LIVE UPDATES | Iran, “Israel” trade blows as air war rages between arch-foes

Iranian state media reported on Wednesday that an 'Israeli' drone was intercepted and downed in the central province of Isfahan.

According to the official outlets, Iranian air defenses responded to what they described as a hostile unmanned aerial vehicle, claiming it was launched by 'Israel' and entered Iranian airspace.

The United States announced the temporary closure of its embassy in Jerusalem, citing ongoing security threats and coordination with 'Israeli' authorities.

In a statement shared on Tuesday, the embassy said, "Given the security situation and in compliance with Israel Home Front Command guidance, the US Embassy in Jerusalem will be closed tomorrow (Wednesday, June 18) through Friday (June 20). This includes the Consular Sections in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv."

Tensions remained high along the northern front on Wednesday as sirens echoed across parts of the southern Golan Heights, prompting concern among residents and security personnel.

According to a statement from the 'Israeli' Home Front Command, the alerts were activated due to a suspected infiltration by hostile drones into the area.

"Sirens sound in southern Golan over fears of drone infiltration," the command confirmed.

'Israel' has begun efforts to repatriate its citizens stranded abroad. On Wednesday, the first aircraft under “Operation Safe Return” touched down at Ben Gurion Airport, marking the beginning of a coordinated evacuation initiative.

“Just a short while ago, the first flight of Operation Safe Return landed at Ben Gurion Airport,” announced the Israel Airports Authority in an official statement. The flight was operated by national airline El Al and transported 'Israeli' citizens from Larnaca, Cyprus.

The operation comes in response to widespread flight cancellations triggered by the ongoing regional conflict.

'Israel' announced on Wednesday that its air force had carried out a wide-scale aerial assault targeting key Iranian facilities, including a centrifuge production site believed to be linked to Iran’s nuclear program.

According to a statement released by the 'Israeli' military, over 50 fighter jets took part in the airstrikes, which were concentrated in and around the Tehran area.

“More than 50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets... carried out a series of air strikes in the Tehran area over the past few hours,” the statement read.

“As part of the broad effort to disrupt Iran's nuclear weapons development program, a centrifuge production facility in Tehran was targeted.”

In addition to the centrifuge facility, 'Israeli' forces also bombed multiple weapons production sites, striking facilities used to manufacture key materials and components for surface-to-surface missiles.

“During the wave of attacks, several weapons manufacturing sites were struck, including facilities for producing raw materials and components used to assemble surface-to-surface missiles,” the army added.

Iran has unveiled its first hypersonic missile, "Fattah", a strategic development that signals a major shift in regional power dynamics and goes far beyond traditional deterrence.

The "Fattah" missile marks a significant breakthrough in Iran's missile technology. Capable of reaching speeds between Mach 13 and 15, over 15 times the speed of sound, the missile can strike targets deep inside 'Israeli'-occupied territory in just 336 seconds. Its ability to maneuver mid-flight and jam radar signals makes it particularly dangerous, rendering advanced air defense systems like the Iron Dome and David’s Sling largely ineffective.

With a range of 1,400km, the missile can hit critical targets without being launched from close proximity, minimizing the chances of early detection or interception. Its unveiling comes at a sensitive moment, as 'Israeli' airstrikes intensify against positions linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. The timing suggests a calculated message to both Tel Aviv and Washington: any large-scale attack on Iran will be met with a response that surpasses the limits of existing defense systems.

The deployment of "Fattah" reflects a deeper transformation in Iran's military doctrine, one that prioritizes speed, precision, and technological edge over traditional force projection. It signals a transition from conventional attrition warfare to high-tech conflict, raising the stakes in an already volatile region.

Analysts view the missile not only as a tool of deterrence but as a statement of intent: Iran is prepared for a direct confrontation and is showcasing its advanced capabilities at a moment designed to maximize strategic impact. The introduction of such a weapon dramatically alters the security landscape, introducing a new level of unpredictability to the ongoing confrontation.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, air raid sirens were triggered across several locations in northern 'Israel' following what the 'Israeli' military described as a "hostile aircraft infiltration."

According to a statement from the Israel Occupation Forces (IOF), sirens sounded between 5:55 AM and 5:57 AM in accordance with established protocols after a suspicious aerial object crossed into 'Israeli' airspace from the east.

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) responded swiftly, intercepting the object shortly after it entered the country’s northern airspace. The IOF did not specify the nature of the object or where exactly it was intercepted.

“The public is requested to continue following the instructions of the Home Front Command,” the IOF said, without providing further details on potential damage or casualties.

