June 27, 2025

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Make Iran Great Again? 'Tehrangeles' community in LA reflects on US strikes

Make Iran Great Again? 'Tehrangeles' community in LA reflects on US strikes

June 25, 2025
A protest in Los Angeles, known as "Tehrangeles," saw Iranian Americans calling for political change in Iran while showing support for President Trump's decision to conduct air strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The demonstrations showcase divided opinions within the community, with some backing US involvement and others fearing it may strengthen Iran's current government.

Key Facts:

  • A protest took place in Los Angeles with participants supporting regime change in Iran.
  • Many demonstrators wore "Make America Great Again" hats, supporting President Trump.
  • The protest followed US air strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, which Trump ordered.
  • Some Iranian Americans worry US actions could strengthen Iran's leaders.
  • "Tehrangeles" in LA has the largest population of Iranians outside Iran.
  • Participants expressed concern for friends and family affected by communication shutdowns in Iran.
  • The community has mixed views, with some supporting US interventions and others against it.

Source Information

BBC US
Mapping Israel’s expanding battlefronts across the Middle East

Mapping Israel’s expanding battlefronts across the Middle East

June 25, 2025
A ceasefire is in place between Israel and Iran after 12 days of fighting triggered by Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear and military sites. Israel has conducted nearly 35,000 attacks across five countries, primarily in Palestinian territories. In Gaza, heavy attacks over many months have led to significant casualties and destruction.

Key Facts:

  • A ceasefire was announced by US President Donald Trump between Israel and Iran following 12 days of conflict.
  • The fighting started after Israel struck Iran's nuclear and military sites.
  • From October 7, 2023, to June 13, 2025, Israel made nearly 35,000 documented attacks in five countries.
  • Most of these attacks happened in the occupied Palestinian territory, with over 18,235 incidents.
  • Other countries affected include Lebanon (15,520 attacks), Syria (616), Iran (58), and Yemen (39).
  • Israel uses advanced aircraft, including US-supplied fighter jets and drones, to conduct long-range strikes.
  • Casualties in Gaza include at least 56,077 confirmed deaths and 131,848 injuries.
  • In the occupied West Bank, Israeli operations have displaced about 40,000 Palestinians and resulted in nearly 1,000 deaths over 20 months.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Why Iran conflict has raised new questions about IAEA’s credibility

Why Iran conflict has raised new questions about IAEA’s credibility

June 25, 2025
Israel attacked Iran’s military and nuclear sites on June 13. This came shortly after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a resolution stating that Iran was not following nuclear safeguard commitments. Iran has denied producing nuclear weapons and criticized the resolution.

Key Facts:

  • Israel carried out strikes on Iran’s military and nuclear sites on June 13.
  • The attacks followed an IAEA resolution saying Iran was not meeting nuclear safeguards.
  • Israel welcomed the IAEA's resolution but did not use it as a justification for the attack.
  • Iran criticized the resolution, calling it politically driven.
  • Iran claims its nuclear program is for civilian use and monitored by the UN.
  • The IAEA reported challenges verifying Iran's nuclear activities due to restricted inspections since 2021.
  • The IAEA found highly enriched uranium particles in Iran, raising concerns.
  • The IAEA has not found evidence of Iran making nuclear weapons.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Zelenskyy meets Trump on NATO sidelines; Putin will skip BRICS in Brazil

Zelenskyy meets Trump on NATO sidelines; Putin will skip BRICS in Brazil

June 25, 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Donald Trump during a NATO summit in The Hague to discuss sanctions on Russia and military support for Ukraine. They talked about how to reach peace in Ukraine, as the conflict with Russia continues. Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend an upcoming BRICS summit due to an arrest warrant against him by the International Criminal Court.

