⁣Israel Iran War Highlights: Putin condemns US strikes on Iran; Israel targets Fordo nuclear site again

Iranian authorities detained a "European" citizen on charges of espionage for Israel, AFP reported citing state television, as clashes between the two countries continued into their 11th day.

Citing judicial sources, the report stated that the arrest occurred in Iran’s western Hamadan province. Officials alleged the individual entered Iran posing as a tourist and was involved in intelligence gathering, building spy networks, and attempting to interfere with the country’s missile and defense systems.

"When it comes to Nato's stance on Iran's nuclear programme, allies have long agreed that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon," said secretary general Mark Rutte ahead of a Nato summit in The Hague, AFP reported.

India’s evacuation efforts from war-hit Israel continued with two more groups of 175 and 268 nationals crossing into Jordan and Egypt, bringing the total number of evacuees to 603 over two days.

The first group of 160 had departed for Jordan on Sunday and boarded a flight home by Monday afternoon. The 443 evacuees who crossed on Monday are set to return on separate flights arranged by the ministry of external affairs in coordination with Indian missions in Jordan and Egypt.

The tightly coordinated operation between New Delhi and its embassies has offered significant relief to Indian citizens caught amid constant missile and drone attacks, often forcing them into bunkers and safe rooms.

This came after US said that operation Midnight Hammer wasn't about "regime change".

Power disruptions caused by an Israeli airstrike. "The outages were completely resolved in northern Tehran," Tasnim news agency said, citing the regional electricity company, AFP reported.

"It is significant that the president of Iran telephoned our prime minister to tell him about the situation and to receive his advice. Our prime minister advised that the focus should be on de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. These are the three important features that we need to end this current crisis... Yesterday, it looked hopeful because America said we do not want a regime change... Iran itself had said that if Israel stops the attacks, then they would be willing to go to negotiations," Veena said.

Iran's judiciary confirmed that Israeli strikes hit Tehran’s Evin prison, causing damage to parts of the facility. According to the Mizan Online website, authorities have deployed all necessary resources, and the situation is now "under control." "In the latest attack by the Zionist regime on Tehran, projectiles unfortunately struck Evin prison, causing damage to parts of the facility," the judiciary's Mizan Online website said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the strikes on Tehran, labeling them "unprovoked aggression." Speaking during a meeting with Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow, Putin emphasized that Russia was working to support the Iranian people amid the escalating tensions.

"This is an absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran," Putin told Araghchi, calling the strikes "unjustified" and adding that Russia was "making efforts to provide assistance to the Iranian people."

"The IDF struck 6 regime airports across western, central, and eastern Iran, destroying runways, underground hangars, refueling aircraft, F-14, F-5 and AH-1 aircraft. The destroyed aircraft were meant to stop IAF jets. The IAF impaired takeoff capabilities from these airports, as well as the Iranian military’s ability to operate its air force from them," it said.

Moreover, Russia condemned US strikes on Iran.

"There has been a new escalation of tensions in the region, and, of course, we condemn this and express our deep regret in this regard," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

A suspected Israeli airstrike targeted the entrance of Tehran’s notorious Evin prison, Iranian state television reported Monday, with some local media suggesting the attack may have involved a drone. Surveillance footage released by Iranian outlets appeared to capture the moment of impact.

Evin prison is infamous for housing political detainees, dual nationals, and Westerners often used by Iran as leverage in negotiations. Specialized units within the facility, overseen by the Revolutionary Guard and directly accountable to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, detain individuals with Western ties. The prison has long been sanctioned by both the United States and the European Union. As of now, Israel has not claimed responsibility for the strike.

Iran’s underground nuclear enrichment facility at Fordo came under attack again, according to Iranian state television, though the report did not specify the extent of the damage or identify those responsible. The incident follows a series of airstrikes carried out by Israel across Iran throughout the day. Just a day earlier, the United States had launched a major assault on three Iranian nuclear sites—including Fordow—deploying advanced bunker-buster bombs to target the heavily fortified locations.

Sirens wailed across Israel for over 30 minutes on Monday as the military warned of multiple missile barrages from Iran. Later, the IDF announced civilians could leave shelters. “Search and rescue forces are operating in several locations across the country in which reports of fallen projectiles were received,” it said.