Air raid sirens were activated early Monday across large parts of the Upper and Lower Galilee, as 'Israeli' authorities expressed concern over a possible infiltration of drones into the area. 

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced early Wednesday that it used the first generation of Fattah ballistic missiles during the 11th wave of Operation “True Promise 3.”

The IRGC declared that the strike marks the beginning of the end of what it called the “myth” of the 'Israeli' air defense systems, claiming the missiles demonstrated Iran’s aerial superiority over the entity.

Iranian news outlet Nour News reported a loud explosion was heard near the Hakimiyeh and Tehranpars neighborhoods in eastern Tehran on Wednesday.

Iran’s air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed multiple incoming targets believed to be launched by ‘Israeli’ forces.

Hebrew media reported early Wednesday that the 'Israeli' Air Force is currently carrying out aerial attacks in various locations across Iran.

Central Israel was rocked by two successive waves of missile strikes shortly after midnight, as 30 Iranian rockets reportedly hit various areas within a 20-minute span.

Air raid sirens blared once more across Tel Aviv, followed by reports of loud explosions shaking several parts of the city.

The 'Israeli' Home Front Command has confirmed that a new wave of rockets was launched from Iran, targeting central parts of ‘Israel’.

An Iranian missile successfully penetrated the 'Israeli' Iron Dome defense system and landed in Tel Aviv.

'Israeli' Prime Minister’s Office announced that Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump.

'Israeli' media reported that the conversation took place shortly before Trump consulted with his national security team.

Alert period ends as sirens blare across Jordan

Public Security Directorate (PSD) of Jordan issued a statement urging all citizens and residents to remain in their current locations and avoid windows and open areas for their safety.

Authorities also called on everyone to follow instructions and guidelines issued by the relevant official bodies.

The alert comes after the detection of unidentified flying objects in the skies over the kingdom.

The Public Security continues monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary.

The 'Israeli' military announced that rockets were recently detected being launched from Iran toward 'Israeli' territory.

'Israeli' air defense systems are currently operating to intercept and neutralize the incoming threats.

Air raid sirens echo across Jordan

Hamas strongly condemned the recent threats made by the United States and expressed its rejection of the continued 'Israeli' aggression against Iran, describing it as a blatant violation of international law.

The movement warned of the grave dangers of direct American involvement in any aggression against Iran.

Hamas held both Washington and 'Israel' fully responsible for any consequences that may arise from escalating tensions.

The United Arab Emirates announced on Tuesday that Iranian nationals currently in the country will be exempted from fines related to delayed departure, whether they are residents or visitors on any type of entry visa.

The decision comes under the directives of President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and responds to the exceptional circumstances affecting the region.

Iranian authorities have warned their citizens against using popular messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and location-tracking applications, describing them as “primary methods” employed by Tel Aviv to identify and target individuals.

The warning, reported by Iran’s official state broadcaster on Tuesday citing a security report, comes amid escalating tensions and mutual threats between Tehran and Tel Aviv.

According to the report, following recent assassinations carried out by Mossad and the Israeli Occupation Forces—including the killing of Iranian scientists—the 'Israeli' regime is reportedly using mobile phone tracking to target individuals within Iran.

The report stressed that under these circumstances, using such applications is dangerous. It instructed citizens to turn off their mobile phones before moving locations and warned against carrying phones into “sensitive areas.”

The security advisory also urged the public, especially employees of sensitive institutions, to use secure communication lines and avoid unsafe apps.

Iranian media reported the arrest of a suspected espionage cell allegedly linked to the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad.

The group was found in possession of explosives in an operation conducted southwest of Tehran.

The United States has raised the alert level for its military forces stationed across bases in the Middle East, according to US officials cited by The New York Times on Tuesday.

Speculation is mounting in 'Israeli' media and political circles that the United States could join the ongoing conflict with Iran as early as tonight, amid a rapid escalation in regional hostilities.

US President Donald Trump has concluded a high-level meeting with his national security team in the White House Situation Room, according to CNN. 

The meeting, which lasted over an hour, came amid heightened regional tensions following the escalation between “Israel” and Iran. 

Two Iranian military personnel were killed in a suspected “Israeli” strike targeting a military facility in Qom Province, south of Tehran, according to the local Crisis Management Department.

In a recent interview with Israeli Channel 14, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a firm stance against Iran’s missile and nuclear threats.

