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)

NASA has postponed the Axiom‑4 mission's launch—now featuring Indian pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla—for the sixth time, originally slated for June 22, 2025. The hold-up stems from continued safety evaluations on the aging ISS, particularly following recent repairs in the Zvezda module, and ongoing checks of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket after previous technical issues . The mission, a collaboration among Axiom Space, NASA, SpaceX, ISRO, and ESA, also carries astronauts from Poland and Hungary, with veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson commanding . A new launch date will be announced soon, as NASA prioritizes crew and ISS system safety above all. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump will decide within two weeks whether to launch a military strike on Iran, the White House confirmed Thursday. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump remains open to diplomacy but prioritizes halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “He is the peace through strength president,” Leavitt stated. Trump has not issued final orders, waiting to see if Iran halts uranium enrichment. Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites triggered retaliatory missile attacks, one of which damaged a hospital in Beersheba. Prime Minister Netanyahu warned Tehran of “full price.” Trump said, “I may do it, I may not do it.” (PC: India Today)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that regime change in Iran is not Israel’s official objective, but could be a consequence of ongoing hostilities. Speaking to Kan broadcaster, Netanyahu said, “Regime change is a matter for the Iranian people,” distancing himself from Defense Minister Israel Katz’s remarks calling for Ayatollah Khamenei’s elimination. Katz had accused Khamenei of orchestrating a hospital strike near Tel Aviv and vowed intensified IDF attacks on Iran. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar echoed Netanyahu, saying regime change is not cabinet policy “for the time being.” Iran’s Khamenei dismissed U.S. threats as proof of Israeli failure. (PC: Reuters)

Two ex-Air India crew members allege they were terminated for flagging safety lapses involving Boeing 787 Dreamliners, including issues linked to the June 12 Ahmedabad crash. In a June 19 letter, they claimed the airline ignored warnings and pressured them to alter statements. Another former pilot, Capt. Deven Kanani, raised concerns over oxygen shortages on Delta 777 flights to India. Air India denies all allegations, citing a DGCA review that found “no wrongdoing.” The airline maintains safety is its top priority. Kanani says lives were endangered; Air India claims his termination was justified and not linked to his safety concerns. (PC: News18)

Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir raised alarm over Baloch separatist and jihadist groups exploiting the Iran-Israel conflict during a meeting with US President Donald Trump. Pakistan fears instability along its 900-km border with Iran, with groups like Jaish al-Adl urging Iran’s Baloch population to join “the Resistance.” Islamabad condemned Israel’s strikes as violations of international law. Experts warned of a “Greater Balochistan” insurgency across Iran and Pakistan. Pakistan also expressed concern over Israel’s precedent of striking nuclear sites. Trump acknowledged Pakistan’s dissatisfaction, while both nations stressed peaceful resolution to the conflict threatening regional security. (PC: HT)

At least 12 Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire while waiting for aid near Gaza’s Netzarim corridor, according to Gaza’s civil defence. Witnesses said Israeli troops opened fire around 01:00 local time on thousands gathered near a site run by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The GHF denied any incident occurred nearby, calling health ministry claims “false.” The Israeli military said it fired warning shots at “suspects.” Nearly all recent Gaza casualties have occurred around aid distribution. Separately, 7 civilians, including 5 children, were killed in Jabalia. Over 55,600 people have died in Gaza since October 2023. (PC: Reuters)

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said oil prices are “not alarmingly high” at $76 per barrel, easing fears over the Israel-Iran conflict’s impact on energy markets. In an interview with India Today TV, he assured that there’s no global shortage and India is well-prepared. “We buy oil from 41 countries. We can manage if supply routes are choked,” he said, referring to the Strait of Hormuz. With no merchant ships targeted yet, Puri stated the situation was manageable. India consumes 5.5 million barrels daily and can scale up imports if required. “We are monitoring closely,” he added. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump will decide within two weeks whether America will directly intervene in the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, the White House announced. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump believes there’s a “substantial chance” of negotiations with Iran soon. The statement eases immediate war fears and opens a brief diplomatic window. Iran’s deputy foreign minister warned US involvement would “cause hell.” Meanwhile, over 270 people have been injured in Israel from Iran’s recent missile barrage. As Europe prepares to host Iran for talks in Switzerland, Washington is maintaining strategic ambiguity, while Trump insists Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. (PC: BBC)