### June 13th 2025 __([Times Of Israel](https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-200-aircraft-involved-in-opening-strikes-on-iran-with-several-top-officials-killed/)) _"IDF: 200 aircraft involved in opening strikes on Iran, with several top officials killed."___ - Over 200 Israeli Air Force aircraft were involved in the opening strikes on Iran, dropping over 330 munitions on some 100 targets. - IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin confirms that Israel killed several top Iranian officials in the strikes, including Iran’s military commander Mohammad Bagheri, IRGC chief Hossein Salami, and head of the Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters, Gholam Ali Rashid. ### June 14th 2025 __([Axios](https://www.axios.com/2025/06/14/iran-nuclear-facilities-fordow-israel-strike)) _"Israel's mission hinges on destroying Iran's hardest nuclear target"___ - Completion of objectives hinges on the "elimination of Fordow" (Yechiel Leiter, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S.) - Israel lacks the bunker-busting and strategic bomber capabilities that the U.S. has within range of Iran. - Israeli officials told Axios that Bibi believes Trump will join the strikes in the coming days. But a White House official said the U.S. has "no intention" of joining the strikes. ### June 15th 2025 __([WSJ](https://archive.md/eAFDB#selection-537.0-537.53)) _"Israel’s Fight With Iran Spreads to the Energy Sector"___ - Iran is considering closing the Strait of Hormuz (Source: Esmail Kowsari, IRGC) - Saturday, Israel targeted two natural-gas facilities in the South Pars field the previous day. ### June 16th 2025 __([Reuters](https://archive.md/SfYyy)) _"Iranian state broadcaster hit as Iran urges Trump to make Israel halt war"___ - An Israeli strike hit Iran's state broadcaster. Israel also claimed the building served as a communications centre used by Iran’s armed forces. __([AP News](https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-irib-state-tv-air-strike-9ab46d05baeb354a6596bd09aa12a2d6)) _"Israeli strike on Iranian state TV fills studio with dust and debris during live broadcast"___ - An Israeli Strike hit the Iranian State broadcaster an hour after Israel issued an evacuation warning for the area where the station is located. - Strike was broadcast live from the studio. The Broadcaster switched to pre-recorded programming after the strike. - No casualties were reported from the strike; however, the building could be seen to be on fire/smoking. __([The War Zone](https://www.twz.com/news-features/spike-missiles-that-destroyed-air-defenses-from-inside-iran-were-remotely-operated)) _"Spike Missiles That Destroyed Air Defenses From Inside Iran Were Remotely Operated."___ - Iranian officials claim they've uncovered evidence of clandestine Mossad operations inside Iran. - Images published by the Iranian media show the remnants of  [Rafael Spike](https://www.twz.com/39826/an-army-ah-64-apache-used-an-israeli-made-missile-to-blast-a-small-boat-20-miles-away) precision-guided missile systems, some of which had been configured for remote use. - Iranian statements verify that the Mossad had managed to smuggle in weapons on a large scale. - Further Iranian reports claim that the Mossad also operated a drone manufacturing site in southern Tehran. ### June 17th 2025 __([Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-bolsters-military-options-trump-with-refueling-aircraft-officials-say-2025-06-16/)) _"US bolsters Trump's Middle East military options by moving refuelling aircraft, officials say"___ - U.S. has moved a number of aerial refuelling aircraft to European bases within range of Iran. - U.S. officials disclosed plans to move the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to the Middle East from the Indo-Pacific in a "pre-planned deployment." - Hegseth posted on X saying that he had ordered the deployment of additional defensive capabilities to U.S. bases in the Middle East. - AirNav systems, a flight tracking website, said more than 31 U.S. refuelling aircraft were being moved eastward. - An anonymous U.S. official stated that military movements were defensive in nature. __([Axios](https://www.axios.com/2025/06/17/trump-situation-room-meeting-iran-israel-war)) _"Trump speaks with Netanyahu after crucial meeting on Israel-Iran war"___ - Ahead of the meeting Trump had stated he was seriously considering launching U.S. strikes on Irans’s underground uranium enrichment facility in Fordow. - Trump discussed the idea of meeting directly with the Iranians, depending on what happens when he returns from the G7 meetings. - JD Vance tweeted