Iran-Israel war Highlights: Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assures of energy supplies amid escalation in middle east

This blog is now shut. Please stay with Livemint for all updates. 

The European Union's top diplomat Kaja Kallas called for de-escalation and a return to negotiations. Writing on X, Kallas wrote, “I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation. Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.”

Kallas added that EU foreign ministers would discuss the situation on June 23.

Condeming the US attacks on Iran as “lawless and criminal” behaviour, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his country had a right to defend its sovereignty.

“The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequence. The US and Israel crossed a very big red line,” he added. 

North Korea has condemned US strikes on Iran and called it a violation of the UN charter. “The Democratic People's Republic of Korea strongly denounces the attack on Iran by the US which severely violated the UN Charter with respect for sovereignty,” a spokesperson for North Korea's foreign ministry told the state news agency. 

The spokesperson added that the ongoing regional tension was an “inevitable product brought by the reckless valor of Israel” which it said “has promoted its unilateral interests through ceaseless war moves and territorial expansion”.

The US on June 22 said that its strikes “devastated” Iran's nuclear programme, and US President Donald Trump posted on social media calling it “monumental damage”.

Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social, without images: "Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term!" 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged China to hold back Iran from shutting down the crucial Strait of Hormuz trade route, AFP reported.

Speaking to Fox News, Rubio said, “I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them (Tehran) about that because they heavily depend on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil.”

He also warned that Iran choosing to hit the US economically would be a “terrible mistake”, adding: “If they do that, it will be another terrible mistake. It's economic suicide for them if they do it, and we retain options to deal with that. But other countries should be looking at that as well, it would hurt other countries' economies a lot worse than ours. It would be, I think, a massive escalation that would merit a response. Not just by us but from others.”

Russia has criticised the US for its strikes against Iran, and accused it of “opening a Pandora's Box” that could be catastrophic for global security, as per an ANI report.

Speaking at the UNSC's emergency meeting in New York, Russia's Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, condemned US' strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as “irresponsible, dangerous, and provocative”.

He said, “Washington reasserted that to further the interests of its Israeli ally, it's prepared not only to turn a blind eye to the killings of tens of thousands of Palestinian women, children and older persons but also to gamble with the safety and well-being of humanity as a whole. Through their actions, the US has opened a Pandora's box; no one knows what new catastrophes and suffering it will bring.”

The Press Information Bureau (PIB), has dismissed rumours that US B-2 Bomber jets used Indian airspace to launch strikes against Iran as “fake”.

Part of the Ministry of Broadcasting, PIB in a post on X wrote: “Several social media accounts have claimed that Indian Airspace was used by the United States to launch aircrafts against Iran during Operation #MidnightHammer. This claim is FAKE.”

“Indian Airspace was NOT used by the United States during Operation #MidnightHammer,” it categorically stated.

Addressing an emergency meeting of the UNSC, Danny Danon, Israel's Ambassador to the body, claimed that the US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities has “removed the greatest existential threat facing the free world”, AP reported. 

“Diplomacy was tried over and over, but Iran used the negotiating table as camouflage, a delay tactic, a way to buy time while building missiles and enriching uranium. Israel gave Iran years, but it wouldn't move, and when the world stood at the edge of a nuclear catastrophe, America stepped forward. Now the world must ensure Iran is never a nuclear threat again,” he said.

The global markets have dropped as investors wait and watch for the scale abd scope of Iran's retaliation against the US after fighter jets bombed the country’s key uranium enrichment plants. With Iran threatening to shut the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices in particular have been in focus, Bloomberg reported.

• Contracts for the S&P 500 declined around 0.4% and a gauge of Asian equities also retreated. 
• Global crude benchmark Brent rose almost 3% after surging as much as 5.7%. 
• The dollar climbed against the euro and most major peers. 
• Treasury yields edged higher.

