After the United States bombed key Iranian nuclear sites, which dramatically increased tensions in the Middle East, Iran and Israel have exchanged a barrage of missiles.
An Iranian state news agency reported that Iran fired two volleys of 27 missiles at Israel’s main Ben Gurion airport close to Tel Aviv, as well as research facilities and command centers.
As explosions and missile interceptions were visible above Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the port city of Haifa, and other parts of Israel, millions of people were evacuated to safe rooms and bomb shelters as a result of air raid sirens blaring across the country.
Israeli emergency personnel reported that at least 20 people had injuries.
“We have seen two volleys coming in such close succession,” says one expert. Each missile volley has its hours of typical between them. Nour Odeh, a journalist from Amman, Jordan, reported for Al Jazeera for less than half an hour.
10 distinct sites were directly affected by missiles or large shrapnel, according to Odeh, and the targets ranged from Syria’s occupied Golan Heights to northern and central Israel, according to Odeh.
According to Odeh, “these sites have extensive damage,” particularly in the Tel Aviv and Haifa areas.
In the north of Tel Aviv and Haifa, rescue teams were seen searching through debris, apartments being reduced to rubble, mangled cars traveling in a crowded street, and medical personnel attempting to evacuate injured people from rows of blown-out houses.
The Israeli army stated in a statement that it was looking into why Haifa had no air raid warnings.
In western Iran, Israel also bombed “military targets” in a new wave. Israeli forces earlier claimed that their strikes targeted soldiers and targeted Iranian missile launchers.
Following the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, President Donald Trump claimed that the attacks had “obliterated” the three facilities.
Trump claimed that there were numerous other Iranian targets who could be hit, and that Iran’s future would hold the option of “peace or tragedy.” We will pursue those other targets with precision, speed, and skill “if peace does not come quickly,” he said.
Iran responded by saying it “reserved all options” to defend itself and warned of “everlasting consequences” if the US entered the conflict.
The US attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities were described as a “gross and unprecedented violation” of international law by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement.
The United States betrayed diplomacy by supporting Israel’s “aggressive action,” the ministry said, adding that the world must remember that it is now “waging a dangerous war against Iran.”
The US “adheres to no rules or ethics, and spares no lawlessness or crime in order to advance the aims of a genocidal and occupying regime,” it continued.
Israel’s airport authority announced that it will temporarily reopen its airspace for flights starting at 11:00 GMT on Sunday as a result of its efforts to repatriate thousands of citizens who have been stranded abroad as a result of its conflict with Iran, according to the nation’s airport authority.
As part of Operation Safe Return, Ben Gurion Airport will be open for landings from 02:00 pm to 8:00 pm, according to a statement from the airport.
As a result of Washington’s effective engagement in Israel’s nuclear war, US President Donald Trump announced the bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites.
“We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. Trump used a different spelling for Isfahan to translate the statement on his Truth Social platform to state that “every plane is now outside of Iranian air space.”
He described the strikes as a “spectacular military success” in a televised address on Sunday morning.
The US decision to intervene militarily to aid the Israeli attacks on Iran has prompted fears of a serious escalation across the Middle East and brought back memories of the devastation in Iraq following the 2003 US invasion. On June 13, Israel launched unprecedented attacks against Iran, aiming specifically at its top military figures and nuclear sites.
At least 24 people have been killed in Israel as a result of retaliatory strikes by Tehran, compared to more than 400 in the past 400 attacks in Iran.
Here is what we know so far about the US attacks on Iran:
What areas in Iran have the US bombed?
According to US media reports, the US used bunker-buster bombs to attack three important nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, using B2 bomber jets.
“The strikes were a spectacular military success”, Trump said in his televised address. He continued, “Our goal was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity,” adding that “Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and completely destroyed.
Trump’s claims were not immediately independently verified by Al Jazeera.
Here’s what we know about the three nuclear sites:
Near Qom in northwestern Iran, Fordow, a highly fortified underground uranium enrichment facility, is reportedly buried hundreds of meters deep. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), this site is designed to house up to 2, 976 spinning centrifuges.
Natanz is Iran’s largest enrichment complex, containing vast halls of centrifuges, some underground. It has been a significant center for Iran’s nuclear program and the site of numerous previous sabotage attempts, and Israeli bombings struck on June 13 as a result.
A uranium conversion facility and fuel fabrication facilities are part of Isfahan, a significant nuclear research and production facility. It plays a critical role in preparing raw materials for enrichment and reactor use.
Iran has been accused of developing nuclear weapons by Israel and the US for years, but Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes.
Despite concerns over Iran’s decision to enrich uranium at up to 60% purity, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has refuted claims that Tehran was about to start producing nuclear weapons.
