokering the ceasefire, but India has denied it.

Last month, Trump said he told India and Pakistan that a ceasefire was necessary in order for them to maintain trade with the US.

"I said, 'Come on, we're going to do a lot of trade with you guys [India and Pakistan]. Let's stop it," he told reporters.

The Nobel move was applauded by Mushahid Hussain, a former chair of the Senate Defence Committee in Pakistan's parliament.

"Trump is good for Pakistan," he told Reuters. "If this panders to Trump's ego, so be it. All the European leaders have been sucking up to him big time."

But Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan's former ambassador to the US, criticised the move as "unfortunate".

"A man who has backed Israel's genocidal war in Gaza and called Israel's attack on Iran as 'excellent'," she wrote on X.

"It compromises our national dignity," she added.

On Friday, Trump posted on Truth Social that he had helped broker negotiations between multiple nations, but despite this: "No, I won't get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do."

Trump entered office vowing to quickly end the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza wars, although peace deals in both conflicts have eluded him so far.

He has frequently criticised Barack Obama for winning a Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 after less than eight months as US president. In 2013, Trump called on the Norwegian Nobel Committee to rescind the award.

Islamabad says Trump helped end recent fighting with India, but New Delhi denies he played any role.

Pakistan plans to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

Unable to pay traffic challan, youth hangs self in Kothagudem

A young has allegedly died by suicide after his reported failure to pay traffic challan issued to him for multiple traffic violations

By Telangana Today Published Date - 21 June 2025, 10:54 PM

Kothagudem: A young has allegedly died by suicide after his reported failure to pay traffic challan issued to him for multiple traffic violations as well as a drunk and drive case.

The deceased, Iruku Gopi of Mudigonda in Khammam district fell in love with a woman Kerthy of Mudigonda and married her by convincing the elders. After marriage, Gopi was living in Kothagudem along with his wife, who was studying B Sc. (Nursing) in a college here and he worked in a local sweet shop.

On June 16 traffic police registered a case against Gopi, who was caught in a drunk and drive check. When police asked him to pay the fine and appear before the court he said he would appear before the court after dropping his wife at the college. But he did not appear before the magistrate.

The police warned him that he should appear before the magistrate immediately or he would be arrested. Gopi called his family members and asked for money but he could not get the money.

Fearing that he would be arrested he hanged himself with his wife’s chunni at the rented house at Barli pit area on Friday.

Gopi’s relatives alleged that police harassment was the reason for his death and the police denied the allegations. His wife Keerthy lodged a complaint with the one-town police stating that her husband died because of harassment by police.

A young has allegedly died by suicide after his reported failure to pay traffic challan issued to him for multiple traffic violations

Unable to pay traffic challan, youth hangs self in Kothagudem

Israel’s military said on Saturday that it struck an Iranian nuclear-research facility overnight, killing three senior commanders in targeted attacks, while emphasising that it is preparing for the possibility that the war could turn into a lengthy campaign.

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Smoke could be seen rising from an area near a mountain in Isfahan on Saturday, where a local official said Israel had attacked the nuclear research facility in two waves.

The targets were two centrifuge production sites, and these strikes followed earlier attacks on similar facilities elsewhere in recent days, according to an Israeli military official who spoke on condition of anonymity under army guidelines while briefing reporters.

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It was the second attack on Isfahan, which was hit in the first 24 hours of the war as part of Israel’s goal to destroy the Iranian nuclear programme.

Akbar Salehi, Isfahan province’s deputy governor for security affairs, confirmed the strikes had caused damage to the facility but said there had been no human casualties.

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Iran launched a new wave of drones and missiles at Israel but there were no immediate reports of significant damage, and the Israeli official called it a “small barrage” that was largely intercepted by Israel’s defences.

The official said part of the reason that Iran’s overnight attack had been relatively small was that the military had been targeting its launchers, and estimates it has now taken out more than 50 per cent of them.

“We’ve been able to take out a large amount of their launchers, creating a bottleneck — we’re making it harder for them to fire towards Israel. Having said all that, I want to say the Iranian regime obviously still has capabilities,” he said.

Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service said on Saturday that an Iranian drone hit a two-storey building in northern Israel, but there were no casualties.

Later, the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, Brig Gen Effie Defrin, said the army had been told by Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir to be prepared for a “prolonged campaign” to destroy its targets, including nuclear sites, enrichment facilities and missile infrastructure.

“We are deepening our strikes night after night and we have amazing achievements. We will continue until the threat is removed,” he said.

Talks in Switzerland fail to produce a breakthrough

Talks in Geneva on Friday failed to produce a breakthrough. European officials expressed hope for future discussions, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he was open to further dialogue while emphasising that Tehran had no interest in negotiating with the US while Israel continued attacking.

“Iran is ready to consider diplomacy once again and once aggression is stopped and the aggressor is held accountable for the crimes committed,” he told reporters. No date was set for the next round of talks.

Iran warns against US military involvement

US President Donald Trump is weighing active US military involvement in the conflict, which Araghchi said “would be very unfortunate”.

“I think that it would be very, very dangerous for everyone,” he said in Istanbul, speaking on the sidelines of a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

The war between Israel and Iran erupted on June 13, with Israeli airstrikes targeting nuclear and military sites, top generals and nuclear scientists. At least 722 people, including 285 civilians, have been killed in Iran and more than 2,500 wounded, according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group.

Iran has retaliated by firing more than 450 missiles and 1,000 drones at Israel, according to Israeli army estimates. Most have been shot down by Israel’s multi-tiered air defences, but at least 24 people in Israel have been killed and hundreds wounded.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel’s military operation in Iran would continue “for as long as it takes” to eliminate what he called the existential threat of Iran’s nuclear programme and arsenal of ballistic missiles.

But Netanyahu’s goal could be out of reach without US help. Barring a commando raid or even a nuclear strike, Iran’s underground Fordo uranium enrichment facility is considered to be out of reach to all but America’s “bunker-buster” bombs. Trump said he would put off deciding whether to join Israel’s air campaign against Iran for up to two weeks.

Israel continues targeted attacks on Iranian military commanders

In Israel’s opening attack, it killed three of Iran’s top military leaders: one who oversaw the entire armed forces, Gen Mohammad Bagheri; one who led the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, Gen Hossein Salami; and the head of the Guard’s ballistic missile programme, Gen Amir Ali Hajizadeh.

The targeted killings of senior commanders continued, with Israel’s defence minister saying Saturday that the military had killed a commander in Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard who financed and armed Hamas in preparation for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that sparked the 20-month long war in Gaza.

Israel said Saeed Izadi was commander of the Palestine Corps for the Iranian Quds Force, an elite arm of the Guard that conducts military and intelligence operations outside Iran, and that he was killed in an apartment in the city of Qom.

Iranian officials did not immediately confirm the death, but the Qom governor’s office did say there had been an attack on a four-storey apartment building and local media reported two people had been killed.

Israel also said it had killed the commander of the Quds Force’s weapons transfer unit, who it said was responsible for providing weapons to Hezbollah and Hamas. Behnam Shahriyari was killed in his car while travelling in western Iran, the military said.

A commander of Iran’s drone force was also killed overnight, the Israeli official who briefed reporters said.

Iran threatens head of UN nuclear watchdog

On Friday, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog warned at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council against attacks on Iran’s nuclear reactors, particularly its only commercial nuclear power plant in the southern city of Bushehr.

“I want to make it absolutely and completely clear: In case of an attack on the Bushehr nuclear power plant, a direct hit would result in a very high release of radioactivity to the environment,” said Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“This is the nuclear site in Iran where the consequences could be most serious.” Israel has not targeted Iran’s nuclear reactors, instead focusing its strikes on the main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, centrifuge workshops near Tehran, laboratories in Isfahan and the country’s Arak heavy water reactor southwest of the capital.

Iran previously agreed to limit its uranium enrichment and allow international inspectors access to its nuclear sites under a 2015 deal with the US, France, China, Russia, Britain and Germany in exchange for sanctions relief. But after Trump pulled the US unilaterally out of the deal during his first term, Iran began enriching uranium up to 60 per cent — a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90 per cent — and restricting access to its nuclear facilities.

Iran has long maintained that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, but it is the only non-nuclear-weapon state to enrich uranium up to 60 per cent.

Israel is widely believed to be the only Middle Eastern country with a nuclear weapons programme but has never acknowledged it. Leaders in Iran have blamed Grossi’s statements about the status of Iran’s nuclear programme for prompting Israel’s attack.

On Saturday, a senior adviser for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamanei, Ali Larijani, said in a brief social media post without elaboration that Iran would make Grossi “pay” once the war with Israel is over.

Iran acknowledges detaining a German cyclist

Iran also acknowledged for the first time that it detained a German cyclist on spying allegations, likely an effort by Tehran to pressure Germany — one of the countries that has been involved in the diplomatic talks.

The semiofficial Mehr news agency published footage of the unidentified man’s arrest. It said he was detained in Markazi province, home to Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor.

The German news agency dpa reported the arrest took place last year. Germany’s Foreign Ministry refused to comment.

Since the war erupted, Israeli airstrikes have targeted nuclear and military sites in Iran; at least 722, including 285 civilians, killed and over 2,500 wounded.

Israel hits Iran's Isfahan nuclear facility, kills 3 commanders in targeted attacks

SCB alternative roads: Two roads near AOC Circle in Secunderabad Cantonment fast-tracked

Two long-awaited alternative roads near AOC Circle in Secunderabad Cantonment are now on the fast track, with tenders nearing finalisation. The Rs. 1,000 crore project aims to ease commuter inconvenience caused by defence road closures and will be completed in two years

By Sunil Mungara Updated On - 21 June 2025, 09:19 PM

Hyderabad: A proposal to construct two alternative roads at the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) Circle, benefitting thousands of commuters in the north-eastern parts of Secunderabad, has entered the fast-track mode, with the tender process now in its final stage.

These roads were initially proposed in 2014 during the BRS government’s tenure after local defence authorities frequently closed Allahabad Gate and Wellington Road, citing security concerns over their installations at AOC Circle. These closures caused major inconvenience to daily commuters.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), in coordination with defence officials, has completed a joint survey to acquire defence land for the proposed routes—Safilguda Level Crossing to Entrenchment Road, and Safilguda Level Crossing to R K Puram Road Over Bridge (RoB). The tender finalisation is currently underway.

“These two alternative roads will be constructed without impacting the defence establishments at AOC Circle. For the 2.91-km road from Safilguda Level Crossing to Entrenchment Road, 24 acres of defence land need to be acquired, and an additional 10 acres for the road to RK Puram RoB. The total project cost is estimated at Rs. 1,000 crore,” GHMC engineering wing sources told Telangana Today.

The defence authorities have proposed two options for the land transfer. “One is the Equal Value Infrastructure (EVI) model, under which the state must build infrastructure of equivalent value for the army. The other is the Equivalent Value of Land (EVL) model, where the state allots land of matching value to the defence,” a GHMC official explained.

The state government is currently identifying suitable land parcels to fulfil the EVL requirement, sources said. Once the tendering and land exchange processes are completed, the project is expected to be completed within two years. Upon completion, defence authorities may choose to close the existing roads permanently or temporarily, depending on security needs.

Malkajgiri BRS MLA Marri Rajashekar Reddy, who has been pursuing the project, said, “It is the dream of three lakh commuters to have these alternative roads.”

Two long-awaited alternative roads near AOC Circle in Secunderabad Cantonment are now on the fast track, with tenders nearing finalisation. The Rs. 1,000 crore project aims to ease commuter inconvenience caused by defence road closures and will be completed in two years

SCB alternative roads: Two roads near AOC Circle in Secunderabad Cantonment fast-tracked

Carol Kaye, a prolific and revered bassist who played on thousands of songs in the 1960s including hits by the Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel and Barbra Streisand, told The Associated Press on Friday that she wants no part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

“I’ve declined the rrhof. Permanently,” the 90-year-old Kaye said in an email to the AP.

She said she has sent a letter to the Hall saying the same thing.

3 Carol Kaye played an Epiphone hollowbody electric guitar during a studio session in April 1966. Getty Images

Her remarks come two days after a Facebook post — since deleted — in which she said “NO I won’t be there. I am declining the RRHOF awards show.”

Kaye was set to be inducted in November in a class that also includes Joe Cocker, Chubby Checker and Cyndi Lauper.

She said in her deleted post that she was “turning it down because it wasn’t something that reflects the work that Studio Musicians do and did in the golden era of the 1960s Recording Hits.”

Kaye’s credits include the bass lines on Simon & Garfunkel’s “Homeward Bound,” the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” and the Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.”

3 Kaye was invited to be inducted with a class that includes Joe Cocker, Chubby Checker and Cyndi Lauper. AP

Along with drummer Hal Blaine and guitarist Tommy Tedesco, she was part of a core of heavily used studio musicians that Blaine later dubbed “The Wrecking Crew.”

Kaye hated the name, and suggested in her Facebook post that her association with it was part of the reason for declining induction.

“I was never a ‘wrecker’ at all,” she wrote, “that’s a terrible insulting name.”

3 An undated photo showed Kaye and Bill Pitman playing in a studio session.

Kaye’s inductee page on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame website makes no mention of the moniker.

Hall representatives had no immediate comment.

Many artists have been inducted in their absence or after their death, and in 2006 the Sex Pistols became Hall of Famers despite rejecting their induction.

In 2022, Dolly Parton initially declined her induction, saying someone more associated with rock ‘n’ roll should get the honor.

But she was convinced to change her mind and embrace the honor.

Carol Kaye declined being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Bassist Carol Kaye says she’s declining Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction — permanently

IAEA chief warns of nuclear fallout from Israeli attacks on Iran

Attacks on nuclear sites in Iran have caused a sharp degradation in nuclear safety and security in the country. Though they have not so far led to a radiological release affecting the public, there is a danger this could occur, said Grossi.

By IANS Published Date - 21 June 2025, 07:34 AM

United Nations: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi warned of the risk of nuclear contamination from Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Attacks on nuclear sites in Iran have caused a sharp degradation in nuclear safety and security in the country. Though they have not so far led to a radiological release affecting the public, there is a danger this could occur, said Grossi.

In his briefing at an emergency meeting of the Security Council, Grossi said that although the level of radioactivity outside the Natanz site after an Israeli attack has remained unchanged and at normal levels, there is both radiological and chemical contamination within the facility, Xinhua news agency reported.

“The radiation, primarily consisting of alpha particles, poses a significant danger if inhaled or ingested. This risk can be effectively managed with appropriate protective measures, such as using respiratory devices. The main concern inside the facility is chemical toxicity,” he said.

Fordow is Iran’s main enrichment location for enriching uranium to 60 per cent. The IAEA is not aware of any damage at Fordow at this time, he said.

At the Esfahan nuclear site, four buildings were damaged in the June 13 attack. No increase in off-site radiation levels was reported. As in Natanz, the main concern is chemical toxicity, he noted.

The attacks on other nuclear facilities have had no radiological impact, said Grossi.

The chief of the UN nuclear watchdog warned of serious consequences of an attack on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, which is an operating nuclear power plant and which hosts thousands of kilograms of nuclear material.

“I want to make it absolutely and completely clear: In case of an attack on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, a direct hit could result in a very high release of radioactivity to the environment,” he said.

Similarly, a hit that disabled the only two lines supplying electrical power to the plant could cause its reactor’s core to melt, which could result in a high release of radioactivity to the environment. In their worst case, both scenarios would necessitate protective actions, such as evacuations and sheltering of the population or the need to take stable iodine, with the reach extending to distances from a few to several hundred kilometers.

Radiation monitoring would need to cover distances of several hundred kilometres and food restrictions may need to be implemented, he warned.

Grossi added that any action against the Tehran Nuclear Research Reactor could also have severe consequences, potentially for large areas of the city and its inhabitants.

Armed attacks on nuclear facilities should never take place, he said, calling for maximum restraint.

Military escalation threatens lives and delays indispensable work toward a diplomatic solution for the long-term assurance that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon, he said.

“A diplomatic solution is within reach if the necessary political will is there. Elements for an agreement have been discussed. The IAEA can guarantee, through a watertight inspections system, that nuclear weapons will not be developed in Iran. They can form the basis of a long-standing agreement that brings peace and avoids a nuclear crisis in the Middle East,” said Grossi. “This opportunity should not be missed.”

The alternative, he said, would be a protracted conflict and a looming threat of nuclear proliferation that, while emanating from the Middle East, would effectively erode the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the non-proliferation regime as a whole.

Attacks on nuclear sites in Iran have caused a sharp degradation in nuclear safety and security in the country. Though they have not so far led to a radiological release affecting the public, there is a danger this could occur, said Grossi.

IAEA chief warns of nuclear fallout from Israeli attacks on Iran

Tulsi Gabbard reversed course and admitted that Iran actually does have the ability to create nuclear weapons after a public rebuke by her boss Donald Trump as Israel continues to wage war against the country.

The director of national intelligence blamed the 'dishonest media' for a week of confusion about whether the administration believes the Persian country can develop a weapon of mass destruction.

'America has intelligence that Iran is at the point that it can produce a nuclear weapon within weeks to months, if they decide to finalize the assembly,' she wrote on X. 'President Trump has been clear that can't happen, and I agree.'

Trump warned that Tehran has a 'maximum' of two weeks to avoid possible American air strikes if they don't abandon their nuclear ambitions.

In New Jersey on Friday, however, the president dismissed Gabbard's testimony in March that the intelligence community 'continues to assess Iran is not building a nuclear weapon.'

The president responded, 'Well then, my intelligence community is wrong. Who in the intelligence community said that?'

Informed that it had been Gabbard, Trump said, 'She's wrong.'

Gabbard responded on X Friday that 'The dishonest media is intentionally taking my testimony out of context and spreading fake news as a way to manufacture division.'

She included video of her testimony that claims Iranians appear clearly to have 'enriched uranium stockpiles at its highest levels and is unprecedented for a state without nuclear weapons.'

She also noted that Iran 'contains a wide range of threats' to the United States and Israel.

Tulsi Gabbard (pictured) finally responded to claims that she said Iran did not have nuclear capabilities after Donald Trump called her 'wrong' on the issue

Trump's Director of National Intelligence had testified in March that the U.S. intelligence community 'continues to assess Iran is not building a nuclear weapon'

Gabbard said that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had 'not authorized a nuclear weapons program that he suspended in 2003.'

But Trump said Friday as he was departing for his Bedminster, New Jersey golf club 'it looked like I'm right about the material that they've gathered already.'

'It is a tremendous amount of material and I think within a matter of weeks or certainly within a matter of months they will be able to have a nuclear weapon and we can't let that happen,' Trump said.

After landing in New Jersey for an evening fundraiser for his super political action committee, Trump was asked about Gabbard's comments to Congress in March that U.S. spy agencies believed that Iran wasn't working on nuclear warheads.

Still, disavowing Gabbard´s previous assessment came a day after the White House said Trump would decide within two weeks whether the U.S. military would get directly involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran.

The White House said seeking additional time was 'based on the fact that there´s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future.'

Israel, meanwhile, claimed on Saturday it has already set back Iran's presumed nuclear program by at least two years.

Iran's war with Israel has tested Trump's campaign promise to stop foreign interventions

Trump himself seemed to cast doubts on the possibility of talks leading to a pause in fighting between Israel and Iran. He said that, while he might support a ceasefire, Israel's strikes on Iran could be 'very hard to stop.'

Asked about Iran suggesting that, if the U.S. was serious about furthering negotiations, it could call on Israel to stop its strikes, Trump responded, 'I think it´s very hard to make that request right now.'

'If somebody is winning, it´s a little bit harder to do than if somebody is losing,' Trump said. 'But we´re ready, willing and able, and we´ve been speaking to Iran, and we´ll see what happens.'

The president later added, 'It´s very hard to stop when you look at it.'

'Israel´s doing well in terms of war. And, I think, you would say that Iran is doing less well. It´s a little bit hard to get somebody to stop,' Trump said.

Earlier Friday, DailyMail.com reported that Gabbard has been the target of a smear campaign from 'deep state' intelligence officials seeking to undermine her influence through strategic leaks as President Trump ponders whether to join Israel's war against Iran, those close to her tell the Daily Mail.

Gabbard is in the room, helping the president and his team determine an informed path forward, these officials stressed, pushing back against multiple reports indicating that she's been sidelined.

In fact, the president is calling on her, the sources claim.

Gabbard said that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (pictured) had 'not authorized a nuclear weapons program that he suspended in 2003'

Multiple intelligence officials spoke with the Daily Mail about Trump's spy chief's schedule and work since Israel launched an attack on Iran last week, shedding light on a normally clandestine affair.

'All the National Security Council meetings she's in on, and then, I mean, there's lots of impromptu ones where he's calling her into the office,' one senior intelligence official shared. 'She's in there at all the key junctures,' the source added.

'She's been in every meeting,' a White House official told the Daily Mail, adding the DNI 'has not been sidelined whatsoever.'

Reports have suggested that Trump has been advised by a smaller cohort, including VP J.D. Vance, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine.

They say Gabbard and Pentagon Sec. Pete Hegseth are on the outside looking in.

But these Gabbard allies told the Daily Mail the DNI has attended practically every crucial meeting at the White House and Situation Room since the conflict began.

Vice President Vance also threw his weight behind Gabbard with a glowing social media post: 'She's an essential member of our national security team, and we're grateful for her tireless work to keep America safe from foreign threats.'

The White House official added that Hegseth has also been an integral member of ongoing military discussions regarding the Middle East.

The heavily damaged building of Iran's public broadcaster in Tehran after it was hit in an Israeli strike

Iranians rally in Tehran in support of their leaders

Trump campaigned on decrying 'endless wars' and has vowed to be an international peacemaker.

That's led some, even among conservatives, to point to Trump´s past criticism of the U.S. invasion of Iraq beginning in 2003 as being at odds with his more aggressive stance toward Iran now.

Trump suggested the two situations were very different, though.

'There were no weapons of mass destruction. I never thought there were. And that was somewhat pre-nuclear. You know, it was, it was a nuclear age, but nothing like it is today,' Trump said of his past criticism of the administration of President George W. Bush.

He added of Iran´s current nuclear program, 'It looked like I´m right about the material that they´ve gathered already. It´s a tremendous amount of material.'

Trump also cast doubts on Iran's developing nuclear capabilities for civilian pursuits, like power generation.

'You´re sitting on one of the largest oil piles anywhere in the world,' he said. 'It´s a little bit hard to see why you´d need that.'

Israel said Saturday it's air force had launched fresh airstrikes against missile storage and launch sites in central Iran, as it kept up a wave of attacks it says are aimed at preventing their rival from developing nuclear weapons -- an ambition Tehran has denied.

'According to the assessment we hear, we already delayed for at least two or three years the possibility for them to have a nuclear bomb,' Israel's foreign minister Gideon Saar said in an interview published Saturday.

Saar said Israel's week-long onslaught will continue. 'We will do everything that we can do there in order to remove this threat,' he told German newspaper Bild.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi leaves a meeting with European powers in Geneva

Missiles seen from Jerusalem illuminate the night sky during an Iranian missile attack, early Sunday, June 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Top diplomats from Britain, France and Germany met their Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Geneva on Friday and urged him to resume talks with the United States that had been derailed by Israel's attacks.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said 'we invited the Iranian minister to consider negotiations with all sides, including the United States, without awaiting the cessation of strikes, which we also hope for.'

But Araghchi told NBC News after the meeting that 'we're not prepared to negotiate with them (the United States) anymore, as long as the aggression continues.'

Trump was dismissive of European diplomacy efforts, telling reporters, 'Iran doesn't want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us. Europe is not going to be able to help in this.'

