UN Security Council holds emergency meeting over Israel-Iran conflict
The United Nations Security Council has met to address the latest escalation in a region in turmoil.
Israel and Iran both spoke at the council, and the Iranian ambassador has accused the United States of being complicit in the attack.
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9 News
5 hours ago
- 9 News
Israel's unprecedented attack shows Iran has become a 'playground' for the Mossad
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here BREAKING Australian killed, another injured in Bali villa shooting incident Israeli intelligence agency Mossad had smuggled weapons into Iran ahead of the strikes, according to Israeli security officials, and would use the weapons to target Iran's defence from within. The officials said Israel established a base for launching explosive drones inside Iran, and the drones were later used to target missile launchers near Tehran. Military personnel stand near the flag-draped coffin of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh during his funeral in Tehran, Iran, in November 2020. (Iranian Defense Ministry/AP) Precision weapons were also smuggled in and used to target surface-to-air missile systems, clearing the way for Israel's Air Force to carry out more than 100 strikes with upward of 200 aircraft in the early hours of Friday local time. The plan to disable Iranian defences seems to have been effective; Israel said all of its aircraft returned safely from the first waves of strikes, appearing to show Israeli air superiority over parts of a country hundreds of miles away. Intelligence gathered by the Mossad in Iran also gave Israel's air force the ability to target senior Iranian commanders and scientists. In this photo released by the official website of the Iranian Defense Ministry, military personnel carry the flag draped coffin of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a scientist who was killed on Friday, in a funeral ceremony in Tehran, Iran, Monday, November 30. (AP) In an incredibly rare move, the Mossad released video from some of its operations, showing drones attacking what appear to be unsuspecting missile launchers. It is the latest operation to show how deeply Israel's intelligence services, including the Mossad, have penetrated some of Iran's most closely guarded secrets. The operations have made the Mossad appear a nearly unstoppable force in Iran, capable of hitting at some of its highest-ranking officials and most sensitive sites. "Mossad has treated Iran like its playground for years now," said Holly Dagres, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute and curator of the Iranist newsletter. "From assassinating top nuclear scientists to sabotaging Iranian nuclear facilities, Israel has proved time and time again that it has always had the upper hand in this shadow war that has now been playing out in the open since the first tit-for-tat strikes in April 2024." Firefighters and people clean up the scene of an explosion in a residence compound after Israel attacked Iran's capital Tehran, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) An Israeli security source said the latest operation required commando forces operating deep within Tehran and across the country while avoiding detection from Iran's security and intelligence agencies. The source said Mossad teams targeted air defence missiles, ballistic missiles, and missile launchers as the attack from the Israeli Air Force began. A second Israeli security source said the Mossad operations were years in the making, involving both intelligence-gathering efforts and the deployment of Mossad commandos deep behind enemy lines. Some of the Mossad commando forces operated in the Iranian capital itself, according to the security source. In addition to the drone base established by the Mossad long before Wednesday's attack, Mossad commandos deployed "precision-guided weapons systems" near Iranian missile air defence systems, which were activated at the same time as the Israeli air force began striking its targets. A second operation deployed sophisticated vehicle-mounted weaponry to target other Iranian defence systems. The Mossad operation also involved assassinations of top Iranian officials. Israel has shown – flaunted even – the Mossad's ability to operate with near impunity in Iran in the past. Starting in the early-2010s, Iran accused Israel of carrying out a campaign of assassinations against the country's nuclear scientists. Smoke rises up after an explosion in Tehran, Iran on Friday, June 13. (AP) Former Defence Minister Moshe Ya'alon tacitly acknowledged the targeted killings when he said in 2015 that Israel cannot be held responsible "for the life expectancy of Iran's nuclear scientists." From 2007 to 2012 Israel allegedly carried out five covert assassinations, nearly all in Tehran, through remote-controlled bombings, or remote-controlled machine guns. Only one of Iran's key nuclear scientists survived the assassination attempt, Fereydoon Abbasi. Just last month, Abbasi told Iranian state media that any attack on production sites would have little impact on the timeline of developing a bomb, saying, "our capabilities are spread all over the country. If they target production sites, it will be inconsequential to our timetable, because our nuclear materials are not stored above ground for them to hit." Abbasi was one of the scientists killed in Israel's early morning attack in Tehran. The Mossad's actions soon became much more public. In early-2018, Israel stole Iran's nuclear archive from Tehran, displaying the intelligence coup in a live broadcast from Jerusalem. Speaking in English, Netanyahu showed off the archive, including what he said were copies of 55,000 pages of Iranian nuclear information and a display of discs he said were 55,000 files. Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel on Friday, June 13. (AP) Iran tried to dismiss Netanyahu's comments as "childish" and "laughable," but the plundering of the archive showed the confidence Israel had in the Mossad's ability to function in Tehran. The operation, which would have required extensive planning and an intimate knowledge of the archive's location and security, pushed the first Trump administration to withdraw from the original nuclear agreement with Iran, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). In November 2020, Israel assassinated Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Iran's chief nuclear scientist, while he was in a bulletproof car travelling with his wife. Fakhrizadeh's car was moving in a convoy with three security vehicles when he came under fire. Iranian state media said a remote-controlled machine gun opened fire on the nuclear scientist, who had been a long-time target for Israel. The operation, which Israel has not publicly acknowledged, was carried out with remarkable precision, and it displayed a deep knowledge of Fakhrizadeh's pattern of life. And yet despite its repeated inability to stop the Mossad, Iran has proven incapable of improving. Ram Ben Barak, the former deputy director of the Mossad, said the organisation's continued success is "due to a very, very disliked regime, even hated by most of the public, so this allows for intelligence penetration on one hand, and on the other, you have the sophistication and professionalism of the Israeli intelligence personnel." After the start of the war in Gaza, Israel assassinated Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in the heart of Tehran. A source familiar with the matter said Israel planted an explosive device in a guest house where Haniyeh was known to stay. The bomb was concealed in the room for two months before the targeted killing and detonated remotely once Haniyeh was in the room. World Iran Israel Middle East CONTACT US Property News: The last inner Sydney suburbs where houses cost under $2m.