Tehran stepped up enrichment after Trump walked out of the landmark 2015 nuclear deal – Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action , (JCPOA) – in 2018 that had capped Iran’s nuclear activity.
What weapons did the US use against Iran?
Trump made the claim that the attack’s weapons used “massive precision strikes,” but he provided no specific information. However, US media reports suggested the US army dropped “bunker buster” bombs and navy submarines fired multiple cruise missiles.
The US military’s GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) weighs nearly 13, 000 kg (30, 000 pounds), making it the most potent bunker bomb ever. Bomber buster bombs can penetrate 61 meters (200 feet) of earth or 18 meters (59 feet) of concrete, which conventional bombs cannot do.
The B-2 Spirit, a US stealth bomber, is currently the only aircraft designed to deploy the GBU-57 and can carry two bunker buster bombs at a time, which the air force says can drop multiple bombs sequentially, allowing each strike to burrow deeper.
Given its breadth, the US intervention is seen as crucial at this time for the Israeli campaign against Iranian nuclear facilities, particularly Fordow. The site had been destroyed by Israeli attacks.
While nearly half a dozen B-2 bombers reportedly dropped a dozen 13, 000kg bunker buster bombs on the Fordow site, navy submarines are said to have coordinated strikes by cruise missiles at the Natanz and Isfahan sites, according to media reports.
MOPs are also used for the first time by the US in combat.
What effect did the US strikes have?
Trump claimed “Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated”.
Yet the extent of the damage at the nuclear facilities is still being independently verified.
According to Mehdi Mohammadi, an Iranian parliament representative, the US attack was not unexpected and that the Iranian government had already evacuated the Fordow facility in advance.
“Iran has been expecting strikes on Fordow for several days. No irreversible damage was caused by today’s attack, according to Mohammadi in a statement posted on X.
Iran’s nuclear agency confirmed the attacks on Sunday, saying that there are no signs of contamination or danger for nearby residents based on the radiation system data and field surveys.
“Following the illegal US attack on the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, field surveys and radiation systems data showed: No contamination recorded”, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) said in a social media post. Residents of these locations are not in danger, according to the statement. Safety is in a stable state.
After the US bombing of its key nuclear facilities, the agency insisted that its work would not be stopped.
The organization promises to the great Iranian nation that despite the evil plans of its enemies, the government will not allow the development of this country’s industry, which is the result of the blood of nuclear martyrs, be stopped, according to AEOI in a statement.
Additionally, the IAEA found no increases in radiation near the enlisted sites.
“Following attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran – including Fordow – the IAEA can confirm that no increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of this time”, the agency said in a social media post on Sunday.
As more details become available, “IAEA will provide further assessments of the situation in Iran.”
In response to the attacks, Grossi stated that the IAEA will hold an urgent meeting on Monday.
A satellite image shows trucks and bulldozers near the entrance to the Fordow nuclear facility, near Qom, Iran]File: Maxar Technologies/Handout via Reuters]
Iran has said what?
Abbas Araghchi, the country’s foreign minister, claimed that the US “attacks Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations in a grave violation of international law, international law, and the NPT.”
Tehran has already threatened to walk away from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
The circumstances of this morning are outrageous and will have repercussions for life. This lawless, extremely dangerous, and criminal behavior must be alarming for all UN members, Araghchi said in a statement posted on X.
“In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people”, he added.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of Iran, issued a warning to the US last week to refrain from joining Israeli airstrikes against Iran. He claimed that the US would suffer irreparable harm as a result.
In his first televised address since Israel began its attacks on June 13, Khamenei said Iran “will not surrender to anyone” and “will stand firm against an imposed war, just as it will stand firm against an imposed peace”.
How will Iran attack the US in retaliation?
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to the US attacks, said on Sunday that it had the right to block such “aggression.”
“The world must not forget that it was the United States that, in the midst of a diplomatic process, betrayed diplomacy” by supporting Israel’s “aggressive action”, and is now waging “a dangerous war against Iran”, the ministry said in a statement carried by the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
The Islamic Republic of Iran added that it has the right to defend Iran’s security and national interests by standing with all of its might in opposition to US military aggression and the crimes committed by this rogue regime.
The US attacks on Iran have seriously alarmed Antonio Guterres, the UN’s chief, who stated.
“This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security. According to Guterres, there is a growing chance that this conflict will quickly spiral out of control, with disastrous effects for people in the region, as well as the world, “.
The Iranian foreign minister claimed at a press conference on Sunday that his nation had the right to defend itself now that diplomacy had come to an end.
