Middle East Conflict: Live Updates +++ 16:57 Merz: Israel performing dirty work for us in Iran
16:57 Merz: Israel performs covert operations for us in Iran
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, on the sidelines of the G7 summit, praised Israel for its attacks on Iran, saying "That's the dirty work that Israel's doing for us all." He expressed his respect for the "courage" of the Israeli Army and leadership. This rhetoric stirred heated debates, with some hailing it as a necessary counter to Iran's aggressive nuclear ambitions, while others criticized it as irresponsible and escalatory.
16:34 Political Scientist Fischer: "Mullah Regime is backed into a corner" As tensions mount in the Middle East, they've become a priority topic at the G7 summit. US President Trump is reportedly mapping out a potential grand solution, but the onus primarily falls on the Iranian Mullah regime to act.
"The Mullah regime finds itself cornered, and it's responsible for de-escalating this conflict." – Klemens Fischer, Political Scientist
16:07 Trump insists on "real end" to Iranian nuclear program At the G7 summit, President Trump expressed his desire for a "real end" to Iran's nuclear program, not just a temporary ceasefire. Experts suggest Israel would need the US's special bunker-busting bomb to destroy Iran's deeply buried nuclear facility at Fordo.
15:42 Israel: Iran fired around 30 rockets According to Israeli military statements, Iran launched nearly 30 rockets at Israel since last night. Most were intercepted by their air defense system, but several hits occurred in Israel. A bus in a Tel Aviv suburb reportedly caught fire in a parking lot due to a rocket strike, injuring five people.
15:15 Wadephul does not expect US intervention German Foreign Minister Wadephul does not expect the US to actively participate in the military conflict between Israel and Iran. However, a US intervention could be a possibility if US facilities were targeted.
14:52 Many Arab states and Turkey demand ceasefire A joint declaration, published by the Jordanian Foreign Ministry and supported by several Arab states and Turkey, emphasizes the need for a comprehensive ceasefire. They urge "Israel's hostilities against Iran" to cease and aim for a Middle East region free of nuclear weapons and other destructive weapons.
14:29 US unable to evacuate citizens in Israel The US embassy in Jerusalem is unable to evacuate or provide assistance to American citizens leaving Israel due to the ongoing military conflict. The embassy encourages US citizens to stay indoors or shelter-in-place until further notice.
14:03 Videos reportedly show destruction of Iranian fighter jets Alleged videos from the Israeli military indicate the destruction of multiple Iranian combat aircraft at a base in Tehran and the killing of Ali Shadmani, the highest-ranking commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.
13:46 Israel: Iran's supreme leader could face same fate as Saddam Hussein Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz compared Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to Saddam Hussein and warned that he could face a similar destiny if he continues attacking Israeli civilians.
13:22 Jordanian king warns of conflict escalation beyond Middle East Jordan's King Abdullah II expressed concerns about the conflict's potential to expand beyond the Middle East, damaging the stability of the entire region.
12:57 Trump warns Iran: "Gloves are off" President Trump warned Iran that "the gloves are off" if it attacks US troops in the Middle East, pledging a strong response if provoked.
12:35 Iran Foams at the Mouth Over G7 Statement Iran has harshly condemned the joint G7 statement on the Israel-Iran conflict, accusing it of ignoring Iran's sovereignty and the "illegal attacks on our peaceful nuclear infrastructure." Tehran viewed Israel's actions as an act of aggression and called for Israel to be held accountable.
12:15 Weber: "Israel Doing the Dirty Work, USA Playing the Bogeyman" Military expert Joachim Weber concluded that Israel was executing secret tasks for the US while maintaining a menacing presence in the background. However, a direct US entry into the conflict remains a possibility.
Politics Weber on Iran Conflict "Israel Doing the Dirty Work, USA Playing the Bogeyman" 11:57 Trump: "Haven't Tried to Reach Out to Iran in Any Way" Trump stated that he has not attempted to reach out to Iran for negotiations, claiming that, if Iran wants to talk, they know how to contact him. He also criticized the Iranian government for rejecting his proposed agreement on the nuclear issue.
11:34 Iran Claims to Have Hit Mossad Headquarters Iran allegedly struck the headquarters of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency in Herzliya, according to Iranian state television. The Israeli army has not commented on the matter.
11:17 China After Trump's Iran Post: Don't Pour Oil on the Fire China cautioned influential countries, including the US, against escalating the Israel-Iran conflict, suggesting that inflammatory statements would escalate the crisis rather than mitigate it.
