Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:37am on 23 Jun 2025,Monday International
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed no radiation leak following US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. Director General Rafael Grossi urged renewed diplomacy, offering IAEA mediation. While Esfahan sustained “extensive additional damage,” the underground Fordow site’s internal impact remains unclear. Experts noted “unusual activity” at Fordow before the strikes, suggesting Iran moved its 60% enriched uranium stockpile. Natanz was also struck with bunker-buster bombs. Grossi said the IAEA is ready to resume inspections and facilitate peace efforts. “We must return to negotiations,” he stressed, urging access for inspectors and coordination between Iran and the US. (PC: NDTV)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:32am on 23 Jun 2025,Monday International
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has condemned US airstrikes on three nuclear facilities, calling them a "grave crime" by the "Zionist enemy" and vowing harsh retaliation. “It must be punished and it is being punished,” he warned. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said the US “must receive a response.” The attacks involved 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, marking the most severe US military action since Iran’s 1979 revolution. At the UN Security Council, Iran accused the US and Israel of sabotaging diplomacy. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged an immediate return to negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, warning of a “perilous turn.” (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:34pm on 22 Jun 2025,Sunday International
Iranians have expressed deep fear, anger, and defiance after US airstrikes destroyed key nuclear sites in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordo. “I feel paralysed,” said one woman, while another blamed leaders in Iran, Israel, and the US for fueling war. With over 430 deaths reported by Iran’s health ministry, emotions run high. Protesters filled Tehran’s streets as others fled the country. Some voiced hope for de-escalation, while others demanded resistance. Internet restrictions are worsening isolation. Iran’s foreign minister vowed to defend the country, and the IRGC warned US bases are now “vulnerabilities, not strengths,” as fears of full-scale war grow. (PC: EPA)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:30pm on 22 Jun 2025,Sunday International
Arab nations condemned the recent US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, warning of regional chaos. Saudi Arabia, now in détente with Tehran, voiced "great concern," while Qatar feared "catastrophic consequences." Bahrain, home to the US Fifth Fleet, told staff to work from home; Kuwait activated emergency shelters. Iran-backed Huthi rebels called the attacks a "war declaration" and threatened Red Sea strikes. Egypt and Iraq warned of destabilization, and Lebanon urged renewed diplomacy. US President Donald Trump called the strike a “spectacular military success,” but Arab states stressed de-escalation to avoid economic and security disaster across the oil-rich region. (PC: NDTV )
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:26pm on 22 Jun 2025,Sunday International
A suicide bomber attacked Mar Elias Church near Damascus on Sunday, killing at least nine people and injuring 15 others during mass. The explosion happened in Dweil'a, on the city's outskirts, as people were praying. Witnesses said the attacker shot at worshippers before blowing himself up. Syria’s Interior Ministry said he belonged to the Islamic State group. Some reports suggest children were among the wounded. This is the first such attack in years, raising fears of extremist sleeper cells. Security forces and medics rushed to the scene. Syrian officials condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly act of terror. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:22pm on 22 Jun 2025,Sunday International
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned of a “risk of escalation” after the US bombed three Iranian nuclear sites. He said the UK was not involved but was informed in advance. Starmer urged all sides to return to talks and avoid further conflict. An emergency Cobra meeting was held, and UK military forces in the region are now on high alert. Foreign Secretary David Lammy spoke to officials in Iran and Israel, calling for peace. The US said its strikes “devastated” Iran’s nuclear programme. Iran warned of “everlasting consequences” and is considering how to respond. Tensions remain high globally. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:04pm on 22 Jun 2025,Sunday International
The US has warned Iran against closing the Strait of Hormuz, calling it "economic suicide". US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move would hurt Iran and global markets. He urged China to talk to Iran, as Beijing depends heavily on oil from the region. Iran’s parliament is considering closing the key oil route after US airstrikes on its nuclear sites. A top Iranian commander said the option is under serious review. The US said it is ready to respond if needed. The Strait of Hormuz handles one-fifth of the world’s oil, making its closure a major global threat. (PC: AFP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:47pm on 22 Jun 2025,Sunday International
Iran is planning to shut down the Strait of Hormuz after US airstrikes hit three of its nuclear sites, Iranian media reported. This narrow sea route is a major path for oil and gas shipments. About one-fifth of global oil supply moves through it. India gets nearly 2 million barrels of crude oil daily via this route. Experts say India has other options like Russia and the US, so supply may not be hit. However, oil prices may rise to $80 per barrel. The tension could affect global markets and increase pressure in the already stressed energy sector.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:56pm on 22 Jun 2025,Sunday International
A mass shooting in Moreno Valley, California, late Saturday night has left six people in critical condition. The shooting happened just before 11 p.m. in a residential area. Five victims were found with serious gunshot wounds and rushed to hospital. A sixth person later checked into the hospital and was linked to the same attack. The Riverside County Sheriff's Office is still looking for the suspect. No arrests have been made yet. This is the second major shooting in the area this year. The scene remains under investigation, and police have not shared more details so far. (PC: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:17pm on 22 Jun 2025,Sunday International
Iran’s parliament on Sunday approved the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route, following US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The Strait handles nearly 20 million barrels of oil daily—about one-fifth of global consumption. The move escalates Iran-Israel-US tensions and threatens global energy stability. Key oil exporters like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE rely on this narrow waterway. While India imports 2 million barrels per day via the Strait, experts say its diversified suppliers—Russia, Brazil, and the US—may soften the impact. Oil prices could still spike globally. (PC: News18)