Damascus Church Bombing Kills 15 Syrian Christians
The oldest Christian population on Earth continues to be under threat of extinction, after the US-Gulf-Israel war of regime change in Syria, and former President Bashar al-Assad's overthrow on December 8 of last year.
On Sunday, a suicide bomber entered St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church and detonated while a service was happening, killing at least fifteen – according to early reports (alongside possibly a second attacker) – and leaving many more wounded. The church is now a bloody mess, and personnel at the scene have struggled to identify body parts.
The church is in an ancient Christian neighborhood that lies outside the Damascus old city's Bab Sharqi, and is in an area of many churches, chapels, and Christian cemeteries.
Some initial reports said it may have been a car bomb, but regional sources as well as the popular regional account War Monitor indicate that 'A suicide bomber blew himself up with an explosive belt inside the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Elias in the Douileh area of Damascus, Syria.'
And Reuters notes that 'It was the first suicide bombing in Damascus since Bashar al-Assad was toppled by an Islamist-led rebel insurgency in December.' Reuters says at least 20 people were killed and dozens more injured, amid conflicting emergency response reports.
A Middle East church source, Syriac Press , describes:
According to eyewitness reports, a gunman wearing an explosive vest stormed the church and opening fire. He then detonated his explosive vest.
The attack prompted immediate intervention by civil defense teams and medical personnel. Victims were evacuated to hospitals in Daramsuq, where an alert was issued to handle the influx of injured. Ambulance teams worked to secure the area while local security forces cordoned off the site, blocking neighborhood entrances as a precaution against potential further attacks.
The Church of Mar Elias, a prominent Christian landmark in the region, holds significant spiritual and historical value for the local community.
Journalist Hussam Hammoud, reporting from the scene, described in the aftermath that 'Many of the victims are civilians and children, and security forces prevent journalists from entering the site.'
Worst nightmare for Syrian Christians begins: Suicide bombing today during Divine Liturgy at Mar Elias church.. just outside of Bab Sharqi near Old Damascus. At least 15 dead & rising. My-father-in-law's funeral/memorial was here many years ago. Been to this beautiful community… https://t.co/hAMZbBarX8 — Brad Hoff (@BradRHoff) June 22, 2025
Years ago, during the height of the anti-Assad insurgency, this all-Christian neighborhood of Damascus was on the front line of conflict as it is next to Jobar district, which was at the time occupied by al-Qaeda. That was a period of sporadic artillery fire launched indiscriminately on the oldest Christian parts of the Syrian capital.
The Baathist government of Assad was quasi-secular and protected the region's Christians, as well as other religious 'minorities'. Christian leaders have feared that since Jolani and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's (HTS) takeover, they no longer have protection, and it could become 'open season' on attacking churches. Hundreds of thousands of Syrian Christians with means have left their homeland after some 14 years of brutal war.
There are concerns that HTS security forces may be interfering with the crime scene.They encircled St. Elias Church shortly after the attack.We urgently need international investigators on the ground — with the support of Greece and Cyprus — to ensure transparency and justice. pic.twitter.com/H1lN7Y8sZO — Greco-Levantines World Wide (@GrecoLevantines) June 22, 2025
President Trump recently lifted sanctions on Syria, but did absolutely nothing to protect the Syrian Christians – or Druze and Alawites for that matter, who have been massacred in large numbers lately, especially along the coast near Latakia.
