Qatar said Monday that it intercepted missiles fired by Iran at the Al Udeid air base, which is about an hour from Doha and serves as the forward heaquarters of the US Central Command (CENTCOM). Doha added that it ‘reserves the right to respond in a manner equivalent with the nature and scale of this brazen aggression’.
Iranian state-run media confirmed that the missiles were fired by Tehran as retaliation for US strikes on three nuclear facilities the previous day.
On Sunday, the US announced that it had struck three facilities critical to Iran’s nuclear ambitions—Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan. The mission was codenamed ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’. The strikes marked the US’s entry into the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.
US President Donald Trump warned that more attacks could follow if Tehran doesn’t agree to peace, while Iran termed the strikes a blow to the international order.
LIVE UPDATES: US strikes on Iran
4.10 am: Trump says Israel, Iran agree to ‘total ceasefire’
US President Donald Trump writes on Truth Social that Israel and Iran have agreed to a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE”. The ceasefire will come into effect “…(in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!)…”
12.15 am: UAE, Saudi Arabia condemn retaliation by Iran
Saudi Arabia and the UAE issue separate statements condemning Tehran’s decision to target the Al Al Udeid air base in Qatar.
“This aggression constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the principles of good neighborliness. It is unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances,” says Saudi Arabia.
11:15 pm: Qatar says missiles intercepted, reserves right to respond
In a statement, Qatar’s defence ministry says it successfully intercepted a missile attack targeting Al Udeid air base, which is the CENTCOM forward headquarters.
— وزارة الدفاع – دولة قطر (@MOD_Qatar) June 23, 2025
Majed Al Ansari, official spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, terms the attack a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty. “We affirm that Qatar reserves the right to respond directly in a manner equivalent with the nature and scale of this brazen aggression, in line with international law,” reads the statement issued by him.
The State of Qatar strongly condemns the attack that targeted Al-Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. We consider this a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, its airspace, international law, and the United Nations Charter. We affirm that…
— د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) June 23, 2025
10:45 pm: Iran targets US base in Qatar
Hours after Qatar closed off its airspace, explosions were heard over Doha in what Iranian state-run media outlets are calling retaliation for US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. It is unclear at this time whether the visuals circulating on social media show projectiles or interception by air defences.
6:30 pm: ‘Trump is still interested in diplomacy’
Speaking to Fox News, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says, “If the Iranian regime refuses to come to a peaceful diplomatic solution, which the president is still interested and engaging in, by the way, why shouldn’t the Iranian people take away the power of this incredibly violent regime that has been suppressing them for decades?”
6:00 pm: This is our Berlin Wall moment: Reza Pahlavi
At a press conference in Paris, Reza Pahlavi, the son of the country’s last shah, says, “Credible reports indicate that Ali Khamenei family and the family of senior regime officials are making preparations to flee Iran. The regime is on its last legs in towns and cities across the country. The military is fractured. The people are united. The foundation of this 46 year tyranny are shaking. This is our Berlin Wall moment.”
As had been planned by the CIA and the MI6, his father, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi seized power in 1953, ousting former PM Mohammad Mosaddegh and reinstalling the monarchy in Iran.
5:30 pm: IDF gives details of strikes in Iran, including Fordow
In a post on X, the Israel Defence Forces say they have struck six airports across western, central and eastern Iran, destroying runways, hangar and refuelling aircraft.
They also struck routes in order to obstruct access to the Fordow enrichment site. The heavily fortified, underground nuclear site was hit by 6 30,000-tonne bunker buster during the US operation in Iran Sunday.
💥The IDF struck 6 regime airports across western, central, and eastern Iran, destroying runways, underground hangars, refueling aircraft, F-14, F-5 and AH-1 aircraft.
The destroyed aircraft were meant to stop IAF jets. The IAF impaired takeoff capabilities from these airports,… pic.twitter.com/eI1iKw4NqL
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 23, 2025
4:30 pm: US action against Iran has no justification—What Putin told Araghchi
Speaking to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi during a meeting in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin, without naming the US, said, “The absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran has no basis and no justification.”
He also said he had spoken to US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the phone, adding that Araghchi’s visit “will give us the opportunity to discuss all these pressing issues and think together about how we could get out of today’s situation”.
