Two giant oil tankers, the Coswisdom Lake and South Loyalty, have turned back in the Strait of Hormuz after US air strikes on Iran heightened fears of a regional conflict, according to Bloomberg.

The vessels, each capable of carrying around two million barrels of crude, had entered the waterway on Sunday before they “abruptly changed course,” the report said, citing tracking data.

Bloomberg added that these U-turns offer the “first signs of re-routing,” as vessel owners and traders closely monitor whether the surge in tensions will impact shipping routes and global oil supplies.

Iran has threatened to shut the Strait of Hormuz before — a waterway that acts as the only sea entry into the Gulf. About 20 percent of the world’s oil consumption passes through this route, which the US Energy Information Administration calls the “world’s most important oil transit chokepoint.”

Israel will begin allowing limited flights in and out of Ben Gurion International Airport on Monday, officials have confirmed.

The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) announced that outgoing flights will have a maximum of 50 passengers on board under new safety protocols. The country’s Home Front Command has also imposed restrictions on large gatherings and ordered the closure of non-essential workplaces due to fears of Iranian ballistic missile strikes.

Meanwhile, around 24 incoming flights per day will be permitted under what the IAA is calling its “Safe Return” operation, allowing tens of thousands of Israelis currently stranded overseas to come home. These inbound flights will be allowed to operate at a higher capacity.

The IAA said the resumption of flights — even at limited numbers — would mark “a significant step toward the gradual restoration of routine international travel.”

A number of close US allies have expressed support for its strikes against Iran, arguing that Iran had presented a nuclear threat, while urging diplomacy and de-escalation. Others, including key partners in the Gulf, have expressed concern and dismay over the strikes, reports CNN.

Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at a news conference Monday that Iran “cannot be allowed to get a nuclear weapon.” He said: “The US action was directed at specific sites central to Iran’s nuclear program. We don’t want escalation and a full-scale war,” adding that Iran had “failed to comply” with international obligations.

United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Iran to return to the negotiating table after the US strikes, saying on Sunday that Iran’s nuclear program “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.” Hours later, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed the prime minister in a post on X, adding: “The UK did not participate in these strikes. We urge Iran to show restraint and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”

France: Foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said France had noted the US strikes “with concern,” and that it had not participated. “France has repeatedly expressed its very firm opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons,” he said.

Japan: Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said “a de-escalation as soon as possible is more important than anything” but that “at the same time, Iran’s nuclear weapons development must be stopped.”

Saudi Arabia: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Kingdom is following “with deep concern” the developments in Iran and urged the international community to increase its efforts toward a “diplomatic solution that would guarantee an end to this crisis and lead to turning a new leaf toward achieving security and stability around the region,” in an Arabic-language statement.

Qatar: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that “dangerous tensions experienced by the region will lead to catastrophic escalations on both the regional and international fronts.” It urged all sides to “exercise wisdom and self-restraint,” and avoid further escalation that would impact people in a region already beset by conflict and humanitarian crises.

Kuwait: The foreign ministry singled out the United Nations Security Council in a call “to honor its responsibilities to maintain global peace and security.” Its statement called for an “immediate and complete halt of any and all forms of escalation, for a complete ceasefire of military activity, and for restraint of language and self-restraint.”

UK troops across the Middle East have been placed on high alert for drone strikes following the US bombing of Iran.

Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that UK Armed Forces protection is now at its “highest level,” as fears rise that the US strikes could escalate into a wider regional conflict, according to reports.

It is understood British bases across the region have already tightened security since Sunday’s early-hours strikes. Personnel have been warned to prepare for drone attacks, as well as conventional rocket and missile strikes.

The heightened state of vigilance also comes amid growing fears over the safety of UK bases at home and overseas.

Read the full story by Michael D. Carroll

This image provided by the US Department of Defense shows a chart that was displayed during a news conference by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine at the Pentagon in Washington.

The B-2 bomber was photographed arriving at Whiteman Air Force Base Mo., Sunday, June 22, 2025.

Iran has been warned that closing a major Middle East oil “choke point” in retaliation for US strikes on its nuclear sites would amount to “economic suicide.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Iran’s allies — including China — to put pressure on Tehran and prevent the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, calling such a move a “terrible mistake.”

Read the full story by Michael D. Carroll.

This map produced by the CSIS Missile Defense Project shows significant US bases dotted around the Middle East and Africa within range of Iranian missile attack.

Thousands of American troops could soon find themselves in Iran’s direct line of fire if Iranian leaders follow through on their vows to strike back over US attacks on the country’s nuclear facilities.

Many US personnel would have only minutes to take shelter before an incoming Iranian missile hits.

President Trump has taken to his Truth Social media platform to empahsise the success of yesterday’s US historic airstrike against Iranian nuclear facilties.

He said:

“Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term! The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame. The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!”

Bitcoin clawed its way back above $101,000 late on Sunday, reversing earlier weekend losses as investors digested the impact of US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear targets, reports decrypt.co

The rebound came alongside modest upticks in gold prices and a subdued response across oil and equity futures, suggesting traders are betting on a limited flare-up rather than a prolonged geopolitical crisis.

Israel pressed on with its aerial strikes on Iran through Monday night, hitting key military targets — including the highly sensitive Parchin complex — Nour News, an outlet tied to Iran’s National Security Council, has reported.

Located southeast of Tehran, Parchin is a military site long suspected of playing a role in Iran’s nuclear programme, where officials believe high explosives have been tested and uranium enrichment activities have taken place.

Tehran has repeatedly denied that Parchin has been used for nuclear purposes, but it has also refused to allow UN nuclear inspectors access to the facility.

The Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has landed in Moscow on a diplomatic drive to “rally the world against Israel,” the Islamic Republic News Agency has reported.

Abbas Araghchi is a seasoned Iranian diplomat, born in December 1962 in Tehran to a prominent merchant family. He began his career in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1988, shortly after serving in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the Iran‑Iraq War .

A day after President Trump declared that Iran’s nuclear programme had been “completely and totally obliterated” by American bunker-busting bombs and a volley of missiles, the real situation appeared far less clear. Senior officials have conceded they do not know where Iran’s stockpile of near-bomb-grade uranium is.

“We are going to work in the coming weeks to ensure that we do something with that fuel and that’s one of the things that we’re going to have conversations with the Iranians about,” Vice President JD Vance told ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, referring to uranium that could produce nine or 10 atomic weapons.

Still, Mr Vance insisted that Iran’s capacity to build a weapon had been “set back substantially” as the regime no longer possessed the equipment to turn its stockpile into operative warheads.

The New York Times has reported how American military and intelligence officials have detected signs that Iran-backed militias are gearing up to attack U.S. bases in Iraq — and possibly Syria — in retaliation for American strikes inside Iran.

But so far, these groups have held back, a U.S. official said on Sunday, with Iraqi officials working behind the scenes to dissuade militia action.

