Overview

• A ceasefire has held for two days after 12 days of fighting in which Israel struck Iranian nuclear and military targets and Iran launched missile attacks on Israeli population centers.
• The United States conducted bunker-busting airstrikes on Iran’s Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan nuclear facilities, marking a rare direct U.S. intervention in the conflict.
• IAEA chief Rafael Grossi accused Iran of violating international law by operating secret uranium enrichment sites and attempting to conceal them from U.N. inspectors.
• Pope Leo XIV urged both sides to reject revenge in favor of dialogue, stating that diplomacy is essential to heal the region’s wounds.
• He also highlighted the Damascus church bombing linked to an Islamic State sleeper cell and urged the continuation of humanitarian aid for Gaza.