June 29, 2025

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Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events

Fragile Israel-Iran ceasefire holds as Trump lashes out at both sides

Fragile Israel-Iran ceasefire holds as Trump lashes out at both sides

President Trump is attending the NATO summit in the Netherlands. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel is currently in place, but there are differing reports on how much damage was done to Iran's nuclear sites.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump is in the Netherlands for a NATO summit.
  • There is a ceasefire between Iran and Israel at the moment.
  • Israel reported significant damage to Iran's nuclear program.
  • A new U.S. assessment suggests Iran’s nuclear sites are not as damaged as previously stated.
  • The U.S. bombing targeted three Iranian nuclear sites.

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What’s next for Iran’s regime after U.S. strikes and Israel ceasefire? Analysts weigh in

What’s next for Iran’s regime after U.S. strikes and Israel ceasefire? Analysts weigh in

Geoff Bennett interviewed Aaron David Miller and Holly Dagres to discuss Israel's conflict with Iran and the role of the United States. Miller has experience as a U.S. State Department official, and Dagres is an expert on Middle East issues.

Key Facts:

  • Geoff Bennett conducted interviews with Aaron David Miller and Holly Dagres.
  • Aaron David Miller is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
  • Miller has experience working for the U.S. State Department.
  • Holly Dagres is a senior fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
  • Dagres curates a newsletter called "The Iranist," focused on Iranian issues.
  • The discussion focused on Israel's conflict with Iran and how the U.S. is involved.

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Is the 12-day Israel-Iran war really over – and who gained what?

Is the 12-day Israel-Iran war really over – and who gained what?

Israel and Iran were involved in a 12-day conflict, which has paused with a ceasefire. The United States intervened by striking against Iran's nuclear sites, leading to missile exchanges between the countries. Despite the ceasefire, there remains tension, with disputes over events and continued military readiness.

Key Facts:

  • A 12-day conflict took place between Israel and Iran, with the involvement of the United States.
  • The U.S. conducted airstrikes on several Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
  • Iran responded by launching missiles at a U.S. airbase in Qatar.
  • A ceasefire was announced, but shortly after, Israel retaliated against Iran for missile threats.
  • Israel claims it defended itself against potential nuclear threats from Iran.
  • Iran and Israel disagree on the events leading to the ceasefire.
  • Both countries have heightened military alertness, with ongoing regional tension.
  • The ceasefire is holding for now, despite earlier breaches and accusations from both sides.

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UN condemns Gaza aid 'death trap' as dozens reported killed by Israeli fire

UN condemns Gaza aid 'death trap' as dozens reported killed by Israeli fire

Several recent sports and local news updates include Emma Raducanu advancing in Eastbourne, Gout Gout compared to Usain Bolt, and record-setting cricket scores by Lancashire. Additional news reports on schools closing, skateboarding, and financial updates in education and infrastructure.

Key Facts:

  • Emma Raducanu won her match in Eastbourne after receiving "some really bad news."
  • A new sprint athlete, Gout Gout, is being compared to Usain Bolt.
  • Lancashire's cricket team scored a record 639-9 against Kent, with three players making centuries.
  • Moorlands School in Leeds will close on 31 December after 127 years of operation.
  • Phil Spencer placed fourth in the World Downhill Skateboarding Championship, the highest for a British competitor.
  • Queens Park Rangers head coach Marti Cifuentes has left the club.
  • Dundee University will get an additional £40 million in funding with specific conditions.
  • The Ministry of Justice announced £14 million for repairs to a crown court as part of a national maintenance plan.

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Dealing with Iran's nuclear program requires tricky diplomacy. But there's low trust

President Trump announced that U.S. and Israeli forces destroyed Iran's nuclear program. Analysts believe Iran might have relocated its uranium supplies, and there is a lack of trust in diplomatic talks with Iran.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump stated that the U.S. and Israel worked together to destroy Iran's nuclear program.
  • Analysts think Iran could have shifted its uranium stockpiles to other locations.
  • Trust levels are low among countries involved in diplomacy with Iran.
  • Diplomatic efforts regarding Iran's nuclear program face challenges.
  • The information was reported by NPR’s Michele Kelemen.