He assured in a post on X, writing: “We have been closely monitoring the evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East since the past two weeks. Under the leadership of PM @narendramodi Ji, we have diversified our supplies in the past few years and a large volume of our supplies do not come through the Strait of Hormuz now.”

“Our Oil Marketing Companies have supplies of several weeks and continue to receive energy supplies from several routes. We will take all necessary steps to ensure stability of supplies of fuel to our citizens,” the minister added.

American B-2 bomber jets were part of a wide-ranging plan to hit Iran'Iran's nuclear program that Israel views as an existential threat and has been pummeling for more than a week, according to an AP report.

According to U.S. officials, one group of the stealth aircraft headed west from the base in the U.S. heartland on Saturday, intended as a decoy to throw off the Iranians.

Another flight of seven quietly flew off eastward, ultimately engaging in the Iran mission. Aided by an armada of refueling tankers and fighter jets — some of which launched their own weapons — U.S. pilots dropped 14 30,000-pound bombs early Sunday local time on two key underground uranium enrichment plants in Iran.

The B-2 stealth bombers that dropped massive bunker-buster bombs on Iranian nuclear facilities returned to the Whiteman Air Force base in Missouri, the White House informed and posted a video on social media platform X of the jets.

According to an AP report, seven of the B-2 Spirit bombers came in for landing at Whiteman Air Force Base situated about 117 km southeast of Kansas City, is home to the 509th Bomb Wing, the only U.S. military unit that operates the B-2 Spirit bombers.

"It’s not politically correct to use the term, “Regime Change,” but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!" US President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Acting US Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea told the council that the time had come for Washington to act decisively, urging the Security Council to call upon Iran to end its effort to eradicate Israel and terminate its drive for nuclear weapons.

"Iran long obfuscated its nuclear weapons program and stonewalled our good-faith efforts in recent negotiations," she said. "The Iranian regime cannot have a nuclear weapon."

The IAEA also confirmed that parts of the Isfahan nuclear complex — specifically entrances to tunnels used to store highly enriched uranium — were struck in the US airstrikes.

“We have established that entrances to underground tunnels at the site were impacted,” the IAEA said in a formal statement issued Sunday.

Grossi elaborated in his Security Council remarks: “Entrances to tunnels used for the storage of enriched material appear to have been hit,” adding that much of Iran’s 60% enriched uranium is believed to be stored at Isfahan.

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), confirmed significant surface damage at Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, one of the country’s main uranium enrichment centers.

“There are visible craters at Iran’s key Fordow nuclear facility, indicating the use by the United States of America of ground-penetrating munitions,” he said.

However, the IAEA chief noted that the full extent of the damage remains unknown.

“No one, including the IAEA, is currently in a position to assess the underground damage at Fordow.”

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), also addressed the UN Security Council via video link, cautioning against further conflict and underscoring the stakes for the global nuclear order.

“We have a window of opportunity to return to dialogue and diplomacy,” Grossi said.

“If that window closes, violence and destruction could reach unthinkable levels, and the global non-proliferation regime as we know it could crumble and fall.”

Grossi stressed that nuclear facilities must never be targets in military operations: “Armed attacks on nuclear facilities should never take place and could result in radioactive releases with grave consequences within and beyond the boundaries of the State which has been attacked.”

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said the US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities “marks a perilous turn in a region that is already reeling.”

“Two days ago, in this very chamber, I made a direct appeal: give peace a chance. That call was not heeded,” he said at a United Nations Security Council emergency meeting on Sunday. “Instead, the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States marks a perilous turn in a region that is already reeling.”

Guterres said he has “repeatedly condemned any military escalation in the Middle East,” adding that “the people of the region cannot endure another cycle of destruction. And yet, we now risk descending into a rat hole of retaliation after retaliation.” (CNN)

US Mission to Saudi Arabia advises personnel and US citizens:

US personnel in Saudi Arabia have been advised to exercise heightened caution due to regional hostilities.

Both US government personnel and American citizens are advised to limit non-essential travel to military sites.

