Iran fires missiles with cluster bombs as conflict with Israel enters day eight

As the Israel-Iran conflict enters its eighth day, both countries traded barrages of missiles and drones on Friday. Israel bombed nuclear infrastructure in Iran. Tehran retaliated by firing missiles armed with cluster munitions, marking the first reported use of such weapons in the ongoing conflict, including a strike that damaged an Israeli hospital. The exchange marks a sharp escalation in a week-long air war with no clear signs of de-escalation or a diplomatic off-ramp.advertisementIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Iran's leadership would pay the full price for the hospital strike. He added Israel is ahead of schedule in its military campaign against Iran, exceeding prior expectations.Meanwhile, the White House said US President Donald Trump will decide within two weeks whether the US will back Israel militarily. This comes as the White House said definitively that Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in "a couple of weeks" once given the go-ahead from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Behind the scenes, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff has reportedly held several phone conversations with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.TOP DEVELOPMENTS IN ISRAEL-IRAN CONFLICT
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) continued strikes on Iran's military and nuclear sites, targeting infrastructure linked to Iran's nuclear program. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is ahead of schedule in its military campaign against Iran. He said Israel has the capability to target all of Iran's nuclear facilities, including the heavily fortified Fordo site.
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Iran also launched barrages of drones and missiles targeting Israel. The Israeli military on Thursday accused Iran of firing a missile armed with cluster munitions, marking the first reported use of such weapons in the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
Earlier, Iran hit a medical building in southern Israel, causing extensive damage. Israel's Health Ministry said 71 people were wounded in the attack, most of them suffering light injuries or panic attacks as they rushed for shelter.
The White House also said that Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a couple of weeks if approved by Iran supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Earlier, the White House said that President Donald Trump will make a decision within the next two weeks on whether to launch a military strike against Iran. The announcement comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran over the Israel-Iran conflict.
Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, quoted message from Trump, "Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks."
Iran has appointed a new head of intelligence at its Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), days after Israeli strikes killed his predecessor. According to the Iranian state media, Brigadier General Majid Khadami has been named as the new intelligence chief by IRGC commander Major General Mohammad Pakpour. He succeeds Mohammed Kazemi, who was killed on Sunday along with two other Revolutionary Guards officers, Hassan Mohaghegh and Mohsen Bagheri, in an Israeli strike.
Amid escalating tensions, nearly 40 US military aircraft have disappeared from the tarmac at a major American airbase in Qatar over the past two weeks, in what appears to be a preemptive move to shield US assets from potential Iranian strikes.
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Israel-Iran war escalates; Iran's cluster bombs bring war to civilians

