Trump Rebukes Tulsi Gabbard Over ‘Wrong’ Iran Nuke Assessment

08:10 PM EDT

Watch JD Vance Call Senator Alex Padilla ‘Jose’

While Vance was taking questions on Friday, a reporter referenced when Senator Alex Padilla of California was recently forcibly removed from a news conference that Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, held earlier this month.

“Well, I was hoping Jose Padilla would be here to ask a question, but unfortunately I guess he decided not to show up because there wasn’t the theater,” Vance said. “And that’s all it is. I think everybody realizes that’s what this is.”

Vance made his remark while visiting Los Angeles amid the Trump administration’s efforts to quell demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting areas with high immigrant populations and labor-intensive industries in the area.

Read the full story by Sonam Sheth on Newsweek.

07:11 PM EDT

Donald Trump Could ‘Change’ Course on Jerome Powell

President Donald Trump on Friday in a Truth Social post again bemoaned Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s decision not to touch interest rates – this time suggesting he might fire Powell.

Powell leads the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), one of more than a dozen central bank officials who vote on the bank’s interest rate. His term as Fed chair ends next year, but Trump has tried to pressure Powell into cutting interest rates – something Powell has consistently refused to do.

Trump believes that higher interest rates are holding back the American economy, and Powell’s refusal to cut the rates has caused Trump no end of frustration.

In his Friday post, Trump wrote, in part: “I don’t know why the Board doesn’t override this Total and Complete Moron! Maybe, just maybe, I’ll have to change my mind about firing him? But regardless, his Term ends shortly!”

Trump in his post once again attacked Powell, calling him a “numbskull,” and said he’s “tried it all different ways” to convince the Fed chair to cut interest rates: “I’ve been nice, I’ve been neutral, and I’ve been nasty, and nice and neutral didn’t work! He’s a dumb guy, and an obvious Trump Hater, who should have never been there, I listened to someone that I shouldn’t have listened to, and Biden shouldn’t have reappointed him.”

Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency that regulates Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, also called for Powell to quit if he did not cut short-term interest rates.

06:11 PM EDT

Tulsi Gabbard Reacts After Trump Said She Was ‘Wrong’ About Iran

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard reacted on Friday after Trump said she was “wrong” in her assessment of the nuclear threat Iran poses.

Posting on X Gabbard said: “The dishonest media is intentionally taking my testimony out of context and spreading fake news as a way to manufacture division. America has intelligence that Iran is at the point that it can produce a nuclear weapon within weeks to months, if they decide to finalize the assembly. President Trump has been clear that can’t happen, and I agree.”

Gabbard then posted a video of her full testimony.

Read the full story from Sonam Sheth and Gabe Whisnant at Newsweek.

05:21 PM EDT

Trump Says Increased NATO Spending Target Is For European Allies, Not US

During a press gaggle on Friday afternoon, President Donald Trump addressed his suggestion that members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) should increase their defense spending, saying the U.S. would not need to match it.

“I don’t think we should, but I think they should,” Trump said of a plan to make NATO members spend five percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defense. The current target is for two percent, which 23 of the 32 members currently have achieved.

Trump said the U.S. has “been supporting NATO so long” and would not need to increase its own spending, which in 2023 was reported as being 3.4 percent of GDP.

Poland currently tops the spending chart for NATO members with 4.12 percent, followed by Estonia at 3.43 percent, then the U.S.

04:00 PM EDT

Trump says Gabbard, intel community ‘wrong’ on Iran’s nuclear threat

Trump dismissed the U.S. intelligence community’s assessment on Friday, saying both Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and her team are “wrong” about Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

03:51 PM EDT

Thousands seek US help amid Israel-Iran conflict

More than 25,000 people have contacted the U.S. State Department seeking information about the escalating conflict involving Israel, the West Bank, and Iran, according to spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

While many inquiries were for general updates, Bruce said Friday that some individuals may be exploring departure options. The department has launched a crisis intake form for Americans in Israel and Iran to request assistance or updates.

Bruce emphasized that the U.S. does not plan to offer direct government-assisted departures from Iran, urging citizens there to use existing commercial or land routes to leave.

In Israel, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee said efforts are underway to coordinate military, commercial, charter flights, and cruise ships for evacuation. Americans are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for the latest alerts

03:38 PM EDT

Putin says Israel pledged to protect Russians at Iran nuclear site

Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had secured a commitment from Israel to safeguard Russian personnel working at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, amid escalating conflict between the two countries. He also claimed President Trump had agreed to support Russia’s request for protection of its workers at the site.

Putin said Moscow had proposed ideas for a settlement between Iran and Israel, which are now under discussion. He rejected claims that Russia was abandoning its ally, Tehran, and emphasized that Russia maintains strong ties with both nations.

Turning to Ukraine, Putin warned that continued resistance to Russian demands could lead to further territorial losses. He said Russian forces had advanced roughly 10 kilometers into Ukraine’s Sumy region, aiming to create a buffer zone. While denying plans to capture the city of Sumy, he did not rule it out.

Putin painted an optimistic picture of the economy, citing 1.5% growth in early 2025 and a drop in inflation to 9.6%. He dismissed warnings from his own ministers about a looming recession, insisting that Russia’s economy is diversifying beyond energy exports

03:25 PM EDT

Iran, European powers hold ‘serious’ nuclear talks in Geneva

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Friday with his counterparts from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany—the E3—and the European Union’s foreign policy chief in Geneva for high-level talks on Iran’s nuclear program.

According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, the nearly three-and-a-half-hour meeting was described as “respectful and serious,” with all parties contributing their perspectives. The discussions followed Araghchi’s address to the UN Human Rights Council earlier.

03:11 PM EDT

Historic Haifa mosque damaged in Iranian missile strike

An Iranian missile strike on Haifa Friday sent shockwaves through the city’s downtown, damaging the Ottoman-era al-Jarina Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Haifa. The 18th-century building, a key place of worship for local Muslims, suffered structural damage and shattered stained glass windows.

Omar Hussein, the mosque’s muezzin and deputy imam, said his father was lightly injured in the blast and taken to the hospital. He voiced concern over the mosque’s lack of a proper shelter, calling it a serious risk for worshippers during ongoing hostilities.

“It’s a significant mosque that serves Muslims in the city and nearby towns,” Hussein said, adding that he hopes the conflict will end soon

02:56 PM EDT

Iran, Israel trade accusations at UN as conflict deepens

Tensions flared at the UN Security Council on Friday as the ambassadors of Iran and Israel exchanged sharp accusations over the ongoing conflict, now entering its second week.

Iran’s UN envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, defended his country’s military actions as self-defense and accused Israel and its allies of violating international law. He urged the Council to intervene and hold Israel accountable.

In a fiery rebuttal, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon dismissed Iran’s claims, accusing Iravani of “playing the victim” and vowing that Israel would continue its campaign until Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities were dismantled.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the conflict risks spiraling out of control, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations.

02:42 PM EDT

Dozens killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza, many seeking aid

Israeli airstrikes continued across the Gaza Strip on Friday, killing at least 82 Palestinians, according to local health officials. The dead include 23 people in Gaza City, 22 in the south, and 37 in central Gaza, where the majority were reportedly seeking humanitarian aid.

Of those killed, 34 were identified as aid seekers, highlighting the growing risks faced by civilians attempting to access food and supplies amid the ongoing conflict. The strikes come as Gaza endures a deepening humanitarian crisis, with widespread displacement, food shortages, and limited access to medical care.

02:30 PM EDT

Geneva talks between Iran and Europe end with no breakthrough

Diplomatic talks between Iranian and European officials wrapped up Friday in Geneva, with no agreement reached on Iran’s nuclear program. According to an Iranian source familiar with the discussions, cited by CNN, the meeting began with tense exchanges, as both sides traded accusations over past grievances and the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.

However, the tone reportedly shifted after a break, with the source describing the second half of the talks as “much more positive.” Despite the improved atmosphere, Iran maintained its position on uranium enrichment, calling it a non-negotiable red line.

The meeting marked the first direct engagement between Iran and the E3—France, Germany, and the UK—since the latest escalation in the region.

02:17 PM EDT

Iran’s missile arsenal: What it has used and what it could deploy

Iran launched a significant missile barrage on major cities across Israel on Friday. Nationwide alerts have been issued, with residents urged to seek shelter immediately, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said. “At this time, the Air Force is working to intercept and attack wherever necessary to eliminate the threat,” the IDF added.

