US-Israel-Iran conflict: List of key events, June 23, 2025

What is the situation as of Monday, June 23:

Fighting

    The largest military base in the Middle East, Qatar, is home to ballistic missiles launched from Iran by the country. Doha claimed that the attack had been stopped and that no one was hurt.

  • Bahrain and Kuwait, two of the Gulf’s neighbors and also host US facilities, joined Qatar in robbing their airspace before opening it again.
  • Israel earlier attacked Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison, which housed political activists. The strike, which reportedly left the facility’s gate open, was documented on Iranian state television.
  • According to the Fars news agency, explosions were reported on the western outskirts of Ahvaz, the capital of Khuzestan province in southwest Iran.
  • An electricity feeder station in the north Tehran Evin neighborhood was the subject of a report from the Tasnim news agency.
  • Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz earlier claimed that his country had attacked “regime targets and government repression bodies in Tehran,” including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) command centers.
  • A day after the US bombed the underground site south of Tehran with “bunker buster” bombs, Israel carried out an attack on the Fordow enrichment facility.
  • Residents of Tehran were advised to stay away from weapons-producing facilities and military installations by the Israeli military’s evacuation threat.
  • The country targeted Israel’s Haifa and Tel Aviv, according to Iranian state television on Monday. It claimed that the majority of its projectiles fired had successfully reached their intended targets as of early in the day.
  • Before noon on Monday, sirens sounded throughout Israel, with numerous impacts being recorded in various locations, including the Ashdod region in southern Israel and the Lachish region south of Jerusalem.

Accidents and turbulence

  • The 10 million people who live in Tehran are reportedly flee after 11 days of the conflict.
  • A wounded man is being carried on a stretcher by rescuers after Israel launched an attack on Evin Prison, according to Iran’s IRIB state broadcaster.
  • According to the Iranian capital, Tehran, there have been power cuts, according to the Iranian power company Tavanir.
  • Prior to Iran’s attack on Al Udeid, Qatar’s US and UK had urged its citizens to “shelter in place” in the country.
  • A Royal Air Force flight leaving Tel Aviv on Monday, according to Britain, had left on its own volition and carried 63 British nationals and their dependents.
  • Operations in the Middle East have been suspended by a number of airlines, including Kuwait Airways, Finnair, and Singapore Airlines. Air India announced that it would stop operating flights to and from the US East Coast and Europe in addition to halting operations in the region.

diplomacy and politics

  • US President Donald Trump thanked Tehran for giving him “early notice” of the Qatari airbase attack, which he described as a “very weak response” to the US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. He thanked Qatar’s emir for his efforts to broker a peace in a separate post.
  • The Iranian attack was viewed as a surprise, according to a Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson, who also stated that the country’s security was in question.
  • A Khamenei adviser Ali Akbar Velayati earlier in the day claimed that bases used by US forces “in the region or elsewhere” could be attacked. That evening, Iran attacked Al Udeid in Qatar.
  • Iran’s top envoy, Abdolrahim Mousavi, stated that the country would “firm action” in response to US strikes on important nuclear sites the day before. On state television, he declared, “This crime and desecration will not go unanswered.”
  • In a video statement, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, a representative for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters, said: “Mr. Trump, the gambler, you may start this war, but we will put an end to it.
  • A general plan to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been approved by a parliamentary committee, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.
  • According to Iran’s UN mission, Rafael Grossi, the head of Israel, the UK, France, Israel, and the US all contributed to the deaths of innocent civilians and the destruction of infrastructure.
  • Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, met with Abbas Araghchi, the foreign minister of Iran, to discuss “unprovoked” and “unjustified” attacks.
  • Sergei Ryabkov, the deputy foreign minister of Russia, stated that “our strategic partnership with Iran is unbreakable,” but he did not specify whether Iran had requested military assistance or whether any such assistance would be offered.
  • Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar posted the phrase “Viva la libertad!” in Spanish, which means “long live liberty,” on X in response to Israel’s attack on Tehran’s Evin Prison.
  • The Israeli attack on Tehran’s Evin Prison, which housed some French prisoners, was inadmissible, according to French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.
  • Fu Cong, the state broadcaster reported that the US’s credibility had “become damaged” as a result of its bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites, warning that the conflict might “go out of control.”
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz remarked about the US’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday: “Yes, it is not without risk, but leaving it as it was wasn’t an option either.”
  • British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that his nation was prepared to “defend our allies and partners, our personnel, and our assets.”
  • An Iranian atomic bomb, according to NATO’s Mark Rutte, was the subject of a “greatest fear” among allies who have “long agreed that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons.”
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanded assistance from China to stop Iran from stifling the Strait of Hormuz, which is a chokepoint for one-fifth of the world’s oil supply and a potential trigger for retaliation.
  • Kaja Kallas, the head of the European Union’s foreign policy, declared that the strait closure would be “extremely dangerous.”
  • The US Department of Energy was encouraged to “drill, baby, drill,” according to US President Trump’s online message on oil production, which read “I mean now.”
  • The long-distanced son of Iran’s toppled shah, Reza Pahlavi, who is not seen as a player with any real influence over Iran, cautioned the US and Europe against “laying a lifeline” to Iran’s current leadership. In an interview with the AFP news agency, he said, “This is our Berlin Wall moment.

