Iran could start making a nuclear bomb within months despite Donald Trump’s claims the country’s nuclear sites had been “obliterated”, the UN nuclear watchdog chief warned.
It comes as Iran’s top cleric issued a fatwa against Trump and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for being “enemies of God”, according to Iranian state media.
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said US strikes on three sites on 22 June had caused severe but "not total" damage to Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Trump claimed the attack, which hit Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan with 14 30,000-pound “bunker-busting” bombs, had “totally obliterated” Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
But Grossi said: “Frankly speaking, one cannot claim that everything has disappeared and there is nothing there.”
Meanwhile, new satellite imagery revealed construction vehicles including an excavator near one of the Fordow’s shafts.
Images from Maxar Technologies showed that the bombardment had completely caved in entrance tunnels to the site.
Key points
- Iran could start 'making nuclear bomb within months'
- New satellite images show work at Iran’s Fordow site
- Top Iran cleric issues fatwa against Trump and Netanyahu
- Netanyahu's long-running corruption trial delayed
- Israel seeks diplomatic ties with Syria and Lebanon
What is the IDF and why did Bob Vylan chant about them at Glastonbury?
15:33 , Alexander Butler
What is the IDF and why did Bob Vylan chant about them at Glastonbury?
Iran almost assassinated former Trump Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in 2022, new book claims
15:30 , Alexander Butler
Iran ‘almost assassinated former Trump Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in 2022’
Iran's judiciary says Israeli airstrike on Evin prison killed 79 people
15:15 , Alexander ButlerThe Iranian judiciary has revised the number of people killed in an Israeli strike on Tehran’s Evin prison, increasing the figure to 79 people.
The 23 June attack, the day before the ceasefire between Israel and Iran took hold, hit several prison buildings and prompted concerns about the safety of the inmates, many of whom were detained for political reasons by the Iranian government
Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir previously said that the attack had hit the prison’s infirmary, engineering building, judicial affairs and visitation hall, where visiting family members were killed and injured.
Watch: Trump claims enriched uranium too 'heavy' for Iran to evade destruction
15:00 , Alexander ButlerDozens killed in Israeli strikes ahead of White House talks
14:45 , Alexander ButlerIsraeli strikes killed at least 58 people across Gaza on Monday as residents in the enclave's north reported one of the heaviest bombardments in weeks, while Israeli officials were due in Washington for a new ceasefire push by the Trump administration.
A day after US President Donald Trump urged an end to the 20-month-old war, a confidant of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected at the White House for talks on a Gaza ceasefire, Iran, and possible wider regional diplomatic deals.
But on the ground in the Palestinian enclave, there was no sign of fighting letting up. The Israeli military issued evacuation orders on Monday to residents in large districts in the northern Gaza Strip, forcing a new wave of displacement.
“Explosions never stopped; they bombed schools and homes. It felt like earthquakes,” said Salah, 60, a father of five children, from Gaza City.
“In the news we hear a ceasefire is near, on the ground we see death and we hear explosions.”
Israeli tanks pushed into the eastern areas of Zeitoun suburb in Gaza City and shelled several areas in the north, while aircraft bombed at least four schools after ordering hundreds of families sheltering inside to leave, residents said.
Full story: Trump calls on Israel to ‘make the deal in Gaza’ as Netanyahu set to visit Washington
14:21 , Rachel Clun
Trump calls on Israel to ‘make the deal in Gaza’ as Netanyahu set for US visit
In picutres: New satellite images show work at Fordow nuclear facility
14:00 , Rachel ClunSatellite images taken in the week after the US airstrikes on Iran’s three nuclear sites show activity at the Fordow facility, which Donald Trump claimed was “completely and totally obliterated” in last week’s attack.
Parts of Iranian airspace reopened for international transit flights
13:41 , Rachel ClunOnly international transit flights will be allowed into Iran’s airspace, a government spokesperson said.
Iran’s western and central airspace will be opened to those flights, a spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Roads and Urban Development said on Monday, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Internal flights from western Iran to Tehran are not yet permitted, the spokesperson said.
In pictures: Memorial service for Ukrainians killed in Iranian missile attack on Israel
13:21 , Rachel ClunPeople attend a memorial service ceremony for five Ukrainian citizens who were killed in a Iranian missile strike as they stand next to a damaged residential building in Bat Yam, Israel on Monday.
