Europeans will not be useful in resolving Iran-Israel war, says Trump | LIVE

U.S. President Donald Trump said Europeans will not be helpful in resolving the war between Iran and Israel, after a meeting in Geneva between European and Iranian officials.

"Iran doesn't want to talk to Europe. They want to talk to us. Europe isn't going to be able to help on this issue," the U.S. president declared upon his arrival in Morristown, New Jersey.

Trump added that the two-week deadline for him to decide on direct U.S. intervention in Iran was a "maximum."

An Israeli drone carried out two strikes on a motorcycle in Baraasheet (Bint Jbeil), according to L'Orient Today's correspondent in the region.

The motorcyclist was killed.

The USS Gerald Ford, the newest U.S. aircraft carrier, will set sail for Europe next week, a Navy official announced Friday, placing a third aircraft carrier near the Middle East.

Find the details here.

Iran's Mehr News Agency reported that a 5.5-magnitude earthquake was felt in central Iran, east of Tehran.

Iran appears "fundamentally ready to continue discussions," according to the German foreign minister, quoted by AFP.

The Europeans called on Iran to negotiate "without waiting for the Israeli strikes to stop," the French foreign minister said, according to AFP.

It is "illusory and dangerous" to impose regime change from the outside, according to the French foreign minister, quoted by AFP.

Iran is in favor of continuing talks with Europeans, according to the Iranian foreign minister, reports AFP.

Iran is ready to "consider" diplomacy "once the aggression has stopped," according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Germany, France and Britain urged Iran to "continue discussions with the United States" on its nuclear program during a meeting in Geneva with the Iranian foreign minister.

"We believe there is no definitive military solution to the Iranian nuclear issue," said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.

His German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, said Tehran appears "fundamentally ready to continue discussions."

A total of 64 German nationals were evacuated from Israel on board two German Air Force planes, the relevant ministries announced, stressing that this was "not a military evacuation operation."

"At present, two Luftwaffe Airbus A400Ms are en route from Israel to Germany" with 64 people on board, mainly "families with children and other vulnerable people," the German Defense and Foreign Ministries announced in a joint statement.

This "diplomatic repatriation" operation was organized "in close coordination with the Israeli authorities" and therefore does not correspond to "a military evacuation operation," which would involve an intervention by the Bundeswehr and would therefore require the green light from Parliament, the two ministries stated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sought to temper his offer to mediate in the conflict between Russia's ally Iran and Israel, saying he was only offering "ideas" for a settlement.

"We have no intention of mediating, we are only proposing ideas," Putin said during a discussion at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum.

"If these are attractive to both countries, we will be delighted," he added, stating that Russia has "contacts" on this issue with Israel and "with our Iranian friends."

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the army attacked "Hezbollah military sites and rocket launchers in southern Lebanon."

"Israeli army planes attacked military sites belonging to the terrorist organization Hezbollah, including rocket and missile launchers and weapons depots," he said on X, accusing the party of "trying to rebuild its capabilities at these sites."

The Israeli army carried out more than 12 strikes on southern Lebanon in the span of 15 minutes, according to L'Orient Today's correspondent.

Israeli jets carried out a series of strikes on the hills of Jabal al-Rihan (Jezzine), the outskirts of Jabal Blat (Marjayoun), the villages of Jbour and Qatrani (Jezzine) and the outskirts of Wadi Borghoz (Hasbaya), according to L'Orient Today's correspondent in the region.

Israelis must prepare for a 'protracted campaign' against Iran, warns IDF chief of staff

Israeli army chief of staff Eyal Zamir said the Israelis must prepare for a "protracted campaign" against Iran to "remove a threat of such magnitude," in a video statement reported by The Times of Israel.

He said the IDF was "preparing for this operation for years," and that it was launched "thanks to the convergence of operational and strategic conditions."

"Had we waited, we would have risked losing those conditions and entering the campaign in the future at a distinct disadvantage. We understood that history would not have forgiven us if we had not acted now to defend the existence of the Jewish people in the State of Israel," he said. "Even though we have achieved significant results, difficult days still lie ahead, and we must remain vigilant and united until the mission is accomplished."

A European national described as a "spy" was arrested in Iran, the Iranian news agency Tasnim reported, on the eighth day of the war between the Islamic Republic and Israel.

"A European citizen who wanted to spy on sensitive areas of the country" was arrested in the southwest of the country, the news agency said, without specifying his nationality or the date of his arrest.

"He had visited the country as a tourist at the time of the brutal attack by the Zionist regime," it said, referring to Israel.