The missile attacks come amid an escalating war that began last week after Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military sites. Since then, Tehran has fired over 400 missiles into Israel, marking one of the largest missile campaigns in recent regional history. This raises urgent questions about how many missiles Iran has left and what lies ahead in the conflict.

Newsweek has reached out to the foreign of Iran and Israel for comment.

Missiles are central to Iran’s strategy against Israel, shaping the conflict’s scale and duration. Tracking how many missiles Iran has launched—and how many remain—offers critical insight into the war’s future intensity and the effectiveness of missile defenses. While Iran’s missile threat deters wider regional escalation, the size and condition of its missile reserves remain unclear, leaving uncertainty about Tehran’s ability to sustain pressure. Meanwhile, increased U.S. military support for Israel and warnings of possible intervention raise the stakes, complicating Iran’s missile strategy and broader regional stability.

Read the full story by Amir Daftari on Newsweek.

02:04 PM EDT

Iran’s foreign minister says nuclear program peaceful, urges accountability

Speaking to reporters in Geneva on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi defended Iran’s nuclear program as entirely peaceful and under IAEA safeguards, warning that attacks on such facilities by a country outside WMD treaties constitute a serious violation of international law.

Araghchi voiced grave concern over the failure of Germany, the UK, France, and the European Union to condemn recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. He said Iran remains open to diplomacy—but only once hostilities cease and the aggressor is held accountable.

He emphasized that Iran’s defense capabilities are non-negotiable, but expressed support for continued dialogue with European powers, adding that Tehran is ready to meet again “in the near future.”

12:59 PM EDT

IAEA chief warns of catastrophic fallout if Bushehr is attacked

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, warned Friday that a direct strike on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant could trigger a massive release of radioactivity, endangering populations across the region.

Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting, Grossi described Bushehr as the Iranian nuclear site where the consequences of an attack would be “most serious,” noting it contains thousands of kilograms of nuclear material.

He emphasized that even a strike disabling the plant’s power supply lines could lead to a reactor core meltdown, with fallout potentially affecting areas hundreds of kilometers away.

Grossi said regional governments had contacted him directly to express concern and warned that such an incident could require evacuations, iodine distribution, and food safety measures across neighboring countries.

12:43 PM EDT

UK withdraws embassy staff from Iran amid security concerns

The United Kingdom has temporarily withdrawn its diplomatic staff from Tehran, citing the “current security situation” in Iran, according to a statement from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

“Our embassy continues to operate remotely,” a spokesperson said Friday, emphasizing that the move is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of British personnel.

The UK government reiterated its longstanding advice against all travel to Iran and stressed its commitment to protecting staff and British nationals in the region.

The decision comes as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, prompting several Western nations to reassess their diplomatic presence in the country.

12:30 PM EDT

Iran says diplomacy possible if Trump halts Israeli strikes

Iranian presidential spokesperson Majid Farahani told CNN that diplomacy with the West could resume “easily” if President Donald Trump orders Israel to stop its military campaign against Iran. Farahani emphasized Iran’s openness to “civilian dialogue,” but reiterated that no talks are possible while Israeli strikes continue.

He also reaffirmed Iran’s stance on nuclear enrichment, saying the program would not be halted, though some concessions might be possible. “Maybe it can be lower, but we don’t stop it,” he said.

The comments come as European powers push for zero enrichment, with France, the UK, and Germany meeting Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva for the first direct talks since the conflict began. Trump has opened a two-week window for diplomacy before deciding whether to launch a U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

12:15 PM EDT

US envoy calls Iran ‘principal source of instability’ at UN

Dorothy Camille Shea, the interim U.S. representative to the United Nations, sharply criticized Iran during a Security Council session on Friday, calling it the “principal source of instability and terror in the Middle East.”

She warned that Tehran possesses the capabilities to produce a nuclear weapon and urged the international community to hold Iran accountable for its actions.

12:02 PM EDT

IAEA’s Grossi details nuclear disaster if Israel hits Bushehr in Iran

The head of the United Nations’ atomic energy watchdog laid out in detail the dire consequences of a strike on working nuclear reactors in Iran, as Israel continues to pound facilities it says are linked to Tehran’s ambitions to build a nuclear bomb.