UK, France and Germany denounce threats against UN nuclear watchdog boss
13:01 , Rachel ClunSeveral countries have denounced threats against the head of the UN nuclear watchdog on Monday, after a hardline Iranian newspaper said the International Atomic Energy Agency boss Rafael Grossi should be tried and executed as an Israeli agent.
"France, Germany and the United Kingdom condemn threats against the Director General of the IAEA Rafael Grossi and reiterate our full support to the Agency and the DG in carrying out their mandate," said a statement from the three countries' foreign ministries.
The ministries also called on Iran to “immediately resume full cooperation” with the agency, and to ensure the safety of all IAEA personnel.
Iran's hardline Kayhan newspaper, closely associated with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accused Grossi of ties to Israel's Mossad intelligence agency and said he should be sentenced to death if he entered the country.
Iranian officials have not publicly endorsed the newspaper article. But Foreign minister Abbas Araqhchi said Grossi was not welcome in the country, and foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the country could not yet guarantee the safety of IAEA inspectors.
Israeli strikes on Iran killed 935 during 12-day war, judiciary spokesperson says
12:39 , Rachel Clun, ReutersIran says 935 people were killed in Israeli strikes on the country during the 12-day war, according to Iran’s judiciary spokesperson.
Asghar Jahangir told state media on Monday that the figure was based on the latest forensic data, and added that the number includes 38 children and 132 women.
Netanyahu condemns 'fanatic few' after West Bank IDF base attacked by settlers
12:20 , Alexander ButlerIsraeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned a “fanatic few” Israeli settlers after Israeli troops were attacked by them in the West Bank.
The Israeli military said it was attacked by settlers after troops stopped them driving toward a closed military zone near the Palestinian village of Kafr Malik, where days earlier settlers set fire to homes and vehicles.
Mr Netanyahu said the attack was “violent and anarchic” and urged it to be investigated.
He defended the wider Israeli settlement in the West Bank as a “model and an example of developing the land”
Israeli West Bank settlements are illegal under international law, with Israeli citizens building towns and villages on Palestinian land.
Trump yet to respond to Iran's top cleric fatwa
12:00 , Alexander ButlerIran’s top cleric has issued a fatwa against US president Donald Trump and Israeli prime minister Netanyahu for being “enemies of God”, according to Iranian state media.
On Sunday, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi said the US president and Mr Netanyahu were guilty of “mohareb”, waging war against God, following attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Mr Trump insisted the strikes, which targeted three of Iran’s nuclear sites, were a success, despite US intelligence suggesting damage was limited. He has yet to respond to the fatwa.
Comment: Iran’s desire for nuclear weapons has only been spurred on by US strikes – no matter what Trump says
11:45 , Alexander ButlerBy World Affairs Editor Sam Kiley
Iran’s desire for nuclear weapons has only been spurred on by US strikes
UN watchdog and intercepted Iran call undermine Trump’s boasts about ending nuke program
11:21
Intercepted Iran call undermines Trump’s boasts about ending nuke program
Iran could start enriching uranium for bomb within months, UN nuclear chief warns
11:02 , Alexander ButlerIran could start enriching uranium for a possible nuclear bomb within months, the UN nuclear watchdog chief warned on Saturday.
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said the US strikes on three Iranian sites last weekend had caused severe but "not total" damage to Tehran’s nuclear programme.
On Monday, Mr Trump again claimed the US strikes, which hit Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan with 14 30,000-pound “bunker-busting” bombs last Sunday, had “totally obliterated” Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
"Frankly speaking, one cannot claim that everything has disappeared and there is nothing there," Mr Grossi said.
“[Tehran could have] in a matter of months a few cascades of centrifuges spinning and producing enriched uranium.”
Trump 'not talking' to Iran after US strikes
10:59 , Alexander ButlerUS president Donald Trump has said he is not talking to Tehran following US airstrikes on three of Iran’s nuclear sites.
“I am not offering Iran ANYTHING... nor am I even talking to them since we totally OBLITERATED their nuclear facilities,” Mr Trump said on social media.
US warplanes attacked Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan with 14 30,000-pound “bunker-busting” bombs last Sunday morning.
Mr Trump has insisted the strikes were a success, despite early US intelligence suggesting damage was limited.
Yesterday, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi told CBS Iran could resume enriching uranium "in a matter of months".
Pro-Palestinian group loses High Court challenge over exports of jet parts to Israel
10:52 , Alexander ButlerA Palestinian human rights organisation has lost a High Court challenge over the Government’s decision to continue exporting parts of fighter jets to Israel amid the conflict in Gaza.
