International

Trump Opens 2-Week Diplomatic Window with Iran Amid Israel Strikes, Reviews Military Options

June 20, 2025 by NOK Desk

US President Donald Trump has opened a two-week window for diplomacy with Iran before deciding on military action, aiming to restart stalled negotiations amid Israel’s bombing campaign, CNN reported.

Trump and advisers hope that Iran — under pressure from Israeli strikes and missile losses — might agree to drop its uranium enrichment, a demand previously rejected, CNN reported. The pause also allows Trump more time to assess the risks of entering a foreign conflict he aimed to avoid.

White House efforts included proposed deployments of Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Vice President JD Vance to the region, though both remained in Washington as no talks were scheduled, as reported by CNN.

Meanwhile, European foreign ministers from Britain, Germany, and France will meet Iranian representatives in Geneva on Friday to revisit Witkoff’s earlier offer.

Iran, however, has maintained it will not negotiate with the US until Israel’s bombing of its territory ends–emphasising that US officials have not pressured Israel to halt the strikes, CNN noted.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed Trump’s stand, stating diplomacy remains viable while emphasizing the strength of the US military: “Iran and the entire world should know that the United States military is the strongest and most lethal fighting force in the world,” she said.

In a series of Situation Room meetings this week, Trump reviewed options involving bunker-buster bombs targeting Iran’s underground nuclear facility at Fordow, but expressed concern over the risk of a multi-year war. The prospect of a drawn-out engagement troubles many of his advisers, as well as his onetime strategist Steve Bannon.

US Secretary of State Rubio has also actively engaged with allies, holding conversations with European counterparts on ensuring Iran never develops nuclear weapons. Ahead of Geneva talks, he discussed the matter with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who stated, “Iran can never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon.”

A White House official described the upcoming European-Iran meeting as a “temperature check” to gauge Tehran’s openness to diplomatic settlement amid mutual strikes.

Special Envoy Witkoff has continued indirect outreach to Iran, and though the administration feels diplomatic options remain viable, Iran’s response to third-party mediators has so far shown no shift.

Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated on June 13 when Israel launched operation “Rising Lion,” targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Iran responded with retaliatory strikes. (ANI)

International

Khamenei Rejects Trump’s Surrender Call, Warns U.S. of ‘Irreparable Damage’ Over Possible Iran Intervention

June 19, 2025 by NOK Desk

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s call for an “unconditional surrender,” warning of dire consequences if the United States intervenes militarily in Israel’s escalating war with Iran, according to The New York Times.

“Intelligent people who know Iran, the nation and the history of Iran, will never speak to this nation in the language of threats, because the Iranian nation cannot be surrendered,” Ayatollah Khamenei said in a televised address.

“The Americans should know that any US military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage.”

As reported by The New York Times, his statement came shortly after President Trump raised the possibility of assassinating Khamenei, though he clarified he would not pursue that action “at least for now.”

Trump said the US might still consider joining the Israeli military offensive against Iran, stating, “Nobody knows what I’m going to do.”

Despite heightened tensions, both US and Iranian officials issued mixed signals regarding diplomatic engagement. Trump claimed that Iran had reached out for potential talks and reiterated that “nothing’s too late” for a nuclear agreement.

However, Iran’s UN mission rebuffed the possibility, saying, “No Iranian official has ever asked to grovel at the gates of the White House.” The statement further added, “Iran does NOT negotiate under duress, shall NOT accept peace under duress, and certainly NOT with a has-been warmonger clinging to relevance.”

Still, a senior Iranian Foreign Ministry official, speaking anonymously, told The New York Times that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would be open to US-brokered ceasefire talks with Israel. Meanwhile, three Iranian government and commercial aircraft were tracked landing in Oman–a country known to mediate between Washington and Tehran–though the passengers remain unidentified.

In parallel, Israel’s military campaign against Iran has intensified. According to The New York Times, Israeli airstrikes have killed multiple senior Iranian military figures and nuclear scientists while targeting missile launch sites and nuclear infrastructure across Iran.