Key Facts:

  • Zelenskyy and Trump discussed Russia sanctions and arms aid at the NATO summit.
  • The meeting took 50 minutes and was a rescheduled attempt after an earlier one was missed.
  • Trump plans to talk to Putin about ending the war and suggested Putin may want more territory beyond Ukraine.
  • NATO aims to spend more on defense due to perceived threats from Russia.
  • Putin will not attend the BRICS summit in Brazil because of an ICC arrest warrant.
  • Putin is accused of war crimes for allegedly deporting children from Ukraine.
  • Recent Russian attacks in Ukraine resulted in 17 deaths and over 200 injuries in Dnipro.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Trump’s NATO visit far friendlier than tense meetings of his first term

Trump’s NATO visit far friendlier than tense meetings of his first term

June 25, 2025
President Trump attended a NATO summit in the Netherlands where most NATO countries agreed to increase their defense spending, a key goal for Trump since 2017. Trump confirmed his support for NATO's mutual defense pact and stated that the increase in defense budgets will contribute over $1 trillion annually to collective defense efforts.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump participated in a NATO summit in the Netherlands.
  • NATO countries, except Spain, agreed to increase defense spending significantly.
  • The new policy requires countries to spend 5% of their GDP on defense by 2035.
  • Trump reaffirmed his commitment to NATO's mutual defense agreement.
  • Spain cannot meet the spending target and may face higher U.S. trade tariffs.
  • Trump has urged for higher defense spending since 2017.
  • The increase in spending is intended to address the security threat from Russia.
  • Trump emphasized the increase as a significant achievement for the U.S. and allied nations.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Trump meets with Zelenskyy at NATO summit, says Ukraine war is ‘a mess’ for Putin

Trump meets with Zelenskyy at NATO summit, says Ukraine war is ‘a mess’ for Putin

June 25, 2025
President Donald Trump met with Ukraine's leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a NATO summit and discussed increasing defense spending to possibly prevent future Russian aggression. NATO members agreed to increase their defense budget targets to 5% of their GDP by 2035. Trump also talked about potentially sending more U.S. Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.

Key Facts:

  • Trump met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at a NATO summit.
  • NATO members agreed to increase their defense spending target to 5% of GDP by 2035.
  • Trump suggested increased spending could help stop Russian aggression.
  • Trump discussed the potential for sending more Patriot missile systems to Ukraine.
  • This meeting was Trump's first face-to-face with Zelenskyy since April.
  • The U.S. and allies have provided air defense systems to Ukraine during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
  • Ukraine is not a NATO member due to a block by the Trump administration.
  • Recently, Russia has launched major drone attacks in Ukraine, causing significant damage and casualties.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Trump is using “diplomacy as a ruse” to strike Iran

Trump is using “diplomacy as a ruse” to strike Iran

June 25, 2025
A professor at Lancaster University, Simon Mabon, mentioned that former President Trump's decision to strike Iran complicates trust between the United States and other countries, especially when nuclear discussions are still unresolved.

Key Facts:

  • Simon Mabon is a professor at Lancaster University.
  • He discussed former President Trump's actions involving Iran.
  • Trump's decision involved attacking Iran.
  • The attack happened while nuclear talks with Iran were still ongoing.
  • Mabon believes this decision affects trust in the United States.
  • Trust issues make it harder for other countries to engage with the US.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Why is NATO boosting defence spending and can Europe afford it?

Why is NATO boosting defence spending and can Europe afford it?

June 25, 2025
NATO member countries have agreed to increase their defense spending to five percent of their GDP. This decision means countries will spend more money on military and weapons. The change follows rising security concerns in Europe.

Key Facts:

  • NATO countries plan to increase defense spending to five percent of their GDP.
  • The GDP is a measure of the total value of goods and services produced in a country.
  • This decision could lead to billions of additional dollars being spent on military forces and weapons.
  • Some European politicians previously said this target was not possible due to budget constraints.
  • Concerns from Russia and an increase in Chinese goods in markets are influencing these spending priorities.
  • Economic experts are urging for debt relief in developing countries.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Hold the yelling: Ebon Moss-Bachrach says 'The Bear' set is 'very loving'

Hold the yelling: Ebon Moss-Bachrach says 'The Bear' set is 'very loving'

June 25, 2025
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who stars in the TV series "The Bear," says that although the show depicts a chaotic restaurant kitchen, the actual filming set is calm and supportive. Moss-Bachrach has won two Emmy Awards for his role and describes the strong teamwork and rehearsal that goes into making the show feel real.