Al-Haq took legal action against the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) over its decision to continue licensing exports of components for F-35 fighter jets, telling a hearing in May that it was unlawful and “gives rise to a significant risk of facilitating crime”.
In September last year, the Government suspended export licences for weapons and military equipment following a review of Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law in the conflict.
But an exemption was made for some licences related to parts for F-35s, which are part of an international defence programme.
The DBT defended the challenge, with its barristers telling a four-day hearing in London that the carve-out is “consistent with the rules of international law”.
In a 72-page ruling on Monday, Lord Justice Males and Mrs Justice Steyn said the case was about a “much more focused issue” than the carve-out itself.
Two-state solution would threaten Israel's security, says foreign minister
10:47 , Alexander ButlerIsrael has rejected the idea of a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict as it would endanger Israel
Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar said a Palestinian state would “threaten the security” of Israel when asked about the proposal.
Mr Sa’ar said Israel would seek normalisation with Syria and Lebanon as part of the stalled Abraham Accords, but rejected the creation of a Palestinian state as part of that.
New satellite images show work at Iran’s Fordow nuclear site after US bombing
10:32 , Alexander ButlerSatellite pictures taken in the week after the US airstrikes on Iran’s three nuclear sites show activity at the Fordow facility, which Donald Trump claimed was “completely and totally obliterated” in last week’s attack.
Images from Maxar Technologies show construction vehicles including an excavator near one of the shafts at the Fordow nuclear facility which was struck by US bunker buster bombs on 22 June.
Other images show that the bombardment had completely caved in entrance tunnels to the site.
Read the full story here:
New satellite images show work at Iran’s Fordow nuclear site after US bombing
Israel's strike on Iran’s Evin prison sparks fear for political prisoners
10:20 , Alexander Butler
Israel's strike on Iran’s Evin prison sparks fear for political prisoners
Israel seeks diplomatic ties with Syria and Lebanon
10:12 , Alexander ButlerIsrael is seeking diplomatic ties with Syria and Lebanon, but will not negotiate the fate of the Golan Heights in any peace agreement, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said.
Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria in the Six-Day war of 1967 following an attempted invasion of Israel by Arab armies.
An armistice line was established and the region came under Israeli military control. Almost immediately Israel began to settle the Golan.
Iran says Trump shifting stance on sanctions amounts to 'psychological and media games'
10:05 , Alexander ButlerIran criticised on Monday US president Donald Trump's shifting stance on whether to lift economic sanctions against Tehran as "games" that were not aimed at solving the problems between the two countries.
"These [statements by Trump] should be viewed more in the context of psychological and media games than as a serious expression in favour of dialogue or problem-solving," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said.
Trump calls on Israel to ‘make the deal in Gaza’ as Netanyahu set to visit Washington
10:03 , Alexander ButlerDonald Trump has urged for progress in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas as Benjamin Netanyahu looks set to travel to Washington DC.
Trump declared “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!” in a post on Truth Social on Sunday (29 June), after raising expectations on Friday that an agreement could be signed within the next week.
Plans are being made for Israeli prime minister Netanyahu to visit DC in the coming weeks, an Israeli official has told Associated Press, as one of his top advisors Ron Dermer travels to the US this coming week for ceasefire talks.
Trump calls on Israel to ‘make the deal in Gaza’ as Netanyahu set for US visit
Netanyahu's long-running corruption trial delayed
09:51 , Alexander ButlerIsraeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-running corruption trial has been postponed after US president Donald Trump called for it to be cancelled.
The Jerusalem District Court cancelled this week's hearings after accepting a request the Israeli leader made citing classified diplomatic and security grounds.
Last week, Mr Trump vowed to “save” Mr Netanyahu and referred to the case as a politically motivated“witch hunt”.
Mr Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust and denies all of them.
Pictured: Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi
09:47 , Alexander Butler
Top Iran cleric issues fatwa against Trump and Netanyahu
09:29 , Alexander ButlerIran’s top cleric has issued a fatwa against US president Donald Trump and Israeli prime minister Netanyahu for being “enemies of God”, according to Iranian state media.
Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi said the US president and Mr Netanyahu were guilty of “mohareb”, waging war against God, following attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Those identified as “mohareb” can face execution, crucifixion, limb amputation, or exile, according to Iranian Sharia law.
The fatwa said: “Any person or regime that threatens or assaults the leadership and religious authority of the Islamic Ummah is considered a mohareb.”