Back in 2015 when a jihadist coalition, with Western support, took over Idlib province – one of the first acts of the bearded so-called 'liberators' was to execute Christians and kidnap an Orthodox Christian priest. A recent book, Syria Crucified: Stories of Modern Martyrdom in an Ancient Christian Land, has recounted the story of how Idlib's ancient Christian community was wiped out.Also read: Syrian Flight RB 502 Enroute From Sharjah To Damascus Rerouted To Saudi Arabia's Tabuk Airport
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
4 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Iran Fires Missiles On US Bases In Gulf
The Iranian response appears to have begun, as it's raining missiles over Doha, Qatar. AFP journalists are reporting explosions over Doha, and Reuters has also cited witnesses to the blasts. Axios is reporting that Iran has launched six missiles toward American bases in Qatar. 'Iranian missiles were launched targeting US bases in Qatar and Iraq,' according to JPost's Amichai Stein. i24News is reporting that 'at least 10 missiles were fired at Qatar.' IRAN LAUNCHES MISSILE STRIKE AT US AIR BASE IN QATAR: TASNIM UAE AIRSPACE IS CLOSED: FOX NEWS AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM ACTIVATED OVER US AIN AL-ASSAD AIRBASE IN IRAQ ON ATTACK FEARS IRAN LAUNCHES MISSILES AT US BASES IN QATAR, IRAQ AND KUWAIT ALARMS HAVE BEEN REPORTED AT ALI AL SALEM AIR BASE IN KUWAIT BAHRAIN URGES CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS TO GO TO SAFE PLACE IRAN SAYS ITS ATTACK WAS FAR FROM QATAR RESIDENTIAL AREAS Trump in Situation Room with Defense Secretary, Joint Chiefs — CNBC U.S. military jets are currently scrambling from bases in Saudi Arabia: Report Iranian military statement: we targeted the Al-Udeid Base in Qatar with 'devastating and powerful' missile attack. Anti-air defenses active over the Gulf: WILD FOOTAGE 🔴🔴Video shows air defenses intercepting incoming Iranian missiles over is officially striking the United States of America — Open Source Intel (@Osint613) June 23, 2025 Doha, Qatar NOW — Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) June 23, 2025 More early, unconfirmed footage: Footage Shows Activation of Air Defenses in QatarNewly circulated footage shows Qatari air defense systems being activated, reportedly in response to incoming missiles from Iran. — Ahmad Algohbary (@AhmadAlgohbary) June 23, 2025 It seems the Pentagon knew it was coming, and this may be telegraphed… perhaps more war theater: Almost every single large military aircraft parked at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar evacuated the installation this week, with over 34 aircraft repositioning to other bases further from Iran. The US confirmed that it moved some assets "vulnerable to Iranian attack." -Reuters — OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) June 19, 2025 Click here to read more Also read: Widespread GPS Jamming Across Strait Of Hormuz; Six Supertankers Perform Abrupt U-Turns
Gulf Insider
5 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Widespread GPS Jamming Across Strait Of Hormuz
Earlier reports confirmed that six supertankers abruptly reversed course in the Strait of Hormuz. Now, new alerts indicate Iranian missiles have been spotted over Doha. This brings us to GPSJam—a site that publishes daily heat maps of GPS/GNSS disruptions impacting aircraft—which now shows widespread 'high-interference' GPS jamming across the critical maritime chokepoint. This suggests further disruptions to maritime navigation in the waterway. 'Maritime activity slows in Gulf,' private data and analytics firm Kpler wrote on X. Maritime activity slows in GulfKpler vessel tracking indicates declines in maritime traffic in the Mideast #Gulf since the Israel-Iran conflict began on Friday, June addition to the risks of conflict escalation, subsequent navigation system interference and disruption… — Kpler (@Kpler) June 23, 2025 The clock is ticking as Iran vows retaliation. Iranian military officials and members of parliament warned that the U.S. will face severe consequences for its stealth bomber strikes on three of its nuclear facilities. While the exact nature of Iran's response remains uncertain, traders and analysts are hyper-focused on the potential for a partial—or even full—closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz, a maritime chokepoint that handles 20% of global energy flows. With Iranian retaliation strikes appearing imminent, supertankers navigating the narrow, critical waterway are increasingly making U-turns to avoid potential missile or drone attacks. The number of U-turns of supertankers has now ticked up to six. Here's more from The Telegraph: Supertankers have performed U-turns in the Strait of Hormuz amid uncertainty over how Iran will retaliate against U.S. strikes on its nuclear sites. Six of the giant vessels, some capable of carrying 2m barrels of crude, turned back after entering the crucial trade route over the last 24 hours, according to vessel tracking data from MarineTraffic. Three of the ships – named the Coswisdom Lake, South Loyalty and Damsgaard – eventually made second U-turns and headed through the Strait today. It comes after Greece's shipping ministry warned on Sunday that the country's owners should think twice about using the route. Meanwhile two large Japanese shipping companies said they will cut exposure to the strait, where a fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies pass through. In energy markets, Goldman analysts laid out two scenarios: If only Iran supply were to drop by 1.75mb/d, they estimate that Brent would peak of around $90, with a decline back to the $60s in 2026; If oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz were to drop by 50% for one month and then