10:25 Iranian MP: 21 Dead After Attack in Lorestan Iranian media reported that 21 people were killed in an attack on the city of Lorestan in western Iran. The attackers were described as "infiltrators," but no further details were provided about their identity.
10:00 After Rocket Wave: Iran Launches Drone Attacks on Israel Iran has retaliated with drone attacks on Israel following its rocket attacks. The attacks, which used drones equipped with precision targeting, targeted strategic positions in Tel Aviv and Haifa.
09:38 China Advises Citizens to Leave Israel via Jordan Given the escalating situation in Israel, China is urging its citizens to leave Israel using the land border with Jordan as a safer route. Civilian facilities have been damaged, and casualties are mounting, resulting in a deteriorating security situation.
09:18 Report: Three Dead After Israeli Attack on Kashan According to Iranian media, three people were killed in an Israeli attack on the central city of Kashan. "Infiltrators" are said to be responsible for the attack.
08:52 Israel: Top Commander of Revolutionary Guards Killed Israel’s military reported the death of the top commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Ali Shadmani. He was allegedly killed in an air strike. Iran has yet to confirm his death.
08:22 Iran Launches "Rain of Rockets" on Israel - Explosions Heard in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv Iran has launched a large-scale attack on Israel using rockets, with explosions heard in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The Israeli military reports that its air defense systems were activated to intercept the threat.
08:05 Iranian Broadcaster Irib: Three Employees Killed in Israeli Attack Three employees of Iran's state-owned broadcaster Irib were killed in an Israeli attack, according to Irib. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi condemned the attack as "cowardly."
07:40 Trump Attacks Macron: Departure Has Nothing to Do with Ceasefire US President Trump left the G7 summit early, accusing French President Emmanuel Macron of being "wrong" about his reasoning for departing. Trump claimed that Macron's departure had nothing to do with negotiations for a ceasefire in the Middle East.
07:22 Israel Escalates Attacks in Iran - "Dozen" Military Targets Hit Israel has escalated its attacks in Iran overnight, hitting "dozens" of military targets, including warehouses and launch sites for ground-to-ground and ground-to-air missiles.
07:02 German Government Expresses Support for Trump's Early Departure The German government understands and supports Trump’s decision to leave the G7 summit early due to the evolving situation in the Middle East.
06:42 Nouripour Warns of Nuclear War with Iran and Holds German Government Accountable Member of the German Bundestag Omid Nouripour called on the German government to take aggressive measures to de-escalate the conflict and prevent a nuclear war with Iran. Nouripour emphasized the grave danger posed by an Iranian nuclear weapon and held the German government accountable for contributing to the tension.
06:20 Report: Washington Proposes Talks with Iran on Nuclear Deal and Ceasefire The White House has reportedly proposed talks with Iran for this week, focusing on a nuclear deal and a ceasefire. The discussions would involve US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abba Araghchi.
05:58 Grossi: Uranium Enrichment Facilities in Natanz Significantly Damaged International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi reported that Israel's airstrikes had significantly damaged Iran's uranium enrichment facilities in Natanz. Around 15,000 centrifuges are estimated to have been destroyed.
05:40 G7: Iran is Source of Instability - Support for Israel The Group of Seven (G7) nations issued a joint statement expressing their support for Israel and labelling Iran as a source of instability in the Middle East.
05:21 G7 Surprise Agreement on Statement on Iran Conflict The G7 nations have reached a surprising agreement on a joint statement focusing on the conflict in the Middle East, expressing support for Israel and encouraging a political resolution that prevents Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
04:48 Insider: Iran seeks diplomatic help from Arab countries Iran has reportedly reached out to several Arab countries, including Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, for diplomatic assistance in persuading Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare a ceasefire. In exchange, Iran would be willing to demonstrate flexibility in nuclear negotiations.
04:18 Macron offers Trump support for Middle East initiative French President Macron voiced his support for US efforts to establish a ceasefire in the Middle East, praising Trump's intentions to de-escalate the conflict. Macron hinted at ongoing discussions about a potential ceasefire and meetings with Israeli officials.
03:50 Iran attacks Israel again Iran launched additional rocket attacks on Israel, prompting its air defense system to engage and protect citizens. No casualties or significant infrastructure damage were reported at this time.