Trump also said he's unlikely to ask Israel to stop its attacks to get Iran back to the table.

'If somebody's winning, it's a little bit harder to do,' he said.

Any US involvement would likely feature powerful bunker-busting bombs that no other country possesses to destroy an underground uranium enrichment facility in Fordo.

On the streets of Tehran, many shops were closed and normally busting markets largely abandoned on Friday.

The U.S. evacuated 79 staff and families from the U.S. Embassy in Israel on Friday as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies and growing numbers of private American citizens seek information on how to leave Israel and Iran.

An internal State Department memo says the military flight, the second known to have occurred this week, left Tel Aviv for Sofia, Bulgaria, where some or all of the passengers were to get a connecting charter flight to Washington.

Trump's Director of National Intelligence had testified in March that the U.S. intelligence community 'continues to assess Iran is not building a nuclear weapon.'

Trump's top spy confirms worst fears about Iran after public rebuke from president as US prepares military strike

The death of a beloved celebrity chef is being investigated as a possible drug overdose after she was discovered on the floor of her bathroom surrounded by 100 pills.

Anne Burrell, 55, who hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and co-hosted Worst Cooks in America, was found dead inside her Brooklyn apartment on Tuesday.

The Food Network star was found 'in the shower unconscious and unresponsive surrounded by approximately (100) assorted pills', according to NYPD documents seen by The New York Times.

Emergency medical teams responded to the home that she shared with her husband Stuart Claxton but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A spokeswoman for the city's medical examiner's office confirmed that Burrell's autopsy had been completed but findings on the exact cause of her death are still pending.

Claxton reportedly last saw his wife alive at about 1AM the night prior before discovering her unconscious between six to seven hours later in their bathroom.

It was reported earlier this week that EMS crews had attempted CPR on Burrell but could not resuscitate her.

Her family said in a statement: 'Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered.

The beloved Food Network star, was found dead inside her Brooklyn, New York, apartment on Tuesday

Emergency medical teams responded to the home that she shared with her husband Stuart Claxton, the couple are seen here, but she was pronounced dead at the scene

'Anne's light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.'

A Food Network spokesperson added, 'Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent – teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring.

'Our thoughts are with Anne's family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.'

Just hours before her passing Burrell had performed a improv show at a comedy club in Brooklyn, after having taken classes at the venue's training center.

In a podcast earlier this year she spoke with Tori Spelling on taking the classes and how she planned to expand her horizons.

She said: 'I just started taking acting classes. I started yesterday, actually... It’s like an improv for actors’ class.

'I got there and it’s like eight people in the class. I’m the oldest one. Every other person has like, "Oh, I have a master’s in fine arts in theater."'

Burrell showed off her self-awareness and sense of humor that her fans were familiar with as she joked about the age gap between she and her fellow students.

Burrell attends the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival on October 15, 2022 in New York City

She said: 'I’m like, "okay, I’ve never taken an acting class. I don’t know, this is new to me."

'I wonder if these delightful and super talented kids look at me and they’re like, "What’s this old lady doing here?"'

The television personality had taken a break from her show Worst Cooks In America for season 28 which baffled many fans and Spelling, 52, asked at the time what led her to that decision.

Burrell answered: 'I can cook, yes, I can do TV, but also, what else? I’ve got more to do in my life, I feel like.'

She also admitted that she was just 'dipping my toe' when it came to the pivot to acting.

Burrell explained: 'I feel very excited about it. I’ve got a few other things that I’m working on as well, which I’m not quite ready to share yet. Hopefully, exciting [are] things coming.'

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail in April, she talked animatedly about how much she was enjoying married life, claiming it was so easy that she felt they were still in the honeymoon phase, and also joked about plans to star on Meghan Markle’s Netflix show.

‘October will be four years,’ she said at the City Harvest gala. ‘It seems like it’s been four minutes. I don’t know if it’s a honeymoon [phase], but I feel like it’s settled into married life days which I really enjoy.'

She also revealed how she would make scones for her husband as she discussed Markle’s show.

‘Sure, of course. I’d go to the opening of an envelope. Why not cook with Meghan?’ she laughed after being asked if she would want to be a guest.

Burrell pictured with her husband Stuart Claxton, whom she wed in 2021

Gigi Hadid, who famously appeared on the cooking competition series Beat Bobby Flay with Burrell, led the celebrities expressing their heartbreak over Burrell's death.

'I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of the Great Anne Burrell,' the supermodel, 30, began.

Hadid included a photo of herself and Burrell from their time filming Beat Bobby Flay back in 2023.

'As a longtime fan, getting to share this day with her was a dream come true. Beat Bobby. Hang. Eat,' she recalled.

'I wish we could have done it again. She was awesome. Rest in Peace Legend.'

Chef Carla Hall, who previously appeared on Food Network's Top Chef, called Burrell an 'incredible cook and teacher.'

Queer Eye for the Straight Guy star Carson Kressley, who was a close friend of Burrell's, revealed that he spoke to her just days before her death.

He also shared a post to his own Instagram page which included a photo of him and Burrell.

'Rest easy, Chef Anne. I'm so blessed I was able to work with you, learn from you, laugh with you.

'So many memories - on screen and off - I cherish this photo of us living our best lives, as the kids say,' Kressley wrote.

Burrell is seen here alongside Gigi Hadid, who paid tribute to the late chef earlier this week

Anne developed a passion for cooking at a young age, inspired by her mother's home-cooked meals and by watching food icon Julia Child on television

Burrell makes a culinary presentation during the Food Network New York City Wine & Food on October 15, 2022

'It's one of my favorite memories - just swimming in the ocean after a great lunch. Good food, good friends and lots of love and laughter all around.

'That's what I wish for you where you are now . I'll see you again someday, dear friend.'

To conclude the tribute, Kressley revealed that 'Anne loved this photo of us so I know she'd be happy I chose this one.'

The TV chef - who became synonymous with her trademark spiky platinum hair - is survived by husband, whom she wed in October 2021 in an autumn-themed ceremony and reception in her hometown of Cazenovia, New York.

She is also survived by her mother Marlene and sister Jane and her children Isabella, Amelia and Nicolas, and her brother Ben.

Anne developed a passion for cooking at a young age, inspired by her mother's home-cooked meals and by watching food icon Julia Child on television.

After earning a degree in English and Communications from Canisius College in Buffalo in 1991, she followed her culinary dreams and enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, graduating in 1996.

She worked at a whole host of New York City hotspots including Felidia and Savoy in Soho, where she honed her craft in Mediterranean cuisine.

She was later thrust into the spotlight and became best known as the longtime host of Worst Cooks in America.

The show, which ran for 28 seasons, saw celebrated chefs mentor amateur cooks in an attempt to transform them from rookies to kitchen experts.

Elsewhere, she appeared on Chef Wanted, Chopped, Food Network Star, and most recently, competition series House of Knives - which premiered in March this year.

She also penned two of her own cookbooks - Cook Like a Rock Star and Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire & Empower.

The beloved Food Network star, who hosted Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and co-hosted Worst Cooks in America, was found dead inside her Brooklyn, New York, apartment on Tuesday.

Food Network star Anne Burrell's shock death under police investigation for possible drug overdose

How did my MP vote on assisted dying?

2 hours ago Share Save Data journalism team BBC Verify Share Save

Watch: How the assisted dying debate played out

MPs have voted to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales after their final debate on the change in the law. After months of deliberation and scrutiny, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was backed by 314 votes to 291, a majority of 23. MPs were given a free vote on the issue, meaning parties did not instruct them what to choose. The third reading of the bill was the last opportunity for MPs to approve or reject it.

The majority in favour has more than halved since MPs first backed proposals to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. In November they supported it by 330 to 275, a majority of 55. Prior to that, it had been almost a decade since the House of Commons had voted on the issue, deciding in 2015 to reject the "right to die" law. The bill now passes to the House of Lords for further scrutiny.

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater. It proposed letting terminally ill people end their life if they: are over 18, live in England or Wales, and have been registered with a GP for at least 12 months

have the mental capacity to make the choice and be deemed to have expressed a clear, settled and informed wish, free from coercion or pressure

be expected to die within six months

make two separate declarations, witnessed and signed, about their wish to die

satisfy two independent doctors that they are eligible - with at least seven days between each assessment

Check whether your MP voted for or against the assisted dying bill.

Assisted dying: How did my MP vote on Friday 20 June?

Air India terminates two flight attendants amid Boeing 787 door investigation

Investigation confirms manual mode activation, Disproving malfunction claims on Mumbai-London flight AI-129

By IANS Published Date - 20 June 2025, 01:46 PM

Photo: IANS

New Delhi:Air India on Friday confirmed the termination of two senior flight attendants for their “misconduct and behaviour and continuing to falsify critical information during the course of an investigation.” This action comes after reports that the cabin crew members refused to change their statement regarding a technical glitch in a Boeing 787 Dreamliner door.

The investigation was launched following an incident on May 14 last year, when an emergency slide was activated while opening the aircraft door post landing after Mumbai-London flight AI-129 docked at Heathrow airport. According to Air India, relevant data, images, video evidence, and assessments by third-party experts clearly established that the emergency slide could not have been activated unless the door was in disarmed/manual mode.

Media reports stated that the two former flight attendants had asserted that the Boeing Dreamliner’s door malfunctioned, causing the slide raft to deploy even though it was opened in “manual mode.” However, reports further noted that slide rafts deploy only when a door is opened in “armed” or “automatic mode.” Air India also mentioned that the terminated employees were given multiple fair opportunities to reconsider their statements.

Air India’s statement added, “it is regrettable that the former cabin crew members are using the tragedy of AI171 to further repeat their falsehood which has been clearly established in our investigation.”

In a related development, the Ministry of Civil Aviation clarified that no decision has yet been taken on sending abroad the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) or the digital flight data recorder (DFDR) of the crashed AI171 flight for retrieval and analysis. The ministry urged all stakeholders to refrain from speculation on such sensitive matters and to allow the investigative process to proceed with the seriousness and professionalism it warrants.

Investigation confirms manual mode activation, Disproving malfunction claims on Mumbai-London flight AI-129

Air India terminates two flight attendants amid Boeing 787 door investigation

Kourtney Kardashian left her Instagram followers agog with a string of sizzling new photos she posted to her page on Thursday.

The 46-year-old reality star flashed the flesh in a slinky black dress with sheer lace sections that offered a generous view of her cleavage.

When she turned to show off the look from behind, she revealed that one of the see-through portions of the frock even hinted at her derriere.

Her ensemble, which was put together by stylist Marc Eram, included orange shades and a gleaming black leather handbag with scarlet lining.

Letting her luxurious dark hair tumble freely over her shoulders in silky waves, she emphasized her agelessly luminous complexion with makeup.

She was standing in front of a backdrop of a pleasant sunlit meadow, prompting her to write in her caption: 'Always take the scenic route.'

Kourtney Kardashian left her Instagram followers agog with a string of sizzling new photos she posted to her page on Thursday

Her smoldering new Instagram album comes after Kourtney ignited a fan fury with her gushing Father's Day post about her husband Travis Barker, with whom she shares her one-year-old son Rocky Thirteen.

The reality star, 45, shares three of her four children - son Mason, 15; daughter Penelope, 12; and son Reign, 10 - with babydaddy Scott Disick, but she failed to pay tribute to him on the day.

She famously ended her on/off nine-year relationship with the 42-year-old Talentless CEO in 2015 shortly after he publicly canoodled with stylist Chloé Bartoli.

But Instagram users like @hilarythegoaldigger felt Kourtney's obvious snub was cold, commenting: 'I love how she acts like Scott was never a huge part of her life.'

Instagram user @its_suzzieq commented on Kardashian's slideshow with a meme of the preppy 'Lord' Disick looking shocked.

'The fact that Scott wasn't mentioned is messed up,' Instagram user @aliciamarie0627 wrote. 'I'm sorry.'

Instagram user @navsoroya agreed: 'What about Scott?'

'Your kids are going to see this and feel some type of way,' Instagram user @kimica12 commented.

When she turned to show off the look from behind, she revealed that one of the see-through portions of the frock even hinted at her derriere

Her ensemble, which was put together by stylist Marc Eram, included orange shades and a gleaming black leather handbag with scarlet lining

While Instagram user @truthhurts2498 felt The Kardashians producer-star 'owes no public shoutout to Scott' because 'he never acknowledged her publicly for Mother's Day!'

'Scott isn't her husband,' Instagram user @thejasbrad blasted.

'This post is dedicated to her husband and him as dad. A text is appropriate.'

On May 26, an insider told The Daily Mail that the real estate house flipper thought Kourtney 'has changed' and was 'irresponsible' over wanting to homeschool their children rather than enroll them at the family's 'dated' alma mater, Sierra Canyon School.

'Scott values hard work and sees school as essential and would never allow his kids to not attend,' a source claimed.

'If they are always at home around Kourtney they will miss out on substantial knowledge and teachings that Scott feels every kid should experience.'

Disick - who dropped out of Ross School in New York - also reportedly feels like Kardashian's house with husband Travis Barker 'can be chaotic' and he 'is especially uneasy with the influence of his 18-year-old daughter Alabama.'

Ironically, the Lemme co-founder is one of the few college graduates in her family as she holds a bachelor's degree in theatre arts from the University of Arizona.

Kourtney shares three of her four children - son Mason, 15; daughter Penelope, 12; and son Reign, 10 - with Scott Disick, but she failed to pay tribute to him on Father's Day (2020 family portrait)

On Sunday, the five-time rehabbed star Instastoried a revolting video of an old man bragging about his wife having 'no gag reflex' which he captioned: 'Happy Father's Day boys!'

Meanwhile, Kourtney Instastoried two snaps of her late father Robert Kardashian - who died, at age 59, in 2003 from esophageal cancer - captioned: 'God blessed us with the absolute best dad'

Kardashian then posted a PJ-clad snap of herself with the 48-year-old Grammy-nominated drummer and their 19-month-old son Rocky Thirteen that she captioned: 'Which led me to you @travisbarker.'

'Happy Father's Day to the man who loves with his whole heart — for our baby, for my three, for his three… for our seven,' the Poosh founder - who boasts 283.4M social media followers - captioned her Instagram slideshow.

'This wild, beautiful blended life wouldn't be the same without you.'

Kourtney made sure to include snaps of Travis' three older children - son Landon, 21; daughter Alabama, 18; and stepdaughter Atiana De La Hoya, 26 - from his three-year marriage to Miss USA 1995 Shanna Moakler, which ended in 2008.

The only family member who honored all of the father figures in the Kardashian-Jenner clan - including Scott, Kanye 'Ye' West, and Tristan Thompson - was matriarch Kris Jenner.

'You have shaped, supported, and loved us in so many ways and I'm grateful to have witnessed the love that each of you has for your children,' the 69-year-old grandmother-of-13 gushed.

Meanwhile, Kourtney Instastoried two snaps of her late father Robert Kardashian - who died, at age 59, in 2003 from esophageal cancer - captioned: 'God blessed us with the absolute best dad'

Kardashian then posted a PJ-clad snap of herself with husband Travis Barker and their 19-month-old son Rocky Thirteen that she captioned: 'Which led me to you @travisbarker'

The Lemme co-founder captioned her Instagram slideshow: 'Happy Father's Day to the man who loves with his whole heart — for our baby, for my three, for his three… for our seven. This wild, beautiful blended life wouldn't be the same without you'

Kourtney made sure to include snaps of Travis' three older children - son Landon, 21; daughter Alabama, 18; and stepdaughter Atiana De La Hoya, 26 - from his three-year marriage to Miss USA 1995 Shanna Moakler, which ended in 2008

'To my son, Rob… you were born to be a daddy and I am so proud of the father and the man you are. I love you! I wish all the dads out there a day filled with love.'

Kris' youngest daughters Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner both failed to mention their father Caitlyn Jenner, who's currently in war-torn Israel.

Rather than Father's Day, Khloé Kardashian honored her momager in two Instastories while Kim Kardashian focused on celebrating her daughter North West's 12th birthday on Sunday.

Kardashian currently executive produces and stars in her family's reality show The Kardashians, which Hulu renewed for a seventh season last July.

The half-Armenian beauty was technically the first member of her family to star in a reality show - The Simple Life-inspired eight-episode series Filthy Rich: Cattle Drive, which aired in 2005 on E!

The 46-year-old reality star flashed the flesh in a slinky black dress with sheer lace sections that offered a generous view of her cleavage.

Kourtney Kardashian sizzles in very revealing lace outfit after outraging fans with Father's Day post

President Trump gave Iran a two-week grace period to negotiate a nuclear pact over fears of repeating the chaos that took place in Libya and the devastating aftermath of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Trump is confident he can still secure a diplomatic outcome amid the escalating war between Israel and Iran, despite threats this week that he would drag the US into the another crisis in the Middle East.

'He’d rather have a deal,' an insider told The New York Post about Trump's thinking.

Trump fears causing 'another Libya,' referring to the North African nation's descent into anarchy and chaos after longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in 2011 during the Obama administration.

At the time, the West hoped Gaddafi's death would pave the way for democracy, but instead the region was overrun with warlords and religious extremists.

The deaths of a US Ambassador and several Americans at the embassy in Benghazi plagued former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for years.

'There are two reasons Trump talks about Libya: the first is the chaos after what we did to Gaddafi,' a source told the Post. 'The second is the Libya intervention made it more difficult to negotiate deals with countries like North Korea and Iran.'

Experts warned that any effort to overthrow the Iranian regime, led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, would further destabilize the region and risks fueling radicalization.

Iran and Israel have been trading missiles since last Friday. Pictured: Members of the Iranian Red Crescent rescue teams are clearing debris from a building that was destroyed during an Israeli attack in Tehran

An Iranian ballistic missile hit a building in southern Israel (pictured) early Thursday while also striking the main hospital in the region

Trump's concerns about causing 'another Libya' refer to the North African nation's descent into anarchy and chaos after a 2011 longtime dictator Gaddafi was toppled with intervention from the Obama administration (Libya pictured in 2013)

Trump has also been an outspoken critic of the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, calling it 'the single worst decision ever made.'

'Here we are, like the dummies of the world, because we had bad politicians running our country for a long time,' Trump said in 2018, comparing it to 'throwing a big fat brick into a hornet's nest.'

The Iraq war was launched under President George W Bush under the pretext that Saddam Hussein was harboring weapons of mass destruction. It resulted in years of sectarian bloodbath and the deaths of 4,500 US service members.

Trump insiders also said that the protracted US occupation of Afghanistan also weighed heavily on his mind.

The invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 was intended to destroy the Taliban and Al-Qaeda but morphed into a nation building exercise that amounted to one of America's longest and most expensive wars.

Trump's decision to show restraint for at least two weeks come despite Iran ramping up strikes and boasting that its nuclear material survived Israel's repeated bombing.

The Iranian regime on Thursday was accused of launching at least one cluster bomb at civilian targets, which would be an extraordinary departure from global ethical expectations during war.

More than 100 nations signed an agreement in 2008 against the use of cluster munitions, which burst and scatter numerous smaller bombs and are near impossible to accurately detonate.

Trump's decision to show restraint for at least two weeks come despite Iran ramping up strikes and boasting that its nuclear material survived Israel's repeated bombing

President Donald Trump has given Iran a two-week grace period to begin negotiating its nuclear capacity in a last-ditch effort to avoid replicating the decade-long chaos in Libya (pictured)

Now, Trump has repeated Israel's allegations that Iran is also close to developing nuclear weapons, despite assurances from his own national intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard just three months ago that that was not the case.

'I don't care what she said,' Trump hit back. 'I think they were very close to having one.'

His full-throated criticism of Iran this week has sparked a MAGA civil war as close and loyal soldiers of the MAGA movement, including Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor-Greene, express dissatisfaction at his apparent shift away from his 'America First' mindset.

Israel has been launching missiles at Iran in an attempt to cripple its nuclear capabilities since last Friday, and Trump has publicly expressed that he is willing to wade into the war to offer US military strength.

But he stepped back from the brink last night as Britain prepared to take part in peace talks with Iran when he vowed to give Tehran two weeks to strike a deal with the West.

'Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, quoting the president.

Two men walk through the debris of the headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network after an Israeli strike on Iran's state television compound

Pictured: Smokes rises from a building of the Soroka hospital complex after it was hit by a missile fired from Iran

In the previous 48 hours, the US President had demanded Iran's 'unconditional surrender' and threatened air strikes 'in days.'

Negotiations will start today with Britain, France and Germany due to sit down with Iran's foreign minister in Geneva.

And Iran-backed militias throughout the Middle East have vowed to attack US military bases in the region should the US launch a strike on Iran.

'We reaffirm, with even greater clarity, that should the United States enter into this war, the deranged (US President Donald) Trump shall forfeit all the trillions he dreams of seizing from this region,' Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah said.

'Undoubtedly, American bases throughout the region will become akin to duck-hunting grounds,' the statement added.

Meanwhile, the leader of Hezbollah, a pro-Iran Lebanese militant group, said it would 'act as we see fit' in response to the ongoing war between its main backer Iran and Israel.

Simultaneously, Iran boasted that all its nuclear material had been moved to 'a safe place' before Israeli missiles struck its nuclear sites.

'Israel hit Natanz, Isfahan, Khandab, and Arak, but they were already evacuated,' Iranian commander Mohsen Rezaei said on Thursday.

'All the materials have been moved to a safe place,' he added.

A baby is evacuated from the site of a direct hit from an Iranian missile strike in Ramat Gan, Israel, Thursday, June 19

The dramatic developments came on another day of horror as an Iranian ballistic missile struck Soroka Hospital, in Beersheba, which suffered extensive damage.

The attack, a direct hit, left 71 injured and saw Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing revenge.

'Iran's terrorist tyrants launched missiles at Soroka Hospital and at a civilian population in the center of the country,' he said. 'We will exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran.'

Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, said that Iran's Supreme Leader 'can no longer be allowed to exist', branding him 'the modern Hitler.'

Netanyahu also refused to rule out an assassination attempt. The US has previously vetoed two attempts on Khamenei's life.

Israel also intensified its aerial attacks on Iran, blowing a large hole in a heavy water nuclear facility in Arak, having warned locals to evacuate the area in advance.

Earlier in the week an Israeli strike hit the building housing Iran's state broadcaster in Tehran. Mr Trump's surprise retreat appeared a victory for the UK-led diplomatic push as Sir Keir Starmer appealed for 'cool heads.'

The Prime Minister said: 'The principle is we need to de-escalate this. There is a real risk of escalation here that will impact the region, akin to Gaza, and will impact the economy.

'Yes, the nuclear issue needs to be dealt with but it is better dealt with by way of negotiations rather than conflict.

Israel has attacked what it can but only 30,000lb US 'bunker buster' bombs have the capability to destroy plants such as at Fordow, deep in a mountain

'I have been absolutely clear, we need to de-escalate this.'

President Trump's peace envoy Steve Witkoff is also understood to be separately speaking to the Iranian foreign minister, who has repeatedly insisted Iran is acting in self-defence.

Britain and Europe were also said to have warned Trump that bombing Iran would put Westerners at risk, fearing that it would trigger a wave of revenge attacks.

The two-week time limit is a tactic the President has used before, notably with Vladimir Putin over the future of Ukraine.

But, given that deadline has now twice passed without any concessions from the Russian president, questions were last night being asked of how serious all of Trump's tough talk is.

Calls for a pause in hostilities came hours after US sources confirmed that the President had signed off detailed plans for US operations against Iranian nuclear facilities, believing they needed to be wiped out to stop Tehran forging an atomic bomb.