Israel announced it struck missile launchers in southwest Iran, according to AFP.

A direct attack on Iran's operating Bushehr nuclear power plant would have the most "serious" consequences, potentially releasing large amounts of radiation into the environment, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned.

At this stage, the Israeli attacks on Iran "have not caused any release of radiation affecting the public," but "there is a danger that this could happen," Rafael Grossi added at a meeting of the U.N. Security Council

IAEA chief guarantees "indisputable" inspections

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Friday that his organization could "guarantee," through a system of "indisputable" inspections, that Iran could not develop nuclear weapons.

"A diplomatic solution is possible if the political will is there. Elements of an agreement have been discussed. The IAEA can guarantee, through a system of unquestionable inspections, that nuclear weapons will not be developed in Iran," Rafael Grossi said at a U.N. Security Council meeting, according to AFP.

The United Kingdom withdrew its diplomatic staff from Iran due to the war between that country and Israel, the Foreign Office announced, adding that its embassy continues to operate remotely.

"Due to the current security situation, we have taken the precautionary step of temporarily withdrawing our British staff from Iran. Our embassy continues to operate remotely," the Foreign Office said in a statement.

Switzerland is "temporarily" closing its embassy in Tehran but will continue to represent U.S. interests in Iran, the Foreign Ministry announced Friday, calling for "an urgent return to dialogue with a view to de-escalation," in comments reported by AFP.

In the absence of U.S. diplomatic or consular relations with Iran, Switzerland, acting through its embassy in Tehran, has officially represented U.S. interests in Iran since 1980, as part of its "good offices."

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all parties to the war between Iran and Israel, and "potential parties," to give "peace a chance. "

"To the parties to the conflict, the potential parties to the conflict, and the Security Council, which represents the international community, I have a simple and clear message: give peace a chance," he said at a Security Council meeting. 

Iranian missile strikes on Haifa leave 17 injured, Israeli rescuers say

17 people were injured in the Iranian missile attack on Haifa, the Magen David Adom announced, quoted by Haaretz.

According to the emergency services, three of the injured are in serious condition, while the others suffered minor injuries. All were being transferred to hospitals.

Nuclear talks between Europeans and Iran have begun, according to AFP.

The conflict between Israel and Iran is close to "the point of no return," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, according to AFP.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva for talks with his European counterparts, Reuters reports.

The minister described the Israeli attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran as "serious war crimes" in a statement to the United Nations in Geneva, ahead of talks with his European counterparts in the Swiss city.

Emergency services have reported two injuries, one of them serious, following Iranian missile strikes on Israel, one week after the war between the two countries began

"Following the latest alerts, medics and paramedics from Magen David Adom [the Israeli equivalent of the Red Cross] are providing medical care and evacuating to the hospital a 16-year-old teenager in serious condition, injured by shrapnel in the upper body, as well as a 54-year-old man in moderate condition," the Israeli emergency organization stated.

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Daniel Meron, stated that he expects European foreign ministers to demand a complete withdrawal from Iran’s nuclear program when they meet with their Iranian counterpart later on Friday, according to AFP.

According to our correspondent in southern Lebanon, several residents of Mais al-Jabal, a border town in the Marjayoun district, reported receiving Israeli alert messages intended for residents of northern Israeli towns, urging them to immediately take shelter during the Iranian attack.

According to Israeli media, initial reports indicate missile impacts in Tel Aviv, the Negev, and Haifa. A plume of smoke was seen rising from the port city of Haifa, according to a witness interviewed by Reuters.

The Israeli army has just announced that civilians may leave their shelters, also according to Reuters.

Iranian state television announced that a new salvo of missiles had been launched at Israel on the eighth day of the conflict between the two countries.

“You are seeing live images of the sky over the occupied territories as Iranian missiles arrive,” said a presenter on-air, referring to Israel. These live images broadcast by state television were accompanied by an Iranian military song.

Rescue teams are heading toward the impact site in Haifa, while reports indicate other sites have been hit in central and southern Israel, according to Haaretz.

Preliminary information indicates that at least one Iranian missile, part of a volley of at least 20, struck Haifa in northern Israel, Haaretz reports.

⚡ Several explosions were heard over Tel Aviv, according to a witness cited by Reuters

Explosions were also heard over Jerusalem after warning sirens were triggered, reports another witness to the news agency.

⚡ A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran is ready to discuss limitations on its uranium enrichment. The same official stressed that the role of European powers is now more central, as Tehran refuses to engage with the United States as long as Israeli attacks continue. He also stated that Iran is waiting for a clear "initiative" from the E3 group (France, Germany, United Kingdom) regarding the nuclear file.

