bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

hooksAmpRedirectArticle

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

paywallTypes

createdDate

publishedDate

sponsorType

urlAlias

moreOnThisArticles

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

articleSpeeches

socialHeadline

headline

images

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

sponsor

pdfFiles

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

readingTime

customTimezone

liveContents

SCMP Reporters

The Middle East crisis dramatically deepened on the weekend after the US launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. This marked a major escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran air war.
The US has revealed details of its “Midnight Hammer” operation, a complex strike using B-2 bombers and “bunker buster” bombs for the first time. While US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth maintains the mission is “not about regime change”, President Donald Trump has publicly questioned this stance on social media.
At the UN Security Council, China’s UN ambassador Fu Cong strongly condemned the US strikes, calling for an “immediate ceasefire” and warned they “seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law”. The US ambassador, Dorothy Shea, defended the strikes as necessary, warning Iran of “devastating retaliation” if it attacks US forces.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has hinted at possible retaliation against US assets in the region, as Iran eyed possibly closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a move that could severely impact global oil shipments.
Israel and Iran have exchanged wave after wave of devastating and deadly strikes since Israel launched its aerial campaign on June 13, saying Tehran was on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon. Iran denies it is seeking nuclear weapons and says its programme is for peaceful purposes only.
Follow live updates as the world reacts to critical developments in the Middle East.
More from our coverage:
- China condemns US strikes on Iran, calls for ceasefire and talks
- As US enters Israel-Iran conflict, are China’s Middle East interests at risk?
- Mideast distractions won’t shift US’ long-term focus on China: analysts
Reporting by Khushboo Razdan, Ziwen Zhao, Mark Magnier and Robert Delaney


Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva for second round of high-stakes talks with US

US, Iran eye tentative nuclear talks as regional diplomacy intensifies

Iran defies Trump and US pressure over uranium enrichment

Ahead of talks, Iran deploys ballistic missile at underground ‘missile city’

Israel-Iran conflict

World braces for Iran’s response after US attack on nuclear sites

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses delegates during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, following a US attack on Iran’s nuclear sites. Photo: Reuters

News

World

Middle East

United States & Canada

Global powers clash at UN as Tehran hints at retaliation and eyes vital oil route


Global powers clash at UN as Tehran hints at retaliation and eyes vital oil route.


Israel

War and conflict

Iran

US-Iran tensions

Live

Hegseth says that many US presidents in the past have dreamt of delivering a final blow to Iran’s nuclear programme, but none could – until Trump – adding that American “deterrence is back”.
“When this president speaks, the world should listen.”


Hegseth: American ‘deterrence is back’

Iran stands firm, condemning the recent strikes as a blow to diplomacy, the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and international law. However, it has not yet directly stated how it will respond to the US bombing.
“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,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi posts on social media on Sunday.
He pushes back against Britain and the EU’s calls for Iran to resume talks. “But how can Iran return to something it never left, let alone blew up?”
At a press conference, Araghchi warns, “Silence in the face of such blatant aggression will plunge the world into an unprecedented level of danger and chaos.”


Iran: US strikes a blow to diplomacy

Trump’s defence secretary declares that the US “does not seek war” but notes that “we will act swiftly and decisively when our people, our partners, or our interests are threatened”.
In a message to Iran, he says the Islamic Republic should “listen to the President of the United States and know that he means every word.”


Hegseth: Iran must listen – this president means ‘every word’

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine reveals the name of the operation: “Midnight Hammer”.
He describes it as a “highly classified mission with very few people in Washington knowing the details of the plan.”



Operation ‘Midnight Hammer’

Hegseth says the mission was planned for “months and weeks” of positioning and preparation, confirming the US Army used B2 Spirit stealth bombers and the first operational employment of the MOP – Massive Ordnance Penetrator.
Caine confirms that seven B-2 bombers were used.


Hegseth says mission was planned for ‘months and weeks’

Caine provides an update on the operation’s impact.
He says “final battle damage will take some time, but initial battle damage assessments indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction.”
In highlighting the scale of the mission, he adds “more than 125 US aircraft participated in this mission, including B2 stealth bombers, multiple flights of fourth and fifth generation fighters, dozens and dozens of air refuelling tankers, a guided missile submarine and a full array of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, as well as hundreds of maintenance and operational professionals.”