about U.S. restraint, although the U.S. may decide to take "further action to end Iranian enrichment." __([Foreign Policy](https://archive.md/GFsrC)) _"Trump Calls for Iran’s ‘Unconditional Surrender"___ - Trump [posted](https://archive.md/YNmI7) on Truth Social "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER" - He urged Iranians to flee Tehran in a post, while also abruptly leaving the G7 Summit. - He made a threatening [post](https://archive.md/M1mw8) alluding to the possibility of assassinating Ayatollah Khamenei: "We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.” __([Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/g7-expresses-support-israel-calls-iran-source-instability-2025-06-17/)) _"G7 expresses support for Israel, calls Iran source of instability"___ - G7 release [statement](https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2025/06/16/g7-leaders-statement-on-recent-developments-between-israel-and-iran) of support for Israel, stating "Israel has a right to defend itself" and Iran as the "principal source of regional instability and terror." - They also called for a broader de-escalation in the region and stated they were ready to coordinate on safeguarding and stabilising energy markets __([Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/pentagon-chief-says-trump-still-aiming-deal-with-iran-2025-06-17/)) _"Pentagon chief says Trump still aiming for deal with Iran"___ - U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News that Trump was still aiming for a Nuclear deal with Iran. - Hegseth claimed that the U.S. is "postured defensively" and that the U.S. is still strongly pursuing a peace deal. __([CNN](https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/17/politics/israel-iran-nuclear-bomb-us-intelligence-years-away)) _"Israel says Iran was racing toward a nuclear weapon. US intel says it was years away"___ - Conflicting reports within the article. - Four officials familiar with the U.S. assessment of Iran's nuclear capabilities stated that Iran was actively pursuing a nuclear weapon, although it was "three years away" from being able to produce and deliver one. - Another senior U.S. official told CNN that Iran was about as close as you can get before building a nuclear weapon. If Iran wanted one, they have all the things they need.” __([AP](https://archive.md/kDT8p)) _"Israel’s strikes on Tehran broaden as Trump issues ominous warning."___ - Trump posts "IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON" before leaving early from the G7 summit. He added Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” - He later denied rushing back from the G7 to work on a ceasefire, saying his departure "has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that." - Earlier in the day Israel had called for the evacuation of 330,000 residents of a neighbourhood in central Tehran. ### June 18th 2025 __([The Economist](https://archive.md/nmtdi)) _"Inside the spy dossier that led Israel to war"___ - Prior to Israel's June 13th attack on iran Israel showed America and it's western partners an intelligence dossier pointing to the fact that Iran had reached a "point of no return" - The dossier contained two key pieces of evidence: First, Iran had hidden a quantity of highly enriched nuclear material away from IAEA supervision. Second, Iranian scientists were accelerating their work and were schedule to meet with missile commanders to prepare combining a nuclear warhead with the Shahab-3 ballistic missile. - The Institute for Science and International Security claimed that in 2003 Iran had conducted a "cold test" of its nuclear weapon using non weapons grade uranium. - Dossier also contains information that Iran had formed a "Special Progress Group" to accelerate the weaponisation process if and when Khamenei chose. - Iran had a new incentive to speed up their nuclear weapons program given the axis of resistance had been significantly weakened. - In 2011 IAEA claimed Iran had conducted computer modelling to see how a "spherical payload" stood up to the forces of a ballistic missile. - IAEA confirmed that Iran “did not declare nuclear material and nuclear-related activities" in three undeclared locations. __([The Jerusalem Post](https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-858221)) _"Iran army chief Ali Shademani assassinated in secret mountain compound near Tehran."___ - The IAF reported assassinating Maj.