On his part, the Iranian foreign minister said, Russia was a “partner” in Iran’s nuclear programme.
“These aggressive actions by Israel and the United States are completely illegitimate and violate international rules and international norms, and we are now defending our sovereignty and country—and our defense is legitimate,” Araghchi added.
4:20 pm: Israel’s foreign minister shares footage of strike on Evin prison
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar shares footage of Israeli strike on Evin prison, writing “long live freedom” in Spanish in the post. Earlier, AP reported that the gate of the notorious prison had been hit.
Reuters reports that Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Monday that the military was carrying out strikes on Tehran, including on the Evin Prison, which he said holds political prisoners and opponents of the Islamic Republic.
We warned Iran time and again: stop targeting civilians!
They continued, including this morning.
Our response:
Viva la libertad, carajo!@JMilei pic.twitter.com/pVdlWvCDqQ— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) June 23, 2025
4:00 pm: Iran’s foreign minister meets with Putin in Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called US strikes an “unprovoked aggression that has no justification” in meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, The Moscow Times reports.
FM Abbas Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the US-Israeli aggression against Iran
Follow https://t.co/B3zXG74hnU pic.twitter.com/ePjXcl8fd7
— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) June 23, 2025
3:40 pm: IAEA’s Grossi says ‘significant damage expected at Fordow’
Updating the IAEA board of governors on the status of Iranian nuclear sites after US strikes, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi says “craters are visible at the Fordow site—Iran’s main location for enriching uranium at 60 percent—indicating the use of ground-penetrating munitions”.
No one, including the IAEA, is in a position to fully assess ground damage at Fordow. However, he says, “very significant damage” is expected to have occurred, given the “explosive payload utilised and the vibration-sensitive nature of centrifuges”.
At Isfahan, affected buildings include some related to the uranium conversion process. Entrances of tunnels used for the storage of enriched material also appear to have been hit.
At Natanz, the fuel enrichment plant was hit. Iran has informed the IAEA that there was no increase in off-site radiation levels at all three sites.
3:20 pm: Weight of conflict risks collapsing nuclear non-proliferation regime
Speaking at the emergency IAEA board of governors meeting in Vienna, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi says, the weight of the Middle East conflict “risks collapsing nuclear non-proliferation regime”.
He shares that in a letter received on 13 June, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said “Iran will adopt special measure to protect nuclear equipment and materials”. This was the day Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, striking nuclear facilities, military personnel, nuclear scientists in Iran.
Reacting to the letter, Grossi emphasises that any transfer of nuclear material must be declared to IAEA.
He calls for parties to return to the “negotiating table” and a “cessation of hostilities” to further safeguard nuclear material.
My statement to the @IAEAorg Board of Governors at today’s emergency meeting on the situation in Iran, following U.S. attacks in the early hours of Sunday.pic.twitter.com/2smAnM4r7j
— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) June 23, 2025
3:10 pm: Iran’s Fordow nuclear site ‘hit again’
Israel is “currently striking with unprecedented force regime targets and governmental repression bodies in the heart of Tehran”, Defense Minister Israel Katz has said, The Times of Israel reports.
“Images will soon be released, illustrating the depth of the damage,” he said in a statement released by his office, the report says. “We will continue to act to defend the home front and defeat the enemy until all war objectives are achieved.”
Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports that an Iran’s underground nuclear enrichment plant at Fordow has been attacked again Monday. It is not clear who was behind the attack or what is the damage, the AP says. The gate of Iran’s notorious Evin prison was also hit in a suspected Israeli strike, the report further says.
The IDF had earlier said it was hitting military targets in central Tehran. The extent of the damage was not immediately clear.
3:00 pm: Dashcam records exact moment Iranian missile hits Ashdod, Israel
2:50 pm: Military response alone cannot produce desired effect: Macron
According to Radio France Internationale (RFI), French President Emmanuel Macron Monday said, “No strictly military response can produce the desired effects.”
Macron made the remarks as he convened a meeting of the national security and defence heads at the Elysée Palace in Paris.
“The resumption of diplomatic and technical discussions is the only way to achieve the goal we all seek, which is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, but also to prevent an uncontrolled escalation in the region,” RFI further quoted him as saying.