Iran launched a salvo of missiles and drones at Israel on Monday, while warning the United States that its military now has a “free hand” to strike American targets following Washington’s substantial strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Israel’s defence systems were reported to be intercepting the threat, particularly over northern and central areas, and residents were urged to seek shelter. Iranian state television described the assault as part of Operation “True Promise 3”, with Haifa and Tel Aviv among the intended targets. No immediate damage has been reported.

This latest escalation follows the previous day's US intervention, when American forces attacked three Iranian nuclear sites with missiles and 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, actions Iran characterised as crossing “a very big red line”. Iranian General Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of the joint staff of armed forces, accused the US of violating Iranian sovereignty and effectively “invading” the country, according to the IRNA news agency. He also warned that Iran now feels empowered to “act against US interests and its army”.

Amid growing international concern over possible regional spillover, the European Union’s High Representative Kaja Kallas reaffirmed the bloc’s focus on diplomacy. “The concerns of retaliation and this war escalating are huge,” she stated in Brussels. She also cautioned that an Iranian closure of the Strait of Hormuz would pose a grave threat to global oil trade. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was in Moscow meeting President Vladimir Putin, reinforcing ties with key ally Russia.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Monday he is confident the US is not aiming to overthrow Iran’s government, despite President Donald Trump’s social media post suggesting otherwise. “It's clear from Israel and the United States that they're not going after the civilian leadership,” Lammy said.

“That's not what's under consideration at this time.” After speaking with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Lammy said the UK is working to “get the Iranians back to serious diplomacy.”

Israel’s military confirmed on Monday it launched a coordinated wave of airstrikes on six Iranian airbases, severely weakening Tehran’s capacity for aerial operations. The IDF stated: “As part of efforts to deepen aerial superiority over Iranian airspace, the IDF struck six Iranian regime airfields… damaging runways, underground hangars, a refuelling aircraft, and fighter jets of the F-14, F-5, and AH-1 types.” These aircraft were reportedly destined for use against Israeli jets.

Separately, over 15 Israeli fighter jets struck surface-to-surface missile launch sites in Kermanshah, “disrupting the ability to launch from these airfields and impairing the Iranian military’s aerial capabilities,” the military said. This escalation follows coordinated operations by Israel and the US on June 13 targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile facilities, including US bunker-buster strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Israel’s military reported a missile barrage from Iran heading toward Israel on Monday morning, followed by an additional salvo later in the day. Sirens sounded across Jordan and central Israel.

Meanwhile, Iranian General Abdolrahim Mousavi warned the US that its strikes had given Iran’s armed forces a “free hand” to act against US interests. Mousavi condemned the US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites as violations of Iran’s sovereignty and likened them to an invasion, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.

Loud explosions rocked Jerusalem on Monday following warnings of a new missile barrage from Iran. About ten minutes after detecting the initial missiles, the Israeli military reported additional launches and urged residents to seek shelter. The Magen David Adom rescue service confirmed no immediate casualties from the attacks.

Medics are responding to reports of a ballistic missile impact near Ashdod in southern Israel. Meanwhile, fresh sirens are sounding in northern Israel following another missile salvo launched from Iran, Times of Israel reported.

Alerts continue across the country, including communities near the Gaza border. So far, no injuries have been reported amid the ongoing missile attacks. Sirens persist throughout Israel as the nation remains on high alert amid Iran’s escalating ballistic missile assault.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have reported that additional missiles have been launched from Iran targeting Israel. In response, civilians are urged to follow the Home Front Command’s instructions and remain in bomb shelters as air defence systems work to intercept the incoming threats.

Sirens have sounded across central Israel, the Jerusalem area, and parts of southern Israel amid the latest Iranian ballistic missile barrage. Residents in these areas are advised to stay in shelters until further notice.

Earlier, alerts were also activated in communities along the Lebanon border, suggesting back-to-back missile salvos from Iran. The IDF has confirmed the detection of further missile launches and warned that sirens are expected to sound again in central Israel shortly.

The ongoing missile attacks have heightened tensions, with sirens also sounding in northern Israeli communities near the Lebanon border. Civilians in all affected areas are instructed to take immediate shelter and remain there until it is deemed safe to leave.

