The Israel‑Iran war ignited on June 13 when Israel bombed multiple Iranian nuclear and military sites. Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes. Casualties include over 430 dead and 3,500 injured in Iran, and around 24 Israelis killed. On June 22, the US escalated by deploying B‑2 stealth bombers to Guam and striking three Iranian nuclear sites Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan using bunker‑busting bombs and Tomahawks. Iran decried this as a grave violation and called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Israel affirmed readiness for a prolonged campaign. The US warned Iran of “greater force” if it retaliates. Airspaces have closed, and regional tensions soar amid international calls for diplomacy.

Sirens echoed across Israel—Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa—after Iran launched a wave of missiles hours following U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the incoming threat, activated air defenses, and instructed civilians to seek protected spaces until the alert was lifted about 40 minutes later . The Home Front Command closed schools, offices, and public venues, dispatching emergency responders to over 10 impact sites . This marks Iran’s first direct missile assault since U.S. military action, further escalating regional tensions and raising fears of full-blown conflict. (PC: India Today)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned U.S. airstrikes on its Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities as “extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour,” calling them a grave violation of international law and the UN Charter . He warned that Iran reserves the right to mount a “legitimate response” under self‑defence provisions of the UN Charter . State media broadcasted the message as Tehran requested an emergency UN Security Council session. Iranian officials insist their program is peaceful and reaffirm readiness to retaliate against U.S. military presence in the Middle East.

Iran’s state television responded aggressively after U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities, issuing a direct warning to President Trump: “Mr. Trump, you started it, and we will end it.” The broadcast featured a detailed map of U.S. military bases across the Middle East—signaling Tehran’s readiness to retaliate. This marks a significant escalation in tensions following the June strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, as Iran signals it is prepared to counter U.S. military presence in the region and amp up the confrontation. International observers monitor cautiously amid rising fears of a wider conflict.  

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—saying the strikes “will change history.” In a video address, he congratulated President Trump, saying the U.S. displayed “awesome and righteous might,” creating a “pivot of history” that could lead to peace in the Middle East. Echoing his long-held slogan “Peace through Strength,” Netanyahu affirmed that American action was “unsurpassed” and marked in perfect coordination with Israel. He confirmed that the promise to destroy Iran’s nuclear infrastructure has been fulfilled and invoked blessings for the enduring U.S.-Israel alliance.

In a televised address, U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the recent airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities as a “spectacular military success,” asserting America’s resolve and military precision. Trump stated that Iran now faces a clear choice: make peace or face further consequences. The strikes follow rising tensions linked to the broader Israel-Iran conflict. In response, Iran's Foreign Minister warned that continued U.S. involvement would be “very, very dangerous,” signaling potential escalation. The situation marks a significant turning point in U.S.-Iran relations and regional stability in the Middle East.

The United States deployed six GBU‑57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs via B‑2 Spirit stealth bombers in airstrikes targeting Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow uranium‑enrichment facility near Qom . Each 30,000‑lb bomb is engineered to penetrate deep underground—up to 200 ft of earth or 18 m of concrete . President Trump publicly confirmed the operation, which also included 30 Tomahawk missiles aimed at Natanz and Esfahan nuclear sites . Despite the show of force, experts caution the bombs may not fully neutralize Fordow’s deeply buried structures.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and his aide Hossein Shariatmadari have warned of a retaliatory missile strike on the U.S. naval fleet in Bahrain and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to American, British, German, and French vessels. They claim any U.S. military intervention—especially following recent strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities—will provoke “irreparable damage” to America . Shariatmadari emphasized this is “now our turn to act,” while Khamenei vowed the consequences for the U.S. would be far worse than any harm to Iran. (PC: Scanpix)  

On June 16, 2025, the U.S. State Department upgraded India to a Level‑2 advisory, urging “increased caution” amid rising rape, violent crime, and terrorism risks . The update highlights that rape is “one of the fastest growing crimes in India,” with sexual assaults occurring at tourist sites, markets, transit hubs, and governmental areas . Authorities warn terrorists may strike with “little or no warning.” The advisory specifically cautions women against traveling alone and warns U.S. citizens of limited emergency support in rural zones of Maharashtra, Telangana, West Bengal, and northeastern states . Travelers are also reminded that satellite phones and GPS devices are illegal, punishable by steep fines or jail time. (PC: Times of India)  

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar cautioned that India’s relations with neighbouring countries will inevitably face turbulence, but Delhi is building resilient systems rooted in shared mutual interest to withstand volatility . Speaking on DD India, he stressed that engaging with India offers benefits, while distancing carries costs—though Pakistan remains a unique case due to its army-defined hostility . Jaishankar cited improved border infrastructure and stronger ties with the Gulf, ASEAN, and Indo-Pacific regions as key stabilizers, citing past operations like Ganga and Sindhu as evidence of India’s assertive diplomacy . He noted that despite regime changes, countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Nepal maintain working relationships due to this “culture of collective interest.” (PC: PTI)