Latest news with #MakeIranGreatAgain
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Protest in Los Angeles against the Iranian government
Protesters rallied in Los Angeles against Iran's government on Monday, holding Iranian, U.S. and Israeli flags and signs supporting President Donald Trump. Some wore hats saying 'Make Iran Great Again,' a phrase that Trump used on social media while raising the possibility of regime change in Iran.
Arabian Post
24-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Trump Declares 'Complete and Total Ceasefire' in Israel–Iran Conflict
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 'complete and total' ceasefire between Israel and Iran, set to begin within hours, marking what he described as the end of a 12‑day war. The plan envisages Iran initiating a 12‑hour ceasefire, followed by a reciprocal Israeli hiatus, concluding with a full cessation of hostilities. Trump's statement on his social media platform outlined a phased process: Iran will commence the ceasefire after winding down its final missions, followed by Israel 12 hours later, and after 24 hours the war will be declared over. He praised both nations for their 'stamina, courage, and intelligence' and characterised the agreement as a significant step towards lasting peace. ADVERTISEMENT The announcement follows a dramatic escalation in regional tensions. Israel launched military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in response to Iran's uranium enrichment activities. Tehran retaliated by firing up to 14 missiles at the U.S.-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. While 13 were intercepted and one deviated off course, no U.S. personnel were harmed—a fact President Trump described as a 'very weak response.' Despite global concerns over escalation, including warnings from France and other Western capitals, market responses have remained muted. Oil prices dropped approximately 7% in anticipation of de‑escalation, while equity markets posted modest gains. Though the ceasefire announcement has generated optimism, it remains unverified by Israeli or Iranian leaders. As of now, neither government has publicly confirmed their commitment to the arrangement. Al Jazeera noted the absence of official statements from both sides. The U.S. role in brokering this agreement highlights Trump's assertive posture. He denied prior suggestions that France's Emmanuel Macron had brokered such a deal, countering that the ceasefire plan was 'much bigger than that.' Analysts warn that trust between Israel and Iran remains fragile, requiring robust verification mechanisms and potentially third-party monitoring to sustain the fragile peace. European diplomats, including those from France, Germany and the UK, have previously urged for de‑escalation after U.S. strikes, facilitating a clash of diplomacy and military brinkmanship. Trump has also floated the prospect of regime change in Iran under the slogan 'Make Iran Great Again,' sparking concerns about the endgame and durability of U.S. involvement. ADVERTISEMENT In Washington, debate has emerged regarding U.S. aims. Trump's advisors say the administration does not seek regime change, yet the use of the slogan and his rhetoric suggests otherwise. Critics warn that pushing Iran into further isolation could spark domestic instability in Tehran. Regions across the Gulf remained on high alert during the conflict. Airspace closures in Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait affected international travel. Qatar has since reopened its skies following coordination with regional authorities. Countries in the region—Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and France included—expressed deep concern and reinforced calls for dialogue and restraint. Security analysts note that the potential for a broader conflagration, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, persisted until the ceasefire announcement. Iran's parliamentary body had discussed strategic deterrents, including the possibility of closing the strait, a move that could severely disrupt global oil supplies. The upcoming hours will be decisive in determining whether the ceasefire is respected or if underlying tensions reignite. The absence of casualties on either the U.S. or Israeli side contrasts with reported losses in Iran and Israel. Israeli strikes reportedly killed several hundred Iranians, including Revolutionary Guard members, while Iran was testing its limited retaliatory capabilities. Infrastructure damage in both nations has been notable though not crippling. On the Iranian side, Tehran's Evin prison and Revolutionary Guard sites bore the brunt of Israeli air raids; on the Israeli side, civilian infrastructure has remained largely intact, shielded by missile defence systems such as Iron Dome. Stock markets and global commodity prices will closely monitor the ceasefire's implementation. Should it hold, analysts suggest stability may regain foothold and prices may further retreat. However, any violation could push markets back into turmoil. Diplomatically, Europe appears keen to reaffirm diplomatic channels. The EU and UN are reportedly preparing statements urging verification and offering mediation. Russia and China have also urged parties to uphold the ceasefire and avoid widening the conflict. The next 24 hours are critical. The phased ceasefire hinges on mutual restraint and credible enforcement measures. U.N. observers or allied forces may be deployed to Tehran and Tel Aviv to verify compliance. Confirmation of Iran's opening of its airspace and Israel's military stand‑down orders will be key signals.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Trump declares MIGA, Make Iran Great Again — these are the leaders he might back to replace the current regime
