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The head of the United Nations’ nuclear monitoring body said Monday that nearly all of the approximately 15,000 centrifuges operating at Iran’s Natanz enrichment facility were likely rendered inoperable due to an Israeli strike that triggered a major power outage.

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), had initially suggested that the attack on the external power systems of Natanz might have affected its centrifuges, though the structure housing them appeared untouched. Speaking to the BBC, he offered a much more definitive assessment.

“Our assessment is that with this sudden loss of external power, in great probability the centrifuges have been severely damaged if not destroyed altogether,” Grossi told the BBC.

He added, “I think there has been damage inside,” offering a more direct evaluation than the one he had presented earlier that day during an emergency session of the IAEA’s 35-member Board of Governors.

Centrifuges are complex, precision instruments that rely on stable electricity to maintain the extreme speeds required to enrich uranium. A sudden disruption to their power supply can easily lead to their breakdown.

In his earlier remarks to the IAEA board, Grossi warned of potential contamination at Natanz—both radiological and chemical—as a result of the damage sustained in the Israeli strike.

He noted that exposure to radioactive materials from uranium could be dangerous if inhaled or ingested, but said that the danger could be mitigated with proper safety equipment, such as respirators and other protective gear.

“The level of radioactivity outside the Natanz site has remained unchanged and at normal levels, indicating no external radiological impact to the population or the environment from this event,” Grossi said.

The strike on Natanz came early Friday as part of Israel’s initial barrage against Iranian targets, which launched a surprise campaign aimed at dismantling both military and nuclear threats.

Since the start of the campaign, two of Iran’s three known enrichment facilities have reportedly been knocked offline by Israeli airstrikes.

At the Fordo plant, which is buried deep within a mountain, there were no visible signs of damage. Grossi told the BBC, “There is very limited, if any, damage registered [there].”

While IAEA inspectors have not yet resumed on-site investigations due to safety concerns, the agency continues to monitor developments through satellite surveillance and remote sensing.

Grossi also confirmed destruction at four sites within the Isfahan nuclear complex, including infrastructure key to uranium processing. Among the facilities hit were the chemical lab, a plant that transforms raw uranium into a gas suitable for enrichment, and a facility being built to convert uranium tetrafluoride into enriched uranium metal.

“Four buildings were damaged in Friday’s attack: the central chemical laboratory, a uranium conversion plant, the Tehran reactor fuel manufacturing plant, and the UF4 [uranium tetrafluoride] to EU [enriched uranium] metal processing facility, which was under construction,” he explained.

He added further detail in his interview with the BBC: “In Isfahan you have underground spaces as well, which do not seem to have been affected.”

A high-ranking diplomat told Reuters that the subterranean chambers at Isfahan likely hold Iran’s most enriched uranium, though the full extent of any damage to that material cannot yet be confirmed without direct access.

Grossi appealed to Iranian authorities to offer more transparency. He called for Iran to share “timely and regular technical information” regarding its nuclear sites, cautioning that in the absence of that data, the IAEA “cannot accurately assess the radiological conditions and potential impacts on the population and the environment and cannot provide the necessary assistance.”

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining a presence in Iran and said that inspectors would return to nuclear facilities “as soon as safety conditions allow.”

The escalating hostilities erupted into a full-blown confrontation early Friday when Israel began a broad offensive against Iran, aiming at its nuclear scientists, military infrastructure, and missile systems.

Israeli leaders have defended the attacks as essential, citing intelligence that Iran was nearing “the point of no return” in developing nuclear weapons capabilities.

Iran’s response has included launching around 350 ballistic missiles toward Israeli territory, according to figures shared by the IDF on Monday. Most of those projectiles were intercepted before causing damage.

Nevertheless, Iran’s missile campaign has taken a toll, with 24 fatalities reported and hundreds more injured in the aftermath.

{Matzav.com}

New York State Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein and Senator Sam Sutton announced the successful passage of their important legislation that prohibits the New York City Department of Sanitation from issuing fines after 3 PM on Fridays, a crucial step to protect shabbos observers and other New Yorkers from receiving unfair sanitation tickets.

Last year, the NYC Department of Sanitation enacted a rule requiring residents to place their trash on the curb after 8:00 PM in an effort to combat the city’s rat problem. However, this rigid policy ignores the needs of religious New Yorkers who are prohibited from handling trash on Shabbos. As a result, many residents have been subjected to steep fines of $50-$300 simply for observing their faith.

The legislation (Bill# S8256/A2693) prohibits Sanitation Department enforcement agents from ticketing New York City residents from 3:00 PM on Friday. This legislation was necessary to allow for Shabbos-observant members of the Jewish community to comply with city rules without choosing between violating their religious beliefs or getting a sanitation ticket. Both houses of the State Legislature overwhelmingly passed this legislation during the final days of the scheduled legislative session.