“The warmongering, a lawless administration in Washington is solely and fully responsible for the dangerous consequences and far reaching implications of its act of aggression”, he said.
Iranians have a number of options in the wake of the US attacks, according to Stephen Zunes, the University of San Francisco’s director of Middle Eastern studies. They have the ability to directly attack US forces. There are up to 40, 000 Americans within the range, not just of Iranian missiles but of drones and other weaponry”, he said.
“You have the fleet off the Iranian coast, in the Persian Gulf.” If they attack, they could also be vulnerable, according to Zunes, who also refers to the Gulf as the Arabian Gulf. “It could impact global shipping, impacting oil prices and indeed the entire global economy”.
Zunes also cited “proxy militias in Iraq who could take advantage of American bases there,” adding that he would be surprised if Iranians didn’t take advantage of at least some of these.
Iran launched attacks on Israel on Sunday using one of its most advanced missiles, the Kheibar Shekan.
Iran might also move towards withdrawing from the NPT. Tehran has the legal right to leave the NPT, according to Abbas Golroo, the head of the parliament’s foreign policy committee.
An NPT member has “the right to withdraw from the Treaty if it believes extraordinary events have endangered its country’s supreme interests,” according to Article 10.
Adam Weinstein, the deputy director of the Middle East programme at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said the US is now at risk of getting dragged into a prolonged war in the Middle East.
He noted that Iran has already stated that it intends to carry out its nuclear program.
“They’ll do it more covertly,” they say. They might exit the NPT, and, of course, the Israelis will say, ‘ Well, this is why we need even more strikes. ‘ And the Iranians are likely to engage in some form of retaliation, which would undermine their legitimacy, Weinstein said.
“The escalation cycle begins here.” And so I’m very sceptical that it will be a one-off strike by the US. I believe that the US is at risk of starting an Iran-focused conflict of choice.
Trump, by contrast, threatened Iran with even more threats.
Following the release of a disturbing video that prompted questions about Goodluck Ihemnacho’s resignation as the administrator of the Ahoada East Local Government Area in Rivers State, Controversy has followed his reported resignation.
In the letter of resignation addressed to Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator, resigned. Ihemnacho was quoted as appreciating the opportunity to serve.
The letter read in part, “I humbly write to your noble office to inform you that I resign as the administrator of Ahoada East LGA. My sincere thanks go to the government of Rivers State and the good people of Ahoada East for recognizing my merits from April 11 to July 2025.”
Read more about Rivers Council Administrator’s resignation amid allegations of coercion and political intrigue.
Given that July 20th is still a month away, this raises some questions.
However, a video of a man being brutally beaten by a group of unidentified people went viral online on Saturday evening.
He was repeatedly struck with canes while he was filmed in the video being filmed yelling at him to “sign that thing” and “put your signature” while he was clearly distressed and in pain.
He appeared to be holding a pen while he was spotted with two documents, which are thought to be resignation letters.
Mr. Alabi Umegbewe, the council secretary, was also dragged into the room and assaulted, later identified as the second man.
Officially, there is no dispute about the video’s authenticity, and sources said the attack may not be connected to the upcoming local government elections.
The absence of the two mobile police officers that are attached to the council administrator has also caused concerns.
Further questions about possible complicity or dereliction of duty were raised by a source who claimed both officers were “eating” at the time of the incident.
No official statement regarding the incident was made by the police or the Rivers State government at the time of filing this report.
Ihemnacho’s mobile phone has been off since Saturday, so he could not be reached for comment.
Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley were out in London to support his daughter Miley when he stepped out with him.
Elizabeth and Billy Ray put on a loved-up display(Image: CRYSTAL PIX / BACKGRID)
Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley reportedly fell in love while visiting Covent Garden together. The two met in London together to support Miley’s daughter, the musician.
The duo were out and about on Saturday as they jetted to the capital for the weekend to watch The Miley Cyrus Something Beautiful theatrical experience at the Odeon Theatre.
After revealing their relationship back in April, they both appeared to be just as enthralled as ever. Miley herself made an appearance as well, along with Elizabeth’s son Damian.
With a plunging neckline, shoulder pads, and a multicolored, sparkly wrap mini-dress, Elizabeth looked as glamorous as ever. While Billy chose a distressed jeans and boots, red-printed oversized shirt.
Liz and Billy are now an item(Image: Getty Images)
Damian wore a black ripped mesh long-sleeved top and leather trousers as he joined the couple. Billy and Elizabeth first crossed paths when they were working on 2022’s Christmas in Paradise before confirming that they were an item in April.
Continue reading the article.