Trump's MIGA plan—Make Iran Great Again—has sparked global buzz as Donald Trump hints at regime change in Iran. After the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites, Trump posted a bold message suggesting Iran needs new leadership. Could exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi be his choice to lead a free Iran? Or will fringe groups like Restart Movement take center stage? This dramatic turn may reshape U.S.–Iran relations. With high tensions, bold slogans, and possible political backing, Trump's MIGA is more than just a tweet—it might be the beginning of Iran's next chapter. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What does Trump's 'MIGA' really mean? 'If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!' Could Trump actually support a new Iranian leader? Is Reza Pahlavi Trump's most likely pick? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Mobilizing the Iranian diaspora Gaining G20 support Encouraging defections within the regime Building a path toward free elections What about the radical Restart Movement? Could Trump support insiders like Ali Larijani? Can Iran's regime survive if it cannot protect its top commanders? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Is Iran's opposition strong enough to fill a power vacuum? Is nationalism helping the Islamic regime gain support? Will Trump's actions push Iran closer to regime change? 'If the current Iranian Regime is unable to make Iran great again, why wouldn't there be a regime change?' How badly has Iran's military suffered, and what comes next? FAQs: In a dramatic turn following U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, President Donald Trump unveiled a bold new slogan—MIGA: Make Iran Great Again. And with it, he hinted at something even more explosive than missiles: regime change in after U.S. forces targeted key Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, Trump took to Truth Social with a message that set off alarm bells in foreign policy circles:This post came just as his own administration, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Defense Secretary Marco Rubio, insisted the strikes were not about toppling the Iranian regime, but about preventing it from going nuclear. Trump's post, however, suggests a broader strategic goal—removing Iran's current leadership and possibly backing a new Trump didn't name names, several prominent Iranian opposition figures and exile groups are already jockeying for the spotlight. Let's take a look at the most likely contenders under the MIGA Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince and son of Iran's last Shah, has long been a figurehead for monarchist and democratic factions abroad. Earlier in 2025, he announced a transitional government in exile and claimed the Islamic Republic was 'on the verge of collapse.'Pahlavi is the most credible and internationally recognized face of the opposition. If Trump is serious about a peaceful, Western-aligned Iran, Pahlavi might be his top group that's jumped on the MIGA bandwagon is the Restart Movement, led by controversial Iranian-American figure Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini. Known for conspiracy theories and extremist rhetoric, Restart has been pushing for violent regime change for even publicly embraced Trump's slogan—but they're far from mainstream and are considered fringe by most analysts. While their support for Trump is loud, it's unlikely they'd ever receive official U.S. also speculation around more moderate voices within the Iranian establishment—such as Ali Larijani, a longtime conservative figure and former parliament despite his pragmatism, Larijani is still a regime insider. Backing someone like him would mean propping up the same system Trump seems eager to dismantle. That makes this scenario recent days, several top Iranian military and intelligence leaders have been killed in Israeli strikes. Among them were intelligence chief Mohammad Kazemi and deputy Hassan Mohaqiq, alongside key nuclear scientists. This has sparked serious doubts among Iranians.'Despite all claims about missile defense or protecting command centers, the absolute inefficiency of this regime has become apparent to the public,' said Majid Golpour, an exiled Iran expert, in an interview with DW. He questioned how a government that fails to protect its top brass could secure the country from broader himself is now rumored to be in hiding, with Israeli and U.S. sources hinting he could be directly targeted next. If the supreme leader is assassinated, it could cause a major shift in the political structure of the Islamic say the downfall of the regime doesn't automatically lead to a new democratic government. Golpour stresses that regime change depends heavily on a viable political alternative. However, Iran's opposition—both inside and outside the country—remains factions within the Iranian diaspora support Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah, as a symbolic leader. But he lacks any political organization within Iran itself. Others, like Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi, advocate for civil rights and democratic reform but face harsh Iran, opposition figures have long been silenced—jailed, exiled, or executed. This long suppression has made organizing difficult. As political scientist Shukriya Bradost of the Middle East Institute notes, a 'political vacuum' could emerge if the regime weakens, possibly leading to widespread unrest, strikes, and protests. But without unified leadership, lasting change is