As the conflict between Iran and Israel entered its 11th day, Tehran and Tel Aviv traded fresh fire on Monday, even as Iran vowed to respond to US airstrikes that President Donald Trump said had caused “monumental damage” to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Despite repeated global appeals for restraint, the crisis continues to expand, drawing in major powers and triggering fears of a wider regional escalation.
The fallout from the conflict is rapidly unfolding on several fronts—diplomatic, military, and political. While Iran warned the United States of "unpredictable consequences," American President Trump hinted at possible regime change in Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Israel was nearing its military goals, and Iran executed a third alleged Mossad spy. Meanwhile, China called for de-escalation, and the US issued a worldwide security alert for its citizens.
The conflict between the two countries entered its 11th day, despite global appeals for calm. Here are the latest updates:
Read live updates on Israel-Iran warIsrael strikes key regime targets in heart of Tehran, says Israeli ministerIsraeli defence minister Israel Katz has claimed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are carrying out “unprecedented” strikes on major regime and security sites in central Tehran. In a statement, Katz said, “The IDF is currently striking with unprecedented force regime targets and governmental repression bodies in the heart of Tehran, including the Basij headquarters, the Evin Prison for political prisoners and regime opponents, the ‘Destruction of Israel’ clock in Palestine Square, the internal security headquarters of the Revolutionary Guards, the ideology headquarters, and other regime targets.”
Iran's foreign minister to meet PutinIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was scheduled to hold "important" talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. The meeting comes two days after the US struck key Iranian nuclear sites.
Russia, an important supporter of Iran, has condemned the Israeli and US attacks but has not provided military assistance. Since Israel began its strikes on June 13, Moscow has been cautious in its response. Russia has also downplayed its commitments under a recent strategic agreement with Iran.
“In this new dangerous situation ... our consultations with Russia can certainly be of great importance,” Araghchi was quoted as saying by Russian state media after his arrival in Moscow.
According to the official IRNA news agency, Araghchi is expected to “hold consultations with the president and other senior officials of Russia regarding regional and international developments following the military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran.”
Putin condemns strikes on Tehran as ‘unprovoked aggression’, vows support for IranRussian President Vladimir Putin on Monday denounced the recent military strikes on Tehran, describing them as “unprovoked aggression” and “unjustified” during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow.
“This is an absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran,” Putin said, condemning the attack and affirming Russia’s stance against the escalation. He added, “Russia is making efforts to provide assistance to the Iranian people.”
The meeting between Putin and Araghchi comes amid growing tensions in the region, as Moscow positions itself as a key ally and voice of support for Iran on the international stage.
Iran executes another person accused of spying for MossadOn Monday, Iran carried out the execution of a third man accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency since the conflict with Israel began.
Rights groups have expressed concern that more executions may follow, especially after Iranian authorities gave a Sunday deadline for people to turn themselves in over alleged spying.
The judiciary's Mizan news agency named the man as Mohammad Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh. Amnesty International had earlier raised his case, stating he was held in Ghezal Hesar prison in Alborz province.
On Sunday, Iran executed another man, Majid Mossayebi, whose case became public only after the execution.
Earlier, on June 16, Esmail Fekri was also executed.
China urges de-escalationMeanwhile, China on Monday called on Iran and Israel to reduce tensions and avoid further escalation.
"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," China's foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said.
US issues 'worldwide caution' for AmericansThe US state department on Sunday issued a "worldwide caution" advisory, warning American citizens that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could increase security risks for those living or traveling abroad.
"The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East. There is the potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad," the advisory said.
"The Department of State advises US citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution," it added.
The statement did not mention the US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities carried out overnight, which Tehran has warned could lead to "irreparable consequences."
Iran warns US of serious consequences after strikes on nuclear sitesIran’s armed forces on Monday warned of “serious, unpredictable consequences” for the United States in response to its airstrikes on key nuclear facilities.
US warplanes targeted sites in Isfahan, Natanz, and the underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordo, as part of support for Israel’s bombing campaign that began on June 13.
"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 on state television.
Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, also warned that bases used by US forces “in the region or elsewhere” could come under attack, news agency AFP reported.
Hizbollah militant condemns US strike on IranThe Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah on Sunday condemned the US airstrikes on Iran but did not indicate any plans to join in Tehran’s response.
In a statement, the group said: “The blatant deceit and deception practised by US President Donald Trump, driven by illusions of control and arrogance ... confirms that the United States of America, along with the tyrants of arrogance, is a threat to the security and stability of the Islamic Republic.”
It added, “... This proves to the entire world that America is the official sponsor of terrorism and does not recognize international conventions, humanitarian laws, pledges, or obligations.”
Trump hints at 'regime change' to Make Iran Great AgainWhile US defense decretary Pete Hegseth said at a press briefing that "this mission was not... about regime change," US President Donald Trump raised the possibility.
"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???" Trump said.
Following the airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, Trump added that Iran "must now agree to end this war," and stressed that the country must not be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon under any circumstances.
Netanyahu says Israel 'very, very close' to achieving goalsIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel is "very, very close" to achieving its objectives in Iran, following US President Donald Trump’s overnight airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.
Reiterating his aims of dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, Netanyahu told journalists: "We are moving step by step towards achieving these goals, we are very, very close to completing them."
He added, "When they have been reached, the operation will finish."