Iran denies it seeks to develop a nuclear weapon and says its program is for civilian energy. But Iran has enriched uranium to a level that far exceeds any civilian energy needs, and is a short step away from that needed for nuclear weapons.

Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Friday that the biggest concern is the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran. Israel has not yet struck the plant.

“This is the nuclear site in Iran where the consequences of an attack would be the most serious,” Grossi told the meeting, noting that it is an operating plant and “as such it hosts thousands of kilograms of nuclear material.”

“Countries of the region have reached out directly to me over the past few hours to express their concerns and I want to make it absolutely and completely clear,” Grossi said.

Read the full story by Dan Gooding and Shane Croucher on Newsweek.

11:49 AM EDT

Iran faces near-total internet blackout amid ongoing conflict

Internet access in Iran remains severely restricted 48 hours after authorities imposed sweeping limitations, with connectivity dropping to just 3% on Wednesday, according to monitoring group NetBlocks.

The blackout follows a cyberattack on Bank Sepah, one of Iran’s largest financial institutions, which was claimed by the pro-Israel hacking group Predatory Sparrow. The attack disrupted ATM services and further strained critical infrastructure.

Since Israeli airstrikes began last week, Iran has experienced rolling internet outages, particularly in major cities like Tehran, where evacuations and business closures have intensified. Officials say the restrictions prevent further cyber intrusions, though critics argue they also limit access to vital information during a national crisis.

11:36 AM EDT

Russia accuses West, IAEA of fueling false Iran nuclear claims

Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, accused the United States, Britain, France, and Germany of promoting a “groundless fabrication” that Iran is seeking to build nuclear weapons.

Speaking at a U.N. Security Council meeting, Nebenzya said these nations, along with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), were “complicit” in Israel’s recent attacks on Iran by legitimizing what he called false narratives.

Nebenzya also criticized Western members of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, claiming their policies had escalated tensions and undermined diplomatic efforts. His remarks came amid growing international concern over the conflict between Israel and Iran and the future of nuclear negotiations.

11:18 AM EDT

Switzerland closes Tehran embassy amid escalating conflict

Switzerland announced Friday it has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran, citing the “intensity of military operations” and the unstable security situation in Iran. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that all expatriate staff have safely left the country and will return when conditions permit.

Despite the closure, Bern emphasized that Switzerland will continue to serve as a diplomatic intermediary between Iran and the United States, a role it has held since the 1979 U.S. Embassy hostage crisis. The government said it remains ready to transmit communications “as and when both parties consider appropriate.”

10:54 AM EDT

US imposes new Iran-related sanctions on individuals and entities

The U.S. Treasury Department announced a fresh round of Iran-related sanctions on Friday, targeting more than 30 individuals, entities, and a vessel linked to what officials described as a “shadow banking” network supporting Iran’s oil trade and nuclear ambitions.

The sanctions, issued through the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), aim to disrupt financial channels that allegedly help Tehran fund its missile programs and regional proxies. Several designated entities are based in the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong, and are accused of laundering billions through front companies and exchange houses.

10:22 AM EDT

Israeli envoy urges Europe to demand full rollback of Iran’s nuclear program

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Daniel Meron, said Friday he expects European foreign ministers to push for a complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program during their meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva.

Speaking ahead of the talks, Meron called on France, Germany, the UK, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to take a firm stance, including demands to curb Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal and end its support for regional proxies.

Araghchi, however, has ruled out negotiations while Israeli strikes continue and reiterated that Iran’s missile program is off the table. The Geneva meeting marks the first direct engagement between Iranian and Western officials since the conflict erupted last week.

10:09 AM EDT

Iran, European leaders meet in Geneva as war enters second week

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva on Friday for a high-stakes meeting with his counterparts from France, Germany, the UK, and the European Union’s foreign policy chief. The talks mark the first in-person engagement between Iranian and Western officials since Israel launched its military campaign against Iran a week ago.

Before the meeting, Araghchi reiterated that Iran has “nothing to discuss” with the United States while Israeli strikes continue, though he expressed openness to dialogue with European leaders.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who traveled to Geneva after consultations in Washington, said there is now a two-week window to reach a diplomatic breakthrough and avoid further escalation.