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Australian diplomats in Middle East safe, accounted for
Australian embassy staff in Tehran and Tel Aviv are safe and accounted for amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, Richard Marles says. Australians in the region should seek shelter in place, monitor the Smartraveller website and, if necessary, contact consular authorities, the deputy prime minister said. "We are able to report that our embassy staff in both Tehran and Tel Aviv are all accounted for and are safe," he told reporters in Geelong on Saturday. "There are a small number of Australian Defence Force personnel within the region. They, too, have all been accounted for and are safe but we will continue to monitor their ongoing safety." Iran and Israel are targeting each other with missiles and air strikes after the latter launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its longtime foe in a bid to prevent it developing a nuclear weapon. Australia was deeply concerned about the unfolding hostilities and specifically about the risks of escalation, Mr Marles said. "We well understand the threat that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents. "That program is a threat to international peace and security but because of this, we are calling on all parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy." The government was expressly calling on Iran to exercise restraint so as not to risk broader conflict, he said. Israel hit dozens of sites on Friday as tensions soared after a United Nations agency found Iran was not complying with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said from Fiji on Friday he was conscious of the threat posed if Iran became a nuclear state. "We want to see these issues resolved through dialogue and the United States have been playing an important role there," he said. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said on Saturday the targeting of population centres by Iran was "deeply troubling". "The Iranian regime's ability to acquire nuclear weapons poses a serious and direct threat to world peace and stability, especially as it continues to engage in terrorism by supporting its proxies: Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen," she said in a statement. "Whilst we continue to urge caution, Israel has a right to defend itself. "Israel is exercising its sovereign right to defend its people and ensure the security of future generations. The world can never accept a nuclear-armed Iran." US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned there was a "chance of massive conflict" involving Iran as Washington began pulling diplomats out of the Middle East. Senior lecturer in international relations at Flinders University Jessica Genauer said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to attack Iran was likely driven by domestic concerns. "Netanyahu faces political dissatisfaction with his handling of the Hamas-Israel war," she said. "Recent suggestions that Trump is turning away from a close friendship with Netanyahu is further eroding Netanyahu's popularity. "By attacking Iran, Netanyahu hopes to reinforce the fear of an external threat to Israel - and support for his government as competent and tough on security." Australian embassy staff in Tehran and Tel Aviv are safe and accounted for amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, Richard Marles says. Australians in the region should seek shelter in place, monitor the Smartraveller website and, if necessary, contact consular authorities, the deputy prime minister said. "We are able to report that our embassy staff in both Tehran and Tel Aviv are all accounted for and are safe," he told reporters in Geelong on Saturday. "There are a small number of Australian Defence Force personnel within the region. They, too, have all been accounted for and are safe but we will continue to monitor their ongoing safety." Iran and Israel are targeting each other with missiles and air strikes after the latter launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its longtime foe in a bid to prevent it developing a nuclear weapon. Australia was deeply concerned about the unfolding hostilities and specifically about the risks of escalation, Mr Marles said. "We well understand the threat that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents. "That program is a threat to international peace and security but because of this, we are calling on all parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy." The government was expressly calling on Iran to exercise restraint so as not to risk broader conflict, he said. Israel hit dozens of sites on Friday as tensions soared after a United Nations agency found Iran was not complying with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said from Fiji on Friday he was conscious of the threat posed if Iran became a nuclear state. "We want to see these issues resolved through dialogue and the United States have been playing an important role there," he said. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said on Saturday the targeting of population centres by Iran was "deeply troubling". "The Iranian regime's ability to acquire nuclear weapons poses a serious and direct threat to world peace and stability, especially as it continues to engage in terrorism by supporting its proxies: Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen," she said in a statement. "Whilst we continue to urge caution, Israel has a right to defend itself. "Israel is exercising its sovereign right to defend its people and ensure the security of future generations. The world can never accept a nuclear-armed Iran." US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned there was a "chance of massive conflict" involving Iran as Washington began pulling diplomats out of the Middle East. Senior lecturer in international relations at Flinders University Jessica Genauer said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to attack Iran was likely driven by domestic concerns. "Netanyahu faces political dissatisfaction with his handling of the Hamas-Israel war," she said. "Recent suggestions that Trump is turning away from a close friendship with Netanyahu is further eroding Netanyahu's popularity. "By attacking Iran, Netanyahu hopes to reinforce the fear of an external threat to Israel - and support for his government as competent and tough on security." Australian embassy staff in Tehran and Tel Aviv are safe and accounted for amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, Richard