Space becomes the new war zone as Iran-Israel conflict escalates into new domain
As the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, reports indicate that Tehran fired a Fattah-1 hypersonic missile at Tel Aviv, the first use of this weapon, one of the biggest escalations between the two countries.The air war between the two longtime enemies entered a sixth day despite a call from US President Donald Trump for Tehran's unconditional surrender. advertisementThe Israeli military said two barrages of Iranian missiles were launched toward Israel in the first two hours of Wednesday morning. Explosions were heard over Tel Aviv. WHAT IS HYPERSONIC MISSILE FATTAH-1?
The Fattah-1 is Iran's first hypersonic missile, developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and unveiled in June 2023.It has been described as a significant advancement in Iran's missile arsenal, capable of travelling at speeds between Mach 5 and Mach 15 (over 6,100 km/h to 15,000 km/h), with a range of approximately 1,400 kilometres.The missile is designed to evade advanced missile defence systems, including Israel's Iron Dome and Arrow, by altering its trajectory mid-flight and performing complex manoeuvres.
Rocket trails are seen in the sky above the Israeli coastal city of Netanya amid a fresh barrage of Iranian missile attacks on June 17. (Photo: AFP)
advertisementHOW DO HYPERSONIC WEAPONS WORK? Hypersonic missiles carry warheads that take on a trajectory through space, crossing the atmosphere, and then returning above the target.There are two main types of hypersonic missiles: Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs) and Hypersonic Cruise Missiles. HGVs are launched on top of a rocket and, after reaching high altitude, they separate and glide at hypersonic speeds through the atmosphere.Their ability to perform sharp manoeuvres and follow unpredictable flight paths makes them extremely difficult to track and intercept.On the other hand, Hypersonic Cruise Missiles are powered by air-breathing engines, such as scramjets, after being initially boosted to hypersonic speeds. These missiles maintain their high speed and manoeuvrability throughout their entire flight within the atmosphere, posing a significant challenge to existing missile defence systems. MILITARISATION OF SPACECountries across the world are entering the new domain of warfare - space.While largely, there has been a long-standing unsaid agreement of peaceful use of the boundary beyond Earth, there is a new trend with companies pushing for more and more defence systems that rely on space.The militarisation of space is accelerating rapidly, transforming it into a critical domain for national security, economic competitiveness, and global strategic rivalry. Geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and the growing reliance on space-based assets for both civilian and military purposes drive this trend.advertisementNations are deploying and upgrading satellites for reconnaissance, surveillance, communication, navigation, and missile warning. These assets are vital for military operations, intelligence gathering, and command and control.Countries like the US, China, Russia, India, Iran, and North Korea are developing and testing counterspace weapons, including anti-satellite (ASAT) missiles, electronic jamming, spoofing, and cyberattacks targeting space infrastructure.
Space is now considered a potential warfighting domain. (Photo: Reuters)
Space is now considered a potential warfighting domain. Military doctrines increasingly treat space assets as both targets and tools in conflict, with units dedicated to offensive and defensive space operations.The US is already working on developing a missile shield, with multiple space assets being planned. The Golden Dome program, proposed by US President Donald Trump, is being seen as the biggest effort to militarise space.As countries continue to engage on land, air and sea, the next domain is just being readied, where most factors are beyond human control, but if conditions are achieved, it could become the biggest hub of weapons.Tune InMust Watch
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First Post
37 minutes ago
- First Post
Trump's Maga camp divided as he weighs options to join Israel's war on Iran
US President Donald Trump's Maga movement stands divided into two. While the hardliner ideological wing is slamming the idea of involvement in the war on Iran, those holding loyalty above ideology have supported preparations for war and are urging the president to attack Iran's nuclear sites with Israel. read more As US President Donald Trump appears to be preparing to join Israel in attacking Iran, his supporters in the Maga movement are split over the US involvement in the conflict. While ideological hardliners of the Make America Great Again (Maga) movement are criticising Trump's inclination to join the war, those loyal to Trump or those who have come to the folds of Maga from a traditional Republican background have put their weight behind Trump. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Among the most prominent Maga figures, those opposing an intervention in the Israel-Iran war include Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and far-right commentators Tucker Carlson and Charlie Kirk. Those standing behind Trump and slamming his critics include Vice President JD Vance, far-right activist Laura Loomer, podcaster Ben Shapiro, and Fox News host Mark Levin. As the Israel's war on Iran has entered the sixth day, it has become clear that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cannot achieve the main objective of the war of destroying Iranian capabilities without US help. As Firstpost's Madhur Sharma previously noted, one of the most important nuclear sites, Fordow, is located deep underground and can only be struck by 'bunker buster' bomb that the United States has. There are indications that Trump is giving Iran one last chance to make a deal before he decides to join Israel in the war. He has already moved warplanes, aerial refuelling tankers, and an entire carrier strike group to West Asia for potential operations. Trump faces revolt from Maga stalwarts Trump came to power on an anti-interventionist platform. He said that he would end or curtain US involvement in fighting wars abroad and focus resources to domestic affairs. He said he would end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine — he blamed Nato's expansionism under his predecessor, Joe Biden, for the latter war. In his first term, Trump had withdrawn US personnel from Syria, reduced the supports to Kurds in the country, and signed the deal with the Taliban for withdrawal from Afghanistan. In the second term, he has aligned himself with Russia and withdrawn from security commitments in Europe. With such a record, Trump pushing the United States into a fresh war that poses no direct, immediate threat to the United States would mean putting 'America last, kill innocent people, are making us broke, and will ultimately lead to our destruction', according to Rep. Greene, the far-right Congresswoman who has been a leading Trump cheerleader. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a post on X, Greene joined ranks with Carlson, who has gone from being a traditional conservative to a pro-Russia, pro-Iran far-right figure in recent years. Tucker Carlson is one of my favorite people. He fiercely loves his wife, children, and our country. Since being fired by the neocon network Fox News, he has more popularity and viewers than ever before. He unapologetically believes the same things I do. That if we don't fight… — Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) June 17, 2025 The issue of US involvement in the Israel-Iran war is so divisive that it will kill the core of the Maga movement, said Steve Bannon, the far-right media figure who led Trump's first presidential campaign and served at White House in the first term. 'It's going to not just blow up the coalition. It's also going to thwart what we're doing with the most important thing, which is the deportation,' said Bannon. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Carlson refused to acknowledge Iran as the enemy and framed the Israeli war as one against the people of Iran — not Ayatollah Khamenei's regime. 'You're not going to convince me that the Iranian people are my enemy. 'It's Orwell, man. I'm a free man. You're not telling me who I have to hate,' said Carlson. Kirk said that the reason young Americans supported Trump was that 'he was the first president in my lifetime to not start a new war'. 'The last thing America needs right now is a new war. Our number one desire must be peace, as quickly as possible,' Kirk further said. Trump's loyalists strike back Trump's loyalists, led by Vice President Vance, struck back at critics. While some of them explained that Trump's position had remained consistent regarding over the years and that any attack would not be a deviation, some discredited the critics and said they were compromised by their ties to Iran and Iran's partners. Vance said on X that Trump 'has been amazingly consistent, over 10 years, that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon'. He pointed out that Iran has continued to enrich uranium to near-weapons grade level and has violated its non-proliferation obligations. He further said that Iran has also rejected US offers that allow it to have a civilian nuclear programme without uranium enrichment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In such a case, Vance said that the method other than talks to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon comes into picture. 'The president has made clear that Iran cannot have uranium enrichment. And he said repeatedly that this would happen one of two ways–the easy way or the 'other' way,' said Vance. Far-right activist Loomer flagged Carlson's ties to Iran and Qatar and said that he was compromised with such ties. She furnished government records to show that Carlson had taken $200,000 this year to conduct an interview with a Qatari official. She further said that he was 'controlled by Muslims' and that a partner in his media company was a person with Pakistani roots. 