Netanyahu stated, “I have ordered the elimination of Iran’s missile and nuclear threat.” He revealed that Iran planned to produce 300 rockets monthly and build up to 22,000 missiles within six years, a stockpile equivalent to two nuclear bombs.

“This situation demands decisive action, and we will witness a transformed Middle East unlike anything we have seen before,” he added.

Netanyahu emphasized, “There is no alternative to victory—and it will be total victory. I said this at the beginning and I say it now as well. We are on our way to achieving it.”

He blamed Iran and its proxies for the threats facing ‘Israel’, adding: “We have dealt with them methodically. First, we struck Hamas very hard—and it’s not over yet. It’s not over. We will eliminate them and free all the captives.”

“The captives are always on my mind, even in these very hours,” he stressed.

Netanyahu noted that ‘Israel’ is currently fighting on seven fronts, with Iran being the central one. “I keep my eyes focused on Iran all the time. There are operations underway right now—you’ll hear about them too. And I hope there will be more good news to come.”

The US State Department has established a dedicated task force to support American citizens seeking to exit Israel and other countries in the Middle East amid rising tensions linked to the conflict with Iran. While no official government evacuations are planned at this time, the task force aims to provide vital assistance and information.

Managed by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the team operates around the clock to help US citizens and lawful permanent residents who wish to return home.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, “We continue to monitor the complex and rapidly evolving situation on the ground as we assess and respond to the needs of US citizens.”

She did not disclose how many Americans have contacted the task force so far.

Currently, about 700,000 Americans, including many dual US-Israeli nationals, are in Israel, with thousands more located in other Middle Eastern countries such as Iran.

Sirens blare in Jordan signaling end of alert period

The 'Israeli' Home Front Command announced on Tuesday that rocket sirens had been activated in multiple areas across northern ‘Israel’ amid reports of incoming projectiles from Iran.

The military confirmed that its systems detected missile launches from Iranian territory, prompting the alert. 

Air raid sirens blare in Jordan for fifth time today

US President Donald Trump is set to convene his National Security team on Tuesday to make key decisions regarding the ongoing war between ‘Israel’ and Iran, according to a report by Axios.

Three American officials confirmed that the meeting will take place in the White House Situation Room at 1 PM local time, where Trump is expected to decide on the direction of US policy toward the escalating conflict.

In ‘Israel’, officials believe that US involvement is imminent. One senior Israeli official was quoted as saying, “President Trump wants to be remembered as someone who helped bring down the regime, not someone who stayed on the sidelines during the most significant security event of the 21st century.”

Meanwhile, three US officials told Reuters that the US military has begun deploying additional fighter jets to the Middle East and expanding the presence of other warplanes. The reinforcements include F-16, F-22, and F-35 aircraft, intended primarily for defensive missions such as intercepting drones and Iranian projectiles.

The developments come as Trump escalates his rhetoric toward Iran. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, “We know exactly where the so-called Supreme Leader is hiding. He’s an easy target, but we’re not taking him out—at least not yet.”

He continued, “We don’t want rockets fired at our civilians or soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” followed by a separate post reading: “Unconditional surrender!”

In another statement, Trump declared that the United States now has “complete and total control over Iranian airspace,” praising American weapons systems without directly mentioning ‘Israel’. “Nobody does it better than the United States,” he added.

The situation remains fluid as tensions rise and the US inches closer to direct involvement in the regional conflict.

Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the condition of former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad following a shooting incident in Tehran.

Some reports claim Ahmadinejad was shot and seriously injured, while others suggest he may have died. However, no official confirmation has yet been issued by Iranian authorities.

Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Al-Momani said in an interview with Roya that claims suggesting Jordan is siding with any party in the ongoing regional conflict are "false and unacceptable."

Momani emphasized that His Majesty King Abdullah II’s address at the European Parliament carried a clear message: “War does not bring peace.”

He reiterated that Jordan's stance remains firm, asserting, “The Kingdom has made it clear that it will not, under any circumstances, allow its sovereignty to be compromised.”

Momani added that the King’s speech sent a strong signal about the dangers of ongoing escalation and the importance of upholding international law and peace efforts.

He added that Jordan remains neutral and principled in its stance, prioritizing national interests amid growing regional tensions.

The US military is preparing to provide in-flight refueling for 'Israeli' aircraft in the event of an attack on Iran, according to two sources cited by CNN.

The sources indicated that the aerial refueling would be part of a broader scope of US military involvement in support of 'Israel', pending formal approval from President Donald Trump.

One of the sources revealed that this potential cooperation is among the main reasons for the recent deployment of more than 30 American aerial refueling tankers to the Middle East.

