Pope Leo appeals for 'reason' from Iran and Israel

Kazem Alamdari, an Iranian sociologist and author, told Iran International that a portion of Iranian society has expressed satisfaction over the deaths of certain senior government officials, viewing them as perpetrators of state violence.

“There is a segment of society that feels a sense of relief over the killing of officials who have committed crimes,” Alamdari said.

“In contrast, others believe that the country is under foreign attack and that, in such circumstances, one must stand in defense of the homeland and its people.”

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said on Saturday that Iran’s attacks on Israel also endanger American citizens, adding that around 700,000 US nationals live in the country.

“Iran isn’t just attacking Israel but your fellow Americans who live here,” he posted on X, calling the American presence in Israel “equivalent to a full House District.”

Iran has formally notified the United States, United Kingdom, and France that it plans to launch extensive attacks against Israel and warned that any country assisting in repelling these strikes will face retaliation.

According to Iranian state media, Tehran said that all regional bases of what it called "collaborating governments," including military installations in Persian Gulf countries and naval vessels in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, would be targeted by Iranian forces if those countries intervene.

Iran’s nuclear facilities in the central city of Isfahan were targeted several times on June 13, but there has been no indication of increased off-site radiation levels, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Saturday.

The UN nuclear watchdog confirmed it remains in close contact with Iranian authorities following the reported strikes and continues to monitor the situation.

The IAEA did not specify the extent of damage, but emphasized that “as of now, there is no sign of radiological release.”

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council convened on Friday evening to review and reinforce ongoing plans for responding to Israel, the council’s secretariat said.

The meeting took place shortly before Iran’s initial retaliatory strikes against Israeli targets. Officials revisited previously outlined strategies for sustained responses to hostile actions and emphasized their implementation.

Domestic preparedness and necessary security measures were also evaluated and coordinated to ensure readiness for future developments, according to a statement by the council.