Donald Trump has made an offer to negotiate a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, French president Emmanuel Macron said, while the US says it still hopes for a nuclear deal with Tehran.
"There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange. An offer was made especially to get a ceasefire and to then kick-start broader discussions," Mr Macron told reporters at the G7.
Mr Trump’s team was discussing with Iran the possibility of a meeting this week between envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, Axios reported.
Mr Macron’s statement comes after Mr Trump departed the G7 summit in Canada a day early after warning Tehran’s residents to “immediately evacuate” and claiming Iran “should have signed the deal” he offered.
Iran has denied allegations that it is secretly developing nuclear weapons and says its nuclear programme is for civilian purposes.
Since Israel began striking Iran on Friday morning, the exchange of fire has seen more than 200 people killed in Iran and more than 20 in Israel, their respective authorities have reported.
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Key points
- Macron says Trump has offered to broker Israel-Iran ceasefire
- Trump says everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran
- Netanyahu does not rule out targeting Iran's Supreme Leader
- Tehran 'wants to talk', says Trump
Pentagon chief says Trump still wants nuclear deal with Iran
04:24
,
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has claimed that president Donald Trump is still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran even as hostilities have escalated between Tehran and Israel.
"Of course," Mr Hegseth said on Fox News when asked if Mr Trump was still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran.
"We are postured defensively in the region to be strong in pursuit of a peace deal. And we certainly hope that's what happens here," Mr Hegseth said.
In a social media post yesterday, Mr Trump said, "Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran," citing what he said was the country's rejection of a deal to curb nuclear weapons development.
Explosions reported in Tehran
04:13
,
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Explosions were heard in the Iranian capital Tehran this morning, state media reported.
The report comes after Iran fired several missile barrages toward Israel overnight.
Trump has offered to broker Israel-Iran ceasefire, says Macron
03:59
,
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
French president Emmanuel Macron has said that his American counterpart Donald Trump has made an offer to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
"There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange. An offer was made especially to get a ceasefire and to then kick-start broader discussions," Mr Macron told reporters at the G7.
"We have to see now whether the sides will follow."
In pic: Iran's Tabriz north missile base after it was hit by Israeli airstrike
03:59
,
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Trump departs G7 early due to Middle East crisis
03:49
,
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
President Donald Trump is skipping the remainder of this year’s Group of Seven summit and returning to Washington early after issuing a dire warning to residents of Iran’s capital.
In response to shouted questions from reporters about why he's leaving the G7 early, Mr Trump said: “I have to be back.”
Gathering with other leaders for a customary photo ahead of dinner yesterday, the president added, “You probably see what I see and I have to be back as soon as I can.”
Andrew Feinberg reports.
Mapped: Alleged Iranian nuclear sites
03:29
,
Athena Stavrou
Voices: Is the Israel-Iran conflict really the start of world war three?
03:02
,
Athena Stavrou
United States issues ‘do not travel’ warning for Israel, Gaza and West Bank as war escalates with Iran
02:48
,
Samantha Beech
U.S. State Department officials on Monday updated a travel advisory for Israel, Gaza and the West Bank territory to “do not travel” as casualties mount on both sides of Israel’s escalating war with Iran.
The advisory states that Israel remained a target with high potential for terrorist attacks while also stating that the danger posed by missile strikes and UAV (drone) strikes continues to be present.
“The security situation in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is unpredictable, and U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire and armed UAV intrusions and missiles, can take place without warning,” it reads.
Read more here from John Bowden in Washington, D.C.
Watch: Trump takes swipe at Tucker Carlson after he accuses US president of being 'complicit' in Israel-Iran attacks
02:34
,
Athena Stavrou
Latest pictures from Iran and Israel
02:07
,
Athena Stavrou
How many people have been killed?
01:38
,
Athena Stavrou
The death toll in Iran has reached at least 224, with civilians accounting for 90 per cent of the casualties, an Iranian official said.
In Israel, 24 people have been killed by retaliatory Iranian missile strikes.