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Why no is one panicking about oil, despite a war in the Middle East

Global oil prices have gone down because markets believe a long-lasting conflict in the Middle East is unlikely. The U.S. has also increased its own oil production, which helps protect it from price changes around the world.

Key Facts:

  • Global crude oil prices have decreased recently.
  • Markets think that a long war in the Middle East is not expected.
  • The U.S. has boosted its domestic oil production.
  • Increased U.S. oil production shields the country from global oil price changes.
  • The situation involves the Middle East, a major oil-producing region.

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How a volatile 24 hours edged the Middle East to a ceasefire

How a volatile 24 hours edged the Middle East to a ceasefire

The webpage attempted to access was not found, but recent updates include Queens Park Rangers’ coach Marti Cifuentes leaving the club, and Manchester United's assistant Charlotte Healy becoming Bristol City's head coach. Additionally, Dundee University is receiving £40 million in funding with specific conditions attached.

Key Facts:

  • There was an error on the webpage, leading to a "Page Not Found" message.
  • Marti Cifuentes left his position as head coach of Queens Park Rangers.
  • Charlotte Healy, previously an assistant at Manchester United, is now the head coach of Bristol City in the Women's Super League 2.
  • Dundee University will receive an additional £40 million with certain conditions required for the funding.
  • The Ministry of Justice announced a £14 million repair project for a crown court.
  • Carlisle United has signed forward David Ajiboye from Peterborough United.

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Travel disruptions still hit Middle East in wake of US-Israel-Iran conflict

Travel disruptions still hit Middle East in wake of US-Israel-Iran conflict

Global travel faced disruptions after Iran launched a missile attack on a US base in Qatar, in response to US strikes on Iranian sites. Following these events, many airlines cancelled or rerouted flights, especially in the Middle East. Although some airspaces are reopening, the situation remains unstable, affecting travel plans.

Key Facts:

  • Iran launched missiles at a US military base in Qatar on Monday.
  • This attack was in retaliation for US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday.
  • Many airlines have cancelled, delayed, or rerouted flights due to safety concerns.
  • Qatar temporarily closed its airspace, impacting flights by Qatar Airways.
  • Middle East airlines like Emirates and Gulf Air suspended or altered service to certain destinations.
  • US President Donald Trump announced a truce between Iran and Israel late Monday.
  • Despite some airspace reopening, uncertainty about Iranian airspace persists.
  • Major airlines like Singapore Airlines and British Airways suspended flights to the region for several days.

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‘It’s not peace – it’s a pause’: Iranians sceptical ceasefire will hold

‘It’s not peace – it’s a pause’: Iranians sceptical ceasefire will hold

Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire after nearly two weeks of intense fighting. Despite the ceasefire, people in Tehran are worried about its stability and fear future conflicts. The fighting began when Israel attacked Iranian sites on June 13, which led to retaliatory strikes by Iran.

Key Facts:

  • A ceasefire between Israel and Iran started on a Tuesday after weeks of intense air strikes.
  • The conflict began on June 13 with Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites.
  • The fighting resulted in the deaths of at least 610 people in Iran and 28 people in Israel.
  • Many civilians in Tehran were displaced during the conflict, with some returning cautiously home.
  • Iranian civilians are skeptical about the ceasefire lasting and fear future attacks.
  • The United States President, at the time, talked about peace but also mentioned regime change in Iran.
  • Iran claims its nuclear program is peaceful, while Israel and the US have accused it of developing nuclear weapons.

Source Information

Early intel assessment says Iran's nuclear program was only set back 'a few months'

Early intel assessment says Iran's nuclear program was only set back 'a few months'

Early assessments from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency suggest that recent airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites have only delayed its nuclear program by a few months, contrary to claims that it was destroyed. The strikes targeted key nuclear facilities, but Iran and U.S. officials disagree on the impact of the damage.