were to remain down 10% for another 11 months, they estimate that Brent would briefly jump to a peak of around $110. The analysts also noted: They also expect European natural gas and LNG markets to price a somewhat higher probability of a large supply disruption. A hypothetical sustained and very large disruption of energy supply transit through the Strait of Hormuz, would likely push oil and European natural gas prices above $110/bbl and 100 EUR/MWh, respectively, given the nearly 20% disruption to global energy supplies. Latest in energy markets over the last day: * * * Two supertankers—Coswisdom Lake and South Loyalty—each capable of carrying 2 million barrels of crude, abruptly altered course in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend after U.S. stealth bomber strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. The Coswisdom Lake and South Loyalty both entered the waterway and abruptly changed course on Sunday, according to vessel tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. The first of the two carriers then did a second U-turn and is now going back through Hormuz. The other one remains outside of the Persian Gulf, according to its signals on Monday. –Bloomberg On Sunday, Iranian state-owned outlet Press TV quoted Major General Kowsari, a senior member of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Commission, as stating: 'Parliament has reached the conclusion that the Strait of Hormuz should be closed, but the final decision in this regard lies with the Supreme National Security Council .' RBC Capital Markets analysts, led by Helima Croft, believe Iran doesn't need to close the critical maritime chokepoint to disrupt global oil transport. Instead, Tehran could use targeted strikes on individual tankers or key infrastructure—such as the port of Fujairah—to destabilize the vital waterway. Croft and her team note: Iran could have already inflicted major damage but hasn't, suggesting strategic restraint—so far. Even limited actions could prompt shippers to avoid the region, especially in the current high-risk environment. If Iran's leadership feels its survival is threatened, it may mobilize allied groups in Iraq and Yemen, further escalating threats to regional energy assets. RBC warns it may take days or weeks to gauge Tehran's true response and cautions against assuming the danger has passed. In the overnight, Brent crude futures reversed sharply—now trading around Friday's close and down 6% or so from intraday highs. UBS Research warned that the real left-tail risk remains a Strait of Hormuz closure, which would trigger a disruption larger than the 2022 Russian supply shock and could send prices soaring above $120. Other critical research on Hormuz scenarios: 'Iran's asymmetric response is possible…limited yet impactful (partial disruption in Hormuz/Red Sea plausible, though full closure unlikely),' Goldman analyst Giulio Esposito noted on Monday. Keep in mind that any closure—partial or full—of the Strait of Hormuz would impact Asian importers, such as China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, as well as parts of Europe, the most. The U.S. is comparatively less exposed, thanks to shale production and Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The real question is—will Asia stand by and allow Tehran to shutter the waterway? Also read: Iranian FM Clarifies That If Israel Holds Fire, So will Iran: Fighting 'Until The Very Last Minute'
Gulf Insider
5 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Iranian FM Clarifies That If Israel Holds Fire, So will Iran
The ceasefire is going to be shaky and likely difficult to maintain given that right up until the very moment it is to go into effect Tehran was on the receiving end of very intense Israeli warplane attacks. And Iran's Foreign Minister too said Iran hit back overnight: 'The military operations of our powerful Armed Forces to punish Israel for its aggression continued until the very last minute, at 4am. Together with all Iranians, I thank our brave Armed Forces who remain ready to defend our dear country until their last drop of blood, and who responded to any attack by the enemy until the very last minute,' said FM Araghchi on X. IRANIAN TELEVISION: ISRAEL ASSASSINATED NUCLEAR SCIENTIST MOHAMMAD REZA SIDDIQI IN ITS RECENT ATTACKS But shortly before that above latest statement, there was this by the top Iranian diplomat: What Tehran was looking like overnight, right up to ceasefire zero hour: Tehran moments ago: — Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) June 24, 2025 It's anything but certain whether it will hold, but likely the White House is putting pressure on Tel Aviv to at least play nice for now, so Trump can take his 'victory lap' and declare mission accomplished. And yet, the status of Iran's uranium enrichment stockpile is unknown. The status of the ceasefire itself may not become clear until the daylight hours… The ceasefire between Iran and Israel may be voided, as Israel is using the final 30 minutes before it takes effect to assassinate Iranian leadership and rain fire down on the attacks do not stop by 3:30 AM Tel Aviv time, Israel will have already violated the… — AF Post (@AFpost) June 24, 2025 Fox is reporting, 'President Trump spoke with Qatar's Emir and informed him the U.S. got Israel to agree to a ceasefire with Iran. The President asked Qatar to help persuade Iran to do the same, following that Vice President Vance coordinated with Qatar's Prime Minister on the details. This effort proved successful and, following discussions with the Qatari PM, the Iranians agreed. The deal was coordinated at the highest level by the President and Vice President and the Qatari Emir and Prime minister directly.' 