Initial assessment reveals severe impact: Caine

The US launched over two dozen Tomahawk missiles and drops 14 GBU-57 bunker-busting bombs—their first operational use—on Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, Caine says.
Supported by multiple commands, 75 precision weapons were used. No Iranian defenses engaged; initial damage is reportedly severe, he adds.


14 ‘bunker busters’ used

Caine warns Iran not to retaliate through proxy war, saying US has elevated force protection measures across the region, “especially in Iraq, Syria and the Gulf”.
“Our forces remain on high alert and are fully postured to respond to any Iranian retaliation or proxy attacks, which would be an incredibly poor choice.”


Caine warns Iran against ‘proxy war’

“It would be way too early for me to comment on what may or may not still be there,” Hegseth says regarding what remains of Iran’s nuclear programme after the US strikes.
He adds that the assessment is ongoing but notes, “All of our precision munitions struck where we wanted them to strike and had the desired effect, which means especially in Fordow, which was the primary target here, we believe we achieved destruction of capabilities there.”


‘Too early to say what remains of Iran’s nuclear programme’

Asked whether Washington should be concerned about Iran’s potential military cooperation with North Korea or China, Hegseth does not directly answer.
“The focus is on Iran and Iranian nuclear capabilities ... President Trump has said, for over 20 years, frankly, that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Ultimately, he decided this is the moment — given their stonewalling — when direct military action is necessary,” he says.


Question on China, North Korea

“I can only confirm that there are both public, private messages being directly delivered to the Iranians in multiple channels, giving them every opportunity to come to the table,” Hegseth says. “They understand precisely what the American position is precisely what steps they can take to allow for peace and we hope they do so.”


Messages to Iran ‘in multiple channels’

Hegseth praises Israel’s role, saying, “It’s been incredible to watch what our ally Israel has been able to do, and there certainly have been conversations.”
He adds that part of this operation was the defence of Israel, but “as it pertains to this strike, it was US operated and US led”.
“In just a matter of weeks, this went from strategic planning to global execution,” says Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “This operation underscores the unmatched capabilities and global reach of the United States military.”


Close US-Israel coordination

This combination of pictures created on Sunday, using handout satellite images released by Maxar Technologies, shows Iran’s Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP), northeast of the city of Qom on on June 19, 2025 (top), and the facility after US strikes on the site.



Fordow, before and after

With some lawmakers opposing Trump’s decision to strike Iran and join its conflict with Israel, Hegseth says that Congress was “notified after the planes were safely out”.
He adds that the Trump administration “complied with the notification requirements of the War Powers Act.”
Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky who introduced a resolution last week to block Trump from involving the US, on Sunday called the bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites “unconstitutional”.


Hegseth defends legality of Iran strikes as lawmakers push back

Hegseth underscores the precision and secrecy of the mission, saying: “It involved misdirection and the highest of operational security.”
“Our B2s went in and out... of these nuclear sites... in and out and back without the world knowing at all.”
He also adds that “this was part of a plan to maintain tactical surprise”.
“Part of the package proceeded west into the Pacific as a decoy, a deception effort known only to an extremely small number of planners and key leaders in Washington and in Tampa.”
Some of the aircraft flew west as a decoy, while the seven planes that comprised the main strike package flew east on an 18-hour flight to Iran that required multiple refueling stops.



Hegseth highlights secrecy of US strikes

Caine says that “additional targets were struck… between 6:40 p.m. ET and 7:05 p.m. ET,” placing the timing at around 2:10 a.m. local time in Iran on Sunday.
He notes that no shots were fired by Iran at US forces on the way in or out.



Caine: No Iranian response during strikes

The Associated Press, citing Iranian media, reports that a “massive explosion was heard” on Sunday in Bushehr province. The province is home to Iran’s only nuclear power plant.