This is intended to provide President Donald Trump with military options should he choose to escalate U.S. involvement in the region

Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces warned civilians in occupied Palestine, particularly in Tel Aviv and Haifa, to evacuate “to preserve their lives.”

He added that Iran has delivered “severe strikes” against enemy positions, targeting sensitive and vital sites.

Russia’s representative to the United Nations issued a series of stark warnings on Tuesday, cautioning against escalating hostilities in the Middle East while expressing Moscow’s readiness to mediate between 'Israel' and Iran.

Speaking to reporters at the UN headquarters, the Russian envoy emphasized the gravity of the current situation. “The escalation in the Middle East risks slipping into a full-scale war,” he said.

He stressed the need for restraint, warning, “Hostilities between Israel and Iran must stop due to the dangerous nature of the situation.” Of particular concern, the envoy added, is the possibility of environmental and humanitarian catastrophe if attacks on nuclear facilities continue. “There is a risk of nuclear material leakage because Israel is bombing Iranian nuclear facilities,” he warned.

The Russian representative also noted that Iran may be open to returning to negotiations over its nuclear program. “I believe Iran is ready to enter talks regarding its nuclear program, but Israel must stop its attacks,” he said, linking progress on diplomacy to the cessation of military strikes.

While acknowledging that no mediation efforts are currently underway, the Russian envoy indicated Moscow’s willingness to play a role if requested.

“There are currently no Russian mediation efforts between Israel and Iran, but we are ready to take on that role,” he stated.

Sirens go off in Jordan to signal end of alert period

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States knows “exactly” where Iran’s Supreme Leader is hiding, calling him “an easy target.”

“We know exactly where the Supreme Leader of Iran is hiding. He’s a very easy target,” Trump stated in remarks likely to stir further tensions.

However, Trump made it clear that the US has no immediate plans to eliminate him.

On the issue of Iran’s stance, Trump spoke of “unconditional surrender” as a possible outcome but did not provide further details.

The United States military has begun moving fighter jets to the Middle East, according to American officials cited by Reuters on Tuesday.

The deployment comes amid heightened regional tensions and growing concerns over potential escalation following recent missile exchanges between Iran and 'Israel'.

The 'Israeli' military confirmed on Tuesday that multiple rockets were launched from Iran towards 'Israeli' territory, prompting the activation of air defense systems.

According to a statement from the 'Israeli' Home Front Command, the missile launches were detected earlier in the evening, triggering sirens across several regions, including the Negev desert, Beersheba, and Dimona — home to 'Israel’s' nuclear facility.

US President Donald Trump claimed on Tuesday that the United States now holds “complete and total control” over Iranian airspace in a statement posted on his Truth Social platform.

“We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” Trump wrote. “Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn’t compare to American made, conceived, and manufactured ‘stuff.’ Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA.”

Jordan’s Public Security Directorate sounded sirens for the fourth time on Tuesday after missiles were spotted in the country’s skies, coinciding with a new wave of rocket fire launched from Iran.

Iranian media reported that the 10th wave of Operation True Promise III begins against 'Israel' 

Tasnim News Agency: The Revolutionary Guard launched new wave of missile, drone attacks against 'Israel'

Vice President JD Vance indicated on Tuesday that President Donald Trump might consider taking additional measures to halt Iran’s nuclear program amid ongoing tensions.

Responding to speculation about potential US intervention, Vance praised Trump’s restraint so far in focusing military efforts on protecting American troops and citizens. However, he added that the president "may decide he needs to take further action to end Iranian enrichment."

The remarks come as concerns grow over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and escalating regional conflict, with Washington closely monitoring developments and weighing its next steps.

'Israeli' Channel 12 reported that the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense systems played a key role in intercepting the recent barrage of Iranian missiles.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced unwavering backing for 'Israel’s' recent strikes on Iran, describing them as necessary actions that serve the broader interests of the international community.

Speaking on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada, Merz told Germany’s ZDF broadcaster, “This is the dirty work Israel is doing for all of us. We are also victims of this regime. This mullah regime has brought death and destruction to the world.”

Tasnim News Agency reported early Tuesday that Iranian air defenses successfully intercepted an 'Israeli' attack targeting the central province of Isfahan.

“Israel” lifts air raid warnings, says intercepted “most” Iran missiles

A number of international airlines have suspended flights to and from Amman, Jordan, due to escalating regional tensions, particularly between Iran and 'Israel.'