2:40 pm: Middle East tensions dominate meeting of EU foreign ministers
European foreign ministers were meeting in Brussels to talk about, among other things, the rising tensions in the Middle East, the Guardian reports.
Speaking to reporters, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul says Iran must negotiate with the US and the world cannot accept a nuclear armed Iran.
“Iran says it only wants to negotiate with Europe and we see that as a good sign but we do also say that’s not sufficient. We want to see the United States being involved.”
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot warns against trying to force regime change in Iran, Guardian reports. He further says the escalating tensions in the Middle East could have “devastating” consequences for the region and global stability.
2:30 pm: Israel says it is striking targets in Tehran
In a post on X, Israeli Air Force says it has begun a wave of attacks against military targets in Tehran. This comes after multiple reports of explosions in and near the Iranian capital.
חיל-האוויר החל כעת בגל תקיפות לעבר מטרות צבאיות בטהראן.
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) June 23, 2025
2:20 pm: Canadian PM says he spoke to Trump
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says he has spoken to US President Donald Trump overnight.
“We focused on de-escalating the conflict in the Middle East, our shared commitment to a stronger NATO at this week’s summit, and the progress in the ongoing trade negotiations between our countries,” he added.
I spoke with President Trump overnight.
We focused on de-escalating the conflict in the Middle East, our shared commitment to a stronger NATO at this week’s summit, and the progress in the ongoing trade negotiations between our countries.
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) June 23, 2025
2:10 pm: Explosions reported in Iranian capital
Al Jazeera reports that several explosions have been heard in and near Tehran, including in the north-west, close to a hospital. Iran and Israel continued to trade strikes for the 11th day Monday, a day after US struck Iranian nuclear facilities.
1:30 pm: Iran considers suspending cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog: Report
A parliamentary bill to suspend Iran’s cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog is under consideration, according to Ruhollah Motefakerzadeh, a member of parliament’s presidium, Reuters reports, quoting Iranian state media.
Iranian media also reported Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf saying: “We in the parliament are seeking to pass a bill that would suspend Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA until we have objective guarantees of the professional behaviour of this international organisation.”
However, Qalibaf added Tehran was not looking to develop nuclear weapons, the report further said.
1:20 pm: Sirens in north and central Israel, impact in south
The Times of Israel says medics were responding to reports of missile impact in the Ashdod area on southern Israel. Earlier, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said sirens were heard in northern, central, and southern Israel after Iran launched more missiles.
Monday marks the 11th day since the current phase of the conflict between Iran and Israel began on 13 June.
1:10 pm: Oil prices at highest since January
A Reuters report says oil prices Monday rose to their highest since January in the aftermath of US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and amid looming fears that Tehran could close the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude futures rose $1.88 or 2.44 percent at $78.89 a barrel as of 1122 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude advanced $1.87 or 2.53 percent at $75.71, the report says.
Both contracts jumped by more than 3 percent earlier in the session to $81.40 and $78.40, respectively, five-month highs, before giving up some gains.
1:00 pm: Sirens sound in northern Israel
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) says sirens have sounded across northern Israel as more projectiles are launched from Iran.
12:50 pm: Iran says US should expect heavy consequences
Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters, has said the US should expect heavy consequences for its actions, Reuters reports.
“Mr Trump, the gambler, you may start this war, but we will be the ones to end it,” Zolfaqari said in English at the end of a recorded video statement.
12:40pm: Iran’s encounter with ‘regime change’ in 1953
The current Israel-Iran conflict is threatening a regime change in Iran driven by foreign interests once again. America’s open support for Israel’s war against Iran is similar to its support in the 1950s for an operation initially ideated by the UK, experts say.
Read Madhurita Goswami’s report on Iran’s encounter with ‘regime change’ in 1953 & how the board is set this time around.
12:30 pm: IDF will ‘continue to work to achieve air superiority’
In a post on X, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) said 15 IAF jets had destroyed several launch and storage sites for surface-to-surface missiles in in the Kermanshah region of Iran that were aimed at Israel.
“The IDF continues to intensify its attacks on the Iranian regime’s military capabilities and will continue to work to achieve air superiority in order to maintain the security of the State of Israel,” it further said.