-Gen. Ali Shademani after assassinating his predecessor. - Shademani was assassinated at a secret compound in the mountains outside of Tehran along with dozens of other senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officers. __([Bloomberg](https://archive.md/41OYA)) _"Iran’s Khamenei Tells US His Country Won’t Surrender to Israel"___ - Khamenei stated he wouldn't surrender to Israel, and warned against any U.S. involvement in strikes which would lead to "irreparable damage." __([BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3w463pyj90o)) _"Russia fears another loss in Middle East from Iran's conflict with Israel"___ - Russia is not prepared to go further than political comments condemning Israel. - Losing another Middle East ally illustrates growing levels of Russian isolation. - Moscow has already lost one key ally in the Middle East, Bashar al-Assad. The thought of losing another strategic partner in the region is of major concern. __([Reuters](https://archive.md/lrbd2)) _"Russia tells US not to strike Iran, warns of nuclear catastrophe"___ - Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned the U.S. not to strike Iran out of fears that it would "radically destabilise the entire situation". - Speaking from an economic forum in St Petersburg, Ryabkov discouraged the U.S. from direct involvement. - The head of Russia's SVR foreign intelligence service, Sergei Naryshkin, called the situation between Iran and Israel "critical", with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claiming the world was "millimetres" from catastrophe as a result. __([Times Of Israel](https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-blames-israel-for-hacking-state-tv-broadcast-with-calls-for-uprising/)) _"Iran blames Israel for hacking state TV broadcast with calls for uprising"___ - On June 18th 2025 the Iranian state broadcast was interrupted with footage of the 2022 women's protest and anti-regime messages urging people to take to the streets. - This comes as Netanyahu has made a series of public statements both on twitter and televised encouraging Iranians to overthrow the regime. - Iran claims that the interruption was caused by an Israeli cyberattack. __([The Washington Post](https://archive.md/zW0hl#selection-269.0-269.69)) _"Israel-Iran conflict may last only as long as their missiles hold out"___ - Israeli officials estimate that Iran has launched roughly 400 missiles. - Israeli strikes have eliminated 120, or one-third, of Iran’s missile launchers. - Sharp decline in the number of missiles in each salvo. the first wave saw more than 150 missiles compared to 10 on the afternoon of the 18th. - A leading Israeli financial newspaper, reported that missile defence costs Israel as much as $285 million, a night. - Current Israeli stockpiles of missile interceptors is reported to last another 10 to 12 days without U.S. resupply. (source:"an individual briefed on U.S. and Israeli intelligence assessments") __([Euro News](https://archive.md/NF9O8)) _"Iran conflict to derail EU review of Israeli association agreement"___ - European officials were set to review the EU's assocation agreement with Israel over actions in Gaza and the West Bank, however EU diplomatic sources states will not respond by suspending in all, or even part the agreement with Israel due to its conflict with Iran. - While some countries are keen to push for a suspension of the agreement, sources claim "The pendulum has swung back to support for Israel." - German support will be critical for the decision to suspend the agreement under "qualified majority voting." Given Chancellor Merz has supported Israel's decision to launch preemptive strikes against Iran saying it was "[dirty work Israel is doing for all of us](https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-merz-says-israel-doing-dirty-work-for-us-in-iran/live-72939104)" __([Bloomberg](https://archive.md/GHAwp)) _"UN Says It Has Lost Track of Iran’s Near-Bomb-Grade Uranium"___ - Iran possesses 409 kilograms of highly-enriched uranium, enough to produce 10 nuclear warheads. Which should be under IAEA supervision. However IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said it's location is now unclear after Tehran warned him the stockpile would be moved in the event of an Israeli attack. - Prior to Israel's attack IAEA inspectors were conducting more than one visit a day to Iranian nuclear sites. - Grossi said that while inspectors “have not seen” any overt efforts to produce nuclear weapons “no country in the world is enriching uranium at this level.” __([USA Today](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/06/18/trump-strike-iran-military-options/84258488007/)) _"'Nobody knows what I’m going to do': Trump says he hasn't decided whether to strike Iran"___ - Trump still undecided whether to strike Iran telling reporters “I may do it. I may not do it." during a Q&A session at the White House. - He later called Iran "school yard bullies" adding that he hadn't "won" against Iran yet but that "next wee is going to be very big." - Following his situation room meeting Trump claimed he had given the Iranians the "ultimate ultimatum" but didn't disclose further. - He also stated that he likes to make final decisions a "second" before they are due because "things change." ### June 19th 2025 __([AP News](https://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-attacks-nuclear-news-06-19-2025-b508817b78ed8d2f6067c1516215cf94)) _"Israel strikes Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor, state television says"___ - Israel has attacked a key component of Iran's nuclear infrastructure, the Arak heavy water reactor. - Early Thursday morning Israel issued evacuation warnings for the facility through a post on X. - Iran responded to the strikes by firing another salvo of missiles into Israel. __([Ynet News](https://www.ynetnews.com/article/kib88srss#autoplay)) _"Missile salvo from Iran slams into Israel; hospital takes direct hit"___ - Sirens were activated across the country in response to a combined missile and drone attack. - Reports of multiple missile impact sites in at least seven locations across central and southern Israel. (Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan and Holon, Be'er Sheva among them) - Soroka Medical Center took a direct impact from an Iranian missile. - Report of injuries, no casualties. __([BBC](https://archive.md/88uDR)) _"Trump approves Iran attack plan but has not made final decision, US media says"___ - Trump has reportedly approved attack plans but is waiting to see if Iran agrees to abandon it's nuclear programme. - This comes as Ayatollah Khamenei rejected Trump's calls for unconditional surrender, while stating that U.S. intervention would be met with a harsh response. - Trump is considering a US strike on the Fordo underground uranium enrichment facility. __([South China Morning Post ](https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3315025/israel-ready-keep-talking-china-despite-criticism-iran-strikes-ambassador-says?module=top_story&pgtype=homepage)) _"Israel ready to keep talking to China despite criticism of Iran strikes, ambassador says"___ - Israeli ambassador to China Eli Belotserkovsk said Israel wants to "continue talking" to China despite Beijing coming to Iran's political support. - Belotserkovsk stressed that China - Israel relations are "very important” and that the two countries had open diplomatic channels. - When asked about China's potential role as a mediator between Iran and Israel he did not rule out the possibility but stressed that Israel's main concern was its military campaign at the moment. __([Newsweek](https://www.newsweek.com/israel-strikes-inactive-nuclear-reactor-iran-2087722))_"Israel Strikes Inactive Nuclear Reactor in Iran"___ - Israeli air force targeted the nuclear reactor in Arak including the reactor's core seal, a key component in plutonium production. - IDF said they targeted the site to "prevent the reactor from being restored." - The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran confirmed the attack and said a reactor and heavy water complex was hit. - No report of casualties. ### June 20th 2025 __([Bloomberg](https://archive.md/cCMt9))_"Israeli Officials Warn Iran Is Hijacking Security Cameras to Spy"___ - Refael Franco former deputy director general of the Israel National Cyber Directorate stated that iran had been trying to connect to cameras to relay missile impact data and improve their precision. - Irans information gathering efforts also extend to collecting photos and videos of impact sites circulating on social media. - Not the first instance of private cameras being hacked; Hamas had hacked into cameras ahead of its October 7th attack. __([Newsweek](https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-considering-tactical-nukes-against-iran-what-we-know-2088461))_"Is Donald Trump Considering Tactical Nukes Against Iran? What We Know"___ - White house official said that nothing is "off the table" if it decides to take action against Fordow including tactical nuclear weapons. - Conflicting report with a Guardian article which stated that The President is "not considering using a tactical nuclear weapon on Fordow." __([Bloomberg](https://archive.is/tJUbl#selection-1135.0-1135.65))_"Satellite Images Reveal Trump’s Dilemma Over Iran Nuclear Complex"___ - Satellite images show that impacts to Irans nuclear facilities only "grazed" installations. - Irans Natanz facility, previously