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)

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.

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)

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)

Amid U.S. military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, the UN Security Council will convene Sunday at Tehran’s request to address “outrageous” and “illegal” action . Gulf leaders and global powers—UAE, Qatar, Germany, China, and Egypt—have urged de‑escalation, citing potential regional and humanitarian disasters . Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as a breach of the UN Charter and warned of severe repercussions . Meanwhile, U.S. officials characterize the strikes as targeting Iran’s nuclear program, not regime change. (PC: The Economic Times)  

Israel has recovered the bodies of three hostages—Yonatan Samerano (23), Ofra Keidar (71), and Staff Sgt Shai Levinson (19)—from Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Saturday. The IDF and Shin Bet led the military operation. Levinson died fighting on 7 October 2023, Keidar was killed at a kibbutz, and Samerano’s body was recovered on his Hebrew birthday. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the return brought "comfort" after 625 days of uncertainty. Israel says 54 hostages remain, 31 believed dead. The operation occurred alongside Israel's military campaign against Iran and its ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza. (PC: Reuters)

In a 25‑minute operation on June 21–22, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, the US carried out a highly coordinated strike on Iran's nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. Seven B‑2 stealth bombers launched from Missouri, deploying 14 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs, while submarines fired over two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles . A tactical deception saw part of the bomber fleet divert toward the Pacific as decoys, masking the actual eastbound assault . With more than 125 aircraft involved, the mission returned without encountering Iranian defenses . Pentagon officials claimed the operation successfully neutralized key nuclear capabilities, though Iran asserts minimal damage and warns of retaliation .  

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance announced after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites that the Biden administration will now work to “permanently dismantle Iran’s nuclear program” in the years ahead . Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the bombings targeted facilities—not personnel—and were part of “Operation Midnight Hammer,” aimed at severely crippling Iran’s nuclear ambitions . President Trump warned any retaliation by Iran would be met with force “far greater” than seen so far . Iran condemned the strikes, denouncing them as U.S. support for Israel’s campaign. (PC: The Economic Times)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow after US airstrikes destroyed key Iranian nuclear sites. Araghchi said, “The US blew up diplomacy,” referring to recent talks with European powers. He added that Washington and Israel had “crossed a very big red line.” President Trump called the strikes a “total obliteration” of Iran’s nuclear programme. In response, Iran attacked Israeli targets, including Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv. Araghchi warned, “Iran will defend itself by all means necessary.” Israeli PM Netanyahu praised Trump’s move, saying it would “change history” and protect global security. (PC: Reuters)

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has declared that Iran's nuclear programme has been “devastated” following a series of coordinated American airstrikes under Operation Midnight Hammer. The strikes targeted key nuclear facilities and military infrastructure across Iran, following Tehran’s recent provocations and growing regional tensions. According to Austin, the operation was precise, overwhelming, and aimed at halting Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons development. While the full extent of damage remains classified, initial assessments suggest a significant blow to Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Iran has condemned the attacks and warned of severe retaliation in response. (PC: The Economic Times)