Israel has attacked what it can but only 30,000lb US 'bunker buster' bombs have the capability to destroy plants such as at Fordow, deep in a mountain.

Sources told CBS News that Trump was open to letting Iran shut down Fordow but had made up his mind that it could not continue to operate.

'He believes there's not much choice,' one source said. 'Finishing the job means destroying Fordow.'

The Israelis have also said that Operation Rising Lion, as the now seven-day bombing campaign has been called, would be a failure if Fordow remained.

Leavitt said that regime change was not Trump's priority and called for people to 'trust President Trump'.

She stressed that there was no change in the US's position that Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb.

Trump is confident he can still secure a diplomatic outcome amid the war between Israel and Iran. And one major military failure is playing on his mind as he issues a two-week grace period.

Trump's indecision on Iran due to primal fear about 'another Libya'

Assisted dying is a step closer to being made legal in England and Wales after the proposed legislation cleared the House of Commons in a historic vote.

A majority of MPs backed a Bill that would allow terminally ill adults with a life expectancy of less than six months to end their lives.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer backed the bill while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch voted against it, Commons records show.

Despite warnings from opponents around the safety of a Bill they argued has been rushed through, the proposed legislation took another step in the parliamentary process.

MPs voted 314 to 291, majority 23, to approve Kim Leadbeater's Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at third reading.

This means the Bill has completed its first stages in the Commons and will move to the House of Lords for further debate and scrutiny.

Both Houses must agree the final text of the Bill before it can be signed into law.

Due to the four-year implementation period, it could be 2029 - potentially coinciding with the end of this Government's Parliament - before assisted dying is offered.

Use MailOnline's interactive search tool here to see how your MP voted.

MPs voted 314 to 291, majority 23, to approve Kim Leadbeater's Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at third reading.

How did your MP vote on assisted dying? Use our search tool to find out

Former President Joe Biden has reportedly been flouting Amtrak etiquette on his beloved rail commute as he infuriates other passengers with his antics.

The 82-year-old has been commuting between his Delaware home and a government-provided Washington DC office on a weekly basis in recent times.

But not everyone is happy the former commander-in-chief is back riding the rails, as he has reportedly been breaking Amtrak's strict rules on noise in its silent sections.

'He was talking in the quiet car!' one frustrated Amtrak passenger told the New York Post.

The outlet further alleged that despite Biden's long history with rail travel, earning him the nickname 'Amtrak Joe' as he famously commuted on the rail throughout his 36 years in the Senate, he has forgotten other Amtrak norms.

Biden recently asked for ice cream as a snack from the train's cafe, not knowing it doesn't serve his favorite snack.

In recent weeks, social media users have shared random sightings of the former president on Amtrak, seemingly in disbelief he takes the low-key route to DC.

But the reason for his repeat trips back to his DC office have also been confusing observers, as many question what he is working on since leaving office.

Former President Joe Biden has reportedly been flouting Amtrak etiquette on his beloved rail commute as he infuriates other passengers with his antics

Despite earning the nickname 'Amtrak Joe' as he famously commuted on the rail throughout his 36 years in the Senate, Biden has allegedly been breaking norms including speaking in the quiet car

Although some say Biden's Amtrak trips are ruining their commutes, one witness told the Post that it is not entirely his fault.

'If he’s talking, it’s because he’s constantly approached,' they said.

'That is always a criticism of him — that he’s too soft spoken! No winning.'

Since dropping out of the 2024 election over concerns about his age and cognitive decline, several former staffers now say they are confused at what he is doing on his weekly trips back to DC.

'It’s really a mystery,' a former Biden aide said.

'They’re supposed to be setting up library stuff but no one has heard anything. We’re all wondering the same thing because he doesn’t go to restaurants or anything public around here.'

In recent weeks, social media users have shared random sightings of the former president on Amtrak, seemingly in disbelief he takes the low-key route to DC

The 82-year-old has been commuting between his Delaware home and a government-provided Washington DC office on a weekly basis, however some have raised questions about what he is working on now he is out of office

An insider told the Post that he often spends time in the office and calls Democrats to pass the time, however many may wish to avoid being too closely tied to the former president following the election drubbing in November.

'He’s also been attending events which are sometimes coordinated through the office,' they said.

'He was just in Galveston, Texas, to attend a Juneteenth service as a recent example. Separately, he’s working on his book and library and foundation phases of post-presidency.'

It comes as Biden has faced a torrid few months since leaving the White House, as former staffers quickly came out to criticize his presidency and apparent cognitive decline.

He was diagnosed with stage four cancer in May, with doctors saying the disease has already spread to his bones.

This month, the former White House physician to President Barack Obama, Dr. Jeffrey Kuhlman, spoke out on the health rumors as he admitted that Biden should have undergone far more stringent cognitive testing during his presidency.

Kuhlman didn't mince words warning that Biden should have been subjected to extensive annual neurocognitive exams and that the results should be made public.'

My position is that a 78-year-old candidate, Trump at the time, an 82-year-old president [Biden], would both benefit from neurocognitive testing,' Kuhlman stated, noting how age-related decline is inevitable.

'Any politician over the age of 70 has normal age-related cognitive decline.'

Kuhlman, the author of Transforming Presidential Healthcare, has been making these recommendations for nearly a year - notably publishing them in a New York Times op-ed on the very day Biden bowed out of the 2024 race.

Despite multiple detailed physicals during Biden's time in office, Kuhlman pointed out that none included neurocognitive assessments like the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) - a basic test famously taken and 'aced' by President Trump.

'I have no doubt that President Trump aced it,' Kuhlman remarked.

Yet Biden's evaluations, spanning five to six single-spaced pages and referencing 10 to 20 specialists, conspicuously omitted any serious cognitive screening.

Former President Joe Biden has reportedly been flouting Amtrak etiquette on his beloved rail commute as he infuriates other passengers with his antics.

Biden blasted for rude behavior on Amtrak trains while commuting to new DC office

Zara McDermott has revealed she's 'taking a step back' from 'negative' social media just days after boyfriend Louis Tomlinson and ex Sam Thompson's feud was exposed.

The Strictly star, 28, took to her Instagram Stories with a lengthy post following MailOnline exclusively revealing the One Direction singer, 33, brutally snubbing former Made In Chelsea star Sam, 32, after the full-time whistle blew at Soccer Aid.

Zara went public with Louis in March, following her split from the I'm A Celeb winner on New Years Day after a five year romance.

Taking to social media she thanked fans for their support over her recent documentary, before revealing she would be taking a break to be 'more present'.

She wrote: 'I also just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who messaged me with regards to the story I posted the other day. If you didn't see it; I spoke about developing my next documentary and how I've been thinking of how to create a project about domestic abuse, coercive control and tech abuse'.

'I had thousands of message and I'm still going through them, but I wanted to say the biggest thank you ever. It's so nice speaking to you all because I've definitely taken a bit of a step back from socials to focus on my documentaries and other work / just focusing on being more present recently'.

Zara McDermott, 28, has revealed she's 'taking a step back' from 'negative' social media just days after boyfriend Louis Tomlinson and ex Sam Thompson 's feud was exposed

It comes just days after MailOnline exclusively revealed the One Direction singer (R) brutally snubbing former Made In Chelsea star Sam (L) after the full-time whistle blew at Soccer Aid

Taking to social media she thanked fans for their support over her recent documentary, before revealing she would be taking a break from her phone to be 'more present'

She went on: 'Social media feels quite heavy and a negative space sometimes... so to be able to feel like we can work together to do something super positive is a great feeling. thank you again. forever grateful to all of you who continue to support the work i do. it really means SO much'.

In a video obtained by MailOnline from Old Trafford on Sunday, Louis was seen embracing players and coaching staff from both sets of teams before conducting a TV interview.

But the singer ignored Sam when he came into view, turning his attention away and grimacing, before walking over to exchange pleasantries with other Soccer Aid stars.

Insiders were anticipating an awkward encounter between the pair after Louis started dating Zara shortly after the Soccer Aid squads were announced.

While Sam and Louis did their best to dispel speculation of a feud by avoiding each other during the Soccer Aid training and match, the video, taken by a fan, proves animosity between the pair rumbles on.

An insider added: 'Louis is seen literally embracing every squad member on both sides, except Sam. And the fact he looks away as soon as he comes into eyesight says it all.

'Given the charity context of the occasion there was no way either Louis or Sam were going to let their emotions get the better of them, they were there to raise money and succeeded. But there's clearly no love lost between them.'

They avoided each other during a training session in the buildup to the match at Soccer Aid HQ, Champneys in Tring and were stationed on different sides of the changing room at Old Trafford, as they managed to keep any possible tension at bay.

In a video obtained by MailOnline from Old Trafford on Sunday, the One Direction star is seen turning away from the Made In Chelsea favourite, awkwardly avoiding any interaction

Insiders were anticipating an awkward encounter between the pair after Louis started dating Zara shortly after the Soccer Aid squads were announced

Zara went public with Louis in March, following her split from the I'm A Celeb winner on New Years Day after a five year romance (Sam and Zara pictured 2024)

Before Sunday's match, which raised over £15million for UNICEF, The Sun revealed Sam and Louis both attended a team bonding session at the squad's hotel to ease any tension.

Sam raised over £2million for the charity by taking part in a gruelling challenge, transporting the Soccer Aid match ball from Stamford Bridge, West London, to Old Trafford, Manchester, a 260-mile journey, via foot and bike.

He managed to complete the task but picked up so many injuries, the reality star was unable to feature prominently in the actual match.

The England teammates did not appear on the field together during the game, which was eventually won by the Rest of the World team, after Louis was withdrawn at half-time and Sam was introduced as a substitute with minutes remaining.

Speaking on his podcast, Staying Relevant, which he co-hosts with close friend Pete Wicks, Sam discussed overcoming a difficult start to the year by thoroughly committing himself to his Soccer Aid challenge.

Sam explained: 'I have never been so low but also so high at the same time... One of the things that I will say is that mentally I don't think there was a better time for me to do that.

'On Thursday, I left a lot on that road, I left a lot there and it was one of the most mentally freeing times I've ever had in my entire life.

'We rode and ran for the longest duration, all the way down the Welsh border and we finished in Liverpool, you know I'm a bit of a talker, but it was so hard, you just had to channel something.

'I left a lot of the year that I've had on that road, and I didn't speak for an hour and a half. I was riding the bike while crying for an hour and a half just tears streaming down my face just riding like I have never ridden before.

'I have never felt so emotionally depleted but also at peace.'

The Strictly star, 28, took to her Instagram Stories with a lengthy following MailOnline revealing the One Direction singer, 33, brutally snubbing former Made In Chelsea star Sam, 32.

Zara McDermott reveals she's 'taking a step back' from 'negative' social media just days after boyfriend Louis Tomlinson and ex Sam Thompson's feud was exposed

The Indian who called out a massacre - and shamed the British Empire

1 hour ago Share Save Meryl Sebastian BBC News, Kochi Share Save

Alamy Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair was one of the few Indians to hold high government positions during British rule

Long before India gained independence, one defiant voice inside the British Empire dared to call out a colonial massacre - and paid a price for it. Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair, a lawyer, was one of the few Indians to be appointed to top government posts when the British ruled the country. In 1919, he resigned from the Viceroy's Council after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in the northern Indian city of Amritsar in Punjab, in which hundreds of civilians attending a public meeting were shot dead by British troops. On the 100th anniversary of the massacre, then UK Prime Minister Theresa May described the tragedy as a "shameful scar" on Britain's history in India. Nair's criticism of Punjab's then Lieutenant Governor, Michael O'Dwyer, led to a libel case against him, which helped spotlight the massacre and the actions of British officials. In a biography of Nair, KPS Menon, independent India's first foreign secretary, described him as "a very controversial figure of his time". Nair was known for his independent views and distaste for extremist politics, and spoke critically of colonial rule and even of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian independence hero who is now regarded as the father of the nation. Menon, who married Nair's daughter Saraswathy, wrote: "Only [Nair] could have insulted the all powerful British Viceroy on his face and opposed Mahatma Gandhi openly." Nair was not a familiar name in India in recent decades, but earlier this year, a Bollywood film based on the court case, Kesari Chapter 2- starring superstar Akshay Kumar - helped bring attention to his life.

Getty Images Bollywood star Akshay Kumar played Nair in the recent film Kesari Chapter 2

Nair was born in 1857 into a wealthy family in what is now Palakkad district in Kerala state. He studied at the Presidency College in Madras, acquiring a bachelor's degree before studying law and beginning his career as an apprentice with a Madras High Court judge. In 1887, he joined the social reform movement in the Madras presidency. Throughout his career, he fought to reform Hindu laws of the time on marriage and women's rights and to abolish the caste system. For some years, he was a delegate to the Indian National Congress and presided over its 1897 session in Amraoti (Amravati). In his address, he held the British-run government "morally responsible for the extreme poverty of the masses", saying the annual famines "claimed more victims and created more distress than under any civilised government anywhere else in the world". He was appointed public prosecutor in 1899 and writes in his autobiography about advising the government on seditious articles in newspapers, including those by his close friend G Subramania Iyer, the first editor of The Hindu newspaper. "On many occasions… I was able to persuade them not to take any step against him." He became a high court judge in 1908 and was knighted four years later. Nair moved to Delhi in 1915 when he was appointed a member of the Viceroy's Council, only the third Indian to hold the position. He was a fierce proponent of India's right to govern itself and pushed for constitutional reforms during his time on the council. Through 1918 and 1919, his dissent and negotiations with Edwin Montagu, then secretary of state for India, helped expand provisions of the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms which laid out how India would gradually achieve self-governance. Montagu wrote in his diary that he had been warned "that it was absolutely necessary to get him on my side, for Sankaran Nair wielded more influence than any other Indian".

Getty Images In 2013, then UK Prime Minister David Cameron visited the Jallianwala Bagh memorial and paid tribute to the victims

A pivotal moment in Nair's career as a statesman was the massacre in Jallianwala Bagh, when hundreds of unarmed Indians were shot dead in a public garden on the day of the Baisakhi festival. Official estimates said nearly 400 people were killed and more than 1,500 wounded by the soldiers, who fired under the orders of Brigadier General REH Dyer. Indian sources put the death toll closer to 1,000. Nair writes in his 1922 book Gandhi and Anarchy about following the events in Punjab with increasing concern. The shooting at Jallianwala Bagh was part of a larger crackdown in the province, where martial law had been introduced - the region was cut off from the rest of the country and no newspapers were allowed into it. "If to govern the country, it is necessary that innocent persons should be slaughtered at Jallianwala Bagh and that any Civilian Officer may, at any time, call in the military and the two together may butcher the people as at Jallianwala Bagh, the country is not worth living in," he wrote. A month later, he resigned from the council and left for Britain, where he hoped to rouse public opinion on the massacre. In his memoir, Nair writes of speaking to the editor of The Westminster Gazette which soon published an article called the Amritsar Massacre. Other papers including The Times also followed suit. "Worse things had happened under British rule, but I am glad I was able to obtain publicity for this one at least," Nair wrote.

Getty Images Brigadier General REH Dyer ordered his troops to fire on unarmed civilians

A defamation case filed against Sankaran Nair helped spotlight the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919.

Jallianwala Bagh: C Sankaran Nair called out a massacre

SpaceX rocket being tested in Texas explodes

A SpaceX Starship rocket exploded during a test at the company’s Starbase facility in southern Texas late on Wednesday night. The explosion occurred around 11 pm as the rocket was being prepared for its tenth flight test

By AP Published Date - 19 June 2025, 11:46 AM

Texas: A SpaceX rocket being tested in Texas exploded on Wednesday night, sending a dramatic fireball high into the sky. The company said the Starship “experienced a major anomaly” at about 11 pm while on the test stand preparing for the tenth flight test at Starbase, SpaceX’s launch site at the southern tip of Texas.

“A safety clear area around the site was maintained throughout the operation and all personnel are safe and accounted for,” SpaceX said in a statement on the social platform X.CEO Elon Musk ’s SpaceX said there were no hazards to nearby communities.

It asked people not to try to approach the site. The company said it is working with local officials to respond to the explosion.

A SpaceX Starship rocket exploded during a test at the company’s Starbase facility in southern Texas late on Wednesday night. The explosion occurred around 11 pm as the rocket was being prepared for its tenth flight test

SpaceX rocket being tested in Texas explodes

Trump approves Iran attack plan but has not made final decision, US media says

28 minutes ago Share Save Graeme Baker & Helen Sullivan BBC News Share Save

Getty Images Trump said he'd "had it" and repeated his call for an unconditional surrender from Iran.

Donald Trump has approved plans to attack Iran, but has not made a final decision on whether to strike the country, the BBC's US partner CBS reports. The US president held off on initiating strikes in case Iran agreed to abandon its nuclear programme, a senior intelligence source told CBS. Trump is reportedly considering a US strike on Fordo, an underground uranium enrichment facility in Iran. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday rejected Trump's demand for unconditional surrender, as the US president said his patience had run out. On Wednesday, Trump said, "I may do it, I may not do it", when asked a question about US involvement in Iran.

Reuters Khamenei said Iran would not surrender

Khamenei rebuked Trump in Wednesday's recorded speech, saying that "any US military intervention" would be costly and added: "The Iranian nation will not surrender." Trump brushed off the rejection, saying "good luck", but again declined to disclose his plans. "I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do," he said. "Unconditional surrender – that means I've had it." The news of Trump backing strike plans was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Israel's military launched more attacks on Iran, hitting missile sites and nuclear facilities. Iran said it had fired hypersonic missiles in response. No serious damage was reported in Israel. It was Khamenei's first appearance since Israel launched its pre-emptive strikes on Friday. Iran's mission to the United Nations mocked Trump in posts on X: "Iran does NOT negotiate under duress, shall NOT accept peace under duress, and certainly NOT with a has-been warmonger clinging to relevance. "No Iranian official has ever asked to grovel at the gates of the White House," it added. "The only thing more despicable than his lies is his cowardly threat to 'take out' Iran's supreme leader."

Ros Atkins on… How close Is Iran to a nuclear weapon?

US president says "nobody knows what I'm going to do" as he weighs strike on Iran.

Trump approves Iran attack plan but has not made final decision, US media says

6. Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury ($4 Billion in 2023)

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Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images Mat Ishbia's tenure with the Phoenix Suns has gotten off to a bumpy start.

Just over two years after Mat Ishbia acquired the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury for $4 billion in 2023, he already has an airtight case for one of the best examples of "new owner syndrome" that we've ever seen.

The Suns went to the NBA Finals in 2021, but the only player left from that roster is Devin Booker. Within months of taking over, Ishbia gave up much of his organization's future for Kevin Durant, who's now likely to be traded again this summer.

Despite already being nearly all-in, he somehow found more chips to take on one of the worst contracts in the league in 2023 and added Bradley Beal.

Phoenix went 64-18 the last full season before Ishbia took over. In 2024-25, the Suns were 36-46. And now, he's claiming he wants to be even more involved in basketball decisions.

On Wednesday afternoon, ESPN's Shams Charania broke unexpected news on a history-making deal.

Ranking Los Angeles Lakers and the Most Expensive Sports Teams Sales of All Time

Why the Karen Read murder trial caused such a frenzy

3 hours ago Share Save Ana Faguy BBC News Share Save

Watch: After verdict is announced, Karen Read speaks to crowd

Hundreds of people wearing pink outfits waited with bated breath outside a Massachusetts court on Wednesday to hear the verdict in the Karen Read trial. As Ms Read was found not guilty of murdering her Boston police officer boyfriend John O'Keefe in January 2022, they erupted in cheers. A fervent TikTok following and multiple documentaries fuelled the obsession with the true-crime cause celebre. Some saw the case as the result of a flawed criminal justice system. Other trial-watchers, especially women, said they saw themselves in the accused.

Outside court, Ms Read's supporters were often conspicuous by their pink attire - her favourite colour. Each time she came in and out of the building, her adoring fans would extend their index, little finger and thumb - American Sign Language for "I love you". Ms Read and her attorneys would do the same.

Getty Images Karen Read's fans show their support

Beyond the call to "Free Karen Read" - a slogan many supporters pressed into T-shirts or daubed on signs - those in the crowd seemed to relate to her. "It could be me," Patti Lima, who decided to start coming to court last week, told CBS, the BBC's US news partner. "I would have done everything she did. Exact same thing." Robin Burns, another woman in the crowd, told CBS she brought both her daughters for parts of the two trials. Ms Burns said: "I really believe there's a lot of corruption here and I believe it runs deep. And I've got three girls, and this could be one of my kids." The first proceedings against Ms Read collapsed in July 2024 after the jury was unable to reach a verdict. The prosecution said Ms Read ran over Mr O'Keefe and left him to die in a snowbank outside his colleague's house following a night of drinking. Ms Read argued she was framed by the police for murder. The frenzy stems from Ms Read's circumstances, Shira Diner, a Boston University law lecturer, told the BBC. "The public doesn't have a lot of opportunity to see white women of means being charged with serious crimes and be put through the criminal legal process," she said. Statistically, as few as 10% of homicide offenders in the US are female, according to FBI data. But Prof Diner said there is a more important reason why people are fascinated with the case - because Ms Read has "created a narrative and a story around herself and around her experience that is really impactful and really effective".

Getty Images

Unlike many who face murder charges in the US, Ms Read - a financial analyst - was able to post $50,000 (£37,000) bail to stay out of custody while her trial proceeded. "Most people who are charged with second-degree murder are held on a very high bail, and so while their trial is pending, they can't do 60 Minutes [a CBS show] interviews and they can't talk to their fans," Prof Diner said. "They can't engage with a narrative in the way she has been able to do, because she was able to post her bail." Eric Schiffer, a public relations expert, told the BBC that Ms Read's story "blends every dopamine trigger - small-town cops, alleged cover-up, influencer sleuths". He noted that her father had thanked "content providers" after her not-guilty verdict, underlining the role that social media, as well as documentarians and podcast hosts, have had on how his daughter was perceived in the public eye. "This case proves crisis messaging today isn't about press releases - it's about Reddit flair mods and who controls the subreddit sidebar narrative," said Mr Schiffer, referring to the popular social media forum where a subreddit named JusticeforKarenRead amassed nearly 20,000 members.

Getty Images

The duelling narratives of a scorned lover and a police cover-up "blends every dopamine trigger", says one expert.

Karen Read acquitted: Why her murder trial caused such a frenzy



President Donald Trump is understood to have approved plans for a U.S. attack on Iran, though he has not given the go ahead to carry them out.

Trump met with his top generals in the Situation Room on Wednesday night as details on a potential US offensive were discussed.

Senior White House officials are now preparing for the U.S. to strike Iran 'in the coming days,' Bloomberg reported.

A series of plans have been proposed. One possible option was the deployment of B-2 stealth bombers to drop 30,000-pound bunker-busters on Iran's heavily fortified nuclear sites.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran will 'pay a heavy price' following an attack on Soroka Hospital in Beersheba. The hospital was one of several areas struck by Iranian missiles on Thursday, which has resulted in more than 100 injuries across multiple Israeli cities.

Live updates below

US President Donald Trump has reportedly approved plans for an American attack, though he is yet to give the go ahead, urging Iran to consider abandoning its nuclear programme.

Trump 'approves plan for attack on Iran and could launch strike in coming days' - as Tehran missile blows up Israeli hospital and IDF strikes another of the regime's nuclear reactors - live updates

An Aboriginal artist has pretended to be strung up with a noose in front of Buckingham Palace while singing a song about killing the King - as Australian senator Lidia Thorpe performed her own one-woman stunt in the same spot.