Donald trump has once more taken to Truth Social to discuss regime change in Iran.

Earlier today, Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said that regime change was not one of his country’s objective.

But on Truth Social, Donald Trump said: ” It’s not politically correct to use the term, “Regime Change,” but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”

Video shows B-2 bombers returning to Missouri following their successful mission in Iran last night.

Russia’s ambassador to the UN has labelled the US attack as “irresponsible, dangerous and provocative”.

Vasily Nebenzya said that the US has opened “Pandora’s box” as he warned that nobody can be sure what the consequences will be.

He added that “The US is clearly not interested in diplomacy.”

Keir Starmer and Donald Trump have spoken for the first time since the US launched its attack on Iran.

No.10 said: ” “The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States Donald Trump this evening.

“The leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and reiterated the grave risk posed by Iran’s nuclear programme to international security.

“They discussed the actions taken by the United States last night to reduce the threat and agreed that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.

“They discussed the need for Iran to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible and to make progress on a lasting settlement.

“They agreed to stay in close contact in the coming days.”

Israeli Air Force fighter jets are carrying out a new wave of strikes against Iranian military sites in Tehran and western Iran, the IDF has confirmed.

According to Iranian state tv, a large explosion has been heard in the city of Kermanshah in the west of the country.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Russia for talks with Vladimir Putin.

Araghchi called the country “a friend of Iran” ahead of his meeting with Putin where the two will discuss plans for retalliation following last night’s attack.

He said: “All options are on the table, I will have a discussion with them on how it should proceed.”

The UK’s representative to the UN believes that the Middle East is at a “pivotal moment” as she reiterated that the UK were not involved in last night’s operation.

Barbara Woodward said: “We have long made clear that Iran must not have a nuclear weapon and that their nuclear programme represents a serious threat to international peace and security.”

She added: “My prime minister has been clear. We urge Iran now to show restraint and we urge all parties to return to the negotiating table and find a diplomatic solution, which stops further escalation and brings this crisis to an end.”

Anotnio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations has condemned the military escalation in the Middle East.

He said: “The people of the region cannot endure another cycle of destruction, and yet we now risk descending into a rathole of retaliation after retaliation.

“The United Nations stands ready to support any and all efforts toward the peaceful resolution. But peace cannot be imposed. It must be chosen.”

Trump responded at length to criticism of his decision to attack Iran.

Donald Trump has taken to Truth Social to hit out at criticism from Republican Congressman Thomas Massie who claimed that the president’s actions were not constitutional.

Trump said: “We had a spectacular military success yesterday, taking the ‘bomb’ right out of their hands (and they would use it if they could!) but, as usual, and despite all of the praise and accolades received, this ‘lightweight’ Congressman is against what was so brilliantly achieved last night in Iran.”

He added: “MAGA is not about lazy, grandstanding, nonproductive politicians, of which Thomas Massie is definitely one.

“Thank you to our incredible military for the AMAZING job they did last night. It was really SPECIAL!!!”

Trump had fought an election based on ending US involvement in foreign wars, with military action against Iran sparking debate and division within the MAGA movement.

Staunch Trump acolyte Majorie Taylor Greene was amongst those to be critical of the president’s actions, telling her followers that this was Israel’s war.

She said: “Every time America is on the verge of greatness, we get involved in another foreign war.

“There would not be bombs falling on the people of Israel if Netanyahu had not dropped bombs on the people of Iran first.

“Israel is a nuclear armed nation. This is not our fight.”

Iranians are reportedly trying to flee the country in the wake of the strikes, with little information known amongst the population.

Daily electricity shortages and poor internet have led many to have limited understanding of what has taken place, according to reports.

One woman told the BBC that her family had to board up windows with sticks to prevent breakage amid rumours that the authorities might close the borders.

Such lack of knowledge serves only to increase fears that other US-led bombing campaigns could be forthcoming.

She also said she thinks some people don’t want a regime change imposed by foreign countries.

“We were trying to make changes ourselves inside and I don’t think a change coming from US or Israel would be a good change”.

The E3 countries, Britain, France and Germany have called on Iran not to “destabilise the region” as it plots its respone to the US attack.

They said in a statement: “We call upon Iran to engage in negotiations leading to an agreement that addresses all concerns associated with its nuclear program,” the leaders say.

“We stand ready to contribute to that goal in coordination with all parties.

“We urge Iran not to take any further action that could destabilise the region.”

Newly released satellite images show before and after images of Iran’s Fordow nuclear site following last nights attack.

Full story here.

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev says that Iran’s allies are ready to supply nuclear weapons as he dismissed the impact of the US strikes.

He said on Telegram: “A number of countries are ready to directly supply Iran with their nuclear weapons.

“Israel is under attack, explosions are thundering, people are in a panic.

“The United States is drawn into a new conflict with the prospect of a ground operation.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi branded the U.S. move “outrageous,” and warned it would bear “everlasting consequences.”

He told a Russian reporter: “We enjoy a strategic partnership and we always consult with each other and coordinate our positions,” as he outlined that Iran “reserves all options” to protect its people and act in self-defence — including closing the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

The route is a vital sea corridor for international trade, with any closure likely to have significant impacts on the costs of goods across the world, particularly oil.

Araghchi will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin Monday to “coordinate positions.”

The Trump administration said that its attack on three Iranian nuclear facilities was not about toppling the country’s government.

“This mission was not and has not been about regime change,” Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said at the news briefing.

“The president has authorised a precision operation to neutralise the threats to our national interests posed by the Iranian nuclear programme and the collective self defence of our troops and our ally, Israel.”

He ended the briefing stating that Iran is still welcome at the negotiating table: “They know precisely what the American position is, what steps they can take to allow for peace, and I hope they do so.”

Reporters asked Pete Hegseth if there was a particular moment when Donald Trump decided to “pull the trigger.”

He responded that Trump was “fully committed to the peace process” and he wanted a negotiated outcome.

However, Hegseth says he “gave Iran every opportunity and was met by stonewalling”.

He explained that there was “no particular moment”, but there was a point where he realised that “action was needed”.

On Thursday, President Trump had said he would decide whether to get the US involved in the conflict “within two weeks”.

The chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, says initial damage assessments indicate the US attack — known as Operation Midnight Hammer — caused “extremely severe damage and destruction” to three Iranian nuclear sites.

He said some B-2s flew west into the Pacific as part of a “deception effort” and that Iran’s defence systems “did not see us”.

He added only a handful of “planners and key leaders” were aware of the plans.

The B-2 stealth bombers flew 18 hours to get the target and completed several refuellings.

The chairman of the US’ Joint Chiefs of Staff says seven B-2s took part in the operation, dropping 14 GBU-57F/B Massive Ordnance Penetrators, or “MOP”.

This is the first time the huge 30,000lb bombs have been used operationally.

A US submarine also fired dozens of Tomahawk missiles.

