Update 20:45: Israeli officials signalled retreat in its military campaign against Iran if Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stops any more attacks: “If tomorrow Khamenei stops the fire and says he wants to end this — we will accept that,” an Israeli official said. Commentators state that Israel fears a war of attrition with Iran. Nor the military or economy is designed to withstand a potentially long standing war, with the genocide continuing in Gaza. This potential retraction could signal to the world its weakening stance amongst ongoing international criticism. With this war with Iran costing an estimated $200 million a day and it being pre occupied with offensive attacks in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, perhaps the end game for Israel is at hand.
Update 15:45: As the US hails ‘final blow’ to Iran’s alleged nuclear programme, the facts tell a different story; Iran has a declared nuclear energy programme whereas Israel has a nuclear weapons programme; there are 21 sites under IAEA safeguards in Iran, there are zero in Israel; there have been 450 inspections in Iran and one in Israel; Iran is part of the non proliferation treaty, Israel is not.
Update 14:27: Iranian parliament approves closure of Strait of Hormuz, final decision to be made by security authorities, as reported by Al Arabiya.
The Strait of Hormuz is known for the transportation of about 20% of the world’s oil. Predominantly from Saudi and the gulf states. To have it closed could reshape the middle east for good and encourage the US to be involved in a more proactive war. This comes as hundreds in Mashhad, Iran, signed a petition urging the Iranian parliament to vote on withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Update 14:15: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the U.S. for joining Israel in bombing Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling it a “historical mistake” that signals the collapse of diplomacy. He accused the U.S. of abandoning negotiations in favour of military aggression and warned of severe regional consequences if attacks continue.
Update 13:00: “You Started It”: Iran Broadcasts Measured Warning to Trump
Iranian state television has aired a measured warning directed at former U.S. President Donald Trump, declaring, “You started it. We will end it.” The broadcast, which included a graphic titled “Within the Fire Range of Iran,” showcased U.S. military bases across the Middle East illuminated as potential targets. The message comes amid the recent provocative actions by the U.S. on Iranian nuclear facilities. The broadcast signals Iran’s stern intent to retaliate if further action is taken against its sovereignty. Despite the recent escalation in hostilities, Iran’s move is viewed as a strategic deterrence posture rather than a declaration of imminent attack. U.S. military bases in the region have reportedly heightened their alert status in response.
US bombs Iran
The United States has launched direct military strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, targeting three major sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. The operation involved B‑2 bombers flying 37 hours nonstop and Tomahawk cruise missiles, marking a dramatic escalation of the regional conflict.
President Trump confirmed the strikes, declaring them a success and warning Iran to make peace or face further action. Iran has vowed “everlasting consequences,” accusing the U.S. of undermining diplomacy by joining Israel’s air campaign.
The U.S. military bombed three of Iran’s most significant nuclear facilities in a surprise strike on June 21, 2025, dramatically escalating tensions in the Middle East. The targeted sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—were long considered central to Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities. The attack was carried out using long-range B‑2 bombers that flew 37 hours non-stop and Tomahawk missiles, with U.S. officials claiming a high success rate and no aircraft losses.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. “obliterated” nuclear sites in Iran and warned that “Iran should make peace or face more attacks.” Iranian officials responded by calling the operation a “flagrant act of war.” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States of betraying diplomacy, condemning its direct alignment with Israel’s ongoing aerial campaign against Tehran.
The Fordow site, in particular, is buried deep within a mountain and has long been considered nearly impervious to attack. The use of bunker-busting munitions strongly suggests the Pentagon aimed to render the facility completely inoperable. International observers and arms control experts are closely monitoring the sites for potential radiation leaks, though Iran has denied any occurred.
Reactions to the strike are mixed. Some Western allies have backed the U.S. move, citing Iran’s expanding nuclear activity. Others, including international legal experts, warn the attack may violate both international law and the U.S. War Powers Resolution, given the lack of Congressional authorization.
President Trump claims all aircraft returned safely and urged Iran to “end this war.” The irony, however, was stark: while previously offering only indirect support to Israel, Trump had now inserted the United States directly into the conflict – without Congressional approval, a move that many legal analysts argue violates the War Powers Resolution. His appeal for peace, coming moments after escalating the war, stood in direct contradiction not only to his earlier “no more endless wars” stance, but also to his repeated criticisms of President Obama’s Iran policy, particularly the nuclear deal and what Trump once called Obama’s “weak, failed negotiation tactics.”
In the eyes of critics, Trump had not only abandoned his own doctrine, but embraced the very playbook he once derided.
Latest updates will be reported as the situation develops.