Key Facts:

  • Ebon Moss-Bachrach plays Richie in "The Bear," a show about restaurant life.
  • The set of "The Bear" is described as loving and well-organized, unlike the chaos shown on screen.
  • Moss-Bachrach has won two Emmy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his role.
  • Richie's character deals with personal struggles, such as his marriage ending and worries about his daughter.
  • Moss-Bachrach relates to his character's experiences of change in his neighborhood.
  • The actor grew up in Amherst, Massachusetts, which he describes as a pleasant place with outdoor activities.
  • Filming the episode "Fishes" involved notable guest stars like Jamie Lee Curtis.
  • The episode "Forks" features Richie's character apprenticing at a top restaurant, and Moss-Bachrach found the filming experience uniquely cold and lonely.

Source Information

NPR News
Israeli attacks kill at least 51 as Trump signals progress in Gaza talks

Israeli attacks kill at least 51 as Trump signals progress in Gaza talks

June 25, 2025
At least 51 people in the Gaza Strip have died due to Israeli attacks, including individuals near aid centers. The attacks are happening amid efforts by the United States to mediate an end to the conflict. Criticism is growing against the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which manages aid distribution in areas close to ongoing military operations.

Key Facts:

  • Israeli attacks have killed at least 51 people in Gaza.
  • Among the dead are 14 people waiting for aid near distribution centers.
  • The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is criticized for its handling of aid distribution.
  • The GHF's aid centers are situated near Israeli military forces.
  • People must collect aid within a 20-minute window, after which violence often erupts.
  • Five family members were killed in a bombing in Deir el-Balah, Gaza.
  • The conflict has resulted in over 56,000 deaths in Gaza, according to local health authorities.
  • Seven Israeli soldiers from the 605th Combat Engineering Battalion died in recent combat operations.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
What is the Palestine Action group, and why is the UK banning it?

What is the Palestine Action group, and why is the UK banning it?

June 25, 2025
The United Kingdom has announced it will ban the campaign group Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws. This move means it will be illegal to be a part of Palestine Action, similar to laws against joining groups like al-Qaeda or ISIS in the UK. The decision has led to protests and the arrest of several protesters.

Key Facts:

  • The UK announced the ban on Palestine Action on June 23.
  • Palestine Action will be banned using the Terrorism Act 2000.
  • Being part of Palestine Action will become a criminal offense in the UK.
  • The decision has led to protests, resulting in the arrest of 13 people and charges against 7 for offenses including attacking emergency workers.
  • Palestine Action is a group that uses direct action to disrupt companies involved in weapons supply to Israel.
  • The group has previously caused damage at facilities, including a Thales factory and RAF Brize Norton.
  • The UK government cited recent acts of damage at RAF Brize Norton as part of the decision to ban the group.
  • British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the damage at RAF Brize Norton as disgraceful.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
'Law & Order' star investigates her own family's tragic car crash in 'My Mom Jayne'

'Law & Order' star investigates her own family's tragic car crash in 'My Mom Jayne'

June 25, 2025
Mariska Hargitay, known for her role in "Law & Order," explores her family's history in the HBO documentary "My Mom Jayne." The film focuses on her mother, actress Jayne Mansfield, who died in a car crash in 1967. Hargitay investigates her family's past by examining personal and public records, and interviews her siblings to uncover new insights.

Key Facts:

  • Mariska Hargitay's mother, Jayne Mansfield, was a well-known actress who died in a car crash in 1967.
  • Mansfield was 34 years old at the time of her death, and Hargitay was just 3 years old.
  • Jayne Mansfield was known for her roles in Broadway and films, including "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?"
  • Hargitay's father, Mickey Hargitay, was a former Mister Universe and raised her after her mother's death.
  • In the documentary, Hargitay researches her family's past using books, articles, and old TV appearances.
  • She interviews her siblings to gain a deeper understanding of her family history.
  • Hargitay examines a family storage locker that had not been opened since 1969.
  • The documentary reveals new information that changes Hargitay's understanding of her parents and herself.

Source Information

NPR News
Watch: BBC's Lyse Doucet reports from Iran on the ceasefire with Israel

Watch: BBC's Lyse Doucet reports from Iran on the ceasefire with Israel

June 25, 2025
The BBC reports on a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, which follows a period of intense conflict in the Middle East. Iranian laws restrict Lyse Doucet's reporting from being broadcast on the BBC's Persian service.

