US President Donald Trump will decide within two weeks whether to launch a military strike on Iran, the White House confirmed Thursday. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump remains open to diplomacy but prioritizes halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “He is the peace through strength president,” Leavitt stated. Trump has not issued final orders, waiting to see if Iran halts uranium enrichment. Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites triggered retaliatory missile attacks, one of which damaged a hospital in Beersheba. Prime Minister Netanyahu warned Tehran of “full price.” Trump said, “I may do it, I may not do it.” (PC: India Today)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that regime change in Iran is not Israel’s official objective, but could be a consequence of ongoing hostilities. Speaking to Kan broadcaster, Netanyahu said, “Regime change is a matter for the Iranian people,” distancing himself from Defense Minister Israel Katz’s remarks calling for Ayatollah Khamenei’s elimination. Katz had accused Khamenei of orchestrating a hospital strike near Tel Aviv and vowed intensified IDF attacks on Iran. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar echoed Netanyahu, saying regime change is not cabinet policy “for the time being.” Iran’s Khamenei dismissed U.S. threats as proof of Israeli failure. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir raised alarm over Baloch separatist and jihadist groups exploiting the Iran-Israel conflict during a meeting with US President Donald Trump. Pakistan fears instability along its 900-km border with Iran, with groups like Jaish al-Adl urging Iran’s Baloch population to join “the Resistance.” Islamabad condemned Israel’s strikes as violations of international law. Experts warned of a “Greater Balochistan” insurgency across Iran and Pakistan. Pakistan also expressed concern over Israel’s precedent of striking nuclear sites. Trump acknowledged Pakistan’s dissatisfaction, while both nations stressed peaceful resolution to the conflict threatening regional security. (PC: HT)

At least 12 Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire while waiting for aid near Gaza’s Netzarim corridor, according to Gaza’s civil defence. Witnesses said Israeli troops opened fire around 01:00 local time on thousands gathered near a site run by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The GHF denied any incident occurred nearby, calling health ministry claims “false.” The Israeli military said it fired warning shots at “suspects.” Nearly all recent Gaza casualties have occurred around aid distribution. Separately, 7 civilians, including 5 children, were killed in Jabalia. Over 55,600 people have died in Gaza since October 2023. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump will decide within two weeks whether America will directly intervene in the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, the White House announced. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump believes there’s a “substantial chance” of negotiations with Iran soon. The statement eases immediate war fears and opens a brief diplomatic window. Iran’s deputy foreign minister warned US involvement would “cause hell.” Meanwhile, over 270 people have been injured in Israel from Iran’s recent missile barrage. As Europe prepares to host Iran for talks in Switzerland, Washington is maintaining strategic ambiguity, while Trump insists Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. (PC: BBC)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked former U.S. President Donald Trump for backing Israel during the war with Iran. “He’s a true friend of Israel,” Netanyahu said during a visit to Soroka Medical Centre, damaged in an Iranian missile strike. Iran has fired over 450 missiles and 1,000 drones, using warheads that split mid-air. “The U.S. is already helping a lot... protecting our skies,” Netanyahu told CNN. Israel struck back at Iranian targets. Russia warned against hitting Iran’s nuclear plant. Iran’s foreign minister said, “We won’t talk until Israel stops attacks,” but may show flexibility if the U.S. pushes for peace. (PC: NDTV)

In a sweeping aerial campaign, the Israeli Air Force employed 40 fighter jets to drop over 100 guided munitions on key Iranian facilities—striking the Arak heavy-water reactor, Natanz enrichment site, missile-production centers in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Kermanshah . The operation targeted Iran’s nuclear weapons infrastructure and missile capabilities, representing a major escalation. The International Atomic Energy Agency reports no radiation leaks at Arak, which was not operational . Israel asserts it destroyed around two-thirds of Iran's missile launchers . Retaliatory missile strikes from Iran, including those hitting an Israeli hospital, have intensified the conflict without signs of abating. (PC: NDTV)

As the Israel–Iran conflict escalates into its seventh day, Tehran has hinted at closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz—through which nearly 20% of global oil flows—to retaliate against Israeli air strikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities . Iran’s missile barrage has hit civilian infrastructure, including the Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, injuring dozens . The closure threat has disrupted shipping patterns, with vessels avoiding Iranian waters . Gulf-based companies and global oil markets are on high alert, fearing major disruptions . The standoff shows no signs of de-escalation as military and economic tensions mount.(PC: AP)

Israel launched an expanded air campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure—including facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, Arak, and Khondab—to weaken Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s power base and force concessions . Using drones, F‑35 jets, cyber‑warfare, and deep‑cover Mossad operations, the strikes have killed numerous IRGC commanders, although regime collapse remains improbable without internal uprising or ground invasion . Tehran retaliated with missile barrages, striking civilian targets like the Soroka hospital in Beersheba and killing dozens . Despite global concern—including condemnations from Russia and China, and caution from the U.S.—the conflict shows no sign of de-escalation. (PC: Reuters)

Russia has warned the US against military involvement in the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, calling it “extremely dangerous” with “unpredictable consequences.” Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant, calling them a step away from catastrophe. The site, built by Russia, may have been mistakenly confirmed as hit by Israel. US President Donald Trump said he might join Israeli strikes, while Moscow urged diplomatic solutions. Russia also highlighted the environmental risks, citing Fukushima. President Putin has offered to mediate, but Trump dismissed it: “Mediate Russia first.” Russia and UAE jointly called for an immediate ceasefire and political dialogue. (PC: NDTV)