Iran

Donald Trump said the US Director of National Intelligence is wrong about assessing Iran's proximity to building nuclear weapons. Trump claims Iran could have nuclear weapons within weeks or months, while the intelligence director believes Iran is not building nuclear weapons.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, fearing assassination, has chosen replacements for his military command and three high-ranking clerics in case of his death. He communicates through a trusted aide to avoid tracking and has instructed the Assembly of Experts to choose a successor from the names he proposed.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Istanbul to participate in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting, which will discuss Tehran's conflict with Israel. Earlier, Araqchi stated that Iran would not resume nuclear negotiations until Israel's "aggression" ceases.

The US is deploying B-2 stealth bombers to the Indian Ocean region. These aircraft, capable of delivering nuclear weapons, could be used to strike Iran's underground nuclear facilities.

The Israel Defense Forces eliminated two high-ranking officials of the Iranian "Quds" forces, including one involved in organizing the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Among them are Said Izadi and Behnam Shahriari.

The Israeli Air Force struck dozens of targets in Iran, including a nuclear facility in Isfahan, four prepared missile launchers, and military facilities. Approximately 50 fighter jets were involved, dropping 150 munitions, causing significant damage to Iranian production capability.

The Israel Defense Forces eliminated Aminpur Judaki, commander of the second UAV brigade of the IRGC Aerospace Force. Judaki was responsible for hundreds of UAV attacks on Israeli territory.

Israel's Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon stated that Israel will not cease attacks against Iran until the nuclear threat is eliminated. Iran's Ambassador to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani expressed concern about possible US involvement in this conflict.

Donald Trump announced successful mediation in concluding a peace treaty between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, which had been at war for decades. Representatives of the countries will arrive in Washington for the final signing of the agreement.

The Donald Trump administration is laying off more than 600 Voice of America employees, reducing the staff to fewer than 200 people. This is part of a broader plan to cut funding for federal media organizations, which the White House justifies as combating "radical propaganda".

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi plans to visit Moscow on June 23 for talks with Vladimir Putin. This meeting will take place after Israel's attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.

On June 20, the Israel Defense Forces conducted an aerial operation in Iran, striking missile launchers. Approximately 15 Israeli Air Force fighter jets used over 30 munitions on ballistic launchers in western Iran.

US President Donald Trump announced "minor progress" in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, calling himself a "peacemaker. " He also set a two-week deadline for Iran regarding the nuclear deal.

European diplomats called on Iran to continue nuclear talks with the United States, despite Israeli strikes. They stressed that regional escalation is dangerous and Iran is not allowed to have nuclear weapons.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced Tehran's readiness to resume diplomatic discussions on the condition that Israeli aggression ceases and the aggressor is held accountable. This statement came after his talks in Geneva with European foreign ministers, where the possibility of a new nuclear deal was discussed.

A 5. 22 magnitude earthquake occurred in Iran near Tehran and in Qom Province, where a fortified nuclear facility is located. This occurred against the backdrop of continued Israeli airstrikes on Iran, including an attack on the Iranian air defense system "Magar".

According to new polls, US President Donald Trump's approval rating is declining. The RealClearPolitics average shows that as of June 17, 46.5% approve of his performance, while 51% disapprove.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated about the degradation of the russian economy and the need to intensify this process. He noted that the russian dictator can see the consequences of such regimes using Iran as an example.

European and Iranian foreign ministers met to assess Tehran's readiness for talks on a new, strengthened nuclear deal. This happened amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the United States expressing readiness for direct contacts with Iran.

Estonian intelligence does not rule out a decrease in the number of Russian drone attacks due to Israel's war against Iran and Ukrainian attacks on factories. However, Russia plans to increase the production of these drones.

The U. S. Department of the Treasury announced a new package of sanctions against Iran, expanding previous restrictions. This step is part of the ongoing efforts of the United States.

The European Union will not lower the price cap on Russian oil due to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. The proposal to lower the price from $60 to $45 per barrel has been postponed due to market instability.

Thousands of people in Middle Eastern countries have protested, condemning the actions of Israel and the US after Israeli strikes on Iran. Demonstrators chanted slogans against both countries and expressed solidarity with the Iranian government.

China reached record crude oil reserves of 1. 18 billion barrels to protect against disruptions from the Middle East. This allows refineries to maneuver in conditions of potential disruptions in oil supply, particularly from Iran.

The price of Brent crude oil could potentially rise to $90 per barrel if the Strait of Hormuz is blocked, but a prolonged halt to shipping is unlikely, according to Citigroup Inc. analysts. This closure would affect daily global oil production and cause a sharp jump in prices.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials met with Trump administration officials. The meeting took place amid US deliberations on possibly joining strikes on Iran.

Iran's Fordow nuclear facility is located deep in the mountains for protection against attacks. The US is considering a plan to use the 14-ton GBU-57 "bunker buster," capable of penetrating thick layers of protection, but a wave of attacks would be needed to completely destroy the facility.

The Trump administration has intensified its monitoring of pro-Iranian groups in the U. S. amid consideration of possible strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Law enforcement agencies have increased surveillance of cells linked to "Hezbollah" after Israel's "Nation of Lions" operation began.

The International Atomic Energy Agency reported damage to key buildings at the nuclear facility in Khondab, Iran, as a result of Israeli strikes. It was noted that the distillation plant was also affected, while the IAEA continues to monitor the situation.

US President Donald Trump relies more on a narrow circle of advisers when making decisions about military action in Iran. He also consults with many outside the White House.