A suspected Israeli drone strike has targeted Tehran’s infamous Evin prison, a symbol of Iran’s “hostage diplomacy” and political repression. The attack reportedly hit the guard towers, administrative section, and courtroom of the prison, which houses dual nationals and political detainees under the control of Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Sources say the strike is both tactical and symbolic, aimed at undermining Iran’s narrative of control. Evin, sanctioned by the US and EU, is infamous for human rights abuses. The strike has exposed vulnerabilities in Iran’s internal security and painted the regime as increasingly fragile before its own people and the world. (PC: News18)

A 35-year-old trainee pilot from a Scheduled Caste has accused IndiGo officials of caste-based harassment, claiming he was told, “You are not fit to fly an aircraft, go back and stitch slippers.” The incident allegedly occurred during a meeting on April 28 at IndiGo’s Gurugram office. He filed an FIR under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against three officials. The pilot also alleged salary cuts, forced retraining, and professional victimisation aimed at pushing him to resign. IndiGo denied the allegations as “baseless,” stating it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination and will support the investigation. (PC: NDTV)

At least 8 people were killed and 33 injured in an intense Russian missile and drone strike on Kyiv overnight, Ukrainian officials said. Six deaths occurred in a high-rise building, while another person died in Bila Tserkva after a hospital was hit. Russia launched 352 drones and 16 missiles targeting the Kyiv region. The Ukrainian air force struggled to intercept the barrage, as civilians took shelter during the pre-dawn assault. President Zelensky is en route to London for talks with UK PM Keir Starmer. Ukrainian commander Syrsky vowed to intensify strikes inside Russia in response to mounting casualties. (PC: BBC)

Seven U.S. B-2 Spirit stealth bombers have returned to Whiteman Air Force Base after completing “Operation Midnight Hammer,” a 36-hour mission targeting Iran’s underground nuclear sites. The jets dropped 14 massive 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on Fordow and Natanz facilities. U.S. officials claimed the strike “devastated” Iran’s nuclear programme, while Iran denied any significant damage. The mission also involved decoy aircraft and submarine-launched cruise missiles. The White House posted a video of the bombers landing in Missouri, praising the military’s precision. Iran has vowed retaliation, as regional tensions continue to escalate following the U.S. entry into the Israel-Iran war. 

Iran has publicly threatened to kill 50,000 U.S. soldiers stationed in the Middle East after recent strikes on its nuclear facilities. A broadcaster on state TV warned that U.S. troops “within Iran’s range” would be sent home “in coffins” — a stark escalation in Tehran’s rhetoric. The warning follows U.S. B-2 bomber raids on Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, which Iran views as direct acts of aggression. Iranian officials have vowed a “harsh blow” and indicated all U.S. military bases in the region are now “legitimate targets”. The U.S. has responded with heightened troop and cyberdefenses across Gulf bases.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at the Kremlin on June 23, condemning U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites as “absolutely unprovoked aggression” and reaffirming Russia’s long-standing support for Tehran. Putin pledged assistance to the Iranian people and emphasized reliable bilateral relations. Araghchi thanked Russia for denouncing U.S. and Israeli actions, describing them as illegitimate violations of international norms, and stressed Iran’s legitimate right to self-defense. He also noted Russia’s historical cooperation on Iran’s civilian nuclear program, citing the construction of the Bushehr plant. The meeting signals Moscow’s diplomatic alignment with Tehran amid heightened tensions.

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)