Israeli forces reportedly hit over 50 targets in Tehran alone, including a centrifuge facility and enrichment component workshops.

Responding to Israeli attacks, Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel. While most were intercepted, the back-and-forth has left citizens on both sides bracing for further escalation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the resilience of Israelis and thanked Trump for his continued support, stating, “We talk continuously, including last night. We had a very warm conversation.”

As tensions soar, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has begun facilitating the evacuation of American citizens from Israel. Despite growing risks, many Israelis expressed support for their government’s military response, citing a unified goal of neutralising Iran’s nuclear threat. (ANI)

International

Trump Expresses Uncertainty Over Iran-Israel Conflict, Says “I Have a Plan for Everything… Anything Could Happen”

June 19, 2025 by NOK Desk

US President Donald Trump expressed concern over the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, stating that while he has a plan in place, the outcome remains uncertain.

Trump again refused to say whether he would order a strike on Iran. “I have a plan for everything… anything could happen,” he said.

Trump expressed frustration over Iran’s decision not to make a deal, stating, “They should have made the deal. I had a great deal for them.” Trump mentioned that Iran wanted to meet and come to the White House, but his tone suggests uncertainty about the outcome.

He reflected on past negotiations, expressed regret over Iran’s missed opportunity to strike a deal, and hinted at the possibility of renewed talks. Trump also underscored the severity of the current crisis, mentioning ongoing meetings and the broader impact of the conflict.

“I have a plan for everything, but we will see what happens. They should have made the deal. I had a great deal for them,” Trump said, referring to past negotiations with Iran.

He continued, “We talked about it for 60 days, and in the end, they decided not to do it, and now they wish they had. It’s late to meet, but they want to, and they want to come to the White House. I may do that… Anything could happen…”

Highlighting the gravity of the current developments, Trump added, “I have a meeting in the war room in a while. We are in the midst of something terrible. I hate to see so much death and destruction…”

While not revealing his full strategy, Trump hinted that decisions may be made at the last moment. “I have ideas as to what I could do, but they are not final. I like to finalise one second before it’s due. Things change. Especially with war…”

Meanwhile, Israeli authorities said at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured since then in Iranian missile attacks. In Iran, 585 people have been killed and more than 1,300 wounded in the Israeli assault, reported Anadolu Agency, citing Iranian media reports.

The conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its seventh day. As Iran and Israel continue to trade strikes, US President Donald Trump held a situation room meeting on Wednesday to discuss US options, reported CNN.

On Thursday, Israel’s Defence Forces (IDF) said that air force is carrying out a “series of attacks” in Tehran and other parts of Iran. Earlier, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said air defence systems had been activated over Tehran. (ANI)

International

Israel-Iran Tensions Escalate: Iran Downs Drone, Israel Hits 1,100 Targets Including Nuclear Sites

June 18, 2025 by NOK Desk

In a first, Iran appears to have successfully downed an Israeli drone over the Isfahan area in the Islamic Republic on Tuesday, according to the state media, The Times of Israel reported.

Footage broadcast by Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB shows what appears to be a crashed Israeli Air Force Hermes 900.

However, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) has not commented. It has previously denied Iranian claims, not backed by any evidence, of shooting down Israeli aircraft.

On Wednesday morning, the Israeli Air Force bombed five Iranian AH-1 helicopters at an airbase in Kermanshah, IDF Spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin says in a press conference.

“Their mission was to try and harm our aircraft,” Defrin said.

The IDF released footage showing the strikes.

Israel hit two centrifuge production sites in Iran, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed on Wednesday.

The IAEA identified the facilities as the TESA complex in Karaj and the Tehran Research Centre.

“At the Tehran site, one building was hit where advanced centrifuge rotors were manufactured and tested,” says the IAEA on X. “At Karaj, two buildings were destroyed where different centrifuge components were manufactured.”

Both sites had been under IAEA monitoring as part of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), more commonly known as “the Iran nuclear deal,” between Tehran and several world powers to restrict Iran’s nuclear program.