The cancellations affect passengers traveling over the coming days and weeks.

Here is the latest list of suspended flights:

• Emirates: Suspended until 22 June
• Turkish Airlines: Suspended until 19 June
• Fly Dubai: Suspended until 22 June
• Egypt Air: Suspended until 19 June
• Pegasus Airlines: Suspended until 23 June
• Gulf Air: Suspended until 27 June
• Oman Air: Suspended until 22 June
• British Airways: Suspended until 22 June

The “Israeli” emergency service said that four people were injured as a result of the latest wave of Iranian missiles launched against “Israel”. 

The four were injured while they were headed to the shelters, according to the statement. 

Sirens activate in Jordan to signal end of alert period

Sirens blared in central and north “Israel” after missiles were launched from Iran.

The “Israeli” military said it detected missiles launched from Iran and told citizens to immediately head to shelters.

Iranian media said several blasts were heard on Tuesday in the central city of Isfahan, which hosts multiple nuclear facilities, as “Israel” kept up its strikes for a fifth day.

"Several explosions were heard in the east and north of Isfahan and air defences were activated against the hostile targets," the Mehr news agency reported.

The “Israeli” army spokesperson said they carried out strikes in Western Iran targeting several sites and surface-to-surface missile launchers.

Air raid sirens were activated in Jordan; the public is advised to take the proper safety measures. 

“Israelis” inspect the damages in a bus depot in the coastal city of Herzliya after the new barrage of Iranian missiles which the aerial defense systems operated to intercept.

Visiting the area, the minister of Transport Miriam Regev spoke about the plans to bring back “Israelis” stranded abroad since the beginning of the trade of fire between “Israel” and Iran.

Portugal is temporarily shutting its Tehran embassy because of the "gravity of the current situation", as Iran and “Israel's” conflict heats up, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said on Tuesday.

"This closure will be temporary. There will be a fallback to another country where we have an embassy. And, as soon as possible, the embassy (in Tehran) will reopen," Rangel told journalists in Lisbon.

“Israeli” Defence Minister Israel Katz warns Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei he could suffer a fate "similar to" Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, who was toppled and later executed.

"I warn the Iranian dictator against continuing to commit war crimes and launch missiles toward Israeli civilians. He should remember what happened to the dictator in the neighboring country to Iran who took the same path against Israel."

US President Donald Trump says he is aiming for a "real end" to the conflict between arch-rivals “Israel” and Iran, and not just a ceasefire.

"We're looking at better than a ceasefire. We're not looking for a ceasefire," Trump tells reporters on board Air Force One before arriving back in the United States from a G7 summit in Canada.

The aftermath of a recent Iranian missile attack on Bat Yam continues to unfold, as 'Israeli' media reports project a lengthy recovery process.

Channel 12 reported that rebuilding the affected area could take up to five years, highlighting the scale of destruction caused by the strike.

There appear to have been "direct impacts" on the underground part of Iran's Natanz nuclear site during “Israel's” attacks, the UN's atomic watchdog said on Tuesday.

"Based on continued analysis of high resolution satellite imagery collected after Friday's attacks, the IAEA has identified additional elements that indicate direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls at Natanz," the International Atomic Energy Agency said on X, formerly Twitter.

China's President Xi Jinping said Tuesday he was "deeply worried" by “Israel's” military action against Iran, Chinese state media reported.

"Israel launching military action against Iran has caused a sudden escalation in tension in the Middle East, China is deeply worried about this," he said during a meeting with the Uzbek president in Kazakstan, Xinhua reported.

"We oppose any act that infringes upon the sovereignty security and territorial integrity of other countries."

Iran accused the Group of Seven nations on Tuesday of siding with “Israel” in its call for "de-escalation" in their intensifying conflict, now in its fifth day.

"The G7 must give up its one-sided rhetoric and tackle the real source of the escalation -- Israel's aggression," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said.

At a G7 summit in Canada on Monday, leaders including US President Donald Trump had called for "de-escalation" of the conflict while stressing “Israel” had the right to defend itself.

China on Tuesday urged its citizens to leave Iran "as soon as possible" as Tehran's conflict with “Israel” escalated.

"The Chinese Embassy in Iran has coordinated with the Iranian side to facilitate outbound travel and reminds Chinese citizens currently in Iran to leave the country... as soon as possible", the embassy wrote in an online post.

A cyberattack on Tuesday crippled Sepah Bank, one of Iran's main state-owned banks, a news agency reported, amid an escalating air war between the Islamic republic and its arch-enemy “Israel”.

