19:52
Further airspace closed
Following the Iranian attack on a military base in Qatar, the Gulf states of Bahrain and Kuwait have closed their airspace.
The Bahraini Ministry of Transport announced the temporary suspension of air traffic in the kingdom's airspace as a precautionary measure. People are urged to seek shelter in nearby buildings until the danger has passed, according to a further statement from the Ministry of Interior.
Kuwait also announced the closure of its airspace and airports in the interest of the country's security. (DPA)
19:21
Qatar wants to respond appropriately
Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari commented on X regarding Iran's attack on the US airbase in Al Udeid."We express our strong condemnation of the attack," the post begins.
This attack represents a blatant violation of Qatar's sovereignty and airspace, as well as of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, writes Majed Al Ansari. The United States reserves the right to respond directly and within a framework appropriate to the scale and nature of this blatant aggression, and will do so in compliance with international law.
19:05
United Emirates closes airspace
According to an X-post from the flight tracker Flightradar24, the airspace of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates was closed at around 6:55 p.m. Swiss time. Swiss flight LX242 from Zurich to Dubai was diverted to Cairo, according to the tracker.
18:48
Iran fires missiles at US military bases in the Middle East
Iran has attacked US military bases in Qatar and Iraq in retaliation for the bombing of its nuclear facilities. The operation, dubbed"Promise of Victory," has begun, according to a statement by the state news agency.
According to an Israeli and an Arab official, Iran has fired several missiles at American military bases in the Middle East, Axios reports.
Six missiles were fired at Qatar, the two officials said. One missile was fired at Iraq, the Israeli official said. Iran said it attacked US forces at the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar.
With material from the DPA.
18:36
Report: Iran attacks on US targets to take place soon
An Iranian counterattack on US military bases in the Middle East could be imminent, according to a media report. Iran will most likely launch an attack on US facilities in the coming hours in retaliation for the American bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, the Amwaj.media platform reported, citing a high-ranking source in the Iranian capital. According to the report, the decision to attack US interests in the region has already been made, but the exact targets are still being discussed.
Trump is scheduled to meet with his national security team at the White House at 1:00 p.m. local time (ET) to discuss the threat situation, according to the news agency Axios.
Iran had threatened retaliation for the attack. In the afternoon, Iranian Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi reiterated this intention. Mousavi said US President Donald Trump's actions stemmed from his desperation and were carried out to save his proxy – the Zionist regime – and in particular Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We will – God willing – continue punishing Netanyahu with all our might until his ruin. We will also respond decisively to this American mistake, proportionate to the aggression, Mousavi said, according to the state news agency IRNA.
The US military has numerous bases around the Persian Gulf, including in Bahrain and Qatar. These are not very far from Iran as the crow flies and could become targets. The Gulf emirate of Qatar temporarily closed its airspace this early evening in light of the hostilities in the region.
Around 40,000 US troops are stationed throughout the region. The question is whether such an escalation is in Tehran's interest. US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to respond with the utmost force. (DPA)
18:25
Qatar closes its airspace
The Gulf state of Qatar has temporarily closed its airspace in light of the hostilities in the region. The Foreign Ministry stated that this is to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and assessing developments in coordination with regional and international partners, the statement added.
The US Embassy in Qatar had previously urged American citizens to exercise caution. Since the US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, there have been concerns that the conflict could spread further into the region. According to observers, US interests in the region could become the target of Iranian retaliatory strikes. The US has an important military base in Qatar. Qatar's relations with Tehran are considered good, and the two countries share a natural gas field. (DPA)
17:20
After attack on Iran: Trump calls for low oil prices
US President Donald Trump called for low oil prices following the attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. On Monday, he addressed everyone on his online service Truth Social:"Keep oil prices low," he demanded in capital letters. Higher prices would play into the enemy's hands, Trump warned. He is closely monitoring the market.
International fears exist that Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for the attacks ordered by Trump over the weekend. Around one-fifth of global oil production is transported through the strait between Iran and Oman every day.
Oil prices had already risen in recent days due to the escalation in the war between Israel and Iran. Following the US attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities, global stock markets nevertheless reacted relatively calmly at the start of the week. On New York's Wall Street, major stock market indices barely moved at the start of trading. There were also no major disruptions in Europe and Asia, according to Agence France Presse.
At the same time, in another post on Truth Social, Trump called for oil drilling in the US. To the Department of Energy: Drill, baby, drill! And I mean now!, the US president wrote.
14:28
Israel seeks an early end to the war with Iran
Israel wants to end its war with Iran soon, Israeli and Arab officials told the Wall Street Journal on Monday.