The TESA complex, near the capital Tehran, hosted a workshop to build components for centrifuges, the machines used to enrich uranium. In 2021, Iran said cameras at the site were damaged during what it called an Israeli “sabotage” operation, as per The Times of Israel.

The Israeli Air Force hit over 1,100 Iranian assets in hundreds of strikes in Iran since Friday.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force also carried out strikes on over 75 targets in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, as per The Times of Israel. (ANI)

International

IAEA Confirms Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites; Says No Proof Iran Is Building Nuclear Weapons

June 18, 2025 by NOK Desk

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that two Iranian centrifuge production facilities, TESA Karaj workshop and Tehran Research Center, were hit in recent strikes.

“The IAEA has information that two centrifuge production facilities in Iran, the TESA Karaj workshop and the Tehran Research Center, were hit. Both sites were previously under IAEA monitoring and verification as part of the JCPOA,” IAEA wrote on X.

“At the Tehran site, one building was hit where advanced centrifuge rotors were manufactured and tested. At Karaj, two buildings were destroyed where different centrifuge components were manufactured,” IAEA added om X.

The Embassy of Iran in India on Wednesday shared a statement made by the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), where he said that they (IAEA) did not have any proof that Iran is going to make nuclear weapons.

In a post on X, the Embassy said, “Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, admits that Iran was not going to make a nuclear weapon. “What we reported was that we did not have any proof of a systematic effort (by Iran) to move toward a nuclear weapon.

“In the interview, Director General Grossi answering the question on nuclear weapons in Iran said, “What we informed and what we reported was that we did not have, as in coincidence with some of the sources you mentioned there, that we did not have any proof of a systematic effort to move into a nuclear weapon.”

According to a previous report by the Times of Israel citing Hebrew media, it was reported on Sunday that Israel discovered that Iranian scientists had conducted successful experiments in the design process of a nuclear weapon, bringing it weeks away from being able to produce a bomb.

Times of Israel reported that this “golden information” was presented by intelligence officials to the political leadership before the decision was made to carry out preemptive strikes on Friday, along with the concern that Israel didn’t know everything and that Tehran could be at an even more advanced stage in building a nuclear bomb than the available information showed, Army Radio reported, citing unnamed security officials.

Meanwhile, the US State Department on Tuesday (local time) reaffirmed the Trump administration’s stance on Iran’s nuclear programme, emphasising that “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. (ANI)

International

Modi at G7: Pahalgam Attack an Assault on Humanity, Urges United Fight Against Terrorism

June 18, 2025 by NOK Desk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a G7 Outreach Session where he called upon countries to strengthen the fight against terrorism and called Pahalgam terror attack not just an assault on India but also on the entire humanity, the Ministry of External Affairs noted in an official statement.

He made the remarks while addressing the G7 Outreach session on the theme ‘Energy Security: diversification, technology and infrastructure to ensure access and affordability in a changing world’,

As per the MEA, PM Modi, emphasising security challenges, called upon countries to strengthen the global fight against terrorism. Thanking the global community for their strong support to India in its fight against terrorism, he expressed that the Pahalgam terror attack was not just an assault on India but on the entire humanity.

“Terrorism is an enemy of humanity. It is against all countries that uphold democratic values”, he said.

He called for strict action against countries that support and promote terrorism and noted that there should be no double standards in dealing with terrorism and those who support terrorism should never be rewarded.

“On one hand, we are quick to impose all kinds of sanctions based on our own preferences. On the other hand, countries that openly support terrorism are rewarded,” said PM Modi.

Calling terrorism a grave threat to humanity, PM Modi put forth three pressing questions for the international community to ponder over–
-Will countries understand the grave threat posed by terrorism only when they become a target?
-How can perpetrators of terror and their victims be equated ?

-Will global institutions be mute spectators to terrorism?