Comment: What’s happening between Iran and Israel is a direct result of Trump’s carelessness
01:09
,
Athena Stavrou
Trump departs G7 after warning 'everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran'
Tuesday 17 June 2025 00:55
,
Samantha Beech
President Donald Trump is leaving the G7 in Canada, his press secretary says, to return to D.C. It comes after the president earlier urged everyone to immediately evacuate Tehran.
Karoline Leavitt said in a post on X, “Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State.”
President Trump had a great day at the G7, even signing a major trade deal with the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State.
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) June 16, 2025
Watch: Israelis huddle in Tel Aviv bomb shelters as air raid sirens blare ahead of Iran missile strike
Tuesday 17 June 2025 00:48
,
Athena Stavrou
Tehran residents flee as Israeli fire continues
Tuesday 17 June 2025 00:14
,
Athena Stavrou
Many Tehran residents fled overnight on Monday after several districts of Tehran were struck by Israeli missiles.
Mohammad, 45, said he had already sent his wife and children from Tehran to his hometown in southern Iran. "I could not leave because of my job but I wanted my family to be safe."
"It was worse than other nights. Explosion after explosion. Many of our friends left this morning, We will leave too. Just trying to get some cash from the bank," said Maryam, 33, a teacher in Tehran.
A resident of Tehran’s Ekbatan neighbourhood said: "One bank had a withdrawal limit of 150 million rials (about $160), but most were only allowing 30 million rials ($32)."
"I went to the bank and they told me people couldn't withdraw as much as they want from their accounts, otherwise they would run out of cash," he said.
Three shopkeepers in Tehran told Reuters people were stocking up on food and gas cylinders for cooking, and water. Ramin, 48, said his pharmacy had been swamped by customers.
"People are stockpiling medicine, especially elderly who fear their essential supplies may become scarce because of the war," he said.
The government has assured people that there are sufficient stocks of food and medicine.
"I do not trust the authorities. They said Israel would not dare to attack Iran and look where we are," said Tehran resident Zeynab, 67, a retired bank employee. "I have children and grandchildren. We have to stock up. No one knows what will happen and when this war will end."
US deploying more defensive capabilities to Middle East, defence secretary says
Monday 16 June 2025 23:51
,
Athena Stavrou
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Monday he had ordered the deployment of additional defensive capabilities to the Middle East.
Hegseth did not disclose what military capabilities he sent to the region. But Reuters was the first to report earlier on Monday a deployment of a large number of US military refueling aircraft and the movement of an aircraft carrier to the Middle East.
"Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region," Hegseth said in a post on social media platform X.
Trump says everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran
Monday 16 June 2025 23:50
,
Athena Stavrou
Donald Trump has urged everyone to immediately evacuate Tehran, and reiterated that Iran should have signed a nuclear deal with the United States.
"IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!" he said in a post on Truth Social.
Pictured: The moon rises over Tel Aviv as Iran launches fresh retaliatory attacks
Monday 16 June 2025 23:17
,
Athena Stavrou
Trump predicts Iran will sign nuclear deal
Monday 16 June 2025 22:57
,
Athena Stavrou
Donald Trump has said Iran should have signed a deal with the United States on its nuclear program before Israeli strikes began - and that he believes they now want to make an agreement.
"As I've been saying, I think a deal will be signed, or something will happen, but a deal will be signed, and I think Iran is foolish not to sign," Trump told reporters on the sidelines of the G7 summit.
Missiles coming from Iran, IDF confirms
Monday 16 June 2025 22:31
,
Athena Stavrou
Earlier, Iran said it had launched a fresh wave of missile strikes towards Israel.
The IDF has now confirmed they have identified missiles coming from Iran.
Once again, millions of Israelis are forced to run to shelter following projectile fire from Iran pic.twitter.com/gCYqvjybdx
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 16, 2025
Comment: What’s happening in the Middle East is result of Trump’s carelessness
Monday 16 June 2025 22:11
,
Athena Stavrou
Iran launches missile attack
Monday 16 June 2025 21:54
,
Athena Stavrou
Iran has launched a fresh wave of missile attacks targeting Israel.