Approximately 75 precision-guided weapons were used during the attack, General Dan Caine said, adding it was the largest operational B-2 strike in history.

American defence secretary Pete Hegseth said the US strikes were an “incredible and overwhelming success”.

He thanked and praised American armed forces performed “flawlessly” in the mission which was codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer.

He said the mission took “months” of preparation.

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth says American airstrikes on Iran “devasted the Iranian nuclear programme”.

In a Pentagon news briefing, he said the attacks did not target Iranian troops or people.

More to follow.

US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, is due to speak in the next half an hour.

He will be speaking from the Pentagon at around 8am local time – 1pm BST.

Stay with us for updates.

Air defences have been activated in eastern Tehran, Iranian state media has reported.

This has happened in the eastern Tehran province and the Yazd province, it said.

Echoing Russian reactions from earlier, the Chinese foreign ministry has said in a statement that “strongly condemns” the US attack on Iranian nuclear sites.

Donald Trump’s military action “seriously violates” the UN charter, it added.

The Prime Minister said: “I’m not going to speculate about what may happen, because all of my focus is on de-escalation.

“But I do want to reassure the public we have taken all necessary measures to protect UK interests, UK personnel and to work with our allies to protect their interests as well.

“That’s what you’d expect, but my focus is on de-escalating this situation. Dealing with the threat that is that nuclear programme, but getting the parties around the table to negotiate an outcome to this.”

Arab nations have been quick to respond to the US’s attacks on nuclear sites in Iran.

– Oman, which was mediating nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran, strongly condemned US strikes on nuclear sites in Iran.

– The Gulf sultanate “expresses deep concern, denunciation and condemnation of the escalation resulting from the direct air strikes launched by the United States”.

– Saudi Arabia – which has strong security ties with the US and is one of its closest regional allies – has condemned “the violation of Iran’s sovereignty and stresses the need for restraint”, calling on the international community “to redouble efforts in these extremely sensitive circumstances to reach a political solution”.

– Qatar’s foreign ministry warned that the current “dangerous tensions will lead to disastrous repercussions at the regional and international levels.” It said that it “hopes that all parties will exercise wisdom and restraint at this time.”

– Egypt warned of “the dangers of the region sliding into further chaos and tension,” stressing that “political solutions and diplomatic negotiations, not a military solution, are the only way out of the crisis”.

– Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, said that “the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities raises the level of fear of an escalation of tensions that would threaten security and stability in more than one region and country”.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry has “strongly condemned” US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on Sunday, calling them “a gross violation of international law, the U.N. Charter, and U.N. Security Council resolutions”.

In its statement on Telegram, the ministry warned of potential “radiological” consequences and said the strikes marked “a dangerous escalation … fraught with further undermining of regional and global security”.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “Discussing the developments in the Middle East overnight, they agreed on the grave threat posed by Iran’s nuclear programme and reiterated calls for them to return to the negotiating table.

“An escalation of the conflict is in no-one’s interests and the focus must be on de-escalation,” they added.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “Following US strikes on Iran overnight, he reiterated that Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security and they must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.

“They called on Iran to return to the negotiating table in pursuit of a diplomatic solution.

“The Prime Minister offered his strong support to King Abdullah, adding that wider regional stability in the Middle East must be a priority.”

Sir Keir Starmer will chair an emergency COBRA meeting this afternoon, according to Sky News.

COBRA – Cabinet Office Briefing Room A – is often called in times of emergency, such as civil unrest, flooding, or an international issue.

The government has held several COBRA meetings since Israel’s first strikes on Iran last Friday.

Following the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities overnight, the Israeli government has openly thanked President Donald Trump for taking action.

The sentiment appears to be shared with Israeli residents, too, as signs have appeared in Tel Aviv this morning that read: “Thank you, Mr President”, coupled with a photo of him and US flags.

During the press conference in Istanbul, Abbas Araghchi was asked whether Iran is considering targeting US military bases in the region or closing the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait, a narrow shipping route in the Gulf region between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

It is deep enough to accommodate the world’s biggest crude oil tankers and is used by the major Middle Eastern oil and gas producers.

“There are a variety of options available to us,” the Foreign Minister said.

The Iranian Foreign Minister has revealed he will be travelling to Moscow later on Sunday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.

He described Russia as Iran’s “friend”.

“I will have serious consultations with the Russian president tomorrow and we continue to work with each other.”

Posting on X, Mr Swinney said: “The Middle East conflict has reached an alarmingly greater level of danger after the US attacks on Iran.

“The conflict must be stopped by a diplomatic solution delivered through the international community. And the UK Government must insist on that now.”

In response to questions from reporters, Abbas Araghchi said the US has “no respect” for international law: “There is no red line that they have not crossed. The most dangerous one happened only last night when they attacked [Iranian] nuclear facilities.

While he said the “door to diplomacy” should always be open, “this is not the case right now.

“I don’t know how much room is left for diplomacy.”

The Iranian Foreign Minister continues his speech.

“The world must not forget that it was the United States which, in the midst of a process to forge a diplomatic outcome, betrayed diplomacy by supporting the genocidal Israeli regime’s launch of an illegal war of aggression on the Iranian nation.”

He reiterates calls to the UN for an emergency Security Council meeting.

Abbas Araghchi added that diplomacy is not an option at the moment after the US attack.

The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has begun his news conference in Istanbul following the US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.

He said Iran “condemns on the strongest terms” US military attacks.

“It is an outrageous grave and unprecedented breach of UN charter and international law.

“The war-mongering and lawless administration in Washington is solely and fully responsible for the dangerous consequences and far-reaching implications of its act of aggression.”

He described the Israeli regime as “genocidal”.

He said the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue to defend Iran’s “territory, sovereignty, security and people by all means necessary” against the US and Israel.

Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, is due to hold a news conference shortly.

Stay with us for updates.

Satellite images taken Sunday analyzed by The AP show damage to the entryways to Iran’s underground nuclear site at Fordo after US airstrikes targeted the facility.

The images by Planet Labs PBC also appeared to show damage to the mountain itself that Fordo is under. Sealing those entry tunnels means Iran would have to dig out the facility to reach anything inside.

The once-brown mountain had parts turned grey and its contours appeared slightly different from those in previous images, suggesting a blast threw up debris around the site. This suggests the use of specialised American bunker buster bombs on the facility. Light grey smoke also hung in the air.

Iran has yet to offer a damage assessment of the site.

Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, has written on X: “Last week, we were in negotiations with the US when Israel decided to blow up that diplomacy.

“This week, we held talks with the E3/EU when the US decided to blow up that diplomacy. What conclusion would you draw?

“To Britain and the EU High Rep, it is Iran which must ‘return’ to the table. But how can Iran return to something it never left, let alone blew up?”

Jonathan Reynolds said it would be “naive” to think the risk won’t intensify after Donald Trump’s onslaught on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The Business Secretary told Sky News: “It’s already at a significant level. I think it would be naive to say that that wouldn’t potentially increase.”