China on Monday called on Iran and Israel to de-escalate their conflict, warning against the risk of regional instability as fighting entered its 11th day. “The Chinese side urges the parties to the conflict to prevent the situation from escalating repeatedly, resolutely avoid the spillover of war, and return to the path of political resolution,” foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said.

Guo also stressed the global implications of the conflict, particularly for trade. “The Persian Gulf and surrounding waters are important international trade routes,” he noted.

“China calls on the international community to make greater efforts to promote the de-escalation of the conflict and prevent regional instability from having a greater impact on global economic development.”

Israel's military said Monday it struck surface-to-surface missile launch sites in western Iran, as the war entered its 11th day. Over 15 fighter jets targeted the Kermanshah area, “neutralising a number of surface-to-surface missile launch and storage sites aimed toward Israeli territory,” the military said.

An earlier statement confirmed that the air force was “currently striking military infrastructure sites in Kermanshah in Iran.” The strikes follow Israel’s June 13 offensive on Iran’s missile and nuclear facilities. Aerial attacks continued into Monday, as Tehran vowed retaliation for the US strikes on its nuclear sites. President Donald Trump claimed Iran’s nuclear capabilities were “obliterated.”

Iran on Monday issued a stern warning to the United States, threatening severe consequences after American airstrikes targeted its nuclear facilities, as the Iran-Israel conflict stretched into its 11th day.

“This hostile act... will widen the scope of legitimate targets of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran and pave the way for the extension of war in the region,” said armed forces spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari.

Speaking on state television, Zolfaghari declared, “The fighters of Islam will inflict serious, unpredictable consequences on you with powerful and targeted (military) operations.”

Iran’s judiciary announced on Monday the execution of Mohammad-Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh, who was convicted of spying for Israel, as the conflict between the two nations entered its 11th day.

"Mohammad-Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh was hanged this morning for intelligence cooperation with the Zionist regime," the judiciary stated, using Iran’s preferred term for Israel. Shayesteh was accused of links to Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, and of collaborating with Iran International, a London-based Persian-language broadcaster critical of Tehran, which Iran considers connected to Israel.

The broadcaster was labelled a "terrorist organisation" by Iranian authorities during the 2022 nationwide protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish woman who died in custody after allegedly violating Iran’s dress code.

Iran routinely detains or executes individuals it accuses of spying, particularly for Israel. On Sunday, officials vowed to accelerate such cases. The same day, another alleged Mossad agent, Majid Mosayebi, was also executed.

After Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared diminished, shaken by the surprise assault that triggered a national crisis and eroded his public support. Now, amid a war with Iran and backed by US military strikes, Netanyahu appears reinvigorated. At 75, he sees a chance to reshape a legacy tarnished by Hamas' attack, ongoing corruption charges, and years of divisive leadership.

“Netanyahu has proven that he is a phoenix,” said veteran journalist and biographer Mazal Mualem.

While Israel remains vulnerable, and international criticism mounts — including an arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza — Netanyahu’s longstanding focus on Iran has struck a chord at home. “Today, Netanyahu redeemed himself, big time,” said former aide Aviv Bushinsky.

In a video statement following the US strike, Netanyahu, barely concealing a smile, thanked President Trump and declared the intervention would “change history”.

However, Hamas’ 7 October attack — killing 1,200 and taking 251 hostages — remains a stain on his record. Critics say Netanyahu’s obsession with Iran distracted him from the threat in Gaza.

Though he still eyes a peace deal with Saudi Arabia, and the Iran strikes offer temporary relief, his political future remains uncertain. As Bushinsky put it, “Bibi may be King of Israel… but even a king has his limits.”

Polls suggest Netanyahu’s path to re-election remains steep. Much like Churchill post-WWII, he may find wartime success doesn't guarantee political survival — especially if public priorities continue to shift.

The Pakistan government will convene an emergency meeting of its National Security Committee (NSC) on Monday evening to assess the regional situation following US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. The NSC, the country’s top security forum, is chaired by the Prime Minister and includes senior civil and military leadership, including Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Sources in the Prime Minister’s Office told *Dawn* that Munir, recently returned from the US, will brief the committee on his meeting with President Donald Trump.

The US strikes on Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz occurred just a day after Pakistan announced it would recommend Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.