Iran’s state TV said the attacks had begun on Monday evening.
Iran’s revolutionary guard’s spokesman said the strikes will continue until the morning.
Mapped: All the strikes on Iran so far
Monday 16 June 2025 21:31
,
Athena Stavrou
Watch: Moment Israel missile strike interrupts live Iran news broadcast
Monday 16 June 2025 21:14
,
Athena Stavrou
Is it safe to travel to Israel? Your rights as conflict with Iran escalates
Monday 16 June 2025 20:57
,
Athena Stavrou
Britain has advised against all travel to Israel amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, which has seen deadly strikes traded between the two countries.
The Foreign Office updated its travel advice on Saturday to say that it now advises against travel to anywhere in Israel, where attacks have left at least 10 people dead as sent millions rushing to bomb shelters.
The advice is a change from Friday, when the government said only essential travel was allowed to some areas.
Our correspondent Holly Bancroft explains:
Pictured: Smoke billows after Israeli strike on Iran state broadcaster
Monday 16 June 2025 20:44
,
Athena Stavrou
Three Iranian Red Crescent workers killed in Israeli strike - reports
Monday 16 June 2025 20:43
,
Athena Stavrou
Three Iranian Red Crescent workers have been killed in an Israeli strike, local media has reported.
Iran's Mehr news agency reported that three of the emergency workers died during rescue operations in Tehran.
Iranian air defences thwart attack on South Pars gas field, Iranian news website reports
Monday 16 June 2025 20:31
,
Athena Stavrou
Iranian Air Defences have thwarted an attack on the Iranian South Pars gas field, local media has reported.
Iran shares the South Pars gas field with Qatar. The world's biggest gas field was struck by Israel on Saturday, leading Iran to partially suspend gas production.
British involvement in Iran-Israel conflict could end up like Iraq War, MPs warn
Monday 16 June 2025 20:13
,
Athena Stavrou
MPs have warned against the Government becoming embroiled in the conflict between Israel and Iran, as they said any involvement could have the same results as the Iraq War.
Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs said Britain should be wary of any involvement, as they compared it to the British invasion of Saddam Hussein’s country in 2003.
Intelligence on Tehran’s nuclear capabilities was treated with scepticism, as one MP said the Commons should have a vote on whether to engage in any military action.
Liberal Democrat MP Al Pinkerton said: “A despotic Middle Eastern dictatorship, a rogue state, a terrorist state perilously close to achieving a weapon of mass destruction so serious that it could disrupt the entire region.
“Members, as well as the public listening at home, may hear echoes of 2003 in that description of current events.
“And with talk of regime change again in the air, can I ask the Foreign Secretary what he is going to do to personally talk back the authorities in Jerusalem, in Israel, because what they’re doing at the moment strikes me as providing the Iranian regime with the best possible propaganda tool that they could possibly have.”
Watch: Children and elderly rescued from homes as Israel reels from Iranian missile strike
Monday 16 June 2025 19:58
,
Athena Stavrou
Israel shoots down F-14 fighter jets and strikes western Iran
Monday 16 June 2025 19:41
,
Athena Stavrou
In its latest update, the IDF has said it has been targeting surface-to-surface missile infrastructure in western Iran.
IDF Spokesperson, BG Effie Defrin said: “Throughout the day, the Israeli Air Force identified several trucks carrying weapons and surface-to-air missile launchers. The trucks attempted to evade IDF strikes, but were struck from the air, thereby preventing further launches toward the State of Israel. We continue to operate against the threat of surface-to-air missiles, surface-to-surface missiles, and UAVs.”
They added that a remotely piloted Israeli aircraft struck down two Iranian F-14 fighter jets this evening.
US House Speaker Johnson postpones trip to Israel
Monday 16 June 2025 19:29
,
Athena Stavrou
The US House of Representatives speaker has postponed his planned trip to Israel.
Mike Johnson was due to address Israel’s parliament on June 22.
"Due to the complex situation currently unfolding in Iran and Israel, (Knesset) Speaker (Amir) Ohana and I have made the decision to postpone the special session of the Knesset,” Johnson said in a statement.