“This important legislation will ensure that New Yorkers do not have to choose between their religious beliefs and avoiding a ticket, and will also prevent residents from being unfairly targeted simply because they observe Shabbos,” said Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein. “I thank Senator Sam Sutton for partnering with me in sponsoring this bill and look forward to continue working with him to enhance the quality of life throughout our neighborhoods.”

“I am proud to have sponsored this common-sense bill that respects the diverse needs of New York City residents, and I thank Assemblyman Eichenstein for his leadership on this issue,” said Senator Sam Sutton. “No one should have to choose between adhering to their faith or facing a sanitation fine. This bill ensures that our city’s policies are inclusive and considerate of all residents’ beliefs. It’s a small change with a big positive impact, making life a little easier for countless individuals and families across our city.”

{Matzav.com}

Multiple blasts and a barrage of anti-aircraft fire were reported in Tehran on Tuesday, according to Iranian state-affiliated media.

Eyewitnesses speaking to Iran International, a media outlet operated by Iranian dissidents, described hearing explosions in the eastern and southeastern sections of the capital.

The same outlet also posted on X that individuals in Ahvaz, a city in the Khuzestan province of southwestern Iran, had reported hearing a series of detonations.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Asriran news platform stated that air defense systems were activated at the Natanz nuclear facility amid the unfolding situation.

Amid the reports of explosions, President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iranian citizens through a Truth Social post, urging them to leave the capital immediately.

“Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” Trump wrote. “I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”

A U.S. official told Reuters that Trump refused to sign a joint G7 statement in Canada Monday evening, which had called for de-escalation between Israel and Iran. The statement also included a demand to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Trump issued a stark warning late Monday, urging all residents of Tehran to leave the city without delay. In a post on Truth Social, he also condemned Iran’s refusal to agree to a nuclear deal he had previously proposed.

“Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” Trump wrote in the post.

Earlier that same day, Israeli authorities had also advised those in Tehran to evacuate, signaling that additional strikes on Iranian targets were imminent as the military confrontation between the two nations escalated further.

The conflict entered its fourth day on Monday, following Israel’s initial missile strikes launched on Friday. Those attacks focused on Iranian nuclear assets and high-ranking military personnel.

In comments made Sunday, Trump suggested that American involvement in the fighting could not be ruled out, saying it is “possible” that the United States might take part in the ongoing hostilities.

Tehran is home to approximately 9.5 million people, all of whom are now living under the shadow of potential large-scale military action.

{Matzav.com}

At a press conference held this evening, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin delivered a comprehensive briefing on Israel’s latest military operations, outlining efforts to dismantle key elements of Iran’s strategic infrastructure threatening Israeli security.

“Our aim is to remove the threat and target Iran’s nuclear program and missile infrastructure,” Defrin stated, describing a deliberate and focused campaign designed to reduce the regime’s offensive capabilities.

He reported that Israeli fighter jets carried out precision strikes against convoys transporting weaponry and missile systems, including surface-to-air launchers. “The trucks attempted to evade IDF strikes, but were struck from the air, thereby preventing further launches toward the State of Israel,” Defrin said.

Defrin emphasized that the IDF is staying proactive in neutralizing aerial threats. “We continue to operate against the threat of surface-to-air missiles, surface-to-surface missiles, and UAVs,” he said. Referring to a recent operation, he added, “Our aircraft identified launch cells, followed them while in motion, and struck them just minutes before launch.”

Marking a notable development in the air campaign, Defrin confirmed that two Iranian F-14 jets were destroyed on the runway at Tehran International Airport by a remotely piloted drone. “This represents another loss of strategic weaponry for the enemy,” he confirmed.

Among the day’s additional targets was a major communications center in Iran that served both civilian and military functions. “According to our intelligence, the center was used by military forces to advance operational activity under the cover of civilian assets,” Defrin said, noting that civilians had been warned in advance to avoid harm. “This strike constitutes another blow to the IRGC’s military capabilities,” he added.

Touching on recent losses, Defrin offered sympathies to those mourning loved ones: “Our hearts are with you. We stand beside you in these difficult times.”

As Iran continues to launch missile attacks, Defrin reminded Israelis of lifesaving protocol. “The safe room is the safest place during a siren, and you must continue to enter it when a warning is issued.”

Operations in the Gaza Strip and Judea and Samaria are ongoing, with IDF forces working to root out terrorist elements. Speaking directly to the hostages still held in Gaza, Defrin said: “We have not, and will not, give up on you—not for a moment. Your return is always before our eyes.”