AP: Explosion reported near Iran’s only nuclear power plant

Reuters confirms that Iran’s parliament has approved a measure to close the strategic Hormuz Strait. According to Press TV, the country’s top security body is now required to finalise the decision on this move.
Large volumes of oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran to its north and the United Arab Emirates and Oman to the south, with few alternatives for oil transport if it is closed
In 2024, around 20 per cent of the world’s total use flowed through the strait, according to US Energy and Information Administration.




Iran’s parliament approves closing Hormuz Strait

A satellite view shows an overview of Fordow underground complex, after the US struck the underground nuclear facility, near Qom.



Satellite view of Fordow

US Vice-President J.D. Vance tells NBC News, “The United States is not at war with Iran.”
He adds, “We are at war with its nuclear ambitions.”
Vance also says that the US believes it has “destroyed” Iran’s nuclear programme.


Vance: ‘US not at war with Iran’

The United Arab Emirates, Iran’s neighbour and host to US troops in Abu Dhabi, issues a strong warning amid escalating tensions.
In a statement, the UAE stresses the urgent need for an “immediate de-escalation” to prevent devastating consequences and calls on all nations to ramp up efforts toward a “comprehensive resolution” to stop the region from spiralling into deeper chaos.


UAE calls for immediate de-escalation

Pope Leo shares a message on social media, noting that “war does not solve problems”.
He continues: “It amplifies them and inflicts deep wounds on the history of peoples, which take generations to heal”, offering a reflection on the long-term impact of conflict.

War does not solve problems; on the contrary, it amplifies them and inflicts deep wounds on the history of peoples, which take generations to heal. No armed victory can compensate for the pain of mothers, the fear of children, or stolen futures. May diplomacy silence the weapons!…
— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) June 22, 2025



Pope Leo: ‘May diplomacy silence the weapons’

“I don’t want to get into sensitive intelligence here, but we know that we set the Iranian nuclear programme back substantially last night, whether it’s years or beyond,” US Vice-President J.D. Vance says in an interview with ABC.
The vice-president also reasserts that US is not at war with Iran, but with “Iran’s nuclear programme”.



Vance: ‘Iran nuclear programme set back substantially’

In a statement on Sunday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps accuses the US of placing itself “at the forefront of aggression by directly attacking peaceful facilities” and vows of “regrettable responses”.
The IRGC hints at possible retaliation against US assets in the region, stating that “the number, dispersion, and size of US military bases in the region are not a strength, but have doubled their vulnerability”.


‘Regrettable responses’: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warns

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer tells BBC that “it is important that we now de-escalate the situation, stabilise the region, and get the parties back to negotiate”, adding that London will not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.
Along with France and Germany, Britain has been trying to mediate in the Iran-Israel conflict. The three countries’ foreign ministers met with their Iranian counterpart on Saturday in Geneva before the US attack.
David Lammy, British Foreign Secretary, met with the US Secretary of State Macro Rubio and special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff before the Geneva talks.


UK prime minister: ‘stabilise the region’

Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of International Atomic International Agency, tells CNN that the agency cannot assess damage underground at Iran’s Fordow nuclear site.


‘Unable to assess damage’: IAEA chief

US Secretary of State Macro Rubio says he encouraged Chinese to warn Iran about the Strait of Hormuz, shortly after Iranian Parliament passed a resolution that could shut down the global trade lifeline.
The country’s top security body is now required to finalise the decision on this move.
“I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that because they heavily depend on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil,” Rubio tells Fox News.
Large volumes of oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran to its north and the United Arab Emirates and Oman to the south, with few alternatives for oil transport if it is closed.
China has condemned US’ attacks on Iran earlier, describing them as serious violations of international law.



Rubio pushes China to warn Iran about Strait of Hormuz

The US Energy Information Administration says that in 2024, most of the oil and gas that passed through the Strait of Hormuz was sent to Asia. A total of 84 per cent of crude oil and 83 per cent of liquefied natural gas went to Asian markets.
China, India, Japan and South Korea received the largest share, taking in 69 per cent of all crude oil and condensate that moved through the strait.
In 2021, China alone imported US$128 billion worth of crude oil from Gulf countries near the strait. That was three times more than the US and the EU combined.