Dame Priti told Sky News’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: “We know the range of those ballistic missiles – they would threaten Europe.

“They’re a threat to us. We have state-sponsored activism and terrorism in our own country. We saw an Iranian spy involved in our base in Cyprus yesterday.

“These are not things that we can just sort of wring our hands over anymore.

“There has been a long history here and to the credit of America and President Trump, he has led the way in terms of trying to have diplomacy, diplomatic talks with Iran, and he did forewarn them that there would be consequences if they did not engage.”

Much of the highly enriched uranium at the Fordo nuclear facility was moved ahead of the attack, according to Reuters.

It cited a senior Iranian source saying the materials were moved to an undisclosed location. Personnel numbers were also reduced at the site.

Satellite images from Fordo on Friday and Saturday show queues of trucks lining up at the site.

Posting on X, the Tory leader 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.”

In light of the “urgent situation in Iran”, the chief of the UN nuclear watchdog has said, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will hold an emergency meeting on Monday (June 23).

Iranian media have reported that Iran’s nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslam, has written to the IAEA, saying Tehran wants an investigation into the US strikes and is urging the watchdog to condemn the US action.

Evacuation flights for British citizens trapped in Israel could begin “within hours”, a senior minister has said. Israeli airspace is currently closed due to the ongoing war with Iran.

Mapped below are the locations of the three US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Also revealed are the details of the B-2 stealth aircraft and the bunker-buster bombs used by the US, which can destroy underground tragets that conventional bombs cannot reach.

Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, has issued a statement, calling Donald Trump’s attack on Iran “historic”.

The president said Trump’s words show the “deep and courageous alliance” between the US and Israel.

Yet, he warned “the campaign is not over” and that “the coming days may be sensitive, complex, and challenging”. He went on to urge Israelis to keep following official life-saving instructions.

Concern is growing in the Gulf Arab states, as the island kingdom of Bahrain has told drivers to stay off main roads if possible.

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry wrote on X: “In light of recent developments in the regional security situation, we urge citizens and residents to use main roads only when necessary, to maintain public safety and to allow the relevant authorities to use the roads efficiently.”

Bahrain is home to the US Navy’s Mideast-based 5th Fleet and has long been a threatened target of Iran.

Saudi Arabia has also expressed “great concern” after the US attacks on Iran on social media. It called on the international community to double its efforts in such “highly sensitive circumstances” to reach a diplomatic solution, which would be key to “achieving security and stability in the region”.

Israel’s military has said it bombed two of the Iranian military’s F-5 fighter jets at the Dezful airport.

These jets form part of Iran’s aging fleet of fighter jets from the era of the shah.

Israel released black-and-white footage showing one aircraft being destroyed.

However, Iran has not acknowledged losses of aircraft or other military equipment in the war so far.

The Daily Express understands that the Prime Minister will be working from Downing Street today where he will hold a number of phone calls with world leaders.

Sir Keir, along with Donald Trump, is due to attend the NATO summit in The Hague early next week.

In a new statement, Tehran said it would defend itself against what it branded US “warmongering”.

” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran condemns in the strongest possible terms, the United States’ brutal military aggression against Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities,” it said in a statement shared on X.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is resolved to defend Iran’s territory, sovereignty, security and people by all force and means against the United States’ criminal aggression.”

It described the attack as a “flagrant breach” of a UN Security Council resolution and asked the alliance to convene an emergency meeting to condemn the attack.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds tells Sky News: “I know people will be waking up this morning and they’ll be worried.

“They’ll want to know what this means. 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.

“But from where we are now, what I think we need to do as the President, I believe himself has said is, ‘get back around the table’, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, but we need a diplomatic process.”

Iranian state TV showed what appeared to be previous test-firing footage of the Khorramshahr-4 missile, with an on-screen caption saying it was used on Sunday (June 22) in a barrage on Israel.

The Khorramshahr-4 has the heaviest payload of Iran’s ballistic missile fleet, which analysts say may be designed to keep the weapon under a 2,000-kilometre range limit imposed by the country’s supreme leader.

The missile has been described as having a 1,240-mile range with a 3,300-pound warhead.

Israeli emergency services have said that 16 people are being treated for injuries following reports of Iranian strikes early this morning.

Among those injured is an approximately 30-year-old man, who is in a moderate condition following shrapnel injury to his upper body.

15 others are in a mild condition with shrapnel wounds and other injuries. Israeli police added that they are continuing to search for anyone trapped in rubble in Tel Aviv.

First responders have also said that several residential buildings were damaged in the Iranian missile attacks.

Moti Nissan, a paramedic with Magen David Adom, described a “large-scale scene of destruction,” with several two-story buildings “severely damaged”, though he did not give a location.

Earlier this week, Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge indicated that the Conservatives would back American military strikes aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Reform UK are also said to be backing the strikes.

In a statement, the Prime Minister Keir Starmer 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 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.”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has said “the U.S. has itself launched a dangerous war against Iran” after America attacked three nuclear sites in the Islamic Republic.

“The world must not forget that it was the United States — during an ongoing diplomatic process — that betrayed diplomacy by supporting the aggressive actions of the genocidal and lawless Israeli regime,” the ministry said in a lengthy statement.

It added that Iran “reserves its right to resist with full force against U.S. military aggression and the crimes committed by this rogue regime, and to defend Iran’s security and national interests.”

– US President Donald Trump has said that American warplanes have bombed three nuclear sites in Iran

– One of the targets was Fordo – a uranium enrichment plant located in a remote mountainside – which is a key part of Iran’s nuclear program

– To destroy the plant, Israel appealed to Trump for the 30,000-pound bunker-busting American bomb – the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator – which is currently delivered only by the B-2 stealth bomber, which is only found in the American arsenal. This is the first combat use of the weapon

– Two other key nuclear sites – Natanz and Isfahan – were also hit

– Israeli officials said they were in “full co-ordination” with the US in planning these strikes

– The extent of damage to the facilities is not yet known, but the UN nuclear watchdog says there has been “no increase” in off-site radiation levels reported

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations has asked for an emergency Security Council meeting for what he described as the US’s “heinous attacks and illegal use of force” against Iran.

In a letter, obtained by AP, Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, said that the UNs most powerful body must “take all necessary measures” to hold the US accountable.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns and denounces in the strongest possible terms these unprovoked and premeditated acts of aggression, which have followed the large-scale military attack conducted by the Israeli regime on 13 June against Iran’s peaceful nuclear sites and facilities,” the letter continued.

At least 10 people have been wounded in the latest Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel, Magen David Adom, the country’s emergency medical service, has confirmed. Police reported that officers were dispatched to respond to multiple missile impact sites scattered across central Israel.

The IDF has confirmed via X that missiles have recently been fired from Iran towards Israeli territory. The nation’s defence systems are currently engaged in intercepting the threat.