Is dropping bombs the answer to Iran’s nuclear programme?

Tehran claims that its nuclear technical expertise cannot be destroyed.

Donald Trump, the president of the US, claims that Iran’s nuclear program has been completely destroyed by Sunday’s US air strikes on its nuclear sites.

The US Joint Chiefs of Staff claims that the final report is not yet complete.

The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization insists that its work has already been done and that the nuclear material has already been removed from the US.

What do we know about US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, then?

And could Iran quickly resurrect if the strikes were successful and used the appropriate technological skills?

Imran Khan, the presenter

Guests: 

Laura Rockwood, Senior Fellow at the Vienna Center for Non-Proliferation, is

Roxane Farmanfarmaian, senior associate fellow at the European Leadership Network, is the University of Cambridge’s director of global politics and international studies.

What have countries said about Iran’s strike on a US base in Qatar?

In retaliation for US strikes on several important Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend, Iran has launched an attack on a US military base in Qatar.

After Iran fired a missile barrage at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base on Monday, which had been evacuated and was under the control of Qatari air defenses, no injuries have yet been reported.

Numerous nations have vehemently condemned the attack, despite the fact that some analysts believe the Iranian response’s relatively small response indicates a desire to calm tensions with the US.

Some of the responses made by various nations are listed below.

United States

US President Donald Trump wrote in a post on the Truth Social platform, “Iran officially obliterated their nuclear facilities with a very weak response, which we anticipated and have successfully countered. 14 missiles have been fired, of which 13 were knocked down and 1 was ‘set free’ because it was heading in a safe direction. No Americans were hurt, and hardly any harm was caused, is a good thing. Most importantly, they have completely eliminated their “system,” and there can, at least, be no more dread. Iran has provided us with timely notice, which prevented any injuries and lost lives. I’m likely to support Iran’s efforts to achieve Peace and Harmony in the Area, and I’m sure that Israel will do the same. I appreciate you paying attention to this issue! ”

Qatar

The Minister of Foreign Affairs’ official spokesperson, Dr. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s attack on Al-Udeid Air Base was condemned by the State of Qatar, according to Mahed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, who viewed this as a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, its airspace, international law, and the United Nations Charter.

He stated that Qatar has the right to respond immediately in accordance with international law in a manner equivalant to the nature and scale of this violent aggression. ”

Saudi Arabia

The aggression by Iran against the brotherly State of Qatar, which is a flagrant violation of international law and the principles of good neighborliness, and is inexcusable, and cannot be justified under any circumstances, is condemned and condemned by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ”

United Arab Emirates

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s attack of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the sister state of Qatar, was viewed as a flagrant violation of Qatar’s airspace and sovereignty, and a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter, by the United Arab Emirates. The UAE reaffirmed its unwavering opposition to any attack that threatens Qatar’s security and safety and threatens the region’s stability and security. ”

Bahrain

Following the Iranian attack on its territory, the Kingdom of Bahrain pledges its full support to Qatar, its sister state.

In these difficult circumstances, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries make the necessary efforts to exercise self-restraint, prevent escalation, and settle all disputes peacefully with the sisterly State of Qatar, as required by the bond of brotherhood and blood. ”

Kuwait

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s attacks on Al Udeid Air Base in the sisterly State of Qatar are strongly condemned and denounced by the State of Kuwait. This attack violates international law, Qatar’s airspace, international law, and the United Nations Charter in a flagrant way. It constitutes a perilous escalation that threatens the region’s stability, security, and peace.

The State of Kuwait pledges its full support for the brothers who live in Qatar’s sister state, Qatar’s leadership, government, and people, as well as its full support for all efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and stability, including its right to respond directly to a direct threat that is proportionate to the magnitude of this flagrant aggression. ”

France

Qatar, which has been struck by Iran on its soil, is shown France’s solidarity, according to President Emmanuel Macron’s statement. I keep in touch with the regional partners and the country’s authorities. I urge everyone to restrain themselves, de-escalate, and return to the table of negotiations. This chaotic spiral must end. ”

Iran

What to know about New York’s mayoral primary and ranked choice voting

Voters in New York City have already begun to cast their ballots, where the upcoming Democratic Party primary has attracted national attention.

Following nine days of early voting that ended on Sunday, polls will open on Tuesday.

The Democratic Party’s leadership in the race, which includes former governor Andrew Cuomo’s son, a former mayor with established experience, and young Democratic socialist state assembly member Zohran Mamdani, who has promised to address cost-of-living issues, has sparked a debate over the party’s future in New York and beyond.

The Democratic primary winner is regarded as the clear favorite to win the city’s November general election, with the incumbent mayor firmly leaning toward the left and the Republican candidate a long shot at winning.

Democratic incumbent mayor Eric Adams announced earlier this year that he would withdraw from the primary.

The city’s ranked-choice voting system, which allows voters to rank several candidates based on their preference rather than voting for just one candidate, has also been highlighted by the race.

What are the status of the race as voters turn out for the polls, and what are the ranked choice voting’s advantages and disadvantages? We examine that and more in detail.

Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York, addresses the media following his speech at a New York City event on June 22, 2025. [Photo: AFP]

When is the last day to vote?

On June 24, the New York City Democratic mayoral primary will be held with voting open from 6am to 9pm. Between June 14 and June 22, early voting took place.

The candidates are who?

Cuomo and Mamdani are in a battle to take the top spot in the country’s largest city, while others are running for the top spot as well.

After a report revealed that he had sexually harassed at least 11 women while serving as governor, Cuomo, a 67-year-old centrist former governor from a political dynasty in New York, launched an effort to resurrect. He eventually succumbed to this demand in 2021.

At a time when the federal government is under greater scrutiny from the administration of US President Donald Trump over issues like immigration enforcement, the former governor has positioned himself as the most experienced figure capable of leading the city.

Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic socialist and state legislator with an immigrant background, has started a campaign with low success rates but has risen steadily as the young lawmaker makes an unflinchingly progressive pitch to voters. He has pledged to reform the political structure of the city and pass laws imposing a freeze on rent increases and free public transportation.

Cuomo and Mamdani are among the candidates running, despite the country’s attention currently favoring them.

They include New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, New York City Council member Adrienne Adams, New York City Council member Whitney Tilson, investor Michael Blake, political consultant, and former state senator Zellnor Myrie.

Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani speaks during the New York City Democratic Mayoral Primary Debate at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in the Gerald W. Lynch Theater on June 12, 2025 in New York City.
Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani addresses the Gerald W. Lynch Theater’s June 12, 2025, debate at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

What makes this race so notable?

The race for mayor has been filled with drama, fitting New York’s reputation as one of the best cities in the world.

A stark contrast between competing visions for the city’s future has been drawn between Cuomo’s attempt to retake office after a previous governor’s attempt to do so in addition to Mamdani’s young, vibrant campaign with strong appeals to the city’s pluralistic identity.

Centrist figures like former president Bill Clinton have supported Cuomo, while progressive figures like Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have endorsed Mamdani.

The Middle East conflict has also had a significant impact on the race. Cuomo, a fervent supporter of Israel, has pledged to combat anti-Semitism. Mahmudani, a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights, has mentioned receiving anti-Muslim death threats during the campaign.

The Trump administration’s aggressive policy toward immigration enforcement has also been a turning point. When federal immigration agents temporarily detained Lander, the city’s comptroller, while he was escorting a man outside of immigration court, city officials and candidates reacted with fury last week.

What can we infer from the most recent polls?

Recent polls indicate that Mamdani and Cuomo are in a close fight.

In an Emerson poll conducted on Monday, Cuomo received 35 percent of the vote, Mamdani received 33 percent, Lander received 13 percent, and Adrienne Adams received 8 percent.

In a prior Emerson poll in late May, Cuomo received 34 percent, Mamdani received 22 percent, Lander received 10 percent, and Adrienne Adams received 8 percent.

In the final round, Cuomo defeats Mamdani by 45 percent, according to a Marist poll from June, while Emerson poll shows Mamdani with 52 percent, Cuomo with 48 percent, and Mamdani with 45 percent.

When will the outcomes be available?

Polls close at 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday (GMT, Wednesday), and some preliminary results should be made soon. Due to the city’s ranked-choice voting system, the final result will take longer to be tabulated.

Since the city is awaiting all mail-in ballots until July 1, ranked choice tabulation will not begin. On July 15, the official results will be released, but they may already be known.

How does ranked choice voting work?

People rank several candidates based on their preferences in ranked choice voting rather than just picking a single candidate.

Supporters claim that this is more complicated than a traditional election because it allows voters to express their preferences without casting an all-or-nothing vote.

Voters in New York order as many as five candidates according to their favorability. Only the first choices are counted during the first round of voting. A candidate’s overwhelming majority of more than 50% of the vote determines their candidacy.

If not, the candidate with the fewest first-choice votes is eliminated, and the second-choice pick is chosen based on the votes cast by the voters who placed them first.

The process continues until there are only two candidates left, with the winner based on the number of votes cast.

What are its advantages?

Those who support ranked choice voting claim that it gives people the freedom to cast their ballots in favor of the candidate they like the best without worrying about their chances of winning.

You could place Lander first and Mamdani second if you like Mamdani and think he has the best chance of winning, for example.

People can choose to support the candidate they most strongly with the exception of when the other candidates you ranked lose out on the race’s outcome.

Some argue that a candidate’s ranked choice makes it difficult to win if they don’t have a lot of broad support, since candidates gain if they perform well with both their own core supporters and those of several other candidates as well.

A ballot box
In the SoHo neighborhood of New York City on June 14, 2023, absentee ballots are positioned inside a sealed ballot box.

What are its shortcomings?

The complexity of the system is one of its drawbacks. Even those who have previously cast ballots using ranked choice voting can be confused about the implications of their rankings, despite the obvious simplicity of the idea of choosing a group of candidates based on preference.

Some people also think that the voting process is less transparent because a computer is assigned the task of tabulating and redistributing votes in each round, making it harder for traditional news organizations to follow developments.