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Israeli airstrikes struck Iran's capital with intensity early Wednesday, as a widening conflict has reportedly left at least 585 people dead and 1,326 injured across Iran, according to a Washington-based human rights organization. The group, Human Rights Activists, which previously provided detailed casualty figures during the 2022 protests following Mahsa Amini’s death, reported that of those killed in the Israeli strikes, 239 were civilians and 126 were members of the security forces. The organization cross-references local Iranian reports with a network of verified sources inside the country. Iran has not issued frequent casualty updates during the conflict and has often downplayed the extent of damage and deaths. Its most recent figures, released on Monday, reported 224 fatalities and 1,277 wounded. The ongoing Israeli offensive, now in its sixth day and focused on Iran’s military and nuclear facilities, has thrown the region into uncertainty, prompting large numbers of Tehran residents to flee their homes. Israel maintains that the air campaign is necessary to prevent Iran from advancing closer to building a nuclear weapon. The strikes come amid diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington to revive negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. However, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Israel launched the offensive after the expiration of a 60-day deadline he had set for progress in the talks. Iran has consistently claimed that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. Nevertheless, it remains the only non-nuclear-armed country to enrich uranium to 60% purity—just a short technical step from the weapons-grade level of 90%. While the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear watchdog, continues to conduct limited inspections in Iran, U.S. intelligence agencies have stated that they do not believe Iran is currently trying to develop a nuclear bomb. Trump demands Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender’ as strikes continue, supreme leader is safe 'for now' People flee Tehran as strikes continue A powerful explosion was heard around 5 a.m. Wednesday in Tehran, following a series of blasts that had already shaken the city earlier in the predawn hours. Iranian authorities did not acknowledge the attacks, a pattern that has become increasingly common amid the intensifying Israeli airstrike campaign that began on Friday. One of the strikes reportedly hit Tehran’s eastern neighborhood of Hakimiyeh, where an academy run by the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard is located. In the aftermath, central Tehran saw a dramatic exodus, with many shops closing their doors, including the historic Grand Bazaar. The Bazaar, a symbol of the capital’s commercial life, has only shut down during major national crises, such as the 2022 anti-government protests and the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, traffic on roads leading west out of the city was gridlocked, with vehicles stuck in bumper-to-bumper congestion as residents attempted to flee. Trump demands Iranian surrender As the U.S. sends more warplanes to the Middle East, Trump made a series of statements about the conflict fueled confusion about the U.S.’s role, including demanding “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” in a post on social media and warning Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that the U.S. knows where he is hiding but that there were no plans to kill him “at least not for now.” Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke about the evolving situation over the phone on Tuesday, according to a White House official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. Iranian supreme leader warns: "The battle begins" Iran vows more retaliation Iran did not immediately respond to the U.S. president’s social media posts, but the country’s military leadership warned that more attacks against Israel were imminent. In a video message, Gen. Abdul Rahim Mousavi, commander in chief of Iran’s army, stated, “The operations carried out so far have been solely for the purpose of warning and deterrence. The punishment operation will be carried out soon.” As Iran launched another wave of missiles on Wednesday, Israel’s military advised residents to stay close to shelters. However, officials reported that most of the missiles were intercepted, and emergency services had no immediate reports of injuries. Air raid sirens sounded across southern Israel, including the town of Dimona, which is home to Israel’s undeclared nuclear weapons program. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department announced that the American Embassy in Jerusalem would remain closed through Friday. Iran has launched a smaller number of missiles in each successive barrage, with only a few fired on Wednesday. Although no official reason has been given for the reduced number of missiles, the drop follows Israeli strikes that targeted several Iranian launch systems. Since the start of its retaliation, Iran has fired around 400 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel. The attacks have so far resulted in 24 deaths inside Israel.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced the beginning of battle in a post on X, declaring, “In the name of the noble Haidar, the battle begins.” The name Haidar refers to Ali, regarded by Shia Muslims as the first Imam and rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. In a separate post on his English-language X account, Khamenei called for a forceful retaliation against Israel. “We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy,” he stated. Source: CNN

Sirens and loud explosions echoed through Tel Aviv on Tuesday night, just hours after former President Donald Trump met with his top national security advisers at the White House to weigh potential U.S. involvement in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Vice President JD Vance, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), indicated that Trump might take additional steps to halt Iran’s uranium enrichment activities. “He may decide he needs to take further action to end Iranian enrichment,” Vance wrote. Trump faces a crucial choice as Israel seeks more US support to cripple Iran’s nuclear program Trump himself made several statements on social media, calling for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and issuing a pointed warning about Iran’s leadership. He claimed that the U.S. knows the location of Iran’s supreme leader but has chosen not to target him—“at least not for now.”  But the US president says "we" are not going to kill Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei - "at least not for now" Source: The Washington Post and BBC

