Israel Iran Ceasefire Live Updates: Evacuation flight brings 173 Indians from Iran home; over 4,400 rescued so far

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites caused “significant physical damage,” especially to sensitive equipment like uranium-enriching centrifuges. However, he cautioned that it would be an overstatement to claim the entire nuclear program had been “wiped out,” countering US President Donald Trump’s assertion that it was “obliterated.”

"The cars and small trucks at the site were those of concrete workers trying to cover up the top of the shafts. Nothing was taken out of facility. Would take too long, too dangerous, and very heavy and hard to move!" he said.

"I'm not aware of any intelligence that I've reviewed that says things were not where they were supposed to be, moved or otherwise," Hegseth said.

"The Islamic republic has access to important US bases in the region and can act against them whenever it deems it necessary," he said. "It can happen again in the future; if an attack occurs, the cost to the enemy and the aggressor will certainly be high," he added.

"The American president indicated in one of his statements that Iran must surrender. Surrender! It is no longer a question of enrichment, nor of the nuclear industry, but of the surrender of Iran," AFP reported quoting Khamemnei. "Such an event (surrender) will never happen. It will never happen," he added.

He further said that US hit nuclear sites but "couldn't achieve much".

"I feel it necessary to extend a few congratulations to the great nation of Iran: Firstly, congratulations on the victory over the illegitimate Zionist regime. With all that noise, with all those claims, the Zionist regime was almost brought to its knees and crushed under the blows of the Islamic Republic," he said.

"Congratulations on the second matter, concerning our dear Iran's victory over the American regime. The American regime entered into direct conflict because it felt that if it did not, the Zionist regime would be completely destroyed. However, it gained no achievements from this war. Here, too, the Islamic Republic emerged victorious, and in return, the Islamic Republic delivered a heavy slap to America's face," he said.

"The third video message by supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei addressed to the Iranian nation will be published in a few minutes," AFP reported quoting IRNA news agency.

"I offer my congratulations on the victory over the fallacious Zionist regime," he said.

Germany has urged Iran to continue cooperating with the UN's nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, calling a recent parliamentary vote to end such cooperation "a totally wrong signal", AFP reported.

Its foreign minister Johann Wadephul warned Tehran against taking this course, which follows Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites during a recent 12-day conflict. Iranian lawmakers criticized the IAEA for failing to condemn the attacks, accusing the agency of compromising its credibility.

US Senators are scheduled to meet with senior national security officials on Thursday amid ongoing concerns over President Donald Trump’s recent decision to carry out airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities — and questions over whether the operation achieved its objectives.

The classified briefing, which had initially been planned for Tuesday but was postponed, comes ahead of a Senate vote expected later this week on a resolution that would require the president to seek congressional approval before launching any further military action against Iran.

Several Democrats, along with some Republican lawmakers, have argued that the administration bypassed Congress and want more clarity on the intelligence that informed Trump’s decision to approve the strikes.

Top US intelligence officials on Wednesday issued a strong rebuttal to leaked media reports suggesting limited damage from recent US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, asserting that the targeted facilities were in fact severely hit and would take years to rebuild.

US President Trump announced upcoming talks with Iranian officials next week concerning Tehran's nuclear program, following recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

Amid reports that the US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites had caused minimal damage to the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme, the Central Intelligence Agency, citing a "body of credible intelligence", confirmed that the strikes by Washington had "severely damaged" Tehran's key nuclear facilities and that it would take years to rebuild those structures.

In an official statement by the CIA Director John Ratcliffe on Wednesday (local time), "CIA can confirm that a body of credible intelligence indicates Iran's Nuclear Program has been severely damaged by the recent, targeted strikes. This includes new intelligence from a historically reliable and accurate source/method that several key Iranian nuclear facilities were destroyed and would have to be rebuilt over the course of years."

He added that the CIA continues to gather intelligence and keep decision-makers and oversight bodies informed, promising that updates would be shared with the public when possible due to the national significance of the matter.

"CIA continues to collect additional reliably sourced information to keep appropriate decision-makers and oversight bodies fully informed. When possible, we will also provide updates and information to the American public, given the national importance of this matter and in every attempt to provide transparency," the statement added.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that Israel may have deployed agents to inspect Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility following the recent American airstrikes, asserting that the attack resulted in "total obliteration" and warning of further action if Tehran attempts to restart uranium enrichment.