the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, nationalist sentiment kept the country united despite hardship. Now, the Islamic regime is again using patriotic rhetoric to gain public backing. But experts suggest this may not work as well today.'Iranians no longer buy into the 'nation of Islam' idea. They see themselves as citizens of Iran, not soldiers of a religious revolution,' said Shahran Tabari, a political journalist, in an interview with DW. She believes many Iranians feel anger and fear about the conflict—one they had no voice in wars often trigger patriotic responses. Whether this conflict will lead to mass resistance or reluctant support for the regime remains to be President Donald Trump, in a dramatic move, launched airstrikes on three of Iran's nuclear facilities. Shortly after, he hinted at 'regime change' in a social media post:This statement came just hours after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the mission 'was not and has not been about regime change.'The mixed messaging from the Trump administration has created confusion. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Fox News that the U.S. is 'not at war with Iran,' but with 'Iran's nuclear program.' Vice President JD Vance echoed this on NBC, saying the strikes were meant to stop Iran's nuclear development—not its these clarifications, Trump's open taunts and hints suggest deeper motives. His unpredictability adds to the tension, leaving allies unsure and enemies on high Israel's initial attack on June 13, Iran has lost a significant portion of its military command. According to Human Rights Activists, a Washington-based group, 950 Iranians have died in the strikes. Iran's retaliatory attacks killed 27 Israelis, but experts say Iran's air defense systems and missile launch sites have been severely responded with drone and missile attacks, but without the same impact. Analysts say Israel's air campaign effectively crippled Iran's ability to launch a sustained Iran's elite commanders gone and its defenses weakened, the regime is under more pressure than ever. The next move—whether a truce, uprising, or further escalation—could determine whether Iran's leadership survives this question of regime change in Iran has lingered for decades. But this war with Israel has exposed vulnerabilities in Tehran's leadership, military, and political strategy. The killing of top commanders, economic sanctions, growing public frustration, and pressure from the international community all point to a critical the fall of a regime does not guarantee democracy or peace. As long as Iran's opposition remains divided and unorganized, a clear path forward remains uncertain. What happens next may depend as much on President Trump's decisions as it does on the actions of the Iranian people rising tensions and military losses may shake Iran's ruling reports suggest Khamenei could be targeted next amid the ongoing conflict.
Newsweek
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
The 1600: Manufacturing Consent
The Insider's Track Did everyone have a nice and relaxing weekend? Sure is nice to unplug for a couple days. Now to take a big sip of coffee as I check the news... I think it'll be helpful to organize our thoughts this morning into two buckets: what have we learned from Saturday's strikes on Iran and what are the various ways things could escalate, or not. The topline lesson, I think, is something we kinda already knew: Donald Trump calls the shots, and American policy is whatever he wants it to be at any given moment, often based on whoever advised him last. That's how you get to a place where a commander-in-chief who ran on an explicitly anti-war message is now calling to MIGA (Make Iran Great Again). When you hear people like JD Vance, Pete Hegseth and Marco Rubio say that an American bombing run over Iran is not about regime change—and then the president immediately contradicts them—it just shows that none of these guys have any real say in anything. Their job is to go on TV and defend the boss. Watching Vance in particular, a guy whose claim to fame is writing a bestselling book about the importance of nation-building at home versus overseas, try on these different justifications for a new war is really something. Here was the VP on NBC yesterday: "I empathize with Americans who are exhausted after 25 years of foreign entanglements in the Middle East. I understand the concern, but the difference is that back then we had dumb presidents." Not exactly reassuring! (Another lesson: Vance's coronation in 2028 is far from a done deal. Don't underestimate how his heel turn on Iran could hurt him with elements of the MAGA base, at least the "no new wars" wing of it. He is now complicit in the very thing he said he was opposed to doing). The big question, though, is what comes next. Iran will retaliate in some way. The good news is the mullahs have been seriously degraded militarily, thanks to Israel, and are looking pretty isolated out there. Neither Russia nor China, theoretically their big allies, appear interested in helping them out. That doesn't mean Tehran won't launch strikes against the 40K American troops in the region or, as NBC is reporting, consider activating sleeper cells within the US. I'll try not to think about that as I go to my job in the friggin' WORLD TRADE CENTER this week. Ever notice how the Americans most at risk of terrorism never get a say in the wars that end up birthing said terror? I digress. There's this concept in media theory known as "manufacturing consent," which I believe was coined by Noam Chomsky. The idea is that the government and mass media, together, create these conditions to manipulate the