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Tensions in West Asia escalated sharply as Israel’s military issued a warning for civilians to evacuate the area surrounding Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor, heightening fears of a direct strike. Former US President Donald Trump declared that his “patience has run out” with Iran, while stressing that diplomatic avenues remain open. Despite this, Trump hinted at possible American military involvement to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions if required. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a mediation effort to resolve the Israel-Iran conflict, suggesting Moscow could broker a solution that safeguards Israeli security while allowing Iran a peaceful atomic programme. When asked how Russia would respond if Israel assassinated Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Putin refused to engage with the hypothetical. Iran, on its part, issued a stern warning to the US, with its UN Ambassador in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, asserting that Iran will respond firmly if Washington becomes directly involved, accusing the US of being complicit in Israel’s military actions.

Australia begins evacuations from Israel amid rising tensions

Australia has begun evacuating its citizens from Israel as the regional crisis deepens, with nearly 3,000 Australians registered for assistance across the Middle East, CNN reported. Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that a small group was evacuated by land on Wednesday, with more expected to follow soon as the situation becomes “increasingly dangerous.” She also urged Iran to halt its nuclear weapons ambitions and return to the negotiating table, stating, “Iran has a choice here… to discontinue its program and to return to talks.”

Syrians watch Iran-Israel crossfire as Damascus stays silent

As Iranian missiles and Israeli interceptors streak across Syrian skies, the new government in Damascus has maintained an official silence, despite Syria’s historic ties to both nations. Iran was a key supporter of former President Bashar al-Assad during the country’s 14-year civil war, while Israel continues to occupy the Golan Heights and has carried out repeated strikes since Assad’s ouster. Yet amid the escalating regional conflict, Syrians and their leaders appear keen to remain on the sidelines, watching the crisis unfold without direct involvement, AFP reports.

100 Indian students return from Iran as Israel-Iran airstrikes escalate

Around 100 Indian students evacuated from Iran under Operation Sindhu landed safely in Delhi on Thursday morning, CNN reported. This comes as Israel and Iran continue to trade airstrikes in what is now the region’s most intense military confrontation in decades.

Israeli strikes have reportedly killed over 200 people, including senior Iranian military officials, while Iran’s missile retaliation left 24 civilians dead in Israel, according to Reuters. In response, Tehran activated its air defences, intercepted incoming drones, arrested 18 suspected Israeli-linked operatives, and imposed temporary internet curbs amid panic and mass evacuations from the capital.

Oil dips as markets eye US role in Israel-Iran conflict

Oil prices edged lower as investors remained cautious amid uncertainty over potential U.S. intervention in the Israel-Iran crisis. Brent crude fell 37 cents to $76.33 a barrel, while WTI July futures dropped 28 cents to $74.86. Reuters reported that volatility remains high, with traders reacting to mixed signals from President Trump on Washington’s next move.

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