National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides

The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS

Unitree Robotics targets $9 billion valuation in landmark IPO backed by DeepSeek and Tencent

India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata OTT: When will Kangana Ranaut's film stream online?

How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?

Shakib Al Hasan ready to return to Bangladesh—under one condition

‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal

Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch

Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine

Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states

Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions

Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy

Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS

'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia

Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside

Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift

New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot

RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress

Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'

IAF officer held for sharing sensitive information in 'honey trap' case, booked under Official Secrets Act

Stray Kids under scrutiny? Fans react to Grammy submission silence after BTS boycott

Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances

Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur after 40 years for Masoom: The Next Generation

New speed limits, automatic challans: Big traffic change coming to Delhi-Meerut Expressway. All you need to know

India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims

Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed

US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance

Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built

Uttarakhand young innovator builds India's own flying vehicle, conducts first test flight: WATCH

Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school

Reese Witherspoon's father hospitalised after poolside incident in Nashville: Report

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt briefed the reporters on Thursday (June 26). Karoline said, "Netanyahu expressed interest to come to DC and meet President Trump in the coming weeks. She added that President Trump is open to that but no final date for a meeting has been set yet." “Iranians were weeks away from completing nuclear weapons. There was ‘no indication to the United States that any of that enriched uranium was moved prior to the strike’ on Saturday (June 21), which had targeted three Iranian nuclear sites,” she added.&nbsp;Karoline went on to say that, "The contrast in leadership could not be more clear. Barack Obama and Joe Biden sent pallets of cash, American taxpayer dollars, in a failed attempt to buy the Iranian regime's compliance with a weak and ineffective deal.&nbsp;President Trump sent a fleet of American warplanes to destroy Iran's ability to produce a nuclear weapon. The United States and the entire world is safer because of the this presidents decisiveness.”&nbsp;“The President wants peace. He always has... We see a new era in which perhaps some of these Gulf and Arab states can sign on to the Abraham Accords," she added.&nbsp;On being asked about the 'One Big Beautiful Bill', Karoline replied saying, "We expect that bill to be on the president's desk for signature by July 4th."&nbsp;On being asked about the the Miami Herald recently publishing a story saying the Trump administration was targeting migrant foster children. Karoline said, “I was aghast at the headline. It’s egregious to accuse this administration of trying to target foster children. That is not at all what is happening at the Department of Homeland Security.” “It’s another example of fake news. The May border numbers speak for themselves. Not a single illegal alien was allowed into this country… that means not a single child was allowed into this country possibly with human smugglers or human traffickers.”<h2>Karoline calls out CNN reporter Natasha Bertrand</h2>During the briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also called out CNN reporter Natasha Bertrand. She said, “This is a reporter who has been used by people who dislike Donald Trump to push fake and false narrative. She should be ashamed of herself. And that's not what reporting is. That's not what reporting is. Journalism is trying to find the facts and the truth.”

President Trump open to visit from Netanyahu in DC says White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt briefed the reporters on Thursday (June 26). Karoline said, "Netanyahu expressed interest to come to DC and meet President Trump in the coming weeks. She added that President Trump is open to that but no final date for a meeting has been set yet." “Iranians were weeks away from completing nuclear weapons. There was ‘no indication to the United States that any of that enriched uranium was moved prior to the strike’ on Saturday (June 21), which had targeted three Iranian nuclear sites,” she added. Karoline went on to say that, "The contrast in leadership could not be more clear. Barack Obama and Joe Biden sent pallets of cash, American taxpayer dollars, in a failed attempt to buy the Iranian regime's compliance with a weak and ineffective deal. President Trump sent a fleet of American warplanes to destroy Iran's ability to produce a nuclear weapon. The United States and the entire world is safer because of the this presidents decisiveness.” “The President wants peace. He always has... We see a new era in which perhaps some of these Gulf and Arab states can sign on to the Abraham Accords," she added. On being asked about the 'One Big Beautiful Bill', Karoline replied saying, "We expect that bill to be on the president's desk for signature by July 4th." On being asked about the the Miami Herald recently publishing a story saying the Trump administration was targeting migrant foster children. Karoline said, “I was aghast at the headline. It’s egregious to accuse this administration of trying to target foster children. That is not at all what is happening at the Department of Homeland Security.” “It’s another example of fake news. The May border numbers speak for themselves. Not a single illegal alien was allowed into this country… that means not a single child was allowed into this country possibly with human smugglers or human traffickers.” Karoline calls out CNN reporter Natasha Bertrand During the briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also called out CNN reporter Natasha Bertrand. She said, “This is a reporter who has been used by people who dislike Donald Trump to push fake and false narrative. She should be ashamed of herself. And that's not what reporting is. That's not what reporting is. Journalism is trying to find the facts and the truth.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a briefing with reporters that Netanyahu expressed interest to come to DC and meet President Trump in the coming weeks. She added that President Trump is open to that but no final date for a meeting has been set yet

