Latest news with #WarMonitor
NDTV
24-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Iran Says "Ending Hostilities" After Barrage Of Missiles Kills 7 In Israel
Tel Aviv: The Iranian state-run media said that the ceasefire with Israel came into effect following five waves of Iranian attacks on Israeli-occupied territories. Per the truce agreement announced by US President Donald Trump late Monday night, the ceasefire for Iran would come into effect at around 4:00 am GMT Tuesday. Israel would follow suit 12 hours later. At least seven people were killed in the Southern Israeli city of Be'er Sheva on Tuesday morning after an Iranian missile hit a residential building. The launches came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran would stop its attacks if Israel ended their airstrikes. A video has emerged from Be'er Sheva, which shows the residential complex being completely destroyed by the Iranian missile. The clip shows remains of burnt cars and trees outside the building where the warhead had hit. ⚡️Be'er Sheba — War Monitor (@WarMonitors) June 24, 2025 Iranian state media said Tehran launched five waves of missiles at Israel, moments before a ceasefire between the two Middle East foes was expected to begin. "The fifth wave of this morning's missile attack from Iran is on its way to the occupied territories," Irib posted on Telegram just before 4:00 am GMT. The adversaries had been swapping missile fire since Israel carried out surprise "preemptive" strikes against Iran on June 13, targeting nuclear and military sites, and prompting Trump to warn of a possible "massive" regional conflict. Trump's Ceasefire Announcement Earlier, Israel's military said that it was working to intercept Iranian missiles launched a "short while ago", without specifying the exact time of the attack. "A short while ago, sirens sounded in several areas across Israel following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward the State of Israel," the Israeli military said in a statement posted to Telegram around 5:00 am Iranian Time (2:00 am GMT). US President Donald Trump had announced that a staggered ceasefire between Israel and Iran would begin around 4:00 am GMT, with Tehran halting operations first. Though there was no immediate confirmation from Israel on ending the conflict, Iran's foreign minister said Tehran did not intend to continue its strikes if Israel stopped its attacks. Israel's Early Warning To Citizens Despite nightly missile barrages, Israel's casualty toll has remained relatively low, with authorities repeatedly stressing the importance of taking cover in life-saving protected spaces. Israeli residents receive blaring phone alerts via SMS to warn them of incoming Iranian missiles, often in the early hours of the morning. These are often followed by the wail of overhead air raid sirens. The alerts caution residents to rush to the safe shelters closest to their homes. For those with no safe shelters near their homes, the city's underground stations and car parks have become vital refuges since the war began on June 13.
Gulf Insider
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
Damascus Church Bombing Kills 15 Syrian Christians
The oldest Christian population on Earth continues to be under threat of extinction, after the US-Gulf-Israel war of regime change in Syria, and former President Bashar al-Assad's overthrow on December 8 of last year. On Sunday, a suicide bomber entered St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church and detonated while a service was happening, killing at least fifteen – according to early reports (alongside possibly a second attacker) – and leaving many more wounded. The church is now a bloody mess, and personnel at the scene have struggled to identify body parts. The church is in an ancient Christian neighborhood that lies outside the Damascus old city's Bab Sharqi, and is in an area of many churches, chapels, and Christian cemeteries. Some initial reports said it may have been a car bomb, but regional sources as well as the popular regional account War Monitor indicate that 'A suicide bomber blew himself up with an explosive belt inside the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Elias in the Douileh area of Damascus, Syria.' And Reuters notes that 'It was the first suicide bombing in Damascus since Bashar al-Assad was toppled by an Islamist-led rebel insurgency in December.' Reuters says at least 20 people were killed and dozens more injured, amid conflicting emergency response reports. A Middle East church source, Syriac Press , describes: According to eyewitness reports, a gunman wearing an explosive vest stormed the church and opening fire. He then detonated his explosive vest. The attack prompted immediate intervention by civil defense teams and medical personnel. Victims were evacuated to hospitals in Daramsuq, where an alert was issued to handle the influx of injured. Ambulance teams worked to secure the area while local security forces cordoned off the site, blocking neighborhood entrances as a precaution against potential further attacks. The Church