West Asia News Live: Elon Musk contacts Lebanese leadership to discuss Starlink license

Trump threatens to bomb Iran if nuclear activities resume

US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Iran if it resumes its nuclear activities, a significant escalation in rhetoric between the two nations, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Trump stated that he had dropped consideration of sanctions relief because of what he characterized as the “anger, hatred, disgust” from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The threat comes amid ongoing tensions following the 2018 US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and Iran’s subsequent gradual scaling back of its commitments under the nuclear deal.

Israel defense forces launch inquiry into possible war crimes over deaths at Gaza aid sites

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have initiated an investigation into possible war crimes amid growing evidence of troops firing on Palestinian civilians gathering for aid in Gaza, according to a report in The Guardian. The inquiry follows numerous incidents in recent weeks where hundreds of people have reportedly been killed by shootings, air attacks, and bombardments while waiting for or traveling to food distribution locations.

Iran’s foreign minister demands US respect for supreme leader as condition for deal talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi stated that any serious discussion about a nuclear deal requires the United States to respect Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Israel National News says in a report. The remarks came in response to a recent social media post by President Donald Trump that criticized Khamenei and revealed the halting of a sanctions relief measure. Araghchi’s statement conditions future negotiations on a change in diplomatic tone from the US.

Israeli official claims country killed 30 Iranian security chiefs and 11 nuclear scientists

An unnamed Israeli official has claimed that Israel is responsible for killing 30 Iranian security chiefs and 11 nuclear scientists, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The report, which emerges amid ongoing covert conflict between the two nations, does not specify a timeline for when these alleged killings occurred. The claim, attributed solely to the anonymous official, has not been independently verified.

Senator Adam Schiff says it is premature to claim victory in stopping Iran’s nuclear program

U.S. Senator Adam Schiff stated on Friday that it is ‘premature’ to claim victory in preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, citing ‘too many unknowns’ about the country’s intentions, according to a report in The Hill. Schiff commented that while the Iranian regime was enriching uranium, it had not made a decision to build a bomb or pursue the specific mechanism for one. He cautioned against assuming that Iran will not try to continue its nuclear program.

IDF releases footage of air force chief briefing for ‘Operation Rising Lion’

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has released video footage showing its Air Force chief briefing commanders for a military contingency referred to as ‘Operation Rising Lion,’ Israel National News said in a report. In the briefing, the commander is quoted as stating that the sole path to victory is through “superiority, superiority, and once again, superiority.”

UK eases travel advice for Israel as government-led evacuation flights conclude

The United Kingdom has eased its travel advice for Israel and is winding down its organized evacuation efforts, with the sixth and final scheduled flight for citizens set to depart this Sunday, BBC says in a report. This move signals the conclusion of the government’s emergency flight program, which was initiated following the conflict escalation in October 2023. The updated travel advisory reflects an assessment that the immediate risk to UK nationals within Israel proper has diminished, though it does not signify an end to the broader regional conflict. The more severe travel warnings for the Gaza Strip remain unchanged.

Iran may have a large number of undeclared nuclear centrifuges, says Western official

An unnamed Western official has stated that Iran may still possess a large number of undeclared nuclear enrichment centrifuges, according to a report in Haaretz. The concern is based on an intelligence assessment, rather than direct verification, suggesting Iran has retained or clandestinely developed more centrifuges than publicly declared or permitted under past agreements. This assessment comes amid reduced international monitoring capabilities by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the long-standing stalemate in efforts to revive the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal.

Trump claims US bombed Iranian nuclear sites and saved supreme leader’s life

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Friday that the U.S. bombed three Iranian nuclear sites last Saturday, an action he asserted saved Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from an ‘ugly’ and ‘ignominious’ death, according to a report in The Hill. In a statement, Trump questioned why Khamenei, whom he referred to as the ‘so-called “Supreme Leader,”’ would ‘say so blatantly and foolishly that he won the War’.

Hamas reportedly faces internal dissent and questions over Iranian support

Hamas is reportedly in a weakened position, facing growing internal dissent and challenges to its authority from rival clans in Gaza, one of which is allegedly backed by Israel, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The group is also contending with doubts over the level of backing from its key ally, Iran, following the direct military exchanges between Israel and Iran. According to sources cited in the report, Hamas urgently needs a ceasefire to address the severe humanitarian crisis, suppress internal opposition, and re-establish its control over the territory.

Australia and Turkey remain in standoff over Cop31 host after UN meeting

A diplomatic standoff between Australia and Turkey over which nation will host the Cop31 climate summit remains unresolved after a recent UN meeting in Bonn failed to break the deadlock, according to a report in The Guardian. A two-week meeting of diplomats at the UN climate headquarters in Germany concluded without settling the long-running issue of whether the summit would be held in Australia or Turkey, the only two nations competing for the hosting rights. The Australian government, under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has been actively bidding to host the major global climate conference.

