Iran is reportedly developing chemical and biological warheads for its long‑range ballistic missiles, accelerating its deterrence program amid rising tensions with Israel and the U.S., according to media reports citing military officials. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department for comment.

Merchants, shop owners and students at several Iranian universities have been protesting for days and shutting down key bazaar markets.

The fatalities, two on Wednesday and five on Thursday, occurred in four cities, largely home to Iran's Lur ethnic group

What began as a protest against the economic crisis in Iran has grown into an agitation, demanding a change in the regime and the ouster of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. These demonstrations,

"Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again," Trump said. "And if they are we're going to have to knock them down."

During the 12-day war in June 2025, the Israeli Air Force bombed the headquarters of Iran’s state television broadcaster in Tehran. Israeli authorities had announced in advance that they would strike the area of Tehran where the state television headquarters is located, stating that the goal was to deal a blow to state propaganda.