Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:58pm on 18 Jun 2025,Wednesday International
Oil prices surged Tuesday amid fears the Israel-Iran war could draw in the US, with Brent and WTI crude rising 4.4% and 4.3% respectively. Prices continued edging higher Wednesday. The spike followed Israeli strikes on key Iranian oil sites and President Trump’s demand for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.” US stocks also fell, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq dropping 0.84% and 0.91%. Though global energy flows remain stable, experts warn that further escalation, especially targeting Iran’s Kharg Island or blocking the Strait of Hormuz, could cripple oil supplies. Iran, sitting on 4% of global output, may retaliate against Saudi or global exports. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:46pm on 18 Jun 2025,Wednesday International
As Iran-Israel conflict enters its sixth day, the US is preparing evacuation options for citizens in Israel, including flights and cruise ships, according to Ambassador Mike Huckabee. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has delivered mixed signals about a possible US strike on Iran, saying, “I may do it, I may not.” He added, “Iran’s got a lot of trouble,” but left the door open for a diplomatic resolution. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned that Israel will be “punished” for its attacks. Israel, for its part, launched fresh retaliatory strikes Wednesday, deepening the region’s instability and global concern. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:42pm on 18 Jun 2025,Wednesday International
Iranian state media reports that Tehran has launched another wave of missile strikes at Israel, claiming some penetrated Israeli air defenses. Israel has not confirmed damage but says it retaliated by striking an Iranian missile site. The tit-for-tat escalation intensifies as former US President Donald Trump said, “I may do it, I may not,” when asked about potential US military involvement. He added, “Iran’s got a lot of trouble and wants to negotiate.” Iran’s supreme leader warned of “irreparable harm” if the US joins Israel. Washington has not requested UK base access in Cyprus or Diego Garcia, according to UK officials. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:43pm on 18 Jun 2025,Wednesday International
Israel launched fresh airstrikes on Tehran just hours after Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, warned the U.S. against military action. Loud blasts were heard in east and southeast Tehran around 3:50 pm local time. At least five smoke columns were seen rising. The Israeli military confirmed the attack, saying they targeted military sites. Khamenei had earlier said Iran would not surrender and warned of “irreparable damage” if the U.S. intervened. He called Israel’s attack a “huge mistake” and said Iran will punish it. The war between Iran and Israel has now entered its sixth day, with tensions rising fast. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:04pm on 18 Jun 2025,Wednesday International
Former U.S. President Donald Trump kept military action against Iran ambiguous, stating he “may do it” or “may not,” while demanding Iran’s complete surrender amid escalating Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. His remarks follow rising tensions in the Middle East and warnings from Tehran against U.S. involvement. The situation underscores uncertainty over potential U.S. intervention and increasing global concern over a wider regional war. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:03pm on 18 Jun 2025,Wednesday International
U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing options to join Israel’s strikes on Iran, including potential attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. His comments, urging residents to evacuate Tehran, come amid mounting Israeli airstrikes targeting missile sites and nuclear infrastructure. Thousands of Tehranis are fleeing the capital as panic spreads across highway routes out of the city. In response, Iran has begun rationing fuel and reinforcing internal security. Tehran's government warns any U.S. entry into the conflict would cause “irreparable damage.” The U.S. has so far provided indirect support—deploying fighter jets and assisting air defence—but has not engaged directly. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:44pm on 18 Jun 2025,Wednesday International
A special flight carrying 110 Indian students evacuated from war-hit Iran, including 90 from Jammu and Kashmir, is expected to land in New Delhi around 10:15 PM tonight. The students, mostly from Urmia Medical University, were first moved to Armenia and later flew to Doha before boarding a flight to India. The evacuation comes amid escalating Israel-Iran hostilities. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the Indian Embassy is working closely with the community to ensure safety. Over 4,000 Indian nationals live in Iran, half of them students. The J&K Students’ Association confirmed all evacuated students are safe. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:24pm on 18 Jun 2025,Wednesday International
Amid escalating hostilities, Iran has launched over 400 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones at Israel, targeting cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa, and military sites. Though Israel’s multi-tier defense—Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow-2/3 systems—has intercepted the majority (80–90%) of threats, several missiles have slipped through, causing 24 fatalities and over 300 injuries. The Arrow missile stockpile, key for intercepting long-range ballistic threats, is critically low, with only 10–12 days of intercept capability left, costing $285 million per night to maintain. The U.S. has dispatched THAAD and Patriot reinforcements, but concerns over sustainability and effectiveness persist.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:47pm on 18 Jun 2025,Wednesday International
Following Israel’s massive airstrikes on Iran, over 25 international airlines have suspended or diverted flights across the Middle East. Routes to Tel Aviv, Tehran, Amman, Baghdad, and Beirut have been severely affected. Airlines like Air India, Emirates, Delta, Lufthansa, Ryanair, El Al, and Air France have either halted operations or issued advisories, with suspensions extending into August and September for some carriers. The escalation has prompted mass flight disruptions and widespread passenger cancellations. Thousands are fleeing regional conflict zones amid rising fears of a full-scale war. Airlines cite "security concerns" and "unpredictable airspace" as key reasons behind the flight suspensions. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:22pm on 18 Jun 2025,Wednesday International
Israel’s air force launched strikes on military targets in the Tehran area, escalating the ongoing conflict. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed several projectiles hit northern and eastern suburbs of Tehran. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Donald Trump of “irreparable harm” if the US military joins Israeli operations. Trump is reportedly considering targeting Iranian nuclear sites, according to CBS News. The UN’s nuclear watchdog confirmed Israel hit two Iranian centrifuge production sites overnight. Iran responded by firing a hypersonic missile toward Israel. The region is on edge as the next moves by Washington could drastically shift the conflict’s trajectory. (PC: BBC)