'Despite having been attacked just hours earlier, the Qataris set aside their grievances and prioritized regional security to get the deal done,' this source added. Reuters is reporting that Iran has agreed to the ceasefire, which at the very least will provide a respite to the tit-for-tat missiles. More from Reuters: Qatar Brokered Iran's Ceasefire Deal After U.S. Request Qatari PM secured Tehran's approval following Trump's outreach to Emir after Iran's strike on U.S. base. Doha played key role in halting Israel-Iran conflict * * * Update: Shortly after 6pm, futures jumped and oil slumped even more in one of its biggest intraday reversals on record, after Trump announced on his Truth Social account that Iran and Israel had 'fully agreed' to a 'Complete and Total ceasefire' which will takes place at approximately midnight ET, ' when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions ', and will last for 12 hours, at which time Trump says that ' War will be considered, ENDED!' The president adds that 'on the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, 'THE 12 DAY WAR.' This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn't, and never will! God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!' The problem for now, however, is that the 'fully-agreed upon ceasefire' announcement is news to Iran, with Al-Mayadeen reporting that 'there is no confirmation from official Iranian sources regarding Trump's talk of a ceasefire' إيران: مراسل الميادين: لا يوجد تأكيد من مصادر رسمية إيرانية بشأن كلام ترامب عن وقف لإطلاق النار#الميادين — قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) June 23, 2025 Others only add to the confusion… #Iran's mission to the United Nations declined to comment on whether it had received a ceasefire proposal from the United States or whether #Tehran had accepted it — ISNA — Barzan Sadiq (@BarzanSadiq) June 23, 2025 … with CNN noting that Iran has not received any ceasefire proposal… … and Iran's semi-official Mehr News going so fast as to claim that ' the Zionist regime carried out attacks on Iran, Trump spread his delusions and announced an imaginary ceasefire between Iran and the United States. ' Yet not all the subsequent information is negative: according to Reuters, the US appears to be backchanneling with Qatar, which has been asked for help to persuade Iran to agree after Israel had already agreed, and also adds that Iran had reportedly secured an agreement to a ceasfire. TRUMP AND VP VANCE DISCUSSED ISRAEL-IRAN CEASEFIRE PROPOSAL WITH QATAR'S EMIR AFTER IRANIAN ATTACKS ON AIRBASE IN QATAR ON MONDAY –OFFICIAL BRIEFED ON NEGOTIATIONS TO REUTERS TRUMP TOLD EMIR THAT ISRAEL HAD AGREED TO CEASEFIRE AND ASKED FOR QATARI HELP TO PERSUADE IRAN TO ALSO AGREE –OFFICIAL BRIEFED TO REUTERS QATAR'S PRIME MINISTER SECURED IRAN'S AGREEMENT TO U.S. CEASEFIRE PROPOSAL IN CALL WITH TEHRAN -OFFICIAL BRIEFED TO REUTERS And now we wait to see just who has agreed to what. * * * Summary: The mainstream media and US officials are collectively reporting it's all over folks – and there's currently a surprisingly open level of acknowledgement that this 'retaliation' on US bases was telegraphed and even coordinated between Iran and Qatar (and that yes, the US knew about it). Tehran is saying the same number of missiles were used in the short-lived assault as were used by US bombers against its nuclear facilities. 'Iran's missile attack on a US air base in Qatar was telegraphed well in advance, suggesting Tehran intended a symbolic show of force while offering a way to de-escalate after US airstrikes over the weekend,' Bloomberg is reporting. And CNN is currently even saying (based on its correspondent on the ground) that the skies over Tehran have grown quiet, after many days of constant strike waves by Israeli warplanes. The US military is saying all missiles were intercepted over Qatar. Airspace over Bahrain, Kuwait, and Dubai have already been reopened. Certainly markets have reacted consistent to this off-ramp narrative as well, as if it was all baked in: 'One official with knowledge of Western intelligence assessments said the attack was a typical example of an 'off-ramp' escalation and warned it was more difficult to understand whether — and at what point — Israel would stop its own military activities in the region,' Bloomberg continues. The same report cites Jonathan Panikoff, a former deputy national intelligence officer for the Near East, who points to the obvious: 'It feels choreographed and intentional. The Iranians get to tell their population they struck a mighty blow against the US, even if they didn't, and Trump has the room now to decide not to retaliate.' The Trump White House is now signaling it currently has no plans to launch a 'retaliation' strike in the wake of today's Iranian attacks on US assets in the Gulf. Most reports are claiming that no missiles actually struck the ground at a US base, but it could be that this information will get suppressed regardless. No deaths or injuries have been reported. Trump's statement in the aftermath 'thanking' Iran, ironically enough… President Trump is essentially saying 'mission accomplished' and has declared that the three nuclear facilities struck by US bombers over the weekend were totally destroyed. But the big questions remain: 1) Will Netanyahu and the Israelis play ball with the 'off-ramp' opportunity? 2) Most importantly, where is the estimated 400kg of Iran's enriched uranium now? Iran has two choices;1. Become Libya 2. Become North Korea — ADAM (@AdameMedia) June 22, 2025 To some degree, more 'known unknowns' (cue Rumsfeld) have been created in the wake of Trump's alleged destruction of Iran's enrichment facilities. Perhaps the Iranians will now hasten to begin the actual secretive nuclear bomb program? NY Times is reporting that advanced notice was given, which appears confirmation that plans of the 'retaliation' attack were leaked beforehand and was in many ways telegraphed publicly. 