of Mar Elias, a prominent Christian landmark in the region, holds significant spiritual and historical value for the local community. Journalist Hussam Hammoud, reporting from the scene, described in the aftermath that 'Many of the victims are civilians and children, and security forces prevent journalists from entering the site.' Worst nightmare for Syrian Christians begins: Suicide bombing today during Divine Liturgy at Mar Elias church.. just outside of Bab Sharqi near Old Damascus. At least 15 dead & rising. My-father-in-law's funeral/memorial was here many years ago. Been to this beautiful community… — Brad Hoff (@BradRHoff) June 22, 2025 Years ago, during the height of the anti-Assad insurgency, this all-Christian neighborhood of Damascus was on the front line of conflict as it is next to Jobar district, which was at the time occupied by al-Qaeda. That was a period of sporadic artillery fire launched indiscriminately on the oldest Christian parts of the Syrian capital. The Baathist government of Assad was quasi-secular and protected the region's Christians, as well as other religious 'minorities'. Christian leaders have feared that since Jolani and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's (HTS) takeover, they no longer have protection, and it could become 'open season' on attacking churches. Hundreds of thousands of Syrian Christians with means have left their homeland after some 14 years of brutal war. There are concerns that HTS security forces may be interfering with the crime encircled St. Elias Church shortly after the urgently need international investigators on the ground — with the support of Greece and Cyprus — to ensure transparency and justice. — Greco-Levantines World Wide (@GrecoLevantines) June 22, 2025 President Trump recently lifted sanctions on Syria, but did absolutely nothing to protect the Syrian Christians – or Druze and Alawites for that matter, who have been massacred in large numbers lately, especially along the coast near Latakia. Back in 2015 when a jihadist coalition, with Western support, took over Idlib province – one of the first acts of the bearded so-called 'liberators' was to execute Christians and kidnap an Orthodox Christian priest. A recent book, Syria Crucified: Stories of Modern Martyrdom in an Ancient Christian Land, has recounted the story of how Idlib's ancient Christian community was wiped read: Syrian Flight RB 502 Enroute From Sharjah To Damascus Rerouted To Saudi Arabia's Tabuk Airport
Gulf Insider
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
"Everyone Should Immediately Evacuate Tehran!", Trump Warns
President Trump just posted an ominous warning on his social media platform TruthSocial Iran should have signed the 'deal' I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran! A rather worrying shift from optimism today that peace (or not war_ was closer… Stock futures (and crypto) are down on the post and gold and oil are stronger. Iran is warning of a 'more painful response' if the US fails to rein in Israel, IRNA News is reporting, as more major explosions have been observed in Tehran and across part of Iran. The last 48 hours saw things escalate into sustained daytime strikes, including on Iranian state TV and radio headquarters buildings. Importantly the Iranian government is now expressly denying the accuracy of an earlier Wall Street Journal report saying that Tehran is seeking to get to the negotiating table again with the Trump administration. Iran is also claiming its forces shot down an Israeli F-35 stealth fighter near Tabriz, Iran's state-run Nour news claims, but this has been met by a swift rejection by the IDF, which called it 'fake news'. According to breaking Israeli media reports, PM Netanyahu now says Israel won't rule out killing Khamenei: 'It would end the conflict' – TOI says. Netanyahu is giving his first official full press conference since the start of the air war four days ago. 'I will not detail our plans publicly, but we will do whatever it takes,' he said. Importantly, a big claim was made… Netanyahu says Israel 'well coordinated' with US during Iran campaign The entire morning drop in oil prices has been erased on these latest escalatory headlines: And more per Israeli media: An Israeli Air Force drone struck and destroyed two Iranian F-14 fighter jets at an airport in Tehran, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin reveals in a press conference. The US-made F-14 Tomcats were supplied to Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution and are believed to be the last ones still in operation. The IDF publishes footage of the strike. ⚡️Israel destroyed a number of Iran's F14 Tomcats — War Monitor (@WarMonitors) June 16, 2025 A veteran Mideast war correspondent who has contacts in the Iranian government has this to say: This is a point of no made a grave mistake today by targeting Iran's identity. This step will likely push Iranian decision-makers to seek redemption in the name of the majority of Iranians—both pro and contra the ruling system—living inside aimed to… — Elijah J. Magnier 🇪🇺 (@ejmalrai) June 16, 