Most oil and gas from Strait of Hormuz goes to Asia

The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene later today at Iran’s request to discuss the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The session is scheduled for 3pm local time, 7pm GMT.


UNSC to hold emergency session

Israel’s military says its fighter jets have attacked “dozens” of targets across Iran on Sunday, shortly after US attack on Iranian nuclear sites, including a long-range missile site.
“Approximately 30 IAF fighter jets struck dozens of military targets throughout Iran”, a statement reads, including “the ‘Imam Hussein’ Strategic Missile Command Center in the Yazd area, where long-range Khorramshahr missiles were stored”.


Israeli military says fighter jets hit ‘dozens’ of targets

Esmaeil Baqaei, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, said on X that his country is “resolutely determined to defend its national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national security and people by all necessary means”.
He said US administration has been colluding with “a war criminal and genocidal warmonger” to wage an unjust war, referring to Israel.

It is now crystal clear that the U.S. administration has been colluding with a war criminal and genocidal warmonger to wage an unjust war of aggression against our beloved nation in flagrant violation of fundamental principles of international law, the UN Charter, and the Nuclear…
— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) June 22, 2025



Iran says ‘determined to defend its national sovereignty’

In his latest social media post, Trump appears to downplay divisions within the Republican Party over his authorisation of military strikes in Iran, urging lawmakers to shift focus to his landmark tax reform legislation.
He writes: “Great unity in the Republican Party, perhaps unity like we have never seen before. Now let’s get the Great, Big, Beautiful Bill done. Our Country is doing GREAT. MAGA!”


Trump downplays split on Iran, urges focus on tax bill

French President Emmanuel Macron calls on Tehran to “exercise the utmost restraint in this dangerous context”, and to allow “a return to diplomacy”.
“Engaging in dialogue and securing a clear commitment from Iran to renounce nuclear weapons are essential to avoid the worst for the entire region,” he said on X. “There is no alternative: this is the only path to peace and security for all.”

امروز صبح با ولیعهد عربستان سعودی، سلطان عمان، رئیس امارات متحده عربی و امیر قطر گفت‌وگو کردم تا همبستگی خود را با آنان ابراز کنم.
به رئیس‌جمهور ایران بار دیگر خواسته‌ خود را اعلام کردم :…
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 22, 2025



France’s Macron calls on Iran ‘to exercise the utmost restraint’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu writes on X Sunday: “We will continue to perform wonders and miracles to ensure the eternity of Israel for generations. I am proud of our people!”
Netanyahu says he returned to the Western Wall, one of Judaism’s holiest sites, and placed a note reading, “Behold, the people have risen like a lion”.
He put another note - “Behold, the people will rise like a lion” ten days earlier when the operation towards Iran started.
“Rising Lion” is the name of a major Israeli military operation launched from June 13 targeting Iranian nuclear sites.


‘The people have risen like a lion’: Netanyahu

In an interview with ABC on Sunday, Senator Tom Cotton, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the US must be “prepared for Iran to retaliate”.
The Republican from Arkansas said the threats of Iran are “serious”. Asked if America will target Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Cotton said: “I won’t rule any single target in or out.”
“My message to the Supreme Leader is look at the lessons of history. Do not — do not tempt fate. Do not target Americans,” he added.


‘Be prepared for Iran to retaliate’: Senate intel committee head

US would allow Iran to operate nuclear power plants but not enrich its own fuel, US Secretary of State Macro Rubio says.
“The Iranian regime should wake up and say ‘OK, if we really want nuclear energy in our country, there’s a way to do it.’ That offer’s still there, we’re prepared to talk to them tomorrow,” he tells Fox News.
“Ultimately, they have to make a decision. It’s a very simple decision: if what they want is nuclear reactors so they can have electricity – there are so many other countries in the world that do that, and they don’t have to enrich their own uranium – they can do that.”