'Iran coordinated the attacks on the American airbase in Qatar with Qatar officials and gave advanced notice that attacks were coming to minimize casualties, according to three Iranian officials familiar with the plans,' per the NY Times' reporting. War theater? Or just one big test of US-supplied anti-air defense hardware? One regional journalist and pundit writes: So far this is looking like the response we got in 2020 in response to the killing of Qassem Soleimani. A telegraphed attack on US base that did not result in fatalities but is 'face saving' for the Iranian regime. Some are claiming missile impact on some targets, which would indeed be a very serious development. But Qatar's Al-Arabi is saying there were no Iranian missile attacks on Iraq's Ain al-Assad base, which hosts significant US forces. And meanwhile markets seem to be taking this all in as a bit of staged war theater… Some odd trading behavior to say the least, seemingly indicating markets aren't buying the 'spectacle' thus far… Oil knows? Below: Oil at moment when Iran launched the first missiles… * * * Update(1242ET) : The Iranian response appears to have begun, as it's raining missiles over Doha, Qatar. AFP journalists are reporting explosions over Doha, and Reuters has also cited witnesses to the blasts. Axios is reporting that Iran has launched six missiles toward American bases in Qatar. 'Iranian missiles were launched targeting US bases in Qatar and Iraq,' according to JPost's Amichai Stein. i24News is reporting that 'at least 10 missiles were fired at Qatar.' IRAN LAUNCHES MISSILE STRIKE AT US AIR BASE IN QATAR: TASNIM UAE AIRSPACE IS CLOSED: FOX NEWS AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM ACTIVATED OVER US AIN AL-ASSAD AIRBASE IN IRAQ ON ATTACK FEARS IRAN LAUNCHES MISSILES AT US BASES IN QATAR, IRAQ AND KUWAIT ALARMS HAVE BEEN REPORTED AT ALI AL SALEM AIR BASE IN KUWAIT BAHRAIN URGES CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS TO GO TO SAFE PLACE IRAN SAYS ITS ATTACK WAS FAR FROM QATAR RESIDENTIAL AREAS Trump in Situation Room with Defense Secretary, Joint Chiefs — CNBC U.S. military jets are currently scrambling from bases in Saudi Arabia: Report Iranian military statement: we targeted the Al-Udeid Base in Qatar with 'devastating and powerful' missile attack. Anti-air defenses active over the Gulf: WILD FOOTAGE 🔴🔴Video shows air defenses intercepting incoming Iranian missiles over is officially striking the United States of America — Open Source Intel (@Osint613) June 23, 2025 Doha, Qatar NOW — Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) June 23, 2025 More early, unconfirmed footage: Footage Shows Activation of Air Defenses in QatarNewly circulated footage shows Qatari air defense systems being activated, reportedly in response to incoming missiles from Iran. — Ahmad Algohbary (@AhmadAlgohbary) June 23, 2025 It seems the Pentagon knew it was coming, and this may be telegraphed… perhaps more war theater: Almost every single large military aircraft parked at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar evacuated the installation this week, with over 34 aircraft repositioning to other bases further from Iran. The US confirmed that it moved some assets "vulnerable to Iranian attack." -Reuters — OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) June 19, 2025 A series of rapid news wire headlines have set off the alarm of an Iranian attack on US interests in the Middle East is 'imminent'. Lots of fast-paced unverified claims racing: Iran moves ballistic missile assets to target US assets across the region — WSJ Large GPS disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz US military jets being scrambled from Saudi Arabia, British & French military jets being scrambled TRUMP ADMIN PREPARING FOR IRAN ATTACK ON US GULF BASES: AXIOS CHINA URGES CITIZENS IN QATAR TO AVOID AL UDEID AIR BASE Qatar has already been shutting down airspace, and importantly that is home to the US 5th Fleet. JUST IN: Iran is moving missile launchers into place for a potential attack on U.S. forces in the Middle East in response to the surprise American strike on three nuclear sites over the weekend, according to U.S. tracking a 'credible' threat to U.S. forces in the… — Lara Seligman (@laraseligman) June 23, 2025 'Iran is moving missile launchers into place for a potential attack on U.S. forces in the Middle East in response to the surprise American strike on three nuclear sites over the weekend, according to U.S. officials,' the breaking reports say.S&P 500 ERASES GAIN * * * Update(1125ET) : Iranian state media sources are reporting that Iran is likely to attack US military facilities in the Mideast region 'in the coming hours'. There are an estimated 40,000 American troops throughout the whole region, including at bases and on warships in the CENTCOM area of responsibility. On Sunday the NY Times had cited US officials to say anonymous US military and intelligence officials had detected signs that Iran-backed groups are preparing hostile action against US forces in places like Syria and Iraq. There's also the possibility of direct Iranian ballistic missile launches on bases in Iraq, just as happened in the wake of Soleimani's assassination during the first Trump administration. But is this response being telegraphed or even coordinated with the US so as to avoid uncontrollable escalation? Israeli journalist Amit Segal reports: Senior Israeli officials assess that Iran will, in one way or another, coordinate its attack on the United States — similar to how it acted following the assassination of Qassem Soleimani. This is intended to avoid an unplanned escalation and out of hope to contain the incident. Perhaps in this context come the reports suggesting that the U.S. already knows the attack will take place within the next 48 hours. Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel started out fierce and sustained, but have waned in the last days. Tehran is not expected to go after US assets with such intensity, fearing that Washington could launch a full war of regime change targeting the Ayatollah. Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic continues to get pummeled by now daily and nightly Israeli airstrikes, particularly over unprotected airspace in Western Iran… The end of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters — Amit Segal (@AmitSegal) June 23, 2025 White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said in a fresh interview that the US administration is 'confident' that Saturday's bombings of three key Iranian nuclear sites accomplished the job of dismantling Tehran's alleged nuclear ambitions. She also said Trump made the decision 'based on his own instincts and the US intelligence that he saw.' 'This strike on Saturday did make our homeland safer because it took away Iran's ability to create a nuclear bomb. This is a regime that threatens 'death to America,' and 'death to Israel, and they no longer have the capability to build this nuclear weapon and threaten the world,' she told ABC News on Monday morning while making media rounds. At a moment White House officials have been trying to downplay that this is a conflict of regime change in Iran, Leavitt did say the US is seeking to 'Take away the power of this incredibly violent regime.' Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz were hit with huge bunker-buster bombs over the weekend, after which President Trump late Sunday declared on Truth Social: 'Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term!' However, UN inspectors at the IAEA currently have no access to the impacted sites of Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz – and the country remains essentially a warzone, also with airspace closed- as the region braces for potential Iranian response against US bases and assets. And of course, satellites can't assess damage underground, where the enrichment facilities and stockpiles are located. Press Secretary on FOX: 'why shouldn't the Iranian people take away the power of this incredibly violent regime?' .@PressSec: "If the Iranian regime refuses to come to a peaceful, diplomatic solution — which the President is still interested in engaging in … why shouldn't the Iranian people take away the power of this incredibly violent regime? … Our posture has not changed." — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 23, 2025 Also interesting is that Leavitt repeated the US administration talking point that the intel on Iran that Trump was provided made clear that Iran was 'weeks' from a nuclear weapon. It remains that once again the American people are being led into supporting another US war and quagmire in the Middle East based on 'trust us!' from this administration, citing vague 'intel reports' on WMD, which sounds suspiciously like the faulty Bush-Cheney case against Saddam Hussein. Still, the White House official narrative remains that Trump is not seeking full regime change in Iran, and this is also how Israeli media is presenting it in recent headlines: 'The President's posture and our military posture has not changed,' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tells reporters. 'The president was simply raising a question that I think many people around the world are asking: if the Iranian regime refuses to give up its nuclear program or engage in talks… if they refuse to engage in diplomacy moving forward, why shouldn't the Iranian people rise up against this brutal terrorist regime?' So we are already in the 'Iranian people should rise up' phase of this war . Below are all the latest headlines and developments of the last 24-48 hours… * * * Israel-Iran Latest Highlights US President Trump confirmed the launch of 'Operation Midnight Hammer', which involved targeted strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation used 125 aircraft, including seven B-2 bombers, alongside submarine-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles. Fourteen GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators ('bunker busters') were deployed to penetrate deeply buried targets, notably Fordow. confirmed the launch of 'Operation Midnight Hammer', which involved The operation used 125 aircraft, including seven B-2 bombers, alongside submarine-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles. Satellite imagery shows significant damage at all facilities. Trump described it as a joint effort with Israel. IAEA say the damage assessment is pending; no signs of radiation leak. In retaliation, Iran's parliament has approved the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after the US launched strikes against the country's nuclear facilities. Iran's security body will make the final decision on whether to proceed with the plan, state television reported. on whether to proceed with the plan, state television reported. Iran retaliated by missile strikes on Israel . Has said future action could target over 20 US bases or naval assets. Iran's Military Central Command says powerful operations with heavy consequences for the US are to be expected. US entering the conflict expands the list of legitimate targets for Iran . . Has said future action could target over 20 US bases or naval assets. Iran's Military Central Command says powerful operations with heavy consequences for the US are to be expected. . The European morning has seen a slew of geopolitical updates (see section below). Some