As the Israel-Iran conflict enters its eighth day, tensions have reached a new high. Both countries unleashed waves of missile and drone attacks on Friday, marking the most intense exchange yet. Israel targeted key Iranian nuclear infrastructure, prompting a sharp retaliation from Tehran. In a major escalation, Iran fired missiles armed with cluster munitions — the first confirmed use of such weapons in the ongoing confrontation. One of these strikes hit an Israeli hospital, injuring dozens. Following the hospital attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Iran's leadership would pay a 'full price'. He stated that Israel is 'ahead of schedule' in its military campaign, having already surpassed initial expectations. 'We are moving faster than planned. Our goal is clear: to neutralise Iran's nuclear capabilities before it is too late,' Netanyahu said. Israel strikes deep into Iran The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued their focused strikes on Iranian military and nuclear assets, including infrastructure linked to Tehran's nuclear program. Notably, Israel claims it has the capability to target all of Iran's nuclear facilities — even the heavily fortified Fordow site, built deep within the mountains. While Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, Israeli officials maintain it is a direct threat to regional stability. IAEA confirms strikes on multiple nuclear sites The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is closely tracking the fallout from Israeli airstrikes launched under ' Operation Rising Lion ' beginning June 13. Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed damage at nuclear facilities in Natanz, Esfahan, Arak, Tehran, and Khondab. At Natanz, above-ground parts of the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant were destroyed, along with electrical systems critical to underground operations. 'It was limited to this facility. There was no radiological impact externally,' Grossi said. However, contamination inside the facility was confirmed. Esfahan's site suffered hits to a uranium conversion plant and a reactor fuel manufacturing plant. The Tehran Research Center and TESA Karaj, both involved in centrifuge production, were also struck. At Khondab, a heavy water reactor under construction was damaged, though it held no nuclear material. Grossi warned that the volume and dispersion of nuclear material across Iran leaves 'potential for a radiological accident' very real. He added, 'Military escalation threatens lives, increases the chance of a radiological release… and delays indispensable work towards a diplomatic solution.' Despite a reduced IAEA presence due to security concerns, Grossi said inspections would resume once safe, and reaffirmed the agency's readiness to send nuclear safety teams. 'Amid these challenging and complex circumstances, it is crucial that the IAEA receives timely and regular technical information,' he said. Tehran responds with cluster munitions Iran responds with force, launching a barrage of drones and missiles at Israeli targets. The Israeli military confirmed that one of the missiles carried cluster munitions — marking the first documented use of such internationally controversial weapons in this conflict. One of the most severe attacks hit a medical building in southern Israel, wounding 71 people. Most victims suffered minor injuries or panic-induced trauma while seeking shelter. The Israeli Health Ministry confirmed the toll, stating that emergency services remain on high alert. Washington watches closely As the crisis unfolds, the White House signalled growing concern. In a briefing on Friday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that US President Donald Trump would decide 'within the next two weeks' whether to extend military backing to Israel. 'Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,' Leavitt quoted Trump as saying. In a striking revelation, US intelligence now believes that Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in 'a couple of weeks' if given the green light by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Behind closed doors, diplomatic conversations are underway. Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff has reportedly held multiple phone calls with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, according to sources familiar with the matter. Shake-up in Iran's military leadership Adding to the volatility, Iran has named Brigadier General Majid Khadami as the new head of intelligence at the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). The appointment comes after Israeli airstrikes killed his predecessor, Mohammed Kazemi, and two other senior officers — Hassan Mohaghegh and Mohsen Bagheri — last Sunday. The change in leadership signals a potential hardening of Iran's military posture, as tensions rise. US moves assets from Qatar base Meanwhile, nearly 40 US military aircraft have vanished from the tarmac of a major American airbase in Qatar over the past two weeks. Military analysts suggest this could be a preemptive measure to shield US assets from potential Iranian retaliation, especially if the US becomes more directly involved in the conflict.

Business Standard

6 minutes ago

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Trump weighs joining Israel-Iran war as nuclear talks hang in the balance

As Donald Trump delays decision on joining Israel's war, US officials prepare for a possible strike on Iran's fortified nuclear sites, including the mountain-buried Fordow enrichment facility New Delhi President Trump said he would decide within two weeks whether the United States will join Israel's military campaign against Iran, as rising tensions between the two nations threaten to ignite a broader regional conflict with global consequences. In a statement delivered by White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt on Thursday, Trump said the possibility of renewed nuclear negotiations with Tehran would weigh heavily on his decision. 'There's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future. I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,' the statement said. US officials prepare for possible action in Iran The announcement followed days of speculation over Washington's potential involvement in ' Operation Rising Lion ', Israel's ongoing air campaign targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure and missile systems. While Trump had previously struck a more aggressive tone, including calling on Tehran residents to evacuate, his latest comments suggested a possible turn towards diplomacy. Israeli strikes continue, target nuclear assets Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes continued overnight. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it had hit dozens of targets in Tehran, including missile production centres, command hubs and the heavy water reactor at Arak. The Arak facility, long a source of international concern, could theoretically produce plutonium, providing a second route to nuclear weapons capability beyond enriched uranium. Iranian state television reported no radiation risk from the Arak strike, saying the site had been evacuated. The IDF said the objective was to ensure the reactor could not be restored for weapons development. Iran had agreed to redesign the reactor under the 2015 nuclear deal, but that work stalled after Trump withdrew the US from the accord in 2018. ⭕This nuclear reactor in Arak was created for one purpose: to build a nuclear bomb. It has now been neutralized. Here is a closer look at the reactor itself: — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 19, 2025 Netanyahu says regime change is not the goal Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking during a visit to Soroka Medical Centre in Beersheba, damaged in a missile strike on Thursday, said Israel's objective was to dismantle Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities. 'We may create the conditions to help change the government, but our goal is not regime change—it's removing the threat,' he told Kan television. When asked whether Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was a target, he replied, 'No one is immune'. Defence Minister Israel Katz took a more explicit line, calling Khamenei the 'modern Hitler' and saying his removal was 'absolutely necessary' to ensure regional stability. הדיקטטור חמינאי הוא היטלר המודרני שחרט על דגלו את השמדת מדינת ישראל ומשעבד את כל המשאבים של המדינה שלו לקידום המטרה הנוראית הזאת. הוא לא יכול להמשיך ולהתקיים. — ישראל כ'ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) June 19, 2025 The conflict has so far claimed at least 657 lives in Iran, including 263 civilians, and injured more than 2,000, according to a US-based Iranian human rights group. Israel has reported 24 deaths and hundreds wounded in Iran's retaliation, which has involved more than 450 missiles and 1,000 drones. Diplomatic window still open As tensions escalate, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate have gained urgency. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is due to meet his British, French, German and EU counterparts in Geneva on Friday. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, after holding talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff, said there was now a 'window' to reach a diplomatic solution. Khamenei on Wednesday ruled out surrender and warned that US military intervention would have 'irreparable consequences'. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf accused Trump of using military threats to extract concessions at the negotiating table.

