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First Post
5 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
Fact-check: Did US use Indian airspace to launch strikes on Iran's nuclear sites?
The United States struck three nuclear sites in Iran: Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, raising concerns over how Tehran's already weakened military could respond. Amid growing speculation, some social media users claimed the US had used Indian airspace for the operation, which has been codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer. However, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has dismissed the claims, stating that Indian airspace was not used and the reports being shared are false read more The world was on edge on Sunday after the United States launched strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, stepping directly into the conflict involving Israel. The attack led to serious concerns about what is left of Tehran's nuclear capabilities and how its already weakened military might respond. Read latest updates about Israel-Iran war here. As speculation grew, some social media users claimed that the US military had used Indian airspace to carry out the strikes, known as Operation Midnight Hammer. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But the Press Information Bureau (PIB) dismissed these claims, saying Indian airspace was never used and the reports being shared are false. ALSO READ | Decoy flights, 25 minutes, 125 aircraft: Inside US' Operation Midnight Hammer So, what exactly were the claims, and what did the PIB say? And how did India react to the American action against Iran? Here's a look at these answers and more: Did the US use Indian airspace to attack Iran? No, the reports doing the rounds online that claim American fighter jets used Indian airspace to launch strikes on Iran are false. On Sunday, the PIB Fact Check unit took to X to refute the claim, calling it 'FAKE' and clarifying: 'Indian Airspace was NOT used by the United States during Operation Midnight Hammer.' Several social media accounts have claimed that Indian Airspace was used by the United States to launch aircrafts against Iran during Operation #MidnightHammer #PIBFactCheck ❌ This claim is FAKE ❌Indian Airspace was NOT used by the United States during Operation… — PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) June 22, 2025 The clarification referred to a press briefing by the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, who explained the alternate routes taken by the American aircraft and dismissed the speculation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Several social media accounts have claimed that Indian Airspace was used by the United States to launch aircraft against Iran during Operation Midnight Hammer. This claim is FAKE. Indian Airspace was NOT used by the United States during Operation Midnight Hammer. During the Press Briefing, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen Dan Caine explained the route used by US aircraft,' the Fact Check unit posted on X. How India reacted to US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the American strikes on three major nuclear sites in Iran. During the call, PM Modi expressed deep concern over the growing tensions in West Asia and called for the need for de-escalation in hostilities. This satellite picture shows Iran's underground nuclear enrichment site at Fordo after US airstrikes. Planet Labs PBC/AP He reaffirmed India's stand on de-escalation, saying that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward. 'We discussed in detail about the current situation. Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations. Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability,' PM Modi posted on X after the call. Notably, the Iranian President had reached out to PM Modi following the US strikes, ANI reported citing sources. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During the 45-minute conversation, Pezeshkian gave a detailed update on the situation. He described India as a friend and partner in ensuring peace and stability in the region, and thanked PM Modi for India's support and appeal for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. ALSO READ | Why Trump attacked Iran 2 days after giving a 2-week deadline How the US inserted itself into Israel's conflict against Iran The United States carried out strikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran - Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, in a move that was confirmed by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. Both Iran and the UN's nuclear watchdog said there was no immediate indication of radioactive leakage at any of the locations. General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that as part of the mission, seven B-2 bombers flew for 18 hours from the US to Iran to drop 14 bunker-buster bombs. In total, the US used 75 precision-guided weapons in the operation, including more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles. Over 125 military aircraft were involved in the strikes on the three nuclear sites, Caine added. Iran hit out at the United States for crossing what it described as 'a very big red line' with its decision to target the sites using missiles and 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Initially, the Trump administration had indicated interest in reopening diplomatic channels with Tehran. However, Donald Trump , who had earlier warned of more strikes if Iran responded against US forces, later spoke about the potential for 'regime change' in the country. On his Truth Social account, Trump claimed that the strikes caused 'monumental damage' to Iran's nuclear facilities. 'We are very close to achieving our goals' in removing Iran's nuclear and missile threats, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. Notably, Iran has not yet provided any details about the extent of damage caused by the strikes. Past attacks by Israel had already destroyed a centrifuge hall above ground and the power infrastructure at one of the sites, most likely disrupting the electricity supply. With inputs from agencies
Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
India debunks social media claims that US used its airspace to launch strikes against Iran
India has dismissed as 'fake' claims by certain social media handles that the US fighter jets used Indian airspace to launch strikes against Iran. The US bombed three nuclear sites in Iran early Sunday, with President Donald Trump warning of additional strikes if Iran retaliates. 'Several social media accounts have claimed that Indian Airspace was used by the United States to launch aircrafts against Iran during Operation #MidnightHammer. This claim is FAKE,' PIB Fact Check said in a post on X on Sunday. 'Indian Airspace was NOT used by the United States during Operation #MidnightHammer,' said the fact check unit of the Press Information Bureau that functions under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It said Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine explained the route used by US aircraft during a press briefing.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
India debunks social media claims that US used its airspace to launch strikes against Iran
India has dismissed as "fake" claims by certain social media handles that the US fighter jets used Indian airspace to launch strikes against US bombed three nuclear sites in Iran early Sunday, with President Donald Trump warning of additional strikes if Iran retaliates."Several social media accounts have claimed that Indian Airspace was used by the United States to launch aircrafts against Iran during Operation #MidnightHammer. This claim is FAKE," PIB Fact Check said in a post on X on Sunday."Indian Airspace was NOT used by the United States during Operation #MidnightHammer," said the fact check unit of the Press Information Bureau that functions under the Ministry of Information and said Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine explained the route used by US aircraft during a press briefing.