Civilians must enter designated protected areas as soon as an alert is issued, and remain inside until further notice.

Exiting these protected spaces will only be permitted upon receiving explicit instructions.

People are urged to continue following the guidance of the Home Front Command at all times.

News outlet Axios correspondent Barack Ravid has stated via an X post that while it unclear exactly how much damage Iran has sustained to its nuclear programme, sources in the Israeli military have confirmed that the Iranian effort to produce a nuclear weapon has been “set back by years.”

Foreign Minister, Islamic Republic of Iran Seyed Abbas Araghchi has roundly condemned the US attacks and has issued threats against the US and its citizens.

On a post made on his X account, he said “The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior.”

Israel’s defence establishment believes Iran will resume firing at Israel, possibly within hours – and in response, the Israeli Air Force will launch further strikes across Iran, reports Israeli news outlet Ynet.

A security assessment will be held shortly following the American attacks on Iran.

The IDF has also raised its alert level along the Lebanese border in case Hezbollah attempts to coordinate a joint strike with Iran.

Media outlet Bisimchi Media has shared the following cartoon with the words, “Get ready!”

With missiles placed underwater, the cartoon’s creators appear to be suggesting that Iran has secret missiles ready to launch from under the sea.

Hamas has condemned the US strikes on Iran, describing them as a blatant violation of international law in a statement released early on Sunday.

“This brutal aggression is a dangerous escalation, a blind obedience to the agendas of (Israel), a flagrant violation of international law, and a direct threat to international peace and security,” Hamas said.

The Palestinian militant group, which has close ties to Iran, also declared that the strikes were “a violation of all international norms and conventions,” vowing to hold the US and Israel responsible.

Iran has declared there were “no signs of contamination” at its nuclear facilities at Isfahan, Fordo and Natanz after US airstrikes targeted the sites early on Sunday.

Iranian state media cited the country’s National Nuclear Safety System Centre, which published a statement confirming its detectors had recorded no radioactive release in the aftermath of the strikes.

“There is no danger to the residents living around the aforementioned sites,” the statement added.

Previous Israeli airstrikes on nuclear facilities have also resulted in no recorded radioactive material being released into the surrounding areas, the International Atomic Energy Agency has said.

A senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader has called for missile strikes on US Navy vessels and the closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route, reports CNN.

“Following America’s attack on the Fordow nuclear installation, it is now our turn,” warned Hossein Shariatmadari, the outspoken editor-in-chief of the hardline Kayhan newspaper, who has previously described himself as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s “representative.”

A Telegram post from Kayhan quoted Shariatmadari declaring: “Without hesitation or delay, as a first step we must launch missile strikes on the American naval fleet based in Bahrain and simultaneously close the Strait of Hormuz to American, British, German, and French shipping.”

The message concluded with a quote from the Quran, which read: “Kill them wherever you shall overtake (find) them.”

So far, there has been no official comment from Supreme Leader Khamenei on the US strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The three main nuclear facilities suspected to have part crucial for Iranian development of nuclear weapons have been struck, as confirmed by both US and Iranian sources.

However, as this map shows, there are many known sites across the country that use nuclear technology. Some of these sites could potentially host the type of enriched uranium storage facilities used for the development of an atom bomb, with Iran already having stated that uranium was removed from the three sites of Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan before they were hit by US bombs.

Trump has taken to his social media platform Truth Social since his news conference to issue another threat against Iran.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said he was “gravely alarmed” by the US strike on Iran early on Sunday, urging calm and warning against further escalation in the volatile region.

“I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security,” Guterres wrote on X.

Here’s what Trump said in his address as broadcasted live by Fox News and transcribed by Sky News:

“A short time ago, the U.S. military carried out massive precision strikes on the three key nuclear facilities in the Iranian regime: Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan.

“Everybody heard those names for years as they built this horribly destructive enterprise.

“Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.

“Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success.

“Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.

“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.

“For 40 years Iran has been saying death to America, death to Israel. They have been killing our people, blowing off their arms, blowing off their legs with roadside bombs. That was their speciality.

“We lost over a thousand people and hundreds of thousands throughout the Middle East and around the world have died as a direct result of their hate.

“In particular, so many were killed by their general, Qassem Soleimani.

“I decided a long time ago that I would not let this happen.

“It will not continue.

“I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. We worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before, and we’ve gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel.

“I want to thank the Israeli military for the wonderful job they’ve done. And most importantly, I want to congratulate the great American patriots who flew those magnificent machines tonight and all of the United States military on an operation the likes of which the world has not seen in many, many decades.

“Hopefully, we will no longer need their services in this capacity. I hope that so.

“I also want to congratulate the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Rosen Kane, spectacular general and all of the brilliant military minds involved in this attack.

“With all of that being said, 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.

“Remember, there are many targets left.

“Tonight’s was the most difficult of them all by far, and perhaps the most lethal.

“But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill. Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes.

“There’s no military in the world that could have done what we did tonight. Not even close. There’s never been a military that could do what took place just a little while ago.

“Tomorrow, General Kaine, Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth will have a press conference at 8am at the Pentagon.

“I want to just thank everybody and in particular, God, I want to just say, we love you, God, and we love our great military. Protect them. God bless the Middle East. God bless Israel, and God bless America.

“Thank you very much. Thank you.”

Trump has warned Iran that the US could target additional sites if Tehran fails to pursue peace, following his decision to launch strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday.

“Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier,” Trump declared in a nationwide address.

He added, “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. Remember, there are many targets left.”

Trump cautioned that the US could “go after those other targets with precision, speed, and skill,” emphasising such strikes could take place “in a matter of minutes.”

President Donald Trump has described the US military strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities as a “spectacular military success” in a statement delivered from the White House Cross Hall.

“Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” Trump said in his first public remarks since the operation.

Standing alongside Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the President delivered the confident update on the mission’s outcome.

He said, “There has never been a military that could do what we have done.”

Stay online for the latest updates on Trump’s address live.

It has been confirmed that six bunker buster bombs were used to destroy the Fordow nuclear facility which has been “destroyed.”

The UK currently operates three permanent military sites in the Middle East, alongside a key Royal Air Force base situated in Cyprus in the Mediterranean.

Last March, Britain officially opened a permanent military centre at the Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. Named after World War II pilot William Donnelly, the facility is relatively modest in size but includes a headquarters, welfare centre and accommodation for personnel.

In addition, the UK maintains a continuous military presence in Bahrain and Oman, both of which serve as operational hubs for the British Navy. The primary base in the region remains RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, which hosts several fighter jets.

Moreover, the UK has access to the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has addressed the world by a one minute long video posted on his X account.

On the post he said: “President Trump and I often say: ‘Peace through strength.’ First comes strength, then comes peace. And tonight, @realDonaldTrump and the United States acted with a lot of strength.”

The following interactive map produced by the American Security Project shows US bases in the Middle East, including air bases, land posts and naval facilities.