Iran can operate nuclear plants but not enrich fuel, Rubio says

Speaking with American news outlet CBS, Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, and Representative Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, criticise Trump’s decision to strike Iran and reaffirm their push to limit presidential war powers through a resolution under the War Powers Act of 1973.
Massie says the move aims to “rein in the executive and reassert Congress’ authority, sole authority to declare war… and to engage or authorise the engagement of acts of war.”
Khanna rejects the idea that opposing military action amounts to isolationism, adding, “Diplomacy and engagement is not isolationism.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is pressing for a vote “as soon as possible” so that “all members of the Senate have to declare whether or not the US should be at war with Iran,” Senator Tim Kaine tells Fox News.
Kaine says he expects some Republican support for the resolution when it heads to a full Senate vote this week. “We will have Republican votes,” the Virginia Democrat says.



US lawmakers demand congressional vote

The US State Department orders family members of its Beirut mission staff and non-emergency government personnel from Lebanon, citing the region’s volatile security situation, Reuters reports.
At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security’s National Terrorism Advisory System issued a bulletin warning of a “heightened threat environment” within the US, according to CBS.
While the bulletin does not cite any specific threats, it notes that “low-level cyberattacks against US networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely,” and that cyber actors linked to the Iranian government “may conduct attacks against US networks”.


US orders family of Beirut mission staff out

Ali Shamkhani, adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warns in his social media post that “even assuming the complete destruction of nuclear sites, the game is not over.”
He adds that enriched materials remain intact and “surprises will continue”, highlighting Iran’s “legitimate defence right” along with “indigenous knowledge” and “political will”.


‘Game is not over’: Senior Irani official warns

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says Iran’s nuclear programme is a “grave threat”, and calls for “diplomatic solution” that includes Gaza.
“Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security, and Canada has been consistently clear that Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon,” he says in an X post.
“While US military action taken last night was designed to alleviate that threat, the situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile,” he adds. “Stability in the region is a priority.”
“Canada calls on parties to return immediately to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis. As G7 leaders agreed in Kananaskis, the resolution of the Iranian crisis should lead to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.”

Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security, and Canada has been consistently clear that Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.  
 
While U.S. military action taken last night was designed to alleviate that threat, the situation in the…
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) June 22, 2025



Canada’s Carney calls Iran’s nuclear programme ‘grave threat’

Ely Ratner, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs in the previous Joe Biden’s administration, warns that US readiness in Asia is weakening as the country becomes drawn into the Israel-Iran conflict.
In a social media post, he says, “Now that we’re in the Day After, the key question on my mind is when and under what conditions we can shift attention and resources to the Indo-Pacific.”
“Without a willingness to take risks in the Middle East, deterrence and readiness will erode in Asia. That’s already starting to happen.”


‘US readiness in Asia at risk amid Israel-Iran conflict’

China, Russia, and Pakistan have circulated a draft resolution in the 15-member United Nations Security Council calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East ahead of Sunday’s 3 pm EST meeting on Iran.
It is not yet clear when the resolution will be put to a vote. To pass, the measure requires at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes from the US, France, Britain, Russia, or China.
If a vote does not take place today, it is expected to be held later next week. However, the US is likely to veto the resolution.


China, Russia, and Pakistan push UN ceasefire resolution

The US Department of Homeland Security warns of a heightened threat environment in the US amid the ongoing Iran conflict.
In a bulletin issued on Sunday, it says “low-level cyber attacks against US networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists are likely,” while “cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government may conduct attacks against US networks.”
The risk of violent extremists “independently mobilizing to violence” in the US could increase if Iranian leadership issues a religious ruling calling for retaliatory attacks.
With “multiple recent Homeland terrorist attacks motivated by anti-Semitic or anti-Israel sentiment,” the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict “could contribute to US-based individuals plotting additional attacks.”