Business Standard

13 minutes ago

• Business Standard

Netanyahu vows to eliminate Iran's nuclear threat as conflict escalates

As the Israel-Iran conflict entered its seventh day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel is ready to dismantle Tehran's nuclear and missile capabilities—with or without international support. Speaking to Israel's public broadcaster Kan on Thursday, Netanyahu said, 'Israel is capable of striking all of Iran's nuclear facilities. All help is welcome, but we will act independently if we must.' His comments came amid ongoing Israeli air raids on Iranian sites under the banner of Operation Rising Lion, launched last Friday. Trump will do what is best for US: Netanyahu The prime minister also addressed the possibility of direct US involvement, saying the decision rested with President Donald Trump. 'Trump will do what is good for the United States, and I will do what is good for Israel,' he stated, signalling coordination but also strategic autonomy. During a tour of Soroka Medical Centre in Beersheba, a southern Israeli city struck by Iranian missiles earlier that morning, Netanyahu stressed that 'no one is immune' from Israeli retaliation, once again suggesting that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could be considered a legitimate target. 'I gave instructions that no one is immune,' he said, adding, 'It's best to let actions speak for themselves.' The Israeli leader reiterated that the offensive was aimed squarely at Iran's nuclear ambitions and ballistic arsenal, which he described as existential threats. 'We are targeting weapons of mass destruction. They are targeting civilians,' he said. 'They fire at hospitals. That's the difference between a functioning democracy and murderous regimes.' אני כאן בבית החולים סורוקה בבאר שבע יחד עם שר הבריאות וסגן השר אלמוג כהן, איש הדרום, ולא בפעם הראשונה עם מנהל בית החולים סורוקה. אנחנו רואים כאן את כל ההבדל. אנחנו פוגעים במדויק במטרות גרעין ומטרות טילים, והם פוגעים בבית חולים, שאנשים לא יכולים לקום ולברוח אפילו. הם פוגעים לא… — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) June 19, 2025 Katz compares Khamenei to 'modern Hitler' The Defence Minister, Israel Katz, echoed this sentiment in more severe terms during a visit to missile-hit Holon. Calling Ayatollah Khamenei 'the modern Hitler', Katz said one of Israel's objectives was to 'prevent his continued existence.' He accused Iran's supreme leader of orchestrating attacks on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, as part of a broader ideological campaign against Israel. Heavy casualties and destruction reported on both sides According to a Washington-based Iranian human rights organisation, at least 639 people have died in Iran so far, including 263 civilians. Over 1,300 have been injured. Iran has retaliated with more than 400 ballistic missiles and over 1,000 drones, targeting cities such as Ramat Gan, Holon and Beersheba, killing at least 24 people in Israel and injuring hundreds more. Among the injured are at least 240 people following missile strikes on residential areas near Tel Aviv and Soroka Medical Centre, 80 of them patients and medical staff. Much of the hospital had been evacuated in anticipation of the attack, limiting the extent of casualties. As tensions escalate, Israel claims to have destroyed over half of Iran's missile launchers. Netanyahu declared that the operation was 'changing the face of the Middle East—and now, the world.' Netanyahu clarifies Iran war goals Despite speculation about regime change in Iran, Netanyahu clarified that toppling the government in Tehran was not an explicit objective. 'That's a matter for the Iranian people,' he said. 'It could be a result, but it is not a stated or formal goal.' Due to the ongoing conflict, the Israeli military has imposed strict censorship on media coverage. These wartime restrictions limit reporting on operational details, target selection, and any damage to critical infrastructure or military capabilities. Netanyahu vowed that Israel would see the operation through to its conclusion. 'At the end of this mission,' he said, 'there will be no nuclear threat on Israel, and there won't be a ballistic threat either.'