Speaking at the NATO summit in The Hague, Trump told reporters, “You know, they have guys that go in there after the hit, and they said it was total obliteration.”

He added that Israel is currently assessing the damage. “Israel is doing a report on it now, I understand, and I was told that they said it was total obliteration. I believe it was total obliteration, and I believe they didn’t have a chance to get anything out because we acted fast,” Trump said.

The remarks come in the wake of the U.S. strike on Iran’s underground Fordo facility earlier this week, part of a broader campaign to disrupt Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Trump reiterated his readiness to authorize further strikes if Iran makes any move to revive its enrichment programme.

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday Israel and Iran are tired but the conflict between the two countries could start again.
"I dealt with both and they're both tired, exhausted... and can it start again? I guess someday, it can. It could maybe start soon," Trump told news agency Reuters.

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday Israel and Iran are tired but the conflict between the two countries could start again.

"I dealt with both and they're both tired, exhausted... and can it start again? I guess someday, it can. It could maybe start soon," Trump told reporters.

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he believed the war between Iran and Israel was finished, as both sides were keen to end the fight.
Asked why he was confident the conflict was over, Trump told reporters: "I dealt with both and they're both tired, exhausted."

"They fought very, very hard and very viciously, very violently, and they were both satisfied to go home and get out," said Trump. (AFP)

The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi on Wednesday expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people and institutions of India for their solidarity and support during the recent conflict with Israel.
In a statement on X, the embassy thanked Indian citizens, political parties, members of Parliament, NGOs, religious leaders, academics, journalists, and social activists for standing "firmly and vocally" with Iran.

"The Iran Embasy in New Delhi extends its heartfelt gratitude to all noble and freedom-loving people of India -- including the esteemed citizens, political parties, honorable members of Parliament, non-governmental organizations, religious and spiritual leaders, university professors, members of the media, social activists, and all individuals and institutions who, in recent days and in various forms, stood firmly and vocally with the great nation of Iran," the Embassy stated.

The Iranian Embassy praised the Indian people for their support, saying it reflects the "awakened conscience of nations and their commitment to justice and the principles of international law."

"The messages of solidarity, moral support, public statements, and active participation in peace-oriented gatherings and initiatives, during a time when the Iranian people were under brutal military assault by the occupying Zionist regime, have been a source of deep encouragement. These gestures clearly reflect the awakened conscience of nations and their commitment to justice and the principles of international law," it added.

"296 Indian and 4 Nepalese nationals were evacuated from Iran on a special flight that arrived in New Delhi from Mashhad at 16:30 hrs on 25th June. 3154 Indian nationals have now been brought home from Iran as part of Operation Sindhu" posts MEA

Oil prices recovered slightly and European stock markets fell Wednesday as traders assessed whether the Israel-Iran ceasefire would endure.

Focus was also on a NATO summit that is expected to sign off a sharp increase to military spending by the United States and its allies.

The dollar recovered mildly, having slumped Tuesday after Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell did not rule out the prospect of cut to US interest rates, as President Donald Trump's tariffs war risks slowing the economy.

"Optimism about the fragile ceasefire holding between Iran and Israel has bubbled through markets... but more doubts are now creeping in about the truce holding," said Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown.

Asian stock markets closed higher following rallies on Wall Street and in Europe Tuesday on news of the ceasefire declared by Trump.

The world's main oil contract, Brent North Sea crude, climbed close to one percent Wednesday, having tumbled almost seven percent Tuesday.

Brent and the main US crude contract, WTI, had soared Monday in the first reaction to the US bombing of Iran.

President Donald Trump insisted Wednesday that US strikes led to the "total obliteration" of Iran's nuclear capabilities and set the country's atomic programme back "decades", while Israel said it was still early to fully assess the damage.

Over a 12-day conflict, Israel pounded Iranian nuclear and military sites while Iran launched waves of missiles at its foe during their deadliest-ever confrontation.

The United States joined the fray in support of its ally, hitting two nuclear facilities with massive bunker-buster bombs over the weekend, while a guided missile from a submarine struck a third.