Marles says. Australians in the region should seek shelter in place, monitor the Smartraveller website and, if necessary, contact consular authorities, the deputy prime minister said. "We are able to report that our embassy staff in both Tehran and Tel Aviv are all accounted for and are safe," he told reporters in Geelong on Saturday. "There are a small number of Australian Defence Force personnel within the region. They, too, have all been accounted for and are safe but we will continue to monitor their ongoing safety." Iran and Israel are targeting each other with missiles and air strikes after the latter launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its longtime foe in a bid to prevent it developing a nuclear weapon. Australia was deeply concerned about the unfolding hostilities and specifically about the risks of escalation, Mr Marles said. "We well understand the threat that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents. "That program is a threat to international peace and security but because of this, we are calling on all parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy." The government was expressly calling on Iran to exercise restraint so as not to risk broader conflict, he said. Israel hit dozens of sites on Friday as tensions soared after a United Nations agency found Iran was not complying with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said from Fiji on Friday he was conscious of the threat posed if Iran became a nuclear state. "We want to see these issues resolved through dialogue and the United States have been playing an important role there," he said. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said on Saturday the targeting of population centres by Iran was "deeply troubling". "The Iranian regime's ability to acquire nuclear weapons poses a serious and direct threat to world peace and stability, especially as it continues to engage in terrorism by supporting its proxies: Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen," she said in a statement. "Whilst we continue to urge caution, Israel has a right to defend itself. "Israel is exercising its sovereign right to defend its people and ensure the security of future generations. The world can never accept a nuclear-armed Iran." US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned there was a "chance of massive conflict" involving Iran as Washington began pulling diplomats out of the Middle East. Senior lecturer in international relations at Flinders University Jessica Genauer said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to attack Iran was likely driven by domestic concerns. "Netanyahu faces political dissatisfaction with his handling of the Hamas-Israel war," she said. "Recent suggestions that Trump is turning away from a close friendship with Netanyahu is further eroding Netanyahu's popularity. "By attacking Iran, Netanyahu hopes to reinforce the fear of an external threat to Israel - and support for his government as competent and tough on security." Australian embassy staff in Tehran and Tel Aviv are safe and accounted for amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, Richard Marles says. Australians in the region should seek shelter in place, monitor the Smartraveller website and, if necessary, contact consular authorities, the deputy prime minister said. "We are able to report that our embassy staff in both Tehran and Tel Aviv are all accounted for and are safe," he told reporters in Geelong on Saturday. "There are a small number of Australian Defence Force personnel within the region. They, too, have all been accounted for and are safe but we will continue to monitor their ongoing safety." Iran and Israel are targeting each other with missiles and air strikes after the latter launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its longtime foe in a bid to prevent it developing a nuclear weapon. Australia was deeply concerned about the unfolding hostilities and specifically about the risks of escalation, Mr Marles said. "We well understand the threat that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents. "That program is a threat to international peace and security but because of this, we are calling on all parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy." The government was expressly calling on Iran to exercise restraint so as not to risk broader conflict, he said. Israel hit dozens of sites on Friday as tensions soared after a United Nations agency found Iran was not complying with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said from Fiji on Friday he was conscious of the threat posed if Iran became a nuclear state. "We want to see these issues resolved through dialogue and the United States have been playing an important role there," he said. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said on Saturday the targeting of population centres by Iran was "deeply troubling". "The Iranian regime's ability to acquire nuclear weapons poses a serious and direct threat to world peace and stability, especially as it continues to engage in terrorism by supporting its proxies: Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen," she said in a statement. "Whilst we continue to urge caution, Israel has a right to defend itself. "Israel is exercising its sovereign right to defend its people and ensure the security of future generations. The world can never accept a nuclear-armed Iran." US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned there was a "chance of massive conflict" involving Iran as Washington began pulling diplomats out of the Middle East. Senior lecturer in international relations at Flinders University Jessica Genauer said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to attack Iran was likely driven by domestic concerns. "Netanyahu faces political dissatisfaction with his handling of the Hamas-Israel war," she said. "Recent suggestions that Trump is turning away from a close friendship with Netanyahu is further eroding Netanyahu's popularity. "By attacking Iran, Netanyahu hopes to reinforce the fear of an external threat to Israel - and support for his government as competent and tough on security."
Canberra Times
6 hours ago
- Canberra Times
Australian diplomats in Middle East safe, accounted for
"The Iranian regime's ability to acquire nuclear weapons poses a serious and direct threat to world peace and stability, especially as it continues to engage in terrorism by supporting its proxies: Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen," she said in a statement.
