Iran-Israel news: Iran's nuclear program only delayed by months; MEA welcomes ceasefire | 10 updates

By Admin

25 Jun, 2025

The geopolitical tensions in West Asia reached a crucial turning point this week with the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. The conflict, which escalated following a series of military operations and retaliatory strikes, has seen both countries agree to pause hostilities thanks in part to diplomatic interventions by the United States and Qatar. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has welcomed the reports of the truce and has also begun wrapping up its evacuation process of Indian nationals from Iran.

Here are the top ten developments in the ongoing Iran-Israel saga:

1. MEA’s Official Statement
   The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement acknowledging the ceasefire and emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving regional conflicts. The statement also referenced the U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities and the subsequent Iranian retaliation on U.S. bases in Qatar.
   
   

2. Concern for Regional Stability
   MEA expressed serious concern over the stability of the region, stating, “While we remain deeply concerned about the prospects for overall and sustained regional security and stability, we welcome reports of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel and the role played by the US and Qatar in bringing it about.”
   
   

3. Limited Impact on Iran’s Nuclear Program
   Despite the U.S. military’s targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, a U.S. intelligence report suggests Iran's nuclear ambitions have only been temporarily hindered delayed by just a few months. Sources familiar with the matter stated that the program was not "completely and fully obliterated" as previously claimed.
   
   

4. Damage to Iran’s Scientific Core
   Israel reported that its military actions led to the deaths of at least 14 Iranian scientists an unprecedented blow to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. These individuals formed a critical part of Iran’s nuclear research and development.
   
   

5. Israel’s Strategic Objective
   Israel’s ambassador to France told the Associated Press that the recent attacks have made it “almost impossible” for Iran to construct nuclear weapons with what little infrastructure and resources remain intact after sustained airstrikes and the use of U.S. bunker-busting bombs.
   
   

6. DIA’s Preliminary Assessment
   The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) found that the strikes delayed Iran’s nuclear capability by only a few months. This information was shared with Reuters by three sources with knowledge of the classified report.
   
   

7. Intelligence Community Involvement
   Two of these sources emphasized the confidential nature of the findings, confirming the involvement of the DIA one of the Pentagon’s key intelligence arms and part of the wider U.S. intelligence network.
   
   

8. U.S. Embassy Opening in Jerusalem
   Following the ceasefire and a de-escalation of hostilities, the U.S. has announced plans to open its Jerusalem embassy on June 25. This move also coincides with the lifting of domestic restrictions by Israel's Home Front Command.
   
   

9. Indian Embassy Winds Down Evacuation
   In light of the ceasefire, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has started winding down its evacuation operations for Indian nationals. This mission was initiated after tensions spiked in the region due to Israel’s military campaign.
   
   

10. Embassy’s Final Update on Evacuation
    In a public post on X, the Indian Embassy stated: “Since there has been an announcement of ceasefire, the Embassy is gradually winding up the evacuation exercise… The contact desk for new registrations has been closed. However, the Government of India continues to monitor the evolving situation and will revise its strategy if required.”
    
    

Conclusion

The temporary halt in hostilities between Iran and Israel has brought a sigh of relief across the international community. However, the limited impact on Iran’s nuclear program and the fragile nature of the ceasefire suggest that long-term peace in the region will require more than just temporary truces. The role of diplomatic actors like the U.S. and Qatar, along with vigilant monitoring from nations like India, remains crucial in ensuring sustained regional stability.