Iran on June 28 held a large state funeral in Tehran for approximately 60 individuals—including high-ranking IRGC commanders like Generals Hossein Salami, Mohammad Bagheri, and Amir Ali Hajizadeh, alongside 14 nuclear scientists—who were killed during Israel’s 12-day air campaign, “Operation Rising Lion,” which began June 13 . Hundreds of thousands—possibly over a million—mourned across Azadi Street, chanting anti‑American and anti‑Israeli slogans . The funeral underscores the heavy toll inflicted: Iran reported over 600 deaths and 4,700+ injuries, while Israel stated 28 fatalities on its side . Tensions remain high despite a ceasefire, marking a solemn milestone in the escalating Iran‑Israel standoff. (PC: AP)

Billionaire philanthropist Warren Buffett on June 28 donated $6 billion worth of Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares—approximately 12.36 million—to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and four Buffett family charities, marking his largest annual gift since 2006 . Of this, 9.43 million shares went to the Gates Foundation; the rest were allocated to the Susan Thompson Buffett, Sherwood, Howard G., and NoVo Foundations . This raises his total donations to over $60 billion. Post-donation, he retains a 13.8% stake in Berkshire. At age 94, Buffett plans to leave 99.5% of his estate to philanthropy, managed by his children within a decade of his death. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan has begun reconstructing terrorist launchpads and training camps demolished during India’s May 2025 “Operation Sindoor” strikes, with active support from its military, ISI, and government . The new facilities are purportedly smaller, tech‑advanced, and hidden in dense forests along the Line of Control, designed to evade satellite, radar, and thermal detection . Rebuilt sites include Luni, Jamil Post, Umranwali, Kel, and Kotli, among others, while launchpads are being decentralized into dispersed units housing under 200 militants . Intelligence suggests this is a strategic effort to re‑establish terror infrastructure aimed at India. (PC: NDTV)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denounced U.S. President Trump’s comments toward Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as “disrespectful and unacceptable,” warning that such rhetoric undermines any hopes for a nuclear deal . Araghchi urged Trump to cease insulting language that hurts “millions of heartfelt followers” and emphasized Iran’s independence—mocking Israel as having “no choice but to run to Daddy” to avoid Iranian missiles . The backlash followed Trump’s Truth Social claim that he prevented Khamenei from being killed during U.S./Israeli strikes—a boast Iran calls insulting . Tehran insists it won’t engage in talks unless U.S. rhetoric is respectful, signaling renewed diplomatic strain. (PC: AP)

On June 27, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza could be achieved “within the next week,” citing discussions with unnamed stakeholders involved in negotiations . Speaking from the White House, he called the situation “terrible” and emphasized U.S. humanitarian aid—money and food—already reaching Gaza, appealing for broader international support . His comments follow a recent U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Iran and coincide with Israeli officials, including Ron Dermer, planning talks in Washington—signaling renewed diplomatic momentum toward de-escalation. (PC: Al Jazeera)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on June 28, 2025, denounced President Donald Trump’s comments about Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as “disrespectful and unacceptable,” urging the U.S. President to adopt a more respectful tone if he genuinely seeks a nuclear deal . Araghchi stressed that inflammatory language alienates millions of Iranians and warned that Iran “does not take kindly to threats and insults” . Additionally, he mocked Israel’s dependency on the U.S., saying it “had no choice but to run to daddy” .

US President Donald Trump signaled flexibility on the July 9 deadline for imposing reciprocal tariffs, saying, “We can do whatever we want.” Speaking at the White House, Trump hinted the timeline could shift depending on trade progress. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested deals with 10–12 major partners might be finalized by Labor Day. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt called the July deadline “not critical.” Trump also hinted at a “very big” deal with India after the recent China agreement. Markets rallied on hopes of delayed tariffs, which could avert major global trade disruptions. Negotiations continue with the EU, India, and others. (PC: India Today)

One month into Gaza’s controversial US- and Israeli-backed aid system, over 500 Palestinians have been killed and 4,000 injured while seeking food, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The UN has warned the deaths could amount to a “war crime.” Verified videos show daily chaos and gunfire around aid sites. Israel’s military claims it fired only “warning shots,” blaming Hamas for disruptions. However, medics and eyewitnesses report Israeli fire on civilians. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation denies deaths at its sites, but videos show people killed near convoys. Aid groups call for safer, demilitarized access amid growing desperation and civilian casualties. (PC: BBC)

The US Supreme Court has allowed Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship to take effect next month, while limiting lower courts’ power to block presidential actions. Trump hailed the decision as a “giant win,” calling birthright citizenship a “hoax.” The ruling also boosts presidential authority on multiple policy fronts, including immigration, foreign aid, and civil service reforms. Justice Amy Coney Barrett emphasized states could still seek broader injunctions in future legal battles. Trump's administration, emboldened by the decision, now plans to move forward on delayed policies. The final decision on citizenship may come in October’s Supreme Court session.

North Korea has opened the Wonsan Kalma coastal resort, a massive tourism project featuring 54 hotels, waterparks, pubs, and entertainment zones along a 5-km beach stretch. Leader Kim Jong Un, appearing in a dark suit, called it one of North Korea’s “greatest feats” of the year during the grand opening. Built over seven years, the resort opens to domestic tourists on July 1. Though foreign visitors remain limited due to sanctions, a Russian agency is organizing tours from July 7. The project saw no major foreign investment, highlighting ongoing international restrictions linked to North Korea’s controversial weapons programs.