Latest news with #Irania
Miami Herald
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Iranian Cleric Offers Reward for Whoever ‘Brings the Head of Trump'
An Iranian cleric has offered a reward "to anyone who brings the head of Trump," according to an exiled Iranian outlet, adding to the calls from several Iranian figures and state-aligned media for the president's assassination. Mansour Emami, a state-appointed official from the West Azerbaijan province of northwestern Iran, offered a substantial reward for Trump's assassination, according to the U.K.-based Iranian International opposition outlet and the state-run Hawzah news agency. Newsweek has been unable to independently verify these reports. Newsweek has contacted Iran's foreign ministry for comment via email on Thursday. In recent weeks, at least one high-profile Iranian official has issued a fatwa, or ruling grounded in Islamic law, against the Republican and also against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The fatwa, publicized by one of the country's most senior clerics, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, was downplayed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during a conversation with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson earlier this month, who said the order had "nothing to do with the Iranian government or the Supreme Leader," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The spike in violence between Israel and Iran, now referred to by many as the "12 day war," flared last month when Israel launched attacks on Iran's nuclear and military sites. Tehran then launched its own aerial assaults on Israel. Trump greenlit U.S. strikes on three of Iran's nuclear sites, which the president has since described as having "obliterated" Tehran's nuclear program. Different assessments say the sites sustained varying degrees to damage. The U.S., and many of America's allies, have said it is unacceptable for Iran to have nuclear weapons. While Tehran has insisted its program is peaceful, international investigators have found highly enriched uranium close to the level needed for a weapon, and Iranian officials have suspended their cooperation with the international nuclear watchdog. Iran said on Tuesday it had not requested talks with the U.S. on nuclear agreements after Trump indicated Tehran was seeking a new accord, and that negotiations were "scheduled." The Department of Homeland Security last month said Iran "has a long-standing commitment to target U.S. Government officials it views as responsible for the death of an Iranian military commander killed in January 2020." Iranian commander Major General Qasem Soleimani was assassinated at the start of 2020 during a drone strike ordered by Trump during his first term in office. Mohammad-Javad Larijani, an aide close to Khamenei, said earlier this week the U.S. President "can no longer sunbathe in Mar-a-Lago," referring to Trump's Florida resort. "While he's lying down, a micro-drone might target and strike him right in the navel," Larijani said during an appearance on state-controlled television. When asked about the remarks, Trump responded: "I'm not sure it's a threat, actually, but perhaps it is." "The Iranian regime's continued calls to assassinate President Trump are completely unacceptable," Republican Senator Jim Risch, the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said on Wednesday. Ahead of his reelection late last year, Trump said in September there were "big threats on my life by Iran," adding: "Moves were already made by Iran that didn't work out, but they will try again." CNN reported in July 2024 that U.S. authorities had information indicating Iran had developed a plot to assassinate Trump, prompting security around the then-presidential candidate to tighten over the summer. There was no indication that Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old who attempted to assassinate Trump that month, was connected to Iran, according to the report. An Iranian website claims to run a public campaign to fundraise for Trump's assassination. As of Thursday, the website claimed to have raised more than $40 million. Related Articles NATO Ally Warns of Iranian Assassination ThreatIs the Middle East Really on the Verge of a New Dawn? | OpinionIran's Defense Chief Delivers Harsh WarningIran Fatwa Fundraiser to Kill Donald Trump Raises Over $40 Million 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Indian Express
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Iran-linked hackers threaten to release Trump aides' emails
Iran-linked hackers have threatened to disclose more emails stolen from U.S. President Donald Trump's circle, after distributing a prior batch to the media ahead of the 2024 U.S. election. In online chats with Reuters on Sunday and Monday, the hackers, who go by the pseudonym Robert, said they had roughly 100 gigabytes of emails from the accounts of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Trump lawyer Lindsey Halligan, Trump adviser Roger Stone and porn star-turned-Trump antagonist Stormy Daniels. Robert raised the possibility of selling the material but otherwise did not provide details of their plans. The hackers did not describe the content of the emails. US Attorney General Pam Bondi described the intrusion as 'an unconscionable cyber-attack.' The White House and the FBI responded with a statement from FBI Director Kash Patel, who said: 'Anyone associated with any kind of breach of national security will be fully investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.' 