public into "consenting" to whatever policy idea the governing elite want at any given moment. You see it everywhere, but it's remarkable the speed at which it happens now. It took Bush & Co. more than a year to manufacture consent for the war in Iraq. Today, it doesn't even take a month. Think about just the last couple of weeks. First we were talking about the US supporting Israel air defenses. Then it was, "OK maybe we'll join but only to drop this one bomb on this one facility." That turned into six bunker-busters, plus two other targets. Now we're at the stage of the president openly floating the idea of a boots-on-the-ground war to take out the regime. And the MAGA faithful are following it hook, line and sinker, because the only thing that actually matters in that movement is fealty to its leader. A YouGov poll from a week ago had just 23% of Republicans in favor of joining the conflict with Iran. That number jumped to 68%, per the same poll, after Saturday. That's some classic consent manufacturing right there. Look, maybe I am wrong. Maybe this weekend was one-and-done and we really did put the Iranians' nuke program back a decade. Maybe they won't be able to reconstitute and race for a bomb, knowing it's the only way they survive now. Maybe they are so weak that they won't even be able to mount an effective conventional response. Maybe one day democracy really will bloom like wildflowers across the vast deserts of the Middle East, just as the neocons envisioned. But the die is cast now, and Donald Trump owns whatever happens next, good or bad. The Rundown The international community ignored Iran's major underground nuclear facility of Fordow for years, Israeli President Isaac Herzog told Newsweek in an exclusive interview following U.S. strikes against three nuclear sites in central Iran. Referencing the former president's words more than a decade-and-a-half ago, Herzog said Barack Obama "exposed" the existence of Fordow, "but then the world let it happen." Read more. Also happening: Putin breaks his silence: Vladimir Putin has called the U.S. strikes on Iran an "unprovoked aggression" in his first comments on the military action ordered by President Donald Trump. The Russian president said Moscow was making efforts to help Tehran, as he sat down for talks on Monday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Read more . Vladimir Putin has called the U.S. strikes on Iran an "unprovoked aggression" in his first comments on the military action ordered by President Donald Trump. The Russian president said Moscow was making efforts to help Tehran, as he sat down for talks on Monday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. . Trump touts "obliteration" of Iran sites: President Donald Trump said "monumental damage" was done to Iran's nuclear sites citing satellite imagery after Tehran disputed whether the strikes on the facilities had dealt a knockout blow to the Islamic Republic's atomic program. Read more. This is a preview of The 1600—Tap here to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox.
The Journal
23-06-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Israel strikes Fordo nuclear site as White House says Trump 'still interested' in diplomacy with Iran
LAST UPDATE | 15 mins ago ISRAEL HAS ONCE again struck Iran's heavily fortified Fordo nuclear facility, according to Iranian state media — a dramatic escalation in a conflict that now risks spiralling into all-out regional war. The reported strike comes just days after the United States launched bunker-buster attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran, prompting Tehran to vow a 'decisive response' and accuse Washington of 'unprovoked aggression'. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the US action during talks in Moscow today with Iran's foreign minister. President Donald Trump further inflamed speculation last night by hinting at possible regime change in Tehran, despite Pentagon claims that this is not the US objective. Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels to coordinate their response, with Ireland's Tánaiste Simon Harris among those in attendance. We will be bringing you all the latest updates as they happen throughout the day. Updates by Jane Moore (now) and Andrew Walsh (previously). 5 mins ago 2:25PM — Fox News (@FoxNews) June 23, 2025 The White House has said that Donald Trump is still interested in engaging in a 'peaceful diplomatic solution' with Iran. Two days after the US bombed three nuclear sites in Iran, press secretary Karoline Leavitt also suggested that Trump believes the Iranian population should overthrow their government if it refuses to negotiate on its nuclear programme. Appearing on Fox News, Leavitt was asked about Trump's posts to Truth Social last night speculating on regime change in Iran, which included the term 'MIGA' – a play on MAGA, for 'Make Iran Great Again'. Trump's post said: 'If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change?' Leavitt said: 'The president believes the Iranian people can control their own destiny, and what he said last night makes complete sense. 'If the Iranian regime refuses to come to a peaceful diplomatic solution – which the president is still interested and engaging in, by the way – why shouldn't the Iranian people take away the power of this incredibly violent regime that has been suppressing them for decades?' She continued: 'Our military posture has not changed. These were decisive precision strikes that were successful on Saturday evening, but the president is just simply raising a good question that many people around the world are asking.' 