DHS warns of cyber threats and lone-actor attacks

Look for Iran to retaliate against US bases in the region, avoiding the diplomatic off-ramp, but stopping short of the sort of retaliation that could trigger a massive US response, analysts say.
“The likely target will be the US presence in Iraq, as the bases there are vulnerable to short-range ballistic missiles,” says Eurasia Group.
Look for the US to avoid getting more heavily involved in the war over the short-term even as it faces a growing risk of re-engagement with time.
“The US President Trump is uber-pragmatic in his choices to date,” says Signum Global Advisors. “If Iran accepts de-escalation, so does he. If it doesn’t, neither does he. If Israel can do something without him, he will not. If it can’t, he will.”
But Trump is also “weak-willed” vis-à-vis Israel, Signum adds, “in the sense that Israel has now pursued several moves -- such as its initial attack on Iran and its rejection of a ceasefire in Gaza -- that he neither wanted nor prevented”.
Israel, meanwhile, has little incentive to pursue a protracted war and can now claim its objectives have been achieved. But it is also likely to argue that Iran has not abandoned its nuclear ambitions.
“Israel will follow Trump’s lead, but further strikes on Iran are likely, for now,” said Eurasia. “Israel is unlikely to end its campaign against Iran so abruptly, as the next step will likely be a US push to get Iran back to the negotiating table. Continued Israeli military action will serve as a useful source of leverage.”


What are analysts saying? US presence in Iraq likely a target

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is asked on CBS’s Face the Nation whether the US would defend countries in the Middle East that might be attacked by Iran because of their associations with America.
He responds: “Do you know why we have bases in Bahrain and Qatar and UAE and in all these places? All those bases are there because those countries are afraid that Iran will attack them. If Iran was not a threat to the region, if the Iranian regime – because I’m talking about the Iranian people – the regime was not a threat to the region, we wouldn’t have to have any of these bases.”


Rubio: US would defend countries Iran might want to attack

Trump directs his anger at Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, who is holding out against Trump on Iran and tax reform legislation, (see 12:10 post), and includes Republican Rand Paul, Kentucky’s other senator in the diatribe.
“Despite all of the praise and accolades received, this ‘lightweight’ Congressman is against what was so brilliantly achieved last night in Iran. Massie is weak, ineffective, and votes ‘NO’ on virtually everything put before him (Rand Paul, Jr.), no matter how good something may be.


Trump directs anger at Republican lawmakers

William Wechsler, senior director of the Atlantic Council’s Middle East programmes and former US deputy assistant secretary of defence for special operations and combating terrorism, offers the following two possible paths forward in a “fast thinking” analysis by the Washington-based think tank:
The first is to “negotiate directly and immediately with Trump to end the conflict,” which would require Iran accepting a deal to forego any nuclear enrichment – civilian or military – and perhaps restrict the malign activities of its regional proxy groups, though that would be difficult to enforce. “In return, Iran would require Trump to give Israel a firm and public red light against any further strikes on Iran”.
The second option, Will says, is to escalate the conflict by “targeting US forces in the region, attacking energy resources across the Gulf or shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, or conducting terrorism against Americans around the world”. That, in turn, could lead the United States and Israel to broaden their campaign against Iranian military, energy, economic, and political targets.


Two possible paths, former US defence official says

The world should laud the United States for attacking Iran, Israel’s ambassador to the UN says, adding that Israel still has “many targets” to hit Iran with “overpowering, righteous force” should Tehran carry out further acts of retribution.
“It was a necessary act and a brave decision to remove the greatest threat to global security,” Ambassador Danny Danon tells reporters at the UN. “The world and the Security Council should say clearly and without hesitation, thank you.”
Danon said while global leaders will inevitably condemn the US and Israel, they were quiet as Iran builds weapons of mass destruction that “threatens every capital”.
“Where were they,” Danon said. “They were silent. They were complicit. They were afraid.”

Iran has denied building a nuclear weapon, a view that US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard agreed with in a report to Congress on March 25 before backtracking.
This weekend, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres issued a statement expressing alarm at the US bombing campaign, adding that only through diplomacy can lasting peace be achieved. Danon said this statement was “very disappointing” since Guterres knows diplomacy has failed for decades and should thank Washington for bringing “peace through power”.
Danon said he believes Israel and the entire world is now safer, adding that Israel favours the downfall of the Iranian government. “Regime change, that’s up to the Iranian people. I pray that it will be changed for the people of Iran, but that’s for the Iranian people to decide.”