יותר מ-15 מטוסי קרב של חיל-האוויר תקפו לפני זמן קצר בהכוונה מודיעינית מדויקת של אמ״ן במרחב כרמנשאה שבאיראן, והשמידו מספר אתרי שיגור ואחסון טילי קרקע-קרקע שכוונו לעבר שטח מדינת ישראל.
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) June 23, 2025
12:20 pm: Iran Army chief vows decisive response to US crimes: Report
Iran’s Fars news agency reports that the country’s army chief, Major General Amir Hatami, has warned of “decisive” action against the US. Hatami was appointed last week after his predecessor was killed in strikes during Israel’s Operation Rising Lion.
Iran Army chief vows decisive response to US crimes pic.twitter.com/AWwrPUeZhd
— Fars News Agency (@EnglishFars) June 23, 2025
12:10 pm: Left parties condemn US bombing of Iran
In a joint statement Monday, five Left parties in India—CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML) Liberation, RSP and Forward Bloc—said US bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites was violation of its “sovereignty and the UN charter”. They also accused Israel of trying to “sabotage” negotiations between the US and Iran.
They called on the Indian government to “join global efforts to stop the war”.
12:00 pm: Iranian Supreme Leader says Israel made ‘big mistake’
In what appear to be his first public comments since US struck nuclear facilities in Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says Israel “has made a big mistake”.
In a post on an X account linked to the Supreme Leader, he said, Israel “committed a big crime; it must be punished and it is being punished; it is being punished right now.”
“The punishment continues.”
#همین_حالا
مجازات ادامه دارددشمن صهیونی یک اشتباه بزرگی کرده، یک جنایت بزرگی را مرتکب شده؛ باید مجازات بشود و دارد مجازات میشود؛ همین حالا دارد مجازات میشود.#الله_اکبر pic.twitter.com/wH6Wk9nNhJ
— KHAMENEI.IR | فارسی 🇮🇷 (@Khamenei_fa) June 23, 2025
9:30 am: Egypt expresses ‘deep concern’
In a press statement, the Arab Republic of Egypt condemned “the rapid escalation, which threatens serious consequences for regional and international peace and security.”
“Egypt rejects any violation of the United Nations Charter and international law, and reaffirms the importance of respecting the sovereignty of states,” the statement said. “Egypt once again warns of the dangers of sliding into further chaos and tension, and stresses that political solutions and diplomatic negotiations—not military options—are the only way out of the crisis and toward a lasting resolution.”
“In this context, Egypt renews its call for restraint, de-escalation, and prioritising dialogue, in order to protect civilian lives and safeguard the security and stability of the region,” it added.
8:45 am: ‘Completely serious act of aggression by US’—Araghchi in Moscow
Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, who is in Moscow for urgent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin following US’s attack, says “The attack by the Zionist regime and the United States on Iran’s nuclear facilities occurred without any prior incident that could justify such an action as self-defense. This was a completely serious act of aggression by the US, and what we are doing in response is self-defense—a fully legitimate defense against an illegitimate act of aggression.”
“The consequences of these actions are not limited to Iran. They bring major consequences and challenges for the region, the international community, and international law, which will become evident in the future,” he added.
“Iran and Russia have always shared mutual concerns, mutual interests, and common enemies. We have consistently maintained close consultations and cooperation to confront mutual threats and challenges. This is what we will continue to do during Monday’s meeting with the President of Russia.”
7:30 am: ‘Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran’—Trump
In a post on Truth Social, Trump writes, “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term!”
2:00 am: IAEA chiefs addresses UNSC on US strikes
Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) chief Rafael Grossi tells UN Security Council that craters are visible at Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility but no one, including the UN nuclear watchdog agency, can make a detailed assessment of the underground damage at the facility at this time.
The global nuclear watchdog agency has called an emergency meeting of its board of governors on 23 June to discuss the US strikes.
1:45 am: Iran’s top diplomat in Moscow to meet Putin
Iran’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is in Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, Fars News Agency is reporting. “Russia is a friend of Iran and we enjoy a strategic partnership,” he had told reporters in Istanbul before flying to Moscow.
