In response to escalating foreign aggression, Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage responsible for transporting 20% of the world’s daily oil supply. This move comes amid heightened conflict between Iran and Israel. Commercial ships are already avoiding the area, causing uncertainty in global trade. Analysts warn that shutting the strait could trigger major disruptions in the global energy market and send a strong economic and strategic message to the Western world.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has claimed that Israel’s appeal for U.S. assistance is evidence of its declining strength and incapacity.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Khamenei said, “The way American allies are getting involved and making public statements reveals just how fragile and powerless the Zionist regime has become.” His remarks came shortly after Israel’s Defense Minister stated that eliminating Iran’s Supreme Leader was a primary objective.

Oil prices spiked sharply on Thursday following Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran’s Natanz and Arak nuclear facilities. Brent crude futures rose by 88 cents, or 1.15%, to settle at $77.58 per barrel.

The previous day, oil prices had dipped as much as 2.7% before a slight recovery of 0.3%. According to a Reuters report, the sudden jump reflects investor concerns about the potential for a broader conflict in the Middle East, which could significantly disrupt global oil supply chains.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Khatibzadeh condemned Israel’s recent attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling it a “very bad move” based on mere assumptions. He stressed that Iran was still engaged in negotiations until Israel’s act of sabotage. Responding to questions about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, he denied the justification for war on assumptions. Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei urged Iranians to remain steadfast and unafraid, warning that fear would only embolden the enemy. Israel is believed to possess nuclear weapons but neither confirms nor denies it.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has summoned Germany’s ambassador in Tehran following controversial remarks made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Merz had publicly supported Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, stating that Israel was "cleaning up a mess for all of us."

Iranian state media labeled the comments "ridiculous and disgraceful." Earlier this week, Iran also summoned Switzerland’s ambassador after he expressed support for former President Donald Trump’s call for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”

Israel has carried out a missile strike on Iran’s heavy water nuclear reactor in Arak, according to Iranian state television. Residents in the surrounding area had earlier been instructed to evacuate by Israeli forces.

The reactor uses deuterium oxide (heavy water) for cooling, which can yield plutonium—a key component in nuclear weapons. Iran insists its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.

Missile strikes launched by Iran have damaged the Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva, southern Israel. Additional strikes were reported in eastern Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Holon in the south. Immediate casualty reports were unavailable, but hospital authorities confirmed significant damage across various locations. A U.S.-based human rights organization earlier reported that at least 639 people have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory attacks on Iran.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has arrested 18 people in Mashhad, accusing them of designing and producing drones for Israel. The IRGC claims the detainees were operating under the guise of local workshops to manufacture surveillance and suicide drones. This follows previous reports of Iranian authorities detaining several alleged Mossad agents.

According to Washington-based Human Rights Activists, Israeli attacks in Iran have resulted in at least 639 deaths and more than 1,320 injuries. Among the dead are 263 civilians and 154 members of the security forces. The identities of the remaining victims have not been disclosed.

Reports indicate that Iran is not consistently releasing updated casualty figures. According to Iran’s latest official count, 224 people have been killed and 1,277 injured in the Israeli strikes.

Iran has launched a series of long-range Sejjil missiles targeting Tel Aviv, according to reports from Al Jazeera. Israel claimed that at least eight missiles were fired, with explosions heard in the city. Footage circulating online shows the missile trails illuminating the night sky. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard stated this is part of the 12th wave of “Operation True Promise 3.” The Sejjil missiles are capable of striking targets 2,000 to 2,500 kilometers away with high precision.

In response to ongoing Israeli strikes, Bangladesh is preparing to repatriate 70 citizens currently in Iran. The evacuees will travel via Pakistan by land, with Islamabad’s government granting approval for the operation. Diplomatic efforts are underway to coordinate with Pakistani authorities, but the exact timeline for the first group’s arrival in Pakistan remains uncertain. Meanwhile, several diplomatic residences in Tehran, including that of Bangladesh’s First Secretary, have been damaged in the attacks, though no casualties were reported.

Iran’s border guard commander Ahmad Ali Goudarzi has urged neighboring countries not to allow attacks against Iran to be launched from their soil, emphasizing the importance of maintaining friendly relations. Following Israeli strikes on June 13 targeting military, nuclear, and residential areas in Iran, Tehran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Iranian media reporting over 500 deaths and more than 1,300 injuries in Iran alone.

Iran has called for the immediate evacuation of residents in parts of Israel’s coastal city of Haifa, warning of potential loss of life due to ongoing missile threats. Over the past week, Iran has launched several attacks on Haifa, some of which struck their targets despite Israeli defense efforts. The city remains under heightened security, with emergency shelters on standby. The Israeli military says it is prepared for further aggression and may impose movement restrictions if the situation worsens.

Iran is preparing retaliatory strikes on US military bases in Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE if the US attacks Iran alongside Israel. Intelligence reports reveal Iran has stockpiled missiles targeting these bases. The US has deployed refueling tankers to Europe and put over 40,000 troops in the region on high alert. Analysts warn that conflict could disrupt global oil supplies via the Strait of Hormuz and escalate across the Middle East, intensifying Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Fresh explosions were reported in Iran's capital Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj. Local sources confirmed that loud blasts were heard near Payam Airport in Karaj, while simultaneous explosions were also reported in the eastern outskirts of Tehran.

While authorities have not yet confirmed the specific targets or extent of the damage, a government spokesperson acknowledged that two Iranian banks had recently come under cyberattack. In response, internet access was temporarily restricted in certain areas to manage the situation.