Before Billy’s disclosure, Liz reached out to him during a difficult time, which led to their romance. He said, “Wow, can life get any tougher? ” Is it even tougher? You can’t get knocked down any flatter than lying on your back when life is kicking you, in my opinion. And a friend reached out at this precise moment.
Liz Hurley and Billy Ray Cyrus surprised fans with their unlikely romance(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Billy Ray claimed that Elizabeth’s message read, “Hey, it seems like life might be a little tough, and I just wanted to let you know I’m in your corner, you’ve got a friend in your corner.”
Billy claimed that the message was untrue and that he didn’t have the number saved. He responded, “So I text back and head over to ‘Who is this?’ And it’s similar to Elizabeth Hurley. This friend who made me laugh was the one who reached out to me in that moment that perhaps I needed most.
Elizabeth spoke about what some people have called an odd coupling at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s Hot Pink Party in New York City in an interview. She stated on Page Six, “I think people found Billy and I being together a little unexpected.
We actually get along very well and aren’t surprising me. There has been a lot of action.
Continue reading the article.
She then continued, “We both enjoy the country and we both enjoy laughing a lot.” And we both adore romantic films and country music. We definitely share a lot of similarities, and that includes cowboy boots.
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On June 25, Glastonbury 2025 will debut with some of the biggest acts in the world performing in concert at the venue.
The Prime Minister doesn’t believe it’s appropriate to have Kneecap play Glastonbury(Image: AP)
Kneecap should be axed from Glastonbury lineup, according to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The band was scheduled to perform at the 2025 festival, but due to recent events, the PM doesn’t believe it would be appropriate.
He made the statement after Kneecap member Liam g hAnnaidh, who was facing a terror offence, appeared in court. This alleged connection to him allegedly displaying a flag and making remarks at a concert in support of the terrorist organization Hezbollah, which is prohibited.
Since Liam hAnnaidh is able to play at Glastonbury, he goes by the stage name Mo Chara and was delayed until later in the summer. The festival will begin on June 25 and continue until June 30.
The band is due to perform at the festival(Image: Redferns)
Starmer was asked by The Sun if he thinks Kneecap should perform at the annual festival. He said: “No, I don’t. I think we need to come down really clearly on this. I won’t say too much, because there’s a court case on, but I don’t think that’s appropriate.” The band are scheduled to perform on the West Holts Stage on Saturday.
Since the incident, O hAnnaidh has been supported by Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, the other band members. They stated in a court statement that “we can see you there on Saturday at 4pm for anyone coming to Glastonbury.”
Continue reading the article.
“If you can’t be there we’ll be on the BBC. Most importantly: free, free Palestine.” Liam Ó hAnnaidh has denied the allegations. Shortly after the charges, the band said in a statement: “”We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves. This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction. We are not the story. Genocide is. As they profit from genocide, they use an ‘anti-terror law’ against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage.”
Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove summarised the allegations, saying: “It’s not about Mr Óg Ó hAnnaidh’s support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel.
Keir has called for the band not to play(Image: Getty Images)
He is, as any other person, fully entitled to voice his opinions and show his solidarity. The video recording from a separate incident in this case shows that Mr. O hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a prohibited terrorist organization, while saying, “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah,” according to him.
Starmer’s comments came as Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said she thought the BBC “should not be showing” Kneecap’s performance at the festival.
In an X-post, Badenoch claimed that “The BBC shouldn’t be showing Kneecap propaganda.” One Kneecap band member is currently being held on bail and charged with terrorism. The BBC shouldn’t be praising extremism because it is a publicly traded platform.
The BBC will provide extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, according to a BBC spokesperson. The festival’s organisers have booked musicians for the event. Our plans will ensure that our programming will adhere to our editorial guidelines, even though the BBC doesn’t outlaw artists. In the weeks leading up to the festival, decisions will be made regarding our output.
The Mirror have contacted Glastonbury for comment. Glastonbury is due to kick off this Wednesday where some of the world’s biggest music artists will perform.
Fans of the event believe that a secret act may be performing on stage. People are persuaded that the singer’s band will play the secret set as an American rock legend arrives in London just days before Worthy Farm’s festivities begin.
The iconic music festival is returning on Wednesday, with British pop band The 1975, folk star Neil Young and his band the Chrome Hearts, and US pop singer Olivia Rodrigo headlining. Fans are convinced Patchwork are in fact The Foo Fighters, thanks to Dave Grohl being spotted in London recently.
At the Royal Albert Hall’s Yeah Yeah Yeahs concert, he was seen backstage. He has never been a fan of surprise Glastonbury sets.
His band’s first major UK performance since the band’s drummer Taylor Hawkins’ passing in 2022 was The Churn Ups, which they performed at the Somerset festival in 2023.
Continue reading the article.
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