Though Israel has launched attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure the strikes have mainly targeted uranium enrichment facilities rather than active reactors. According to nuclear experts speaking to BBC News, such strikes are unlikely to trigger a catastrophic “nuclear incident” like those seen at Chernobyl or Fukushima. This is because enrichment sites do not host nuclear reactions. In nuclear reactors, uranium atoms undergo fission, releasing energy and creating highly radioactive waste. However, enrichment facilities are used only to produce nuclear fuel, not to initiate fission. Over 600 foreigners flee Iran into Azerbaijan Professor Simon Middleburgh, a nuclear materials expert at Bangor University, said that bombing an enrichment plant might cause enriched uranium to escape into the surrounding area. Still, he emphasized that no nuclear chain reaction would occur, meaning the danger would be limited. “The risks would be localised,” he noted, “with no significant radiological threat beyond a small exclusion zone around the targeted facility.” Source: BBC

Dhaka, June 17 (UNB/TASS) — Israel has claimed the elimination of Major General Ali Shadmani, a top Iranian military commander and wartime chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, in an airstrike targeting a command center in Tehran, according to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF said the airstrike, carried out overnight following “precise intelligence,” targeted a staffed command center in the heart of Tehran and resulted in the death of Shadmani, who was described as “the most senior military commander and closest figure to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.” Shadmani headed the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which oversaw Iran’s emergency military command and strategic operations . He had previously served as the Deputy Commander of the same command center and led the Operations Directorate in Iran’s General Staff. In its statement, the IDF added that Shadmani had played a key role in coordinating Iran’s military operations, including those targeting Israel. “He commanded both the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the regular Iranian army,” the statement said. The Israeli army noted that Shadmani was appointed to lead the Iranian Armed Forces after his predecessor Alaa Ali Rashid was killed in the initial stage of Israel’s ongoing military operation, dubbed ‘Operation Rising Lion’. Terming the killing as part of a broader effort to weaken Iran’s military leadership, the IDF said, “Shadmani's elimination degrades the chain of command of the Iranian armed forces.” Tensions have escalated in the region in recent weeks amid ongoing military confrontations and tit-for-tat strikes between Israel and Iran. Source: With input from TASS

At least three people were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting Iran's state-run broadcaster in Tehran, according to Iranian state media. Earlier reports confirmed the deaths of a news editor and another staff member from the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). The attack came after the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to residents in the area of the capital where the broadcaster's headquarters is located. Footage from the live broadcast showed a female news presenter abruptly reacting mid-sentence before leaving her desk in haste. Moments later, the studio filled with grey smoke and flying debris before the transmission was cut off.

