Jerusalem, June 23, 2025 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Sunday that Israel is “very, very close” to achieving its objectives in Iran, following US President Donald Trump’s overnight bombing raids on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities. The strikes mark a dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict, raising fears of a broader Middle East war. Explore more on Planet Today.
Netanyahu, addressing journalists, reiterated his goals of dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. “We are moving step by step towards achieving these goals, and we are very, very close to completing them,” he said, adding that the operation would conclude once these objectives are met. The Times of Israel.
US Joins Israel’s Campaign with “Bunker-Buster” Bombs
The United States entered the fray overnight, targeting three key Iranian nuclear sites—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—with massive bunker-busting bombs. Trump announced the strikes on social media, claiming Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities were “completely and totally obliterated.” Reuters. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no increase in off-site radiation levels, and the extent of underground damage remains unclear. BBC News.
Israel launched its large-scale offensive against Iran on June 13, targeting missile and nuclear sites, military leaders, and security infrastructure. The Israeli Air Force continued strikes on Sunday, hitting “dozens” of targets, including missile launch sites used in daily barrages against Israeli cities. A second wave of attacks was announced Sunday evening, focusing on Tehran and western Iran. The Guardian.
Iran’s Enriched Uranium: A Lingering Mystery
A critical question remains: Where is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium? The IAEA reported in 2021 that Iran had enriched uranium to 60% purity, a short step from the 90% needed for a nuclear weapon. Speculation abounds that some of this material was moved from the underground Natanz and Fordo facilities before the US strikes. Netanyahu hinted at “interesting intelligence” on the uranium’s whereabouts but declined to elaborate, saying, “We’ve been following it very closely.” The New York Times.
Iranian officials, meanwhile, claimed the nuclear sites were evacuated beforehand, minimizing damage. A senior Iranian source told Reuters that most of Fordo’s enriched uranium had been relocated. The IAEA’s director general, Rafael Grossi, noted “clear indications of impacts” at Fordo but said assessing underground damage was challenging. Reuters.
Geopolitical Fallout: A Region on Edge
The US and Israeli strikes have plunged the Middle East into uncertainty, with Iran vowing retaliation. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called for “severe punishment” against Israel, while Iranian missiles struck Tel Aviv and Haifa, killing at least 24 civilians and injuring over 1,200. Al Jazeera. Iran’s parliament also voted to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route, prompting a 4% surge in global oil prices. The Guardian.
Russia condemned the US strikes, with its UN ambassador comparing them to the 2003 Iraq invasion. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss “common threats.” TASS. Meanwhile, France deployed military aircraft to evacuate its citizens from Israel, signaling growing international concern. Le Monde.
A Historic Discovery Amid Conflict: The Persepolis Tablets
Amid the chaos, an extraordinary archaeological discovery in Iran has captured global attention, offering a poignant reminder of the region’s rich history. In early June 2025, Iranian archaeologists unearthed a cache of 500 cuneiform tablets near Persepolis, dating back to the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE). These “Persepolis Tablets” detail administrative records, including trade, taxation, and labor management, shedding light on the empire’s sophisticated bureaucracy. Tehran Times.
The discovery, announced by the University of Tehran, has been hailed as a “window into Persia’s golden age.” Dr. Farhad Rezaei, lead archaeologist, described the tablets as “a testament to Iran’s enduring cultural legacy, even in times of strife.” The find has sparked emotional reactions online, with Iranians and historians alike sharing stories of pride and resilience. Social media posts on platforms like X have called the tablets “a symbol of hope amid war,” with hashtags like #PersepolisTablets trending globally. Search on Planet Today.
The tablets’ discovery comes at a critical moment, as Iran’s cultural heritage faces threats from ongoing airstrikes. UNESCO has urged all parties to protect archaeological sites, warning that “history is a casualty of war.” The emotional weight of this find, juxtaposed against the conflict, has resonated deeply, making it a viral story online. UNESCO.
Global Implications and the Path Forward
The Israel-Iran conflict, now intensified by US involvement, poses profound risks. The IAEA has convened emergency meetings, warning that further escalation could “crumble the global nonproliferation regime.” IAEA. Analysts fear Iran may withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), accelerating its nuclear ambitions. The Guardian.
Netanyahu’s alignment with Trump has drawn criticism, with some US lawmakers arguing the strikes lacked congressional approval. The Washington Post. Yet, Israeli officials remain steadfast, with Defense Minister Israel Katz stating, “Iran’s nuclear threat must end at all costs.” The Times of Israel.
As the world watches, the Persepolis Tablets serve as a poignant reminder of what’s at stake—not just geopolitical stability, but the preservation of humanity’s shared heritage. The coming days will determine whether diplomacy or further violence shapes the Middle East’s future. Stay updated at Planet Today.