All travelers are encouraged to review recent Security Alerts and reassess their travel plans for potential disruptions.

US Mission staffing and consular operations remain unchanged and are functioning as usual.

US citizens are urged to maintain a personal safety plan and prepare for unexpected crisis scenarios while living or traveling abroad.

"We have achieved a great deal, and thanks to President Trump, we have moved closer to our goals," Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised press conference, adding that "when they have been reached, the operation will finish".

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for a response to US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

“The Americans must receive a response to their aggression,” Pezeshkian told French President Emmanuel Macron. The statement was reported by Iran’s official news agency, IRNA.

The UK, France, and Germany responded collectively to the US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

The three countries urged Iran to return to negotiations to reach a comprehensive agreement on its nuclear program.

They emphasised the need for any future deal to address all international concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The statement reinforced support for diplomatic solutions over military escalation.

The European powers stressed that regional and international security depends on Iran’s nuclear program remaining peaceful.

The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday to discuss the US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

The emergency session was requested by Iran, according to a UN source cited by CNN.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, is expected to speak to reporters before the Security Council convenes.

Key points from the statement by Ali Shamkhani, adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader:

- Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile remains intact despite US strikes on key nuclear facilities.

- Shamkhani emphasised that the "game isn't over" — pointing to Iran’s retained enriched materials, scientific knowledge, and political will.

- He warned that strategy will determine the outcome, saying the initiative lies with the side that “plays smart” and avoids “blind strikes.”

- He concluded with a veiled threat, saying: “Surprises will continue!” — hinting at potential retaliation or escalation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio refrained from specifying whether the U.S. would respond with military force if Iran attempted to close the Strait of Hormuz or if Iranian proxy groups targeted oil infrastructure. "I'm not going to take options away from the president, that's not something we're talking about right now in terms of being immediate."

Rubio acknowledged that while such a move would impact the U.S., it would have far greater consequences globally—particularly for China.

"That would be a suicidal move on [Iran's] part, because I think the whole world would come against them if they did that," Rubio said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States has no intention of launching further strikes on Iran—unless Iran provokes a response.

Rubio said the U.S. mission "was not an attack on Iran, it was not an attack on the Iranian people. This wasn't a regime change move. This was designed to degrade and or destroy three nuclear sites."

"What happens next will now depend on what Iran chooses to do next," Rubio said. "If they choose the path of diplomacy, we're ready. We can do a deal that's good for them, the Iranian people, and good for the world. If they choose another route, then there will be consequences for that."

"We're prepared, right now, if they call right now and say, 'We want to meet, let's talk about this,' we're prepared to do that," Rubio said.

Iran's Atomic Energy Organization's spokesperson Kamalvandi has acknowledged that this is not the first time that their nuclear facilities have been targeted. The spokesperson also said that they have resources and capabilities to continue with its projects surrounding the nuclear industry. 

Israel-Iran war LIVE Updates: Ireland’s leaders said that a negotiated solution is needed following the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities

Israel-Iran war LIVE Updates: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed that the US strikes had “devastated the Iranian nuclear programme,” as per multiple reports

Israel-Iran war LIVE Updates: Russia strongly condemned the "irresponsible" US strikes Iran's nuclear facilities, asserting that it "grossly violates" international law, UN Charter and UNSC resolutions

Israel-Iran war LIVE Updates: Russia Security Council's Deputy Chairman, Dmitry Medvedev has weighed down heavily on US's latest strikes, stating that at this rate, “Trump can forget about the Nobel Peace Prize”

Israel-Iran war LIVE Updates: Reportedly, Iran's FM Araghchi is enroute Moscow, to meet Vladimir Putin tomorrow

Israel-Iran war LIVE Updates: Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde while commenting about US's strikes on Iran said that “war is not a solution.” He added that peace is crucial for growth, and that "PM Modi also wants to maintain peace in every country."