09:54 AM EDT

Iran, Europe meet in Geneva for nuclear talks amid war with Israel

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with top European diplomats in Geneva on Friday for urgent talks focused on Iran’s nuclear program, as the war with Israel entered its second week. The meeting marked the first direct contact between Iranian and Western officials since the conflict began.

Araghchi reiterated that Iran would not engage with the United States while Israeli strikes continued, calling Washington “a partner in these crimes.” However, he said Iran was open to dialogue with European leaders, though not formal negotiations.

The talks included foreign ministers from France, Germany, the UK, and the EU’s foreign policy chief, who presented what French President Emmanuel Macron described as a “comprehensive, diplomatic and technical offer.”

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said a two-week window now exists to reach a diplomatic solution, aligning with Trump’s timeline for deciding whether to launch a U.S. strike on Iran’s Fordo enrichment site.

Iran’s supreme leader and Araghchi both emphasized that missile capabilities were not up for discussion, and that any talks would focus solely on nuclear and regional issues.

European leaders, who helped broker the original 2015 nuclear deal, have warned that Iran’s current enrichment levels—up to 60%—pose a growing threat. They’ve also signaled readiness to reinstate sanctions if Iran fails to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

09:41 AM EDT

MDA evacuates 17 injured after latest missile strike

Emergency teams from Magen David Adom are treating and evacuating 17 people wounded in the latest missile attack, including three in serious condition. Among them is a 16-year-old boy with a shrapnel wound to his upper body, and two adults—aged 54 and 40—with injuries to their lower limbs.

Fourteen others sustained minor shrapnel injuries, according to MDA. Teams continue to scan additional sites for casualties, and further updates are expected as the situation develops.

09:40 AM EDT

Iranians unite under Israeli attack

As Israeli missiles continue to strike Iran, residents across Tehran and other major cities are taking shelter in basements, metro stations, and underground garages.

Amid the ongoing uncertainty and fear, a powerful sense of defiance and community has emerged. “We don’t care about governments, we will always defend our country,” one Tehran resident told Newsweek.

Rather than fracture under fear, Iranians are coming together—sharing food, information, and shelter—to withstand the crisis.

While headlines focus on the military clash between Iran and Israel, the war’s most immediate impact is felt in the daily lives of civilians. With trust in official institutions already low, many Iranians are turning to grassroots cooperation and mutual aid to stay safe and informed. Decades of sanctions, unrest, and authoritarian rule have forged deep social bonds often overlooked by outsiders. And while some abroad had hoped foreign pressure might trigger an uprising, the strikes have instead unified many Iranians in mutual support and to defend the country — even those who do not instinctively support its current rulers.

Read the full story by Amir Daftari on Newsweek.

09:23 AM EDT

Teen seriously hurt as Iran missile barrage hits Israel

Israel’s national ambulance service said Friday it was transporting a seriously wounded teenager and a moderately injured man to the hospital following a fresh wave of Iranian missile strikes, The New York Times reported.

A 16-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man were involved. The former is in serious condition, and the latter is in “moderate condition.”

09:22 AM EDT

Top Senate Democrats warn Trump against unilateral Iran strike

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and senior Democrats on key committees issued a joint statement Wednesday expressing deep concern over President Trump’s potential decision to launch military strikes against Iran.

The lawmakers criticized what they described as a lack of preparation, strategy, and clear objectives, warning that Congress must authorize any move toward war.

“If he is considering taking the country to war, the president must come to Congress,” the statement read, urging Trump to prioritize diplomacy and pursue a binding agreement to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The Democrats also spoke of the need to protect U.S. personnel and civilians in the region, cautioning against a hasty escalation that could endanger American lives.

09:08 AM EDT

Iraqis rally in mass protests against Israel-Iran war

Iraqis marched in Baghdad and other cities on Friday after influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr called for nationwide demonstrations opposing the Israel-Iran conflict.

Crowds filled the streets of Sadr City, waving flags and chanting slogans following Friday prayers. In Najaf, protesters held banners reading “No to Israel,” echoing al-Sadr’s call to denounce what he described as “Zionist and American terrorism.”

08:53 AM EDT

Iran rules out US talks, says no diplomacy under Israeli fire

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that Tehran will not engage in negotiations with any country while Israeli strikes continue, calling the United States “a partner in this crime.” In an interview with state broadcaster IRIB, he said Iran had received multiple messages from Washington seeking talks, but rejected them outright.