Key Facts:

  • The BBC's Lyse Doucet reports from Tehran about a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
  • The ceasefire came after the White House helped mediate between the two countries.
  • Lyse Doucet's reports cannot be used on the BBC's Persian service due to Iranian laws.
  • Four people died in a missile strike in Beersheba, Israel, reportedly by Iranian forces.
  • Israeli Prime Minister and the US President have closely collaborated on Middle East issues.
  • Videos show heavy traffic in Tehran as residents try to leave the city.
  • Iran and Israel have exchanged multiple strikes, causing casualties and destruction.
  • Israel claims to have targeted Iran's nuclear and military facilities in recent strikes.

Source Information

BBC World
Climate change is making Switzerland’s ebbing glaciers look like Swiss cheese

Climate change is making Switzerland’s ebbing glaciers look like Swiss cheese

June 25, 2025
The Rhone Glacier in Switzerland is showing signs of significant melting related to climate change. Experts have observed that this melting is causing holes to form in the glacier, a situation worsened by less snowfall and higher temperatures. As a result, glaciers across Switzerland and other parts of the world are shrinking and losing mass.

Key Facts:

  • The Rhone Glacier is melting and developing holes due to climate change.
  • Matthias Huss from the glacier monitoring group GLAMOS observed these changes firsthand.
  • A recent mudslide from an Alpine mountain affected a Swiss village, linked partly to glacier changes.
  • Switzerland has the most glaciers in Europe, and these have been steadily retreating since the 1980s.
  • Last month was reported as the second-warmest May worldwide by the European Union’s Copernicus climate center.
  • Less snow and more heat are difficult conditions for glaciers, causing mass loss in many regions.
  • A healthy glacier grows new ice through snowfall while melting at lower levels; this balance is disrupted by warming climates.
  • The melting and formation of holes in glaciers resemble Swiss cheese, indicating a lack of dynamic ice regeneration.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
US didn’t destroy Iran’s nuclear programme: Here’s what new intel says

US didn’t destroy Iran’s nuclear programme: Here’s what new intel says

June 25, 2025
The United States carried out airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites, but a report from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) suggests that these attacks did not significantly damage Iran's nuclear program, which was set back by only a few months. This assessment contrasts with President Trump's claims that the facilities were destroyed completely. Iran had anticipated the strikes and evacuated materials from at least one of the sites in advance.

Key Facts:

  • The US targeted Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
  • A report by the DIA states the strikes only delayed Iran's nuclear progress by a few months.
  • The report suggests that most of the damage was to aboveground structures, not the underground facilities.
  • Iran moved enriched uranium out of the Fordow site before the strikes.
  • President Trump stated the facilities were destroyed, but the report contradicts this.
  • The bombings heavily damaged the electrical system at the Fordow site.
  • Iran expected attacks and claimed to have evacuated key sites beforehand.
  • The head of the UN nuclear watchdog, IAEA, mentioned that assessing the full impact on underground facilities is not yet possible.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Iran's nuclear programme is damaged but is it destroyed?

Iran's nuclear programme is damaged but is it destroyed?

June 25, 2025
The United States conducted strikes against Iran's Fordo nuclear facility. A U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency report indicates the strikes have only temporarily set back Iran's nuclear program. A full assessment of the damage is still ongoing.

Key Facts:

  • The Fordo site in Iran is considered one of the most monitored places globally due to its nuclear facilities.
  • The U.S. strikes aimed at Fordo did not destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities; they only delayed progress by a few months.
  • The initial assessment by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) is labeled "low confidence" because detailed information is still being gathered.
  • Multiple bombs were used, but it seems the underground facility was heavily protected, preventing full destruction of the core equipment.
  • Iran's centrifuge machines, which are used to enrich uranium, might have been damaged by the attack.
  • Intelligence agencies are using various methods, such as satellite images and seismic detectors, to assess the damage accurately.
  • Before the attack, lorries were reportedly seen at Fordo, possibly moving enriched uranium and centrifuges to other locations.
  • Even with recent setbacks, Iran's nuclear program could still continue if relocated or reconstituted elsewhere.