Miss Kaninna, whose real name is Kaninna Langford, staged an impromptu performance of her song 'Pinnacle B****' outside the royal residence in the heart of London this week.

'And I'm running down these streets / Screaming, f*** the police,' she sung as a British police officer walked past in the background, oblivious.

While miming a nose around her neck, she added: 'If I ever met the king/ Break his neck with a string'.

The short clip ended with Miss Kaninna giving both fingers to the King's administrative headquarters.

'Flew all the way to the UK to play my song in front of Buckingham Palace,' she captioned the post.

'YOUR NOT MY KING !! #Alwayswasalwayswillbe #Aboriginal #Landback #thecolonywillfall.'

Miss Kaninnna, a Yorta Yorta, Djadja Wurrung, Kalkadoon and Yirendali woman who grew up on Bruny Island off Tasmania's south coast, released her self-titled debut EP in September 2024.

Miss Kaninna, whose real name is Kaninna Langford, staged an impromptu performance of her song 'Pinnacle B****' outside the royal residence in the heart of London this week. It features the lyrics: 'If I ever met the king/ Break his neck with a string'

Miss Kaninnna, a Yorta Yorta, Djadja Wurrung, Kalkadoon and Yirendali woman who grew up on Bruny Island off Tasmania's south coast, released her self-titled debut EP in September 2024

Australian senator Lidia Thorpe staged her own protest at the same spot shortly after

She became the first independent Aboriginal woman to ever be nominated for a debut single at the ARIA awards that same year.

Daily Mail Australia approached Miss Kaninna's management company for comment.

This publication reported on Wednesday that fellow King-protester Senator Lidia Thorpe is also in London this week.

Senator Thorpe also staged her own mini-protest outside the gates of Buckingham Palace.

Holding an Aboriginal flag and wearing a 'Blak Sovereign Movement' t-shirt, she also swore at the royal residence.

'Dropped by to collect all the stuff this lot stole, but Charlie wasn't in,' she captioned the pictures.

The independent senator made global headlines last year when she heckled the King and Queen during their state visit Down Under.

'Give us what you stole from us! Our bones, our skulls our babies, our people!' she screamed at the bemused monarchs.

Thorpe shared a picture of herself flipping the bird towards Buckingham Palace

Last year, Miss Kaninna (pictured) became the first independent Aboriginal woman to ever be nominated for a debut single at the ARIA awards

'You destroyed our land. Give us a treaty! We want a treaty in this country! You are a genocidialist [sic]!' Thorpe said.

A spokesperson for the former Greens Senator said she was in the UK attending a conference.

Thorpe's antipathy for the King certainly has not diminished.

Last week, on the King's Birthday long weekend, she posted this cheerful message: 'I would normally give presents to someone on their birthday but I think you owe us enough.

'It's time for you to start giving land back and everything else you stole from us.'

'So I'm not wishing you a happy birthday. Can you get it, like, we celebrate a public holiday because of some King that lives on the other side of the world.'

'You are not sovereign. You are not our King - and f*** the colony.'

Thorpe's protest sparked a heated debate.

'All hail Queen Senator Thorpe. Thanks for always being the ultimate baddie. We love you,' someone wrote.

Another said: 'Yas, show Charles how's is done Sen Thorpe.'

But there were several comments telling the senator to 'grow up'.

'Getting your point across is one thing but being disrespectful and rude is another remember your father is colonial,' one person said.

Miss Kaninna, whose real name is Kaninna Langford, staged an impromptu performance of her song 'Pinnacle B****' outside the royal residence in the heart of London this week.

Aboriginal singer Miss Kaninna disturbs with appalling act aimed at the King outside Buckingham Palace - as Lidia Thorpe stages her own stunt

Georgia Toffolo showed off her 'most outrageous Royal Ascot look ever' as she arrived for day three of the races on Thursday.

Former Made In Chelsea star Georgia, 30, braved the heatwave in a gigantic white and black feather hat from brand Jane Taylor as she led the glamour at the event.

She teamed it with a pretty polka dot dress and matching bag as she posed for the cameras.

Sharing a clip to her Instagram before arriving she said: 'My most outrageous Royal Ascot look EVER? are you ready for this?!

'Try it on with Toff for Day 3 and yes, I've officially taken the polka dot trend to the extreme. I couldn't decide on one hat, so naturally… I'm trialing TWO. Which hat are we loving more?!? NEED YOUR HELP xxxx.'

She showed off the feather one and another much smaller hat - eventually opting for the bigger and more flamboyant one.

Georgia Toffolo showed off her 'most outrageous Royal Ascot look ever' as she arrived for day three of the races on Thursday

Former Made In Chelsea star Georgia, 30, braved the heatwave in a gigantic white and black feather hat from brand Jane Taylor as she led the glamour at the event

Lizzie Cundy also opted for an elaborate hat as she posed on Instagram in her pink dress.

She wrote: 'The hat weighs more than me… hoping this hat will give me some shade today? … Big hat, big wins.'

Presenter Charlotte Hawkins also made her daily appearance at the racing event wearing a demure black and white number.

Jerry Hall opted for a white suit and black hat as she posed up a storm for the cameras.

Royal Ascot, the jewel in the crown of the UK racing calendar, kicked off on Tuesday with the Queen Anne Stakes and will run until Saturday.

King Charles and Camilla are likely to arrive in the famous carriage procession along the course and past the stands that will welcome hundreds of thousands of punters during the five-day meet.

It is a royal tradition that has reached its 200th anniversary this year after it was first held in 1825 during the reign of King George IV.

The festival was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 after she declared Ascot ideal for 'horses fit for kings' and it is now a major social event and sporting attraction.

She teamed it with a pretty polka dot dress and matching bag as she posed for the cameras

She was joined by her husband James Watt - the founder of BrewDog

James cut a smart figure in a grey suit as he strolled beside Toff

Sharing a clip to her Instagram before arriving she said: 'My most outrageous Royal Ascot look EVER? are you ready for this?!'

She put on an animated display as she showed off the look

She toted a black bag with silver stud detailing

Presenter Charlotte Hawkins also made her daily appearance at the racing event wearing a demure black and white number

She was joined by fellow presenter Mark Heyes

Jerry Hall opted for a white suit and black hat as she posed up a storm for the cameras

She looked as glamorous as ever

She was joined by her son Gabriel

Chesney Hawkes and his wife Kristina

Chesney cut a smart figure

Lizzie Cundy also opted for an elaborate hat as she posed on Instagram in her pink dress

She wrote: 'The hat weighs more than me… hoping this hat will give me some shade today? … Big hat, big wins'

Paul Hollywood was also in attendance

He was joined by his wife Melissa

Lydia Millen looked incredible in a bespoke yellow dress co-designed with Sassi Holford and a hat by milliner Vivienne Sherriff

Georgia is an avid fan of the races and is often seen making glamorous appearances at festivals all around the UK, recently stepping out for Epsom's Ladies Day.

Georgia has had an exciting few months after she and her now-husband James eloped in North East Scotland.

The pair got engaged last October after the millionaire proposed with an exquisite eight-carat triple-diamond studded band estimated to be worth £200,000 during a romantic getaway in Greece for Georgia's 30th birthday.

After the BrewDog founder promised that the pair would be married this year, the couple did indeed tie the knot - though guests only had 48 hours' notice to attend the whirlwind ceremony.

Taking to Instagram, Georgia shared loved-up snaps of the newlyweds posing on a fishing boat moments after saying 'I do'.

She captioned her shock post: 'James and I got married today.'

'1st March will forever be the best day of my life - the day I became your wife. We eloped,' she continued.

'Guests: whoever could get here with 48 hours notice! Temperature: 6°C. Wind: 17 knots North Westerly. Location: North East Scotland

'To our family and friends who aren't with us, we will celebrate with you soonest!'

Georgia Toffolo showed off her 'most outrageous Royal Ascot look ever' as she arrived for day three of the races on Thursday.

Georgia Toffolo shows off her 'most outrageous Royal Ascot look ever' as she wears HUGE feather hat for day three of the races

Sir Philip Green displayed his noticeably slimmed down frame as he soaked up the sun at the Hotel Eden Roc on the French Riviera on Wednesday.

The Topshop founder, 73, cut a casual figure in a white T-shirt and a pair of blue patterned shorts as he enjoyed a day at the beach.

The businessman looked relaxed and carefree as he enjoyed the trappings of his still vast fortune.

Philip was seen alongside Elliot Grange, the CEO of Atlantic Music Group and the husband of Lionel Richie's daughter Sophia.

Sir Philip and his wife Tina have been laid low in Monaco after the collapse of Arcadia Group, which fell into administration in 2020 at the cost of more than 700 jobs and 162 store closures, plus a £500million-plus pension scheme deficit.

Sir Philip Green displayed his noticeably slimmed down frame as he soaked up the sun at the Hotel Eden Roc on the French Riviera on Wednesday

The Topshop founder, 73, cut a casual figure in a white T-shirt and a pair of blue patterned shorts as he enjoyed a day at the beach

Philip was seen alongside Elliot Grange, the CEO of Atlantic Music Group and the husband of Lionel Richie 's daughter Sophia

One of his last appearances was in October 2021, when he was seen snarling at photographers outside Harry's Bar, an exclusive London club.

He was understood to have been on a brief visit to Britain, in part to have dental treatment.

The mogul was accompanied by Tina, who was named in 2020 in the explosive Pandora Papers about offshore tax havens.

The leaked documents appeared to show that she bought four multi-million-pound properties while BHS – the department store she once owned with her husband – teetered on the brink of collapse.

Arcadia's assets, including the luxury furnishings of Sir Philip's boardroom, were sold, the Topshop brand was acquired by online retailer Asos, and Ikea moved into the Oxford Street building following its £378 million sale. Arcadia also oversaw the chains Dorothy Perkins, Burton and Miss Selfridge.

The Greens previously sold BHS for £1 to former bankrupt Dominic Chappell, who was last year sentenced to six years in jail for tax evasion over the 2015 sale.

The chain collapsed the following year, and MPs subsequently dubbed Sir Philip 'the unacceptable face of capitalism' over the affair.

Despite the fall of the one-time high street retail king, the Greens are still worth £910 million, according to The Sunday Times Rich List, and continue to enjoy the trappings of their wealth.

The Topshop founder, 73, cut a casual figure in a white T-shirt and a pair of blue patterned shorts as he enjoyed a day at the beach.

Sir Philip Green, 73, displays his slimmed down frame as he soaks up the sun at the Hotel Eden Roc in France

BBC Breakfast's under-fire editor Richard Frediani has reportedly taken an extended period of leave, after an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations was opened into the show.

It was previously claimed that the show's staff are feeling increasingly 'uneasy' around Frediani, with the former Head of ITV News accused of 'shaking' a female editor while working on the show.

It's now being reported by The Sun that Richard has stepped back from the show, and while he had already taken time off to go on holiday, has mutually agreed to extend his break.

Sources are also claiming that BBC bosses have held a series of meetings on how to handle the developing crisis.

In an internal email obtained by the publication, John McAndrew, Director of Live and Daily News, thanked staff for their 'positivity' during this 'stressful time' - and informed them of Richard's decision.

A source added: 'Fredi was already taking a break because obviously the allegations against him have been pretty damning, and he needed time to reflect.

BBC Breakfast's under-fire editor Richard Frediani has reportedly taken an extended period of leave, after an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations was opened

'He's devastated by some of the claims and has also had a lot of behind the scenes support from colleagues, many of whom think he's a brilliant boss.

'BBC executives have ensured duty of care measures and he is still in touch with a few of the team. Right now, it's imperative that the BBC gets its house in order and ensures everyone is happy.'

When contacted by MailOnline, a BBC representative said: 'While we do not comment on individual cases, we take all complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously and will not tolerate behaviour that is not in line with our values.

'We have robust processes in place and would encourage any staff with concerns to raise them directly with us so they can be addressed.'

On Thursday, Deadline reported that a consultant had been drafted in to help steer an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations on BBC Breakfast.

Staff have been approached about sharing their experiences, according to people familiar with the process.

It had previously been reported earlier this week that a bullying probe had been opened into BBC's flagship Breakfast show, with the investigation set to look into claims dating back as far as 2019.

A source told The Sun: 'To the viewer BBC Breakfast is a warm, gentle programme, one that is flourishing in the ratings. But beyond the cosy red sofa it is a very different picture. Several people — crew, production and even presenters — have been very unhappy'.

It was claimed that staff are feeling increasingly 'uneasy' around Frediani, with tensions between hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty also reportedly at a high

It's now being reported that Richard has stepped back from the show, and while he had already taken time off to go on holiday, has mutually agreed to extend his break

'Tension between Charlie and Naga is rife. Fredi is very old-school and has some slightly tyrannical tendencies. He is very cerebral but also quite aggressive in his methods. Some people think a recent promotion has gone to his head'.

'Meanwhile, Naga, who is passionate about speaking up if she believes something is wrong, has spoken to people who are unhappy. Formal complaints have been lodged, so the BBC has to be seen to act. The probe has really divided the newsroom'.

They went on to claim that some believe Fredani, known as Fredi, is simply doing his job others think his methods are 'too tough' for 2025.

It comes following a difficult few years for the BBC, with Huw Edwards pleading guilty to having indecent images of children, Jermaine Jenas axed after a sexting scandal and Gary Lineker's departure from the channel after becoming embroiled in a controversial row over antisemitism.

An insider told MailOnline in April that Munchetty is 'quite open' about her ill-feeling towards Frediani. Another said that she has an 'uneasy relationship' with him.

The Mail revealed that displeasure was intensifying at the BBC's northern base in Salford, where staff have watched Frediani's rise - from Breakfast boss to arguably the most powerful BBC editor outside London - with growing disbelief.

One said: 'You have to wonder what on earth is going on. The BBC claims to be this no-nonsense, woke, kind place - yet Fredi has been able to keep climbing the ladder. HR and his bosses are aware of [past] bullying claims against him.

'He's still allowed to hire, as we saw with Nina [Warhurst, who has just been appointed a regular presenter] this week, and presumably fire. He has so much power, it doesn't feel right at all.'

It had previously been reported earlier this week that a bullying probe had been opened into BBC Breakfast, with the investigation set to look into claims dating back as far as 2019

The ordeal began, when media and entertainment industry news site Deadline alleged that Frediani was the subject of at least two misconduct complaints, including one from a woman who had her grievance upheld after claiming that the Breakfast editor physically shook her during a heated newsroom exchange last year.

Others also came forward with their experiences. One person claimed to have witnessed an incident in 2019, during which a 'clearly angry' Richard backed a Breakfast colleague up against a wall and was 'jabbing his finger' as he voiced displeasure about that morning's show.

The website reports that two sources alleged that Frediani is also known for 'screaming' down the phone at other BBC News desks and complaining about the quality of content they hand over to the Breakfast show.

Whether these allegations were upheld or dismissed is not known.

There was widespread internal dissatisfaction with Frediani in 2020, less than a year into his reign as editor of BBC Breakfast, after he was poached from ITV News.

During the pandemic, MailOnline's Katie Hind was inundated with anonymous emails from staff at BBC Breakfast which said a series of complaints have been made to the corporation's management and its HR department about an 'intimidating and bullying' culture, which had led to long-term members of staff leaving their jobs.

One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said 'the whole atmosphere has become poisonous' and like a 'boys' club'. Again, it is unclear whether these allegations were upheld or dismissed.

After the story was published in The Mail on Sunday, a number of people who had worked with Frediani got in.

They said he was unpleasant to them during his tenure at ITV where he served as head of news. They were devastated - but not surprised - to hear that there were allegations that he had gone on to behave 'aggressively' in his new role.

One wrote: 'I read your piece about Richard Frediani, recognising a lot of his character. I and others who suffered under him at ITV expected this would happen.'

So why, despite these claims about his behaviour at work, did Frediani continue to rise through the ranks?

The answer appears to lie with the Beeb's current chief executive of news, Deborah Turness. As CEO of ITN until 2022, she was Frediani's boss and they latterly joined up again when she joined the corporation.

Sources at the BBC say she was 'involved' in his rise to become the boss of News at One - though senior sources at the Corporation strongly deny it, insisting it was not a promotion but an addition to his existing job. The BBC would not answer questions over whether he'd had a pay rise.

BBC Breakfast staff have said that they are far from happy that Turness is still backing Frediani.

'There is no way she hasn't heard what we have all heard,' says one insider. 'It was written about as far back as 2020 so surely she must have seen that.'

The Mail had previously revealed that displeasure was intensifying at the BBC's northern base in Salford, where staff have watched Frediani's rise with growing disbelief

Tim Davie, the director-general, has said he wants the management consultancy leading the review to make practical recommendations about how managers can create a culture where there is 'zero tolerance' for wrongdoing.

The BBC said that it did not comment on individual HR issues. However, it stressed that the welfare of its employees takes priority, and it takes any complaints about conduct at work extremely seriously.

After allegations about Frediani's behaviour were made, staff at Breakfast and News at One were emailed by John McAndrew, BBC News director of programmes, to remind them about the corporation's approach to complaints of wrongdoing.

'With regard to culture and behaviour - and this stands for all of our teams across the organisation - please be assured that if, or when, any allegations of any inappropriate behaviour come to me, they will be taken seriously, comprehensively investigated, and if upheld, action will be taken,' he wrote.

However one BBC source contested this statement, saying: 'The BBC claim to be such a wonderful employer and look after their staff.

'But it seems that's more likely to be the case if you are in the gang.'

It was previously claimed that the show's staff are feeling increasingly 'uneasy' around Frediani , with the former ITV editor accused of 'shaking' a female editor while working on the show.

BBC Breakfast boss Richard Frediani 'takes extended period of leave after bullying probe was opened as bosses hold crisis talks amid claims he shook a female colleague'

Donald Trump loves to back a winner. And with the military momentum now heavily on Israel's side, it would be no surprise if the 47th President eventually decides to join the party and attack Iran's key nuclear facilities.

The prospect of a quick win – of epoch-making regime change, even – must be tempting for a man who has already let it be known he wants a Nobel Peace Prize.

Much has been made of America's 15-ton Massive Ordnance Penetrator, the GBU-57, the only bomb in the world thought capable of reaching Iran's heavily protected nuclear enrichment plants.

Delivered by giant B2 stealth bombers, this 'bunker buster' has been specifically developed to destroy targets deep underground.

The theory is that a series of GPS-guided bombs can be dropped in perfect sequence, one on top of the other, each penetrating 200ft deeper until the target is reached.

Yet, however impressive the technology, the task remains formidable.

Any attempt to knock out Iran's nuclear capability means destroying the Fordow enrichment facilities, which lie below as much as half a mile of rock and reinforced concrete. Even the main entrance is hidden, Bond-style, hundreds of feet below ground.

To have any hope of success, the futuristic B2 bombers have to travel, unscathed, deep into the heart of Iran.

Donald Trump loves to back a winner, writes Mark Almond, but he knows the bunker buster bombs and not yet been tested on the battlefield

Trump's advisers will also know that the famed 'bunker busters' have never yet been tested on the battlefield.

True, the Israelis used a similar approach to kill Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last autumn in Beirut.

But the precision bombs used then were much smaller and Nasrallah was only 60ft below the surface when he was blown up.

In short, it's not at all clear that any American attempt to destroy Fordow or its uranium enrichment facilities will succeed.

Military failure is not the only danger facing Trump, should he decide to press ahead with a bombing raid. There is no sign that an attack, even if successful, would lead to an Iranian surrender or bring the fighting to a convenient close.

I would put money on the opposite in fact. The mullahs are fighting for their lives.

With millions of Iranians enraged by years of oppression and incompetence, a humiliating surrender would mean certain death to the regime – and its leaders.

For the sake of their own survival, the mullahs must be seen to strike back at Israel and America – and continue lashing out – raising the stakes ever higher as they do so. That's why many fear, for example, that Iran will close the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow seaway which carries a fifth of the world's oil and liquified gas.

There are already reports that Tehran is using electronic warfare to disrupt shipping in the Strait, leading to at least one major collision.

Desperate, the ayatollahs have threatened to take the fight to the Great Satan itself, with attacks on American bases in neighbouring countries.

Or they might unleash terrorist and sabotage groups against US citizens and their business interests around the Middle East and beyond. The Little Satan, the UK, will also be in the crosshairs, the more so if the ayatollahs think twice about daring to provoke Uncle Sam.

The Diego Garcia base on the Chagos Islands – still owned by Britain – is the likely launch pad for any B2 strikes and could suffer retaliation.

But the British military bases on Cyprus might make a better target. Firing missiles at British intelligence and electronic surveillance assets at Akrotiri on the south Cyprus coast – which are umbilically linked to the work of the US spy agencies – would send a stark message, not only to Whitehall but to Washington's allies: there is a steep price to be paid for backing America. Iran has no nuclear weapons, but it does have chemical weapons. Should these be used on Tel Aviv, there is no saying what level of destruction will be rained down on Tehran in response. Many in Israel see this as an existential struggle, after all.

It is all the more troubling that leadership in the region is so unstable.

Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei is not the only one under vast pressure.

It is unlikely that Benjamin Netanyahu's political career can survive anything short of a complete victory: the destruction of Iran's nuclear capacity and regime change.

A protest calling for the Trump administration to avoid a war with Iran in New York City

Demonstrators hold signs outside the White House in Washington DC

The Israeli prime minister, remember, faces prosecution on corruption charges at home and is desperate to claim a major victory.

His critics have accused Netanyahu of wanting to keep his nation at war for as long possible, ensuring that he remains in post – and out of court.

Donald Trump himself, is a long way from predictable, of course.

Now 79, the president has been showing symptoms of a scatter-gun approach to problems ranging from world trade and migration to war in Ukraine.

The death of American servicemen could easily provoke a violent response from Washington, which has moved three US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier groups within striking distance of Iran in the last few days.

Other nuclear-armed powers also have an interest in the region, of course.

Moscow will be loath to lose such an important ally as Tehran, although for the moment President Putin seems powerless to intervene.

But China could, and very well might. Iran offers an essential transport link for China's vast exports to Europe and the Middle East now that the railway route through Russia has been blocked by sanctions (following Putin's invasion of Ukraine).

China also imports oil and liquefied natural gas from Iran and its neighbours by sea.

Any further disruption would be bad for world energy prices – and Trump's chances at the polls – but would hit China's economy particularly hard.

Beijing's navy has been designed to fight a US fleet in the western Pacific, but it is perfectly well-equipped to clash with American warships blockading Iran. Now there are reports of Chinese surveillance ships in the Gulf.

So, even if the fear of Iranian nukes is exorcised, other apocalyptic scenarios are fast developing.

Sparks from the Middle East could fly far – and ignite a vastly bigger war, perhaps even with a nuclear dimension.

Iran is no longer a problem from which Trump can walk away – although I'm in little doubt that he will try if the situation starts unravelling.

While President Harry Truman, who authorised the nuclear bombing of Japan in 1945, had a sign on his desk reading 'the buck stops here', Trump has shown a very different cast of mind, preferring to blame others.

But conflict takes on a life of its own. As Trotsky once warned: 'You might not be interested in war, but war is interested in you.'

America – and the rest of us – must pray we don't have to learn his lesson the hard way.

Mark Almond is director of the Crisis Research Institute, Oxford.

Donald Trump loves to back a winner, says MARK ALMOND. The prospect of a quick win must be tempting for a man who has already let it be known he wants a Nobel Peace Prize.

