Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned U.S. airstrikes on its Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities as “extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour,” calling them a grave violation of international law and the UN Charter . He warned that Iran reserves the right to mount a “legitimate response” under self‑defence provisions of the UN Charter . State media broadcasted the message as Tehran requested an emergency UN Security Council session. Iranian officials insist their program is peaceful and reaffirm readiness to retaliate against U.S. military presence in the Middle East.

Iran’s state television responded aggressively after U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities, issuing a direct warning to President Trump: “Mr. Trump, you started it, and we will end it.” The broadcast featured a detailed map of U.S. military bases across the Middle East—signaling Tehran’s readiness to retaliate. This marks a significant escalation in tensions following the June strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, as Iran signals it is prepared to counter U.S. military presence in the region and amp up the confrontation. International observers monitor cautiously amid rising fears of a wider conflict.  

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—saying the strikes “will change history.” In a video address, he congratulated President Trump, saying the U.S. displayed “awesome and righteous might,” creating a “pivot of history” that could lead to peace in the Middle East. Echoing his long-held slogan “Peace through Strength,” Netanyahu affirmed that American action was “unsurpassed” and marked in perfect coordination with Israel. He confirmed that the promise to destroy Iran’s nuclear infrastructure has been fulfilled and invoked blessings for the enduring U.S.-Israel alliance.

In a televised address, U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the recent airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities as a “spectacular military success,” asserting America’s resolve and military precision. Trump stated that Iran now faces a clear choice: make peace or face further consequences. The strikes follow rising tensions linked to the broader Israel-Iran conflict. In response, Iran's Foreign Minister warned that continued U.S. involvement would be “very, very dangerous,” signaling potential escalation. The situation marks a significant turning point in U.S.-Iran relations and regional stability in the Middle East.

The United States deployed six GBU‑57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs via B‑2 Spirit stealth bombers in airstrikes targeting Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow uranium‑enrichment facility near Qom . Each 30,000‑lb bomb is engineered to penetrate deep underground—up to 200 ft of earth or 18 m of concrete . President Trump publicly confirmed the operation, which also included 30 Tomahawk missiles aimed at Natanz and Esfahan nuclear sites . Despite the show of force, experts caution the bombs may not fully neutralize Fordow’s deeply buried structures.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and his aide Hossein Shariatmadari have warned of a retaliatory missile strike on the U.S. naval fleet in Bahrain and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to American, British, German, and French vessels. They claim any U.S. military intervention—especially following recent strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities—will provoke “irreparable damage” to America . Shariatmadari emphasized this is “now our turn to act,” while Khamenei vowed the consequences for the U.S. would be far worse than any harm to Iran. (PC: Scanpix)  

  U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, calling it the “Middle East bully” and urging immediate peace following coordinated U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities—including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—on June 22, 2025. Trump boasted the sites were “completely, totally obliterated” and warned of significantly harsher strikes if Iran fails to agree to an end to hostilities . He set a narrow two-week deadline for Tehran to enter negotiations or face military escalation. International response has ranged from concern over regional stability to appeals for de-escalation, as tensions continue to rise. (PC: Hindustan Times)

In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, the United States joined Israel in bombing three major Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—on June 21, 2025. President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes, labeling them a “very successful attack” and claiming no American casualties. The operation involved B-2 stealth bombers and precision cruise missiles. Trump framed the attack as a push for diplomacy, stating, “Now is the time for peace,” while warning Iran against further provocation. The scale of the damage remains unverified, but the global community watches closely for Tehran’s next move. (PC: AP)  

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has openly endorsed the nation’s “civil‑military hybrid model,” acknowledging it isn’t an ideal democracy but credits it for economic stability and governance improvements. In an Arab News interview, he framed civil–military co‑ownership as “doing wonders” and a practical necessity until Pakistan overcomes economic challenges. Asif called compromise with the military “the only realistic option” for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s PML‑N. He also linked improved Pakistan–US ties highlighting Army Chief Asim Munir’s White House meeting with Donald Trump as evidence of the hybrid system’s success. (PC: Mint)

The 2025 King's Birthday Honours celebrate 1,200 individuals, spotlighting community service, arts, sports, and activism. Oscar-winner Gary Oldman and football icon David Beckham are knighted, while Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman become MBEs for broadcasting. Elaine Paige and novelist Pat Barker are now dames. Honours extend to young achievers like 18-year-old darts champ Luke Littler, activist and Love Island star Georgia Harrison, and 11-year-old MBE Carmela Chillery-Watson. Music legends Roger Daltrey, Steve Winwood, and others were honoured alongside activists, scientists, and veterans like 106-year-old WWII hero Norman Irwin. The list reflects diversity in age, service, and impact—48% are women, recognising unsung heroes across the UK. (PC: BBC)