Israel says it expects to complete its list of military targets in Iran in the coming days. This would create an opportunity to end the hostilities. However, the situation is dynamic, and much depends on Iran's response.
According to Arab officials in the region, the United States has told them that Israel is interested in an early end to the conflict and asked that this message be passed on to Iran.
However, Iran replied that it was not yet ready to withdraw because it felt compelled to respond to the US attack on its nuclear facilities.
Israel says the American airstrikes on Iran's three main nuclear facilities have brought it closer to its goal of destroying Iran's nuclear capabilities. Israeli officials said they now hope Iran will come to the negotiating table and agree to end its uranium enrichment program. However, if Iran attempts to restore its nuclear infrastructure, Israel is prepared to respond with further airstrikes in the future.
12:10
Fordo nuclear facility probably severely damaged
The underground uranium enrichment facility in Fordow, Iran, appears to have been severely damaged by the use of massive US bombs, according to UN nuclear watchdogs. Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in an initial analysis.
Considering the explosive charge used and the extreme sensitivity of the centrifuges to vibration, significant damage is to be expected, Grossi said at an emergency meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors.
Iran had produced uranium in Fordow with a purity level almost suitable for nuclear weapons. The centrifuges required for this are highly sensitive devices that can be damaged by a power outage, for example.
11:54
50,000 US soldiers return home in coffins
An Iranian state broadcaster warned of dead US soldiers after Donald Trump raised the possibility of regime change in Tehran. News anchor Mehdi Khanalizadeh accused Trump of choosing to shed the soldiers' blood, adding:"The President of the United States has decided in the Oval Office to receive the coffins of up to 50,000 US soldiers in Washington."
This comes at a time when Iran is warning the US of dire consequences if it attacks Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran has also threatened that intervening in the conflict with Israel would significantly expand the range of legitimate targets.
11:42
Israel blows open gate to notorious Evin prison
An Israeli airstrike recently hit the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran, according to reports from Iran. According to the opposition organization Iran International, the prison's entrance gate was hit, apparently to allow inmates to escape.
Evin Prison is a large and heavily fortified complex where Iran has imprisoned political prisoners, including journalists, academics, human rights activists, and others.
10:57
North of Tehran rocked by explosions
Israel said it carried out massive attacks on targets in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on Monday. The Israeli Air Force is currently attacking regime targets and regional oppressive facilities in the heart of Tehran with unprecedented force, Defense Minister Israel Katz said. According to the Iranian news agency Tasnim, Israel also attacked the Fordow nuclear facility, which had already been bombed by the US military overnight into Sunday.
10:38
Power outage in Israel
According to the army, an air raid siren has been triggered in Israel due to new Iranian missile attacks. Sirens recently sounded in several areas of Israel, the Israeli army announced on Monday morning. It called on the population to seek safety in shelters. Several explosions were heard in Jerusalem, according to journalists from the AFP news agency.
The Israeli energy company Israel Electric Corporation reported damage near strategic facilities in the south of the country on Monday morning, resulting in power outages.
08:35
Now Trump is changing his rhetoric on Iran
Following the US military bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities, US President Donald Trump is hinting at support for a change in the Islamic Republic's leadership. It's not politically correct to use the term"regime change," the Republican wrote on his Truth Social platform. But if the current Iranian leadership is incapable of making Iran great again, why shouldn't there be regime change? MIGA!!!
With the four-letter abbreviation, Trump alluded to his slogan"Make America Great Again" (MAGA) – in this case referring to Iran. The US justifies its attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities by citing the threat of Tehran's nuclear weapons. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated in an interview with CBS that the attacks were not intended to overthrow the Iranian leadership. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance made similar statements.
05:31
North Korea condemns US attacks on Iran
North Korea has strongly condemned the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, according to state media. The US attacks constitute a serious violation of the UN Charter and respect for sovereignty, the North Korean state news agency KCNA quoted a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman as saying on Monday.
According to experts, North Korea, which is largely isolated internationally, possesses nuclear weapons and continues its nuclear and missile programs despite UN sanctions – with support from China and Russia, among others. (AFP)
04:49
Trump confirms monumental damage
According to US President Donald Trump, the Iranian nuclear facilities attacked by the US have been largely destroyed. Monumental damage has been caused to all nuclear facilities in Iran, as satellite images show, Trump stated on Sunday in his online service Truth Social."Destruction is an apt term," he wrote. He initially declined to provide details about the images he was referring to.
According to Trump, the greatest damage was caused far underground. The US president wrote:"Bull's eye!"