TOP DEVELOPMENTS: 22 June, 2025
11:15 pm: IAEA chief on Fordow nuclear facility
Speaking to CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi says the agency cannot rule out ‘significant damage’ at Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility which was struck by US B-2 bombers carrying ‘bunker buster’ bombs.
10:30 pm: UNSC to meet to discuss US strikes on Iran
The United Nations Security Council will meet Sunday to discuss US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Russia, China and Pakistan have proposed that the body adopt a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, reports Reuters.
10 pm: Vance says US at war with Iranian nuclear programme, not Iran
US Vice President J.D. Vance told ABC News that the US is at war with the Iranian nuclear programme, not the nation of Iran. He added that the US has “no interest in boots on the ground” and said it “would be suicidal” if Tehran decides to close the Strait of Hormuz.
8:30 pm: Israel strikes Iranian city of Bushehr
Israel has confirmed that it struck the Iranian port city of Bushehr which also houses Iran’s only nuclear power plant. IDF, however, did not confirm whether it struck the nuclear power plant and instead said it targeted “missile launchers, military sites involved in the production of aerial defense batteries, the ‘Third Brigade’ UAV command center, a UAV storage facility near the command center, and soldiers loading missile launchers”.
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐱. 𝟑𝟎 𝐈𝐀𝐅 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐣𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐝𝐨𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐈𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝟔𝟎 𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝:
📍 Yazd
IAF fighter jets struck the "Imam… pic.twitter.com/ZARmIvqdbd— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 22, 2025
8 pm: Iran moves to close Strait of Hormuz, says report
A report by the Iranian media outlet Press TV quoted Esmaeil Kowsari, a senior member of parliament, as saying that the majlis (Iranian parliament) has voted to approve the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Kowsari, however, added that the final decision on whether Tehran will close the energy chokepoint will be taken by the Supreme National Security Council.
7.30 pm: Afghan Taliban condemns US strikes
The Taliban regime in Afghanistan in a statement issued Sunday condemned US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, while also expressing ‘concern over the growing instability in the region’.
“The IEA-MoFA (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan-Ministry of Foreign Affairs) deems the violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran as unacceptable, & calls on all involved sides to give diplomacy a chance in order to resolve the issue,” it said.
7 pm: ‘Explosion heard’ in Iran’s Bushehr
Reports in the Iranian media suggest a ‘massive explosion’ was heard in the country’s Bushehr province which houses Iran’s only nuclear power plant.
6.45 pm: Russia condemns US strikes
In a statement issued Sunday, the Russian Federation ‘resolutely condemned’ the US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran. The statement issued by the Russian foreign ministry added that Moscow is calling for an “immediate end to aggression and for stepping up efforts to bring the situation back onto a peaceful, diplomatic track”.
6:00 pm: Hegseth says ‘American deterrence is back’
In a press briefing by the Pentagon, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says US military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities were an incredible and overwhelming success which took months and weeks of positioning to carry out.
The target, he said, were not Iranian troops or people but Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“The operation President Trump planned was bold and it was brilliant, showing the world that American deterrence is back. When this President speaks, the world should listen,” Hegseth said.”
The Operation was called ‘Midnight Hammer’. The B-2 planes that carried out the attack flew 18 hours in the middle of the night all the way from Missouri, US, stopping only for refuelling.
5:00 pm: What do we know so far
- In the early hours of Sunday morning (IST), the US hit three key Iranian nuclear facilities. According to media reports, the US used B-2 bombers to drop six 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs on the facility in Fordow, while it targeted Isfahan and Natanz with 30 Tomahawk missiles fired from an American submarine placed around 643 km away. The New York Times reported that two bunker buster were also dropped on the Natanz site. The US government has not officially confirmed all the information.
- In a series of posts on Truth social and in his address to the nation, US President Donald Trump said the three facilities had been completely obliterated, calling for peace. He warned that the US could carry out more attacks if Iran retaliates.
- Iran has warned that the US has placed itself on the “front line of aggression” and that it has a “variety of options” available to it. Gulf states, home to multiple US military bases, were on high alert. Iran’s mission to the UN has also submitted a letter to the UNSC condemning the attacks.
- The IAEA and the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) confirmed there was no radiation leak in the aftermath of the attacks. The IAEA will convene an emergency meeting of the board of governors Monday.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a number of world leaders have called for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.