Finally, the official specified that the option of "zero enrichment" will be indisputably rejected, especially in the...

Sirens sounded on the Golan Heights following a drone infiltration, and the Israeli army announced that alerts would be extended across the country, according to Haaretz.

(Credit: video screenshot.)

Iranian drones launched against Israel are clearly visible and can be heard in the skies over villages in southern Lebanon, according to our correspondent.

A resident of southern Lebanon filmed a video in which a drone can be seen being destroyed by an interceptor missile in the sky over Ainata, in the Bint Jbeil district, still according to our correspondent.

The residents of the border villages clearly heard the sound of continuous explosions coming from Israel, he further reports.

The Israeli military announced that the "Barak" system, integrated for the first time into the Air Force’s air defense, successfully intercepted a drone, Reuters reports.

⚡ A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran is ready to discuss limits on its uranium enrichment

The official emphasized that the role of the European powers is now more central, with Tehran refusing to engage with the United States as long as Israeli attacks continue. He also said Iran is awaiting a clear "initiative" from the E3 group (France, Germany, United Kingdom) on the nuclear issue.

Finally, the official made it clear that the "zero enrichment" option will be unequivocally rejected, especially given the current context of Israeli strikes.

Israeli army says it is striking military infrastructure in western Iran, Haaretz reports.

Iraq: Thousands protest Israel’s war against Iran

Several thousand Iraqi protesters, mobilized by influential religious leader Moqtada Sadr, gathered in Baghdad and other parts of the country to condemn Israel’s war against Iran launched on June 13, AFP reports.

On a wide avenue in the impoverished Madinet Sadr district, shaded from the scorching sun by a sea of umbrellas, demonstrators first took part in the traditional Friday prayer, according to an AFP correspondent. “No, no to America, no, no to Israel!” the imam chanted before starting his sermon, a slogan echoed by the faithful.

Drone alert sirens sounded in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Haaretz reports.

Israeli planes struck the Iranian regime’s internal security headquarters, according to the Israeli military.

The Israeli army stated it “struck the internal security headquarters of the Iranian regime and the headquarters of the special internal security units located in Tehran,” Haaretz reports. The military added that “internal security mechanisms are part of the Iranian regime’s military apparatus.”

Israeli air force strikes over 35 targets in Iran, Israeli military reports

The Israeli military announced that more than 25 aircraft struck and destroyed over 35 missile storage and launch facilities in Iran this morning, Haaretz reports. According to the military, the strikes targeted areas in Tabriz and Kermanshah, in western Iran.

Thousands protest in Tehran against Israel, reports Iranian TV, AFP says.

Thousands rallied in Tehran after weekly prayers, chanting slogans supporting their leaders, according to images broadcast by state television. “It is the Friday of solidarity and resistance of the Iranian nation throughout the country,” the news presenter said, AFP reports.

Footage showed demonstrators in the Iranian capital holding portraits of commanders killed since the start of the war with Israel, while others waved Iranian and Hezbollah flags. A banner read, “I will sacrifice my life for my leader,” referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. State TV also reported protests in several other cities, including Tabriz in northwest Iran and Shiraz in the south.

First ship repatriates over 1,500 Israelis stranded abroad

Israel has repatriated more than 1,500 of its citizens stranded abroad due to the closure of its airspace since the outbreak of the war with Iran on June 13, the Israeli military announced.

“As part of the ‘Safe Return’ operation organized by the Ministry of Transport, a ship carrying Israelis from the port of Limassol, Cyprus, docked around 4 a.m. at the port of Ashdod with over 1,500 Israelis on board,” the military said in a statement.

Macron calls for parliamentary debate on Iran-Israel conflict

Upon arriving at the Paris Air Show near Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron called on the government to organize a parliamentary debate on the Iran-Israel war. He also promised to gather political party leaders to “exchange views” not only on this conflict but also on Gaza and Ukraine.

“I want the government, and I spoke about this this morning with the Prime Minister, to organize a debate on this subject (the Iran-Israel conflict) in accordance with Article 50-1 of our Constitution,” Macron said during a press briefing. He added, “As soon as the situation stabilizes, I will convene political parties to discuss Iran, Gaza, and Ukraine,” noting the meeting would take place after next week’s NATO summit.

France, Germany, and the UK to present 'comprehensive negotiation offer' to Iran

France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are preparing to present a "comprehensive negotiation offer" to Iran, AFP reports.