“There is no room for talking until this aggression stops,” Araghchi said, underscoring Iran’s position that diplomacy is off the table as long as Israeli attacks persist.

However, he confirmed plans to meet with European foreign ministers in Geneva, saying Iran is open to hearing their views. “We will not miss any chance to defend Iran’s rights,” he added.

08:39 AM EDT

IDF detects new Iranian missile launch, sirens to sound

The Israeli military said Friday it had detected a fresh launch of ballistic missiles from Iran, warning that air raid sirens would sound imminently across affected areas.

The announcement, posted on the IDF’s official Telegram channel, urged civilians to seek shelter and follow Home Front Command instructions. The launch marks the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict, which has seen repeated missile exchanges between the two countries over the past week.

08:28 AM EDT

Iran, European leaders meet in Geneva as war enters second week

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva on Friday for high-stakes talks with top diplomats from France, Germany, the UK, and the European Union, as efforts intensify to find a diplomatic off-ramp to the escalating war with Israel.

While Araghchi ruled out negotiations with the United States, calling it a “partner in these crimes,” he signaled openness to dialogue with European leaders—though he emphasized that talks would focus solely on nuclear and regional issues, not Iran’s missile program.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said a two-week window now exists to reach a diplomatic solution, echoing President Trump’s timeline for deciding whether to launch a U.S. strike on Iran’s Fordo enrichment site.

European leaders are expected to present a comprehensive offer aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear activity, though Tehran insists its program remains peaceful. Germany’s foreign minister said the next move is Iran’s, urging “serious and transparent readiness” to de-escalate.

The Geneva meeting marks the first direct contact between Iranian and Western officials since the conflict began.

08:13 AM EDT

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli strikes on nuclear infrastructure

Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission said Friday that any military attack on civilian nuclear facilities constitutes a violation of international law.

The statement follows a series of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, part of its broader campaign against Tehran’s military and nuclear infrastructure.

“Any armed attack by any party, or any threat targeting nuclear facilities designated for peaceful purposes, is a violation of international resolutions,” the commission said, citing the UN Charter and the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

08:00 AM EDT

Thousands rally in Iran against Israel, wave Hezbollah flags

Large crowds gathered in Tehran and cities across Iran on Friday to protest Israel’s military actions. Demonstrators waved national flags, chanted anti-Western slogans, and held up posters of military commanders killed in recent strikes.

State television aired scenes of packed streets in the capital, where some participants carried the yellow flags of Hezbollah, underscoring support for Iran’s regional allies. The protests come amid soaring tensions with Israel and growing calls from within Iran for broader retaliation.

07:46 AM EDT

Israel, Iran continue airstrikes as Trump mulls U.S. role

Israel and Iran exchanged fresh attacks Friday, marking one week since the war began. Israeli jets struck more than 60 targets, including missile production facilities and a nuclear research agency. Iran fired missiles into southern Israel, damaging residential buildings.

President Donald Trump said he would wait up to two weeks before deciding whether the U.S. would join the conflict. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister is en route to Geneva for talks with European diplomats, though he insisted Tehran will not negotiate until Israeli strikes stop.

The death toll has climbed sharply, with hundreds killed in Iran and dozens in Israel, as international efforts to broker a diplomatic breakthrough intensify.

07:33 AM EDT

Israeli Air Force strikes military sites in western, central Iran

The Israeli Air Force confirmed Friday that it is conducting active airstrikes on military infrastructure in western and central Iran.

07:31 AM EDT

Iran rules out US talks unless Israel halts strikes

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Tehran has ruled out the possibility of talks with the United States unless Israel halts its ongoing military strikes, speaking just hours before a planned meeting with European officials in Geneva.

“We are not ready to engage in negotiations with any side while the Israeli aggression continues,” Araghchi said, according to state media. He said that although Washington has sent messages proposing direct talks, Iran has declined the request. “We told the Americans clearly: as long as the attacks persist, there can be no negotiations. We are exercising our legitimate right to self-defense,” he said.

Newsweek has reached out the State Department and Iran’s foreign ministry for comment.

Read the full story by Amir Daftari on Newsweek.