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Update: 17 June 2025

As tensions between Israel and Iran enter a fifth day of intense conflict, US President Donald Trump called for an immediate evacuation of Tehran, accusing Iran’s government of rejecting a nuclear deal, as reported by Reuters.

The warning comes following reports of explosions and air defence activity in the Iranian capital early on Tuesday, with reports confirming casualties in the central city of Kashan following Israeli strikes.

World leaders at the G7 summit in Canada pressed for de-escalation, labelling Iran a destabilising force while reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defence.

Trump, who left the summit early, denied claims by French President Emmanuel Macron that his departure was linked to ceasefire negotiations. ‘Wrong! Much bigger than that,’ Trump posted on Truth Social, without elaborating.

The US president also hinted at a potential breakthrough in the nuclear standoff with Tehran, suggesting he might dispatch senior American officials for direct talks with the Islamic Republic.

Israeli forces claimed responsibility for killing Iran’s wartime chief of staff and targeting military sites, including missile depots. Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported heavy defensive fire near Tehran and the nuclear hub of Natanz, raising fears of further escalation.

Update: 14  June 2025, 12pm

Tensions in the Middle East erupted into deadly violence after Iran unleashed a wave of missiles at Israel, leaving three civilians dead and dozens more wounded in a dramatic escalation that has rattled global powers.

The assault, reportedly in response to a covert Israeli operation targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and senior military figures, marked the first direct missile strike from Tehran onto Israeli soil, an unprecedented move that drew immediate international concern.

Explosions rocked Israeli cities as projectiles pierced the night sky, with several striking near densely populated areas. Israel’s Iron Dome defence system scrambled to intercept the barrage, managing to neutralise the majority of incoming threats. However, some still made impact, claiming lives and injuring civilians.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant branded the attack a ‘grave provocation’ and warned of consequences. His colleague, Israel Katz, was even more forceful, saying, ‘Iran has crossed a red line.’

The Israeli military responded by going on high alert and deploying additional air defence units to key urban centres, while maintaining readiness for a broader military response.

A dangerous military confrontation between Israel and Iran has erupted, triggering global alarm and a rush to evacuate foreign nationals from the region.

Israel’s preemptive attack:

On 13 June, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, its largest-ever strike inside Iranian territory. Over 200 Israeli warplanes and drones targeted more than 100 locations, including nuclear facilities, missile sites, and IRGC command centres. Iranian officials report at least 78 people killed, including several top IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists, and over 320 wounded.

Iran’s swift retaliation:

In response, Iran launched Operation True Promise III, firing over 150 ballistic missiles and more than 100 drones at Israeli cities. While Israel’s Iron Dome and US-supplied air defences intercepted most attacks, several missiles struck key locations in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Iranian sources claim at least one Israeli civilian killed and dozens injured; Israeli reports confirm seven wounded.

Foreign nationals evacuating:

Amid fears of a wider war, several countries have begun emergency evacuations of their citizens from Iran. Embassies have issued urgent travel warnings as military activity intensifies across the region.

The airspace over Iran, Iraq, Israel and Jordan is closed. UAE airlines, Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai and Air Arabia have been cancelled or rerouted.

Markets in turmoil:

Global markets are reacting sharply. Oil prices have surged over 7%, while the Dow Jones dropped nearly 750 points amid fears of a broader Middle East conflict.

Trump responds as Washington seeks to contain fallout:

Trump reposted an official statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who directly addressed the strikes:

The administration’s response aims to distance the US from the Israeli military operation while issuing a stark warning to Tehran against escalating the conflict toward American assets.

Calls for restraint:

The United Nations Security Council has convened an emergency session. Global leaders are urging both sides to step back from the brink as the IAEA monitors the situation closely following reported strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Both nations remain on high alert. Israel warns of further military waves, while Iran threatens expanded retaliation, potentially targeting U.S. assets in the region.

The world watches anxiously as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, raising fears of a full-scale regional war.

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Picture: @FoxNews / X

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