‘Iran faces an existential crisis’: Professor Fawaz Gerges

[analyse_image type=”featured” src=”https://static.dw.com/image/76192676_6.jpg”]

https://p.dw.com/p/59gst
Israel says it hit Hezbollah sites in Beirut on Tuesday morningImage: AFP/Getty Images
Skip next section What you need to know

What you need to know

  • Israel launches fresh strikes on Beirut and Tehran
  • Iran hits several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia
  • US embassy in the Saudi capital Riyadh hit by drone attack
  • US President Donald Trump vows response will come ‘soon’
  • US evacuates non-emergency workers from 6 embassies in the region

Here are the latest developments from the US-Israeli attack and Iran’s response on Tuesday, March 3:

Skip next section WATCH — ‘Iran faces an existential crisis’: Professor Fawaz Gerges

March 3, 2026

WATCH — ‘Iran faces an existential crisis’: Professor Fawaz Gerges

On day four of the war, Iran expert Fawaz Gerges explains how the conflict is widening, with growing uncertainty over possible further US military action.

‘Iran faces an existential crisis’: Professor Fawaz Gerges

https://p.dw.com/p/59jqi
Skip next section US: Beirut embassy will remain closed ‘until further notice’

March 3, 2026

US: Beirut embassy will remain closed ‘until further notice’

The US Embassy in Beirut has announced that it will remain closed until further notice, in the aftermath of the strikes on Iran, and as Israel and the Iranian-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah also exchange fire

“Due to ongoing regional tensions, US Embassy Beirut will be closed until further notice,” the embassy said on X on Tuesday, a day after it renewed calls for US citizens to leave Lebanon immediately.

https://p.dw.com/p/59k31
Skip next section WATCH — US, Israel and Iran: What are their next moves?

March 3, 2026

WATCH — US, Israel and Iran: What are their next moves?

While the exact fallout of US‑Israeli strikes on Iran remains uncertain, DW’s Richard Walker and Iran expert Nicole Grajewski examine what each actor wants — and the obstacles standing in their way.

US, Israel and Iran: What are their next moves?

https://p.dw.com/p/59jqw
Skip next section Israel hits ballistic missile production across Iran — IDF

March 3, 2026

Israel hits ballistic missile production across Iran — IDF

The Israeli Air Force has struck sites “throughout Iran” that were used to manufacture weapons, including ballistic missiles, the Israeli Defense Forces said Tuesday.

The strikes on Tuesday come on the fourth day of the large-scale US-Israeli air attacks against Iran.

“During strikes conducted throughout Iran, the IDF targeted industrial sites used by the Iranian regime to produce weapons, particularly ballistic missiles,” the IDF said in a statement.

The strikes were mostly concentrated on the capital, Tehran, and the central city of Isfahan, the IDF added, although targets in western Iran were also hit.

In Isfahan, the IDF hit “dozens of targets” related to ballistic missiles, ” including launchers and missile storage sites,” the statement said.

https://p.dw.com/p/59jqF
Skip next section Assembly of Experts office building destroyed — Iran state media

March 3, 2026

Assembly of Experts office building destroyed — Iran state media

Iranian state media are reporting that the office building of the Assembly of Experts in Qom was severely damaged in an air strike on Tuesday.

Reports in Iran also suggest an air strike had targeted a session of the Assembly of Experts, which was convened to choose the country’s next supreme leader.

The Assembly of Experts is made up of clerics who are responsible for appointing and overseeing the supreme leader.

The former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on Saturday in an Israeli air strike.

Tasnim, an official news agency with ties to Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that the Assembly of Experts building in Tehran was also hit overnight.

Iranian officials have said the process of choosing Khamenei’s successor is already underway.

Many members of that body have reportedly been killed or wounded.

https://p.dw.com/p/59jMZ
Skip next section IN PICTURES — Tehran rocked by air strikes