Source Information

BBC World
Trump pushes back after leaked report suggests Iran strikes had limited impact

Trump pushes back after leaked report suggests Iran strikes had limited impact

June 25, 2025
A leaked report suggests that recent US strikes on Iran only set back Iran's nuclear program by a few months. President Trump and his officials disagree, claiming the strikes severely impacted Iran's nuclear capabilities. The Pentagon's initial assessment was made with "low confidence," meaning it is not very reliable, and further investigations are ongoing.

Key Facts:

  • A leaked report claims US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites were less effective than stated.
  • President Trump and his officials said the strikes significantly damaged Iran's nuclear program.
  • The Pentagon's initial assessment was considered "low confidence," indicating uncertainty.
  • The FBI is investigating the leak of the damage report.
  • Officials say Iran's uranium stockpile was not destroyed, and the nuclear program was only set back a few months.
  • Entrances to Iran's nuclear facilities were blocked, but underground structures remained mostly intact.
  • Trump compared the impact of the strikes to the atomic bombs dropped on Japan during World War II.
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth questioned the leaked report's accuracy and motives.

Source Information

BBC World
7 Israeli troops killed in Gaza bombing as Palestinian officials say Israeli attacks kill 79

7 Israeli troops killed in Gaza bombing as Palestinian officials say Israeli attacks kill 79

June 25, 2025
On Wednesday, Israel reported one of its most deadly days in recent months when a Palestinian attacker killed seven Israeli soldiers by attaching a bomb to their vehicle. In the same period, 79 people were reportedly killed in Gaza due to Israeli military actions. Efforts for a ceasefire led by the U.S. are ongoing, but have not yet succeeded.

Key Facts:

  • Seven Israeli soldiers died when a bomb was attached to their armored vehicle.
  • Israeli attacks have reportedly killed 79 people in Gaza, including 33 trying to get aid.
  • Since the recent conflict began, over 860 Israeli soldiers have died.
  • The initial Hamas-led attack on Israel killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.
  • Gaza health authorities report over 56,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing conflict.
  • Efforts are being made for a ceasefire, but they have repeatedly stalled.
  • The U.S. President mentioned progress in Gaza ceasefire talks but provided no details.
  • The latest death toll in Gaza is reported to be the highest for any Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
A fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel gives hope for long-term peace

A fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel gives hope for long-term peace

June 25, 2025
A ceasefire between Israel and Iran is currently holding after recent conflicts, although Iran remains firm on not abandoning its nuclear program. Iran plans to stop cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), while the U.S. claims its strikes have severely damaged Iran's nuclear capabilities.

Key Facts:

  • A ceasefire between Israel and Iran began on the 12th day of conflict and is currently in effect.
  • The U.S. and Israel conducted airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.
  • Iran plans to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, which monitors its nuclear program.
  • Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and will continue.
  • The IAEA seeks to resume inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities.
  • U.S. intelligence suggests recent strikes have only set back Iran's nuclear program by a few months.
  • Israeli officials claim the strikes will delay Iran's nuclear capabilities by many years, but provided no evidence.
  • Officials from Iran acknowledge damage to their nuclear sites but defend their right to a nuclear energy program.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Eurostar passengers face severe delays and cancellations after cable theft

Eurostar passengers face severe delays and cancellations after cable theft

June 25, 2025
Eurostar passengers are experiencing long delays and trip cancellations due to two incidents in France. First, two people died on the tracks, and then cables were stolen, leading to disruptions on routes between cities like London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.

Key Facts:

  • Eurostar passengers face delays and cancellations after incidents on the railway in France.
  • Two separate fatalities on the LGV Nord line between Lille and Paris occurred on Tuesday.
  • These incidents closed the line for much of the day, leading to ongoing delays.
  • On Wednesday, 600 meters of copper cables were stolen from the railway near Lille, further affecting services.
  • Train routes are being changed, causing longer travel times.
  • Travelers on affected routes can change plans for free or get a refund.
  • Eurostar is giving water to passengers on delayed trains and stations are crowded.

Source Information

BBC World