Seven U.S. B-2 Spirit stealth bombers have returned to Whiteman Air Force Base after completing “Operation Midnight Hammer,” a 36-hour mission targeting Iran’s underground nuclear sites. The jets dropped 14 massive 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on Fordow and Natanz facilities. U.S. officials claimed the strike “devastated” Iran’s nuclear programme, while Iran denied any significant damage. The mission also involved decoy aircraft and submarine-launched cruise missiles. The White House posted a video of the bombers landing in Missouri, praising the military’s precision. Iran has vowed retaliation, as regional tensions continue to escalate following the U.S. entry into the Israel-Iran war. 

Iran has publicly threatened to kill 50,000 U.S. soldiers stationed in the Middle East after recent strikes on its nuclear facilities. A broadcaster on state TV warned that U.S. troops “within Iran’s range” would be sent home “in coffins” — a stark escalation in Tehran’s rhetoric. The warning follows U.S. B-2 bomber raids on Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, which Iran views as direct acts of aggression. Iranian officials have vowed a “harsh blow” and indicated all U.S. military bases in the region are now “legitimate targets”. The U.S. has responded with heightened troop and cyberdefenses across Gulf bases.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at the Kremlin on June 23, condemning U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites as “absolutely unprovoked aggression” and reaffirming Russia’s long-standing support for Tehran. Putin pledged assistance to the Iranian people and emphasized reliable bilateral relations. Araghchi thanked Russia for denouncing U.S. and Israeli actions, describing them as illegitimate violations of international norms, and stressed Iran’s legitimate right to self-defense. He also noted Russia’s historical cooperation on Iran’s civilian nuclear program, citing the construction of the Bushehr plant. The meeting signals Moscow’s diplomatic alignment with Tehran amid heightened tensions.

Following U.S. strikes on Iran, supertankers traversing the Strait of Hormuz are executing U‑turns, zig‑zagging, or pausing to avoid the conflict zone. The VLCCs Coswisdom Lake and South Loyalty notably reversed course, per ship‑tracking data. Empty tanker entries into the Gulf have dropped 32%, while loaded departures declined 27% since early May. Major shipping firms including Japan’s Nippon Yusen and MOL are instructing vessels to minimise Gulf exposure. Iran’s parliament has approved a measure to potentially close the strait, pending final approval by its Supreme National Security Council. Analysts warn oil prices could surge toward $100 a barrel if disruptions persist.

Several Pakistani politicians are pressuring their government to withdraw the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize nomination for Donald Trump, citing his aggressive foreign policies. The appeal comes days after Trump ordered US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, escalating the Israel-Iran conflict. Critics argue the nomination contradicts Trump's history of endorsing military action and instability in the Middle East. Lawmakers from opposition parties say the move undermines Pakistan’s diplomatic stance and risks regional backlash. The nomination had been quietly backed earlier this year, but the recent violence has sparked a public debate on whether Trump is deserving of a peace-related honor. (PC: News18)

The US is on high alert after Iran threatened to activate sleeper cells within American borders, following US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. Sleeper cells are individuals living inconspicuously in foreign nations, waiting for activation to carry out sabotage or attacks. Iran reportedly relayed the threat to Donald Trump at the G7 summit before the strikes. FBI and CBP have intensified surveillance, citing infiltration fears by Hezbollah-linked operatives. Though no credible threat has surfaced yet, authorities warn the danger level is “unprecedented,” especially with thousands of Iranian nationals having entered the US illegally in recent months. (PC: AFP)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, 86, is now being protected by a top-secret elite unit after the US joined the Israel-Iran war on June 21. He has moved to a hidden bunker and suspended all electronic communications amid fears of assassination. Sources revealed that even top Revolutionary Guards were unaware of the unit's existence, created to prevent infiltration. Israel’s targeted strikes have already killed 11 Iranian officers and 14 nuclear scientists. Israeli leaders have called for Khamenei’s removal, with Defence Minister Katz labelling him a “modern Hitler.” Khamenei has prepared for a leadership vacuum in case of further escalation. (PC: India Today)

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck six Iranian airfields across western, eastern, and central Iran, destroying 15 aircraft, including F-14s, F-5s, AH-1 helicopters, and a refueling jet. The operation targeted runways, underground bunkers, and missile infrastructure to weaken Iran’s aerial capabilities and assert Israeli air superiority. Coordinated with precise intelligence, over 15 Israeli fighter jets also hit surface-to-surface missile sites in Kermanshah aimed at Israel. These strikes come on the 11th day of conflict since Israel’s June 13 offensive began. The IDF vowed continued action to ensure national security amid fears of wider escalation in the Middle East. (PC: News18)

The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil flows, could be blocked by Iran in retaliation for U.S. strikes. Experts warn closure would spike oil prices, disrupt trade, and hurt economies like India, China, and Japan. Iran could use mines, fast boats, or submarines to enforce a blockade, but U.S. forces may respond swiftly, as seen during the 1980s "tanker war." While threats have been made before, a closure now could trigger global economic turmoil. China, Iran’s top oil buyer, is being urged to step in diplomatically. Alternative pipelines exist but can only offset 15% of the supply. (PC: BBC)

Israel launched a fresh wave of missile strikes on Tehran Monday, targeting key Iranian government and military sites, including the notorious Evin prison. Known for holding dual nationals and political prisoners, Evin’s entrance was hit, with surveillance footage circulating online. Israel’s defense ministry confirmed the attack, stating it aimed at punishing Iran’s leadership for striking Israeli cities. Other targets included the Revolutionary Guard’s security HQ, Basij Corps building, and the Palestine Square area. Iranian media also reported outages in Tehran after strikes on power infrastructure and claimed Israel targeted the Fordow nuclear enrichment site, previously hit by U.S. bunker-buster bombs. (PC: Hindustan Times)