'Tucker Carlson wants you to think his thoughts on Iran are based and original, but he's literally participating in paid for interviews by the Qataris, who are funding and providing pent houses and luxury lifestyles to the leaders of Hamas in Doha. Tucker should just be honest that he's a mouthpiece for genocidal Muslims. His media company was literally funded by a MUSLIM investor who is half Pakistani and half Iranian and who spends a lot of time in Qatar,' said Loomer. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here's the screenshot from the FARA documents filled out this year that prove Qatar paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for an interview between @TuckerCarlson and the Prime Minister of Qatar (the same Qatar which funds HAMAS) regarding the 'war with Iran'. This was a paid… — Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) June 18, 2025 Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, urged the president to 'go all-in' in supporting Israel and destroying the Iranian nuclear programme. 'If that means providing bombs, provide bombs. If that means flying with Israel, fly with Israel,' said Graham. Fox News host Levin said that Trump was 'truly historic and iconic figure' for his support of Israel. Senator Mitch McConnell, who has supported Trump over the years but distanced lately, said that 'isolationist movement led by Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon are distressed we may be helping the Israelis defeat the Iranians'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The Hindu
43 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Israel-Iran conflict: Satellite images reveal widespread damage from Israeli strikes in Iran
Israel has been attacking several nuclear facilities and military bases across Iran since June 13, 2025. The unprecedented strike has triggered a days-long exchange of missile attacks between the two countries. Tensions have continued to escalate, and the death toll is rising. Follow Israel-Iran conflict live updates Iran's Natanz nuclear facility, Isfahan Nuclear Technology Centre, Shiraz missile production facility, and Tabriz North missile base were among the targets of Israel's aerial attacks. At least 585 people, including 239 civilians, have been killed in Iran since hostilities began on Friday (June 13, 2025), according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group. Meanwhile, 24 people had been killed in Israel as of Monday (June 16, 2025) morning, according to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office. The Israeli operation against Iran is expected to take 'weeks, not days' and is moving forward with implicit U.S. approval, according to White House and Israeli officials. Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs PBC have released several images showing severe damage caused to Iran's military bases and nuclear facilities in the Israeli attack. Natanz nuclear facility The Natanz nuclear facility, Iran's largest uranium enrichment site, has sustained significant damage in the Israeli strikes on June 13, 2025. Describing the site as 'the heart of Iran's ballistic missile programme,' said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasising its strategic importance. On June 17, 2025, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that there appeared to have been 'direct impacts' on the underground sections of the Natanz site. 'Based on continued analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery collected after Friday's attacks, the IAEA has identified additional elements that indicate direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls at Natanz. No change to report at Esfahan and Fordow,' the agency said in a post on X. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, the IAEA confirmed that one of the above-ground buildings — the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant — was destroyed. This facility had been producing uranium enriched up to 60%. The attack also damaged key electrical infrastructure, including the main power supply, emergency backup systems, and a substation. 'There has been no indication of a physical attack on the underground cascade hall containing part of the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant and the main Fuel Enrichment Plant. However, the loss of power to the cascade hall may have damaged the centrifuges there,' the IAEA said in a detailed statement. Regarding radiation levels outside Natanz, the UN's atomic watchdog said they remain unchanged and at normal levels, indicating no radiological impact on the population or environment. However, it noted that inside the facility, there is both radiological and chemical contamination. Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center At the Isfahan nuclear site, built with Chinese assistance and opened in 1984, four buildings were hit, including a uranium conversion plant and a fuel manufacturing facility. The Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center (INTC) is Iran's largest nuclear research complex and employs approximately 3,000 scientists. 