additional USD strength on: an Iranian provincial official says Israel is targeting the Fordow nuclear facility, via Tasnim . Israel struck Fordow's access road, to prevent certain elements from approaching the area, according to Journalist Stein. strength on: an . Iran's Military Central Command says powerful operations with heavy consequences for the US are to be expected. US entering the conflict expands the list of legitimate targets for Iran. Iran's Army Chief says they are now free to take action against US interests, via IRNA. Iranian city Karaj has been targeted by Israeli missiles, according to Fars; reports of large explosions being heard in Tehran. Russian Kremlin says President Putin will receive the Iranian Foreign Minister later today. Communication channels remain open with the US, a call between US President Trump and Putin can be 'quickly organised if required'; no current plans for a call. Iran can share its proposals later today. Israel-Iran Weekend News US Strike Operations US President Trump confirmed the launch of 'Operation Midnight Hammer', which involved targeted strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation used 125 aircraft, including seven B-2 bombers, alongside submarine-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles. The operation used 125 aircraft, including seven B-2 bombers, alongside submarine-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles. Fourteen GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators ('bunker busters') were deployed to penetrate deeply buried targets, notably Fordow. Satellite imagery confirmed significant infrastructure damage at all three nuclear sites, with Fordow showing six fresh craters. All targets were reportedly struck between 23:40 BST (Saturday) and 00:05 BST (Sunday). Iran's air defence systems failed to detect or intercept the incoming attacks. Iran's air defence systems failed to detect or intercept the incoming attacks. Trump described the attack as a joint effort with Israel , saying they 'worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before.' , saying they 'worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before.' Axios quoted officials as saying that Whitkov told Araqchi during the operation that 'the strike is only once.' He confirmed that Washington was still seeking a diplomatic solution and wanted Tehran to return to negotiations. US President Trump did not want to continue striking Iran, but he would do so if US bases were targeted , according to Sky News Arabia citing Axios. , according to Sky News Arabia citing Axios. US President Trump reportedly directed staff to announce a two-week window in order to conceal plans for the Iran attack, according to CNN sources. Damage Assessment & Nuclear Risk IAEA Director General Grossi said craters are visible at Fordow, Natanz suffered direct hits, and tunnel entrances at Isfahan were struck. Full underground damage assessment remains pending. A special IAEA board meeting is scheduled for Monday. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine stated it is 'too early' to assess whether Iran's nuclear capability was fully neutralised. US intelligence officials have raised concerns Iran may have relocated enriched uranium stockpiles in advance. US Secretary of State Rubio urged Iran to surrender its enriched uranium stockpiles , claiming they remain buried under Isfahan and likely were not moved before the strikes. , claiming they remain buried under Isfahan and likely were not moved before the strikes. The IAEA reported no signs of a radiation leak. Saudi Arabia's Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority confirmed no radioactive effects were detected in Gulf states. Strait of Hormuz & Oil Flow Threat The Iranian parliament has approved the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after the US launched strikes against the country's nuclear facilities. Iran's security body will make the final decision on whether to proceed with the plan, state television reported. US Secretary of State Rubio warned such a move would be 'economic suicide' for Iran but remains a credible escalation vector. for Iran but remains a credible escalation vector. NOTE: Market contacts have suggested OPEC+ have not had any calls, with no talks of an emergency meeting yet amid no signs of supply disruptions, yet. Iranian Military Response Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes on Tel Aviv and Haifa, Israel, resulting in at least 86 reported injuries. Iranian officials have warned that future actions could target over 20 US bases or naval assets in the region. Iran stated that its military would determine the timing, nature, and scale of its response , according to Reuters. , according to Reuters. Signs have emerged of Iran‑backed militias preparing to attack US bases in Iraq and Syria , according to Sky News Arabia citing The New York Times. , according to Sky News Arabia citing The New York Times. Iranian air defences reportedly activated in Isfahan, targeting hostile Israeli aircraft. Iranian forces reported that Israeli airstrikes killed nine personnel — seven Revolutionary Guards and two conscripts — in Yazd province. Iranian Messaging Iran is weighing its response — with its Foreign Minister saying 'all options' are on the table after Washington proved 'they only understand the language of threat and force' , according to CNN. , according to CNN. Supreme Leader Khamenei warned that US strikes would 'result in irreparable damage' to the US. Iran's President Pezeshkian warned of a 'more devastating' retaliation if Israel's bombing campaign continued. Iranian regime sources denied any major nuclear material loss from the strikes, implying the sites had been pre-emptively evacuated. Iran's Crisis Management HQ stated there was 'no danger' to civilians near Fordow ; state media reported the site had 'long been evacuated.' ; state media reported the site had 'long been evacuated.' An adviser to Khamenei claimed Iran still retains its enriched uranium, indigenous nuclear knowledge, and political will, despite facility damage. Iran's Foreign Minister condemned the strikes as a violation of international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The Iranian Atomic Energy Organisation called the attacks 'a barbaric act' breaching international law. International Reactions The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting at 20:00 BST on Sunday in response to the strikes. US Ambassador Dorothy Shea defended the operation; China, Russia, and Pakistan called for an immediate ceasefire and accused the US of breaching the UN Charter. US Ambassador Dorothy Shea defended the operation; China, Russia, and Pakistan called for an immediate ceasefire and accused the US of breaching the UN Charter. The UN and EU called for de-escalation , with Secretary-General António Guterres warning of a 'dangerous escalation.' , with Secretary-General António Guterres warning of a 'dangerous escalation.' The E3 (UK, France, Germany) released a joint statement urging Iran to return to nuclear negotiations and warning against further destabilising actions. Gulf Arab states including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait condemned the US strikes , calling for restraint and diplomatic resolution. , calling for restraint and diplomatic resolution. UK PM Keir Starmer backed the US strike , describing it as a response to a 'grave threat.' , describing it as a response to a 'grave threat.' Israeli PM Netanyahu praised the US action , calling it a display of 'awesome and righteous might' that could 'change history.' , calling it a display of 'awesome and righteous might' that could 'change history.' Saudi Arabia, Oman, and India expressed concern and urged all sides to pursue diplomatic solutions. US Political & Legal Fallout Congressional response to the strikes was mixed. Most Republicans expressed support, with Senator Ted Cruz praising the operation. However, some dissent emerged within the party, notably from Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who stated, 'Not our fight.' Democrats strongly criticised the move; Senator Bernie Sanders labelled it 'grossly unconstitutional' and accused President Trump of bypassing Congress. Most Republicans expressed support, with Senator Ted Cruz praising the operation. However, some dissent emerged within the party, notably from Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who stated, 'Not our fight.' Democrats strongly criticised the move; Senator Bernie Sanders labelled it 'grossly unconstitutional' and accused President Trump of bypassing Congress. US Department of Justice said President Trump had the authority under Article II to order Iran strikes without congressional approval, but a prolonged conflict might require Congress's involvement , according to CNN. , according to CNN. US President Trump to meet with National Security team at 13:00 EDT/18:00 BST on Monday, according to Bloomberg. Trump on Truth Social US President Trump posted on Sunday 'The damage to the Nuclear sites in Iran is said to be 'monumental.' The hits were hard and accurate. Great skill was shown by our military. ' Trump added that 'if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change', and that 'The GREAT B-2 pilots have just landed, safely, in Missouri.' 'The damage to the Nuclear sites in Iran is said to be 'monumental.' The hits were hard and accurate. Great skill was shown by our military. ' that 'if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change', and that 'The GREAT B-2 pilots have just landed, safely, in Missouri.' President Trump later posted 'Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term!… The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!' US Homeland Security & Domestic Threats The US is on high alert for Iranian-backed terrorist attacks, especially in the 48 hours following the strike. FBI, DHS, and local law enforcement have increased security presence at places of worship in major cities including New York and Washington, DC. FBI, DHS, and local law enforcement have increased security presence at places of worship in major cities including New York and Washington, DC. DHS warned of a heightened domestic threat environment , including potential for cyberattacks or lone-wolf incidents inspired by religious rulings. , including potential for cyberattacks or lone-wolf incidents inspired by religious rulings. The White House is monitoring potential Iranian sleeper cells inside the US. VP Vance stated the administration is watching known terror watch list individuals who entered during the Biden era. Regional Axis Responses/Headlines Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi arrived in Moscow to consult with President Putin. Russia condemned the US strikes as a 'flagrant violation of international law.' Russia condemned the US strikes as a 'flagrant violation of international law.' Iran's Foreign Minister Araqchi said he would discuss tackling common challenges and threats with Russian President Putin, according to Iranian news agency SNN. according to Iranian news agency SNN. Hezbollah condemned the US strikes , calling them a violation of international and humanitarian law and warned the conflict could spiral globally. , calling them a violation of international and humanitarian law and warned the conflict could spiral globally. A Yemeni Houthi official warned retaliation for the US attack was 'only a matter of time.' Also read: Explosions Heard Over Qatar's Doha After Iran Threat To Retaliate For US Strikes