As per the statement by the MEA, PM Modi expressed that uncertainty and conflicts in various parts of the world have had a debilitating impact on the countries of the Global South, and India took it as its responsibility to make the voice of the Global South heard on the world stage. He underlined that it was important for the world to understand the priorities and concerns of the Global South if the international community was serious about a sustainable future.

“Unfortunately, the Global South countries suffer the most from uncertainty and conflicts. They are the first to be hit by crises related to food, fuel, fertiliser, and finance. India considers it its responsibility to bring the priorities and concerns of the Global South to the world stage,” PM Modi said in his remarks. (ANI)

International

Iranian General Mohsen RezaeClaims Pakistan Will Nuke Israel if Iran Is Attacked — But No Official Confirmation from Islamabad

June 16, 2025 by NOK Desk

A senior Iranian official, General Mohsen Rezaei of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a member of Iran’s National Security Council, claimed on Iranian state television that Pakistan would launch a nuclear attack on Israel if Israel uses nuclear weapons against Iran. This statement was made amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with missile exchanges between Iran and Israel following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities on June 13, 2025. Rezaei’s claim suggests a Pakistani assurance to retaliate on Iran’s behalf, though no official statement from Pakistani authorities, including Defense Minister Khwaja Asif, has confirmed this. Asif did express solidarity with Iran, stating on June 14, 2025, that Pakistan stands by Tehran and urged Muslim nations to unite against Israel, but he stopped short of mentioning nuclear retaliation.

Posts on X have echoed this claim, with users stating that Pakistan would strike Israel with nuclear weapons if Israel nukes Iran, reflecting a sentiment of regional solidarity. However, these posts are inconclusive without official confirmation from Pakistan.

Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, estimated at around 170 warheads, is primarily designed to deter India, not Israel, and its nuclear doctrine focuses on “full spectrum deterrence” against regional threats. Historical tensions between Sunni-majority Pakistan and Shia-majority Iran, combined with Pakistan’s strategic focus on India, make an automatic nuclear commitment to Iran questionable. Additionally, Pakistan’s foreign policy typically avoids direct confrontation with distant powers like Israel, with whom it has no diplomatic relations.

Rezaei’s statement may be strategic posturing to deter Israeli nuclear action or to project a united front among Muslim nations. Without evidence of a formal agreement, it’s likely an exaggeration of Pakistan’s general support for Iran. The claim should be viewed skeptically, as it risks miscalculation in an already volatile region, especially given Israel’s undeclared but widely acknowledged nuclear arsenal of 90–400 warheads and its “Begin Doctrine” of preemptive strikes to prevent regional nuclear threats.

IDF Warns Tehran Residents to Evacuate as Israel Targets Iranian Military Sites and Nuclear Infrastructure

June 16, 2025June 15, 2025 by NOK Desk

The Israel Defence Forces’ Farsi language social media account tweeted its first message to Iranians, warning them to evacuate their homes on Sunday morning.

The Press Service of Israel has learned that the measure is intended to increase pressure on Tehran in addition to avoiding collateral damage to civilians.

“Defence Minister Yisrael Katz’s directive to evacuate residents in Tehran is part of a pre-approved plan to exert pressure on the regime by evacuating the population – in response to the shooting on the Israeli home front,” a security source told TPS-IL.

The IDF’s Farsi account instructed Iranians, “All persons who are currently or in the near future present in or around military weapons production factories and their support institutions should immediately leave these areas and not return until further notice.”

The tweet added, “Your presence next to this infrastructure puts your life at risk.”

Katz said in a statement, “The IDF will attack the sites and continue to peel the skin of the Iranian snake in Tehran and everywhere else from nuclear capabilities and weapons systems. The Iranian dictator is turning Tehran into Beirut and the residents of Tehran into hostages for the survival of his regime.”

Israel launched preemptive strikes against Iranian nuclear sites on Friday, citing intelligence that Tehran had reached “a point of no return” in its pursuit of nuclear weapons. According to Israeli defence officials, Iran has developed the capacity to rapidly enrich uranium and assemble nuclear bombs, with sufficient fissile material for up to 15 weapons.

