Amid U.S. military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, the UN Security Council will convene Sunday at Tehran’s request to address “outrageous” and “illegal” action . Gulf leaders and global powers—UAE, Qatar, Germany, China, and Egypt—have urged de‑escalation, citing potential regional and humanitarian disasters . Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as a breach of the UN Charter and warned of severe repercussions . Meanwhile, U.S. officials characterize the strikes as targeting Iran’s nuclear program, not regime change. (PC: The Economic Times)  

Israel has recovered the bodies of three hostages—Yonatan Samerano (23), Ofra Keidar (71), and Staff Sgt Shai Levinson (19)—from Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Saturday. The IDF and Shin Bet led the military operation. Levinson died fighting on 7 October 2023, Keidar was killed at a kibbutz, and Samerano’s body was recovered on his Hebrew birthday. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the return brought "comfort" after 625 days of uncertainty. Israel says 54 hostages remain, 31 believed dead. The operation occurred alongside Israel's military campaign against Iran and its ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza. (PC: Reuters)

In a 25‑minute operation on June 21–22, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, the US carried out a highly coordinated strike on Iran's nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. Seven B‑2 stealth bombers launched from Missouri, deploying 14 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs, while submarines fired over two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles . A tactical deception saw part of the bomber fleet divert toward the Pacific as decoys, masking the actual eastbound assault . With more than 125 aircraft involved, the mission returned without encountering Iranian defenses . Pentagon officials claimed the operation successfully neutralized key nuclear capabilities, though Iran asserts minimal damage and warns of retaliation .  

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance announced after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites that the Biden administration will now work to “permanently dismantle Iran’s nuclear program” in the years ahead . Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the bombings targeted facilities—not personnel—and were part of “Operation Midnight Hammer,” aimed at severely crippling Iran’s nuclear ambitions . President Trump warned any retaliation by Iran would be met with force “far greater” than seen so far . Iran condemned the strikes, denouncing them as U.S. support for Israel’s campaign. (PC: The Economic Times)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow after US airstrikes destroyed key Iranian nuclear sites. Araghchi said, “The US blew up diplomacy,” referring to recent talks with European powers. He added that Washington and Israel had “crossed a very big red line.” President Trump called the strikes a “total obliteration” of Iran’s nuclear programme. In response, Iran attacked Israeli targets, including Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv. Araghchi warned, “Iran will defend itself by all means necessary.” Israeli PM Netanyahu praised Trump’s move, saying it would “change history” and protect global security. (PC: Reuters)

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has declared that Iran's nuclear programme has been “devastated” following a series of coordinated American airstrikes under Operation Midnight Hammer. The strikes targeted key nuclear facilities and military infrastructure across Iran, following Tehran’s recent provocations and growing regional tensions. According to Austin, the operation was precise, overwhelming, and aimed at halting Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons development. While the full extent of damage remains classified, initial assessments suggest a significant blow to Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Iran has condemned the attacks and warned of severe retaliation in response. (PC: The Economic Times)

The US attacked Iran’s nuclear sites on Saturday in a mission called Operation Midnight Hammer, using over 125 aircraft and a smart decoy plan. General Dan Caine said seven stealth B-2 bombers dropped massive 30,000-pound bombs on Fordow and Natanz, while missiles hit Isfahan. The strike began at 6:40 pm ET and ended in just 25 minutes. A US submarine also fired over 24 Tomahawk missiles. Bombers flew from Missouri and returned safely. “No shots were fired at our planes,” said Caine. The mission was the longest B-2 flight since 9/11. The US aimed to stop Iran’s nuclear threat quickly. (PC: AP)

Russia and China have condemned the US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, calling them a “dangerous escalation” and a threat to global peace. “It is already clear that a dangerous escalation has begun,” said Russia’s foreign ministry. China said the attack “seriously violates the UN Charter” and urged all sides to “cease attacks and begin dialogue”. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said, “They crossed a very big red line by attacking our nuclear facilities.” He will visit Moscow to meet President Putin. President Trump defended the strikes, saying Iran “must now agree to end this war”, but Tehran vowed to resist. (PC: Reuters)

  Russian Security Council Deputy Chair Dmitry Medvedev cautioned that several countries stand ready to offer Iran their nuclear warheads following U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites on June 22, calling into question America’s strike effectiveness . He mocked President Trump’s hopes for a Nobel, stating the raids caused little damage to Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan facilities . Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced he’ll meet Putin in Moscow and warned that diplomacy is off the table after U.S. aggression had crossed a “big red line”. (PC: AP)  

Iran has used its biggest missile, Khorramshahr-4, to hit Israel after US jets bombed three nuclear sites in Iran. The missile has a 2,000-km range and can carry a 1,500-kg warhead. Iran fired at least 40 missiles, with some hitting northern Tel Aviv. A shopping centre, bank, and salon were damaged. At least 11 people were hurt. A man said his home was destroyed, but he survived because he was away. Streets were blocked as rescue teams cleared debris. Iran’s state TV showed old footage of the missile, claiming it was used in the attack. Tension remains high in the region. (PC: AFP)