The bomb from hell... So will the US deploy it? Can it take out Iran's nuclear site? And what would happen next?: MARK ALMOND

Holly Willoughby sent fans into a frenzy as she unveiled a striking new look on Instagram on Thursday.

The TV presenter, 44, looked worlds away from her usual style as she posed for a car selfie wearing bold, chunky black-frame glasses.

Turning heads in a yellow and white striped shirt, Holly beamed at the camera as she showed off her new look and joked about her latest parenting challenge.

'Any other mum/dads of 16 year old / post GCSE children suddenly find themselves with a new role of personal party driver? Mums Mini Cabs and yes I'm now a glasses wearer ... game changer!' she captioned the snap.

Holly and her husband Dan Baldwin are parents to son Harry, 16, daughter Belle, 12, and nine-year-old son Chester.

It comes after Holly revealed a secret health battle that drove her to 'write herself off' in an emotional Channel 4 documentary.

Holly Willoughby sent fans into a frenzy as she unveiled a striking new look on Instagram on Thursday

The TV presenter, 44, looked worlds away from her usual style (pictured at the 2023 TV Awards)

Jamie Oliver's new show, Jamie's Dyslexia Revolution, hit screens earlier this month.

The documentary saw the TV chef look into the challenges dyslexic children have to tackle at school and push for more support from the Government.

Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that causes problems with reading, writing and spelling and difficulties with processing.

During the film, Holly features and opens up about her own battle with dyslexia.

Reflecting on her time at school, the TV star spoke about her 'poor results' in tests despite 'working really, really hard'.

She said: 'I definitely was terrible at spelling. I knew that because in spelling tests I would always get poor results'

'I always knew that when I got my homework back, there would be red pen all over it where there would be 'silly mistakes',' Holly added.

The presenter revealed how it made her feel 'different' and explained: 'I felt like I was working really, really hard, with not getting much results. So I felt different.'

She shared her take on the current school system and how it isn't suited for everyone.

It comes after Holly (pictured) has revealed a secret health battle that drove her to 'write herself off' in an emotional Channel 4 documentary

Jamie Oliver's (pictured) new show, Jamie's Dyslexia Revolution, hit screens eariler this month

'The school system is made for a certain type of learning and its so hard when you don't learn like that,' Holly said.

'When you then write yourself off at school as being non-academic that does shape your future somewhat,' she added.

The TV presenter has previously said she was diagnosed with dyslexia 'quite late in life' and has praised her teachers with helping her overcome it at school.

And during an episode of This Morning back in 2022, the star said she did not see the learning difficulty as a 'disability', adding: 'I think it makes me who I am.'

While discussing dyslexia with British entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson, 71, who is also dyslexic, Holly said: 'I don’t see it as a disability at all, I see it as a real feather in my cap.

'I’m very proud of being dyslexic, I think it makes me who I am. I think half of the things I think that I’m actually quite good at in life are because I’m dyslexic.'

Sir Richard responded: 'I was so hopeless at school work that I decided aged 15 to leave school and do the things that I was interested in, and once I started putting my dyslexic thinking brain to things that I was interested in I started to excel at them.

'I think I was quite creative and great at getting a good group of people around me and motivating them well… and what I've realised over the years is being a dyslexic thinker is something that we should all be blessed with.'

He added: 'When parents are told that their child is dyslexic, they should rejoice and tell them that they will have a little bit of a difficult time at doing some of the fundamentals at school but they should be concentrating soon after that on the things that they are good at.'

She also previously said she found her difficulties 'shameful' as a child during an episode of This Morning in 2021.

'For me, because I'm not very good at spelling, for years I felt shameful about that', the host reflected, before she revealed the turning point in her journey came when she went to college.

She opened up about how she struggled with her experience during her younger years, revealing: 'Dyslexia is such a broad spectrum, people have so many different forms of it.

'Yes, I'm dyslexic also and I had to find my own tool kit and for me it was finding somebody who understood this who could teach me how to access those tools because at school it wasn't really that well known then.

'I wouldn't write down in front of people because I didn't want them to see, but it doesn't bother me now that I can't spell.'

Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution is available to stream now on channel4.com

Holly Willoughby sent fans into a frenzy as she unveiled a striking new look on Instagram on Thursday.

Holly Willoughby shows off her new look as she poses for car selfie during 'mum's mini cab' drive with her kids

Karen Read found not guilty of murdering Boston police officer boyfriend

She again pleaded not guilty in the retrial, with her lawyers arguing she was being framed for Mr O'Keefe's death.

Her July 2024 trial stemming from the death of Boston police officer John O'Keefe collapsed after the jury was unable to reach a verdict.

The jury also found her not guilty of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and leaving the scene of the collision in January 2022. But she was convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol (OUI).

Karen Read, a US woman charged with running over her police officer boyfriend and leaving him for dead in a snowbank, has been found not guilty of second-degree murder in a case that gripped true-crime fans nationwide.

As the verdict was read out, a loud cheer could be heard from outside the Massachusetts courthouse where a large crowd had gathered, many wearing pink to show support for Ms Read. She hugged her defence attorneys and cried.

Outside court, Ms Read was greeted by loud cheers as she thanked supporters.

"No one has fought harder for justice for John O'Keefe than I have," she said in a brief statement.

Prosecutors and Ms Read's attorneys agreed to a one-year probation order for the intoxication charge. It means Ms Read will avoid prison time.

The crowd outside chanted "Free Karen Read" and made "I love you" signs. Some waved US flags and sang God Bless America.

Ms Read's trial has generated intense public interest, spawning a TV show and upcoming Netflix documentary.

Her father, William Read, thanked "all the content providers who helped spread the word".

Aidan "Turtleboy" Kearny, a blogger who has publicised the case, told NBC10 local news that the verdict was "a surreal emotional experience".

"To finally hear those words: 'not guilty', I have been dreaming about this... It was a happy ending."

Ms Read, 44, worked as an adjunct professor at Bentley University and an equity analyst at Fidelity Investments.

She and Mr O'Keefe were together for about two years before his 2022 death, but the latter part of the pair's relationship was troubled, prosecutors argued.

Mr O'Keefe, who died at age 46, spent 16 years with the Boston Police Department.

Her lawyers argued she was being framed for the death of Boston police officer John O'Keefe.

Karen Read found not guilty of murdering police officer boyfriend

'Trump's deeply conflicted - but my money's on him intervening'

Donald Trump appears to be "deeply conflicted", says international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn.

"He's gone from telling the Israelis not to get involved, not to strike, a few months ago and the Israelis looked like they'd been put back in their box.

"Then the Israelis deciding to do it anyway and Donald Trump sort of said: 'Well, actually, I knew about it and it's not that bad an idea'.

"And now he's saying that the Iranians have to surrender unconditionally.

"The impression you get is that he's being led by the nose by Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu."

The Israeli leader will be telling the US president it is his moment, encouraging him to use American bunker busting bombs to finish off Iran's nuclear programme, says Waghorn.

"What the Israelis are saying to the Americans is: 'Look, we've done most of the work, but if you want to take the glory at the end of this, all you have to do is authorise that mission by a B-2 bomber.'"

On the other hand, the MAGA wing of the Republican Party don't want to be sucked into conflicts in the Middle East.

"I think if you have to put money on it, you'd expect him to do something."

Waghorn continues: "Simply because it will allow him to claim glory and also, I think he'll have planners around him saying 'you've got to reassert America's deterrence'."

And whatever he does, Trump knows Republicans will fall in line behind him.

How would Iran respond?

Iran has threatened to "set the Gulf afire" by firing missiles at American and allied interests and bases in the region, says Waghorn.

"It's a risk for all of us because a fifth of the world's oil comes through the Persian Gulf. If they close the Strait of Hormuz or turn it into a war zone, that's obviously going to have a dramatic impact fairly quickly on the global economy."

But Trump worries the Iranians because he's "a totally unpredictable wildcard", Waghorn says.

"I suspect they will try and retaliate in a way that doesn't draw America fully back in, but it's hard to see how you do that."

Their preference would be to draw the US into a diplomatic game, but they can't do that while the Israelis are still bombing.

Michael Clarke adds that damage to the Iranian regime's nuclear programme wouldn't undermine the regime itself, but dismantling the Iranian Revolutionary Guards would.

As for the people of Iran, they will be motivated to see the regime end, says Waghorn.

"If you're an Iranian, you've seen your regime brutally repress an uprising and do terrible things to largely your daughters, wives, mothers, sisters, either on the streets of Iran's cities or its jails.

"Then you've seen it spend billions on a defensive strategy that on both those accounts, far away and also back at home, has now gone up in smoke. So there is nothing to make you believe in this regime."

The ayatollah's might be toppled, but the military is too embedded and Iranians don't want to see a violent uprising, adds Waghorn.

International affairs editor Dominic Waghorn and military analyst Professor Michael Clarke have answered your questions on the Israel-Iran conflict. Watch back in the stream below.

Israel-Iran conflict Q&A with Dominic Waghorn and Michael Clarke: Is Iran close to a nuclear bomb? Will US get involved?

Iran's secretive Fordow uranium enrichment plant is buried deep beneath a mountain, its vital centrifuges protected by tons upon tons of rock.

Israel has made no secret of its wish to destroy Iran's nuclear programme, but the only bomb believed to be powerful enough to penetrate the Fordow facility is an American "bunker buster" bomb that the Israelis do not have - yet.

As President Donald Trump appears to switch between calling on Iran to negotiate and threatening retaliation "at levels never seen before", discussion is now turning to whether the US will be inexorably drawn into another Middle East conflict - something the president has repeatedly said he does not want.

What are bunker buster bombs?

Simply put, bunker buster bombs are designed to explode twice. Once to breach the ground surface and again once the bomb has burrowed down to a certain depth.

They're used to reach military headquarters, bunkers and other facilities buried deep underground - hence their name.

Image: File picture of a GBU-28 bunker buster bomb being released by an American warplane. Pic: Reuters

"They are big, very heavy. There's a lot of explosives in them," military analyst Michael Clarke says.

The Israeli military has a number of bunker buster bombs but does not have the vaunted GBU-57, a 14-ton bomb that is so heavy it can only be launched from America's fleet of heavy bomber aircraft.

Image: A GBU-57, or the Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb, at Whiteman Air Base in Missouri. in 2023. File pic: US Air Force via AP

It's that GBU-57 which is believed to be the only one capable of destroying the highly protected Fordow plant.

Analysts say it can only be delivered from a US B-2 stealth bomber. Its 30,000lb (13,600kg) weight means that its sheer kinetic force enables it to reach deeply buried targets.

It's understood that it can penetrate about 200ft (61m) below the surface before exploding.

Image: A B-2 stealth bomber flies over Washington DC during a 4 July celebration. File pic: AP

What are Iran's key nuclear facilities?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear his desire to destroy Iran's nuclear programme and any hint of a threat of nuclear weapons - something Iran has long denied seeking.

In the several days since Israel launched its surprise attack on Iran there has been a lot of attention paid to how well they would be able to disrupt Iran's nuclear programme, much of which is buried deep underground.

"The three sites they really want are Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow," says Prof Clarke.

Natanz and Fordow are uranium enrichment sites and Isfahan is one of the largest nuclear research centres in Iran.

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What damage has Israel done to Iran's nuclear programme?

The Natanz enrichment plant has been struck by Israel in the last few days, with its subterranean centrifuge hall believed damaged but not destroyed.

Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the BBC that the Natanz plant sustained extensive damage, likely destroying 15,000 centrifuges.

This was possibly due to an Israeli airstrike disrupting the power supply to the centrifuges, rather than actual physical damage to the centrifuge hall, he said.

Image: Centrifuge machines at the Natanz uranium enrichment facility seen in 2019. Pic: AP

At Fordow, however, no damage was seen. Mr Grossi added: "There is very limited if any damage registered (there)."

At Isfahan, Iran's third key nuclear location, there was damage to buildings including the central chemical laboratory and a uranium conversion plant.

Mr Grossi said: "In Isfahan you have underground spaces as well, which do not seem to have been affected."

Read more:

'They are lying': Israeli president hits out at Iran

Iran's ambassador to UK speaks to Sky News

Image: A satellite image shows the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran after airstrikes. Pic: Maxar Technologies/Reuters

What will Israel do now?

Prof Clarke says Israel is likely to continue its bombing campaign against Iran's nuclear facilities.

"I think they will keep on revisiting Natanz," he said. "They will want to keep targeting down with more bunker busters until they actually hit the centrifuge hall itself."

Fordow, on the other hand, appears too deep for even Israel's bunker buster bombs.

"It's the most important because it's the one the Iranians think they can protect," he adds. "You have to blast the mountain to get to it."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:12 Israeli president: 'No choice' but to attack Iran

It's possible, prof Clarke says, that Israel could try damaging it in a similar way to what happened to Natanz - disrupting the power supply - which could have the cumulative effect of rendering the centrifuges inoperable.

"What Netanyahu wants is to say: look at the destruction we have wrought on Iran. Their weapons programme is destroyed it would take them 30 years to rebuild... we have taken them off the table as a threat to us for a generation."

But it remains to be seen if this is possible without direct American intervention - something President Trump may want to avoid at all costs.

Buried deep beneath a mountain, Iran's Fordow uranium enrichment plant is out of reach of much of Israel's weaponry. What are the bunker buster bombs Israel could use to try and breach it?

What is the 30,000lb-bomb that could destroy Iran's nuclear facility - and will Trump use it?

Israel and Iran have continued attacks on each other after President Donald Trump demanded an “unconditional surrender” from Tehran and declared the US knew where its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was hiding.

Many residents of Tehran have fled their homes as uncertainty and tension continue to grip the city. In Tel Aviv, people remain in shelters as schools and other public gatherings are banned to protect residents from Iranian attacks.

The conflict between Israel and Iran has now entered the sixth day, and casualties have continued to increase.

A major explosion rang out in Tehran around 5 a.m. on Wednesday morning, following a series of earlier blasts that shook the city in the predawn hours.

Israel has continued to argue that its attack on the country is necessary to prevent Iran from getting any closer to building an atomic weapon.

The Israeli strikes have killed at least 224 people in Iran. The strikes have also damaged military and civilian buildings, including nuclear facilities, oil and gas facilities and a TV station.

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However, Iran has continued to retaliate by launching about 400 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel. Iranian attacks have also damaged civilian and military facilities, including military training buildings and oil refineries.

Attacks from Iran have led to the death of more than 24 Israelis since the war began on Friday.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that Israel started the war by attacking Iran on Friday, two days before Iran was due to resume nuclear talks with the US in Oman.

Tehran has since pulled out of the talks, describing the talks as pointless while Israel continued to attack.

US backs Israel

The US, which had earlier distanced itself from the attack on Iran, has begun hinting that it may join the war following pressure from Israeli leaders, the Israeli lobby in the US and pro-Israel Americans.

On Tuesday, President Trump joined Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ask Iranians living in Tehran to evacuate.

“IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” He wrote.

Hours later, he stated that Iran’s supreme leader is safe for now as the US has not decided to kill him yet.

He said, “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.”

President Trump left the G7 summit in Canada a day early to address the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, telling reporters, “I’m not looking at a ceasefire. We’re looking at better than a ceasefire.”

Despite the warning that “patience is wearing thin,” he disclosed that diplomatic talks remained an option.

The Associated Press reported that the US has begun repositioning military aircraft and warships in and around the Middle East to shield Israel from Iranian attacks.

However, any deeper US involvement may cause major political risks for Mr Trump, who had positioned himself as the harbinger of peace.

Despite the threats by the US and Israel, though, Iran continued its retaliatory attacks on Israel and issued its own warnings to residents of Tel Aviv and Haifa to vacate the cities.

Arab, Islamic countries condemn Israel

On Tuesday, 21 Arab and Islamic countries in a joint statement condemned the ongoing Israeli military aggression.

The joint statement voiced deep concern over this dangerous escalation, warning that it could have grave implications for peace and stability across the entire region.

The countries also stressed the importance of “respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states” and “upholding the principles of good neighbourliness and the peaceful resolution of disputes.”

China, which had earlier condemned Israel for starting the war, has also supported the joint statement against Israel.

The statement was issued by the foreign ministers of Algeria, Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, and Pakistan.

Others are: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Türkiye, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, the statement emphasises respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity, good-neighbourly relations, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

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The conflict between Israel and Iran has now entered the sixth day, and casualties have continued to increase.

Israel-Iran War (Day 6): Explosions rock Tehran, Tel Aviv, others

When Israel launched an all-out air war against Iran on June 13, it said the attack was aimed at destroying Iran’s nuclear programme. On day one, Israel bombed Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility and several ballistic missile sites, besides assassinating the country’s top Generals, including the chief of the armed forces. In the subsequent days, Israel bombed the nuclear facility in Isfahan, Iran’s command centres, missile launchers, civilian locations and even the headquarters of the state TV. Israel has established air superiority over Iran. In retaliation, Iran launched close to 400 missiles, hitting several targets in Israel, including an oil refinery in Haifa and a top research institute near Tel Aviv.

While the air war is escalating, there are questions about Israel’s endgame. What does Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu want?

If it is the destruction of Iran’s nuclear programme, Israel is far from achieving it. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear watchdog, said on June 16 that Israel’s attack “severely damaged if not entirely destroyed” the centrifuges at the Natanz facility. The Israeli strike had “completely destroyed” the above-ground facility at Natanz, according to IAEA chief Rafael Grossi. The underground hall housing the centrifuges that enrich uranium was not directly hit. “However, the loss of power to the cascade hall may have damaged the centrifuges there,” he said. Mr. Grossi also said four buildings were destroyed at the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Centre — a chemical lab, a uranium conversion plant, a fuel manufacturing plant, and a facility to convert uranium hexafluoride to uranium metal. But there was no major damage to the Fordow enrichment plant, which is Iran’s most fortified facility that has been built deep under a mountain.

As Israel has aerial superiority, it can continue to bomb Iran. But there are two problems. One, Israel doesn’t have the kind of bunker buster bombs or strategic bombers that can carry such bombs to destroy heavily fortified facilities such as Fordow. Therefore, Israel’s offensive is not going to be concluded any time soon. And two, despite Israel taking out most of Iran’s chain of command in the initial strike, Tehran is hitting back with drones and ballistic missiles. Israel’s air strikes in Iran have not reduced the intensity of Iranian missile barrages. At least 24 people have been killed so far in Israel. The Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, the country’s main airport, remained shuttered. If Israel’s air strikes do not blunt Iran’s fire power, Mr. Netanyahu could come under greater pressure at home to wrap up the war quickly. And if Israel accepts a ceasefire without destroying Iran’s nuclear facilities, it could be seen as defeat.

This leaves Mr. Netanyahu with three options.

State collapse

One is to continue the relentless bombing of Iran, destroying state institutions and infrastructure, decapitating the regime and pushing for a state collapse or regime change in Tehran. On June 15, while speaking to Fox News, Mr. Netanyahu said Israel’s attack could lead to regime change in Iran. The next day, he refused to rule out assassinating Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, saying killing him would end the conflict. But there is a grey area.

Before starting the war, Mr. Netanyahu had urged the Iranians to rise against their government. But when Israel started widespread bombing across the country, killing hundreds of Iranians, it was an ‘I-told-you’ moment for the Iranian government, who always warned the public of the threats from “the Zionist entity”. So it is to be seen whether the Israeli bombings would weaken or strengthen the political and social roots of the regime.

Path of diplomacy

The second option is diplomacy.

Even after the Israeli strike began, U.S. President Donald Trump said he was open for a deal with Iran. On June 16, there were reports that Iran had sent feelers to America through Gulf Arab countries that it was ready to return to talks if Israel stopped bombing. Mr. Trump’s initial posts suggested that he wanted to use the Israeli strikes as an added layer of pressure on the Iranians to get the deal he wanted. While Iran is ready to scale back the programme, it is not ready to give up its capabilities. Mr. Trump wants Iran to completely abandon its nuclear programme. Even if Iran is ready to seriously consider Mr. Trump’s offer, will they return to talks when the country is under attack? So far Iran has said no. So the next question is whether Mr. Netanyahu will stop his attacks to facilitate talks between the U.S. and Iran? If that would be the case, why did Mr. Netanyahu start the war in the first place, three days ahead of a sixth round of talks between the U.S. and Iran? This indicates that a nuclear deal between the U.S. and Iran has never been Israel’s priority.

American involvement

The third option is to drag the U.S. into the war. Mr. Trump has so far maintained that America is not involved in the war. But he admitted that he was aware of Israel’s attack plans even when he publicly voiced opposition to them. Israeli officials say they went ahead after getting “a clear green light” from the U.S. Mr. Trump has warned Iran not to target American bases or soldiers. And Iran has been careful not to escalate the war beyond Israel. But Israeli officials, according to Axios, are pressing the U.S. to join the war because Israel needs American military involvement to meet their objectives — total destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities either through direct strikes or through regime change.

If Tehran falls, that would be an added boost for Israel’s efforts to reshape West Asia. The Assad regime in Syria is already gone. Iran’s network of militants has been weakened. Gaza lies in ruins. In the West Bank, Israel is free to do whatever it wants to do. Arab nations voice protests meekly. If Iran is weakened, Russia’s remaining strategic influence in West Asia will shrink further. China will be more dependent on America’s Gulf Arab allies for oil. Mr. Trump’s position, as of now, is to let Israel continue the bombing. He will not call for a ceasefire. But as the war drags on, with both Israel and Iran hitting each other, Mr. Trump will come under greater pressure to join the war.

Israel launches air war against Iran, targeting nuclear facilities, raising questions about Netanyahu's endgame.

What is Netanyahu’s endgame in Iran?

As the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates, images coming out of Iran show individuals paralyzed with fears of airstrikes, while anti-regime sentiments echo off the rooftops in Tehran and towns are overrun by people searching for safety away from the capital.

18/06/2025 - 05:12 Air raid sirens activated in Northern Israel after reports of ‘hostile aircraft infiltration’, military said

18/06/2025 - 05:11

Human rights group says at least 585 people killed, 1,326 injured by Israeli strikes on Iran

Israeli strikes have killed at least 585 people across Iran and wounded 1,326 others, a human rights group said Wednesday.





The Washington-based group Human Rights Activists said it had identified 239 of the dead 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.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard said early Wednesday it had fired hypersonic missiles towards Israel, as the arch nemeses continue to trade blows. While Israel's most recent strikes pummeled Tehran, G7 leaders…

🔴 Israel-Iran war live: Hypersonic missiles used in latest attack on Israel as Iranian death toll nears 600

Tulsi Gabbard left no doubt when she testified to Congress about Iran's nuclear program earlier this year.

The country was not building a nuclear weapon, the National Intelligence Director told lawmakers, and its supreme leader had not reauthorized the dormant program even though it had enriched uranium to higher levels.

READ: Israel-Iran conflict LIVE

But President Donald Trump dismissed the assessment of U.S. spy agencies during an overnight flight back to Washington as he cut short his trip to the Group of Seven summit to focus on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

“I don't care what she said,” Mr. Trump told reporters. In his view, Iran was “very close” to having a nuclear bomb.

Mr. Trump's statement aligned him more closely with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has described a nuclear-armed Iran as an imminent threat, than with his own top intelligence adviser. Mr. Trump met with national security officials, including Ms. Gabbard, in the Situation Room on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) as he plans next steps.

Administration officials downplayed the inconsistency between Mr. Trump and Ms. Gabbard, saying that enriching uranium can put Iran on track to having a nuclear weapon.

Ms. Gabbard blamed the media for misconstruing her earlier testimony, asserting that “President Trump was saying the same thing that I said." “We are on the same page," she told CNN. Asked for comment, Ms. Gabbard's office referred to those remarks.