March 3, 2026

IN PICTURES — Tehran rocked by air strikes

Debris lies scattered in the aftermath of an Israeli and U.S. strike on a police station, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran
Iran state media said ‘a number of citizens were martyred and some were trapped under the rubble’ of a police station on the outskirts of the city that was struckImage: Majid Asgaripour/WANA/REUTERS
Iran Teheran 2026 | Beschädigte Polizeistation nach US-israelischem Militärschlag
Buildings nearby were also damaged in the strike on the police stationImage: Vahid Salemi/AP Photo/picture alliance
A woman walks past a heavily-damaged building near Ferdowsi square in Tehran on March 3, 2026
This building near Tehran’s central Ferdowsi square sustained severe damageImage: Atta Kenare/AFP
A view of debris following an Israeli and US strike on Gandhi Hotel Hospital
A hospital in the north of Tehran was also hit, according to state mediaImage: Majid Asgaripour/WANA/REUTERS
The Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, suffers damage from US-Israeli military strikes
The Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was damaged when a bomb hit Arag Square near the palace on MondayImage: Tasnimnews/ZUMA Press/IMAGO
https://p.dw.com/p/59j3o
Skip next section Israel expects Saudi Arabia to attack Iran ‘soon’ — report

March 3, 2026

Israel expects Saudi Arabia to attack Iran ‘soon’ — report

The US embassy headquarters in Riyadh is pictured on March 3, 2026, after it was hit by drone strikes earlier
The US embassy headquarters in Riyadh is pictured on March 3, 2026, after it was hit by drone strikes earlier.Image: AFP

Israeli officials expect Saudi Arabia to attack Iran imminently, a senior official told Israeli outlet Haaretz

Iran has been retaliating against US-Israeli air attacks by targeting several countries in the Gulf region.

Iranian drones hit the US embassy in Riyadh as well as an oil refinery on Monday.

“We have no doubt that Saudi Arabia will attack Iran soon after they were attacked yesterday,” the unnamed official said.

https://p.dw.com/p/59jE1
Skip next section Germany summons Iranian ambassador over Middle East strikes

March 3, 2026

Germany summons Iranian ambassador over Middle East strikes

Editor

Germany’s Foreign Office has summoned Iran’s ambassador in the wake of Tehran’s strikes against Israel and several other countries in the Middle East.

In a post on X, the ministry said German authorities had “unequivocally called on the Iranian regime to immediately cease its reckless attacks on countries in the region.”

 “We condemn the Iranian regime’s arbitrary and disproportionate missile and drone attacks, including on civilian targets,” the statement continued. “The attacks threaten our allies, our military personnel and our nationals in the region.”

Tehran’s attacks are in retaliation for the major offensive launched by Israel and the United States on Saturday.

Iran has been targeting Israel as well as US bases and interests in several Gulf and Arab countries.
 
While Germany has been swift and unequivocal in condemning Iran, the German government has not denounced the US-Israeli strike and assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. 

Chancellor Friedrich Merz declined to condemn his Israeli and American allies over the strikes, amid widespread debate over whether the attacks on Iran were justified.

“This is not the moment to lecture our partners and allies. Despite our reservations, we share many of their objectives,” Merz said Sunday.

https://p.dw.com/p/59iqG
Skip next section READ MORE: US-Israeli war casts doubt on Iran’s World Cup participation

March 3, 2026

READ MORE: US-Israeli war casts doubt on Iran’s World Cup participation

With just 100 days before the football World Cup kicks off in the US, many concerns still hover over the event, with the current Middle East war not the least of them.

Alongside worries about high ticket prices, security and the official treatment of visitors to the country under an administration that has frequently voiced hostile attitudes to members other nations, it now appears more than likely that Iran, which qualified to contend a year ago, might not be able to take part.

You can read more in this DW article: World Cup 2026: US-Iran war adds to list of concerns

https://p.dw.com/p/59igL
Skip next section UN calls on warring parties to ‘come to their senses’

March 3, 2026

UN calls on warring parties to ‘come to their senses’

The United Nations on Tuesday urged all parties to “come to their senses” and end the war in the Middle East, with human rights chief Volker Turk saying he was “deeply shocked” at the impact of the fighting on civilians.

“The fear, the panic, the anxiety experienced by millions of people in the Middle East and beyond is palpable — and was entirely avoidable,” Turk’s spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a press conference in Geneva. 

“The situation is worsening and widening by the hour, playing out our worst fears,” she added.

She said that Turk “implores all parties to come to their senses, and to end this violence.”

This comes as Iran urged the United Nations Security Council to take action to stop the war.

“The United Nations Security Council has a duty … if it wishes, it can certainly act, because there is no obstacle to its action except its own will,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei during a briefing.

https://p.dw.com/p/59iOm
Skip next section BEFORE AND AFTER — The attack on the residence of Iran’s Supreme Leader

March 3, 2026

BEFORE AND AFTER — The attack on the residence of Iran’s Supreme Leader

Use the slider to reveal the extent of the damage to the compound of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Saturday.