'At the Esfahan nuclear site, four buildings were damaged in Friday's attack: the central chemical laboratory, a uranium conversion plant, the Tehran reactor fuel manufacturing plant, and the UF4 to EU metal processing facility, which was under construction. As in Natanz, off-site radiation levels remain unchanged,' IAEA stated. Fordow nuclear facility The Fordow plant, buried deep in the mountains near Qom, south of Tehran, is believed to house over 1,000 centrifuges, including IR-6 machines capable of enriching uranium to 60% purity. Its deeply buried location makes it one of Iran's most fortified nuclear facilities. Satellite images captured on June 14, 2025, after the Israeli strikes show that the facility appears to remain intact. Piranshahr Garrison The Piranshahr facility, located near the Iraqi border in western Iran, is reportedly a military installation. Satellite imagery shows a small military structure that appears to have been largely flattened by the strikes. An earlier image from Maxar Technologies, taken last month, shows the site with vehicles visible for scale. Tabriz missile base Satellite imagery released on Monday (June 16, 2025) by Planet Labs shows extensive damage at a missile base north of the Iranian city of Tabriz, capital of Iran's East Azerbaijan province. The satellite images below, taken on June 3 and June 16, 2025, show the entrance to the underground facility at the Tabriz North missile base before and after it was hit by Israeli airstrikes. The images reveal destroyed buildings and vehicles, along with large areas of scorched vegetation. The images below, taken on June 3 and June 16, 2025, show the support area of the Tabriz North missile base before and after it was hit by Israeli airstrikes. The Tabiz base is a key ballistic missile production unit in Iran. The composite image below, created using satellite photos released by Maxar Technologies, shows a tunnel entrance at the Tabriz missile facility in Tabriz, Iran — first on May 29, 2025 (top), and then on June 17, 2025, after it was struck by Israeli airstrikes. The image below shows another tunnel entrance at the Tabriz missile facility. Kermanshah missile facility At a missile base operated by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) near the western province of Kermanshah, satellite images reveal extensive damage caused by Israeli airstrikes. High-resolution imagery taken on June 15, 2025, shows multiple buildings at the facility targeted, and several structures destroyed. Notably, damage is also visible at two tunnel entrances built into the mountainside, which are likely used to store or conceal sensitive missile-related equipment. IRGC Ghadir site in Tehran The images below show the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ghadir site in Tehran before (May 1, 2025) and after (June 14, 2025) it was hit by Israeli airstrikes. Bid Kaneh military facility The Bid Kaneh military base, located about 30 km west of Tehran, has reportedly sustained damage to multiple buildings. This is not the first time the facility has suffered serious damage. In 2011, a large explosion reportedly killed several personnel believed to have been working on Iran's missile program. Dezful airbase Dezful Airbase, also known as Vahdati Airbase, is located on Andimeshk Road in the city of Dezful, in Iran's Khuzestan province. The base is historically significant as the home of the Fourth Fighter Base, which played a crucial role during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s. Sources: Maxar Technologies, Planet Labs PBC, Reuters, AP, IAEA, ISW, IDF, Nuclear Threat Initiative, and Tehran Times
Mint
44 minutes ago
- Mint
Sensex today falls over 130 points, Nifty ends below 24,850 as geopolitical tensions, Fed decision weigh
Stock market today: Indian frontline indices remained range-bound for another session as ongoing geopolitical tensions continued to weigh on sentiment. Investors also stayed cautious ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve policy decision, due later today, which is expected to set the tone for global equities. Although the Nifty 50 and Sensex gained momentum during the first half of the trading session, profit booking at higher levels led both indices to end with mild losses. Mid- and small-cap stocks also reversed from their intraday highs. The Nifty 50 shed 40 points, or 0.14%, to close at 24,843, while the Sensex ended 105 points lower, or 0.13%, at 81,479. The decline was led by losses in tech, FMCG and media stocks, as investors booked profits following Monday's sharp rally. Global equities remain on edge as tensions between Iran and Israel have entered their sixth day, and concerns are mounting over potential U.S. military involvement and the risk of a broader regional conflict. On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender" and warned of a possible strike against the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a social media post ahead of his meeting with the national security team. The conflict between the two countries began on Friday after Israel struck at Iranian nuclear and military facilities with the objective of preventing Iran from building a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, the drop in US retail sales during May has brought recession fears back to the surface. Looking ahead, war jitters are likely to keep a lid on optimism. But so is a hawkish message later today by the Federal Reserve. The central bank is widely expected to keep rates unchanged, and markets are pricing in no chance of a reduction in July either.