Mahdi Mohammadi, a prominent Iranian commentator, has claimed that “several strange events did not happen” during a recent strike on the Fordow nuclear site.

Writing on Telegram in Farsi, Mohammadi insisted Tehran had been braced for an attack for several nights and that Fordow had been evacuated well in advance. According to the translation into English, he said “no irreversible damage” was inflicted on the facility.

He warned that damaging Iran’s key assets was “not that simple” and declared that “the gambler will lose this round.”

Yoav Gallant, Israel’s former defense minister, said in a social media post that President Trump had made a “bold decision for the United States, for Israel, for all of humanity.”

Gallant, who was fired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in November after the two clashed on Israel’s war against Hamas, has notably expressed continuing support of Netanyahu’s efforts against Iran. Gallant has repeatedly called for the United States to be more directly involved in the war.

The New York Times has reports a U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential intelligence, said that multiple 30,000-pound bunker bombs were dropped on Fordow and that initial damage assessments indicated that the facility had been “taken off the table.”

President Trump has reportedly said in a telephone call with news outlet Axios, in reference to the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites:

“We had a great success tonight. Your Israel is much safer now.”

Pro-IRGC media is reporting via Telegram: “America officially entered the war. The US reportedly informed Israel in advance, and both countries coordinated together on the attack.

“Three Iranian senior officials have reportedly said that they believe US forces bombed Fordow and Natanz nuclear sites at around 02:30.

“Iran has reportedly transferred its enriched uranium reserves from nuclear centers prior to the US attack. The Houthis have said ‘Washington must bear the consequences.'”

Axios’s Barak Ravid has reported that an Israeli official told him that Israel was notified by the Trump administration in advance of the strike.

According to Israeli reports, Israel has known for several days that Trump is “on board”, however both Israel and the US decided to create a feeling as if there are disagreements “in order to lull the enemy.”

The New York Times has published the following map showing the nuclear facilities in Iran that have been targeted successfully, according to President Trump.

Trump has announced via his truth Social platform that he will hold a news conference to address the world media at 10pm EST.

New York Times correspondent David E. Sanger has provided the following analysis:

“While the attacks on Fordo and Natanz were expected, Isfahan was actually the more complex, and less discussed, target.

“Laboratories there did work on how to convert uranium into the form that would be needed to actually produce a weapon. And most of the near-bomb-grade fuel, enriched to 60 percent, was in specialty casks, deep inside one of the many laboratories and storage sites.

“Their locations were known by international inspectors, at least until a few weeks ago. It was unclear whether Iran had moved those supplies, as some Iranian officials suggested, in recent days.”

Reuters News agency has reported that US military sources have stated that B2 bombers were used to attack the three Iranian nuclear sites President Trump confirmed have been bombed.

B2 stealth bombers are the only warplanes capable of launching the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator missiles that are capable of totally destroying the heavily fortified underground facilities Iran has used to develop its nuclear programme.

The United States has completed its successful attack on three nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, Trump revealed in a social media post.

Earlier in the day he was expected to address reporters while entering the White House, however he declined to speak, giving his simple raised fist salute instead.

This gesture is now being read as a signal that Trump knew in that moment that US warplanes were in the midst of their mission.

He said:

“We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

Traffic in the Downtown area of Los Angeles has reportedly been brought to a standstill by protestors, according to local reports.

Multiple X posts have been published showing demonstrators waving placards and flags in support of the Iranian regime and condemning Israeli strikes against the country.

President Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social ahead of arriving at the White House to drop an enigmatic message about his intentions for US military intervention in Iran.

He said: “Only time will tell.”

@ynetnews Journalist Emily Schrader has reported via her X account that Irianian military sources are stating they are being attacked by hostile ground forces at Iran’s Fordow nuclear site.

She points out there is no evidence at the time that if such an attack is occurring then Israel is responsible.

Israeli officials have told Donald Trump’s administration they will not wait two weeks for Iran to reach a deal to dismantle key parts of its nuclear programme – and could act alone before the deadline passes, according to two sources.

Amid ongoing debate inside Mr Trump’s team over whether the United States should become involved, the sources said Israel had raised its concerns directly with US officials on Thursday in what they described as a tense phone call.

The IDF has released footage of its earlier attack on Iranian fighter jets in Central Iran today.

The IDF has released a breakdown of numbers related to the impact of its ongoing war with Iran.

It includes 24 civilians killed and more than 8,000 people evacuated from their homes.

Israel has launched a fresh attack against military sites in the south of Iran, the military has confirmed.

The IDF said that it had targeted a “weapons depot” and sites for “unmanned aerial vehicles.”

Earlier this evening, the force confirmed that they had targeted “fighter jets belonging to the Iranian Armed Forces” and “military infrastructure” in the centre of the country.

Masoud Pezeshkian, the Iranian president, has said that his country will not halt nuclear activity “under any circumstances” amid ongoing fighting with Israel, according to AFP citing the IRNA news agency.

He said: “We are ready to discuss and cooperate to build confidence in the field of peaceful nuclear activities, however we do not agree to reduce nuclear activities to zero under any circumstances,” Pezeshkian is reported to have said during a phone call with Emmanuel Macron.

Iran security forces have arrested 22 people in the city of Qom on suspicion of supporting Israel, according to state media.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has blamed Benjamin Netenyahu for not wanting to “resolve issues through diplomatic means.”

Speaking at a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers in Istanbul, the Turkish leader said that he was “optimistic that victory will be Iran’s.

The Turkish President called on the UN and Israel’s allies to do more pressure Tel Aviv into bringing the violence to and end.

Erdoğan is expected to be in attendance at the NATO summit next week where he will come face to face with Trump and other leaders of the alliance.

The Houthis have released a statement saying that they will target US ships if the country follows through with threats to strike Iran.

In a statement, the group blamed Israel for seeking to eliminate Iran in a bid to further their aim of achieving dominance in the Middle East.

They said: “Based on this, should the Americans become involved in attacking or aggressing against Iran alongside the Israeli enemy, the Yemeni Armed Forces will target their ships and warships in the Red Sea.”

The group vowed to continue supporting Arab and Muslim countries subjected to Israeli attacks.

They added: “We will not abandon our brothers in the Gaza Strip, nor will we allow this criminal entity, backed by America, to execute its plans in the region.”

A Pentagon official has urged President Trump to use a tactical nuclear warhead.

One official told the Daily Mail: “The nuclear warhead has to happen, whether it’s the first strike, second strike or 17th strike… given the location, from what I’ve read and for what I’ve seen, it’s a difficult spot.

“In order to be successful with the least amount of casualties, and to be able to get that target and do what we want to do, which is destroy them, it would have to involve a nuclear warhead.’

“Our bombers are the only ones that could get in there.”

Full story here.

A former director of the CIA believes there is “no question” that the US would be dragged into a regional war if they launch a military strike against Iran.