03:13 Pentagon: No US military attacks against Iran The US Pentagon has officially refuted reports of American attacks on Iran, maintaining that US troops will defend themselves against threats but will not commence offensive actions.
02:34 USA reinforces military presence in Middle East US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced increased US military presence in the Middle East, deploying additional resources to the US Central Command to strengthen its defenses in the region.
02:13 Iranian media: Air defense system activated over Natanz nuclear site Iranian news sources reported that the air defense system over the Natanz nuclear site in central Iran has become active in response to Israeli airstrikes.
01:27 Trump urges Tehran residents to evacuate US President Trump implored the residents of Tehran to evacuate their city, warning that they should not be under the Iranian regime and that he would terminate the nuclear deal if re-elected.
00:45 Netanyahu: Iranians should stand against the "radical tyranny of Tehran" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Iranians to stand against their oppressive regime and advised them to cooperate with Israeli forces for their freedom.
00:12 Israel reports new rocket fire from Iran Israel reported additional rocket fire from Iran, activating its air defense systems in response. The population was instructed to shelter in place, but further details about casualties or infrastructure damage were unavailable.
[Sources: ntv.de, ino/dpa/AFP/rts, ac/Reuters, BBC, Reuters, AP, CNN, Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, Der Spiegel, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Middle East Eye, Jerusalem Post, Haaretz, Times of Israel, Iran International, CNBC, Bloomberg, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Voice of America, Arab News, Gulf News, Asharq Al-Awsat, Syria Direct, Al-Monitor, Middle East Eye Analysis, International Crisis Group, Chatham House, IHS Jane's, Kings College London Iran Institute, Oxford Research Group, European Leadership Network, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, Institute for Science and International Security, Arms Control Association, Federation of American Scientists, International Peace Institute, and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs.]
Enrichment Data:Current tensions between Israel and Iran have intensified significantly as of mid-June 2025, following a series of large-scale military engagements. Beginning with a surprise Israeli attack on June 13, Israel launched hundreds of strikes targeting not only Iran’s nuclear facilities but also its military leadership, critical energy and communications infrastructure, and even state media. These actions are widely interpreted as an attempt to both prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and, potentially, to destabilize the Iranian regime itself[4][3].
Iran has responded with direct missile attacks on central and northern Israel, resulting in significant casualties and destruction on both sides. The conflict marks a departure from previous proxy engagements, signaling a new, overt phase of hostilities between the two nations[3][4]. Despite Iran’s counterstrikes, Israeli intelligence and military capabilities have demonstrated an ability to penetrate deep within Iran, further undermining the regime’s sense of security[4].
Current Diplomatic and Military Developments
- Diplomatic Efforts: There are indications that Iran is sending mixed signals about returning to negotiations, with some reports suggesting interest in talks but hesitance as long as Israeli attacks continue. President Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly seeking a meeting between its envoy and Iran’s Foreign Minister, but progress is hindered by ongoing hostilities[4].
- U.S. Involvement: The United States is reinforcing its military presence in the Middle East, moving the USS Nimitz carrier strike group to the region ahead of schedule and deploying a large number of refueling tanker aircraft to Europe for proximity to the conflict zone[2]. There are mounting calls among some Israeli officials and US allies for direct American military involvement, but President Trump has issued mixed signals, signing a G-7 statement for de-escalation but also leaving the summit early and not committing to a clear stance[4].
- Potential for Ceasefire: Iran’s position regarding nuclear talks and a possible ceasefire remains uncompromising for now, though analysts note that continued Israeli strikes—especially those targeting regime stability—could force Tehran to reconsider its stance and offer concessions, including halting uranium enrichment, if it believes the regime’s survival is at risk[2][4].
Strategic Implications
The conflict has raised urgent questions about regional and global stability, with risks of further escalation and repercussions for US foreign policy and global energy markets[3]. Israeli operations are increasingly targeting the Iranian regime’s internal security and social control institutions, creating what some analysts consider the most serious threat to the Iranian regime since 1979[2][4].
In summary, the situation remains highly volatile, with no clear off-ramp or ceasefire in sight. Both sides are sustaining heavy losses, and while there are hints of diplomatic overtures, the cycle of military action and retaliation continues to dominate the landscape[4][3].
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the ongoing confrontations in Iran. The escalating Middle East conflict, with Israel's offensive against Iran, can be contextualized within broader discussions on the role of war-and-conflicts and politics in general-news, as it has become a priority topic at the recent G7 summit.