'This so-called cyber 'attack' is nothing more than digital propaganda, and the targets are no coincidence. This is a calculated smear campaign meant to damage President Trump and discredit honorable public servants who serve our country with distinction,' cyberdefense agency CISA said in a post on X. Halligan, Stone and a representative for Daniels did not respond to requests for comment. Iran's mission to the United Nations did not return a message seeking comment. Tehran has in the past denied committing cyberespionage. Robert materialized in the final months of the 2024 presidential campaign, when they claimed to have breached the email accounts of several Trump allies, including Wiles. The hackers then distributed emails to journalists. Reuters previously authenticated some of the leaked material, including an email that appeared to document a financial arrangement between Trump and lawyers representing former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – now Trump's health secretary. Other material included Trump campaign communication about Republican office-seekers and discussion of settlement negotiations with Daniels. Although the leaked documents did garner some coverage last year, they did not fundamentally alter the presidential race, which Trump won. The U.S. Justice Department in a September 2024 indictment alleged that Iran's Revolutionary Guards ran the Robert hacking operation. In conversations with Reuters, the hackers declined to address the allegation. After Trump's election, Robert told Reuters that no more leaks were planned. As recently as May, the hackers told Reuters, 'I am retired, man.' But the group resumed communication after this month's 12-day air war between Israel and Iran, which was capped by U.S. bombing of Iran's nuclear sites. In messages this week, Robert said they were organizing a sale of stolen emails and wanted Reuters to 'broadcast this matter.' American Enterprise Institute scholar Frederick Kagan, who has written about Iranian cyberespionage, said Tehran suffered serious damage in the conflict and its spies were likely trying to retaliate in ways that did not draw more U.S. or Israeli action. 'A default explanation is that everyone's been ordered to use all the asymmetric stuff that they can that's not likely to trigger a resumption of major Israeli/US military activity,' he said. 'Leaking a bunch more emails is not likely to do that.' Despite worries that Tehran could unleash digital havoc, Iran's hackers took a low profile during the conflict. U.S. cyber officials warned on Monday that American companies and critical infrastructure operators might still be in Tehran's crosshairs.
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First Post
18-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
‘Nobody knows what I'm going to do': Trump says Iran has ‘reached out' and wants to negotiate
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that Iran has 'reached out' and expressed a willingness to negotiate, but refused to confirm whether the US will join Israel in launching airstrikes on Iranian territory or nuclear facilities read more President Donald Trump speaks as a flag pole is installed on the South Lawn of the White House, on Wednesday. AP US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that Iran has 'reached out' and expressed a willingness to negotiate, but refused to confirm whether the US will join Israel in launching airstrikes on Iranian territory or nuclear facilities. According to The Guardian report, speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said Iran is 'in a lot of trouble' and suggested that Tehran had made overtures to come for talks, including a proposal to visit the White House. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, he did not elaborate on the details of any such outreach. 'I said it's very late to be talking. We may meet. There's a big difference between now and a week ago, right? Big difference,' Trump added. Trump said that his patience 'had already run out' with Iran and repeated his call for the Islamic republic's 'unconditional surrender.' 'Next week is going to be very big, may be less than next week,' he said. When asked directly if the US was preparing military action against Iran, the president refused to give a definitive answer, 'I may do it, I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do.' He also claimed that Iran was 'totally defenceless' and lacked effective air defence capabilities, further fueling speculation about the possibility of a US military response in coordination with Israel, which has already launched strikes against Iranian targets. Asked what he meant when he called in a social media post on Tuesday for Iran's 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!', Trump again suggested that his patience had run out with Iran. 'It's very simple - unconditional surrender. That means I've had it, okay? I've had it. I give up, no more, we go and blow up all the nuclear stuff that's all over the place,' Trump said. Trump compared Iran to 'schoolyard bullies', adding: 'And now they're not bullies any more, but we'll see what happens.' When asked if it was too late for negotiations, he said: 'Nothing is too late.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also said that he spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin who offered to mediate. Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday that the US military is 'prepared to execute' any decision President Trump might make on matters of war and peace, even as he declined to confirm preparations of strike options on Iran. 'If and when those decisions are made, the Department (of Defence) is prepared to execute them,' The Guardian quoted Hegseth as telling the Senate Armed Services. President Trump's remarks came after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the Iranian nation 'is not one to surrender.' 'Let the Americans know that the Iranian nation is not one to surrender, and any military intervention on their part will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage,' CNN quoted Khamenei as saying on Wednesday in a national address – only his second public comments since Israel launched its attack against Iran last week. 'Those who are wise and familiar with Iran, its people, and its history never speak to this nation in the language of threats,' he warned. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After Trump on Tuesday said Khamenei was 'an easy target' for the US and Israel, he then ramped up his demands on Truth Social: 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!' With inputs from agencies
The Hindu
18-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
What is Israel's endgame in Iran?