Leon Panetta, who served as Director of the CIA between 2009 and 2011, has warned his government that military action by Trump would put the two countries at war.

Full story here.

Warning that the US made a “terrible mistake” by invading Iraq two decades ago, he said: “It’s a lesson that the president needs to learn, because if he goes in and attacks Iran, then there’s no question that the United States would be in a regional war at that point.”

The former Secretary of Defence also believes that Iran would be sure to retaliate if it was attacked by the US.

He added to CNN: “So make no mistake about it. It may be an airstrike, but it would definitely involve the United States in a war with [Iran].”

Israel has claimed that it killed a senior military commander in an operation in the city of Qom.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said today: “Saeed Izadi led the Palestine Corps of the Quds Forces, who financed and armed Hamas in preparation for the October 7 massacre, was eliminated in an apartment in the heart of Qom.”

In a statement, the IDF said: Izadi was one of the key orchestrators of the brutal October 7th terror attack and among the few who knew about it before it was executed.

“In his role, he coordinated military efforts between the Iranian regime and Hamas in Lebanon and Gaza.

“He facilitated terrorist activity and managed budgets transferred directly from Iran to Hamas in Gaza.

“In practice, Izadi was the main link between the Iranian regime and Hamas. The blood of many Israelis are on his hands.

“We will continue to pursue the orchestrators of October 7th—every last one of them.”

Iran has yet to confirm the death.

Iranian state media has confirmed that 400 people have died in the country since the two nations began exchanging missile attacks.

Citing the head of Iran’s Ministry of Health Information Centre, they said: “400 dead, 3,056 injured by Israel’s missiles and drones.

“Of the dead, 54 were women & children. 5 were health workers. The majority of the casualties were civilians.”

State media also confirmed that a sixth nuclear scientist had been killed by Israel.

Isar Tabatabai-Qamsheh was killed at home alongside his wife Mansoureh Haji Salem according to reports.

Nournews said on Teelgram: “He was a graduate in mechanical engineering with a focus on nuclear engineer and had dedicated year’s of his life to Iran’s nuclear industry.”

Israel has launched fresh airstrikes targeting “military infrastructure” in southwestern Iran, according to IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee.

He wrote on X that Israeli warplanes were “currently launching raids” in the region, though gave no further details.

Iranian media reported explosions in Ahvaz and Bandar-e Mahshahr, both located in Khuzestan Province.

There has been no official response from Tehran at this stage.

Iran on Saturday acknowledged for the first time it detained a German cyclist on spying allegations, likely an effort by Tehran to pressure Germany amid its war with Israel.

The semiofficial Mehr news agency published footage of the unnamed man’s arrest. It did not say when the arrest occurred, however it described the cyclist as being detained in Markazi province, home to Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor.

The German news agency dpa reported the arrest took place last year and that the man is being held in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison, home to Westerners and political prisoners.

The German Foreign Ministry declined to comment Saturday.

Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters are marching towards Whitehall from Russell Square in central London.

Protesters waved Palestinian flags and chanted “free, free Palestine”, “occupation no more, Israel is a terrorist state” and “stop bombing Iran”.

Many chanted “shame on you” as they walked past dozens of counter-protesters, organised by pro-Israeli group Stop The Hate, near Waterloo Bridge.

Six B-2 stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri were tracked heading toward a US base in Guam, according to flight data and air traffic control communications.

The B-2’s unique two-ton bunker buster bomb could be crucial in targeting Iran’s most secure nuclear facility, reported Fox News.

President Donald Trump, who has yet to decide on US involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, is expected to return to the White House Saturday afternoon.

Emmanuel Macron said he told Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezashkian his country could in no circumstances have a nuclear weapon during a tense phone call.

Referring to an ongoing hostage situation, the French President, posting on X, added: “I reiterated my firm demand: Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris must be released. Their inhumane detention is unjust. I expect them to return to France.

“I also expressed my deep concern about Iran’s nuclear program. Here again, my position is clear: Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, and it is up to Iran to provide full guarantees that its intentions are peaceful.

“I am convinced that a path exists to end war and avoid even greater dangers.

“To achieve this, we will accelerate the negotiations led by France and its European partners with Iran.”

A watchdog organisation has shared a graph illustrating the internet outages which are currently plaguing Iran.

NetBlocks commented: “Internet connectivity has again collapsed in #Iran following a brief period when residents could exchange messages with the outside world; Iran’s nation-scale internet shutdown remains in effect, limiting access to information as the conflict with Israel continues.”

Tulsi Gabbard, US Director of National Intelligence, has publicly backed President Trump’s claim that Iran could obtain a nuclear weapon “within a matter of weeks”—a dramatic reversal from her earlier testimony.

Writing on X, she said the media had “taken my testimony out of context” and accused them of spreading “fake news” to create division.

Just two months ago, she told Congress: “The US intelligence Community continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader Khamenei has not authorised the nuclear weapons program that he suspended in 2003.”

Her U-turn follows two public rebukes from Mr Trump, who dismissed her assessment and pointed instead to Tehran’s growing enriched uranium stockpile.

Ms Gabbard did not make clear precisely how her previous remarks had been taken out of context.

An Iranian nuclear scientist and his wife were reportedly assassinated in a targeted attack in Tehran, according to local and regional media.

Sharif newspaper identified the victim as Dr Seyed Esar Tabatabaei Qomsheh, a professor at Sharif University of Technology, describing him as a previously little-known figure within Iran’s nuclear industry.

The semi-official Maher news agency said both Dr Tabatabaei Qomsheh and his wife, Mansoureh Haji Salem, were killed late last week in what it described as a strike by the “Zionist regime”.

Israeli media outlet Ynet also reported the killing, though Israel has not issued any official comment.

The incident follows a string of reported Israeli operations aimed at degrading Iran’s nuclear programme by targeting scientists and critical infrastructure.

Police in Cyprus have arrested an individual on suspicion of terror-related offences and spying on an RAF air base.

The individual appeared before a district court on the island today, and was made the subject of an eight-day detention pending inquiries. No further details will be released at this time, police said, citing national security.

Several Cypriot news outlets reported the suspect was a man of Azeri ethnic descent and had been arrested in the Zakaki suburb of the coastal city of Limassol.

The suspect was thought to have had a British RAF military base in nearby Akrotiri under surveillance, as well as Cyprus’s own Andreas Papandreou Air Base in the western region of Paphos since mid-April, Cyprus’s ANT1 news portal reported.

At least 430 people have been killed and 3,500 injured in Iran since fighting began on 13 June, according to the country’s health ministry.

The figures, reported by the state-aligned Nour news agency, mark the first official update in several days.

A previous statement on Sunday had put the death toll at 224, while the Human Rights Activists News Agency estimated 657 deaths as of Friday.

The sharp rise highlights the escalating human cost of the ongoing conflict.

The Isfahan nuclear site, located in central Iran, is a key facility in the country’s nuclear programme, responsible for converting uranium ore into gas for enrichment.