2025 Iranian state assets on fire during the day Monday… ⚡️ An outside look at the attack on Iranian television — War Monitor (@WarMonitors) June 16, 2025 Another US carrier is en route to the region and there's no off-ramp as of yet. * * * Below is Fox News' chief national security correspondent Jennifer Griffin confirming a major breaking development: CONFIRMED: The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier strike group is on its way to the Middle East from the South China Sea, a U.S. official tells Fox News. The Nimitz was previously scheduled to replace the USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group which has been deployed for several months, but is now heading to the Middle East ahead of schedule. The two will now be in the Middle East at the same time. The USS Nimitz is the oldest active aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy, commissioned on May 3, 1975. Scheduled to be decommissioned in 2026, this is possibly its final sea voyage. This is a very significant symbolic deployment because it was deployed in 1980 and its helicopters that were part of the failed US effort known as Operation Eagle Claw to rescue the American hostages being held at the US Embassy in Tehran. The US has been in a shadow war against Iran ever since. Soon after this reporting: IRAN IS PREPARING FOR THE 'LARGEST AND MOST INTENSE MISSILE ATTACK IN HISTORY ON ISRAELI SOIL' -IRANIAN STATE MEDIA This comes on the heels of reports that the US Embassy in Tel Aviv suffered 'minor damage' from a nearby Iranian ballistic missile impact. And Reuters confirms: US military has moved a large number of refueling tanker craft to Europe to give options to US President Trump… WSJ this morning: Iran eager to negotiate with the US and Israel to end the this morning: Iran refuses to negotiate while under attack and until its retaliation against Israel is is always a weapon of war: lets people believe what they want: — Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) June 16, 2025 This likely won't end well, given the Times of Israel is now citing Israeli officials who say the operation is expected to last two to three weeks. 'There's a bank of military targets that we can complete prettying quickly.' Meanwhile Iranian reports are claiming that only some 5% of its offensive missile capacity has been used. Meanwhile: IRAN'S REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS CALL ON TEL AVIV RESIDENTS TO EVACUATE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE -IRANIAN STATE MEDIA If this is true, Israel will smell blood and double — Mark Ames (@MarkAmesExiled) June 16, 2025 Everything is suddenly exploding higher – also with gold and oil dropping – especially on the following WSJ breaking report which suggests ( dubiously , we should add…) that the Iranians are 'open' to returning to the negotiating table with Trump officials, even as ballistic missiles rain down on Israel, and as much of the Islamic Republic – particularly oil depots – burn… 'In the midst of a ferocious Israeli air campaign, Tehran has told Arab officials they would be open to return to the negotiating table as long as the U.S. doesn't join the attack, the officials said. They also passed messages to Israel saying it is in the interest of both sides to keep the violence contained,' per WSJ on Monday. Oil prices tumbling on the breaking report… S&P 2% from ATH… Gold has been falling since before the missile war started late on Thursday… WSJ continues, 'Iran has been urgently signaling that it seeks an end to hostilities and resumption of talks over its nuclear programs, sending messages to Israel and the U.S. via Arab intermediaries, Middle Eastern and European officials said.' This comes also amid reports that dozens of US Air Force tankers have in the last hours taken off from the United States and headed towards Europe, as also confirmed in Flightradar24 and Air Live. Is Trump ready to join the Israeli side militarily? The Iranians fear so, it appears. Iran's message is that 'it is in the interest of both sides to keep the violence contained' – according to an urgeng diplomatic message passed along. But at this point it seems clear that Israel is going for full regime decapitation, given also that reports say the Israel Air Force has total aerial dominance over Western Iran and skies above Tehran at this point. If these reports of an Iranian olive branch are accurate, is it too-little-too-late? * * * After another day on the receiving end of an Israeli war of aggression that began Friday, Iran delivered a major counterpunch overnight, further demonstrating that Israel's highly-touted Iron Dome defense system is vulnerable to Iran's hypersonic missiles. Upon completing a deadly barrage aimed at targets in Tel Aviv, Haifa and elsewhere, Iran claimed it had employed a 'new method' that put Israel's multi-layered defense system in disarray to the point its various systems targeted each other. ⚡️🇮🇷🇮🇱JUST IN: INCREDIBLY fast hypersonic missile from Iran making impact in Haifa, Israel. — Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) June 16, 2025 As fire and rescue teams scrambled to respond to the damage, Times of Israel reported at least eight people had been killed and more than 90 injured in the early-Monday attack, bringing Israel's running death toll to at least 24 with hundreds wounded. 