“We look forward to rescheduling the address in the near future and send our prayers to the people of Israel and the Middle East.”
Netanyahu speaking press conference
Monday 16 June 2025 19:17
,
Athena Stavrou
Bemjamin Netanyahu is currently speaking at a press conference.
We will tell you what he’s saying as soon as possible.
US citizens told to leave Iran immediately
Monday 16 June 2025 19:06
,
Athena Stavrou
The US state department has told citizens to leave Iran immediately if they are there.
It said US citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason and if they are unable to depart they should “be prepared to shelter in place for extended periods”.
“US citizens in Iran face serious, increasing dangers due to rising regional tensions. The US government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” it said in a post on X on Monday.
“The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for United States interests in Iran. The Swiss Protecting Power office in Tehran is closed until further notice and is limited in its ability to assist US citizens in Iran at this time.”
Iran: U.S. citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason and should depart Iran immediately if they are there. U.S. citizens who are unable to depart Iran should be prepared to shelter in place for extended periods. U.S. citizens in Iran face serious, increasing dangers due… pic.twitter.com/9INm4OVztn
— Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) June 16, 2025
Iran tells UN strikes on Israel are self defence
Monday 16 June 2025 18:55
,
Athena Stavrou
Iran’s ambassador has just told the UN that the country’s retaliatory strikes on Israel are self defence.
Amir Saeid Iravani told the UN Nations Security Council on Monday that the strikes are "proportionate defensive operations directed exclusively at military objectives and associated infrastructure”.
He wrote in a letter that any cooperation by third countries with Israel's strikes on Iran "makes them complicit in the legal responsibility and consequences of this crisis."
Under Article 51 of the founding United Nations Charter, the 15-member Security Council must immediately be informed of any action that states take in self defence against armed attack.
Iran and Israel continue to trade missile attacks on Monday
Monday 16 June 2025 18:24
,
Athena Stavrou
Iran and Israel have both continued to fire missiles at eachother on Monday afternoon.
A state TV station was hit by an Israeli missile in Iran, as the IDF warned Israeli’s to seek shelter after it detected missiles being sent from Iran.
It comes after more died in strikes overnight, with more expected to come.
Mapped: All the strikes on Iran so far
Monday 16 June 2025 18:21
,
Athena Stavrou
Netanyahu does not rule out targeting Iran's Supreme Leader - reports
Monday 16 June 2025 18:06
,
Athena Stavrou
Benjamin Netanyahu did not rule out the possibility of targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei when asked on Monday.
The Israeli PM was asked by US news outlet ABC about reports that Donald Trump rejected an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran's Supreme Leader due to fears it would escalate the conflict.
He told ABC: "It's not going to escalate the conflict, it's going to end the conflict."
Asked if Israel would target the supreme leader, Netanyahu said that Israel was "doing what we need to do."
"I'm not going to get into the details, but we've targeted their top nuclear scientists," Netanyahu said.
Watch: Moment Israel missile strike interrupts live Iran news broadcast
Monday 16 June 2025 17:48
,
Athena Stavrou
Thousands evacuated in Israel, says minister
Monday 16 June 2025 17:36
,
Athena Stavrou
Over 2,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in Israel since it launched its attack on Iran on Friday.
Israel’s finance minister said 2,775 residents have been evacuated since Iran’s retaliatory strikes began.
Bezalel Smotrich added that 24 buildings have been designation for demolition.
Iran sought US pressure on Israel for ceasefire via Gulf states - sources say
Monday 16 June 2025 17:22
,
Athena Stavrou
Iran has asked Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman to press Donald Trump to use his influence on Israel to agree to an immediate ceasefire, sources have claimed.
Two Iranian and three regional sources told Reuters on Monday that Iran had offered flexibility in nuclear negotiations in return.
Gulf leaders and their top diplomats worked the phones all weekend, speaking to each other, to Tehran, Washington and beyond in an effort to prevent a widening of the biggest ever confrontation between longstanding enemies Israel and Iran.