In her March testimony to lawmakers, Ms. Gabbard said the intelligence community “continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader Khamenei has not authorized the nuclear weapons program he suspended in 2003.” She also said the U.S. was closely monitoring Iran's nuclear program, noting that the country's “enriched uranium stockpile is at its highest levels and is unprecedented for a state without nuclear weapons.” Gen. Erik Kurilla, who leads .U.S forces in the Middle East, recently testified to Congress that Iran could produce enough nuclear material for 10 weapons in three weeks. However, he did not say how long it would take to assemble the pieces into a bomb.

A senior intelligence official said Mr. Trump was right to be concerned because its uranium enrichment far exceeds what would be needed for domestic purposes. Another senior administration official said Iran was as close to having a nuclear weapon as it could be without having one. Both spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive issues.

Mr. Trump's contradiction of Ms. Gabbard echoed his feuds with U.S. spy leaders during his first term, when he viewed them as part of a “deep state” that was undermining his agenda. Most notably, he sided with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018 when asked if Moscow had interfered in the 2016 election, saying Mr. Putin was “extremely strong and powerful in his denial.” The latest break over Iran was striking because Mr. Trump has staffed his second administration with loyalists rather than establishment figures. Ms. Gabbard, a military veteran and former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, was narrowly confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate because of her scant experience with intelligence or managing sprawling organizations.

Ms. Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022 and endorsed Mr. Trump in last year's election, testified Tuesday before the Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee in a closed session that had been previously scheduled about the budget.

Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, who is the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee but isn't on the budget panel, said he's unaware of any new information that would change the assessment of Iran's nuclear capabilities.

“Director Gabbard stated publicly in March that the Iranians were not actively pursuing a bomb,” Mr. Warner said. “I've seen nothing in recent intelligence that contradicts what Director Gabbard said.” The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly warned that Iran has enough enriched uranium to make several nuclear bombs if it wants to. Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful.

Tulsi Gabbard testifies on Iran's nuclear program, Trump disagrees, sparking debate over Iran's nuclear capabilities.

U.S. spies said Iran wasn't building nuclear weapon; Trump dismisses that assessment

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Israel began pounding Iran on June 13, in a conflict that has the world holding its breath because of fears it could rapidly escalate and drag Britain and the US in.

The IDF's blistering aerial assault – codenamed 'Operation Rising Lion' – has targeted dozens of key nuclear sites, military bases and surface-to-air missile launchers. Oil and gas infrastructure have also been hit, as well as Iran's state news broadcaster, which was struck while live on air.

Among the eliminated are nuclear scientists and senior Iranian commanders, including the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) – an elite wing of Tehran's military.

In a televised address to the nation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack was neccessary to 'roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival'. Iran was thought to be 'closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon'.

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Iran immediately retaliated with drone strikes, before launching several waves of ballistic missiles aimed at Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as part of its own 'Operation True Promise III'.

Israel's largest oil refinery in Haifa was shut down following an attack that severely damaged the facilities.

The IRGC claimed their precision-guided missiles struck the headquarters of Mossad, Israel's spy agency, as well as another military intelligence unit known as Aman, near Tel Aviv.

Israel's state-of-the-art air defences, including its 'Iron Dome', have been in near-constant action.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, told Israel to prepare for 'a severe punishment'.

He has previously called Israel a 'terrorist base' and a 'cancerous tumour' that must 'be removed and eradicated'.

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Iran has also issued bloodcurdling threats urging the US, UK and France not to rush to Israel's defence, warning that their military bases and ships will be in the firing line should they intervene.

Donald Trump has demanded Tehran's 'unconditional surrender', boasting his forces could assisinate Khamenei. Posting on social media on June 17, he said the Ayatollah was an 'easy target' but remained safe 'for now'.

Actual US strikes aimed at targets inside Iran remain on the table. America is assembling an armada of warships and fleets of fighter jets in the region ahead of possible military action.

Britain itself has ordered military reinforcements to be sent to the Middle East as the war rages.

Keir Starmer told reporters en route to the G7 summit in Canada that he would 'always make the right decisions for the UK and our allies'. Britain already has fighter jets in the region as part of an operation to counter threats in Iraq and Syria.

Tehran has repeatedly insisted its nuclear programme is peaceful and that it has never intended to make a bomb, despite the fears of Israel and the West.

However, its ever-growing stockpile of enriched uranium – needed to produce an atomic weapon – had triggered major concerns.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN's nuclear watchdog, said Iran's activity was a 'matter of serious concern'. On June 12, the day before Israel's sudden attack, the IAEA ruled that Iran was in breach of its safeguard obligations.

Iran criticised the 'politically motivated' decision, announcing it would bolster its nuclear programme with a new enrichment facility in a 'secure location'.

Officials also said centrifuges – machines that enrich uranium – would be upgraded at Fordo, one of the nation's most secretive and heavily fortified nuclear sites, buried deep beneath the mountains near the holy city of Qom.

Israel began pounding Iran on June 13, in a conflict that has the world holding its breath because of fears it could rapidly escalate and drag Britain and the US in.

Israel-Iran war, blow by blow: Maps and graphics reveal locations of EVERY strike so far as conflict escalates

All eyes are on if the United States will soon enter the war against Iran.

Iranian dictator Ali Khamenei is testing fate after addressing his nation Wednesday.

Iran is currently getting pummeled by Israeli airstrikes that started early Friday morning local time last week.

Much of Iran's military command has been eliminated, its weapons have been crushed and the country's ability to respond is crippled. The country is on the brink, and President Donald Trump demanded an "unconditional surrender" to stop the war.

Trump also promised to keep Khamenei alive….for now.

Iran's dictator vows there will be no surrender.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, addressed the nation Wednesday, and instead of acknowledging reality, he did what many dictators do:

Double down and vow to fight to the end.

Khamenei told the world "Iran will not surrender" as wave after wave of Israeli strikes continue. Bold strategy. Let's see how it works out for him.

Remember, below is what Trump posted on Truth Social to world on Tuesday:

"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."

Like I wrote on Tuesday, it's wild we have Trump trash talking a rival world leader in the middle of a war, but this is our current reality.

The other reality that everyone needs to understand is that Iran has lost control of its airspace and its military command structure has been decimated.

The country is running out of launchers and there's nothing Iran can do to stop planes from invading its airspace.

Do we all know what might be coming next? Well, all eyes are on if the United States will formally enter the war and take out the Fordow facility, which requires B-2 stealth bombers and the GBU-57. The tools necessary to get the job done are only held by the American military.

Seeing as how Trump is more or less openly threatening to kill Khamenei if he doesn't play ball, it's an interesting choice to state there will be no surrender.

If that's truly the path he intends to take with his military destroyed, then things might be about to get real spicy.

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. The world is watching that play out in real time.

What do you think will happen in the next stages of the war? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

Iranian dictator Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addressed the nation, and said the country will not surrender. President Donald Trump is demanding a full surrender.

Iran's Dictator Might Have Signed His Death Warrant With Response To Donald Trump

If you wear a pineapple shirt on a cruise you're asking for attention whether you know it or not. It's a homing beacon for swingers.

If you want to find them, break out the pineapple apparel. Believe it or not, there's some serious business that takes place aboard cruise ships with those looking for action.

You might be under the impression that they're only for throwing punches or the occasional chair, but they're not. As this man found out, cruises are also crawling with swingers.

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Now, I don’t know if he seriously had no idea what kind of attention throwing on a bright yellow pineapple shirt on a cruise would bring his way, but that's his claim.

As is documented in the now-viral TikTok video he shared hanging out on the deck, young and old were giving him looks, making comments, and flirting with him.

Pineapple shirts on a cruise bring out all the flirty swingers looking for a good time

The horny women on the cruise couldn’t get enough until he overheard a couple say "look at his pineapple shirt." He went from enjoying all the attention to asking questions.

He took the shirt off and, from the looks of it, the attention dried up.

But don’t feel too bad for the guy who goes by Ricky Bobby on TikTok. He's unlocked an instant confidence boost.

If he wants the attention and the flirting, all he has to do is throw on a pineapple shirt. Also, the woman who came up to him in the video and shook his hand went on a mission to find him on the video-sharing app and was successful.

He was tagged in the video that she shared looking for them and, from the looks of it, we have a happy ending to this whole alleged pineapple shirt mishap.

She asked when their next cruise was, and he replied in May 2026 before adding, "We want to see you again." That's the power of the internet.

Don't get too caught up in the negativity out there. It can and does bring people together. These two meeting over a pineapple shirt is the perfect example of that.

A viral TikTok video shows an unsuspecting man wearing a pineapple shirt on a cruise and all of the horny women that flirt with him as a result.

Horny Women On A Cruise Kept Flirting With A Guy In A Pineapple Shirt Who Claims He Had No Idea Why

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More than 1000 Australians want to get out of Israel and 870 aim to leave Iran, Treasurer Jim Chalmers just told ABC Radio National.

Speaking just before 8am, Chalmers said the figures represented only those who had registered with the Australian government.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

“We’re obviously working very closely with those Australians via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,” he said.

The treasurer added that the Australian government was monitoring developments in the Middle East and said it was a perilous time.

“The most pressing consequences are for the people caught in that dangerous part of the world,” he said.

“There are also economic consequences, of course, the spike in oil price that we saw last Friday and the volatility in the oil price ... it’s a perilous place in the Middle East right now. It’s a perilous time for the global economy.”

The world waits to see what – if anything – US President Donald Trump will do to intervene in the conflict between Iran and Israel. Follow along for all the latest developments.

Israel-Iran conflict LIVE updates: US bases in Middle East set to be targeted if Trump joins war; Ali Khamenei’s location known, US President says

The Latest: Trump calls for a real end to conflict between Israel and Iran

Last Updated: June 17, 2025, 20:30 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Washington, Jun 17 (AP) In the span of about eight hours Monday, President Donald Trump 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 his visit to the international G7 summit short to return to Washington for urgent talks with his national security team.

Trump expressed frustration with Iranian leaders for failing to reach an agreement, adding that he wants “a real end" to the conflict and a “complete give-up" of Tehran’s nuclear programme.

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Here’s the latest: Trump shares Huckabee’s lengthy text message of praise On his social media site, Trump shared a screenshot of the text from Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel. Huckabee’s also a Baptist minister and a former Arkansas governor.

He opens by referencing last year’s attempted assassination of Trump in Pennsylvania, saying Trump was spared by God to be the “most consequential President in a century – maybe ever." Huckabee says no president in his lifetime “has been in a position like yours. Not since Truman in 1945." That’s a reference to President Harry Truman’s decision to drop an atomic bomb on Japan during World War II.

“You did not seek this moment. This moment sought YOU!" Huckabee wrote, adding, “It is my honour to serve you!" Trump again dismisses comments of one of his top aides Back in March, National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard told lawmakers US spy agencies did not believe Iran was building a nuclear weapon.

When asked about the comment aboard Air Force One, Trump dismissed her remark.

“I don’t care what she said," Trump said. “I think they were very close to having it." A widening schism over Iran among Trump’s MAGA supporters Trump bristled when asked about some of his MAGA faithful, including conservative pundit Tucker Carlson, who’ve suggested further US involvement would be a betrayal to supporters who were drawn to his promise to end US involvement in expensive and endless wars.

“Somebody please explain to kooky Tucker Carlson that,’ IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!’" the president wrote on social media.

Other prominent Trump supporters have also raised concerns about how far the president should go in backing Israel.

Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk are among prominent Trump World allies who’ve noted that voters backed Trump because he promised not to entangle the nation in foreign clashes and to be wary of expanding US involvement in the Mideast conflict.

Trump says he won’t call Minnesota Gov Tim Walz after lawmaker shootings The president said he he won’t call Walz after the targeted shootings of two state lawmakers because it would “waste time." One of the lawmakers and her husband were killed.

The Republican president spoke to reporters early Tuesday aboard Air Force One as he flew back to Washington after abruptly leaving an international summit in Canada because of rising tensions in the Middle East between Israel and Iran.

Asked if he planned to call Walz, Trump said the Democratic governor is “slick" and “whacked out" and said, “I’m not calling him." Presidents often reach out to other elected officials at times of tragedy to offer condolences.

Trump added, “The guy doesn’t have a clue. He’s a mess. So, you know, I could be nice and call him, but why waste time?" Walz was the vice presidential running mate for 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, who lost her presidential bid to Trump.

San Francisco appeals court will hear arguments over National Guard deployment in LA A federal appeals court in San Francisco is scheduled to hear arguments Tuesday on whether the Trump administration should return control of National Guard troops to California after they were deployed following protests in Los Angeles over immigration raids.

The hearing comes after the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals granted a request by the administration last week to temporarily pause a lower court order that directed Trump to return control of the soldiers to the governor who filed a lawsuit over the deployment.

The three-judge panel is set to hear oral arguments via video starting at 3 pm ET, and protests outside the downtown San Francisco court are expected.

US District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco ruled last week that the Guard deployment was illegal and exceeded Trump’s statutory authority. It applied only to the National Guard troops and not the Marines, who were also deployed to LA.

Trump is at a moment of choosing as Israel looks for more US help crushing Iran’s nuclear programme 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 returns to the capital 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 programme — particularly if it gets a little more help from Trump.

Trump told reporters on Air Force One during his overnight flight back to Washington that Iranian leaders had been unwilling to reach an agreement over their nuclear programme, suggesting he was now less interested in talking with them.

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“They should have done the deal. I told them: Do the deal," Trump said. “So I don’t know. I’m not too much in the mood to negotiate." The Republican president, who said he plans to meet with advisers in the Situation Room, appears to be gradually building the public case for a more direct American role in the conflict.

His shift in tone comes as the US has repositioned warships and military aircraft in the region to respond if the conflict between Israel and Iran further escalates. (AP) NPK NPK

First Published: June 17, 2025, 20:30 IST

The Latest: Trump calls for 'a real end' to conflict between Israel and Iran

The Latest: Trump calls for a real end to conflict between Israel and Iran

TEHRAN: Israel said Tuesday (Jun 17) it targeted military sites in Iran and killed a senior commander in fresh strikes, prompting Tehran to fire missiles in retaliation on the fifth day of escalating clashes between the arch foes.

Explosions were heard over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in the morning, shortly after air raid sirens sounded across parts of Israel following missile launches from Iran, the Israeli military said.

The air force was "operating to intercept and strike where necessary to eliminate the threat", the military said.

About 20 minutes later, it said people could leave shelters as police reported debris had fallen in the Tel Aviv area and the fire brigade said it was tackling a blaze in the surrounding area.

The Israeli military said it killed senior Iranian commander Ali Shamdani in an overnight strike on a "command centre in the heart of Tehran", four days after he replaced Golam Ali Rashid, who was killed in an Israeli strike.

In a statement, the military said following "a sudden opportunity overnight, the (Israeli air force) struck a staffed command centre in the heart of Tehran and eliminated Ali Shadmani, the wartime Chief of Staff, the most senior military commander, and the closest figure to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei".

It also said it targeted multiple missile and drone sites in west Iran, including infrastructure, launchers and storage facilities, with black-and-white footage showing some of them exploding.

Despite mounting calls to de-escalate, neither side has backed off from the missile blitz that began Friday, when Israel launched an unprecedented aerial campaign targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities.

A new wave of Israeli strikes on Tehran - including a dramatic hit on state television's headquarters that the broadcaster said killed three people - prompted both sides to activate missile defence systems overnight.

The Israeli military says it has killed Ali Shadmani - Iran's most senior military commander, and "the closest figure to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei".

Israel, Iran trade blows as air war rages into fifth day

'As Long As US Does Not Join Attack': Iran Signals End To Hostilities With Israel, Says Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 17, 2025, 08:30 IST

Iran has signaled a willingness to end hostilities with Israel and resume nuclear talks, and is sending messages via Arab intermediaries, a report has claimed.

Israeli security forces inspect a residential building hit by a missile launched from Iran in Petah Tikva, Israel (Photo: AP)

Amid its escalating conflict with Israel, Iran has reportedly been signalling that it seeks an end to hostilities and resumption of talks over its nuclear programs.

Quoting Middle Eastern and European officials, The Wall Street Journal claimed that Iran has been sending messages to Israel and the United States via Arab intermediaries.

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Tehran also told Arab officials it would be open to returning to the negotiating table as long as the United States does not join the attack, the report quoted officials as saying.

Iran also passed messages to Israel saying it is in the interest of both sides to keep the violence contained, according to the report.

Also speaking to Fox News, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US forces were postured defensively in pursuit of a peace deal.

“We are postured defensively in the region to be strong, in pursuit of a peace deal. And we certainly hope that’s what happens here," Hegseth said.

Meanwhile, European foreign ministers told their Iranian counterpart in a call on Monday to return to nuclear negotiations with the United States and refrain from escalating conflict with Israel, to which Iran’s foreign minister said Tehran’s priority was to confront Israel for now, Reuters quoted a French diplomatic source.

Israel launched what it called ‘Operation Rising Lion’ against Iran’s nuclear facilities in the early hours of June 13, just two days before US and Iranian negotiators were due to resume talks to forge a new deal on Iran’s nuclear programme.

Israel called it a preemptive strike designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Iran has denied plans to develop such weapons and retaliated by launching counterstrikes on Israel.

France, Britain and Germany, known as the E3, are party to the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran, which aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear programme in return for sanctions lifting.

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Last week, they put forward a resolution that was approved by the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency, a UN watchdog, which declared Iran in breach of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.

ALSO READ | Donald Trump Wouldn’t Sign G7 Draft On De-Escalation Of Iran-Israel Conflict: US Official

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: June 17, 2025, 08:14 IST

Iran has signaled a willingness to end hostilities with Israel and resume nuclear talks, and is sending messages via Arab intermediaries, a report has claimed.

'As Long As US Does Not Join Attack': Iran Signals End To Hostilities With Israel, Says Report

TEL AVIV/DUBAI — Israel and Iran attacked each other for a fifth straight day on Tuesday (June 17), and US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to evacuate Tehran, citing what he said was the country's rejection of a deal to curb nuclear weapons development.

Trump was due to leave the Group of Seven summit in Canada later on Monday, a day early, due to the Middle East situation, the White House said. Fox News reported he would convene his National Security Council.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Trump's early departure was positive, given the immediate objective was to get Israel and Iran to agree to a ceasefire.

"Iran should have signed the 'deal' I told them to sign. 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!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social media platform.

Iranian media soon reported explosions and heavy air defence fire in Tehran early on Tuesday. Air defences were activated also in Natanz, home to key nuclear installations 320km away, the Asriran news website reported.

In Israel, air raid sirens wailed in Tel Aviv after midnight and an explosion was heard as Iranian missiles targeted the country again.

Iranian officials reported 224 deaths, mostly civilians, in five days, while Israel said 24 civilians had been killed. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said nearly 3,000 Israelis had been evacuated due to damage from Iranian strikes.

Sources told Reuters that Tehran had asked Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to urge Trump to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to an immediate ceasefire. In return, Iran would show flexibility in nuclear negotiations, according to two Iranian and three regional sources.

"If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X. "Israel must halt its aggression, and absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue."

Netanyahu told reporters on Monday that Israel was committed to eliminating threats posed by Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, adding, "If this can be achieved in another way-fine. But we gave it a 60-day chance."

Speaking to Reuters on Friday, the first day of Israel's assault, Trump said he had given the Iranians 60 days to come to an agreement to halt uranium enrichment and that the time had expired with no deal.

Oil prices rallied more than two per cent early in Asia on Tuesday after Trump's evacuation warning, reversing losses on Monday amid reports that Iran was seeking an end to hostilities.

Chinese urged to leave Israel

With security concerns growing and Israeli airspace closed because of the war, the Chinese embassy in Israel urged Chinese citizens to leave the country via land border crossings as soon as possible.

The Iran-Israel air war — the biggest battle ever between the two longtime enemies — escalated on Monday with Israel targeting Iran's state broadcaster and uranium enrichment facilities.

Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the BBC that the Natanz plant sustained extensive damage, likely destroying 15,000 centrifuges, while Iran's Fordow plant remained largely intact.

Talks between the United States and Iran, hosted by Oman, had been scheduled for June 15 but were scrapped, with Tehran saying it could not negotiate while under attack.

Israel launched its air war with a surprise attack that has killed nearly the entire top echelon of Iran's military commanders and its leading nuclear scientists. It says it now has control of Iranian airspace and intends to escalate the campaign in coming days.

Trump has consistently said the Israeli assault could end quickly if Iran agreed to US demands that it accept strict curbs to its nuclear programme.

"As I've been saying, I think a deal will be signed, or something will happen, but a deal will be signed, and I think Iran is foolish not to sign," Trump told reporters on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Canada on Monday.

A US official said Trump would not sign a draft statement from G7 leaders calling for a de-escalation of the conflict. The draft statement says Iran must never have a nuclear weapon and that Israel has the right to defend itself.

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TEL AVIV/DUBAI — Israel and Iran attacked each other for a fifth straight day on Tuesday (June 17), and US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to evacuate Tehran, citing what he said was the country's rejection of a deal to curb nuclear weapons development. Trump was due to leave the Group of Seven summit in Canada later on Monday, a...

Trump urges Tehran evacuation as Iran-Israel conflict enters 5th day

G7 leaders have called for "de-escalation" in the Middle East starting with the Israel-Iran conflict, even as US President Donald Trump hastily left the group's summit.

Mr Trump, who was making his return to the international diplomatic calendar, prepared to leave the gathering in the Canadian Rockies a day early as ally Israel pounds Iran.

After a day of statements backing diplomacy, Mr Trump ominously took to social media to sound a warning to the people of the Iranian capital Tehran, whose population is nearly 10 million.

"Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!" he wrote on his Truth Social platform.

But after hesitating at backing a joint statement on the crisis, Mr Trump relented during a dinner at the forested lodge under the snow-capped mountains in Kananaskis.

Mr Trump prepared to leave the gathering a day early

"We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza," said the joint statement backed by Mr Trump released by Canada.

The statement also said that Israel "has a right to defend itself" and stressed "the importance of the protection of civilians," as the growing attacks kill civilians on both sides.

The leaders of the club of industrial democracies - Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States - also stated their conviction that Iran "can never have a nuclear weapon."

Mr Trump for weeks said he favored diplomacy, and his envoy Steve Witkoff met five times with Iranian envoys, but he quickly backed Israel's strikes and said that Tehran's clerical state should have agreed to his terms.

At a group photo with fellow G7 leaders before the dinner, Trump said: "I have to be back as soon as I can. I wish I could stay for tomorrow, but they understand, this is big stuff."

The US president will miss a day of meetings that was expected to include discussions with the leaders of Ukraine and Mexico.

He has repeatedly declined to say if the United States would participate in Israeli military action, although he says it was not involved in initial strikes and the White House said that US forces remained in a defensive posture late Monday.

Mr Trump told reporters before his decision was announced to leave early: "As soon as I leave here, we're going to be doing something."

He earlier said that Iran would be "foolish" not to agree to a negotiated settlement.

"It's painful for both parties, but I'd say Iran is not winning this war, and they should talk, and they should talk immediately, before it's too late," Mr Trump told reporters as he met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Onus on Iran

Israel has struck major nuclear and military sites and killed leading commanders and nuclear scientists in Iran, which has responded with its own volley of drones and missiles on Israel.

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking to reporters at the summit, pleaded with Israel and Iran both to spare civilians.

He also voiced objections to what increasingly appeared to be Israel's goal -- toppling the Islamist state that took power after the 1979 revolution toppled the pro-Western shah.