'The arrogant dictator of Tehran has become a scared murderer who fires at Israel's civilian home front in order to deter the IDF from continuing to carry out attacks that are destroying his capabilities,' said Defense Minister Israel Katz, only to then promise that 'residents of Tehran will pay the price, and soon.' ❗️Multiple dead from Iran strikes on Tel Aviv suburbs Iran ballistic missile guts high-rise — unconfirmed footage — RT (@RT_com) June 16, 2025 ❗️Multiple dead from Iran strikes on Tel Aviv suburbs Iran ballistic missile guts high-rise — unconfirmed footage — RT (@RT_com) June 16, 2025 Iran claimed it struck targets that included a power plant in Haifa that 'was seen engulfed in flames,' an oil refinery complex in Bazan, a facility of the military technology company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems facility, as well as Ben Gurion Airport. The Cradle reports that other targets included Nevatim Air Base, an army camp in Galilee, and hits on power grid facilities that caused 'widespread blackouts.' Projectiles also hit a residential high-rise building and at least another residential area. An Iranian defense official said the attack included missiles with 1.5-ton warheads, but noted Iran has even heavier warheads in its inventory. ❗️Iran fireballs Israel's Haifa power plant — unconfirmed footage — RT (@RT_com) June 16, 2025 Citing a statement from the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, state media outlet PressTV reported that 'the operation specifically targeted the Zionist regime's command and control systems using advanced tactics and enhanced intelligence-tech capabilities.' 'As a result,' the IRGC said, 'the enemy's multilayered defense systems were thrown into disarray, to the point where their own air defense units began firing on each other.' One video making the rounds on social media appears to show an IDF missile interceptor blowing itself up, though the careful observer must contemplate the possibility that an unforced IDF error captured on video may have been opportunistically exploited to make an exaggerated claim: IRGC: New methods were used in attack, causing Israeli systems to target each otherFollow: — Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) June 16, 2025 Dampening Israeli hopes that Iran may run out of missiles soon, Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi told Army Radio that Iran has 'thousands of ballistic missiles' in its inventory, which the Times of Israel called 'a higher figure than previously estimated.' Iran has similarly made repeated claims that it hasn't used its full resources yet. 'We are still exercising restraint and have not deployed all our capabilities to avoid global chaos,' IRGC chief Major General Mohsen Rezaei told Iranian state media. 'However, we may reach a point where we use new weapons.' While reiterating Iran's claim that it doesn't seek to acquire a nuclear weapon — a claim re-certified as valid by the US intelligence community as recently as March of this year — he hinted that Iran's stance on nuclear weapon development could change, saying 'the future cannot be predicted with precision.' Israelis scream as Iran's ballistic missile blacks out Tel Aviv suburb building — RT (@RT_com) June 16, 2025 A question is starting to loom large: How long can this Israeli society — which has for years gone almost entirely unscathed as its military unleashes utter devastation on lesser forces and civilian populations — withstand prolonged destruction from a well-equipped foe like Iran? This isn't Gaza it's Israel. ⚡ — Iran Military Commentry (@IranMilitary__) June 16, 2025 Remember, we didn't initiate it. — Iran Military Commentry (@IranMilitary__) June 16, 2025 Also read: Iran Prepares To Hit US Regional Bases With Missiles If Trump Joins The War
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
War in the sky, Music on the roof: Video shows bizarre Lebanon celebration as missiles fly amid Iran-Israel war
As the Iran-Israel war enters one of its most volatile phases in recent memory, a surreal video emerging from Lebanon paints a striking picture of contrast. While missiles blaze across the sky, a rooftop bar in Beirut appears unfazed—guests are seen dancing, filming the moment on smartphones, and enjoying trumpet music, even as signs of war loom nearby. A viral video shared widely across social media platform X (formerly Twitter) captures this striking moment of normalcy amid regional turbulence. The scene shows a trumpet player performing live at a rooftop venue, possibly one of Beirut's popular nightspots like SPINE or Iris Rooftop, both renowned for panoramic views of the Mediterranean. A DJ continues his set in the background, while partygoers stand captivated, pointing their phones skyward as missile trails flash in the distance. An on-screen caption aptly summarizes