"A cyberattack targeted the infrastructure of Sepah Bank, causing disruptions to the institution's online services," said the Fars news agency, adding the issue was expected to be resolved within the next few hours.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they struck a centre of Mossad, “Israel's” foreign intelligence service, in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, amid an escalating air war between the two foes.

In a statement aired on state television, the Guards said they "struck the military intelligence centre of the Zionist regime's army, Aman, and the Zionist regime's terrorist operations planning centre, the Mossad, in Tel Aviv", adding it was "currently on fire".

The Israeli Occupation’s Defense Minister confirmed on Tuesday that “Israel” is striking Iran “with full force on all fronts,” stating that these attacks are being carried out “in accordance with the defined objectives of the war.”

In an unprecedented escalation, Katz issued a clear and direct call for residents of Tehran to evacuate their areas “in accordance with the instructions of the Israeli army.” This call signals a potential expansion of “Israeli” operations to more broadly and intensely include the Iranian capital.

Katz also issued a stern warning to the Iranian president, saying, “The Iranian dictator should not forget the fate of the previous dictator in the neighboring country."

Sepah Bank, one of Iran’s key state-run financial institutions, suffered a cyberattack on Tuesday that disrupted its online operations, according to Iranian media.

Fars news agency reported that the incident "targeted the infrastructure of Sepah Bank, causing disruptions to the institution's online services," but noted that efforts were underway to restore full functionality. "The issue was expected to be resolved within the next few hours," the agency added.

The timing of the attack comes as Iran and 'Israel' exchange threats and airstrikes, fueling speculation over the origins and intent behind the digital assault.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he was aiming for a "real end" to the conflict between arch-rivals “Israel” and Iran, and not just a ceasefire.

"I'm not looking for a ceasefire, we're looking at better than a ceasefire," Trump told reporters on board Air Force One before arriving back in the United States from a G7 summit in Canada.

The president said he was looking for "an end, a real end, not a ceasefire," adding that he wanted a "complete give-up" by Iran.

Trump, in statements on Truth Social, added that he did not reach out to Iran for peace talks in “any way, shape, or form.

“This is just more HIGHLY FABRICATED, FAKE NEWS!”

"If they want to talk, they know how to reach me,” Trump said.

"They should have taken the deal that was on the table - Would have saved a lot of lives!!!”

Trump, in statements on Truth Social, added that he did not reach out to Iran for peace talks in “any way, shape, or form.

“This is just more HIGHLY FABRICATED, FAKE NEWS!”

"If they want to talk, they know how to reach me,” Trump said.

"They should have taken the deal that was on the table - Would have saved a lot of lives!!!”

More than 600 foreign nationals have crossed from Iran into neighbouring Azerbaijan since “Israel” began striking the country last Friday, a government official in Baku said.

"Since the start of the military escalation between Israel and Iran, more than 600 citizens of 17 countries have been evacuated from Iran via Azerbaijan," the government source told AFP on Tuesday.

"Evacuees are transported from the border to Baku International Airport and flown to their home countries on international flights."

The Thai government has ordered its military to prepare planes to evacuate citizens from “Israel” and Iran, a spokesman said Tuesday, as the two sides exchanged missile fire for a fifth day.

"We are ready to evacuate people and have coordinated with the military to prepare planes to bring them home from Israel and Iran," government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

China on Tuesday accused President Donald Trump of "pouring oil" on the mounting conflict between Iran and “Israel”, after the US leader warned Tehran residents to "immediately evacuate".

"Fanning the flames, pouring oil, making threats and mounting pressure will not help to promote the de-escalation of the situation, but will only intensify and widen the conflict," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said when asked about Trump's remarks at a regular news conference.

Iran said it destroyed strategic targets in “Israel” overnight using drones, as intense strikes between the arch-foes raged for a fifth day on Tuesday.

"Various types of destructive drones, equipped with precise destruction and targeting capabilities, destroyed strategic positions of the Zionist regime in Tel Aviv and Haifa," General Kioumars Heidari, commander of the army's ground forces, was quoted as saying by state television.

The “Israeli” military said Tuesday it killed Iran's top military commander, Ali Shadmani, in an overnight strike, calling him the closest figure to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In a statement, the military said following "a sudden opportunity overnight, the (Israeli air force) struck a staffed command centre in the heart of Tehran and eliminated Ali Shadmani, the war-time Chief of Staff, the most senior military commander, and the closest figure to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei".

The “Israeli” military said Shadmani had commanded both the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian armed forces.