(This article is part of the View From India newsletter curated by The Hindu's foreign affairs experts. To get the newsletter in your inbox every Monday, subscribe here.) When Israel launched an all-out air war against Iran on June 13, it said the attack was aimed at destroying Iran's nuclear programme. On day one, Israel bombed Iran's Natanz nuclear facility and several ballistic missile sites, besides assassinating the country's top Generals, including the chief of the armed forces. In the subsequent days, Israel bombed the nuclear facility in Isfahan. Iran's command centres, missile launchers, civilian locations and even the headquarters of the state TV. Israel has established air superiority over Iran. In retaliation, Iran launched close to 400 missiles, hitting several targets in Israel, including an oil refinery in Haifa and a top research institute near Tel Aviv. While the air war is escalating, there are questions about Israel's endgame. The IAEA, the UN's nuclear watchdog, said on June 16 that Israel's attack 'severely damaged if not entirely destroyed' the centrifuges at the Natanz facility. The Israeli strike had 'completely destroyed' the above-ground facility at Natanz, according to IAEA chief Rafael Grossi. The underground hall housing the centrifuges that enrich uranium was not directly hit. 'However, the loss of power to the cascade hall may have damaged the centrifuges there,' he said. Mr. Grossi also said four buildings were destroyed at the Esfahan Nuclear Technology Centre – a chemical lab, a uranium conversion plant, a fuel manufacturing plant, and a facility to convert uranium hexafluoride to uranium metal. But there was no major damage to the Fordow enrichment plant, which is Iran's most fortified facility that has been built deep under a mountain. Israel's main objective is the total destruction of Iran's nuclear programme. As Israel has aerial superiority, it can continue to bomb Iran. So Israel is unlikely to accept any call for an immediate ceasefire until it meets its objective. But there is a problem. Israel doesn't have the kind of bunker buster bombs or the strategic bombers that can carry such bombs to destroy heavily fortified facilities such as Fordow. So Israel's offensive is not going to be concluded soon. And Iran, on the other side, despite the heavy losses it suffered, continues to hit Israel back with ballistic missiles. On June 17 morning, Iran launched more than 20 ballistic missiles, some of which hit central Israel. This leaves Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with three options. One, continue the relentless bombing of Iran, pushing the country towards state collapse or regime change. On June 15, while speaking to Fox News, Mr. Netanyahu said Israel's attack could lead to regime change in Iran. The next day, he refused to rule out assassinating Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, as he said such an outcome would end the conflict. This explains why Israel is focused on decapitating the Iranian government. It is going after all the top commanders of the military and the IRGC. While it's not clear what would come if the regime collapses, Israel would prefer a weak, balkanised Iran, like Iraq, Lebanon or today's Syria, than a unitary civilisational and ideological state. Two, let Donald Trump use the military pressure on Iran as a negotiation stick and extract a deal from Tehran. On June 16, there were reports that Iran had sent feelers to America through Gulf Arab countries that it was ready to return to talks if Israel stops bombing. The deal Mr. Trump wants is one which would require Iran to completely abandon its nuclear programme. Until now, Iran has maintained that it has, as a signatory to the NPT, legitimate rights to enrich uranium for civilian purposes. Mr. Trump said even after Israel started the war that he was open for a deal. But the question is whether Iran would go for talks with the U.S. when the country is under attack. So far Iran has said no. It demands Israel stop the bombing. But will Mr. Netanyahu, after having started the war and established air superiority, stop the strikes? Unlikely. The third option is to drag the U.S. in. Mr. Trump has so far maintained that America was not involved in the war. But he admitted that he was aware of Israel's attack plans even when he publicly voiced opposition to them. Israeli officials say they went ahead after getting 'a clear green light' from America. Mr. Trump has warned Iran not to target American bases or soldiers. And Iran has been careful not to escalate the war beyond Israel. But Israeli officials, according to Axios, are pressing the U.S. to join the war. If the U.S. joins, Israel can pursue its goals with greater force — total destruction of Iran's nuclear facilities either through direct strikes or through regime change. Mr. Trump's position, as of now, is to let Israel continue the bombing. He said on June 17 that he was not pressing for a ceasefire. He said what he wants is a 'real end' to Iran's nuclear programme. The Top Five 1. Rogue nation: On Israel's Iran strikes If the Iran-Israel war spills over into the Gulf waters and kingdoms, it would be catastrophic for the global economy, especially for India whose millions of citizens work and live in the region. There must be an immediate, coordinated international effort to rein in the Jewish state and reboot diplomacy to restore stability in West Asia, write The Hindu in this editorial. 2. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei | The last 'revolutionary' of Iran The head of Iran's theocratic regime faces the greatest test since the 1979 revolution with the country's regional influence waning and Israel freely carrying out attacks at its nuclear and missile facilities and assassinating its top commanders, writes Stanly Johny. 3. India starts relocating citizens from Tehran to other parts of Iran As conflict escalates, EAM Jaishankar speaks to counterparts in Armenia and UAE; Indian embassy in Tehran working with local Iranian authorities to shift Indian citizens in the capital and other places to safer locations; in Israel, where the airspace is closed completely, Indian embassy officials in Tel Aviv are guiding citizens who can move out towards the land borders with Jordan and Egypt, report Kallol Bhattacherjee and Suhasini Haidar. 4. More 'mind space' for India in the American imagination India needs to ensure that it captures intellectual space in the American imagination, and is understood on its own terms, writes Nirupama Rao. 5. The war on Gaza, exposing Israel's hidden ambition Israel's war is about 'finishing the job' — one that began in 1948, writes Ambassador Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iran Strikes Back