- Israel and Iran continue to strike each other with the the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claiming it had used the multi-warhead, third-generation Kheibar-Shekan ballistic missile for the first time.
4:30 pm: Iran says ‘variety of options’ available for retaliation against US
When asked about the possible course of action Iran could take in retaliation to US strikes, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also said, “There are a variety of options available to us- and that’s it … of course the way for diplomacy should always remain open, but we are not in a situation right now to decide how to engage in diplomacy once again and with whom, so let’s wait for our response.”
“First and when aggression is ended, we decide how to engage in diplomacy once again,” he said at the press briefing in Istanbul.
3:50 pm: PM Modi expresses ‘deep’ concern over ‘escalations’
In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says he has spoken to the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing “deep concern at the recent escalations”.
“Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability.”
Spoke with President of Iran @drpezeshkian. We discussed in detail about the current situation. Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations. Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 22, 2025
3:30 pm: IAEA says Isfahan ‘contained little or no nuclear material’
In a fresh statement, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says, “The facilities targeted today (at the Isfahan nuclear complex) either contained no nuclear material or small quantities of natural or low enriched uranium, meaning any radioactive contamination is limited to the buildings that were damaged or destroyed.”
3:20 pm: Don’t have information on level of damages, says Iran’s Araghchi
Responding to questions in Istanbul, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi says nuclear non-proliferation treaty, of which Iran has been a signatory for decades, has failed to protect Iran and its “peaceful nuclear programme.”
He says, “I still do not have exact information about the level of damages” at the three nuclear sites.
Araghchi says he will have “serious consultations with Russian Vladimir Putin” in Moscow Monday. He says China and Russia had been working on a UNSC resolution calling for end of hostilities. Adding that it has been torpedoed now, he says he will discuss with China and Russia on how to proceed.
3:10 pm: Iran’s foreign minister blames US for ‘consequences of its actions’
Speaking in press briefing in Istanbul, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi says, “The US administration holds sole and full responsibility for the consequences of its actions, including the Islamic Republic of Iran’s right to self-defense.”
He said not only Iran has been bombed, but also international law. “We have to see how much space is left for diplomacy.”
3:00 pm: US has put itself on ‘front line of aggression’
In a fresh statement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says the US has placed itself on the “front line of aggression”, Reuters reports. It further says attacks on Israel will continue as it responds to US strikes overnight.
2:30 pm: Egyptian foreign minister’s India visit postponed
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty’s two-day visit to New Delhi has been postponed after the US conducted strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, entering Israel’s war in the early hours of Sunday.
Read Keshav Padmanabhan full report here.
2:20 pm: Iran says it has deployed its Kheibar Shekan missile for 1st time
In a statement Sunday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announces its first use of the multi-warhead, third-generation Kheibar-Shekan ballistic missile.
“The 20th wave of Operation ‘True Promise 3’ began with the launch of 40 solid- and liquid-fueled missiles. In this operation, for the first time, the third-generation Kheibar-Shekan multi-warhead ballistic missile developed by the IRGC Aerospace Force was used,” the statement says, adding, “This missile employed new and surprising tactics for enhanced precision, destructive power, and operational effectiveness.”
The IRGC adds that it “struck” the Ben Gurion Airport, the Biological Research Center, and alternate command and control centers in Israel in this wave. However, there was no immediate confirmation of any impact at these sites from Israel.
Iran warned that it had yet to use its “main capabilities”.
2:10 pm: Iran questions calls for it to ‘return’ to negotiations
Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi questions calls for Iran to return to the negotiating table for a deal over its nuclear programme, saying, “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?” He blames US and Israel for ‘blowing up’ the talks.
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"…
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 22, 2025
1:30 pm: Pakistan says attacks violate international law
In a post on X, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar condemns the attacks and called them a violation of international law.
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) June 22, 2025
1:00 pm: IAEA to convene emergency meeting Monday
Rafael Grossi, the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), says an emergency meeting of the board of governors is being convened Monday in light of the “urgent” situation in Iran. Earlier, IAEA confirmed there had been no spike in radiation after US struck the Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz nuclear facilties in Iran.