Israeli ambassador seeks appreciation, regime change in Iran

China’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Fu Cong, strongly condemns the US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, stating they “seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, as well as Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.”
He warns the attacks have “exacerbated tensions in the Middle East and dealt a heavy blow to the international nuclear Non‑Proliferation regime”.
Speaking at an emergency UN Security Council meeting, Fu urges the international community to “uphold justice and make concrete efforts to cool down the situation and restore peace and stability.”
In his remarks, Fu calls for swift UN action, warning that “the Council cannot stand idly by… We hope members can jointly support the draft resolution to enable the Council to fulfil its responsibilities.”
China, Russia, and Pakistan have circulated a draft resolution in the 15-member United Nations Security Council calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East. It is not clear if the vote will take place today, but the US is likely to veto the resolution.



China urges UN action after US strikes Iran

The US ambassador to the United Nations, Dorothy Shea, emphasises that the recent strikes aimed “to dismantle Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and stop the nuclear threat posed by the world’s foremost state sponsor of terror.”
She states that “the time finally came for the United States, in defence of its ally and its own citizens and interests, to act decisively,” adding the Iranian regime “cannot have a nuclear weapon. Let us be clear, Iran should not escalate.”
Warning of serious consequences, she declares: “Any Iranian attack, direct or indirect, against Americans or American bases will be met with devastating retaliation”.
She concludes by urging the Security Council to demand that Iran “end its 47-year effort to eradicate the State of Israel, terminate its nuclear weapons drive, stop targeting American citizens and interests, and negotiate peace in good faith for the prosperity and security of the region”.


US ambassador to UN warns against escalation

Asked in an interview with ABC’s This Week whether Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile had been destroyed, Vice-President J.D. Vance says that “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”.


Vance discusses Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, warns the United Nations Security Council that the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, which has underpinned international security for over half a century, is at risk.
Grossi stresses there is still a window of opportunity to return to dialogue and diplomacy, but warns if it closes, “violence and destruction could reach unthinkable levels,” and the Non-Proliferation regime “could crumble and fall.”
He adds that Iran, Israel, and the wider Middle East need peace, and affirms there is still a path for diplomacy.


IAEA chief alerts UN to nuclear non-proliferation collapse risk

UN Security Council members urge the United States, Israel and Iran to deescalate their conflict, prioritise civilian safety and prevent nuclear fallout at its third emergency session in 10 days.
“We call for an immediate ceasefire and end to the hostilities. In the context of the abrupt escalation of tensions in the Middle East, China is deeply concerned about the risk of the situation getting out of control,” says Fu Cong, China’s ambassador to the UN. “We call for the effective protection of civilians. The ultimate victims of all conflicts are the innocent people.”
While there is agreement on the broad need for peace and regional stability, however, statements quickly divide along geopolitical lines, with China and Russia defending Iran and condemning the United States and Israel even as the US and allies justify the attack on Iranian nuclear facilities as existential and necessasry.
“For 40 years, the Iranian government has called for death to America and death to Israel, and posed a constant menace to the peace and security of its neighbors, the United States and the entire world,” says Dorothy Shea, US ambassador to the UN.
“The time finally came for the United States in the defense of its ally and in the defense of our own citizens and interest to act decisively,” she adds, warning Iran will face “devastating retaliation” if it attacks US soldiers or bases in the region.

China and Russia announce a draft resolution for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to protect civilians, respect international law and engage in dialogue. US allies do not express immediate support.
China’s criticism of the US bombing of Iran is relatively muted. Washington, Fu said, “exacerbated tensions in the Middle East and dealt a heavy blow to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime”.
But Moscow does not hold back. “Russia condemns in the most decisive terms, the irresponsible, dangerous and provocative actions committed by the USA,” says Vassily Nebenzya, Russia’s ambassador to the global body. “Washington, yet again, demonstrated its complete contempt for the international community.”
Shea counters that the overnight attack on Iranian nuclear facilities is justified. “Iran has long obfuscated its nuclear weapons program,” she added. “The Iranian regime cannot have a nuclear weapon.”