Qatar PM warns of 'catastrophic' consequences if Israel targets Iran’s economic infrastructure

Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani — who also serves as Foreign Minister — warned that Israel's targeting of economic facilities in Iran could have catastrophic regional and international repercussions, particularly regarding the stability of energy supplies, according to an official statement reported by Reuters.

He made these remarks during a phone call with Norway’s Foreign Minister.

Tehran hospital hit by Israeli rocket, says Health Ministry spokesperson

A hospital in Tehran was hit by an Israeli rocket strike, according to a spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Health, as reported by state media and cited by Reuters.

Israeli Defense Minister orders intensified strikes on Iranian Regime targets

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said he has ordered the military to intensify attacks on targets belonging to the Iranian regime in Tehran, Reuters reports. He added that the strikes aim to "destabilize the Iranian regime."

“Iran is neither subjugated by the East nor dependent on the West, but is ready to engage in rational dialogue with both sides,” an Iranian diplomat told Reuters, adding that the country has demonstrated its willingness to pursue a “wise, balanced, and pragmatic policy in its relations with Europe.”

Israeli Energy Minister says fuel supply is stable

Israel’s Energy Minister said the country’s energy sector is operating smoothly and that there is no fuel shortage, Reuters reports.

Iran planned larger missile barrage on Be’er Sheva, says Israeli army

According to Israeli army spokesperson Effi Defrin, Iran had planned to launch a larger missile barrage toward Be’er Sheva (southern Israel) this morning, but Israeli forces destroyed the launchers before they could fire, Haaretz reports.

Defrin stated that ongoing Israeli air force strikes on missile launchers have helped reduce casualties and damage inside Israel. He also said that Israeli warplanes struck nuclear weapons facilities and industrial sites involved in producing missile components and fuel.

“We have more targets to strike in Tehran, western Iran, and elsewhere,” he added, noting that Israeli air defenses intercepted drones and other missiles launched toward Israel overnight.

He warned, however, that “our defense is not airtight. Iran still has capabilities, and we know it intends to continue.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to address the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva amid the ongoing war with Israel and on the sidelines of nuclear talks with European counterparts taking place in the same city.

Araghchi will deliver a speech of around ten minutes starting at 13:00 GMT, according to the official website of the Human Rights Council. Just before his address, Israel’s ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, Daniel Meron, will speak to the press, the U.N. said Friday.

Maersk temporarily suspends ship calls to Haifa Port

Shipping company Maersk has announced a temporary suspension of its vessel calls at the Port of Haifa, Reuters reports. The company added that, as of now, no other disruptions to its regional operations have been observed.

Tehran’s ballistic missile program 'non-negotiable,' says Iran’s Foreign Minister

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on state television that Tehran’s ballistic missile program is "non-negotiable," according to Reuters. He stated that Iran’s discussions with the three European countries in Geneva will focus solely on nuclear and regional issues.

Israeli drone targets residential building in central Tehran

An Israeli drone targeted a residential building in central Tehran, according to Iranian media cited by Reuters.

Situation at Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Plant is 'normal,' says Russian official

The head of Russia’s state nuclear energy company, Alexey Likhachev, stated that Russian specialists are still working at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant and that the situation there is normal and under control. He expressed hope that Russia’s warnings to Israel not to target the facility had been heard by Israeli leaders.

Iran’s nuclear program: Diplomacy is the only long-term solution, says French Foreign Ministry

Diplomacy is the only sustainable way to resolve the issue of Iran’s nuclear program, the spokesperson for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday, just hours ahead of a key meeting on the matter in Geneva.

“This is an extremely important meeting,” the spokesperson added, according to AFP, noting that it brings together the group of three European countries that have been involved in negotiations with Iran from the beginning.

Read more here.

Key buildings at Khondab site damaged, aays IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it has information indicating that key buildings at Iran’s heavy water research facility in Khondab were damaged in the Israeli strikes, including the distillation unit, according to a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.

This is an update to the IAEA’s Thursday assessment, which stated that the reactor had been hit but no radiological impact had been observed.

"Iran is not ready to engage in talks with anyone as long as Israeli attacks continue," said Foreign Minister Araghchi on state television, according to Reuters. He added: "After our 'resistance' against Israel, I believe countries will distance themselves from this aggression."

Ali Shamkhani is in 'stable condition,' according to an Iranian state media outlet cited by Reuters.

Shamkhani, an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, had been “severely wounded” in the first wave of Israeli attacks between June 12 and 13. Some news outlets had previously reported that he had succumbed to his injuries.