Key Facts:

  • U.S. airstrikes targeted three nuclear sites in Iran on Saturday night.
  • The Defense Intelligence Agency found that Iran's nuclear program was only set back a few months.
  • Some U.S. officials, including Virginia Senator Mark Warner, question the administration's strategy.
  • A planned Senate briefing on the situation was postponed.
  • The White House disputes the intelligence report, claiming major damage to nuclear sites.
  • A ceasefire between Israel and Iran was announced by President Trump the day before assessments were released.
  • Iran maintains it will continue its nuclear activities despite the airstrikes.
  • Bunker-buster bombs were used, but experts say the strikes did not destroy Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Source Information

'We thought it was the end': Israeli town reels after deadly strike

'We thought it was the end': Israeli town reels after deadly strike

Residents of Beersheba, a city in southern Israel, experienced missile attacks early on Tuesday just before a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was supposed to start. The attack resulted in the deaths of four people when a residential block was hit, despite efforts to take shelter in safe rooms. Both countries later confirmed agreeing to a ceasefire but accused each other of breaking it.

Key Facts:

  • Residents in Beersheba were alerted by missile alarms early Tuesday morning.
  • People took shelter in safe rooms, specially designed secure areas in buildings.
  • An Iranian missile hit a residential block, causing it to partially collapse.
  • Four people died in the attack while they were in their safe rooms.
  • Israeli medics and military personnel responded to assist and clean up.
  • Both Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire but accused one another of violations.
  • Local residents expressed doubt about the ceasefire's stability.
  • Volunteers helped clean debris as residents started assessing the damage.

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'We are exhausted' - how Iranians are feeling after fragile ceasefire

'We are exhausted' - how Iranians are feeling after fragile ceasefire

A ceasefire was announced between Iran and Israel after 12 days of conflict. Iranians express mixed feelings of fear, hope, and exhaustion, fearing economic struggles and government crackdowns might worsen. The ceasefire is fragile, with both sides accusing each other of violations shortly after it began.

Key Facts:

  • A ceasefire between Iran and Israel started after 12 days of military strikes.
  • Iran's health minister reported 606 deaths, but other groups estimate it could be twice as much.
  • Many Iranians are worried about safety, political change, and economic hardships due to sanctions.
  • There were at least 901 executions in Iran last year amid intensified crackdowns on dissent.
  • The Iranian government limits journalists’ access, so reports depend on communication apps like WhatsApp.
  • The ceasefire was quickly challenged by accusations of violations from both Iran and Israel.
  • Israeli forces claimed to intercept missiles from Iran, which Iran denied.
  • The ceasefire was announced by Donald Trump and experienced immediate strain with reports of explosions in northern Iran.

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Memorial to Queen Elizabeth II in London will feature a bridge reminiscent of her tiara

Memorial to Queen Elizabeth II in London will feature a bridge reminiscent of her tiara

A new memorial for Queen Elizabeth II will be built in London and will include a bridge inspired by her wedding tiara. The design by Foster + Partners features a bridge, statues of the Queen and Prince Philip, and gardens for reflection, and is expected to cost about $62 million.

Key Facts:

  • Foster + Partners designed the Queen Elizabeth II memorial in London.
  • The design includes a bridge with a look inspired by Queen Elizabeth's wedding tiara.
  • Statues of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip will be part of the memorial.
  • The memorial will be located in St. James Park near Buckingham Palace.
  • The plan includes two gates, two gardens, a bridge, and a path.
  • The gardens will be dedicated to the Commonwealth and communities in the UK.
  • The memorial is expected to cost about $62 million.
  • Some people have criticized the cost due to decreasing government funds for the arts.
  • The design will be officially announced in April 2026, which would have been Queen Elizabeth’s 100th birthday month.

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A Possible Iran-Israel Ceasefire and Why China is Watching the War Closely

President Trump announced that Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire, which was quickly challenged. China is closely monitoring the situation because it relies on oil imports from Iran.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran on social media.
  • The ceasefire agreement was immediately put to the test following the announcement.
  • China has a strong interest in the situation due to its oil imports from Iran.
  • China obtains much of its oil from Iran using a "dark fleet," which refers to ships that avoid detection to bypass American sanctions.
  • The situation is important for China because any disruption could affect its crude oil supply.

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Even bridal gowns fall victim to tariffs

Tariffs, which are taxes on imports, are affecting the bridal gown market. Most wedding dresses are designed in the U.S. but manufactured in China, and these dresses are now subject to these taxes.

Key Facts:

  • Tariffs are taxes placed on goods that are brought into a country from abroad.
  • Most bridal gowns are designed in the United States.
  • The actual manufacturing of these dresses mostly happens in China.
  • These gowns are now affected by tariffs due to their foreign production.
  • Couples buying wedding dresses may notice changes because of these tariffs.

