Two Iran nuclear sites destroyed in Israel strikes: UN

18-Jun-2025

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The UN nuclear watchdog said Israeli strikes on Wednesday (Jun 18) destroyed two buildings making centrifuge components for Iran's nuclear programme near Tehran, while Iran said it fired hypersonic missiles as the arch foes traded fire for a sixth day.

Hours after United States President Donald Trump demanded Iran's surrender, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed his country would show "no mercy" towards Israel's leadership.

Khamenei, in power since 1989 and the final arbiter of all matters of state in Iran, was to deliver a televised speech Wednesday.

Trump insists the US has played no part in ally Israel's bombing campaign but also warned his patience was wearing thin.

The long-range blitz began Friday, when Israel launched a massive bombing campaign that prompted Iran to respond with missiles and drones.

After the Israeli military issued a warning for civilians to leave one district of Tehran for their safety, Israeli warplanes hit the capital early Wednesday.

"More than 50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets ... carried out a series of air strikes in the Tehran area over the past few hours," the Israeli military said, adding that several weapons manufacturing facilities were hit.