UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the country will purchase at least 12 nuclear-capable F-35A stealth jets, reviving airborne nuclear deterrence for the first time since the 1990s. The jets, to be based at RAF Marham, will join NATO’s nuclear deterrence mission amid rising global threats. Starmer called it the “biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation,” aiming to deter hostile threats and reduce reliance on the US. Defence Secretary John Healey said this aligns with a NATO-first strategy. The move may draw criticism from Russia and China but received strong backing from NATO leadership.

As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launched into space aboard Axiom-4, his mother Asha Shukla watched with folded hands and teary eyes. “Just wait for me, I’m coming,” Shukla had told his family before takeoff. Asha performed the dahi-cheeni ritual over video call, praying for his safe journey. The 39-year-old IAF officer is now the second Indian in space, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma. His father, Shambhu Dayal, smiled with pride beside her. Shukla joins three others on a two-week mission aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon to conduct 60 scientific experiments, including seven from Indian researchers, aboard the ISS.

Former US President Donald Trump declared that recent American military strikes had resulted in the “total obliteration” of Iran’s nuclear programme, delaying its atomic ambitions by decades. “They’re not going to be building bombs for a long time,” Trump said on Wednesday, adding that the ceasefire between Israel and Iran was progressing “very well.” The strikes followed weeks of escalating tensions and reports of Iranian missile launches. Trump’s statement comes amid international concern over the future of non-proliferation efforts in the region. The former president has repeatedly stressed the importance of deterring Iran’s nuclear development through military pressure. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan is reportedly developing a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that could reach the United States, according to a Foreign Affairs report quoting US officials. The move follows India’s Operation Sindoor and is seen as an attempt to deter American intervention on India’s behalf. If confirmed, Washington may label Pakistan a “nuclear adversary.” Pakistan currently possesses no ICBMs but has around 170 nuclear warheads. The US imposed sanctions last year on Pakistani missile-linked entities. Intelligence agencies believe China is aiding Pakistan’s nuclear upgrade, raising concerns globally. India has urged the IAEA to monitor Pakistan’s nuclear activities. (PC: AFP)

US President Donald Trump has dismissed a leaked Pentagon assessment suggesting the recent US strikes on Iran only delayed its nuclear programme by a few months. The report from the Defense Intelligence Agency contradicts Trump’s claims that Iran’s nuclear facilities were “completely destroyed.” Posting on Truth Social, Trump called CNN and The New York Times “fake news” for reporting the leak, insisting it was “one of the most successful military strikes in history.” Despite the controversy, the ceasefire between Iran and Israel appears to be holding. Trump is currently attending a NATO summit in The Hague alongside global leaders. (PC: BBC )

The 600‑ft cargo ship Morning Midas, en route from Yantai, China, to Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico, caught fire on June 3 near Alaska’s Aleutian Islands after flames erupted on a deck carrying electric vehicles (about 800 EVs among 3,000 cars onboard) . The 22‑member crew was evacuated safely, but the damaged ship, weakened by fire and severe weather, sank on June 23 in 5,000‑m deep waters, approximately 415 miles offshore . Salvage tugs and pollution‑control vessels remain on site, with the U.S. Coast Guard and Resolve Marine monitoring for environmental impact. This incident highlights growing concerns about transporting lithium‑ion batteries at sea, following similar events like 2022’s Felicity Ace disaster.

A preliminary Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report reveals the U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities over the weekend caused significant damage but failed to destroy core components. Bunker-buster bombs hit Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, collapsing entrances and damaging underground infrastructure. However, centrifuges and enriched uranium stockpiles largely survived, delaying the program by only one to six months—contradicting President Trump’s claim of having “obliterated” them . The White House dismissed the DIA findings as “flat‑out wrong.” As the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel takes hold, global leaders are scrutinising the limited impact of the strikes. (PC: Reuters)

President Donald Trump, departing for the NATO summit on June 24, 2025, sharply criticized both Israel and Iran for flouting the ceasefire he brokered, citing that they “don’t know what the f*** they’re doing.” He expressed particular displeasure with Israel for launching a heavy bombing campaign immediately after the agreement—warning on Truth Social: “ISRAEL. DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS.” Trump’s fiery remarks came amid continued missile exchanges despite the fragile truce enacted after a 12‑day conflict. He personally intervened, calling PM Netanyahu to demand restraint. Global leaders now urge diplomatic engagement to stabilize the situation. 

US President Donald Trump exploded in anger after both Israel and Iran breached the US-brokered ceasefire ending a 12-day war. Speaking to reporters, Trump dropped the F-bomb, saying, “They don’t know what the f**k they’re doing.” He publicly warned Israel on Truth Social: “DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS... BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!” Trump said he spoke with Israeli PM Netanyahu, who refused to halt retaliatory strikes. Despite ongoing tensions and explosions in Tehran, Trump insisted, “Nobody will be hurt. The ceasefire is in effect.” He added, “Iran will never rebuild their nuclear facilities.”

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he does not support regime change in Iran, reversing comments made earlier suggesting otherwise. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “Regime change takes chaos, and ideally we don't want to see so much chaos.” His weekend post had floated the idea, saying if Iran's regime couldn't "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN," change might be needed. The shift follows backlash from allies and top officials, who clarified that US strikes targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, not its government. Trump now says the Israel-Iran ceasefire is “in effect,” despite fresh explosions in Tehran. (PC: India Today)