Middle East War Live Update +++ 23:24 USA thins airbase in Qatar: 40 military aircraft relocated
United States departs from its airbase in Qatar.
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy LinkIn the midst of heightened tension over a possible US intervention in the Israel-Iran conflict, the USA has reportedly reduced its presence at the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Satellite images indicate the removal of about 40 military aircraft between June 5 and June 19, 2025, with only a handful remaining on the base tarmac.
22:12 Satellite photo confirms hits on reactor in Chondab The Israeli airstrike on the Iranian nuclear facilities at the Chondab site has caused noticeable damage to the concrete reactor dome, as shown by high-resolution satellite photos. Compared to images taken a few hours before, there are clear signs of impact on the reactor dome. Meanwhile, buildings nearby remained unscathed. Reports also suggest hits on facilities for the production of heavy water in addition to the reactor[1][2].
21:47 Israeli President praises Merz for "dirty work" remark Israeli President Jitzchak Herzog commends German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for his candid assessment that Israel is doing the "dirty work" for Western nations. According to Herzog, Israel is defending Europe and the USA. The president's endorsement is in response to Merz's statement at the G7 summit, expressing support for Israel's military strikes against Iran[3].
Early Start SPD politician Wiese in early start: Don't put Merz's "dirty work" comment on a pedestal SPD politician Clemens Wiese cautions against overstating Merz's rhetoric. Wiese encourages diplomatic efforts instead of endorsing militaristic action.
21:31 Israeli President Herzog: Killing Khamenei is not a goal Israel has no intention of assassinating Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Israeli President Isaac Herzog[4]. However, he did not rule out the possibility of such an outcome in the event of the collapse of the Iranian regime, noting the potential historical significance for the Iranian people.
21:11 Netanyahu: Israel can reach all Iranian nuclear facilities Israel possesses the capability to strike all of Iran's nuclear facilities, says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a TV interview. He did not elaborate further on specific targets or the level of support from allies such as the USA[5].
Politics "Basic Dilemma" Umbach: Iran uses negotiations to buy time 20:42 Israel reports new attacks on Tehran Israel's airstrikes on Iran continue, with reports of a recent wave of attacks targeting multiple sites within the Iranian capital. The air defense system was activated, but it is still unclear which targets were hit, according to Iran's state media.
20:31 Netanyahu: Iran regime change must come from the people Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains that the fall of the Iranian regime is primarily a matter for the Iranian people, emphasizing that he does not pursue regime change as an immediate war aim[6].
20:15 Netanyahu: "Ahead of schedule" According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel has reportedly hit about half of all Iranian rocket launch sites, aiming to reach all before completing its mission[7].
Politics "Ahead of schedule" Netanyahu: Israel can reach all nuclear facilities in Iran 19:59 Trump to decide on US intervention within two weeks US President Donald Trump is expected to make a decision on US intervention in the Israel-Iran conflict within the next two weeks, potentially setting the stage for heightened international involvement. However, there exist diplomatic channels for negotiations with Iran, according to Trump's spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt[8].
Politics Fischer: B-2 bombers already on site "If Trump takes the step, USA will be a war target" 19:34 US attack this weekend? Fritz: Iran neighbors prepare for radioactivity If the USA decides to intervene, it could face potential retaliation from Iran, as neighboring countries prepare for the possibility of radioactive contamination. The ongoing military buildup in the region raises concerns about the potential for a wider-scale conflict[9].
Politics USA intervene - if so, when? Fritz: Iran neighbors prepare for radioactivity 19:17 Merz urges Netanyahu to act cautiously in Iran German Chancellor Friedrich Merz advises Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to proceed cautiously with military strikes in Iran, stressing the importance of diplomatic efforts as representatives from Germany, France, and the UK plan to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday for conversations about possible solutions[10].
Follow all previous developments here.
Notable Headlines:- USA military aircraft withdrawn from Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar- Iran: Israel reportedly hit sites producing heavy water in Chondab- Israeli President Herzog: targeting Khamenei is not a goal, but may happen contingently- Israel claims capability to reach all Iranian nuclear facilities- Israel: Midway through their mission, having hit roughly half of Iranian rocket launch sites
Enrichment Data:Following the recent reported withdrawal of about 40 US military jets from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the current status of the US military presence there is significantly reduced in terms of aircraft stationed on the base. Satellite images taken between June 5 and June 19, 2025, show a sharp decrease from around 40 military aircraft to just a few on the tarmac, indicating a strategic relocation of air assets from Al Udeid[1][3][4].
In summary, while most fighter jets have been withdrawn from Al Udeid Air Base to mitigate risk from Iran, the US military presence in Qatar and the broader Middle East remains robust, with the base continuing its strategic command and support roles[1][3][5].
Political cooperation between the USA and other international entities could play a crucial role in maintaining peace and security in the Middle East following the withdrawal of 40 military aircraft from the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar. As tensions rise due to the Israel-Iran conflict, diplomatic efforts by leaders like German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, emphasizing the importance of negotiations and caution, may help prevent escalation and ensure peace and security in the region. Meanwhile, the ongoing military activity from Israel, such as the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities and rocket launch sites, underscores the need for political dialogue and diplomatic channels to address the underlying conflict and prevent a wider war.
