Fri Jun 20 10:50:00 UTC 2025: ## US Weighs Options as Israel and Iran Trade Blows Amid Escalating Conflict

**Geneva, Switzerland** – As tensions soar between Israel and Iran, the US is giving diplomacy a two-week window before potentially launching a military strike, according to President Donald Trump. This comes as European and Iranian officials convene in Geneva today, with the UK’s foreign minister cautiously optimistic about a chance to de-escalate the crisis.

Meanwhile, the conflict continues to rage on the ground. Overnight, Israel and Iran exchanged strikes, marking another day in their week-long confrontation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated his military’s objective is to target all of Iran’s nuclear facilities, while Iran reportedly plans to retaliate against Channel 14 news, accusing it of being a “propaganda channel” for Netanyahu.

**Threats and Retaliation**

Adding to the already heightened tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that “no one in Iran should have immunity.” This follows a statement from Israel’s defense minister declaring Khamenei “cannot be allowed to continue to exist.”

**Censorship Concerns Raised**

Israel’s far-right ministers are drawing criticism for cracking down on foreign media coverage. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir is requesting that the Shin Bet security agency investigate media outlets he accuses of “violating censorship orders” by broadcasting live footage from missile impact sites. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has condemned the move, arguing it undermines international support for Israel.

**Nuclear Implications**

A former Iranian nuclear negotiator, Seyed Hossein Mousavian, warned that Israel’s military offensive could push Iran to develop nuclear weapons. He stated that Iranians might view a nuclear deterrent as necessary due to perceived threats from the US and Israel. Mousavian urged a return to diplomacy to prevent further escalation.

**Global Powers Weigh In**

China and Russia are positioning themselves as mediators, urging de-escalation. In a recent phone call, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin condemned Israel’s actions, with Xi urging both sides to cease fire, and sending a message to Trump to cool the situation, not the opposite.

**Evacuations Underway**

Dozens of countries are scrambling to evacuate their nationals from Iran and Israel. China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the Czech Republic, France, India, and South Korea have all announced or initiated evacuation plans.

**Other key developments**
* Iranian outlets reported Friday that Ali Shamkhani, who was thought to be dead, is “in stable condition.”
* The UN reported that Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor facility was damaged.
* A powerful Iran-backed Shiite militia in Iraq threatened to shut down the Strait of Hormuz.
* Israel warned Hezbollah against “terrorism” after the group pledged support for Tehran.
* Five hospitals in Iran have been damaged due to the conflict.

**IAEA Monitoring Situation**

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed damage to key buildings at Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor facility. Despite Israel’s claims that it targeted the facility to prevent nuclear weapons development, the IAEA said no radiological consequences are expected.

**Russia Warns Against Regime Change**

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned against regime change in Iran and the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating such actions would be “unacceptable” and could lead to extremist moods in Iran.

**Marches Planned in Iran**

Iranians are being urged to participate in nationwide marches to demonstrate anger at Israel’s strikes.

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