French President Emmanuel Macron pleaded with Israel to spare civilians in Iran

"All who have thought that by bombing from the outside you can save a country in spite of itself have always been mistaken," Mr Macron said.

Iran, since Mr Trump pulled out of an earlier nuclear deal in 2018, has ramped up uranium enrichment but not yet at levels to create an atomic bomb.

Israel is widely known to have nuclear weapons but does not acknowledge them publicly.

Tariff talks

The summit comes after months of tumult on the global stage since Mr Trump's return.

Seeking to shatter a decades-old US-led global economic order, Trump has vowed sweeping tariffs on friends and foes alike although he has postponed implementation until 9 July.

However, Mr Trump voiced optimism about a resolution with Canada and signed documents with Mr Starmer to confirm an agreement with Britain.

The US president has appeared to show more respect to Canada since Mr Carney took over from Justin Trudeau in March

Mr Trump has previously mocked host Canada, stating that the vast but less populated neighbor should become the 51st US state.

But the US president has appeared to show more respect to Canada since Mr Carney, a staid former central banker, took over from Justin Trudeau in March.

Mr Trump had taken office seeking diplomacy both on Iran and Ukraine, which Russia invaded in 2022.

He has since voiced frustration that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not accepted a US proposal for a ceasefire.

Mr Trump said that his Russian counterpart was "very insulted" by Russia's 2014 expulsion from the G8 and that if Russia were still a member, "you wouldn't have a war right now."

G7 leaders have called for "de-escalation" in the Middle East starting with the Israel-Iran conflict, even as US President Donald Trump hastily left the group's summit.

G7 urges Iran de-escalation as Trump makes hasty exit

Over recent days, Iran has been hit by a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting military and nuclear sites, as well as top military officials, prompting Iran to launch a counterattack. Photograph: Getty Images

Wars are unpredictable. Even the Israelis and the Iranians cannot know how their current conflict will end.

There are, however, a number of analogies to consider. The first is the six day war of 1967. The second is the Iraq war of 2003. A third scenario is a new type of conflict in which Iran uses unconventional means to strike back against Israel and the west. That could turn into a hybrid war, potentially involving terrorism or even weapons of mass destruction.

The Netanyahu government would love a rerun of 1967 — in which an Israeli pre-emptive strike destroyed the Egyptian air force on the ground, in preparation for a rapid victory over Egypt, Syria and Jordan.

Israel certainly has achieved rapid and spectacular early successes in this conflict. But taking out Iran’s dispersed nuclear programme, much of it underground, is much more complicated than destroying targets on the ground.

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[ Amount of aid getting into Gaza ‘minuscule’, Doctors Without Borders chief saysOpens in new window ]

Some critics, particularly in the US, fear that as a result we are witnessing a rerun of the early stages of the 2003 Iraq war. That, too, was supposedly fought to prevent nuclear proliferation, with the background ambition of bringing about regime change. After initial success for the US-led coalition, it turned into a bloody quagmire.

It is most likely, however, that the Israel-Iran war will follow its own distinct path. One scenario that worries western security officials involves a desperate Iranian regime deciding to strike back through unconventional means.

As one senior policymaker puts it: “The reason this has not yet turned into world war three, is that Iran seems to have very limited means to strike back conventionally.” Another senior official says there may also be limitations on the Israeli government’s ability to keep fighting at this intensity because its country has limited “magazine depth” (weapons stockpiles, in non-jargon).

If the Iranian regime believes that, nonetheless, it is going down to a bad defeat in a conventional conflict, it would have a difficult choice. It could meekly accept the situation and try to negotiate its way out of trouble. Or it could escalate by unconventional means. That threshold is more likely to be crossed if the regime believes it is in a battle for survival and needs to demonstrate its strength to the Iranian people and the world. Rage and the desire for vengeance should also not be underestimated.

In Washington and Brussels there are concerns that if the Iranian regime is cornered it might lash out in desperation.

In the recent past, the US has accused Iran of having covert biological and chemical weapons programmes. If those fears are correct, Tehran may have the means of striking back at Israeli or American targets in a deadly but deniable fashion.

[ Was Iran developing nuclear weapons?Opens in new window ]

The International Atomic Energy Agency has also stated that Iran has a considerable stockpile of uranium that is enriched to 60 per cent. It is generally believed that Tehran would need to get to 90 per cent enrichment to make a nuclear weapon. This could be done within days — although weaponisation would take much longer.

However, weapons experts point out that it is actually possible to fashion a crude nuclear weapon with uranium enriched to 60 per cent. David Albright and Sarah Burkhard, of the Institute for Science and International Security think-tank, write that “an enrichment level of 60 per cent suffices to create a relatively compact nuclear explosive; further enrichment to 80 or 90 per cent is not needed”. That kind of weapon would be suitable for “delivery by a crude delivery system such as an aircraft, shipping container, or truck, sufficient to establish Iran as a nuclear power”.

Iran could choose to demonstrate a crude nuclear weapon to try to shock Israel into ending the war. Another possibility is that it could actually set off a “dirty bomb” — which uses conventional explosives to scatter radioactive material. The kind of scenario that experts worry about would be the use of a ship to detonate a device near the Israeli port of Haifa.

These are the considerations that are being weighed — not just by Israel but by the US. It is generally believed that only America has bombs powerful enough to have a chance of destroying Iran’s underground nuclear facility at Fordow.

There are many in Washington who believe (or fear) that the US will join a second stage of the bombing campaign, in an effort to destroy Fordow and finish off Iran’s nuclear weapons programme. But there would be no guarantee that even an American-led attack on Fordow could achieve that. Ehud Barak, the former prime minister of Israel, writes: “The truth is, even the Americans cannot delay Iran’s arrival at nuclear weapons by more than a few months.”

Barak argues the only way to guarantee that Iran never goes nuclear is for the US and Israel “to declare war against the regime itself until it is brought down”.

But Donald Trump has repeatedly pledged to be a peacemaker and has called on Iran and Israel to make a deal. Just last month, he gave a landmark speech in Riyadh in which he scorned the idea that outsiders can bring positive change to the Middle East through force. It would be a supreme irony — and a terrible policy failure — if Trump found himself dragged into another war for regime change in the Middle East. - Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2025

If Iran is losing a conventional conflict, there is a danger that it will resort to unconventional means of retaliation

How the Israel-Iran war may develop

Israeli rescuers search through rubble after Iranian missile strike in Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, on Sunday. Photograph: Menahem Kahana/Getty

On Monday, a senior Israel Defense Forces officer summed up Israel’s military achievements to date in the war against Iran: “They’ve lost their [nuclear] facility in Natanz, their scientists, and we’ve struck the facility in Isfahan.

“Their top military brass has been eliminated and a significant part of their launchers have been taken out as well. Their ability to manufacture launchers in the future has been destroyed.

“Iran is completely exposed and we have full freedom of action. This is an unprecedented achievement.”

But the cost has been an unprecedented level of destruction to Israel’s home front.

READ MORE

By Tuesday evening 400 ballistic missiles had been launched from Iran. Fewer than 10 per cent managed to penetrate Israel’s missile defence system, considered one of the best in the world, but the destruction caused by the projectiles with half-tonne or more warheads is at a different level to those launched by Hamas from Gaza or by Hizbullah from Lebanon.

As of Tuesday, 24 Israelis had been killed, more than 600 wounded and almost 3,000 have been left homeless. Israelis go to sleep fearing renewed rocket salvos in the night.

Despite the high cost, 83 per cent of Jewish Israelis support the war, research by Jerusalem’s Hebrew University has shown. In sharp contrast, 12 per cent of Israeli Arabs backed Friday’s strike on Iran.

“While Jewish Israelis largely see the Iran strike as unifying and justified even at high cost, Arab Israelis view it as divisive, dangerous and diplomatically unjustified – underscoring a profound gap in public sentiment across Israeli society,” the report said.

Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu indicated in a Monday night news conference that a ceasefire at this juncture would be premature.

“Of course they [Iran] want to stop. They want to stop, and to keep producing the tools of death. We gave that a chance. While they were negotiating with the Americans, the Ayatollah was tweeting that Israel will be destroyed,” he said.

“Thanks, but we won’t be tempted. We want three central results: eliminating the nuclear programme, eliminating the ability to produce ballistic missiles and eliminating the axis of terror. We will obviously do what we must to achieve these objectives.”

But are these goals realistic?

It’s believed that without US intervention Israel will only be able to delay an Iranian nuclear bomb by two or three years. There is no indication yet that Tehran is willing to give up on uranium enrichment and to send its fissile material abroad, an outcome with would be similar to the deal that was struck with the late former Libyan leader Muammar Gadafy

Israel has no clear exit strategy and continues to hope that US president Donald Trump will either agree to use US long-range bombers to destroy the Fordow reactor, where most of Iran’s enriched uranium is believed to be stored deep underground, or provide Israel with the advanced bunker buster bombs to the do the job itself.

Recent comments by Trump calling on residents of Tehran to evacuate and reiterating that Iran needs to give up entirely on nuclear weapons indicate that he is no mood to compromise.

What’s clear is that Israel cannot be dragged into a war of attrition.

There is also the real danger that the longer the war continues the greater the chance of an Iranian missile causing scores of fatalities or striking a sensitive strategic installation.

Regime change is not an Israeli war aim, but Netanyahu, in an ABC News interview on Monday, did not rule out targeting Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, suggesting that such a scenario would “end the conflict” with the Islamic Republic.

More than 80% of Jewish Israelis support the conflict, researchers say

Without an exit strategy, Israel risks bringing destruction to its doorstep in a war of attrition against Iran

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No further damage seen at Iran nuclear sites, global watchdog says

53 minutes ago Share Save David Gritten BBC News Share Save

Reuters International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi briefed member states at a meeting in Vienna

The head of the global nuclear watchdog says there has been no further damage to Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment plant since Israel struck the country's nuclear sites on Friday. Rafael Grossi told the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) board of governors that an above-ground enrichment facility at Natanz was destroyed, but that there were no signs of a physical attack at the underground facility there. Four buildings were also damaged at the Isfahan site, he said, including a uranium conversion plant, and no damage was visible at the underground Fordo enrichment plant. Israel said it attacked the sites and killed nine nuclear scientists to stop Iran developing nuclear weapons.

It alleged that Iran had in recent months "taken steps to weaponize" its stockpile of enriched uranium, which can be used to make fuel for power plants but also nuclear bombs. On Sunday, Iran reiterated that its nuclear programme was peaceful and urged IAEA's 35-nation board to strongly condemn the Israeli strikes. Latest updates: Israeli strikes reported in Iranian capital as IDF warns people in parts of Tehran to evacuate

'Nowhere feels safe': Iranians on life under Israeli attacks

Satellite images show damage to Iran missile sites

'They're weak': Israelis back conflict with Iran in neighbourhood struck by missile Grossi briefed the board on Monday that the IAEA had been monitoring the situation in Iran very carefully, ascertaining the status of the country's nuclear facilities and assessing radiation levels through communication with local authorities. He said Friday's attack on Natanz destroyed the above-ground part of the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP), where cascades of centrifuge were producing uranium enriched up to 60% purity - close to the 90% required for weapons-grade uranium Electricity infrastructure at Natanz, which included an electrical sub-station, a power supply building, and emergency generators, were also destroyed. "There has been no indication of a physical attack on the underground cascade hall containing part of the PFEP and the main Fuel Enrichment Plant. However, the loss of power to the cascade hall may have damaged the centrifuges there," Grossi added. He also said there was radiological and chemical contamination at the site, but that the level of radioactivity outside had remained unchanged and at normal levels. The Israeli military said on Friday that the underground centrifuge hall was also damaged as part of the attack on Natanz, but it provided no evidence.

The IAEA chief said four buildings were damaged in a separate attack on Friday on the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Centre - the central chemical laboratory, a uranium conversion plant, the Tehran reactor fuel manufacturing plant, and a facility to convert uranium hexafluoride to uranium metal, which was under construction. As at Natanz, off-site radiation levels remain unchanged, he added. The Israeli military said on Friday that the Isfahan strike "dismantled a facility for producing metallic uranium, infrastructure for reconverting enriched uranium, laboratories, and additional infrastructure".

The IAEA says radiation levels outside the Natanz and Isfahan facilities remain normal following Friday's Israeli strikes.

Iran nuclear: No further damage seen at Iran sites, nuclear watchdog says

India Holds Nuclear Edge Over Pakistan, Leaps Ahead In Missile Tech: Global Arms Report

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain



Last Updated: June 16, 2025, 13:23 IST

SIPRI’s latest report shows India edging out Pakistan in both capability and posture as other nuclear powers race to expand arsenals amid rising global tensions

SIPRI’s 2025 estimates show India edging ahead of Pakistan in both nuclear warhead count and missile capabilities. (Representative image/Shutterstock)

As the Israel–Iran war escalates and global security tensions mount, the spectre of nuclear conflict has once again moved to the forefront. But beyond the world’s largest stockpiles, it is regional rivalries that are drawing renewed scrutiny. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s (SIPRI) Yearbook 2025, India has not only widened its nuclear lead over Pakistan in terms of warhead numbers, but is also making significant technological advances in missile systems and delivery capability.

SIPRI, an independent institute based in Sweden, has tracked global armaments, disarmament, and international security trends since 1966. Its annual yearbook is widely regarded as one of the most credible assessments of the world’s nuclear balance.

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So, who’s leading the nuclear race in 2025 and who’s catching up fast? SIPRI’s new data shows how each country is rearming in a more dangerous world.

Russia

Russia remains the world’s leading nuclear power in terms of total warheads. SIPRI estimates it holds roughly 5,880 nuclear weapons, with many deployed on missiles and submarines, and around 2,100 kept on high operational alert, ready to launch at short notice.

Despite these staggering numbers, Russia continues to modernise its nuclear arsenal, aiming to upgrade ageing systems and expand its strike capability. But 2024 saw setbacks, including delays in the Sarmat ICBM, a key next-generation missile, and slower progress across other platforms.

The expected buildup of non-strategic nuclear weapons—typically shorter-range, lower-yield warheads intended for battlefield use—has not yet materialised, despite US intelligence assessments as early as 2020 warning that Russia might expand this category significantly. However, analysts caution that Russia maintains a high level of secrecy around such deployments, making it difficult to confirm their current numbers or locations through open sources.

With the New START treaty—the last remaining US–Russia arms control agreement—set to expire in 2026, and no new deal in sight, Russia is widely expected to rearm empty silos and increase its deployed warheads, especially as tensions with the West remain high. SIPRI suggests this could mark the start of a more unpredictable and unrestrained nuclear posture.

United States

Closely behind, the United States possesses an estimated 5,244 nuclear warheads, according to SIPRI, many of which are deployed on submarines, strategic bombers, and land-based missiles. Like Russia, a significant number of these are maintained on high operational alert, capable of being launched within minutes.

SIPRI notes that the US is in the midst of a comprehensive modernisation programme, involving the replacement of ageing Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), the construction of new ballistic missile submarines, and the development of next-generation air-launched cruise missiles.

However, the report points out that funding and planning issues in 2024 led to delays and increased costs, raising questions about the programme’s long-term timeline. At the same time, the US is adding new non-strategic (tactical) nuclear weapons to its arsenal—a move SIPRI highlights as potentially destabilising, as such weapons are seen as more likely to be used in a limited conflict.

With China’s nuclear arsenal expanding rapidly, SIPRI warns that internal pressure is building within US defence circles to rearm deactivated launchers and broaden deterrence options—a trend that could accelerate the global arms race.

China

China is the most dynamic player in the current arms race. SIPRI estimates its arsenal at over 600 nuclear warheads as of early 2025, up from roughly 500 the year before. This makes it the fastest-growing nuclear power in the world.

Beijing has built over 350 new ICBM silos in three major desert regions and mountainous areas — indicating an intent to drastically increase its second-strike capabilities.

SIPRI also notes that China may now be keeping some warheads mounted on missiles during peacetime, a departure from its earlier policy. At its current pace, China could possess 1,500 warheads by 2035, rivalling the US and Russia in strategic reach, a shift that could fundamentally redraw nuclear deterrence norms.

France

France holds around 290 nuclear warheads, a number that has remained relatively stable. But behind the scenes, it is actively investing in next-generation systems.

In 2024, France continued work on a third-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) and a new air-launched cruise missile, while upgrading its current ballistic missile with a new warhead modification.

President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly suggested that France’s nuclear weapons could play a broader role in defending Europe, not just France. This idea of giving the French nuclear deterrent a “European dimension" implies that, in a crisis, France might extend its nuclear protection to other European Union countries. If taken seriously, such a shift could reshape NATO’s internal dynamics, especially at a time when the US commitment to European security is under question, and some European states are reconsidering their reliance on the American nuclear umbrella.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has an estimated 225 nuclear warheads, and according to SIPRI, this number is expected to increase in the coming years. In 2024, the newly elected Labour government reaffirmed its commitment to building four new nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) as part of maintaining the UK’s continuous at-sea deterrence—a policy under which at least one submarine armed with nuclear weapons is always on patrol.

However, SIPRI points out that operational and financial constraints continue to affect the programme’s progress, raising doubts about whether construction and deployment will stay on schedule. The 2023 Integrated Review Refresh — the UK’s formal defence policy update — had already approved raising the cap on the total number of warheads, reversing earlier disarmament trends. This signals a shift in the UK’s strategic posture, moving it further away from its long-standing policy of gradual nuclear reduction.

India

India now holds an estimated 172 nuclear warheads, according to SIPRI, a modest increase from previous years. However, the more significant development lies not in the number of warheads, but in technological advancements and evolving military posture.

India is working on canisterised missile systems, which allow nuclear warheads to be stored and transported pre-mounted onto missiles in sealed containers. If these systems are deployed with warheads already “mated," it would mark a major doctrinal shift, enabling faster launch readiness and possibly indicating a move toward a more flexible deterrence strategy.

There is also speculation, highlighted in SIPRI’s assessment, that India’s future missiles may be equipped with multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), which would allow a single missile to carry and deliver several nuclear warheads to different targets. This would significantly increase strike capability and survivability, particularly in a first-strike or counterforce scenario.

Pakistan

Pakistan is estimated to possess around 170 nuclear warheads, and SIPRI notes that it continues to develop new missile delivery systems and produce fissile material at a steady pace—signs of a country actively expanding its arsenal despite lacking transparency or robust oversight mechanisms.

Unlike India, which maintains a declared No First Use policy, Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine remains deliberately ambiguous and heavily focused on short-range tactical nuclear weapons, designed for battlefield use. This approach, often framed as a deterrent against conventional Indian military superiority, is viewed by many analysts as highly destabilising, since it lowers the threshold for nuclear use in a crisis and increases the risk of early escalation.

SIPRI suggests that Pakistan’s arsenal could grow further over the next decade, especially as it tries to match India’s advancing delivery systems and strategic capabilities. However, Pakistan’s continued reliance on opaque doctrine, coupled with its history of nuclear proliferation links and political instability, makes its expanding arsenal a significant source of regional and global concern.

Israel

Israel’s nuclear arsenal is estimated at 80 to 90 warheads, though the country continues to maintain its long-standing policy of nuclear opacity—neither confirming nor denying that it possesses nuclear weapons. This ambiguity is strategic, allowing Israel to project deterrence without inviting direct international scrutiny or arms control obligations.

What is evident, however, is that Israel is actively modernising its nuclear delivery capabilities. In 2024, the country conducted a missile propulsion test, which SIPRI assesses is likely related to the Jericho ballistic missile programme—a suspected key component of its nuclear force. Additionally, upgrades have been observed at the Dimona reactor, the core facility believed to support Israel’s weapons programme through plutonium production.

In the context of the ongoing Israel–Iran war, these developments take on heightened significance. While Iran is not believed to possess nuclear weapons, SIPRI and other expert assessments confirm that it has made substantial progress in uranium enrichment and advanced centrifuge development. This gives Iran the technical capacity to produce a weapon, even if it has not yet done so. The combination of Iran’s nuclear latency, regional hostility, and Israel’s undeclared but advanced arsenal keeps the strategic balance on a knife’s edge.

These dynamics are made even more volatile by the absence of any regional arms control framework, the collapse of the JCPOA nuclear deal, and the potential for miscalculation amid open conflict. SIPRI’s findings underscore that nuclear ambiguity in an active war zone can be just as destabilising as overt nuclear threats.

North Korea

SIPRI estimates that North Korea assembled around 50 nuclear warheads as of early 2025 and has produced enough fissile material, primarily enriched uranium and plutonium, to build up to 40 more. This makes North Korea a small but rapidly advancing nuclear power, especially considering its isolated status and limited international oversight.

In 2024, South Korean officials warned that North Korea was in the final stages of developing a tactical nuclear weapon—a smaller, shorter-range bomb intended for battlefield use rather than large-scale destruction. If deployed, such weapons would lower the threshold for nuclear use, making them potentially more likely to be used in a regional skirmish or limited conflict.

Adding to the concern, Kim Jong Un issued a directive in November 2024 calling for a “limitless" expansion of the country’s nuclear programme, signalling that Pyongyang has no intention of slowing down or re-entering negotiations anytime soon.

With diplomatic engagement stalled and military tensions continuing on the Korean peninsula, the risk of miscalculation, misinterpretation, or accidental escalation remains dangerously high, especially given the absence of crisis communication mechanisms between North Korea and its neighbours. SIPRI flagged these developments as part of a broader trend of increasing nuclear risk in unstable regions.

Why These Numbers Matter In 2025

What makes SIPRI’s findings urgent is not just who holds the most weapons, but how global norms are eroding.

The New START treaty between the US and Russia is nearing expiration, with no replacement in sight. China is rising, but unwilling to enter arms control negotiations. And advanced technologies, from AI to missile defence, are destabilising assumptions about deterrence.

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Meanwhile, as the Israel-Iran war rages, one side is confirmed to be nuclear-armed and the other is feared to be nuclear-capable. With no regional arms control, no dialogue mechanisms, and rising disinformation, the threshold for escalation is lower than ever.

As SIPRI researcher Matt Korda bluntly warns: “Nuclear weapons do not guarantee security. They come with immense risks of escalation and catastrophic miscalculation, particularly when disinformation is rife, and may end up making a country’s population less safe, not more."

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

First Published: June 16, 2025, 13:19 IST

SIPRI Yearbook 2025 reveals a new global arms race with Russia, the US, and China leading in nuclear capabilities. Discover the latest arsenals and modernization efforts.

India Holds Nuclear Edge Over Pakistan, Leaps Ahead In Missile Tech: Global Arms Report

Good morning and welcome to your Monday summary of the key international events from over the weekend.

First, the conflict in the Middle East intensified after Iran launched a new wave of missiles at Israel, targeting fighter jet fuel production facilities and energy supply centres in Israel, Al Jazeera reported.

Israel said it attacked Iranian targets, including an oil storage facility in Tehran. Nuclear talks between the United States and Iran were officially cancelled.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News his country launched airstrikes against Iran to prevent “a nuclear holocaust”, CNN reported.

He said his government had intelligence that Iran was months away from developing an initial nuclear weapon. “It was the 12th hour, and we did act. To save ourselves but also … to protect the world from this incendiary regime.”

He said intelligence suggested Iran was working on a secret plan to weaponise uranium.

Earlier, global oil prices rose, with the price of benchmark Brent crude up more than 10%, reaching the highest level since January, before easing back, the BBC reported.

Traders were concerned that the Middle East conflict could disrupt supplies.

US President Donald Trump.

Elsewhere, US President Donald Trump's administration considered expanding its travel ban on citizens from 36 other countries from entering the US, according to an internal State Department document, Reuters reported.