Pakistan has condemned the US strikes. In a call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed solidarity and condolences.

Russia’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, strongly condemned the United States for its recent military strikes on Iran, accusing Washington of opening a "Pandora's box" with potentially disastrous consequences for global security. His comments were delivered during an emergency session of the UN Security Council in New York on Sunday.

Speaking under the agenda item “threats to international peace and security”, Nebenzia denounced the US-led attacks on Iranian nuclear sites as “irresponsible, dangerous, and provocative”, amid mounting tensions between Iran and Israel.

“Washington reasserted that to further the interests of its Israeli ally, it's prepared not only to turn a blind eye to the killings of tens of thousands of Palestinian women, children and older persons but also to gamble with the safety and well-being of humanity as a whole. Through their actions, the US has opened a Pandora's box; no one knows what new catastrophes and suffering it will bring,” he warned.

Nebenzia said Moscow had offered to mediate a peaceful solution, but these efforts were ignored. He urged a halt to aggressive actions and a return to diplomacy, warning of the risk of “a nuclear disaster”.

The Congress party on Monday criticised US President Donald Trump's airstrikes on Iran, calling them a "mockery" of his own calls for dialogue. It also slammed the Modi government for failing to condemn either the US bombings or Israel’s aggression. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “The Indian National Congress reiterates the absolute essentiality of immediate diplomacy and dialogue with Iran. The Government of India must demonstrate greater moral courage than it has so far.”

Ramesh added, “The Modi Government has unequivocally neither criticised nor condemned the US bombing and Israel's aggression, bombings and targeted assassinations,” also condemning its “deafening silence on the genocide being perpetrated on the Palestinians in Gaza.”

The US bombed key Iranian nuclear sites, escalating fears of regional war. Earlier, Sonia Gandhi accused Trump of taking a “destructive path” and criticised the Modi government’s silence as “a surrender of values” on India’s principled Palestine stance.

Aerial clashes between Iran and Israel intensified early Monday, as Tehran vowed retaliation for US airstrikes on three nuclear sites over the weekend. President Donald Trump claimed the attack had "obliterated" Iran’s nuclear capabilities, though other US officials cautioned it was too early to assess the full impact.

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called Israel’s bombing campaign, launched on 13 June, "a big mistake", adding: "The Zionist enemy... is being punished right now."

Air raid sirens sounded across both nations as Israel reported intercepting Iranian missiles, and Iranian media said its defences countered a drone attack. Oil prices surged over four percent, reflecting global concerns over the conflict’s escalation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged China to help deter Iran from blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the US issued a global travel alert, warning of possible anti-American demonstrations.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the US of backing Israel’s attacks. Trump suggested “Regime Change” in Iran, posting: “If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”

The IAEA’s Rafael Grossi warned of "grave consequences" from military strikes on nuclear sites. Calls for de-escalation came from Europe and the Gulf states.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for urgent dialogue and diplomacy following the US aerial strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. Speaking on Monday, Albanese urged Iran to return to negotiations, expressing deep concern over the risk of regional escalation.

"Iran didn't come to the table just as it has repeatedly failed to comply with its international obligations. The world has long agreed that Iran cannot be allowed to get a nuclear weapon. And we support action to prevent that. That is what this is," he said. "The US action was directed at specific sites central to Iran's nuclear program. We don't want escalation and a full-scale war."

Reiterating his stance, he added: "We continue to call for dialogue and for diplomacy... We want to see diplomacy, dialogue and de-escalation." Albanese also warned Iran against further action that could worsen the crisis.

The strikes followed President Trump’s order to launch Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the “incredible and overwhelming success” of the precision strikes, stressing that no Iranian troops or civilians were targeted. “They ‘obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear ambitions,” Hegseth said at a briefing alongside General Dan Caine.

North Korea on Monday condemned the US strikes on Iran, calling them a serious violation of the UN Charter and accusing Israel’s “reckless valour” of fuelling regional tensions. A foreign ministry spokesperson said, “The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea strongly denounces the attack on Iran by the US which severely violated the UN Charter with respect for sovereignty.”

Oil prices surged and Asian markets fell on Monday amid fears of disruption to energy supplies following US air strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. The dollar strengthened as investors weighed the risk of wider conflict, with Iran threatening US bases in the region.