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Iran’s Pezeshkian expresses ‘regret’ to the emir of Qatar

Iran’s Pezeshkian expresses ‘regret’ to the emir of Qatar

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized to Qatar for Iran's missile strike on a US base in Qatar, saying Qatar was not the target. Iran fired 19 missiles at the base as a response to US actions, and Qatar intercepted 18 of them.

Key Facts:

  • Iranian President Pezeshkian spoke with Qatar's Emir to express regret over the missile strike.
  • The attack targeted the US base Al Udeid in Qatar, not the Qatari population.
  • Qatar's defense forces intercepted 18 out of 19 Iranian missiles.
  • The Iranian attack was in response to a US strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.
  • Qatar's Emir condemned the attack, calling it a violation of Qatar's airspace and sovereignty.
  • Qatar maintained that it has always supported diplomatic efforts and dialogue with Iran.
  • Qatar sent a complaint to the UN, calling the missile strike a threat to regional peace.
  • US President Trump announced that Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire following these events.

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A shaky ceasefire emerges between Israel and Iran

A temporary ceasefire has been announced between Israel and Iran. Recent support for Israel's actions against Iran has come from some Gulf Arab states.

Key Facts:

  • A ceasefire between Israel and Iran has been declared.
  • The ceasefire is described as shaky, indicating it may not be stable.
  • Some Gulf Arab countries have supported Israel's recent actions against Iran.
  • There are concerns that Israel might try to reshape the Middle East in a way that benefits it.
  • The situation has been discussed on a program called "All Things Considered."

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Long and short-term solutions to keep yourself and your home cool in a heatwave

Long and short-term solutions to keep yourself and your home cool in a heatwave

Millions of people in the U.S. are dealing with a major heat wave affecting the Midwest and East Coast. This heat wave is causing dangerous conditions, leading to record-high temperatures in some areas. There are practical tips to stay cool, such as using fans, keeping blinds closed, and staying indoors during peak heat times.

Key Facts:

  • A major heat wave is affecting the Midwest and East Coast in the U.S.
  • The heat wave is expected to last until Friday in some places.
  • Early season heat can be dangerous because people are not yet acclimatized to high temperatures.
  • Keeping blinds and curtains closed can help cool homes.
  • Air conditioner filters should be clean to ensure efficiency.
  • Public places with air conditioning, like libraries, can serve as cooling centers.
  • Wind and solar energy are recommended as solutions to reduce climate pollution.
  • Sealing leaks in homes can help reduce discomfort from heat.

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Russian naval ship 'disguised' itself while passing through English Channel

Russian naval ship 'disguised' itself while passing through English Channel

A Russian warship called Boikiy used a fake identification signal while traveling through the English Channel with two oil tankers that are under sanctions. Investigators matched the ship’s identity using satellite images, tracking data, and video evidence. The warship traveled alongside two vessels from Russia's "shadow fleet," which often hide their ownership and transport sanctioned oil products.

Key Facts:

  • The Russian warship Boikiy used a fake ID signal in the English Channel.
  • Boikiy is armed with guided missiles and disguised its identity during travel.
  • BBC Verify matched the Boikiy’s ID using satellite images, tracking data, and video footage.
  • The ship was accompanied by two oil tankers under international sanctions.
  • These tankers are part of Russia's "shadow fleet," which secretly moves sanctioned oil.
  • Recent Western actions against this fleet might have led Russia to use military escorts.
  • The UK Royal Navy monitored Boikiy as it passed through the Channel.
  • The ship left West Africa in June and was seen near the Canary Islands without broadcasting its usual identification signals.

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What is Iran’s right to resist regime change?

What is Iran’s right to resist regime change?

Israel has stated that Iran is now closer than ever to developing a nuclear weapon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that Israel's military actions against Iran aim to "liberate" its people.

Key Facts:

  • Israel believes Iran is closer to creating a nuclear weapon now than it has been in the past.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned that military actions against Iran are partly intended to "liberate" its people.
  • Iran has a long history and culture, influenced by past empires and resistance movements.
  • The term "liberation" has different meanings to Iranians, especially amid calls for regime change by the US and Israel.
  • Both the US and Israel have shown interest in changing Iran’s current government.

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