India Today
7 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
Did US use Indian airspace to strike Iran nuke sites? Government clarifies
India on Sunday dismissed as "fake" claims by certain social media handles that the US fighter jets used Indian airspace to launch strikes against US bombed three nuclear sites in Iran overnight, with President Donald Trump warning of additional strikes if Iran retaliates. advertisement'Several social media accounts have claimed that Indian Airspace was used by the United States to launch aircrafts against Iran during Operation #MidnightHammer. This claim is FAKE,' PIB Fact Check said in a post on X. 'Indian Airspace was NOT used by the United States during Operation #MidnightHammer,' said the fact check unit of the Press Information Bureau that functions under the Ministry of Information and said that the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine had explained the route used by US aircraft during a press InMust Watch
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Morning digest: June 23, 2025
Iranian Parliament votes to close vital Strait of Hormuz after U.S. strikes on nuclear sites, disruptions likely to impact oil prices for India Iran's Parliament, the Majlis, has reportedly approved the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to the attacks by the U.S. on Iranian nuclear facilities, the country's state-owned media PressTV reported on Sunday (June 22, 2025), citing Esmaeil Kowsari, a member of the Majlis. According to the report, the final decision on the closure of the Strait of Hormuz lies with Iran's Supreme National Security Council. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, and is one of the world's most important oil trade routes. India imports about 80% of its oil requirement, meaning that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz will likely impact the price of oil that India purchases. The Strait of Hormuz is also a vital trade route for ships travelling to and from India. United Nations chief warns of cycle of retaliation after U.S. bombs Iran United Nations chief Antonio Guterres warned Sunday (June 22, 2025) against yet 'another cycle of destruction' and retaliation following the U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, which he said marked a 'perilous turn' in the region. 'I have repeatedly condemned any military escalation in the Middle East,' the secretary-general told an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. 'The people of the region cannot endure another cycle of destruction. And yet, we now risk descending into a rathole of retaliation after retaliation,' he added. 'Anti-Naxal' campaigns to continue in monsoon, says Amit Shah Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday (June 22, 2025) said that for the first time, 'anti-Naxal' operations would continue during the monsoon even as he reiterated his appeal that Naxals lay down arms and join the mainstream. 'Every time during the rainy season, Naxalites used to get rest, but this time, we will not let them sleep during monsoon and we will move further to achieve the target of 31/3 (2026, to eliminate Naxalism_,' Mr. Shah said, laying the foundation stone for the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) campus and a Central Forensic Science Lab in Chhattisgarh's Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. India debunks claims of U.S. using Indian airspace for Iran strikes, PIB Fact Check confirms India on Sunday (June 22, 2025) dismissed as 'fake' claims by certain social media handles that the U.S. fighter jets used Indian airspace to launch strikes against Iran. The U.S. bombed three nuclear sites in Iran on Sunday (June 22, 2025), with U.S. President Donald Trump warning of additional strikes if Iran retaliates. 'Several social media accounts have claimed that Indian airspace was used by the United States to launch aircraft against Iran during Operation #MidnightHammer. This claim is fake,' PIB Fact Check said in a post on X. NIA nabs one more in Maoist revival conspiracy case The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday (June 22, 2025) arrested a key accused involved in the attempts to revive a Communist Party of India (Maoist) Northern Region Bureau (NRB) terror module. The agency also seized digital devices, including hard drives, pen drives, and mobile phones, as well as other 'incriminating' material during a search in the West Delhi house of the accused person identified as Vishal Singh, originally from Uttar Pradesh's Mathura. 'Investigations have revealed that the accused, a member of the CPI (Maoist), had delivered a drone to leaders of the banned terror outfit in Chhakarbanda/Panchrukhiya forest area of Bihar to further its anti-national activities,' the probe agency said. INS Tamal, India's last imported warship, to be commissioned on July 1 The Indian Navy is all set to commission its latest stealth multi-role frigate INS Tamal on July 1 at Kaliningrad in Russia. This will be the last warship of the Indian Navy to have been built outside India and the eighth in the series of Krivak-class frigates inducted from Russia over the past two decades. The ceremony will be presided over by Western Naval Commander Vice Admiral Sanjay J. Singh in the presence of several high-ranking Indian and Russian government and defence officials. ECI considers intensive house-to-house verification to update electoral rolls before Bihar Assembly election Amid allegations by Opposition parties over alleged manipulation of voter rolls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday (June 22, 2025) said it was contemplating intensive house-to-house verification for the revision of electoral rolls before the upcoming Bihar Assembly election. This approach is being considered as, in the past, persistent concerns have been raised by various civil society organisations, political parties, and agencies on the inclusion or deletion of names of electors from the rolls, sources in the ECI said. Another flight from Iran carrying 311 Indians lands in Delhi; over 1,400 evacuated so far India on Sunday (June 22, 2025) evacuated more than 300 Indian nationals from Iran amid the escalating tensions between the Persian