After days of speculation, the United States intervened in the war between Iran and Israel on Sunday night, bombing the Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. B-2 fighter jets equipped with GBU-57 bombs, which can also destroy underground targets, were used. Initially, there were conflicting reports about the extent of the damage to the uranium enrichment facilities.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated Trump's statement that Iran's nuclear program had been wiped out. Vice President J.D. Vance was more cautious, telling ABC that the US airstrikes had set the nuclear program back by years or more. Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine spoke of extremely severe damage and destruction to the nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. (AFP)
03:56
Human rights activists: More than 950 dead in Iran
At least 950 people have been killed in the Israeli attacks on Iran, according to a human rights organization. The group also estimates that more than 3,450 people have been injured. The Washington-based organization Human Rights Activists announced this on Monday. The group said it identified 380 of the dead as civilians and 253 as security forces.
The Iranian government only irregularly updates the number of victims of Israeli attacks. The government last reported 400 deaths on Saturday. Another 3,056 were injured, according to government figures.
The organization Human Rights Activists, which also published casualty figures during the 2022 anti-government protests in Iran, compares reports in the Islamic Republic with a network of sources it has established in the country. (DPA)
03:50
Khamenei: The punishment continues
Iranian religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attacks the Zionist enemy on X. He has made a great mistake and committed a great crime. He will be punished for it. The enemy will now be punished, Khamenei writes on his Iranian X channel under the title"The Punishment Continues."
02:25
Israel's army: Further rocket fire from Iran
According to the Israeli military, Iran is continuing its missile attacks on Israel. Air defenses are once again in action to counter the threat, the military announced overnight. Sirens sounded again in several areas of the country. The population was instructed to seek shelter and remain there until further notice. (DPA)
01:57
US warns Iran against military escalation
At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, the US ambassador reiterated President Donald Trump's warning to Iran. Any Iranian attack—direct or indirect—against Americans or American bases will be met with devastating retaliation, Dorothy Shear said at the Iran-convened meeting in New York on Sunday.
She emphasized that the US had acted in defense of Israel and American citizens to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Iran had concealed its nuclear weapons program and blocked good-faith efforts in past negotiations. The Security Council must, among other things, call on Iran to end its decades-long threats against Israel, halt its nuclear program, and negotiate peace in good faith. (DPA)
01:55
USA calls on citizens worldwide to be more cautious
The United States has urged its citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution in light of the US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. The State Department is advising US citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution, the State Department said in a statement on Sunday. The conflict in the Middle East could pose an increased security risk for US citizens traveling or living abroad, particularly the possibility of protests against US citizens and interests abroad. (AFP)
Sunday, June 22, 2025
23:06
Make Iran Great Again – Trump hints at support for change of power
US President Donald Trump has signaled support for a change in Iranian leadership. It's not politically correct to use the term"regime change," the Republican wrote on his Truth Social platform. But if the current Iranian leadership is incapable of making Iran great again, why shouldn't there be regime change? MIGA!!! With the four-letter acronym, Trump was alluding to his slogan"Make America Great Again" (MAGA) – in this case referring to Iran.
The US justifies its attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities by citing the threat of Tehran acquiring nuclear weapons. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated in an interview with CBS that the attacks were not intended to overthrow the Iranian leadership. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President J.D. Vance made similar statements.
However, there is a faction within Trump's Republican Party that has long sought a political coup in Tehran. For example, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham wrote on Platform X that Trump was, as usual, absolutely right in his post on Truth Social. Graham declared his support and ended his post with the initials MIGA.
In a later post, the US President thanked the pilots of the B-2 bombers that attacked the Fordow facility. (DPA)
21:51
Guterres urges restraint and calls for talks
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for restraint and diplomacy following the US attack on nuclear facilities in Iran. The people of the region cannot endure another cycle of destruction, Guterres said at a special meeting of the UN Security Council in New York. Yet we now risk descending into a rat hole of retaliation after retaliation.
Instead, Guterres demanded, diplomacy must be adopted. Civilians must be protected. Safe navigation at sea must be guaranteed. The United Nations stands ready to provide support at any time. I call on the members of this body—and all UN member states—to act with reason, restraint, and urgency. We cannot—and must not—give up on peace.
21:11
Foreign Minister Abbas landed in Moscow
According to the Iranian news agency IRNA, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi landed in Moscow to discuss the US attacks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Russian government strongly condemned Sunday's US airstrikes and called on the United Nations to take action. Russia, considered Iran's most important ally, refrained from threatening the United States with direct repercussions.