18 mins ago 2:12PM Nato secretary general Mark Rutte has said that allies 'have long agreed that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon'. He is currently speaking in The Hague to announce that Nato countries have committed to spending 5% of their GDP on defence. In a brief moment during his speech, Rutte said: 'Let me now first say a word on Iran. 'When it comes to Nato's stance on Iran's nuclear program, allies have long agreed that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon,' he said. 'Allies have repeatedly urged Iran to meet its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.' The NPT is an international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology. Iran has been a party to the agreement since 1970, but has repeatedly been found in breach of it. Last week, the Iranian government said it was preparing legislation to withdraw from the agreement. Israel is not a party to the NPT and has not accepted IAEA safeguards on some of its principle nuclear activities. 27 mins ago 2:03PM In case you missed it earlier, you won't be surprised to hear that the escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran dominated the front pages of the newspapers this morning in Ireland and abroad. Most of the papers led with Trump's decision to bomb Iran and the country's promise of retaliation. You can find a rundown of the headlines here . 37 mins ago 1:53PM German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a meeting of the CDU Federal Executive Committee. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that there is 'no reason to criticise' the US over its strikes on Iran. 'There is no reason to criticise what America did at the weekend. Yes, it is not without risk. But leaving things as they were was not an option either,' Merz said in a speech to the Federation of German Industries. 41 mins ago 1:49PM Iranian media is reporting that power supply has been restored to northern Tehran after outages caused by an Israeli air raid earlier in the day. 'The outages were completely resolved in northern Tehran,' Tasnim news agency said, citing the regional electricity company. 1 hr ago 1:30PM Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow earlier, condemning the US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites and pledging Russia's efforts to assist the Iranian people. Iran's foreign minister also delivered a letter from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei seeking stronger Russian support. While details remain unclear, reports suggest Iran is dissatisfied with Russia's current backing and wants Putin to take a firmer stance against Israel and the US. Here are some photos from the meeting. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo 1 hr ago 1:21PM A number of major airlines have moved to cancel flights across the Middle East again today due to the ongoing conflict. Major carriers including British Airways, Lufthansa Group and Air France-KLM have cancelled services to destinations such as Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh, citing passenger safety concerns. Finnair, which usually flies daily to Doha, said it is currently avoiding the airspace over Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Israel, and cancelled a number of flights. Singapore Airlines, which described the situation as 'fluid', moved to cancel flights to Dubai through until at least tomorrow, having previously cancelled several flights on Sunday. 1 hr ago 1:08PM An Israeli airstrike on Evin prison in Tehran this morning has raised serious concerns for the safety of inmates, including French nationals Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, said Cecile's sister, Noemie Kohler. Israel's attack on Iran continued this morning with a series of massive strikes all across Tehran, including on Evin prison. Women political prisoners released a letter last week opposing Israel's mendacious and murderous attack on the country. — Samira Mohyeddin سمیرا (@SMohyeddin) June 23, 2025 Held since May 2022 on espionage charges their families reject, the couple is among around 20 Europeans believed held by Iran, which some Western governments describe as a strategy of hostage-taking aimed at extracting concessions from the West. Most are held in Evin, a large, heavily fortified complex notorious among activists for rights abuses. Iran's judiciary confirmed that the prison sustained damage, but said it remains under control. Noemie Kohler condemned the strike as 'completely irresponsible,' expressing fears for prisoners' safety and potential chaos or riots. The family's lawyer called the strikes 'illegal' and warned of possible reprisals and bloodshed. 1 hr ago 1:00PM Three empty oil and chemical tankers have diverted away from the Strait of Hormuz and changed course, The Times of Israel has reported. Strait of Hormuz, a strait between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo About 20% of global oil and gas flows through this narrow shipping lane in the Gulf. Blocking it would have profound consequences for the global economy, disrupting international trade and ratcheting up oil prices. It could also inflate the cost of goods and services worldwide, and hit some of the world's biggest economies, including China, India and Japan, which are among the top importers of crude oil passing through the strait. 1 hr ago 12:41PM As reported by Al Jazeera , Iran's deputy minister of foreign affairs for education and research, Saeed Khatibzadeh, has said that Tehran reserves the right to respond to US strikes on its nuclear facilities. Speaking from Tehran, Khatibzadeh did not rule out the possibility of Iranian retaliation against US military bases in the region. 