Earlier this month, Trump banned people from 12 countries to protect the US from "foreign terrorists" and other national security threats.

"The Department has identified 36 countries of concern that might be recommended for full or partial suspension of entry if they do not meet established benchmarks and requirements within 60 days," the document said.

The targeted countries included Angola, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan, Syria, Vanuatu, and Zimbabwe.

Elsewhere, Bloomberg reported on Trump’s vast US$45 million military parade in Washington to mark his 79th birthday over the weekend, while protesters in hundreds of cities demonstrated against his use of executive power.

The parade included 6600 soldiers, Abrams tanks, and helicopters. The US Army also marked its 250th anniversary with an all-day event.

Meanwhile, the ABC reported Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada this week for a "constructive discussion".

Albanese planned to discuss trade tariffs and the Aukus submarine pact on Tuesday local time.

Bloomberg reported on the opportunity for new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to showcase his hardline on economic and foreign policy.

Carney has already announced higher defence spending in his first months in office by allocating billions of dollars for new military hardware and other items.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

In India, the country’s aviation regulator ordered all locally operated Boeing 787 aircraft to be inspected after the Air India crash that killed 270 people last week, CNBC reported.

The regulator ordered Air India to conduct additional maintenance checks, including electronic engine control tests and engine fuel-related checks. Air India operates 33 Boeing 787 aircraft.

The airline and the government was looking at several aspects of the crash including issues linked to its engine thrust, flaps, and why the landing gear remained open as the plane took off and then came down, Reuters reported.

The National Business Review Online is New Zealand's authority in breaking business news and analysis.

Israel-Iran conflict intensifies; Trump ponders more travel bans

How conflict between Israel and Iran has unfolded over four days

By Megan Harwood-Baynes, news reporter

The conflict between Israel and Iran - once played out in a series of proxy wars - has escalated.

On Friday morning, explosions hit Tehran as Israel carried out a major attack on its nuclear capabilities.

Iran threatened "severe punishment" and quickly retaliated with a wave of missiles.

Here we plot a timeline of how the conflict has unfolded over the last four days...

Timings below are approximations. They are written in local Israeli time, which is two hours ahead of the UK, unless otherwise specified.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:15 Israel-Iran: How did it unfold?

Israel attacks Iran in the early hours of Friday morning

3.30am, local time (1.30am BST): Explosions are heard in Tehran. Israel says it has launched dozens of airstrikes against military targets inside Iran, including its nuclear facilities. Israel's defence minister declares a state of emergency at home and warns citizens to prepare for retaliatory attacks.

3.45am: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces Operation Rising Lion. He claims Iran has recently taken steps to weaponise enriched uranium, which could be used to make nuclear weapons.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:59 Netanyahu says in a statement that Israel was facing existential threat

Iranian state media goes on to report the head of the country's powerful Revolutionary Guard, Hossein Salami, has been killed. Nuclear scientist Fereydoun Abbasi is dead, as is theoretical physicist Dr Mohammed Mehdi Tehranchi and Major General Gholam Ali Rashid.

6am: A statement is released by Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in which he warns Israel of "severe punishment" for the attacks.

6.53am: Israel's president puts out a statement saying the airstrikes were vital. He says Iran is at "the helm of a global terror empire" and wants to "annihilate" his country.

8am: Israel says Iran has launched more than 100 drones.

8.49am (6.49am BST): Sir Keir Starmer urges all parties to "step back and reduce tensions urgently".

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Iran fires more drones at Israel

Iran continues to retaliate. Flights around the Middle East are cancelled and delayed.

The extent of the attacks is becoming clear - Israel's initial blitz has hit the country's main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz and the headquarters of the Revolutionary Guards in Tehran.

10am (8am BST): British warplanes are not helping defend Israel's skies from any counterattacks, it is confirmed.

Midday: Iran launches a retaliatory volley of more than 100 drones towards Israel - they will take several hours to make the journey.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Moment drone shot down by fighter jet

1pm: Donald Trump writes a lengthy post on Truth Social urging Iran to come to a deal with the US and agree not to pursue a nuclear weapon. "No more death, no more destruction, JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. God Bless You All!" he writes.

In a later interview with ABC, he calls the Israeli strikes "excellent".

Image: These are the areas that were targeted in the first wave of strikes

At 3pm, Iranian media gives the first unofficial death toll

Nournews says 78 people were killed and 329 injured in Tehran, the capital.

5pm: Israel says it is still attacking targets in Iranian territory. Footage shared by the IDF on Telegram claims to show strikes on Iranian surface-to-surface missiles and launchers.

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7pm: Explosions are heard in the area of the Fordow nuclear site near Qom, south of Tehran, according to Iranian news agency Fars. Israel says it is continuing its "offensive effort". Just before 9pm, Israel confirms it has completed an attack on another nuclear site.

9pm: An incoming missile alert is sent to Israeli residents. At the same time, Iran's supreme leader posts on X saying that Israel has initiated a war and that Tehran will not allow it to conduct such tacks without grave consequences.

Image: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Iran's Revolutionary Guard says it carried out attacks against "dozens of targets, military centres and airbases".

10pm: Medics say five people have been wounded in Iran's attack on Israel. Half an hour later, the military tells Israelis they can leave air raid shelters, but they must stay near them in case of further attacks.

Israel's defence minister says Iran has "crossed red lines" after it "dared to fire missiles at civilian population concentrations".

As tensions rise, the United Nations Security Council meets

11pm (5pm in New York): The United Nations Security Council holds a meeting in New York on rising tensions between the two countries. The UK's representative says: "We urge all parties to urgently step back, show restraint and reduce tensions."

Image: Amir-Saeid Iravani speaking at the UN Security Council. Pic: Reuters

Iran's representative to the UN then says Israel's strikes on Iran have killed 78 people and injured more than 320, most of them civilians. Amir-Saeid Iravani accuses the US of providing intelligence and political support for Israel's strikes on Iran.

It is now almost 24 hours since fighting began

1am: A loud boom is heard in Jerusalem. Air raid sirens sound in the city, as well as in Tel Aviv.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 While the sky is lit up over Jerusalem, the IDF say that Tehran is being hit simultaneously.

5am: Israel says a new wave of missiles has been launched from Iran, and that it is working to intercept them. It later says 21 have been hurt in the rocket strike.

Neither side shows signs of backing down

8am: Alerts are activated across Israel, warning of incoming Iranian drones.

Iran says 20 children are among those killed in Israeli strikes. Iran warns the strikes will continue, with a senior military official quoted as saying conflict will spread to US bases in the region over the coming days.

Israel says three people have died, and around 53 have been hurt across multiple cities. It claims "dozens" of jets flew over Tehran overnight.

Midday (10am BST): Iran warns UK, US and France not to help Israel stop its strikes on the country, threatening to retaliate if they do.

2pm: Iran says three more nuclear scientists have been killed. At the same time, five people are arrested in Iran for "collaborating with Israel".

This is what we know about those who were targeted

4pm: Iran says it is considering closing the world's most important shipping route for international oil. Blocking the route could push the price of oil from £55 a barrel to more than £74.

8pm (6pm BST): The UK announces it is "moving jets" to the Middle East. RAF and military assets will now be sent to the country, despite warnings from Iran that they could be targeted.

A third full night of fighting begins

11pm: The IDF warns citizens to remain close to protected spaces.

Midnight: Israeli police say there are several reports from civilians of explosions in northern Israel. The country later reports 14 people have been injured.

1am (7pm in Washington DC): Donald Trump says he spoke with Vladimir Putin about Iran in a call. The US leader said the Russian president called him to wish him a happy birthday and shared his opinion that "this war in Israel-Iran should end".

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:07 Israel vs. Iran: Who has the best weapons?

2am: The IDF says it is operating to intercept missiles launched from Iran. It says its air force is striking military targets in Tehran.

3am: Israel says a new barrage of Iranian missiles have been fired towards the country. It activates sirens a short while later following strikes from Iran and now Yemen.

Image: Rescue teams are at the scene of a residential building in northern Israel that was hit after missiles were fired from Iran. Pic: Reuters

4am: An eight-storey residential building in Tel Aviv is hit, Israeli authorities say, killing at least one person. The death toll from the night eventually rises to 13, with more than 200 injured.

Image: The multi-storey residential building was hit. Pic: AP

8am (1am in Washington DC): Trump threatens to respond to any attack by Iran on the US with "the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces". In a post on Truth Social, he says the US had "nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight".

Image: Pic: Donald Trump / Truth Social

10am: An evacuation warning is issued to all Iranian civilians living near weapon facilities.

2pm (Midday BST): The UK Foreign Office warns against all travel to Israel.

Exchanges heard in Tehran and Tel Aviv as fighting continues

3.15pm: Explosions were heard in the centre of Tehran, while Tasnim news agency reported two missile-like projectiles hit two locations in the city centre.

4.15pm: Air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as Israel's military reported missiles heading towards the country - the first time Iran has fired missiles during the day.

4.45pm (9.45am in Washington DC): Trump says Iran and Israel "should make a deal, and will make a deal", adding on Truth Social: "We will have PEACE, soon."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:42 How Middle East conflicted escalated

7.30pm: US officials told Reuters that Trump vetoed Israeli plans to kill Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei - the commander-in-chief of the armed forces who controls the Revolutionary Guard.

In an interview with Fox News' Bret Baier, Netanyahu denied the reports and said "there's so many false reports of conversations that never happened, and I'm not going to get into that".

8pm: Israel says it has started a wave of strikes against surface-to-surface missile targets in Iran.

9pm: The head of Iran's intelligence agency and his deputy were killed in Israeli strikes, state-owned Iranian news agency Tasnin reports.

Israel and Iran trade strikes for a fourth night

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 Explosions over Tel Aviv in early morning attack

Around midnight: Israel is striking Iran's surface-to-surface missile sites in the centre of the country, the IDF says, while it later confirms that it is operating defensive systems to intercept the missiles launched from Iran.

2am: Some 224 people have now died in Israeli strikes since Friday, according to latest figures from Iran's health ministry and the country's Mehr news agency. Latest figures from Israel are that 14 people have died and 390 wounded.

How conflict between Israel and Iran has unfolded over four days

Middle East:

China:

Other:

Tensions between Israel and Iran surged over Sunday and Monday, as both sides launched fresh attacks, fuelling fears of a broader regional conflict.

The Israeli Defence Forces struck missile sites in central Iran, along with Revolutionary Guard facilities in Qazvin and the Parchin military complex near Tehran. Iran responded with its most extensive missile barrage to date, with footage suggesting ballistic missile impacts at the Haifa Oil Refinery and near Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Gold rose for a fourth straight session to a near two-month high as safe-haven demand picked up. Oil gapped higher at the open, buoyed by reports that Israeli strikes may have targeted Iranian energy infrastructure. However, prices later retraced, filling the gap as markets assessed escalation risks.

Adding to concerns over potential regional spillover, a large-scale military airlift appears to be underway, with an unusually high number of U.S. Air Force KC-135 and KC-46 aerial refueling tankers departing from bases across the U.S. and seemingly preparing to cross the Atlantic toward Europe.

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Japanese government bond prices fell in the Tokyo morning session as inflation concerns outweighed safe-haven demand. Yields rose, tracking oil prices higher amid the Israel-Iran tensions. The Bank of Japan meets today and Tuesday, with policy expected to remain unchanged, though focus is on potential plans to slow the pace of JGB tapering from 2026. USD/JPY rose during the session.

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China’s new home prices fell at the fastest pace in seven months in May, down 0.22% from April, highlighting persistent weakness in the property sector and prompting renewed official pledges to stabilise the market.

However, the broader economic picture was less downbeat. Retail sales jumped 6.4% y/y in May – the strongest pace since December and well above expectations – helped by shopping festival promotions. The rebound in consumption offset softer-than-expected industrial output growth (+5.8%) and modest investment data. Analysts suggested further policy support remains likely, though current conditions may not yet warrant large-scale stimulus.

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The USD was broadly firmer, yen and CHF on the weaker end of the spectrum.

Other:

Group of Seven leaders meet in Canada this week. There are many other nations in attendance, trade talks with Trump top of the agenda.

the US Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meet on Wednesday

Bank of Japan statement is due Tuesday, Japan time (see above), as always, there is no firm time scheduled for the release

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Brent update, gap and back-fill:

Forex news for Asian trading on Monday, June 16, 2025

ForexLive Asia-Pacific FX news wrap: Iran-Israel exchange of missile salvos ongoing

Israel’s military warned on Monday of a new missile salvo incoming from Iran, as AFP journalists reported loud explosions in Jerusalem and fires outside the coastal city of Haifa.

“A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel,” the army posted on Telegram, using the acronym for its official name.

It said its air defences were working to intercept the threat but advised people to “enter a protected space and remain there until further notice”.

An AFP journalist heard loud explosions in Jerusalem on early Monday, while footage showed Israeli air defences working over the city.

According to Reuters, British maritime security firm Ambrey said that fires were observed at the power plant in the vicinity of Israel’s Haifa port.

Ambrey said it observed video footage of the Israeli military intercepting the attack, followed by impacts from two hypersonic missiles.

Outside Haifa, an AFP journalist saw fires break out following the latest Iranian barrage.

Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan, reported that at least four areas were hit in the latest Iranian attacks on central Israel.

Twenty-nine people have been wounded and evacuated following Iran’s latest attacks, Al Jazeera reported, citing Israel’s ambulance and blood bank service.

Three of the wounded are in a moderate condition, and 26 have minor injuries, it added.

A senior US official said on Sunday that US President Donald Trump told Israel to back down from a plan to kill Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported.

Israel has claimed strikes as far away as Mashhad in Iran’s far east, 2,300 kilometres (1,430 miles) from Israel. Iranian state television reported at least five people were killed on Sunday by an Israeli strike that hit a residential building in downtown Iran.

Colonel Reza Sayyad, a spokesman for Iran’s armed forces, threatened a “devastating response” to Israel’s attacks.

“Leave the occupied territories (Israel) because they will certainly no longer be habitable in the future,” he warned in a televised address, adding shelters will “not guarantee security”.

The death toll in Iran has risen to 224, including 70 women and children. The intelligence chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and two other generals were killed in Israeli attacks on Sunday, Al Jazeera reported.

According to AFP, residential areas in both countries have suffered deadly strikes since the hostilities broke out, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slamming Iran on Sunday for allegedly targeting civilians.

“Iran will pay a very heavy price for the premeditated murder of civilians, women and children,” he said, during a visit to the site of a missile strike on a residential building in the coastal city of Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv.

His remarks came hours after Iranian missile fire killed at least 10 people, according to authorities, pushing the death toll in Israel up to 13 since Iran began its retaliatory strikes Friday.

Meanwhile, a likely Iranian drone killed a woman in Syria, a Britain-based war monitor said, in what would be the first death on Syrian soil since the current hostilities between Iran and Israel began, reported AFP.

The drone struck the woman’s home in western Tartus province, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Israeli military said early on Monday that it was striking surface-to-surface missile sites in central Iran, adding it was “operating against this threat in our skies and in Iranian skies”.

‘I will not leave’

A heavy cloud of smoke hung above Tehran after Israeli aircraft struck two fuel depots. Local media also reported an Israeli strike on the police headquarters in the city centre.

“We haven’t been able to sleep since Friday because of the terrible noise,” said a Tehran resident who gave her name as Farzaneh.

“Today, they hit a house in our alley, and we were very scared. So we decided to leave Tehran and head to the north of the country.”

Some, however, were determined to stay.

“It is natural that war has its own stress, but I will not leave my city,” Shokouh Razzazi, 31, told AFP.

AFP images from the Israeli city of Haifa, meanwhile, also showed a column of smoke rising on Sunday evening following an Iranian missile barrage.

The military said rescue teams “have been dispatched to several hit sites in Israel”, while the fire services reported rescuers heading to a building on the coast that sustained a “direct hit”.

Earlier in the day, in Bat Yam, first responders wearing helmets and headlamps picked through a bombed-out building.

“There was an explosion and I thought the whole house had collapsed,” said Bat Yam resident Shahar Ben Zion.

“It was a miracle we survived.”

‘Make a deal’

Trump said Washington “had nothing to do” with Israel’s bombing campaign but threatened to unleash “the full strength and might” of the US military if Iran attacked American interests.

On Sunday, he urged the two foes to “make a deal”, adding, however, that “sometimes they have to fight it out” first.

A senior US official told AFP that Trump had urged Israel to drop a plan to assassinate Khamenei.

“We found out that the Israelis had plans to hit Iran’s supreme leader. President Trump was against it, and we told the Israelis not to,” said the US official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Donald Trump told ABC News on Sunday that he would be “open” to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, being a mediator.

“It’s possible we could get involved” in the ongoing battle in the Middle East, he said.

However, seemingly contradicting his ally, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that American pilots were shooting down drones headed towards Israel. In the same interview, he also said that he and Trump were “fully co-ordinated”.

Asked in an interview with Fox News whether regime change in Iran was one of the objectives of Israel’s strikes, Netanyahu said that “it certainly could be the result, because the Iran regime is very weak”.

Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi maintained Tehran had “solid proof” that US forces had supported Israel in its attacks.

He also told a meeting of foreign diplomats that Iran’s actions were a “response to aggression”.

“If the aggression stops, naturally our responses will also stop,” he added.

Iran scrapped planned nuclear talks with the United States, saying it was “meaningless” to negotiate while under fire.

Iranian media reported on Sunday that police had arrested two suspects over alleged links to Israel’s Mossad spy agency.

Israel, in turn, said it had taken two individuals into custody over alleged links to Iranian intelligence.

At least four areas were hit in the latest Iranian attacks on central Israel, says Israeli media.

Israel army warns of new missile salvo from Iran

A satellite image shows the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran after airstrike in Iran in this handout image dated June 15, 2025. — Reuters

Israel has carried out wide-ranging military strikes on Iran, hitting sites including some of its most important nuclear facilities.

Below is a summary of what is known about the damage inflicted on Iran's nuclear programme, incorporating data from the last quarterly report by the UN nuclear watchdog on May 31.

Overview

Iran is enriching uranium to up to 60% purity. This could easily be refined further to the roughly 90% which is weapons grade.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which inspects Iran's nuclear sites including its enrichment plants, says that is of "serious concern" because no other country has enriched to that level without producing nuclear weapons. Western powers say there is no civil justification for enrichment to that level.

Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons. It points to its right to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, as a party to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Israel, which is not a party to the NPT, is the only country in the Middle East widely believed to have nuclear weapons. Israel does not deny or confirm that.

Heart of the programme: Uranium enrichment

Iran had three operating uranium enrichment plants when Israel began its attacks:

The Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP) at Natanz (power supply hit)

A vast underground facility designed to house 50,0000 centrifuges, the machines that enrich uranium.

There has long been speculation among military experts about whether Israeli airstrikes could destroy the facility given that it is several floors underground.

There are about 17,000 centrifuges installed there, of which around 13,500 were operating at last count, enriching uranium to up to 5%.

Electricity infrastructure at Natanz was destroyed, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi told the UN Security Council on Friday, specifically an electrical sub-station, the main electric power supply building, emergency power supply and back-up generators.

While there was no indication of a physical attack on the underground hall containing the FEP, "the loss of power ... may have damaged the centrifuges there", he said.

Grossi has cited unspecified "information available to the IAEA". While Iran has provided the agency with some information, the IAEA generally makes extensive use of satellite imagery.

The Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP) at Natanz (destroyed)

The smallest and, being above-ground, the softest target of the three enrichment plants. Long a research and development centre, it used fewer centrifuges than the other plants, often connected in smaller clusters of machines known as cascades.

It did, however, have two interconnected, full-size cascades of up to 164 advanced centrifuges each, enriching uranium to up to 60%. Apart from that, there were only up to 201 centrifuges operating at the PFEP enriching to up to 2%.

Most of the research and development work attributed to the PFEP had recently been moved underground to the FEP, where more than 1,000 of its advanced centrifuges were enriching to up to 5%.

The PFEP was destroyed in the Israeli attack, Grossi said.

The Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (no visible damage)

Iran's most deeply buried enrichment site, dug into a mountain, suffered no visible damage, Grossi reiterated on Monday.

While it has only about 2,000 centrifuges in operation, it produces the vast majority of Iran's uranium enriched to up to 60%, using roughly the same number of centrifuges as the PFEP did, because it feeds uranium enriched to up to 20% into those cascades compared to 5% at the PFEP.

Fordow therefore produced 166.6 kg of uranium enriched to up to 60% in the most recent quarter. According to an IAEA yardstick, that is enough in principle, if enriched further, for just under four nuclear weapons, compared to the PFEP's 19.2 kg, less than half a bomb's worth.

Other facilities

Israeli strikes damaged four buildings at the nuclear complex at Isfahan, the IAEA has said, including the Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF) and facilities where work on uranium metal was conducted.

While it has other uses, mastering uranium metal technology is an important step in making the core of a nuclear weapon. If Iran were to try to make a nuclear weapon, it would need to take weapons-grade uranium and turn it into uranium metal.

Uranium conversion is the process by which "yellowcake" uranium is turned into uranium hexafluoride, the feedstock for centrifuges, so that it can be enriched. If the UCF is out of use, Iran will eventually run out of uranium to enrich unless it finds an outside source of uranium hexafluoride.

Scientisits

At least 14 Iranian nuclear scientists have been killed in Israeli attacks since Friday, including in car bombs, two sources in the Gulf said on Sunday.

Israel's armed forces named nine of them on Saturday, saying they "played a central part of the progress toward nuclear weapons" and that "their elimination represents a significant blow to the Iranian regime's ability to acquire weapons of mass destruction". That assertion could not immediately be verified.

Western powers have often said Iran's nuclear advances provide it with an "irreversible knowledge gain", suggesting that while losing experts or facilities may slow progress, the advances are permanent.

Uranium stockpile

Iran has a large stock of uranium enriched to different levels.

As of May 17, Iran was estimated to have enough uranium enriched to up to 60% for it to make nine nuclear weapons, according to an IAEA yardstick.

At lower enrichment levels it has enough for more bombs, though it would take more effort: enough enriched to up to 20% for two more, and enough enriched to up to 5% for 11 more.

Much of Iran's most highly enriched uranium stockpile is stored at Isfahan under IAEA seal, officials have said. The IAEA does not report where it is stored, nor has it said whether it was affected by the strikes.

Open questions

How will Iran respond?

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told state TV on Saturday Iran would take measures to protect nuclear materials and equipment that would not be notified to the IAEA and it would no longer cooperate with the IAEA as before.

Lawmakers are also preparing a bill that could prompt Iran to pull out of the NPT, following in the footsteps of North Korea, which announced its withdrawal in 2003 and went on to test nuclear weapons.

The IAEA does not know how many centrifuges Iran has outside its enrichment plants. Any further reduction in cooperation with the IAEA could increase speculation that it will or has set up a secret enrichment plant using some of that supply.

Existing centrifuge cascades can also be reconfigured to enrich to a different purity level within a week, officials have said.

What is the status of the uranium stock?

If Iran can no longer convert, its existing stock of uranium hexafluoride and enriched uranium becomes even more important.

How bad is the damage?

The IAEA has not yet been able to carry out inspections to assess the damage there in detail.

Will there be more attacks?

Soon after the attacks started on Friday, US President Donald Trump urged Iran to make a deal with the United States to impose fresh restrictions on its nuclear programme "before there is nothing left". Talks scheduled for June 15 were called off.

Israel has carried out wide-ranging military strikes on Iran, hitting sites including some of its most important nuclear facilities.Below is a summary of what is known about the damage inflicted on...