Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:24am on 20 Jun 2025,Friday International
An Iranian missile struck Israel’s prestigious Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot early June 20, 2025, severely damaging two buildings and multiple laboratories—destroying years of vital research—though miraculously, no casualties were reported . Known as Israel’s “crown jewel of science,” the institute leads global research in life sciences, physics, and chemistry. Analysts view the strike as a chilling message that scientific infrastructure is now a legitimate military target, echoing Iran’s past covert efforts against Israeli researchers . The attack deepens the Israel–Iran conflict, expanding it from conventional military targets to the intellectual heart of a nation. (PC: The Economic Times)
Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 04:13am on 20 Jun 2025,Friday International
Multiple forensic indicators and reports suggest Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, is now hiding in underground bunkers likely in Lavizan near Tehran after Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. A forensic analysis of a recent Khamenei video shows dramatically reduced audio and video bitrate, amateur mic setup, and lower production quality indicative of temporary or improvised surroundings. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and U.S. President Trump have both hinted they know Khamenei’s whereabouts; Trump stated the U.S. could target him but “won’t for now”. Meanwhile, Iranian media confirms his bunker relocation, and Khamenei in his latest broadcast warned that any U.S. military intervention would provoke serious consequences. (PC: AFP)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:02am on 20 Jun 2025,Friday International
On June 20, 2025, Iran escalated its retaliatory strikes by firing ballistic missiles equipped with cluster munitions—its first use in this conflict—over central Israel, releasing dozens of submunitions, one striking a home in Azor (no casualties reported) . The volley followed Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, including reactors at Arak . Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed a harsh response, asserting Israel remains “ahead of schedule” in its campaign . With no de‑escalation in sight, international diplomacy intensifies even as civilian safety is increasingly jeopardized. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:57am on 20 Jun 2025,Friday International
The White House announced on June 19, 2025, that President Trump will "decide within the next two weeks" whether the U.S. will directly intervene in the escalating Israel–Iran conflict . Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized a “substantial chance of negotiations” and highlighted Iran's nuclear weapon potential pending a directive from Supreme Leader Khamenei . Diplomacy via talks in Geneva continues with European officials and Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi . However, military options—such as strikes on Iran’s underground Fordow facility—remain on the table, amid rising regional pressure following recent missile exchanges and civilian casualties. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:12pm on 19 Jun 2025,Thursday International
US President Donald Trump will decide within two weeks whether to launch a military strike on Iran, the White House confirmed Thursday. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump remains open to diplomacy but prioritizes halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “He is the peace through strength president,” Leavitt stated. Trump has not issued final orders, waiting to see if Iran halts uranium enrichment. Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites triggered retaliatory missile attacks, one of which damaged a hospital in Beersheba. Prime Minister Netanyahu warned Tehran of “full price.” Trump said, “I may do it, I may not do it.” (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:48pm on 19 Jun 2025,Thursday International
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that regime change in Iran is not Israel’s official objective, but could be a consequence of ongoing hostilities. Speaking to Kan broadcaster, Netanyahu said, “Regime change is a matter for the Iranian people,” distancing himself from Defense Minister Israel Katz’s remarks calling for Ayatollah Khamenei’s elimination. Katz had accused Khamenei of orchestrating a hospital strike near Tel Aviv and vowed intensified IDF attacks on Iran. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar echoed Netanyahu, saying regime change is not cabinet policy “for the time being.” Iran’s Khamenei dismissed U.S. threats as proof of Israeli failure. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:24pm on 19 Jun 2025,Thursday International
Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir raised alarm over Baloch separatist and jihadist groups exploiting the Iran-Israel conflict during a meeting with US President Donald Trump. Pakistan fears instability along its 900-km border with Iran, with groups like Jaish al-Adl urging Iran’s Baloch population to join “the Resistance.” Islamabad condemned Israel’s strikes as violations of international law. Experts warned of a “Greater Balochistan” insurgency across Iran and Pakistan. Pakistan also expressed concern over Israel’s precedent of striking nuclear sites. Trump acknowledged Pakistan’s dissatisfaction, while both nations stressed peaceful resolution to the conflict threatening regional security. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:06pm on 19 Jun 2025,Thursday International
At least 12 Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire while waiting for aid near Gaza’s Netzarim corridor, according to Gaza’s civil defence. Witnesses said Israeli troops opened fire around 01:00 local time on thousands gathered near a site run by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The GHF denied any incident occurred nearby, calling health ministry claims “false.” The Israeli military said it fired warning shots at “suspects.” Nearly all recent Gaza casualties have occurred around aid distribution. Separately, 7 civilians, including 5 children, were killed in Jabalia. Over 55,600 people have died in Gaza since October 2023. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:18pm on 19 Jun 2025,Thursday International
US President Donald Trump will decide within two weeks whether America will directly intervene in the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, the White House announced. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump believes there’s a “substantial chance” of negotiations with Iran soon. The statement eases immediate war fears and opens a brief diplomatic window. Iran’s deputy foreign minister warned US involvement would “cause hell.” Meanwhile, over 270 people have been injured in Israel from Iran’s recent missile barrage. As Europe prepares to host Iran for talks in Switzerland, Washington is maintaining strategic ambiguity, while Trump insists Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:45pm on 19 Jun 2025,Thursday International
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked former U.S. President Donald Trump for backing Israel during the war with Iran. “He’s a true friend of Israel,” Netanyahu said during a visit to Soroka Medical Centre, damaged in an Iranian missile strike. Iran has fired over 450 missiles and 1,000 drones, using warheads that split mid-air. “The U.S. is already helping a lot... protecting our skies,” Netanyahu told CNN. Israel struck back at Iranian targets. Russia warned against hitting Iran’s nuclear plant. Iran’s foreign minister said, “We won’t talk until Israel stops attacks,” but may show flexibility if the U.S. pushes for peace. (PC: NDTV)