It houses several installations, including a uranium conversion facility and a fuel fabrication plant.

The site plays a critical role in producing material that can be further enriched for use in civilian reactors—or potentially for nuclear weapons.

It has been repeatedly highlighted by Western and Israeli officials as a strategic target due to its role in Iran’s suspected weapons ambitions.

UK and Israeli authorities are working to provide charter flights out of Tel Aviv and British nationals in the country should register their presence with the Foreign Office, Downing Street said.

David Lammy arrived in Geneva earlier today for talks with the Iranian foreign minister and European allies as the UK presses for a diplomatic solution to the Israel-Iran conflict.

The Foreign Secretary is meeting Abbas Araghchi alongside his counterparts from France, Germany and the EU as he seeks to negotiate a settlement before US President Donald Trump decides on whether to take military action against Tehran.

In a statement read by his press secretary on Thursday, Mr Trump said there was still “a substantial chance of negotiations” and said he would make a decision on deploying US forces “within the next two weeks”.

Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck key nuclear sites in Isfahan, focusing on uranium conversion and centrifuge production facilities critical to Iran’s weapons program.

The IDF said about 50 aircraft launched 150 precision-guided munitions across multiple military targets in Iran, guided by Army Intelligence Unit data.

Alongside Isfahan, missile infrastructure, drone launchers, and air defense systems were also hit in coordinated attacks.

The operation killed Aminpour Jodaki, commander of the IRGC’s second drone unit, as israel continues efforts to degrade iran’s military capabilities.

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has said it would be “very dangerous for everyone” if US gets involved in the war alongside Israel.

Iran experienced significant internet disruptions over the past few days, with connectivity dropping to approximately 82% of normal levels.

These outages coincide with a mysterious tremor in Khorramabad, western Iran, which authorities have not fully explained.

The Supreme National Security Council reportedly ordered the shutdown to protect against cyberattacks amid ongoing conflict with Israel.

The Iranian government has also urged citizens to delete WhatsApp, alleging it shares information with Israel, a claim WhatsApp denies.

Iran has denied claims that it is running low on missiles, insisting it has deliberately shifted to using fewer, more advanced weapons in recent strikes.

A senior Iranian official said the country now prioritises precision over volume, targeting sensitive Israeli military and security sites.

They claimed a recent missile “easily” bypassed Israel’s multi-layered air defences, including systems supplied by the US.

Speaking to CNN, the official warned: “Israel should not be happy about the decrease in the number of missiles fired.”

In a separate but simultaneous strike, Israel also killed Behanam Shahriari, the commander of Unit 190 of the Quds Force, responsible for weapons transfers across the region.

Shahriari was killed in western Iran while travelling by vehicle more than 1,000km from Israel, in an operation described as surgically precise.

He oversaw arms shipments and financial flows to Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis, including rockets and missiles fired at Israel during the war.

Israeli officials said he also ran a vast smuggling and finance network through Turkey and Lebanon, and his death deals a severe blow to Iran’s terror infrastructure.

In a rare operation deep inside Iranian territory, Israeli fighter jets killed Saeed Izadi, the commander of the Quds Force’s Palestine Corps and a key liaison between Tehran and Hamas.

Izadi was struck overnight in a safe house in Qom following a long-running intelligence operation conducted jointly by Israel’s Air Force and Intelligence Branch.

He played a central role in coordinating military support and financial backing for Hamas and other Palestinian terror groups, including advance knowledge of the October 7 massacre.

Israeli officials said he was also responsible for activating Hamas’s capabilities in Lebanon and helping maintain the group’s grip on Gaza.

The UK has pulled its Embassy staff out of Iran as fears over a war with Israel and military intervention from the US mount.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is advising against all travel to Iran due to the ongoing situation.

In an update on Friday, the FCDO said that all UK staff in Iran have been withdrawn and the embassy is working remotely. They have urged British nationals to “consider your presence” in Iran due to the risk of arrest or questioning.

The FCDO said: “Due to the ongoing security situation, we have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily withdraw UK staff from Iran. Our embassy continues to operate remotely.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has earned a fearsome reputation over his long reign for political caution, strict conservatism and absolute ruthlessness. But most of all, he is known for one thing — stubbornness.

And even as his top generals are killed, Iran’s prized nuclear sites are bombed and enemy jets circle his capital, Khamenei this week rebuffed US President Donald Trump’s demand to stand down, vowing: “The Iranian nation will stand firmly against any imposed war, just as it always has,” reports The Telegraph.

READ FULL STORY HERE

At a UN Security Council emergency session, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warned that a strike on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant could release severe radioactivity, stressing it must be off-limits.

Israel says it has avoided reactor attacks so far, instead targeting enrichment facilities in Natanz, centrifuge workshops near Tehran, Isfahan labs, and the Arak heavy-water reactor.

While the reactor was not operational, IAEA later confirmed damage to key infrastructure, yet without contamination risks.

Global anxieties are mounting that any strike on major nuclear sites could trigger an environmental and geopolitical catastrophe.

Prime Minister Netanyahu declared Israel’s air operations over Iran will persist “for as long as it takes” to eliminate what it deems an existential nuclear and missile threat

Israel’s military brass echoed this, preparing for a drawn-out effort even as core targets like the underground Fordo enrichment site are reportedly beyond Israel’s current strike capabilities without US “bunker-busters”

Trump has given Israel up to two weeks before announcing whether the US will join the aerial offensive.

Netanyahu faces the prospect that his campaign might stall without direct US military intervention.

European foreign ministers and Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi met for four hours in Geneva on Friday, but ended without a breakthrough as fighting between Israel and Iran entered its second week.

Araghchi reaffirmed that Iran will not negotiate with the US while Israeli strikes continue, though he left the door open to dialogue with Europe if aggression stops.

President Trump is holding off a decision on US military involvement for up to two weeks, awaiting signs of successful diplomacy.

No date was set for the next round of talks, reflecting deep skepticism on both sides.

Israel’s military confirmed last night’s strike on the Isfahan nuclear complex—the ninth straight night of targeted attacks on Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure—as Tehran flatly rejected any prospect of nuclear diplomacy amid the bombardment.

The wave of assaults follows a massive aerial campaign launched on June 13 involving over 200 Israeli jets hitting Natanz, Fordow, Arak and Isfahan, in what Israeli officials describe as a mission to delay Iran’s nuclear programme by up to three years.

Last night’s raid on Isfahan again reportedly focused on reconversion and uranium‑production facilities, though international monitors say the radiological risk remains low for now.

In response, Iran unleashed a missile barrage at Israeli cities—sirens wailed across Tel Aviv, Holon and southern communities—but avert rated no deaths, raising fears of broader escalation As global leaders from the UN, EU, Russia and China urge de‑escalation, U.S. President Trump has confirmed he’ll decide within two weeks whether America will enter the fray