Katz: 'There will be no more Hezbollah' If group attacks Israel in support of Iran

“There will be no more Hezbollah” if the militia attacks Israel in support of Iran, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said, according to Haaretz.

“The Hezbollah Secretary-General hasn’t learned the lessons of his predecessors and is threatening to act against Israel under orders from the Iranian dictator,” Katz added, a day after Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem issued a statement reaffirming support for Tehran but stopping short of declaring military involvement.

“I advise the Lebanese proxy to be cautious and understand that Israel has run out of patience with terrorists who threaten it. If there is terrorism, there will be no more Hezbollah,” Katz warned.

Five slightly injured in Iranian missile strike on Beersheba, emergency services say

Five people were lightly injured after an Iranian missile struck Beersheba this morning, according to Israeli emergency medical service Magen David Adom, as reported by Haaretz.

Paramedics treated the victims at the scene for injuries caused by the blast, smoke inhalation, and anxiety-related symptoms, before evacuating them to Soroka Medical Center.

The Israeli army also stated that the missile could not be intercepted in the south due to a “malfunction” in the interception system.

Residential building hit in southern Israel by Iranian missile

A residential building was struck by an Iranian missile in southern Israel this morning, the Israeli police said in a statement.

“Southern District police forces, along with bomb disposal experts and emergency response teams, are currently operating at the site of a projectile impact in one of the southern cities,” the statement read.

Photos show a residential building with a gaping hole in its facade, though the exact location was not disclosed. The Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom (MDA) said it received no reports of injuries.

A diplomatic 'window' still exists

Despite escalating violence, a “window still exists” for a diplomatic solution with Iran, said UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy after a meeting at the White House with U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio.

Lammy confirmed he will attend Friday’s meeting in Geneva with the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, alongside his German and French counterparts. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas will also be present.

“They will meet their Iranian counterpart [...] to call for a return to diplomacy and continue negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program,” said the French Foreign Ministry.

UN Security Council meeting

The U.N. Security Council will hold another meeting on the escalating conflict. Following an emergency session last week, the new meeting—requested by Iran and backed by Russia, China, and Pakistan—will be held Friday at 10 a.m. (14:00 GMT, 17:00 Beirut time), according to a diplomatic source cited by AFP.

Trump to decide on Iran intervention within two weeks

Donald Trump will decide “within the next two weeks” on a potential U.S. military intervention in Iran, citing a “substantial” possibility of negotiations, according to the White House, as reported by AFP.

“Given the substantial possibility of future negotiations with Iran, I will decide whether to proceed or not within the next two weeks,” the U.S. President stated Thursday night.

Iran appoints new intelligence chief

Iran has appointed a new intelligence chief for the Revolutionary Guards: Brigadier General Majid Khadami, replacing Mohammad Kazemi, who was killed Sunday in an Israeli airstrike, according to the official IRNA news agency.

Since June 13, Israeli strikes have decapitated Iran’s military leadership, killing several top officials, including the IRGC commander Hossein Salami and Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri.

Complete internet blackout in Iran

Iranian authorities have imposed a nationwide internet blackout for the past 24 hours, reported London-based watchdog NetBlocks. It is the longest outage since November 2019, when Iran saw mass protests violently suppressed by the government.

U.S. aircraft withdrawn from base in Qatar

Several dozen military aircraft have been removed from the tarmac of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, one of the largest U.S. bases in the Middle East, according to satellite images from Planet Labs PBC taken between June 5 and Friday, analyzed by AFP.

Experts suggest the withdrawal is meant to protect equipment from potential Iranian strikes if Washington intervenes in the war.

Israeli army strikes military research center in Tehran

The Israeli army announced this morning it had bombed dozens of targets in Tehran overnight, including what it called a "research and development center for Iran’s nuclear weapons project," on the eighth day of the war between Israel and Iran.

“The army conducted a series of strikes in the heart of Tehran: dozens of targets were hit, including missile production sites and the headquarters of SPND, the organization in charge of nuclear weapons R&D,” said a military statement.

According to the statement, the center develops advanced technologies and weapons for the regime’s military capabilities. The army also reported bombing facilities used for producing missile components and materials for missile engines. Four drones fired from Iran were intercepted by air defense systems.

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the war between Israel and Iran, now in its eighth day. While missile exchanges and threats continue, two key diplomatic meetings are scheduled today:

• One in Geneva, between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and European foreign ministers
• Another at the UN Security Council in New York

Catch up on what you missed yesterday and what to keep an eye out for today by reading:

👉 our Morning Brief