Yemen’s Houthi rebels have issued a stern warning: if the United States intervenes alongside Israel against Iran in the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict, they will target U.S. ships in the Red Sea. This caution comes despite a ceasefire agreement from May, under which neither side should attack the other. The warning follows over a week of escalating Israeli–Iranian hostilities, including strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, Iranian missile barrages on Israel, and the killing of Quds Force commander Saeed Izadi. U.S. President Trump said he might take up to two weeks to decide on backing Israel, while Iran cautioned that U.S. entry would be “very dangerous for everyone”

The escalating Iran-Israel conflict has resulted in over 400 deaths, prompting global alarm. Israel reportedly launched a missile attack targeting Iran’s key nuclear facility in Isfahan, which houses centrifuge production. Though Iran claimed the facility remained unharmed, the strike marks a dangerous escalation. Israel cited preemptive defense amid Iran-backed Hezbollah’s intensifying attacks. The UN has warned of a looming refugee crisis as violence surges, particularly along the Israel-Lebanon border. Tehran has vowed retaliation, increasing fears of a wider Middle East conflict. With regional instability growing, global leaders urge de-escalation to avoid further humanitarian fallout and nuclear confrontation. (PC: AFP)

  Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales, delighted royal fans by posting a heartwarming portrait of Prince William surrounded by their four new cocker‑spaniel puppies, born in May to their family’s black spaniel, Orla. Shared on social media to mark William's 43rd birthday, the image—with its casual denim-and-green-shirt ensemble—instantly drew praise, with one fan commenting, "This is the absolute cutest!" . The affectionate snapshot underscores the couple’s love for their growing brood and resonated deeply with followers celebrating the joyful milestone. (PC: The Mirror)

Israel's military conducted a precision strike on southern Lebanon on June 21, eliminating Hezbollah commander Mohammad Khadr al-Husseini—accused of orchestrating attacks on Nahariya and Haifa and rebuilding Hezbollah’s artillery units—to “neutralise imminent threats to its northern border” . Two additional Hezbollah commanders were also killed in a separate strike in Nabatieh, heightening regional tensions . The strikes are part of a broader campaign tied to Israel’s wider confrontation with Iran, striking at proxy forces seen as extensions of Tehran’s strategic sphere . (PC: NDTV)        

On June 20–21, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump sharply contradicted the U.S. intelligence community, asserting it was wrong to claim that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon . Responding to Senator-director Tulsi Gabbard's March testimony that no evidence exists of Iran actively pursuing a bomb, Trump retorted: “She’s wrong,” and warned Iran could produce a nuclear weapon within weeks to months unless halted . He refused to pressure Israel for a ceasefire, citing Israel’s military advantage, while stressing U.S. readiness to engage diplomatically or militarily within two weeks. (PC: Al Jazeera)

An Iranian missile struck the historic city of Haifa, Israel, on June 20, 2025, damaging two significant Islamic landmarks—Al Jarina Grand Mosque (built in 1775) and Masjid Al-Saghir (established in 1761). The attack shattered stained-glass windows, damaged the dome and interiors, and injured one civilian nearby. Israeli officials condemned the targeting of religious sites as a “war crime,” with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar accusing Iran of deliberate civilian provocation. President Herzog emphasized Haifa’s legacy of religious harmony and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to protecting all faiths despite the growing regional hostilities. (PC: Reuters)    

In a controversial move, Pakistan nominated former U.S. President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, crediting his “decisive diplomatic intervention” during the India–Pakistan conflict. Speaking at a public event, Trump reacted sharply, saying, “They won’t give me a Nobel Peace Prize because they only give it to liberals.” He also claimed, “I stopped the war” and argued he deserved the honor “four or five times” for brokering peace in global hotspots, including South Asia, Congo, and the Balkans. His remarks stirred renewed debate over political bias in global recognitions. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Fresh explosions rocked Tehran on Friday as the Israel-Iran war entered its second week. Iran activated air defences after Israeli missile strikes reportedly hit central Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched missiles targeting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Beersheba. Two Israelis were injured by shrapnel, including a 16-year-old boy in serious condition. As tensions escalate, European leaders urged diplomatic dialogue, with Germany, France, and the UK pushing for continued nuclear talks. Turkish President Erdogan warned the conflict was nearing a “point of no return,” saying, “This madness must end,” as fears of broader regional destabilisation grow. (PC: News18)

In a landmark decision, the UK Parliament passed the Assisted Dying Bill on June 20, with 314 MPs voting in favour and 291 against. The bill allows terminally ill, mentally competent adults in England and Wales with six months or less to live to choose medical assistance to end their lives. The proposed law now moves to the House of Lords for further scrutiny. PM Keir Starmer’s Labour government remained neutral. Supporters hailed it as a compassionate choice; opponents warned of potential coercion. The UK now moves closer to joining countries like Canada and Australia in legalising assisted dying. (PC: Reuters)

The UK Foreign Office announced on Friday it is temporarily withdrawing embassy staff from Tehran due to escalating security threats amid intensifying Israel-Iran conflict. The embassy will operate remotely. This follows an earlier decision to evacuate families of UK staff from both Israel and Iran. The move coincides with renewed Iranian missile strikes on Israel and Israeli attacks on military targets in Tehran, including missile sites. Meanwhile, UK, French, and German foreign ministers are holding talks in Geneva with Iran to push for de-escalation. The White House says Donald Trump will decide within two weeks on possible US military involvement. (PC: BBC)