targeted by Israel had its electricity switch yards and transformers destroyed; however these could be repaired in a matter of months. - Robert Kelley, former IAEA inspector, stated “They did damage but left a lot intact.” - Natanz’s underground enrichment halls are protected by 40 meters (131 feet) of earth, reinforced steel and concrete. - Despite electricity infrastructure being destroyed Kelley pointed out that any "competent designer will have backup power, either batteries or generators" - According to Kelley electrical damage at Natanz could be fixed within months. - Israel also struck the Isfahan plant, damaging the chemical laboratory, a uranium conversion plant, reactor fuel manufacturing plant and the enriched uranium metal processing facility. However Kelley later stated that Israel had achieved “very little” damage from satellite images. - Isfahan was the last location the IAEA had seen Irans highly-enriched uranium stockpile. - On May 22nd Iran told diplomats it was taking "special measures" to protect its uranium stockpile. __([Axios](https://www.axios.com/2025/06/20/iran-israel-meeting-geneva-trump-diplomacy))_"Trump casts doubt on Iran's ceasefire request, says Israel is "winning""___ - Trump says that it would be hard to pause convince Israel to pause strikes since they are "winning." - Despite the difficulty Trump expressed a willingness to continue negotiations with Iran. - Trump says he "might" support a ceasefire depending on the circumstances, however it would be difficult because "Israel is doing. well in terms of war" __([Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com/world/b-2-stealth-bombers-appear-move-hours-before-trump-expected-white-house.amp))_"B-2 stealth bombers appear to be on the move hours before Trump expected at White House"___ - Six B-2 stealth bombers took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri en route to an Air Force base in Guam. - The bombers were refuelled after launching from Missouri indicating they took off without full fuel tanks due to a heavy onboard payload, which could be bunker-buster bombs. - The B-2 can carry two 15-ton bunker-buster bombs said to be ideal for targeting Irans Fordow facility. - Mark Dubowitz CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies said that only the US is capable of destroying Fordow from the air. ### June 21st 2025 __([Reuters](https://archive.md/5W4gU))_"Senior Iranian official: European proposals in Geneva unrealistic."___ - A senior Iranian official said that proposals put forward by European leaders at talks in Geneva regarding Iran's nuclear programme were "unrealistic." - The official claimed that insisting on these positions will not bring Iran and Europe closer to an agreement. - Two European diplomats believed that Israel would not accept a ceasefire in the near term and that it would be difficult for Iran and the U.S. to resume negotiations. - French President Emmanuel Macron said that France and Iran had agreed accelerate negotiations however it was on Iran to " provide every assurance that its intentions are peaceful." __([New York Times](https://archive.md/GSEdZ))_"Israel says it killed a commander of the Iranian force that oversees proxy militias."___ - Israel stated that it had killed another high ranking IRGC commander, Mohammed Said Izadi, who was responsible for overseeing support for proxy militias around the Middle East, including Hamas. - Izadi was one of the few people who was aware of Hamas' October 7th plan prior to it taking place. - In August 2023 Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader said in a "closed door" meeting that he had spoken to Izadi, outlining the plan to conduct a large-scale assault into Israel. - Following October 7th Izadi aided Hamas by transferring funds and equipment into Gaza according to two Israeli defense officials. - Izadi was killed from an Israeli airstrike on an IRGC safe house in central Iran. __([New York Times](https://archive.md/cA7im))_"Sheltering in a Bunker, Iran’s Supreme Leader Names Potential Successors."