12:40 pm: World leaders react to US strikes on Iran
In a post on X, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says US has taken action to alleviate “threat” of Iran’s nuclear programme to international security. It called on Iran to return to the “negotiating table”.
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…
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 22, 2025
In its statement, the government of Australia says Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programme was a threat to international peace and security.
Saudi Arabia’s ministry of foreign affairs, in a statement, condemns the violation of Iranian sovereignty.
Both, Australia and Saudi Arabia in their statements call for de-escalation.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yván Gil, in a statement on Telegram, describes the US action as “military aggression” carried out “at the request of the State of Israel,” while Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel warns the bombings constitute a “dangerous escalation” and a serious violation of the UN Charter.
In a post on X, Chilean President Gabriel Boric says, “Having power does not authorise you to use it in violation of the rules that we as humanity have given ourselves.”
“Even if you are the United States.”
12:30 pm: Iran says it has submitted urgent letter to UNSC
In a post on X, the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations says it had submitted an urgent letter to the Security Council, condemning the US’ “unlawful and reckless bombing” of Iran’s nuclear facilities. “US and Israel must face the grave consequences”, it adds.
The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations has submitted an urgent letter to the Security Council at midnight local time, vehemently condemning the United States’ unlawful and reckless bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities. The United States and… pic.twitter.com/GKGFwtBQsN
— I.R.IRAN Mission to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) June 22, 2025
11:40 am: Israel begins strikes against Iran
The IDF in a post on X says it is striking military targets in Iran after Iran fired a barrage of missile, striking targets in central and northern Israel. Earlier, US struck three key Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran has said the attacks will have “everlasting consequences”.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗔𝗙 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗻 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗜𝗿𝗮𝗻.
Additionally, this morning, the IAF struck missile launchers ready to launch toward Israeli territory, soldiers in the Iranian Armed…
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 22, 2025
11:30 am: IAEA confirms no spike in radiation levels around nuclear sites
Following attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran – including Fordow – the IAEA can confirm that no increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of this time.
IAEA will provide further assessments on situation in Iran as more information becomes available.— IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) June 22, 2025
10:40 am: Impact from Iranian rockets reported in Israel
Israel’s Haaretz newspaper says there’s initial reports of casualties in central Israel after Iran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles towards the country.
10:30 am: No threat to residents near nuclear sites, Iranian media reports
The Iranian National Nuclear Safety Center said it had conducted an assessement of the “potential release of nuclear contamination” around the Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz facilities after they were struck by the US and found no threat to residents in the areas, Iran’s Fars news agency reports.
10:20 am: Sirens sounded over central, northern Israel, report says
Israeli newspaper Haaretz reports that sirens were heard in parts of central and northern Israel amid a barrage of incoming Iranian missiles. The Israeli Defence Force, it says, estimated that 25 ballistic missiles had been launched from Iran.
10:10 am: Israel closes airspace, commercial flights operating as is
Israel has closed its airspace after US struck key nuclear facilities in Iran, the airport authority has announced.
Meanwhile, Flightradar24 said commercial flights continue to avoid the airspace above parts of Middle East in light of the conflict and related restrictions.
Following US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, commercial traffic in the region is operating as it has since new airspace restrictions were put into place last week.
Image from 01:45 UTC 22 June. pic.twitter.com/IeJBa9kvF4
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) June 22, 2025
10:00 am: Iranian minister says attacks will have ‘everlasting consequences’
In the first official reaction from the Iranian side, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi says, “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 behaviour.”
The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations.
The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting…
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 22, 2025
9:50 am: UN secretary-general: Strikes ‘threat’ to international peace, security
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres says US airstrikes on the three Iranian nuclear sites are a “dangerous escalation” and a “direct” threat to international peace and security, while calling for member-states to “de-escalate” and “uphold their obligations” under the charter of the international organisation.
9:40 am: Netanyahu says strikes example of ‘peace through strength’
In a video address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says US strikes on Iran are an example of “peace through strength” and Trump “acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime, the world’s most dangerous weapons”.
Also Read: Trump calls US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites ‘a spectacular military success’.
USA is giving off-ramp to Iran to agree to the ceasefire. Iran should agree to it to more more devastation.