U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff described negotiations with Iran as “promising,” noting both direct and indirect discussions aimed at forging a long-term peace deal and reviving Tehran’s diplomatic ties with Washington . The remarks followed a fragile ceasefire brokered by President Trump between Iran and Israel after a two-week war involving U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and Iran’s missile retaliation . Witkoff expressed confidence in achieving a comprehensive agreement, as global powers emphasize diplomacy amid ongoing assessments of the conflict’s impact and future nuclear risks. (The Hindu)

Iran’s parliament has passed a bill to stop cooperating with the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog, the IAEA. The bill needs approval from the Guardian Council to become law. It would stop inspections and camera use at nuclear sites unless approved by Iran’s top security body. This comes after recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iran says the IAEA failed to condemn the attacks. Parliament Speaker Qalibaf said Iran will speed up its peaceful nuclear work. The IAEA has not yet responded. Its chief, Rafael Grossi, is trying to restart inspections at sites damaged in the June 13 attacks. (PC: Reuters)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the country will purchase at least 12 nuclear-capable F-35A stealth jets, reviving airborne nuclear deterrence for the first time since the 1990s. The jets, to be based at RAF Marham, will join NATO’s nuclear deterrence mission amid rising global threats. Starmer called it the “biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation,” aiming to deter hostile threats and reduce reliance on the US. Defence Secretary John Healey said this aligns with a NATO-first strategy. The move may draw criticism from Russia and China but received strong backing from NATO leadership.

As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launched into space aboard Axiom-4, his mother Asha Shukla watched with folded hands and teary eyes. “Just wait for me, I’m coming,” Shukla had told his family before takeoff. Asha performed the dahi-cheeni ritual over video call, praying for his safe journey. The 39-year-old IAF officer is now the second Indian in space, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma. His father, Shambhu Dayal, smiled with pride beside her. Shukla joins three others on a two-week mission aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon to conduct 60 scientific experiments, including seven from Indian researchers, aboard the ISS.

Former US President Donald Trump declared that recent American military strikes had resulted in the “total obliteration” of Iran’s nuclear programme, delaying its atomic ambitions by decades. “They’re not going to be building bombs for a long time,” Trump said on Wednesday, adding that the ceasefire between Israel and Iran was progressing “very well.” The strikes followed weeks of escalating tensions and reports of Iranian missile launches. Trump’s statement comes amid international concern over the future of non-proliferation efforts in the region. The former president has repeatedly stressed the importance of deterring Iran’s nuclear development through military pressure. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan is reportedly developing a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that could reach the United States, according to a Foreign Affairs report quoting US officials. The move follows India’s Operation Sindoor and is seen as an attempt to deter American intervention on India’s behalf. If confirmed, Washington may label Pakistan a “nuclear adversary.” Pakistan currently possesses no ICBMs but has around 170 nuclear warheads. The US imposed sanctions last year on Pakistani missile-linked entities. Intelligence agencies believe China is aiding Pakistan’s nuclear upgrade, raising concerns globally. India has urged the IAEA to monitor Pakistan’s nuclear activities. (PC: AFP)

US President Donald Trump has dismissed a leaked Pentagon assessment suggesting the recent US strikes on Iran only delayed its nuclear programme by a few months. The report from the Defense Intelligence Agency contradicts Trump’s claims that Iran’s nuclear facilities were “completely destroyed.” Posting on Truth Social, Trump called CNN and The New York Times “fake news” for reporting the leak, insisting it was “one of the most successful military strikes in history.” Despite the controversy, the ceasefire between Iran and Israel appears to be holding. Trump is currently attending a NATO summit in The Hague alongside global leaders. (PC: BBC )

The 600‑ft cargo ship Morning Midas, en route from Yantai, China, to Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico, caught fire on June 3 near Alaska’s Aleutian Islands after flames erupted on a deck carrying electric vehicles (about 800 EVs among 3,000 cars onboard) . The 22‑member crew was evacuated safely, but the damaged ship, weakened by fire and severe weather, sank on June 23 in 5,000‑m deep waters, approximately 415 miles offshore . Salvage tugs and pollution‑control vessels remain on site, with the U.S. Coast Guard and Resolve Marine monitoring for environmental impact. This incident highlights growing concerns about transporting lithium‑ion batteries at sea, following similar events like 2022’s Felicity Ace disaster.

A preliminary Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report reveals the U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities over the weekend caused significant damage but failed to destroy core components. Bunker-buster bombs hit Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, collapsing entrances and damaging underground infrastructure. However, centrifuges and enriched uranium stockpiles largely survived, delaying the program by only one to six months—contradicting President Trump’s claim of having “obliterated” them . The White House dismissed the DIA findings as “flat‑out wrong.” As the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel takes hold, global leaders are scrutinising the limited impact of the strikes. (PC: Reuters)

President Donald Trump, departing for the NATO summit on June 24, 2025, sharply criticized both Israel and Iran for flouting the ceasefire he brokered, citing that they “don’t know what the f*** they’re doing.” He expressed particular displeasure with Israel for launching a heavy bombing campaign immediately after the agreement—warning on Truth Social: “ISRAEL. DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS.” Trump’s fiery remarks came amid continued missile exchanges despite the fragile truce enacted after a 12‑day conflict. He personally intervened, calling PM Netanyahu to demand restraint. Global leaders now urge diplomatic engagement to stabilize the situation.