'Iran will decide on how, when and at which level to respond to [the] Americans,' he said. He also described the recent US bombing of sites including Fordow as a 'grave mistake' and a clear violation of international law. 2 hrs ago 12:19PM The Israeli military has confirmed that it has launched air raids to 'obstruct access routes' to Iran's enriched uranium facility in Fordo, which was one of three sites bombed by the US at the weekend. Earlier today, the IDF struck routes in order to obstruct access to the Fordow enrichment site. — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 23, 2025 A military statement said Israeli forces had 'struck in order to obstruct access routes to the Fordo enrichment site'. US President Donald Trump claimed that Fordo had been 'totally obliterated' by the US strikes, though other officials have said it is too soon to determine how significantly Tehran's nuclear programme has been impacted. 2 hrs ago 12:16PM Demonstrations took place in several US cities yesterday to protest against Donald Trump's decision to strike three nuclear sites in Iran. Here are some photos from the protests. Demonstrators rally outside the White House in Washington. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Anti-war demonstrators hold signs outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Protesters carry signs during a protest against US strikes on Iran in New York. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Around 150-200 protestors gathered at the Stop The War On Iran! protest in Seattle. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Anti-war on Iran protesters march in Boston. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo 2 hrs ago 12:02PM IAEA Director General @RafaelMGrossi addressed the Board of Governors this morning at an emergency meeting regarding the situation in Iran. — IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) June 23, 2025 The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called for its inspectors to be able to return to Iran's nuclear sites in a bid to 'account for' its highly enriched uranium stockpiles, following the attacks by the US and Israel. 'Iran, Israel and the Middle East need peace,' Rafael Grossi told an emergency meeting of the organisation's board of governors in Vienna this morning. 'For that, we must take a number of steps,' he said. 'First of all, we must return to the negotiating table and for that allow IAEA inspectors – the guardians on our behalf of the NPT (nuclear non-proliferation treaty) – to go back to Iran's nuclear sites and account for the stockpiles of uranium, including, most importantly, the 400 kilogrammes enriched to 60%.' Grossi said Iran's foreign minister had sent him a letter on 13 June announcing the implementation of 'special measures to protect nuclear equipment and materials'. 'There needs to be a cessation of hostilities for the necessary safety and security conditions to prevail so that Iran can let IAEA teams into the sites to assess the situation,' he said. Following the US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites – Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan – on Saturday, Grossi said craters 'are now visible at the Fordo site, Iran's main facility for enriching uranium at 60%, indicating the use of ground-penetrating munitions'. He added that 'very significant damage' is expected to have occurred for the US bombing 'given the explosive payload utilised and the extreme vibration-sensitive nature of centrifuges'. 'At this time, no-one including the IAEA, is in a position to have fully assessed the underground damage at Fordo,' he said. 2 hrs ago 11:55AM Lack of clarity remains over the position of Keir Starmer's UK Government in relation to the US strikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites at the weekend. Starmer highlighted the necessity to 'de-escalate', insisting on a diplomatic resolution, and ensuring to reiterate that there was no UK military involvement in the attack. UK foreign secretary David Lammy spoke about the conflict in an interview on BBC Radio where he offered neither support nor condemnation of the escalatory move by US President Donald Trump. 'Everyone is urging the Iranians to get serious about the negotiations with the E3 [UK, France and Germany] and the US,' Lammy said. "This was not the UK's action. We were not involved." @JustinOnWeb asks Foreign Secretary David Lammy whether the UK has a position on whether the US strikes on Iran were legal under international law. #R4Today — BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) June 23, 2025 'Yes, they [the Iranians] can have a civil nuclear capability that is properly monitored that involves outsiders but they cannot continue to enrich to 60%,' he added. Fellow Labour MP Luke Pollard was equally ambiguous when speaking about his party's stance on the issue when asked on Sky News whether the UK is for or against the strikes on Iran. 'It's not for me to comment on the particular US action,' he said. The Conservative Party says the muddled responses to the US military action is evidence of 'moral cowardice', with its former leader Rishi Sunak lauding Israel and the US for acting 'decisively' against the Iranian 'threat to regional and global security'. 2 hrs ago 11:53AM European foreign ministers speaking ahead of a meeting at the European Council building in Brussels. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The weekend's US bombing of nuclear sites in Iran will likely dominate a meeting of European foreign ministers in Brussels today. Following Israel's attack on Iran on 13 June and Iran's retaliation, several European leaders have said that Israel has a 'right to defend itself'. Many European countries have also echoed Israeli and American claims about Iran's nuclear programme, saying Tehran is trying to build nuclear weapons, despite a recent US intelligence assessment that said the opposite was true. Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris is expected to update his fellow foreign ministers on a call he had with Iran's deputy foreign minister yesterday, and urge the EU to use all channels to call for de-escalation and to attempt to salvage negotiations over Iran's nuclear energy programme. We'll bring you more from the meeting when we hear the latest. 2 hrs ago 11:45AM Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned strikes on Tehran as 'unprovoked aggression' and said Moscow was trying to help the Iranian people – though he did not single out US strikes specifically. Putin is hosting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow for talks. FM Abbas Araghchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the US-Israeli aggression against Iran Follow — Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) June 23, 2025 During the meeting, for which cameras were allowed in, Putin told Araghchi: 'This is an absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran.' He called the strikes 'unjustified' and said that Russia was 'making efforts to provide assistance to the Iranian people.' While Putin did not single out the US attacks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters before the meeting that Russia regrets the US strikes. '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,' Peskov said. Since Israel launched its wave of strikes on Iran on 13 June, Russia has not publicly offered military help to Tehran. Putin and other officials have also downplayed Moscow's obligations under a sweeping strategic partnership agreement signed with Tehran just months ago, highlighting that it is not a mutual defence pact. Asked what specific support Russia might offer, Peskov told reporters: 'It all depends on what Iran needs. We have offered our mediation services.' Putin said last week that Iran had not requested any support. 2 hrs ago 11:35AM Israel's Defence Ministry has said the IDF is striking Iranian 'government targets' in Tehran this morning, including the Evin Prison in the Iranian capital. Other targets include the security headquarters of the Revolutionary Guards, the city's Palestine Square, and the paramilitary Basij volunteer corps building – which is a part of the Revolutionary Guard. 'The Iranian dictator will be punished with full force for attacking the Israeli home front,' the ministry said. The notorious Evin jail in the North eastern suburbs of Tehran, Iran. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Iran has confirmed that sections of Evin Prison have been damaged in the strikes. 'In the latest attack by the Zionist regime on Tehran, projectiles unfortunately struck Evin prison, causing damage to parts of the facility,' said the judiciary's Mizan Online website. It added that all resources had been deployed to manage the complex and the situation remained 'under control'. The notorious prison has been known for holding western detainees, including journalists. British-Iranian woman Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was detained there for six years after being accused of spying by Iran. 3 hrs ago 11:28AM Last night, US President Donald Trump raised the idea of regime change in Iran – even after the Pentagon stressed that the goal of American intervention was not to topple the Iranian government. 'It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,' Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. 'But if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!' Hours later he doubled down on emphasising the success of his strikes. 'Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term!' Trump wrote, without sharing the images he was referencing. 'The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!' he added. 3 hrs ago 11:26AM If you need a recap of the escalation in the conflict, here's what has happened over the last couple of days: The US attacked three Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday. The extent of the damage caused to the sites has yet to be fully determined . Iran's foreign minister said the US decided to 'blow up' diplomacy efforts by striking the nuclear sites. The UN's nuclear watchdog said there was no increase in radiation levels in Iran on Sunday. Iran has promised retaliation against the US for the attack. 3 hrs ago 11:19AM Good morning – Jane Moore here. Welcome to our coverage of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The situation has escalated since the United States bombed three of Iran's nuclear sites – Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan on Saturday. Iran's foreign minister said the US had decided to 'blow up' diplomacy efforts by entering the war, with the country vowing to retaliate against the attacks. Strikes are continuing between Israel and Iran this morning, with meetings in the EU taking place to discuss Europe's response to the conflict, and Iran's foreign minister meeting Vladimir Putin in Moscow. We'll be bringing you all the latest developments over the course of the day. Advertisement Read Next Related Reads 'A big mistake': Iran vows to retaliate after US attack on nuclear sites US bombs caused 'extremely severe damage and destruction' to three Iranian nuclear sites 'There are many targets left': How Trump announced to the world that the US had bombed Iran Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. 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