Iran, the world’s ninth-largest oil producer, pumps around 3.3 million barrels per day, exporting just under half. Analysts warn that if Tehran retaliates, it may attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for one-fifth of global oil.

Brent and WTI crude initially jumped over 4%, hitting their highest levels since January. Gains later eased, with Brent up 2.1% at $75.43 and WTI at $78.64. MUFG economists warned of “high uncertainty of the outcomes and duration of this war,” forecasting a possible $10-per-barrel oil price rise.

Markets in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Sydney all posted losses. Analysts say even the threat of supply disruption could significantly raise maritime costs and energy prices globally.

Iran has condemned recent US strikes on its nuclear facilities, claiming Washington has “decided to destroy diplomacy” and warning that its military will determine the "timing, nature and scale of Iran's proportionate response.” Speaking at an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Sunday, Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said, “Iran had repeatedly warned the warmongering US regime to refrain from stumbling into this quagmire.”

Iravani added, “We will take all measures necessary,” and called the actions by the US and Israel “a clear and flagrant breach of international law.” He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of manipulating US President Donald Trump into doing the West’s “dirty work” and “dragging the United States into yet another costly and baseless war.”

He also noted that even as Iran’s foreign minister was engaged in talks with European counterparts, “the United States decided to destroy that diplomacy.” He asked, “What conclusion can be drawn from this situation?”

"Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term! The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame. The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"Even assuming that the facilities are completely destroyed, the game is not over; the enriched materials, local expertise, and politics will remain. Now, the political and operational initiative, along with the right to legitimate defense, lies with the side that plays smart and avoids indiscriminate fire. The surprises will continue!," Shamkhani said in a post on X.

Oil prices jumped in early Monday trading amid fears of supply disruptions following US air strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. Concerns over escalating tensions pushed Brent and US crude (WTI) up more than 4% initially, their highest levels since January.

By around 0030 GMT, prices had eased slightly, with Brent up 2.2% at $79.20 a barrel and WTI up 2.1% at $75.98.

Asian stock markets also fell as investors reacted to the weekend developments. Iran, the world's ninth-largest oil producer, pumps about 3.3 million barrels per day, exporting just under half.

Experts warn that if Iran retaliates, it could attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz—a key route for one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.

Iran's ambassador to the United Nations on Sunday slammed the United States for its strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. "The United States, a permanent member of this Council... has now once again resorted to illegal force, waged a war against my country, under a fabricated and absurd pretext: preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons," Amir Saeid Iravani told the UN Security Council.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday appeared to back the idea of regime change in Iran, contradicting his administration's earlier claim that Operation Midnight Hammer — airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites — was not meant to topple the government.

“It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, slightly tweaking his popular "Make America Great Again" slogan.

Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 950 people and injured 3,450, according to Washington-based group Human Rights Activists. The group, which monitors developments through a network of sources within Iran, said the toll includes 380 civilians and 253 members of the security forces.

The figures cover the entire country and significantly exceed the official numbers released by Iran. On Saturday, Iran’s Health Ministry reported 400 deaths and 3,056 injuries, but it has largely downplayed the scale of casualties during the conflict.

Human Rights Activists had also provided detailed data during the 2022 protests following the death of Mahsa Amini.

Iran is deepening its strategic pivot toward Russia following the US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities, with foreign minister Abbas Araghchi announcing a high-level visit to Moscow and top Kremlin figures hinting at possible nuclear support for Tehran.

"I'm going to Moscow this afternoon," Araghchi said at a press conference in Istanbul on Sunday, adding he would hold “serious consultations with President Putin” on Monday. The announcement came just hours after US President Donald Trump confirmed that American B-2 bombers had struck Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites.

Referring to Moscow as a “strategic partner,” Araghchi said Iran and Russia “always consult with each other and coordinate our positions.” The visit follows a call between Araghchi and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, who condemned Israeli aggression and pledged Moscow’s continued diplomatic support.

Meanwhile, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev delivered a dramatic response, declaring in a series of posts on X that the strikes had failed militarily and politically and could trigger unprecedented nuclear consequences.

Medvedev claimed, “A number of countries are ready to directly supply Iran with their own nuclear warheads.”