Israeli envoy to US moots 'surprise' to attack Fordow nuclear site

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, a veteran Iraqi cleric who is one of the preeminent authorities in Shi'ite Islam, condemned attacks against Iran and called any killings of its leaders "criminal".

The top cleric "once again strongly condemned the continued military aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as any threats of assassination targeting the country's top religious and political leadership," his office said in a statement.

"He firmly warned that any such criminal acts — in addition to being blatant violations of religious and moral principles and a clear breach of international norms and laws — would have extremely grave consequences for the entire region," it added.

"It could potentially lead to a complete loss of control over the situation and trigger widespread chaos, further deepening the suffering of the region's peoples and severely endangering the interests of all."

"Iran has now been offline for over 12 hours as authorities impose a nation-scale internet shutdown, citing Israel's alleged 'misuse' of the network for military purposes," the internet observatory NetBlocks said early Thursday.

"The measure continues to hinder residents' access to information at a critical time," it added.

As US President Trump appeared poised to attack Iran, top Senate Democrats have issued a joint statement accusing the administration of “a lack of preparation, strategy, and clearly defined objectives”.

“Congress is an equal partner in preserving and defending U.S. national security around the world, and Congress has not provided authorization for military action against Iran — we will not rubberstamp military intervention that puts the United States at risk,” five senior Democratic senators wrote.

They comprised Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Chris Coons, Mark Warner, Jack Reed and Patty Murray.

“The United States cannot sleepwalk into a third war in as many decades,” they added.

“By law, the president must consult Congress and seek authorization if he is considering taking the country to war," the senators wrote. "He owes Congress and the American people a strategy for U.S. engagement in the region."

“We need a clear, detailed plan outlining the goals, risks, cost, and timeline for any proposed mission."

Here's a brief summary of major developments as the conflict entered its sixth day.

President Trump gives "ultimate ultimatum"

• US President Donald Trump said Wednesday the Islamic Republic's downfall was possible. Trump added he seeks “total and complete victory,” not a ceasefire.
• The US President said he had given Iran the "ultimate ultimatum".
• Iran has expressed interest in negotiating, Trump said on Wednesday.
• Trump said Tehran had even proposed a visit to the White House. “They should have negotiated sooner,” Trump said.
• The US President was growing more comfortable with bombing Iran's Fordow nuclear site, ABC News reported citing a source familiar with the intelligence.

Khamenei warns US of pain

• Iran’s Supreme Leader appeared in a defiant video address.
• Ali Khamenei said a US military intervention would result in “irreparable damage".
• Khamenei rejected Trump's call for Iran to surrender the previous day.
• Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi lashed out at Israel but said diplomacy was still possible, in an apparent reference to the United States.

Mutual blows continue

• Israel's military said it continued to target Iran’s military capabilities.
• Israeli strikes over the past day hit 60 locations, a spokesman said, including centrifuge and anti-tank missile production sites in and around Tehran.
• Iran continued to launch missile salvos at Israel, albeit at less intensity.
• Residents reported huge explosions in Isfahan, Shiraz and Kermanshah.
• Iran has launched around 400 ballistic missiles and 1,000 drones at Israel since the conflict began on Friday, CNN cited a senior Israeli military official as saying.
• The IAEA confirmed Israeli air strikes hit two Iranian centrifuge production sites, the TESA Karaj workshop and the Tehran Research Center.

US military readied, Congress to be briefed

• US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the military was ready for any scenario, including the fallout from a potential attack on Iran.
• Hegseth said the US military is prepared to execute any decision President Donald Trump makes regarding war or peace.
• An aide to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said senators would be briefed on Iran in a classified session early next week.

US moves assets to Mideast

• The USS Ford Carrier Strike Group is set to deploy into the eastern Mediterranean near Israel, CNN reported citing US officials.
• The United States has deployed more than 30 aerial refueling tankers to the Middle East.

Israel touts wins

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel controlled Iran's skies.
• The country's pilots, Netanyahu added, were striking at nuclear and missile sites.
• Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said the air force had destroyed the headquarters of Iran’s internal security agency.

Iran warns of retaliation to US

• Iran’s UN envoy in Geneva warned that Tehran would retaliate against the United States if it detects American involvement in Israeli attacks.
• Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned Israelis to flee or risk being trapped in bomb shelters under missile fire.
• A senior Iranian official Mojtaba Ranjbar said the United States targets the Supreme Leader, Iran would strike Washington and New York.
• Iran’s UN mission in New York rejected President Donald Trump’s statement that Iranian officials proposed a visit to the White House.

Diplomacy quickens

• Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would accept a meeting to discuss a ceasefire with Israel, the New York Times cited a senior Iranian official as saying.
• Russia’s President Vladimir Putin said Moscow had presented ideas for a settlement to Iran, Israel and the United States.
• Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov cautioned on Wednesday that direct US military assistance to Israel could sharply destabilize the Middle East.
• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned his cabinet to prepare for a potential US military strike on Iran, the Financial Times cited British officials as saying.
• Foreign ministers from Germany, France, and Britain will meet their Iranian counterpart in Geneva on Friday for nuclear talks, Reuters cited a German diplomatic source as saying
• IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi told Bloomberg the UN nuclear watchdog can no longer verify the location or security of Iran’s highly enriched uranium.

State TV hacked, internet down

• Iran’s state broadcaster was hacked Wednesday night and videos calling for street protests briefly aired.
• Iran's Cybersecurity Command said it had thwarted a major cyberattack targeting the country’s banking system
• Armed Revolutionary Guard forces took control of Iran’s state broadcaster compound in Tehran following an Israeli airstrike, tightening security.
• Iran’s exiled prince Reza Pahlavi said The Islamic Republic is in its final phase, urging support for a peaceful transition led by Iranians.
• Several buildings near the headquarters of the Law Enforcement Command (FARAJA) were attacked wounding several offices, Iranian authorities said.

"Just like Netanyahu manufactured this war to destroy diplomacy, the world should be highly alarmed about increasing attempts by the failing Israeli regime to get others to bail it out and to expand the flames to the region and beyond," Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X.

"With the exception of the illegitimate, genocidal and occupying Israeli regime, we remain committed to diplomacy. As before, we are serious and forward-looking in our outlook," he added.

Araghchi said Tehran has so far "only retaliated against the Israeli regime and not those who are aiding and abetting it," in an apparent reference to the US alleged participation in intercepting Iranian attacks against Israel.

"Iran will continue to exercise its right to self-defense, with pride and bravery, and we will make the aggressor regret and pay for its grave error."