Dramatic views are now circulating online after Iran launched a large ballistic missile barrage against Israel as part of its retaliatory strikes. Iranian authorities had earlier said that Israel's decision to target its nuclear program, ballistic missile and other military capabilities, and top leadership figures, which began last night, had constituted a declaration of war and promised a massive response. Readers can first get up to speed on the ongoing Israeli campaign so far and the fallout from it already in our reporting here. Israeli authorities say that Iran launched fewer than 100 ballistic missiles, down from earlier estimates of at least 150 or higher, in two waves. In part, the Iranian missiles look to have targeted key anti-ballistic missile air defense sites, including in Tel Aviv, or at least have been aimed at overwhelming them. Though most of the missiles were reportedly intercepted, a small number made it through to the ground. Dozens of people were reportedly injured. Some 35 people were wounded in Iran's ballistic missile attack on Israel, according to medical woman is listed in critical condition, while four other people are moderately hurt. Nine are listed in light-to-moderate condition, while the rest are lightly hurt or… — Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) June 13, 2025 IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin says less than 100 ballistic missiles were fired from Iran at Israel in the two says most of the missiles were intercepted by air defenses or fell short before reaching the country."There are a limited number of impacts on… — Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) June 13, 2025 In video footage that has emerged so far, many of the missiles could be seen being intercepted at low altitudes deep into their terminal phases of flight. The videos below offer particularly close-up looks at one strike, which may have been targeting a key Israeli Ministry of Defense building in Tel Aviv, or what was likely Stunner/David's Sling air defense site nearby protecting it. A closer view of this hit. Crazy — Alireza Talakoubnejad (@websterkaroon) June 13, 2025 Footage from on the ground in Tel-Aviv, showing the impact earlier of a ballistic missile launched by Iran. — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 13, 2025 The Iranian ballistic missile appears to have missed the main Israeli Ministry of Defense building by about 360m and impacted near the Da Vinci apartment blocks seen on the left of the video. — Oliver Alexander (@OAlexanderDK) June 13, 2025 So far, Iran has fired some 150 ballistic missiles at Israel in two barrages, according to new IDF have been reports of nine impact sites, with some 15 people wounded, mostly in good condition, according to medics. — Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) June 13, 2025 Additional pictures and videos of incoming Iranian missiles, as well as at least some of them being intercepted, can be seen below. Iranian missiles over Tel Aviv. — Clash Report (@clashreport) June 13, 2025 Insane footage showing interceptions earlier over Tel-Aviv in Central Israel. — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 13, 2025 Incredible footage of intercepts. — Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) June 13, 2025 Missiles launched from Iran are intercepted as seen from Tel Aviv, Israel June 13, 2025. REUTERS/Jamal Awad — Idrees Ali (@idreesali114) June 13, 2025 Imagery of the aftermath of the strikes in Tel Aviv has also now begun to emerge. — OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) June 13, 2025 Visuals of the missiles being launched from Iran, as well as apparent celebrations of the retaliatory strikes in that country, are now circulating online, as well. Video of a wave of Iranian ballistic missiles launched from near the city of Parand towards Israel tonight. — Mehdi H. (@mhmiranusa) June 13, 2025 Video of the 2nd wave of Iranian ballistic missiles launched towards Israel tonight seen from the city of Jerusalem. — Mehdi H. (@mhmiranusa) June 13, 2025 Meanwhile, Iranians took to the streets to celebrate the attack — NEXTA (@nexta_tv) June 13, 2025 Israeli authorities have already threatened to further escalate their operations against Iran in response, saying that attacks within populated centers are a red line. There have been reports that an expanded target set could include Iran's oil and natural gas infrastructure. There also continue to be concerns that the growing conflict could spill over elsewhere in the region. Defense Minister Israel Katz says Iran has "crossed red lines after it dared to fire missiles at civilian population concentrations in Israel.""We will continue to defend the citizens of Israel and ensure that the Ayatollah regime pays a very heavy price for its heinous… — Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) June 13, 2025 Overall, the Israeli campaign against Iran, and the Iranian responses to it, are very much still in their early phases. Contact the author: joe@