Israeli intelligence also exposed a covert program to complete all components of a nuclear device. The strikes mark a dramatic escalation in what officials describe as a broader Iranian strategy combining nuclear development, missile proliferation, and proxy warfare aimed at Israel’s destruction. (ANI/TPS)

International

Israel’s True Goal Behind Iran Strikes: Regime Change, Not Just Nuclear Disarmament

June 15, 2025 by NOK Desk

The unprecedented wave of Israeli airstrikes that began June 13—codenamed Operation Rising Lion—was not solely about curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Officials and analysts now point to a more ambitious goal: toppling Iran’s regime.

Netanyahu’s Overt Call for Uprising
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the Iranian people to “stand up for your freedom,” framing the strikes as an opportunity to topple the “oppressive regime” in Tehran. He stated, “As we clear the path [for nuclear and missile deterrence], we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom”
Scale and Targets Reflect Broader Ambitions
The attacks hit not only nuclear and missile sites, but also IRGC command centers, top generals, and nuclear scientists—a targeting pattern that signals an intent to undermine Iran’s leadership structure, not just disable its weapons capabilities
reuters.com
Experts See Regime Change as Underlying Motive
Commentators from Reuters observe that Israel appears to be “hoping to see regime change,” aiming to destabilize Iran’s credibility and provoke internal dissent
reuters.com
. Similarly, Foreign Policy argues the nuclear pretext may be a “smoke screen” for a strategy to topple the regime
foreignpolicy.com

nypost.com

Contradiction at the Core
Despite these signals, leaders like National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi maintain that the official mission remains counterproliferation, asserting that fully eliminating Iran’s nuclear program by force is unfeasible . Yet senior officials leave regime change “on the table” should Iran continue its missile launches
timesofindia.indiatimes.com

timesofisrael.com

ynetnews.com

Context & Risks
Regional escalation: Iran responded with ballistic missiles causing casualties in Israel
reuters.com

reuters.com

foreignpolicy.com

Political calculus:   Netanyahu may be leveraging these strikes to strengthen political standing ahead of domestic challenges
en.wikipedia.org

atlanticcouncil.org

foxnews.com

Analysts’ warning: Pundits caution that regime change efforts have historically backfired—potentially empowering hardliners or triggering regional chaos .

Bottom Line
While nuclear and missile suppression remains the official narrative, both the target profile and Netanyahu’s rhetoric strongly suggest that attacking Iran’s political underpinnings and encouraging internal revolt are central, if not the primary, aims.

International

Trump Clarifies US Not Behind Iran Attack, Warns of Full Military Response if Provoked

June 15, 2025 by NOK Desk

US President Donald Trump on Sunday clarified that Washington has no role in the attack on Iran, and warned that the US Armed Forces will unleash its full military strength if attacked.

Trump’s statement comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with both countries exchanging a series of attacks.

“The US had nothing to do with the attack on Iran tonight. If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before. However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!” Trump wrote on his ‘Truth Social.’

Israel launched a massive airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” in response to which Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israeli cities.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with reports indicating at least 78 fatalities and over 320 injuries in Iran, and three deaths and over 170 wounded in Israel.

The Israel Defence Forces said today that they completed an extensive series of strikes on targets in Tehran related to the Iranian regime’s nuclear weapons project.

The IDF said that in the targeted operations, they struck headquarters and sites which could have enabled Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.

In a post on X, IDF said, “The IDF completed an extensive series of strikes on targets in Tehran related to the Iranian regime’s nuclear weapons project. The targets included the Iranian Ministry of Defence headquarters, the headquarters of the SPND nuclear project, and additional targets, which advanced the Iranian regime’s efforts to obtain a nuclear weapon and where the Iranian regime hid its nuclear archive.”

“Iran isn’t just threatening Israel. Its missiles can now reach deep into Europe. The @IDF struck the regime’s nuclear facilities at the 11th hour,” Israel Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

“Israel is doing what must be done,” the post added. (ANI)