“The IDF and all security forces remain fully alert and prepared,” Defrin concluded, affirming Israel’s continued state of readiness in the face of evolving threats.

{Matzav.com Israel}

The IRGC has issued a warning threatening the entire Israel. Psychological warfare in overdive

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirms that President Trump is heading back to Washington.

BREAKING: President Trump is leaving the G7 summit EARLY and will return to DC tonight.

Fox News anchor Brett Baier: “We are now, just moments ago, getting reports… that there are major explosions in Tehran at this hour.”

President Trump takes a swipe at Tucker Carlson – his second of the day – calling him “kooky” and stressing that Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuke

During a press briefing at the G7 summit on Monday, President Donald Trump stated that Iran is once again open to negotiations and predicted that a deal would be finalized. “They would be foolish not to,” he remarked.

The President elaborated on the current diplomatic dynamics, saying, “Iran wants to make a deal. A deal will be signed, or something will happen. Iran should have signed the deal. I gave Iran 60 days to reach an agreement, but they said no.”

He noted his ongoing communication with Israeli leadership, emphasizing collaboration with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. “We are on our way to making sure that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon.”

Trump concluded by indicating that further steps concerning Iran would be taken once the summit wraps up. “We will move forward on the Iranian issue after I leave the G7 summit,” he added.

{Matzav.com}

In the early hours of Tuesday, the Israeli military detected the firing of two missiles originating from Iranian territory, aimed at Israel. The country’s air defense systems were swiftly activated to intercept the threat.

Air raid sirens were triggered across numerous regions in Israel, including major cities in the south and center such as Be’er Sheva, alerting residents to seek shelter.

According to reports, the missiles fell in uninhabited areas in Israel’s southern region. There were no direct casualties reported.

A spokesperson from Magen David Adom released a statement saying, “Following the Red Alert sirens in the past few minutes in the center and south of Israel, at this stage no reports have been received in MDA’s Emergency Dispatch Center of missile strikes or casualties, apart from a number of people who were injured on their way to a protected space.”

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a statement taking responsibility for the missile attack, claiming it was retaliation for what they allege was the origin of a strike launched the previous evening against Iran’s national broadcasting facility in Tehran.

The Tuesday strike came shortly after a separate, less intense missile barrage targeted the northern part of Israel on Monday around 7:30 p.m.

That same day, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu conducted a visit to the Tel Nof Airbase, accompanied by Defense Minister Yisroel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

Speaking at the base, Netanyahu outlined the objectives of Israel’s campaign, declaring, “We are on the way to achieve our two goals: eliminating the nuclear threat and eliminating the missile threat. When we control the skies of Tehran, we hit these targets, the enemy’s targets, in contrast to the criminal Iranian regime, which targets our civilians and comes to kill our children and women. We tell the civilians in Tehran: ‘Evacuate’ – and we are taking action.”

He continued by praising the military’s performance: “We are on our way to victory, and this is thanks to our heroic pilots. Our amazing ground crews are also doing an amazing job. I salute you, all citizens of Israel salute you, and I wish to tell you: many in the world salute you and are amazed by you.”

Netanyahu concluded with a message of perseverance and faith: “This is a basic part of the hope that we will achieve victory. Thank you, and with God’s help, we will do and succeed, and continue until victory.”

{Matzav.com Israel}

The Israeli military recently executed a covert mission aimed at disrupting Iran’s nuclear ambitions, hitting a location thought to play a key role in sustaining the country’s nuclear weapons development.

According to a report aired Monday by Channel 12’s Amit Segal, one of the primary objectives of this mission was to eliminate a duplicate version of Iran’s nuclear archive. This archive reportedly held a comprehensive collection of documents detailing the Islamic Republic’s expertise and strides in the realm of nuclear arms.

This strike is viewed as a highly significant strategic achievement, arriving seven years after the renowned Mossad operation that succeeded in removing Iran’s original nuclear archive from a heavily fortified site in Tehran. That mission culminated in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showcasing the materials to the world during a high-profile 2018 press conference.

The apparent obliteration of the backup archive is part of a broader pattern of clandestine operations widely linked to Israel, as described in various international outlets. These include precision strikes on Iranian scientists who were integral to the country’s nuclear and uranium enrichment initiatives.

