Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, made a strong statement on June 19, 2025. He said Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, “should not be allowed to exist.” His comment came after an Iranian missile hit a hospital in Israel. Katz blamed Khamenei for ordering attacks on civilians. He said Khamenei wants Israel destroyed and gave direct orders to strike. The missile attack hurt many and caused damage. Katz spoke to reporters near Tel Aviv. His words show rising tensions between the two countries. The situation is serious, and more strong actions may follow. World leaders have not yet responded. (PC: AFP)

An Iranian missile struck Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, southern Israel, early Thursday, injuring at least 47 and causing massive damage. The 1,000-bed hospital, Israel’s largest in the south, was hit during a wave of Iranian strikes, also targeting Tel Aviv. Dramatic footage shows smoke-filled corridors and shattered glass as staff and patients scramble for safety. Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the attack and vowed Iran would pay a “heavy price.” Emergency protocols were activated nationwide, with hospitals moving patients to underground wards. The attack followed Israel’s strike on Iran’s Arak nuclear reactor, intensifying the escalating conflict. 

Donald Trump has approved a plan for military strikes on Iran but hasn't finalized action, CBS reports. The US may target Fordo, Iran’s underground nuclear site. Trump seeks Iran’s unconditional surrender, which Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei firmly rejected, warning that US intervention would be "costly." Meanwhile, Israel continues intense strikes on Iran, claiming control of Tehran’s skies. Iran retaliated with 400 missiles, killing 24 civilians in Israel. The US has begun military buildup in the Gulf and issued an evacuation plan for citizens in Israel. Iran’s state TV also reported a satellite hack calling for public uprising against the regime. (PC: bbc)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation after Iran fired missiles that struck Soroka Medical Center, the largest hospital in southern Israel, located in Beersheba. “We will exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran,” Netanyahu declared in a statement. The Israeli Defence Forces confirmed direct hits and damage from the missile barrage. The strikes, described as targeting both civilians and critical infrastructure, mark a sharp escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict. No casualties were immediately confirmed, but the hospital sustained significant damage. Tensions remain high as Israel weighs its military response against Iran’s aggressive missile offensive. (PC: Reuters)

On Day 7 of the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, an Iranian ballistic missile directly struck Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, southern Israel. The strike caused significant structural damage to the hospital’s emergency and pediatric units, triggering fires and forcing emergency evacuations of patients and staff. Israeli officials confirmed multiple injuries, including medical personnel, though no fatalities were immediately reported. This marks the first direct hit on a major civilian medical facility since hostilities began, raising serious concerns over violations of international humanitarian law. The attack has intensified regional fears and drawn widespread condemnation from global health and human rights organizations. (PC: News 18)

The US is reinforcing its posture in the Middle East amid escalating Israel–Iran tensions. The USS Carl Vinson is stationed in the Arabian Sea while USS Nimitz heads to replace it, supported by F‑16s, air refueling tankers, and nearly 40,000 troops . Strategically, B‑2 stealth bombers armed with the 30,000‑lb GBU‑57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) are on standby to strike Iran’s Fordow underground facility—Israel alone lacks such heavy weaponry . UK’s PM Starmer is preparing cabinet response options while intelligence, logistics, and search‑rescue assets are being mobilized. Trump indicates readiness, though full planning remains underway. (PC: AP)

Amid sharply rising tensions, the US has begun evacuation flights and cruise ship departures from Israel for American citizens, following Israeli strikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites . Former President Trump asserted Iran was “weeks away” from a nuclear weapon, though US intelligence disputes any active weapons development . Israel’s air campaign, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, has struck Tehran repeatedly, prompting Iran to retaliate with missiles and tighten internet controls . With US aircraft carriers being positioned nearby, Trump remains undecided on direct military intervention . Meanwhile, European leaders pursue diplomatic avenues to avert a wider war. (PC: The New York Times)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in his second public address since Israeli airstrikes began, firmly rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for Iran to “unconditionally surrender.” Khamenei declared that “intelligent people…will never speak to this nation in the language of threats,” underlining Iran’s steadfast defiance . He cautioned that any U.S. military intervention would inflict “irreparable damage” on America . The speech, aired amid mounting civilian evacuations in Tehran, follows Trump branding Iran “in ruins” and warning Khamenei “good luck” if he refuses to surrender . As tensions escalate, Tehran remains defiant against external pressure. (PC: Reuters)

President Trump informed senior aides on June 18 that he had privately approved detailed military plans targeting Iran, particularly its fortified Fordow nuclear facility, but has not yet issued a final strike order. He emphasized flexibility, stating “I may do it, I may not do it,” and is holding action temporarily to assess whether Iran will abandon its nuclear program . Concurrently, the U.S. has bolstered its military presence in the region—including carrier strike groups and tankers—while Israel intensifies airstrikes . Iran’s Supreme Leader warns that any attack would produce “irreparable consequences,” underscoring the high stakes of this unfolding crisis. (PC: AP)

Oil prices surged Tuesday amid fears the Israel-Iran war could draw in the US, with Brent and WTI crude rising 4.4% and 4.3% respectively. Prices continued edging higher Wednesday. The spike followed Israeli strikes on key Iranian oil sites and President Trump’s demand for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.” US stocks also fell, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq dropping 0.84% and 0.91%. Though global energy flows remain stable, experts warn that further escalation, especially targeting Iran’s Kharg Island or blocking the Strait of Hormuz, could cripple oil supplies. Iran, sitting on 4% of global output, may retaliate against Saudi or global exports. (PC: Reuters)