 

https://p.dw.com/p/59iLc
Skip next section WATCH — Iran’s opposition: United, divided, ready to take over?

March 3, 2026

WATCH — Iran’s opposition: United, divided, ready to take over?

US President Donald Trump called on Iranians to seize a “glorious future.” But who is he talking to? Is there a real opposition or a leaderless uprising?

Iran’s opposition: United, divided, ready to take over?

https://p.dw.com/p/59i0y
Skip next section Natanz uranium enrichment facility damaged but no leaks — IAEA

March 3, 2026

Natanz uranium enrichment facility damaged but no leaks — IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Tuesday that Iran’s underground uranium enrichment facility in Natanz had sustained “some recent damage” but that there were no expected radiological consequences. 

It said the damage was focused on “entrance buildings” to the underground portion of the atomic site.

The assessment comes after IAEA head Rafael Grossi told a special meeting of the UN nuclear watchdog agency’s Board of Governors on Monday that none of Iran’s nucler facilities showed signs of hits or damage amid attacks by US and Israel.

Tehran’s representative to the IAEA, in contrast, spoke of an attack on the Natanz facility.

Last June, Israel and the US carried out strikes on facilities linked to Iran’s nuclear program, including that in Natanz.

The technology in place at the site can produce enriched uranium that can be used in reactor fuel or for nuclear weapons. Tehran has always denied that it is seeking to develop such weapons.

https://p.dw.com/p/59i6e
Skip next section WATCH — Iran war duration may be dictated by US ammunition stock

March 3, 2026

WATCH — Iran war duration may be dictated by US ammunition stock

The Pentagon has reportedly expressed concern that a prolonged campaign against Iran could significantly deplete US ammunition stockpiles. We asked military analyst Marina Miron for her assessment.

Iran war duration may be dictated by US ammunition stock

https://p.dw.com/p/59i10
Skip next section FBI director Patel fires Iran experts ahead of US offensive — report

March 3, 2026

FBI director Patel fires Iran experts ahead of US offensive — report

The director of the US’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel, last week fired members of an elite counterespionage unit, CI-12, that specializes in Iran, sources cited by US cable news channel MS Now have said.

The firings came just days before the US, with Israel, launched bombing strikes on Iran that have triggered a widening regional conflict.

The now depleted unit could be called upon to fend off the potential threat of Iranian operations on US soil targeting US President Donald Trump and his aides like those that followed a previous bombing strike on Iran ordered by Trump in his first term.

The dismissals by Patel came following his accusations that the team of FBI agents that investigated the hoarding of top-secret records by Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida had carried out improper steps in their probe.

Patel, 46, was nominated to his position by Trump in late 2024 and was confirmed as FBI head in a narrow Senate vote in February 2025, with all Democratic senators voting against him.

https://p.dw.com/p/59i0M
Show more posts
  • Israel launches fresh strikes on Beirut and Tehran
  • Iran hits several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia
  • US embassy in the Saudi capital Riyadh hit by drone attack
  • US President Donald Trump vows response will come ‘soon’
  • US evacuates non-emergency workers from 6 embassies in the region

Here are the latest developments from the US-Israeli attack and Iran’s response on Tuesday, March 3:

Here are the latest developments from the US-Israeli attack and Iran’s response on Tuesday, March 3:

On day four of the war, Iran expert Fawaz Gerges explains how the conflict is widening, with growing uncertainty over possible further US military action.

‘Iran faces an existential crisis’: Professor Fawaz Gerges

On day four of the war, Iran expert Fawaz Gerges explains how the conflict is widening, with growing uncertainty over possible further US military action.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

The US Embassy in Beirut has announced that it will remain closed until further notice, in the aftermath of the strikes on Iran, and as Israel and the Iranian-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah also exchange fire

“Due to ongoing regional tensions, US Embassy Beirut will be closed until further notice,” the embassy said on X on Tuesday, a day after it renewed calls for US citizens to leave Lebanon immediately.

The US Embassy in Beirut has announced that it will remain closed until further notice, in the aftermath of the strikes on Iran, and as Israel and the Iranian-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah also exchange fire

“Due to ongoing regional tensions, US Embassy Beirut will be closed until further notice,” the embassy said on X on Tuesday, a day after it renewed calls for US citizens to leave Lebanon immediately.

While the exact fallout of US‑Israeli strikes on Iran remains uncertain, DW’s Richard Walker and Iran expert Nicole Grajewski examine what each actor wants — and the obstacles standing in their way.