Gulf nation and Israel following the U.S. bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said 311 Indians landed in Delhi on a special flight from the Iranian city of Mashhad. With the fresh batch of evacuees, the total number of those brought back from Iran now stands at 1,428. Three-hundred eleven Indian nationals arrived in New Delhi on a special flight from Mashhad at 4:30 p.m. on June 22, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. DGCA launches comprehensive safety audit to ensure aviation safety The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a comprehensive safety audit to provide a holistic evaluation of the aviation sector by meticulously examining safety, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. The aviation regulator's new audit framework is expected to proactively identify systemic vulnerabilities, enhance resilience and ensure strict adherence to the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and India's national aviation objectives. The move to strengthen the safety infrastructure comes days after the tragic crash of London-bound Air India flight AI-171 moments after takeoff in Ahmedabad. Air India to temporarily reduce flights operated with narrow-body planes on 19 routes Air India on Sunday (June 22, 2025) said it will temporarily reduce 118 weekly flights operated with narrow-body planes on 19 routes and suspend services on three routes. The announcement comes days after the Tata Group-owned carrier said it will cut international flights operated with wide-body planes by 15% temporarily. In a statement, the airline said it is going for 'temporary cuts of less than 5% to its overall narrow-body network'. It said, 'This voluntary decision leads to the temporary suspension of Air India's services on 3 routes and reduction of frequency on 19 routes. The changes are effective until at least 15 July 2025.' U.S. travel advisory warns citizens of crime, rape, terrorism in India, urges 'increased caution' The U.S. has issued an advisory for its citizens travelling to India, urging 'increased caution' due to crime and rape, and advising them not to travel to certain parts of central and eastern parts of the country due to terrorism. The travel advisory issued last week states that 'rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India' and violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations. It added that terrorists, who target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls and government facilities, may attack with little or no warning. The advisory also tells U.S. citizens not to travel to parts of Central and East India 'due to terrorism.' Iranian ambassador says U.S. 'decided to destroy diplomacy' with strikes on nuclear sites Iran said Sunday (June 22, 2025) that the U.S. 'decided to destroy diplomacy' with its strikes on the country's nuclear programme and that the Iranian military will decide the 'timing, nature and scale of Iran's proportionate response'. Iran's United Nations ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, spoke to an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council hours after the U.S. inserted itself into Israel's war against Iran by striking three nuclear sites inside the Islamic Republic. U.S. President Trump hints at potential regime change in Iran The Trump administration on Sunday (June 22, 2025) sent a series of conflicting messages to Iran — with U.S. officials initially indicating a willingness to resume negotiations after a surprise attack on three of the country's nuclear sites and President Donald Trump talking up the possibility of regime change. 'It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change', but if the current Iranian regime is unable to make Iran great again, why wouldn't there be a regime change?' Mr. Trump posted on social media. 'MIGA!!!' At least 20 dead in Syria church attack; Government blames Islamic State At least 20 people were killed Sunday (June 22, 2025) in a suicide attack on a church in Damascus, authorities said, with Syria's Interior Ministry blaming a member of the Islamic State group. The international community condemned the attack, the first of its kind in the Syrian capital since Islamist-led forces toppled long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December, and the first on a church there since the country's civil war erupted in 2011. The Interior Ministry said in a statement that 'a suicide attacker affiliated with the Daesh (IS) terrorist group entered the Saint Elias church in the Dwelaa area of the capital Damascus, where he opened fire and then blew himself up with an explosive belt'. Over 100 firefighters battle large wildfire on eastern Greek island of Chios More than 100 firefighters assisted by water-dropping helicopters and planes were battling a large wildfire burning near the main town of the eastern Aegean island of Chios Sunday (June 22, 2025), with emergency services ordering the evacuation of a dozen areas. The fire department said three separate blazes had broken out in the morning and mid-day on Sunday (June 22, 2025) near the town of Chios. The flames were fanned by strong winds, leaving firefighters struggling to contain what turned into one large blaze. The fire department said it was sending an arson investigation team to the island. Ind vs Eng, 1st Test Day 3: Bumrah hands India a slender lead Trying to get near a 471-run first-innings total would have been a steep climb for most sides. But so emphatically did England turn the tables on India that for most of day three of the first Test in Headingley, it was the visitors — despite a rejuvenating, cool breeze blowing across the ground — who resembled a pack of tired cyclists staring at a hulking mountain. England, from an overnight 209 for three, fought India to a standstill, ending its first essay just six runs adrift. For the remaining two days, the forecast is for grey skies. That means India has to bat well, both for time and runs. India showed the stomach for a fight by reaching 90 for two, propelled by a silken K.L. Rahul knock (47 batting, 75b, 7x4). Jasprit Bumrah got a deserved fifer (24.4-5-83-5), but by the time the 31-year-old earned his fourth and fifth wickets.