Israel-Iran war LIVE Updates: In a statement cited by Turkiye’s Anadolu news agency, the ministry emphasised that the nuclear dispute could only be resolved through negotiations and urged all sides to act with responsibility, reported Al Jazeera.

Israel-Iran war LIVE Updates: Russia Security Council's Vice Chairman, Dmitry Medvedev said that “Trump, who came as a peacemaker president, started a new war for the US."

Israel-Iran war LIVE Updates: Maharashtra Samajwadi Party president Abu Asim Azmi said that “America's interference in our country should end." He claimed that Khamenei's grandfather was born in India, Barabanki, and that he has Indian blood in him.

Israel-Iran war LIVE Updates: In a call that lasted about 45 minutes, Iran president described “India as a friend and partner in promoting regional peace, security and stability” and thanked Prime Minister Modi for India's position and call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy, sources told ANI.

Israel-Iran war LIVE Updates: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for negotiations stating that Iran’s nuclear programme is a “grave threat” which the US military action would “alleviate”

Israel-Iran war LIVE Updates: Germany‘s Chancellor Merz called on Ira to re-enter nuclear talks with the US so there can be a diplomatic solution. Meanwhile, European Commission President said that the ‘negotiating table is the only place to end this crisis.’

Israel-Iran war LIVE Updates: The Kremlin said that Russia's President Vladimir Putin had no plans to speak to Donald Trump, but added the call could be quickly arranged, state news agency TASS reported.

Israel-Iran war LIVE Updates: France expressed "concern" over US air strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and called on all parties to "exercise restraint" to avoid greater conflict.

Israel-Iran war LIVE Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Iran President and “expressed deep concern at the recent escalations.” PM Modi said he reiterated India's call for" immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability.”

Israel-Iran war LIVE Updates: Iran's Foreign Minister Aragchi took to X, claiming that it was always the US, Israel that has ‘blown up diplomacy.’ To "Britain and the EU High Rep, it is Iran which must "return" to the table. But how can Iran return to something it never left, let alone blew up?" Araghchi wrote.

US President Donald Trump said three nuclear sites in Iran were “successfully” targetted as the country joined Israel's offensive against the Islamic Republic.

He added that the Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan sites were hit, with Fordow being one of the most important ones. Read here for everything to know about what these sites do, and why they are important to Iran's nuclear program.

Kuwait's finance ministry said it has set up shelters in the country's ministries complex following US bombing of nuclear facilities in Iran, according to a Reuters report. 

Qatar's foreign ministry in a statement on June 22 warned of “catastrophic consequences” to the US bombing three nuclear sites in Iran. 

The statement called it a “dangerous escalation in the region” that “may lead to catastrophic consequences at both the regional and international levels”, and called on “all parties to exercise wisdom, restraint, and to avoid further escalation”.

Israel has claimed it hit two of Iran's F-5 fighter jets at the Dezful airport and released black-and-white footage of one being destroyed, AP reported on June 22. Earlier, Israel had also hit the Iranian military's F-14 Tomcats. 

Besides the jets, Israel also said it has hit the area around Isfahan airport.

Meanwhile, Iran has not ackowledged any loss of aircraft or other materials, the report added. On it part, it said that 40 missiles, including the Khorramshahr-4 (which carries multiple warheads), have been launched towards Israel on June 22, as per the report. 

The Australian government has called for “de-escalation, dialog and diplomacy” after the US bombed three nuclear facilities in Iran. 

However, PM Anthony Albanese was yet to comment publicly on the strikes. The country is a close ally to the US, but Albanese has been critical of Trump's policies. A spokesperson earlier said the government has been clear that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security.

Egyptian foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has postponed his two-day scheduled visit to India, which was set to begin tomorrow (June 23), amid escalating tension in the middle-east after the US bombed Iranian nuclear facilities, PTI reported.

An official told the agecy that Abdelatty's trip to India, where he was set to hold wide-ranging talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, has now been pushed back.