UNSC calls for ceasefire, civilian safety in emergency session

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, notes the crucial role of IAEA inspectors currently in Iran during his address to the UNSC, stating that for them to carry out their work effectively, a cessation of hostilities remains essential.
He adds that “any special measures by Iran to protect its nuclear materials and equipment can be carried out in accordance with Iran’s safeguards obligations with the agency.”
Grossi reports significant damage to key nuclear facilities: “Craters are visible at the Fordow site, Iran’s main uranium enrichment location at 60 per cent, indicating the use of ground-penetrating munitions.”
“At this time, no one, including the IAEA, is in a position to assess the underground damage at Fordow”, he says
At the Isfahan nuclear site, additional buildings related to uranium conversion were struck overnight, with the US confirming the use of cruise missiles.
Entrances to tunnels storing enriched material at the Natanz enrichment site were also targeted, which has sustained further damage from ground-penetrating munitions.
Calling for international support, Grossi says, “With your support, the IAEA can deploy nuclear safety and security experts to Iran immediately in addition to our safeguard inspectors wherever they are needed.”
He has convened a special session of the IAEA Board of Governors Monday in Vienna.


IAEA chief details damage to Iran’s nuclear sites

Trump questions his own officials’ position on regime change in Iran.
“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!!!” Trump posts on Truth Social.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters earlier on Sunday that the Pentagon’s attacks on Iran are “not open-ended” and is “not about regime change”.


‘Why wouldn’t there be a regime change?’: Trump

US cities, apparently fearful of violence and attacks in the wake of the US attack on Iran, tighten security and step up oversight after Tehran warns that the Pentagon bombing will trigger “everlasting consequences” and that Tehran “reserves all options” to respond.
Police in Los Angeles, New York and Washington increase patrols around religious institutions, diplomatic facilities and public spaces, citing the need for vigilance.
This follows a notice by the US Department of Homeland Security that the Israel-Iran war has placed the US in a “heightened threat environment” for the next three months, citing the risk of hacking on US computer networks and attacks on critical infrastructure.
Security experts say Iranian hackers have launched successful cyberattacks against major American banks in the past, including Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase.
Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department say it is sharing information and monitoring intelligence with local, state, and federal law enforcement forces. The New York Police Department says it is posting more officers across the city and coordinating with federal agencies on any potential threats.

The Greater New York area houses the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, with approximately 1.4 million residents while Los Angeles has the nation’s second largest Jewish community at around 565,000 people.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says her city is closely monitoring the situation “out of an abundance of caution” adding: “We will remain vigilant”.
Police express particular apprehension about “soft targets”, such as churches, synagogues and tourist attractions that are typically less well guarded than others. Officials in smaller US cities say they are also increasing security measures, citing vulnerabilities during parades and other summer events.


US local police, Jewish communities, brace for pro-Iran retaliation

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a phone call with Trump, in which the two “reiterated the grave risk posed by Iran’s nuclear programme to international security.”
Both sides agrees that Iran would not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and to urge Tehran back to the negotiation table.


Starmer speaks with Trump, reiterate risk posed by Iran

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian tells his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, on a separate phone call on Sunday, that the US must “receive a response” to attacks on its nuclear sites.
“The Americans must receive a response to their aggression,” Pezeshkian tells the French leader, according to the official IRNA news agency.


Iran’s Pezeshkian tells Macron US must ‘receive a response’

Iran’s Health Ministry says no radioactive contamination has been detected following the US strike on its nuclear sites, according to a report from the state-run IRNA news agency.
The announcement comes shortly after International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Mariano Grossi told the United Nations Security Council that “significant damage” had been observed at key Iranian nuclear facilities.
“Craters are visible at the Fordow site, Iran’s main uranium enrichment location at 60 per cent, indicating the use of ground-penetrating munitions,” Grossi said, though he noted that the extent of underground damage at Fordow remains unknown.
Washington has repeatedly claimed the strike caused major destruction. President Donald Trump declared: “Fordow is gone”.
Tehran, however, is insisting that the underground facility remains. An Iranian source tells Reuters that most of the highly enriched uranium at Fordow had been moved to an undisclosed location prior to the attack.
Fordow is one of Iran’s most secretive nuclear sites, buried approximately 80 metres beneath a mountain, and is one of key uranium enrichment plants in the country.


World braces for Iran’s response after US attack on nuclear sites

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Global powers clash at UN as Tehran hints at retaliation and eyes vital oil route

Global powers clash at UN as Tehran hints at retaliation and eyes vital oil route