FIFA Club World Cup 2025 lineup highlights growing West Asian influence in global football

With the round of 16 lineup now complete for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, the tournament underscores the significant and growing role of West Asian states in global football, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The event, which will be hosted in the United States, features clubs with direct ownership or major sponsorship from entities in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. This participation is part of a broader strategy by these nations to use sports as a tool for soft power, economic diversification, and enhancing their international image.

Top Israeli lawyer says Trump’s call to cancel Netanyahu trial could be criminal if PM was involved

A prominent Israeli lawyer, Chen Maanit, has stated that a reported call by U.S. President Donald Trump to cancel the ongoing corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could potentially be a criminal offense, according to a report in Haaretz. The legal opinion specifies that the act’s criminality would hinge on evidence that Netanyahu solicited or was complicit in the request from the U.S. President, which could constitute obstruction of justice. The statement was made in the context of Netanyahu’s multi-year trial on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.

Hopes for release of British-Egyptian dissident rise after UK-Egypt call

The family of jailed British-Egyptian dissident Alaa Abd el-Fattah has expressed cautious optimism about progress toward his release following a phone call between UK opposition leader Keir Starmer and Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, according to a report in The Guardian. The call, which also covered improving UK-Egypt trade relations, prompted Abd el-Fattah’s mother, Laila Soueif, to ease her hunger strike after more than 270 days. Soueif is currently receiving medical care in a London hospital.

Israel festival rescheduled for July following de-escalation with Iran

New dates have been set for the 64th Israel Festival, which is now scheduled to open in Jerusalem on July 16, The Times of Israel said in a report. The rescheduling of the annual cultural event follows a period of de-escalation after direct military exchanges between Israel and Iran occurred in April 2024.

Infants die of starvation in Gaza amid aid crisis and new US military funding for Israel

Two infants have reportedly died from starvation in Gaza, an event attributed to severe aid shortages resulting from Israel’s strict control and inspection of goods entering the territory, according to a report in Al Jazeera. These deaths occur amid a dire humanitarian crisis, with UN agencies and aid organizations reporting that the volume of aid permitted into Gaza is insufficient to prevent widespread famine. The situation is compounded by the internal collapse of distribution systems due to ongoing conflict. The report also notes that these events coincide with the United States’ approval of further military financing for Israel.

Israeli intelligence chief calls for ‘genuine humility’ from military

Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, the head of the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate (Aman), has publicly called for his personnel to display “genuine humility,” Israel National News says in a report. The statement acknowledges the significant intelligence failures preceding the October 7th Hamas attack while also referencing the directorate’s past “security achievements.” Binder’s remarks come amidst the ongoing war and address the complex, multi-front security challenges currently confronting Israel.

US senator Rubio and Pakistan PM Sharif discuss West Asia situation in phone call

US Senator Marco Rubio and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the ongoing situation in West Asia during a phone call, according to a report in The Hindu. During the conversation, the two leaders pledged to collaborate towards achieving durable peace in the region. Prime Minister Sharif also took the opportunity to assert Pakistan’s official stance on the current regional developments.

Chinese fertilizer export limits drive price hikes and increase reliance on West Asia

Chinese policies restricting the export of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) have led to a surge in global fertilizer prices, prompting importing nations to seek alternative sources, according to a report in Business Standard. The move by China, a major producer, is aimed at ensuring its own domestic supply but has consequently increased reliance on West Asian producers like Saudi Arabia and Jordan, which have significant phosphate reserves. This shift is heightening the geopolitical and economic importance of West Asia as a key supplier of critical agricultural inputs, impacting global food production costs and supply chain dynamics.

A 28-year-old man was shot and killed in northern Israel

A 28-year-old man was shot and killed in the town of Iksal, located near Nazareth in northern Israel, Haaretz says in a report. This fatal shooting follows another recent incident in the vicinity where two cousins were also killed by gunfire. The event is part of a broader trend of rising violent crime within Israel’s Arab communities.

UK police arrest four after pro-Palestinian protest at military base

Four people have been arrested in the United Kingdom following a pro-Palestinian protest held at a military base, Al Jazeera says in a report. The arrests come after the UK government stated its intention to proscribe the activist group Palestine Action under anti-terrorism legislation. The protest is part of ongoing activism related to the conflict in West Asia.

Arkia to resume Tel Aviv-Paphos flights after security restrictions lifted

Arkia Israeli Airlines will resume its flight route between Tel Aviv and Paphos, Cyprus, after security restrictions impacting Israeli airspace have been lifted, according to a report in Haaretz. These restrictions were initially put in place for civilian aviation following the heightened security risks that emerged after the October 7, 2023, conflict began. The decision to resume flights indicates a perceived improvement in the security environment and is seen as a positive step for restoring tourism and economic activity for both Israel and Cyprus.

Syrian national charged over foiled plot