US, Israel and Iran: What are their next moves?

While the exact fallout of US‑Israeli strikes on Iran remains uncertain, DW’s Richard Walker and Iran expert Nicole Grajewski examine what each actor wants — and the obstacles standing in their way.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

The Israeli Air Force has struck sites “throughout Iran” that were used to manufacture weapons, including ballistic missiles, the Israeli Defense Forces said Tuesday.

The strikes on Tuesday come on the fourth day of the large-scale US-Israeli air attacks against Iran.

“During strikes conducted throughout Iran, the IDF targeted industrial sites used by the Iranian regime to produce weapons, particularly ballistic missiles,” the IDF said in a statement.

The strikes were mostly concentrated on the capital, Tehran, and the central city of Isfahan, the IDF added, although targets in western Iran were also hit.

In Isfahan, the IDF hit “dozens of targets” related to ballistic missiles, ” including launchers and missile storage sites,” the statement said.

The Israeli Air Force has struck sites “throughout Iran” that were used to manufacture weapons, including ballistic missiles, the Israeli Defense Forces said Tuesday.

The strikes on Tuesday come on the fourth day of the large-scale US-Israeli air attacks against Iran.

“During strikes conducted throughout Iran, the IDF targeted industrial sites used by the Iranian regime to produce weapons, particularly ballistic missiles,” the IDF said in a statement.

The strikes were mostly concentrated on the capital, Tehran, and the central city of Isfahan, the IDF added, although targets in western Iran were also hit.

In Isfahan, the IDF hit “dozens of targets” related to ballistic missiles, ” including launchers and missile storage sites,” the statement said.

Iranian state media are reporting that the office building of the Assembly of Experts in Qom was severely damaged in an air strike on Tuesday.

Reports in Iran also suggest an air strike had targeted a session of the Assembly of Experts, which was convened to choose the country’s next supreme leader.

The Assembly of Experts is made up of clerics who are responsible for appointing and overseeing the supreme leader.

The former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on Saturday in an Israeli air strike.

Tasnim, an official news agency with ties to Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that the Assembly of Experts building in Tehran was also hit overnight.

Iranian officials have said the process of choosing Khamenei’s successor is already underway.

Many members of that body have reportedly been killed or wounded.

Iranian state media are reporting that the office building of the Assembly of Experts in Qom was severely damaged in an air strike on Tuesday.

Reports in Iran also suggest an air strike had targeted a session of the Assembly of Experts, which was convened to choose the country’s next supreme leader.

The Assembly of Experts is made up of clerics who are responsible for appointing and overseeing the supreme leader.

The former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on Saturday in an Israeli air strike.

Tasnim, an official news agency with ties to Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that the Assembly of Experts building in Tehran was also hit overnight.

Iranian officials have said the process of choosing Khamenei’s successor is already underway.

Many members of that body have reportedly been killed or wounded.

Debris lies scattered in the aftermath of an Israeli and U.S. strike on a police station, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran
Iran state media said ‘a number of citizens were martyred and some were trapped under the rubble’ of a police station on the outskirts of the city that was struckImage: Majid Asgaripour/WANA/REUTERS
Iran Teheran 2026 | Beschädigte Polizeistation nach US-israelischem Militärschlag
Buildings nearby were also damaged in the strike on the police stationImage: Vahid Salemi/AP Photo/picture alliance
A woman walks past a heavily-damaged building near Ferdowsi square in Tehran on March 3, 2026
This building near Tehran’s central Ferdowsi square sustained severe damageImage: Atta Kenare/AFP
A view of debris following an Israeli and US strike on Gandhi Hotel Hospital
A hospital in the north of Tehran was also hit, according to state mediaImage: Majid Asgaripour/WANA/REUTERS
The Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, suffers damage from US-Israeli military strikes
The Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was damaged when a bomb hit Arag Square near the palace on MondayImage: Tasnimnews/ZUMA Press/IMAGO
The US embassy headquarters in Riyadh is pictured on March 3, 2026, after it was hit by drone strikes earlier
The US embassy headquarters in Riyadh is pictured on March 3, 2026, after it was hit by drone strikes earlier.Image: AFP

Israeli officials expect Saudi Arabia to attack Iran imminently, a senior official told Israeli outlet Haaretz

Iran has been retaliating against US-Israeli air attacks by targeting several countries in the Gulf region.

Iranian drones hit the US embassy in Riyadh as well as an oil refinery on Monday.

