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)

Iran's nuclear facility of Fordo was hit again on Monday in an Israeli strike, said the spokesperson of Qom Province's Crisis Management Headquarters, as per Tasnim news agency. Previously, A US‑Israel offensive dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer” targeted Iran’s Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites, deploying bunker‑busting bombs and Tomahawks. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on Israel, injuring 23, as Tehran’s parliament approved a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump claimed “monumental damage” was inflicted underground. After reports of Israel striking Iran's Fordow nuclear site again on Monday, Israeli media reported, citing security sources, that the military had attacked access to the nuclear facility and not the facility itself. (PC: The Guardian)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has dispatched FM Abbas Araqchi to Moscow to urge President Putin for stronger support after the U.S.’s largest air strikes on Iranian nuclear sites since 1979 . The U.S. and Israel have floated the prospect of targeting Khamenei and pushing for regime change. Putin has condemned Israeli strikes but remained silent on U.S. actions, while offering calm mediation and continuing nuclear cooperation. Tehran is dissatisfied with Russia’s current stance and seeks undisclosed concessions. Araqchi will hand-deliver Khamenei’s letter and coordinate responses, though Putin seems cautious amid his own war in Ukraine .

Iran launched approximately 15 ballistic missiles at Israel on June 23, following U.S. precision strikes days earlier targeting Iran’s Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites. Sirens wailed across northern Israel and explosions were reported in Jerusalem and Ashdod, prompting civilians to take shelter. The Israeli military confirmed multiple launches, with at least some missiles impacting Israeli territory. Iran framed the escalation as retaliation for U.S. intervention and warned former President Trump it would “end this war.” This marks the 11th consecutive day of intense Israel‑Iran hostilities. Regional and global leaders are urging restraint amid concerns over destabilising actions near the Strait of Hormuz and soaring oil prices. (PC: India Today)