But leaked US intelligence cast doubt on the damage caused by American strikes, saying they had set back Tehran's nuclear programme by just a few months.

"They're not going to be building bombs for a long time," said Trump, adding that the strikes had set back the programme by "decades" and that the Iran-Israel ceasefire that he declared was going "very well".

A senior Hamas official told AFP on Wednesday that ceasefire talks between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group had "intensified in recent hours" with the involvement of mediator countries.

Taher al-Nunu said, "Our communications with the brother mediators in Egypt and Qatar have not stopped and have intensified in recent hours," adding that the group had "not yet received any new proposals" to end the war, which has now entered its 21st month.

Global equities extended gains on Wednesday following a ceasefire between Iran and Israel that ended 12 days of hostilities. The move came after former US President Donald Trump announced the truce, days after US strikes targeted Iranian nuclear sites. Israel claimed it had achieved its objectives, with Prime Minister Netanyahu declaring a "historic victory".

Markets responded with relief. Stocks in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Sydney, and Singapore rallied, while London, Paris, and Frankfurt also advanced. Oil prices, which had plunged on ceasefire news, rebounded by nearly two percent but remained well below Monday’s highs.

The dollar held earlier losses as hopes grew for a US interest rate cut. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell struck a cautiously dovish tone, saying rates could be cut “sooner rather than later” if inflation remains contained.

SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes said traders were back in risk mode as tensions cooled: “The fear trade was shelved.”

Israel's military said Wednesday it was "still early" to determine the full extent of damage to Iran's nuclear sites, a day after a ceasefire ended 12 days of hostilities. “It is still early to assess the results of the operation,” said Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin during a televised press conference.

This comes after US intelligence suggested the strikes set Iran’s nuclear programme back by several months. “I believe we have delivered a significant hit... and... delayed it by several years,” Defrin added.

Iranian lawmakers voted Wednesday in favour of suspending cooperation with the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, state TV said, after a 12-day war that saw Israeli and US strikes on nuclear facilities.

Iran will hold state funerals on Saturday for senior military commanders and leading scientists killed during the country’s 12-day conflict with Israel, according to official media.

The national ceremony for the commanders and scientists “martyred in the Zionist regime’s aggression” is scheduled to begin at 8:00 am (0430 GMT) in Tehran, state news agency IRNA reported on Wednesday, a day after a ceasefire took effect.

IRNA also announced that Hossein Salami, the Revolutionary Guards chief killed by Israel on the conflict’s first day, will be buried on Thursday in central Iran.

Israel launched a major bombardment campaign on 13 June targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing top officials including Salami, who was a close ally of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The fighting has also affected residential areas, with Tehran’s health ministry reporting at least 610 civilian deaths and more than 4,700 injuries.

Iran’s retaliatory strikes have killed 28 people in Israel, according to official figures.

A day after a truce with Israel took effect, Iran announced it executed three men accused of spying for the country. "Idris Ali, Azad Shojai and Rasoul Ahmad Rasoul, who attempted to import equipment into the country to carry out assassinations, were arrested and tried for... cooperation favouring the Zionist regime," the judiciary said.

"The sentence was carried out this morning... and they were hanged." The executions occurred in Urmia, near the Turkish border. Tehran also executed alleged Mossad agents earlier this week.

Seven Israeli soldiers were killed on Tuesday in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, when their armoured vehicle was hit by an explosive, according to an Israeli military official. Six of the soldiers have been publicly identified; one name remains undisclosed. Another soldier was seriously injured by gunfire in the same area that day.

Hamas’s armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for an ambush targeting Israeli soldiers sheltering in a residential building. According to their Telegram channel, fighters launched Yassin 105 missiles and machine gun fire, killing and injuring several soldiers. It is unclear if this account refers to the same incident.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that 56,077 people have died during Israel’s 21-month military campaign, launched in response to Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack that killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Over 5,700 have died since Israel resumed operations in March. The ministry says more than half the casualties are women and children. Israel disputes the figures.

Following recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, pro-Tehran hackers have targeted American banks, defence contractors and energy firms. While the attacks have so far caused limited disruption, cybersecurity experts warn the situation could escalate if the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel breaks down.