“We have no doubt that Saudi Arabia will attack Iran soon after they were attacked yesterday,” the unnamed official said.

Israeli officials expect Saudi Arabia to attack Iran imminently, a senior official told Israeli outlet Haaretz

Iran has been retaliating against US-Israeli air attacks by targeting several countries in the Gulf region.

Iranian drones hit the US embassy in Riyadh as well as an oil refinery on Monday.

“We have no doubt that Saudi Arabia will attack Iran soon after they were attacked yesterday,” the unnamed official said.

Germany’s Foreign Office has summoned Iran’s ambassador in the wake of Tehran’s strikes against Israel and several other countries in the Middle East.

In a post on X, the ministry said German authorities had “unequivocally called on the Iranian regime to immediately cease its reckless attacks on countries in the region.”

 “We condemn the Iranian regime’s arbitrary and disproportionate missile and drone attacks, including on civilian targets,” the statement continued. “The attacks threaten our allies, our military personnel and our nationals in the region.”

Tehran’s attacks are in retaliation for the major offensive launched by Israel and the United States on Saturday.

Iran has been targeting Israel as well as US bases and interests in several Gulf and Arab countries.
 
While Germany has been swift and unequivocal in condemning Iran, the German government has not denounced the US-Israeli strike and assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. 

Chancellor Friedrich Merz declined to condemn his Israeli and American allies over the strikes, amid widespread debate over whether the attacks on Iran were justified.

“This is not the moment to lecture our partners and allies. Despite our reservations, we share many of their objectives,” Merz said Sunday.

Germany’s Foreign Office has summoned Iran’s ambassador in the wake of Tehran’s strikes against Israel and several other countries in the Middle East.

In a post on X, the ministry said German authorities had “unequivocally called on the Iranian regime to immediately cease its reckless attacks on countries in the region.”

 “We condemn the Iranian regime’s arbitrary and disproportionate missile and drone attacks, including on civilian targets,” the statement continued. “The attacks threaten our allies, our military personnel and our nationals in the region.”

Tehran’s attacks are in retaliation for the major offensive launched by Israel and the United States on Saturday.

Iran has been targeting Israel as well as US bases and interests in several Gulf and Arab countries.
 
While Germany has been swift and unequivocal in condemning Iran, the German government has not denounced the US-Israeli strike and assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. 

Chancellor Friedrich Merz declined to condemn his Israeli and American allies over the strikes, amid widespread debate over whether the attacks on Iran were justified.

“This is not the moment to lecture our partners and allies. Despite our reservations, we share many of their objectives,” Merz said Sunday.

With just 100 days before the football World Cup kicks off in the US, many concerns still hover over the event, with the current Middle East war not the least of them.

Alongside worries about high ticket prices, security and the official treatment of visitors to the country under an administration that has frequently voiced hostile attitudes to members other nations, it now appears more than likely that Iran, which qualified to contend a year ago, might not be able to take part.

You can read more in this DW article: World Cup 2026: US-Iran war adds to list of concerns

With just 100 days before the football World Cup kicks off in the US, many concerns still hover over the event, with the current Middle East war not the least of them.

Alongside worries about high ticket prices, security and the official treatment of visitors to the country under an administration that has frequently voiced hostile attitudes to members other nations, it now appears more than likely that Iran, which qualified to contend a year ago, might not be able to take part.

You can read more in this DW article: World Cup 2026: US-Iran war adds to list of concerns

The United Nations on Tuesday urged all parties to “come to their senses” and end the war in the Middle East, with human rights chief Volker Turk saying he was “deeply shocked” at the impact of the fighting on civilians.

“The fear, the panic, the anxiety experienced by millions of people in the Middle East and beyond is palpable — and was entirely avoidable,” Turk’s spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a press conference in Geneva. 

“The situation is worsening and widening by the hour, playing out our worst fears,” she added.

She said that Turk “implores all parties to come to their senses, and to end this violence.”

This comes as Iran urged the United Nations Security Council to take action to stop the war.

“The United Nations Security Council has a duty … if it wishes, it can certainly act, because there is no obstacle to its action except its own will,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei during a briefing.

The United Nations on Tuesday urged all parties to “come to their senses” and end the war in the Middle East, with human rights chief Volker Turk saying he was “deeply shocked” at the impact of the fighting on civilians.

“The fear, the panic, the anxiety experienced by millions of people in the Middle East and beyond is palpable — and was entirely avoidable,” Turk’s spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told a press conference in Geneva. 