the mood: "Meanwhile in Lebanon." Lmaoooo — War Monitor (@WarMonitors) June 15, 2025 Entertainment Amid Escalation: A City Watches From the Sidelines While the veracity of the exact location remains unconfirmed, X's AI chatbot Grok speculated that the video likely originates from a coastal bar in Beirut. The AI noted limited visual evidence to pinpoint the exact site but confirmed the footage reflects current scenes from Lebanon, where life continues even as neighboring countries brace for impact. Live Events Lmaoooo — War Monitor (@WarMonitors) June 15, 2025 The Economic Times could not independently verify the authenticity or exact location of the video. This moment comes in stark contrast to developments across the border, where the Iran-Israel war has erupted into full-scale military exchanges. The video stands as a testament to Lebanon's precarious position—geographically close, politically entangled, yet culturally resilient. Israel's "Operation Rising Lion" Targets Iran On June 13, Israel launched a sweeping air campaign under Operation Rising Lion , striking over 100 strategic Iranian sites. According to reports, these included high-security nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Esfahan, along with missile storage units, advanced air defence systems, and major branches of the Iranian Defence Ministry in Tehran. Israel's assault also targeted vital energy grids. The toll has been significant. Iranian authorities stated that the coordinated bombardment killed at least 100 individuals, among them nuclear scientists and senior military personnel, while more than 380 people sustained injuries. Iran Responds with "Operation True Promise III" Iran retaliated with equal ferocity under Operation True Promise III , launching over 150 ballistic missiles and deploying more than 100 drones toward key Israeli cities. Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Rishon LeZion were hit in rapid succession. The counterstrikes caused severe damage to infrastructure and reportedly claimed the lives of seven Israeli citizens. FAQs What is the broader context of the Iran-Israel conflict ? The conflict escalated significantly with Israel's launch of Operation Rising Lion on June 13, targeting over 100 Iranian military and nuclear sites. Iran responded with Operation True Promise III, launching over 150 ballistic missiles and more than 100 drones at Israeli cities. What were the consequences of these operations? Israel's strikes reportedly killed at least 100 people in Iran, including nuclear scientists and military personnel. Iran's retaliation caused extensive infrastructure damage in cities like Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem, killing seven Israeli civilians.
NDTV
15-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Missiles In Sky, Music On Roof: Video Shows Lebanon Party Amid Israel-Iran Tensions
As Israel and Iran exchange deadly fire in one of the most intense escalations the region has seen in years, one country appears to be watching from the sidelines. A video circulating on social media shows surreal scenes allegedly from a rooftop bar in Lebanon's Beirut, where people continue partying as missiles streak across the night sky. In the widely shared clip on X, a musician at a hotel plays the trumpet as guests rise from their seats, plates abandoned, to capture the moment on their phones. A DJ keeps spinning tracks in the background. An on-screen caption in one video reads, "Meanwhile in Lebanon". Lmaoooo — War Monitor (@WarMonitors) June 15, 2025 NDTV could not independently verify the authenticity or exact location of the video. When a user asked X's AI chatbot Grok to identify the setting, it suggested the scene likely takes place at a rooftop bar in Beirut, such as SPINE or Iris Rooftop, both known for live music and coastal views. The bot clarified that the exact venue remains unconfirmed due to limited visual details. The video likely shows a party in Beirut, Lebanon, possibly at a rooftop bar like SPINE or Iris Rooftop, known for live music and coastal views. The exact venue is unclear due to limited details. Bright lights in the sky might be fireworks or drones, but given regional tensions,… — Grok (@grok) June 15, 2025 The surreal visuals come after "Operation Rising Lion," launched by Israel on June 13. It was a massive air campaign that hit over 100 of Iran's strategic sites, including nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Esfahan. The strikes also targeted missile bases, air defence systems, Iran's Defence Ministry headquarters in Tehran, and major energy infrastructure. Iranian officials claimed at least 100 people, including nuclear scientists and top military officials, were killed, with over 380 others injured. In retaliation, Iran unleashed"Operation True Promise III," a barrage of more than 150 ballistic missiles and over 100 drones in multiple waves aimed at key Israeli cities. Haifa, Tel Aviv, Rishon LeZion, and Jerusalem were among them. The counterattack reportedly left at least seven Israelis dead while critical infrastructure suffered severe damage.
