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)

As Iran-Israel conflict enters its sixth day, the US is preparing evacuation options for citizens in Israel, including flights and cruise ships, according to Ambassador Mike Huckabee. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has delivered mixed signals about a possible US strike on Iran, saying, “I may do it, I may not.” He added, “Iran’s got a lot of trouble,” but left the door open for a diplomatic resolution. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned that Israel will be “punished” for its attacks. Israel, for its part, launched fresh retaliatory strikes Wednesday, deepening the region’s instability and global concern. (PC: HT)

Iranian state media reports that Tehran has launched another wave of missile strikes at Israel, claiming some penetrated Israeli air defenses. Israel has not confirmed damage but says it retaliated by striking an Iranian missile site. The tit-for-tat escalation intensifies as former US President Donald Trump said, “I may do it, I may not,” when asked about potential US military involvement. He added, “Iran’s got a lot of trouble and wants to negotiate.” Iran’s supreme leader warned of “irreparable harm” if the US joins Israel. Washington has not requested UK base access in Cyprus or Diego Garcia, according to UK officials. (PC: Reuters)

Israel launched fresh airstrikes on Tehran just hours after Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, warned the U.S. against military action. Loud blasts were heard in east and southeast Tehran around 3:50 pm local time. At least five smoke columns were seen rising. The Israeli military confirmed the attack, saying they targeted military sites. Khamenei had earlier said Iran would not surrender and warned of “irreparable damage” if the U.S. intervened. He called Israel’s attack a “huge mistake” and said Iran will punish it. The war between Iran and Israel has now entered its sixth day, with tensions rising fast. (PC: Reuters)

Former U.S. President Donald Trump kept military action against Iran ambiguous, stating he “may do it” or “may not,” while demanding Iran’s complete surrender amid escalating Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. His remarks follow rising tensions in the Middle East and warnings from Tehran against U.S. involvement. The situation underscores uncertainty over potential U.S. intervention and increasing global concern over a wider regional war. (PC: X)

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing options to join Israel’s strikes on Iran, including potential attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. His comments, urging residents to evacuate Tehran, come amid mounting Israeli airstrikes targeting missile sites and nuclear infrastructure. Thousands of Tehranis are fleeing the capital as panic spreads across highway routes out of the city. In response, Iran has begun rationing fuel and reinforcing internal security. Tehran's government warns any U.S. entry into the conflict would cause “irreparable damage.” The U.S. has so far provided indirect support—deploying fighter jets and assisting air defence—but has not engaged directly. (PC: Reuters)

A special flight carrying 110 Indian students evacuated from war-hit Iran, including 90 from Jammu and Kashmir, is expected to land in New Delhi around 10:15 PM tonight. The students, mostly from Urmia Medical University, were first moved to Armenia and later flew to Doha before boarding a flight to India. The evacuation comes amid escalating Israel-Iran hostilities. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the Indian Embassy is working closely with the community to ensure safety. Over 4,000 Indian nationals live in Iran, half of them students. The J&K Students’ Association confirmed all evacuated students are safe. (PC: HT)