Israel has issued warnings for hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate central Tehran, as its aerial offensive on Iran enters its fourth day, widening in scope amid an intensifying conflict. In a dramatic moment captured live, an Iranian television anchor fled her studio during a broadcast as explosions struck near the headquarters of Iran’s state-run TV network. Later on Monday, former U.S. President Donald Trump posted a stark warning on his social media platform, calling for the immediate evacuation of the Iranian capital. “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” Trump wrote, stressing, “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” Shortly after the post, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on social media that Trump would cut short his visit to the G7 summit in Canada and return to Washington early due to the escalating situation. Iran launches fresh missile barrage on Israel, killing 5 amid escalating conflict Israel says strikes have set back nuclear program Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Israel’s ongoing airstrikes have significantly set back Iran’s nuclear program, saying it has been pushed back a “very, very long time.” He also noted that he has been in regular contact with former U.S. President Donald Trump throughout the crisis. “The regime is very weak,” Netanyahu told reporters, defending Israel’s wide-ranging attacks on Iranian military leadership, nuclear facilities, and scientists. Israel argues that these operations are vital to prevent Iran from nearing the capability to develop a nuclear weapon. Since the offensive began on Friday, at least 224 people in Iran have been reported killed. Iran, however, insists that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. While the U.S. and other international observers have acknowledged that Iran has not had a coordinated nuclear weapons program since 2003, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has warned that Iran now possesses enough enriched uranium to produce multiple nuclear bombs if it decides to do so. In response to the Israeli strikes, Iran has launched more than 370 missiles and hundreds of drones targeting Israel. According to Israeli sources, 24 people have died and over 500 have been injured. The escalating exchange of attacks has heightened fears of a full-scale war between the two nations, further destabilizing an already volatile region. Israel's military issues evacuation warning affecting up to 330,000 people On Monday, Israel’s military ordered 330,000 residents to evacuate a central district of Tehran, home to critical infrastructure including the national police headquarters, state-run television, and three major hospitals—one of which is operated by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. The alert comes amid an expanding Israeli air campaign, echoing previous evacuation orders issued in parts of Gaza and Lebanon ahead of military strikes. Iran's state-run television abruptly halted a live broadcast after its building was struck, according to the official IRNA news agency. During the program, a visibly shaken presenter reported the studio was filling with dust following “the sound of aggression against the homeland.” Moments later, a loud explosion interrupted the segment, cutting the feed as the anchor fled the set. Broadcasts were swiftly switched to pre-recorded content. The channel later confirmed that four bombs had struck its facility. While an anchor acknowledged that some staff members were injured, they assured viewers that families need not be alarmed. The station resumed live programming from an alternate studio. Trump blocked Israeli plot to assassinate Iran’s Khamenei: Reports Israel claims ‘full aerial superiority’ over Tehran Israel has declared it has achieved complete aerial dominance over Tehran’s skies, according to military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin. Speaking on Monday, Defrin said Israeli forces have delivered a “deep and comprehensive blow” to Iran’s military capabilities. The Israeli military reported the destruction of over 120 surface-to-surface missile launchers in central Iran — nearly one-third of Iran’s arsenal — along with two F-14 fighter jets used to target Israeli aircraft. Additionally, multiple missile launchers were struck moments before they could fire ballistic missiles toward Israel. Israeli jets also targeted 10 command centers in Tehran operated by the Quds Force, the elite foreign operations wing of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard responsible for military and intelligence missions beyond Iran’s borders. Meanwhile, a missile reportedly landed near the U.S. consulate in Tel Aviv. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the blast caused minor damage but no American personnel were harmed. Explosions rock Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva and Haifa oil refinery A series of powerful explosions jolted Tel Aviv early Monday, with thick black smoke rising over the coastal city following Iranian missile strikes. In nearby Petah Tikva, local authorities confirmed that a missile struck a residential building, leaving behind scorched concrete, shattered windows, and ripped-open apartment walls. Meanwhile, in the northern city of Haifa, an oil refinery was targeted for the second consecutive night. The early morning attack killed three workers, sparked a massive fire, and caused significant structural damage, according to Israel’s fire and rescue services. Officials said the workers were taking shelter in a designated safe room when the missile impact collapsed a stairwell, trapping them. Despite urgent efforts by firefighters to control the blaze and reach the victims, all three succumbed before they could be rescued. No sign of conflict letting up Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday appeared to signal openness to U.S. involvement in mediating a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, urging Washington to take decisive action. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Araghchi wrote, “If Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential.” He added pointedly, “It takes one phone call from Washington to muzzle someone like Netanyahu. That may pave the way for a return to diplomacy.” His remarks came after recent U.S.-Iran talks were abruptly canceled over the weekend, following Israeli strikes that targeted senior Iranian political and military figures in Tehran. Araghchi reiterated Iran’s readiness to halt attacks if Israel does the same. “We will stop if they stop,” he said on Sunday. The spiraling conflict has had widespread regional impacts. Several Middle Eastern countries have shut down their airspace, grounding flights and stranding tens of thousands of travelers. Many airports have either suspended operations entirely or drastically reduced service, making evacuation or return travel nearly impossible for many. Iran rules out ceasefire talks while under Israeli assault: Official Iranian health officials reported that 1,277 people have been injured during the strikes, while the country has also imposed fuel rationing in response to mounting logistical pressure. However, human rights groups say the true human toll is likely far higher. The U.S.-based group Human Rights Activists claimed that over 400 people have died so far, including 197 civilians — a significantly higher number than the Iranian government's official figures. Prior to launching its initial wave of attacks, Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency reportedly placed explosive drones and precision-guided weapons inside Iranian territory. In response, Iranian authorities have arrested several individuals and executed one suspect accused of espionage.

The conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its fifth consecutive day, with missile strikes and aerial bombardments intensifying across key regions, leaving civilians trapped in an escalating spiral of violence. In Iran, at least 224 people have been confirmed dead since hostilities erupted, according to officials, reports CNN. Meanwhile, 24 fatalities have been reported in Israel, as both nations engage in a widening exchange of fire, targeting strategic and urban locations alike. The violence has severely impacted flashpoint areas on both sides. In Iran, major cities including Tehran, Isfahan and Mashhad have witnessed multiple waves of strikes, with emergency services overwhelmed and hospitals struggling to cope. In Israel, border towns and central districts are on high alert, with civilians advised to remain indoors or evacuate when possible. Trump Proposes Ceasefire US President Donald Trump announced his early departure from the G7 summit in Italy, citing the urgency of the Middle East crisis. Speaking at a press conference, Trump suggested that a ceasefire deal could be “within reach”, with French President Emmanuel Macron later confirming that Trump had formally proposed a peace framework to Tehran. However, the US leader delivered a stark warning to the Iranian leadership, advising the 10 million residents of Tehran to evacuate, fuelling speculation of potential US military involvement or strikes on the capital. “This is a very dangerous moment,” Trump said. “We want peace, but we are prepared for all scenarios.” Iran launches fresh missile barrage on Israel, killing 5 amid escalating conflict Israeli Strikes Target Nuclear Infrastructure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the latest Israeli strikes have “significantly set back” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Israeli forces targeted three key Iranian nuclear facilities, as well as individuals identified as senior nuclear scientists. “I estimate we are sending them back a very, very long time,” Netanyahu told reporters. The full extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear programme remains unclear, but satellite imagery and local reports suggest substantial destruction at some high-value targets. Iran’s response to the attacks has been fierce. State media reported fresh launches of ballistic missiles into southern Israel overnight, with claims of damage to a military airbase near Beersheba, though these reports have not been independently verified. Israel-Iran conflict enters third day with escalating missile strikes, rising death tolls International Reactions The United Nations has called for “immediate de-escalation”, warning that the current course could plunge the region into a broader war with devastating humanitarian consequences. Meanwhile, regional players including Saudi Arabia and Turkey have urged restraint but are reportedly bracing for spillover effects. With no clear diplomatic breakthrough in sight and tensions escalating by the hour, analysts warn that the coming days will be critical in determining whether the situation can be contained — or whether the region will face yet another prolonged war. Source: With inputs from CNN   

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that 38 Palestinians were killed on Monday in shootings near food distribution centers in the southern part of the territory — marking the highest daily death toll so far in a series of frequent shootings. These incidents have been occurring almost daily as large numbers of Palestinians pass through areas under Israeli military control to access food aid. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli forces fire at the crowds in an effort to manage or disperse them. Israel asserts control over Iranian Airspace, claims aerial superiority over Tehran There was no immediate statement by the Israeli military on Monday’s deaths. It has said in previous instances that troops fired warning shots at what it calls suspects approaching their positions.

The United Nations human rights chief has strongly criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza, describing them as causing “horrifying, unconscionable suffering” for Palestinians. He called on world leaders to intensify pressure on both Israel and Hamas to end the conflict. Volker Türk, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, made the remarks during the opening of the latest session of the U.N. Human Rights Council on Monday. In a wide-ranging speech, he also addressed the growing tensions between Iran and Israel, the consequences of recent U.S. tariffs, human rights issues in China, and ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Ukraine. Trump orders expanding migrant deportation amid protests Türk, who has consistently condemned the violence in Gaza and called for the release of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian militants, used particularly strong language to describe the situation. Speaking to the 47-member council—which Israel has frequently accused of bias—he stated, “Israel’s means and methods of warfare are inflicting horrifying, unconscionable suffering on Palestinians in Gaza.” The United States, Israel’s main ally, has not participated in the council’s activities under the Trump administration, which criticized the body’s stance toward Israel. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s military campaign has killed over 55,300 Palestinians, with women and children making up the majority of the casualties. However, the ministry does not separate civilian from militant deaths. Türk emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, “The facts speak for themselves. Everyone in government needs to wake up to what is happening in Gaza.” He added that those with influence must “exert maximum pressure on Israel and Hamas, to put an end to this unbearable suffering.” Türk also highlighted rising civilian deaths in Ukraine, more than three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion. He condemned summary executions and widespread sexual violence in Sudan, including abuses against children. Turning to the United States, Türk criticized the tariffs imposed in April—without naming former President Donald Trump directly—likening them to “a high-stakes poker game, with the global economy as the bank.” He warned that a trade war could strike Least Developed Countries (LDCs) like “a tsunami,” potentially leading to severe consequences for exporters in Asia and increased costs for basic needs such as food, healthcare, and education. He also raised concerns about U.S. deportations of non-citizens, including removals to third countries, and urged respect for the right to peaceful protest. Due to U.N. funding shortfalls, the council session has been shortened by two and a half days and will now run through July 9. Based in Geneva, the council is the U.N.’s top human rights body.