Russia has warned that any use of tactical nuclear weapons by the US in Iran would be “catastrophic,” according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, as reported by TASS. His statement follows reports that US officials discussed the challenge of destroying Iran’s underground Fordow uranium enrichment site with conventional bombs. Though The Guardian noted the possibility of a nuclear option, it clarified President Trump is not currently considering it. Trump has said a final decision on US involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict will come within two weeks. Russia, a close ally of Iran, has strongly opposed US military intervention. (PC: Reuters)

The UK, France, and Germany will hold emergency talks with Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva, aiming to de-escalate the Israel-Iran conflict. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said “a window now exists” over the next two weeks for diplomacy. This follows the White House announcement that Donald Trump will decide within a fortnight whether the US will take direct action against Iran. Meanwhile, Israel continues its strikes, hitting alleged missile sites in Tehran. An Iranian missile injured seven people in Beersheba, southern Israel. Casualty figures in Iran remain unknown due to restrictions on foreign media coverage within the country. (PC: EPA)

Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to escalate strikes targeting Iran’s regime infrastructure. Katz said the IDF must "destabilise" Tehran by attacking all “symbols of the regime and mechanisms of oppression,” explicitly naming the Basij paramilitary force and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He added that the regime’s power base must be dismantled to prevent further Iranian aggression. Katz’s comments follow recent Iranian missile attacks on Israeli civilians and military targets. He warned that Tehran residents “will pay the price” if Iran continues its offensive, as tensions between the two nations intensify. (PC: News18)

The 2025-27 World Test Championship began with England winning the toss and choosing to bowl against India in the 1st Test at Headingley, Leeds. Shubman Gill, leading India for the first time after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's retirement, introduced a new era with debutant Sai Sudharsan and returning players Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur in the XI. England, led by Ben Stokes, are fielding a strong side with Joe Root, Harry Brook, and debutant wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. The five-match series is part of the newly introduced Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, honoring cricket legends from both nations. (PC: BCCI)

Pro-Palestinian activists from Palestine Action breached security at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, vandalising two Airbus Voyager refuelling tankers with red paint. Video footage shows individuals on scooters spraying paint into the engines. The group claimed they put the planes "out of service" using crowbars and repurposed fire extinguishers. The Ministry of Defence condemned the act as "vandalism of Royal Air Force assets" and is cooperating with police. Cabinet minister Lisa Nandy called the incident "deeply concerning." Critics raised security concerns at the base, a hub for UK military flights including Gaza surveillance missions from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. (PC: BBC)

Iran fired at least one missile armed with cluster munitions over central Israel on June 20, the first such use in the week‑long war, according to the IDF. Around 20 submunitions spread across an 8 km radius, one striking a home in Azor and causing property damage. The military warned civilians about unexploded remnants. Israel responded with intensified strikes, targeting nuclear and military sites in Iran, including the heavy‑water reactor at Arak and facilities at Natanz. This marks a dangerous escalation, cluster munitions dramatically raise the risk to civilians, heightening international concern. (PC: NDTV & Al Jazeera)

An Iranian missile struck Israel’s prestigious Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot early June 20, 2025, severely damaging two buildings and multiple laboratories—destroying years of vital research—though miraculously, no casualties were reported . Known as Israel’s “crown jewel of science,” the institute leads global research in life sciences, physics, and chemistry. Analysts view the strike as a chilling message that scientific infrastructure is now a legitimate military target, echoing Iran’s past covert efforts against Israeli researchers . The attack deepens the Israel–Iran conflict, expanding it from conventional military targets to the intellectual heart of a nation. (PC: The Economic Times)

Multiple forensic indicators and reports suggest Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, is now hiding in underground bunkers likely in Lavizan near Tehran after Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. A forensic analysis of a recent Khamenei video shows dramatically reduced audio and video bitrate, amateur mic setup, and lower production quality indicative of temporary or improvised surroundings. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and U.S. President Trump have both hinted they know Khamenei’s whereabouts; Trump stated the U.S. could target him but “won’t for now”. Meanwhile, Iranian media confirms his bunker relocation, and Khamenei in his latest broadcast warned that any U.S. military intervention would provoke serious consequences. (PC: AFP)

On June 20, 2025, Iran escalated its retaliatory strikes by firing ballistic missiles equipped with cluster munitions—its first use in this conflict—over central Israel, releasing dozens of submunitions, one striking a home in Azor (no casualties reported) . The volley followed Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, including reactors at Arak . Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed a harsh response, asserting Israel remains “ahead of schedule” in its campaign . With no de‑escalation in sight, international diplomacy intensifies even as civilian safety is increasingly jeopardized. (PC: Reuters)

The White House announced on June 19, 2025, that President Trump will "decide within the next two weeks" whether the U.S. will directly intervene in the escalating Israel–Iran conflict . Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized a “substantial chance of negotiations” and highlighted Iran's nuclear weapon potential pending a directive from Supreme Leader Khamenei . Diplomacy via talks in Geneva continues with European officials and Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi . However, military options—such as strikes on Iran’s underground Fordow facility—remain on the table, amid rising regional pressure following recent missile exchanges and civilian casualties. (PC: Reuters)