According to the SITE Intelligence Group, pro-Palestinian hacking collectives have launched denial-of-service attacks against aviation, finance, and oil sectors, urging others to join the digital offensive. US authorities are on high alert, with the Department of Homeland Security warning of increased cyber threats and urging critical infrastructure operators to remain vigilant.

Iran, often seen as a “chaos agent” in cyberspace, lacks the sophistication of Russian or Chinese cyber operations but has repeatedly used cyberattacks to disrupt, intimidate, and spy. These efforts may intensify as Iran seeks to anticipate the US or Israel's next move.

Cybersecurity analyst Jake Williams noted Iran's limited capabilities are likely being channelled into intelligence-gathering rather than destructive attacks.

Yet, critics warn that the Trump administration’s cuts to cybersecurity staffing and programmes—including the dismissal of NSA Cyber Command head Gen. Timothy Haugh—may leave the US more exposed.

Investor Arnie Bellini argues cyberwarfare is now the front line of modern conflict. “We’ve shown our strength militarily, but digitally we’re vulnerable,” he said. “Cyber is the new arms race—and we can’t afford to lose.”

After 12 days of war with Iran, Dorit Tzarum finally arrived in Tel Aviv. Sitting on a bench by the sea with her adult son Yair, she reflects on the moment. “It feels like California,” she says, as locals sip drinks on the beach, enjoying a rare sense of calm. A devout Orthodox Jew, Dorit had remained in her Jerusalem flat throughout the missile strikes, strictly observing government-imposed restrictions.

Yair, a chef in Tel Aviv, is cautiously optimistic. “We’re happy tonight. We destroyed the Iranian nuclear threat—with help from President Trump. Life can go on.”

With the ceasefire in effect, schools, transport and offices are due to reopen. But many remain uneasy. “I’m not religious, but I pray not to hear sirens again,” says 33-year-old Yafit Sofi. “We want to party, to live freely again—but for how long? What happens in the next war?”

Tel Aviv, once largely untouched, has endured direct strikes from Iranian missiles, which are harder to intercept than those from Hamas or Hezbollah. “At first it felt like a game,” says 29-year-old Dorothea. “But then people died. It wasn’t a game at all.”

Nearby, fashion designer Noa Karlovsky sums up the mood: “We’re just pawns in their wars.”

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran appeared to be holding Tuesday after initial violations on both sides. President Donald Trump voiced frustration, saying the nations had fought "so long and so hard" they no longer understood what they were doing. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claiming to have "ruined" Iran’s nuclear program, a U.S. intelligence report found the damage was only temporary — setting Iran back just a few months.

Tensions remained high. Israel accused Iran of firing missiles after the truce began, though Iran denied this. Explosions were heard in northern Israel, and two Iranian missiles were intercepted. In retaliation, Israel reportedly killed a top Iranian nuclear scientist.

Trump, while critical of both parties, eventually declared the ceasefire intact via a Truth Social post, saying Israeli planes would "do a friendly ‘Plane Wave’" and return home. Netanyahu confirmed calling off additional strikes after speaking with Trump.

The 12-day conflict, sparked by Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, killed hundreds. Iran responded with limited strikes on U.S. and Israeli targets. Trump has since said he seeks no regime change in Iran and encouraged renewed diplomacy, while both nations continue to trade accusations over ceasefire violations.

As NATO leaders gather in The Hague, all eyes are on US President Donald Trump, whose unpredictable behavior threatens to overshadow the alliance's most significant summit in years. With global security on the line and Russia’s war in Ukraine still raging, officials are walking a diplomatic tightrope — hoping that carefully staged optics and a major defense spending deal will be enough to keep Trump onside.

But even before wheels touched down, Trump reignited tensions, casting doubt on NATO’s founding commitments and stirring unease among European allies.

Another special flight carrying 282 Indian nationals evacuated from conflict-hit Iran landed in New Delhi early Wednesday, bringing the total number of evacuees under Operation Sindhu to 2,858. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the flight's arrival from Mashhad just after midnight.

The evacuation operation was launched amid the recent Israel-Iran conflict, which led to airstrikes and heightened regional tensions before a ceasefire was brokered on Tuesday.