“The situation is worsening and widening by the hour, playing out our worst fears,” she added.

She said that Turk “implores all parties to come to their senses, and to end this violence.”

This comes as Iran urged the United Nations Security Council to take action to stop the war.

“The United Nations Security Council has a duty … if it wishes, it can certainly act, because there is no obstacle to its action except its own will,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei during a briefing.

Use the slider to reveal the extent of the damage to the compound of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Saturday.

 

Use the slider to reveal the extent of the damage to the compound of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Saturday.

 

US President Donald Trump called on Iranians to seize a “glorious future.” But who is he talking to? Is there a real opposition or a leaderless uprising?

Iran’s opposition: United, divided, ready to take over?

US President Donald Trump called on Iranians to seize a “glorious future.” But who is he talking to? Is there a real opposition or a leaderless uprising?

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Tuesday that Iran’s underground uranium enrichment facility in Natanz had sustained “some recent damage” but that there were no expected radiological consequences. 

It said the damage was focused on “entrance buildings” to the underground portion of the atomic site.

The assessment comes after IAEA head Rafael Grossi told a special meeting of the UN nuclear watchdog agency’s Board of Governors on Monday that none of Iran’s nucler facilities showed signs of hits or damage amid attacks by US and Israel.

Tehran’s representative to the IAEA, in contrast, spoke of an attack on the Natanz facility.

Last June, Israel and the US carried out strikes on facilities linked to Iran’s nuclear program, including that in Natanz.

The technology in place at the site can produce enriched uranium that can be used in reactor fuel or for nuclear weapons. Tehran has always denied that it is seeking to develop such weapons.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Tuesday that Iran’s underground uranium enrichment facility in Natanz had sustained “some recent damage” but that there were no expected radiological consequences. 

It said the damage was focused on “entrance buildings” to the underground portion of the atomic site.

The assessment comes after IAEA head Rafael Grossi told a special meeting of the UN nuclear watchdog agency’s Board of Governors on Monday that none of Iran’s nucler facilities showed signs of hits or damage amid attacks by US and Israel.

Tehran’s representative to the IAEA, in contrast, spoke of an attack on the Natanz facility.

Last June, Israel and the US carried out strikes on facilities linked to Iran’s nuclear program, including that in Natanz.

The technology in place at the site can produce enriched uranium that can be used in reactor fuel or for nuclear weapons. Tehran has always denied that it is seeking to develop such weapons.

The Pentagon has reportedly expressed concern that a prolonged campaign against Iran could significantly deplete US ammunition stockpiles. We asked military analyst Marina Miron for her assessment.

Iran war duration may be dictated by US ammunition stock

The Pentagon has reportedly expressed concern that a prolonged campaign against Iran could significantly deplete US ammunition stockpiles. We asked military analyst Marina Miron for her assessment.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

The director of the US’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel, last week fired members of an elite counterespionage unit, CI-12, that specializes in Iran, sources cited by US cable news channel MS Now have said.

The firings came just days before the US, with Israel, launched bombing strikes on Iran that have triggered a widening regional conflict.

The now depleted unit could be called upon to fend off the potential threat of Iranian operations on US soil targeting US President Donald Trump and his aides like those that followed a previous bombing strike on Iran ordered by Trump in his first term.

The dismissals by Patel came following his accusations that the team of FBI agents that investigated the hoarding of top-secret records by Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida had carried out improper steps in their probe.

Patel, 46, was nominated to his position by Trump in late 2024 and was confirmed as FBI head in a narrow Senate vote in February 2025, with all Democratic senators voting against him.

The director of the US’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel, last week fired members of an elite counterespionage unit, CI-12, that specializes in Iran, sources cited by US cable news channel MS Now have said.

The firings came just days before the US, with Israel, launched bombing strikes on Iran that have triggered a widening regional conflict.

The now depleted unit could be called upon to fend off the potential threat of Iranian operations on US soil targeting US President Donald Trump and his aides like those that followed a previous bombing strike on Iran ordered by Trump in his first term.

The dismissals by Patel came following his accusations that the team of FBI agents that investigated the hoarding of top-secret records by Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida had carried out improper steps in their probe.

Patel, 46, was nominated to his position by Trump in late 2024 and was confirmed as FBI head in a narrow Senate vote in February 2025, with all Democratic senators voting against him.

[analyse_source url=”https://www.dw.com/en/iran-war-us-embassy-riyadh-saudi-trump-response/live-76191483″]


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2026-07-01 15:13:26

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