Middle East Conflict News
LAST UPDATE: June 25, 2025
Israel designates Iran central bank ‘terror organisation’: minister
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz designated Iran’s central bank, two additional banks, an energy firm linked to Iran’s military, and three senior officials as terrorist organizations to disrupt their financing of militant groups.
Insight
This escalates Israel’s financial warfare against Iran, targeting institutional funding networks tied to militant proxies. It represents a sharper use of economic instruments in the ceasefire aftermath.
Israel says ‘still early’ to assess damage to Iran nuclear sites
Israeli military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stated it is “still early” to evaluate the impact of recent strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, despite the military believing significant damage was inflicted.
Insight
The cautious messaging balances political pressure to declare victory with an operational need for accurate intelligence—reflecting uncertainty about long-term nuclear disruption.
Trump says damage from Iran strikes severe despite “inconclusive” intelligence
Former President Trump said U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities inflicted “severe” damage, even though intelligence reports remain “very inconclusive” on the extent of destruction.
Insight
Trump’s confident claims contrast with ambiguous intelligence, highlighting the role of political narratives in shaping domestic and international perceptions of military interventions.
Iran ‘much further away’ from building nuclear weapon after US strike, Rubio tells Politico
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Politico that after recent US strikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites, Iran is “much further away from a nuclear weapon” than before. Intelligence assessments suggest the program is delayed by months, though lightly damaged.
Insight
Rubio’s confident assertion seeks to reassure allies despite limited intelligence—reinforcing the political narrative to justify the strikes and bolster perceived deterrence.
France warns Iran sanctions still possible if no nuclear deal
French Ambassador to the UN Jérôme Bonnafont warned that France, Germany, and the UK (the E3) are prepared to reapply UN Resolution 2231 “snap‑back” sanctions if Iran does not return to serious nuclear talks and reach a verifiable deal by summer.
Insight
The statement underscores a renewed diplomatic escalation by European powers, signaling that they are ready to use legal mechanisms to pressure Iran, emphasizing urgency with the deal deadline approaching.
Brics Countries Condemn Attacks on Iran
BRICS members released a joint statement condemning recent military strikes against Iran since June 13, calling them a violation of the UN Charter and international law, and calling for de-escalation and diplomacy.
Insight
The strong unified rebuke by BRICS highlights growing geopolitical divisions, showcasing an emergent bloc countering Western military interventions and promoting multipolar diplomacy.
Trump Says U.S. Iran Strikes Could Pave Way for Gaza Deal
Former President Donald Trump stated that recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities may have expedited progress toward a ceasefire deal in Gaza. He described the negotiations as “very close” and tied the military campaign to broader regional diplomacy.
Insight
Trump is framing military aggression as a diplomatic tool, using pressure on Iran to signal strength and indirectly shape outcomes in Gaza. It reflects his broader strategy of leveraging force for negotiation leverage across interconnected Middle Eastern conflicts.