Returnees expressed relief and gratitude to the Indian government and the embassy in Tehran for their swift action. Many praised the arrangements and support provided during the evacuation.

This flight follows the arrival of 281 Indian nationals, along with five citizens from Sri Lanka and Nepal, on Tuesday. Minister of State Pabitra Margherita welcomed the evacuees, reiterating India’s commitment to assisting its citizens and regional neighbours in times of crisis. Over 3,100 people have now been safely repatriated from Iran and Israel.

Israel says it has killed at least 14 top Iranian nuclear scientists in targeted strikes during its recent military campaign, claiming it has set Iran’s nuclear ambitions back by years. Ambassador Joshua Zarka told AP the assassinations dealt a severe blow to Tehran’s nuclear programme, calling the loss of such expertise “almost” impossible to replace.

However, Western experts argue the knowledge is not easily erased. “Strikes cannot destroy the knowledge Iran has acquired,” UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy told Parliament, reiterating support for a negotiated solution. Analysts say Iran has other scientists who can carry on the work.

Among the dead is Mohammad Reza Sedighi Saber, reported killed after surviving an earlier attack that killed his son. Israel claims the scientists were directly involved in developing nuclear weapons.

Some observers warn the killings risk setting a dangerous precedent. “It’s a slippery slope,” said nuclear analyst Pavel Podvig, questioning where such targeting might end.

Qatar’s ministry of foreign affairs summoned Iran’s ambassador, Ali Salehabadi, on Tuesday to condemn the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s missile strike on Al-Udeid Air Base, calling it a "blatant violation" of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law. In a statement, Qatar warned it reserves the right to respond in line with international norms.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi told the ambassador the attack undermined principles of good neighbourliness and contradicted the close ties between Qatar and Iran. He urged a return to diplomacy and de-escalation to preserve regional stability.

The summoning followed a US-brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel, secured with the help of Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. However, after the deal was announced, Israel struck an Iranian radar site, prompting an Iranian missile response. President Trump condemned both sides for breaking the ceasefire, later confirming Israel had agreed to pause further action.

The US House voted 344-79 on Tuesday to table an effort to impeach President Donald Trump over his military strikes on Iran, launched without congressional approval. The resolution was introduced by Democrat Al Green of Texas, who said, “No one person should have the power to take over 300 million people to war without consulting Congress.”

While most Democrats joined Republicans in shelving the motion, dozens supported Green’s stance, reflecting ongoing unease within the party over Trump’s unilateral actions in the Middle East. Green has consistently warned of the US slipping toward authoritarianism.

House leadership avoided criticising Green directly, but stressed their focus remained on legislative priorities like the Trump tax package. Trump, meanwhile, lashed out at Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for suggesting his Iran strikes were grounds for impeachment.

The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran as “good news”, but warned it remains fragile. In posts on X, she urged all parties to avoid further violence and return to negotiations, calling this a potential turning point for the region.

“The EU stands in solidarity with all those affected, including Qatar,” Kallas said, following Iran’s attacks on US bases in Qatar and Iraq in response to US strikes on its nuclear sites.

US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire early Tuesday, but it was quickly tested. Israel reportedly struck an Iranian radar site near Tehran, prompting Iran to fire missiles at Israel. Trump strongly criticised both sides for violating the deal, later confirming Israel would halt further attacks after speaking with Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a “historic victory” over Iran following a 12-day conflict, despite a US intelligence report suggesting American airstrikes only delayed Tehran’s nuclear programme by a few months.

The fighting ended with a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump, who authorised strikes using bunker-busting bombs on Iranian nuclear sites. While Trump claimed the attacks devastated Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, a leaked US assessment found underground facilities were damaged but not destroyed.

Netanyahu insisted Israel had thwarted Iran’s nuclear ambitions and vowed to act again if Iran attempted to rebuild. Israel’s military claimed its strikes had set the programme back “by years”, though Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons.

The conflict marked the most intense direct confrontation between the two countries, with Israeli strikes killing senior Iranian figures and civilians, and triggering missile retaliation. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian signalled willingness to resume nuclear talks but maintained Iran’s right to peaceful atomic energy.