{Matzav.com}

A pair of European satellites have created the first artificial solar eclipses by flying in precise and fancy formation, providing hours of on-demand totality for scientists. The European Space Agency released the eclipse pictures at the Paris Air Show on Monday. Launched late last year, the orbiting duo have churned out simulated solar eclipses since March while zooming tens of thousands of miles (kilometers) above Earth. Flying 492 feet (150 meters) apart, one satellite blocks the sun like the moon does during a natural total solar eclipse as the other aims its telescope at the corona, the sun’s outer atmosphere that forms a crown or halo of light. It’s an intricate, prolonged dance requiring extreme precision by the cube-shaped spacecraft, less than 5 feet (1.5 meters) in size. Their flying accuracy needs to be within a mere millimeter, the thickness of a fingernail. This meticulous positioning is achieved autonomously through GPS navigation, star trackers, lasers and radio links. Dubbed Proba-3, the $210 million mission has generated 10 successful solar eclipses so far during the ongoing checkout phase. The longest eclipse lasted five hours, said the Royal Observatory of Belgium’s Andrei Zhukov, the lead scientist for the orbiting corona-observing telescope. He and his team are aiming for a wondrous six hours of totality per eclipse once scientific observations begin in July. Scientists already are thrilled by the preliminary results that show the corona without the need for any special image processing, said Zhukov. “We almost couldn’t believe our eyes,” Zhukov said in an email. “This was the first try, and it worked. It was so incredible.” Zhukov anticipates an average of two solar eclipses per week being produced for a total of nearly 200 during the two-year mission, yielding more than 1,000 hours of totality. That will be a scientific bonanza since full solar eclipses produce just a few minutes of totality when the moon lines up perfectly between Earth and the sun — on average just once every 18 months. The sun continues to mystify scientists, especially its corona, which is hotter than the solar surface. Coronal mass ejections result in billions of tons of plasma and magnetic fields being hurled out into space. Geomagnetic storms can result, disrupting power and communication while lighting up the night sky with auroras in unexpected locales. While previous satellites have generated imitation solar eclipses — including the European Space Agency and NASA’s Solar Orbiter and Soho observatory — the sun-blocking disk was always on the same spacecraft as the corona-observing telescope. What makes this mission unique, Zhukov said, is that the sun-shrouding disk and telescope are on two different satellites and therefore far apart. The distance between these two satellites will give scientists a better look at the part of the corona closest to the limb of the sun. “We are extremely satisfied by the quality of these images, and again this is really thanks to formation flying” with unprecedented accuracy, ESA’s mission manager Damien Galano said from the Paris Air Show. (AP)

Sec. of Defense Pete Hegseth has confirmed that additional deployments to the Middle East are for “defensive posture in the region.”

Operations at all BAZAN installations in Haifa Bay were completely halted Monday night after a missile struck the complex earlier that day, resulting in the deaths of three individuals.

According to a statement from BAZAN Group, the missile hit a section of the power plant that generates steam and electricity for multiple facilities across the company. The impact caused serious disruptions, prompting a full shutdown of the refinery and its affiliated businesses until further notice.

The company noted that it is working closely with the Israel Electric Corporation to reestablish a stable energy supply at the site as soon as possible. Simultaneously, BAZAN is conducting a detailed evaluation of the destruction and planning how to proceed with necessary repairs.

In response, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure issued a statement saying, “The energy sector is prepared to support the country’s fuel needs. Minister Eli Cohen visited the facility Monday morning with professional teams to prioritize necessary repairs. The Ministry, along with the Minister, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and to the company for the tragic loss.”

Later Monday evening, authorities confirmed that the three people who lost their lives in the morning attack were located inside the BAZAN compound at the time of the missile impact.

Initial findings indicate that the victims were in what was considered the most secure internal room on the premises when the strike occurred. All three individuals were residents of Haifa and the surrounding Krayot region.

{Matzav.com Israel}

President Donald Trump said Iran missed a crucial opportunity by not agreeing to a nuclear deal with the United States prior to Israeli military strikes, but said he is optimistic that Tehran may now be willing to come to the negotiating table. “As I’ve been saying, I think a deal will be signed, or something will happen, but a deal will be signed,” Trump said Sunday on the sidelines of the G7 summit. “And I think Iran is foolish not to sign.” The President reiterated his administration’s objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a long-standing concern that has escalated following recent hostilities in the region. “I want to see no nuclear weapon in Iran and we’re well on our way to making sure that happens,” Trump said. “Israel is doing very well, as you probably noticed,” he added. “I’ve spoken to everybody… I’m in constant touch.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

HY’D: Danny Abraham, a 59-year-old resident of Kiryat Motzkin, was one of the three fatalities from the Iranian missile strike on the Bazan facilities in Haifa last night. According to the assessment of investigative authorities, the three were in an inner room, considered the most protected area in the facility, and the strike likely hit near the building where they were located. As a result of the impact, a fire broke out, part of the structure collapsed due to the flames, and they were trapped under the rubble.