___ - In an attempt to avoid assassination Khamenei mostly communicates with his commanders through a trusted aide, suspending electronic communications. - Khamenei is said to be in a bunker and has picked a line of replacement commanders in case more assassinations are conducted. - Khamenei has reportedly picked three potential sucessors. __([Reuters](https://archive.md/LYJ1Y#selection-1007.0-1007.66))_"Trump says Iran's key nuclear sites 'obliterated' by US airstrikes"___ - USAF struck Iran's three main nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. - Trump Warned Iran about the possibility of more attacks if they did not agree to peace, stating "If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill." - He called the strikes a "spectacular military success" and that Iran's nuclear facilities had been, "completely and totally obliterated." - The strikes used seven B-2 bombers, the most advance stategic bomber in the USAF arsenal. (We now know that 14 GBU-43 MOABs were used with 6 hitting Fordow.) - The strike also used 30 tomahawk missiles fired from submarines which were timed to impact at the same time as the bombs. ### June 22nd 2025 __([CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mike-huckabee-us-evacuation-americans-in-israel/))_"U.S. State Department has begun evacuations of Americans from Israel, Huckabee says."___ - U.S. State department has begun assisted departure flights from Israel for U.S. citizens. - The evacuations began hours before U.S. strikes on Iranian Nuclear facilities. - The evacuation consisted of two flights and 70 families. __([The Hill](https://archive.md/8N1x6#selection-1111.3-1111.65))_"Iran eyes ‘all options’ in response to ‘outrageous’ US strikes."___ - Following US strikes Iran stated that there would be "everlasting consequences" and that it is considering "all options." - Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi posted on X "The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior" - The FM also stated that in the event of a retaliation Iran would be acting in "self-defense" and that Tehran “reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.” __([Reuters](https://archive.md/IueEX#selection-1007.0-1007.57))_"Bahrain, Kuwait prepare for possible Iran conflict spread."___ - Bahrain and Kuwait have made preparations for an expansion of the Iran conflict warning drivers to avoid main roads and establishing shelters. - Following US strikes on Iran, Tehran had previously warned if it was attacked by the United States, it could target American assets in the region. - Bahrain also told 70% of government employees to work from home on Sunday until further notice, citing escalating tensions, according the Civil Service Bureau. __([Bloomberg](https://archive.md/oKrci))_"Two Supertankers U-Turn in Strait of Hormuz After US Strikes."___ - Two supertankers capable of carrying around 2 million barrels of crude U-turned in the Strait of Hormuz after US airstrikes on Iran. - After entering the waterway the two ships abruptly changed course. The two empty freighters then sailed away from the mouth of the Persian Gulf. - The re-routing of these two tankers is the first indication of a possible closure of Hormuz. __([BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq53l41gl8joi))_"Starmer and Trump discuss need for Iran to return to negotiations."___ - Keir Starmer has spoken to Trump following U.S strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The pair discussed the need for Iran to return to the negotiating table. - Starmer warned of a "risk of escalation" following the strikes and said that "we're doing everything we can to stabilise the situation" to find a diplomatic solution. - They agreed that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. - Starmer along with Merz and Macron have urged Iran "not to take any further action that could destabilise the region". __([Axios](https://archive.md/23azN#selection-357.0-357.87))_"Iran parliament reportedly backs closing Strait of Hormuz, which could spike oil prices."___ - The Iranian parliament has voted to endorsed the closure of The Strait of Hormuz following the U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities. - The final decision rests on the decision of  regime security officials and Khamenei himself. - The Strait of Hormuz is a vital choke point for a quarter of the worlds seaborne oil trade. - Eurasia Group analysts stated that the closure of the strait would be unlikely considering it "would almost certainly trigger a significant military response." Although "harassment of tanker traffic is likely in coming days." - JD Vance said to NBC that "Their entire economy runs through the Strait of Hormuz. If they want to destroy their own economy and cause disruptions in the world, I think that would be their decision." __([BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c056pyv723vo))_"US asks China to stop Iran from closing Strait of Hormuz."___ - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged China to prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz. - Rubio made these comments after Iran's state-run Press TV reported that parliament had approved a plan to close the Strait. - Oil prices rose to the highest point in five months following the US attack on Iranian nuclear sites. - Rubio called the move "economic suicide" and claimed that the U.S. had options to deal with the closure of the waterway. __([Newsweek](https://archive.md/4dXQg))_"Satellite Images Show 'Unusual' Activity at Iran Nuclear Site Before Strikes."___ - Satellite images captured before the U.S. strikes on Irans nuclear facilities show "unusual truck and vehicular activity" close to the entrance according to satellite imagery firm Maxar. - ### June 23rd 2025 __([Newsnation](https://archive.md/3uC6b))_"State Department issues ‘worldwide caution’ security alert."___ - State department has issued "worldwide caution" stating there is a potential threat to U.S. citizens and interests abroad. - The department also urged citizens to exercise increased caution, and to pay attention to the U.S. travel advisory. __([Reuters](https://archive.md/1IZzf#selection-1007.0-1007.67))_"Australia says it supports US strike, calls for return to diplomacy."___ - Australian FM Penny Wong said that Canberra supports the U.S. decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities. Wong stated: "We support action that the U.S. has taken to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon." - However she followed her statement by saying that "We do not want to see escalation." This sentiment mirrors that of European powers. __([Tokyo Weekender](https://www.tokyoweekender.com/japan-life/news-and-opinion/japan-reacts-to-us-attacks-on-iran/))_"Japan Reacts to US Attacks on Iran."___ - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba urged the parties involves to peruse de-escalation and refrained from making a statement on whether Japan supports the U.S. attacks. - He added that “Iran’s nuclear development must be blocked” but when asked if he backed the U.S.' actions, he responded “I will answer the question when appropriate.” __([Reuters](https://archive.md/pwi2F))_"Iran's supreme leader asks Putin to do more after US strikes."___ - Iranian FM met with Putin in Moscow urging Russia to request more help. - While Putin has condemned the Israeli and U.S. strikes he has done little more than offer rhetoric. - Iranian sources told Reuters that Tehran has not been impressed with Russia's support so far. - While Russia's veto-wielding power in the UN could come in helpful for Iran, Putin has shown little appetite for any direct involvement. __([Reuters](https://archive.md/yW7Jd))_"Tankers U-turn, zig-zag, pause around Strait of Hormuz."___ - Oil forecasts are surging to $100 a barrel. - Singapore-based Sentosa Shipbrokers stated that empty tankers entering the Gulf are down 32% while loaded tanker departures are down 27% from early May levels. - The Coswisdom Lake, a crude carrier, was set to deliver to China has unexpectedly U-turned in the gulf. (Chartered by Unipec, a trading arm of Sinopec a Chinese state run company.) __([Newsweek](https://archive.md/yRvvT#selection-885.0-885.63))_"Iran Taunts 'Gambler Trump' in New Threat to 'Criminal America'."___ - Iran has labeled Trump a "gambler" in a post warning, "Gambler Trump, you can start this war, but we will be the one to end it." - Ebrahim Zolfaghari, Iranian military spokesperson stated that U.S. strikes expand the "scope of legitimate and diverse targets" and that Iran would launch powerful operations with heavy, regretful, and unpredicted consequences." __([Ynet](https://archive.md/UlBNI))_"IDF strikes Revolutionary Guards' internal security headquarters and prison for regime opponents in Tehran."___ - The IDF struck Evin prison said to be where political opponents of the Iranian regime are held. - Additionally the Revolutionary Guards internal security headquarters in Tehran was attacked. - Israeli officials say this is a "direct message" to the regime's leadership, that they are "moments away from losing control of the regime." __([Axios](https://archive.md/FbpxK))_"Trump assembles national security team amid threat of Iran retaliation."___ - Trump is preparing for an Iranian strike against U.S. bases in the gulf as retaliation for the strikes at three Iranian nuclear sites. - Trump is set to meet with his national security team to discuss the threat. - Qatar announced it was temporarily closing its airspace due to rising regional tensions. - Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar is the biggest U.S. military installation in the region. In recent weeks, many of the base's aircraft and personnel have been evacuated. - The U.S., U.K., and China issued warnings on Monday advising their nationals in Qatar to shelter in place as a precaution.