'President Trump open to visit from Netanyahu in DC', says White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt

Democratic Party’s Zohran Mamdani has stunned everyone after his win in the race for New York City’s mayoral primary on Tuesday (June 25) and defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The 33-year-old state representative of Indian origin will become the city’s first Muslim mayor if he wins the general election in November. However, before he chose this path, he used to be a rapper, Young Cardamom or Mr. Cardamom.&nbsp;Calling himself a “B-list rapper” on his X account, he promoted his April 2019 debut “Nani”, a tribute to his grandmother. The song features actress Madhur Jaffrey as his grandmother, who Cardamom chastised as “not a good nani”. He then begins rapping about being “the best damn nani that you ever done seen”. Later in the video, he raps in a food truck, “Go head make a wrap for your nani/Get the gwop spend a rack on your nani.”&nbsp;The video on YouTube has over 200,000 views and 43,105 streams on Spotify. Mamdani told the New York Times that the song was written in 2017. It is about his grandmother, Praveen Nair, who was the chairperson of Salaam Baalak Trust.&nbsp;Mamdani started rapping when he was in school. In 2015, he adopted his moniker Young Cardamom. In 2017, Mamdani released a song with his friend Abdul Bar Hussein (rapper HAB) called #1 Spice for the movie Queen of Katwe, for which he served as a music supervisor. He movie was directed by his mother, Mira Nair.&nbsp;In an X post for his moniker, Mamdani wrote, “You know I'll be forever spicy but I'm taking a break from being a spice to answer the question of what happens when a B-list rapper runs for office. Come through @ZohranKMamdani if you want answers.”&nbsp;Replying to his post from his other account, which he uses as a politician, he wrote, “I’m running for NY State Assembly here in Astoria and I’m doing it bc I spend each day at work coming up against the legacy of Albany’s bankrupt policies. Our reps have turned family homes into investment properties while letting public housing fall into decay and disrepair.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I’m running for NY State Assembly here in Astoria and I’m doing it bc I spend each day at work coming up against the legacy of Albany’s bankrupt policies. Our reps have turned family homes into investment properties while letting public housing fall into decay and disrepair.&mdash; Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZohranKMamdani/status/1185277206232207366?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;The Indian origin socialite, who calls himself the “worst nightmare” of US President Donald Trump, became a US citizen in 2018. He ran for a seat in the New York State Assembly two years later. He currently serves as a New York Assembly member. The 33-year-old will become the first South Asian and first Muslim mayor of the city, if elected in the November polls.

The Indian origin socialite, who calls himself the “worst nightmare” of US President Donald Trump, became a US citizen in 2018.

Democratic Party’s Zohran Mamdani has stunned everyone after his win in the race for New York City’s mayoral primary on Tuesday (June 25) and defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The 33-year-old state representative of Indian origin will become the city’s first Muslim mayor if he wins the general election in November. However, before he chose this path, he used to be a rapper, Young Cardamom or Mr. Cardamom. Calling himself a “B-list rapper” on his X account, he promoted his April 2019 debut “Nani”, a tribute to his grandmother. The song features actress Madhur Jaffrey as his grandmother, who Cardamom chastised as “not a good nani”. He then begins rapping about being “the best damn nani that you ever done seen”. Later in the video, he raps in a food truck, “Go head make a wrap for your nani/Get the gwop spend a rack on your nani.” The video on YouTube has over 200,000 views and 43,105 streams on Spotify. Mamdani told the New York Times that the song was written in 2017. It is about his grandmother, Praveen Nair, who was the chairperson of Salaam Baalak Trust. Mamdani started rapping when he was in school. In 2015, he adopted his moniker Young Cardamom. In 2017, Mamdani released a song with his friend Abdul Bar Hussein (rapper HAB) called #1 Spice for the movie Queen of Katwe, for which he served as a music supervisor. He movie was directed by his mother, Mira Nair. In an X post for his moniker, Mamdani wrote, “You know I'll be forever spicy but I'm taking a break from being a spice to answer the question of what happens when a B-list rapper runs for office. Come through @ZohranKMamdani if you want answers.” Replying to his post from his other account, which he uses as a politician, he wrote, “I’m running for NY State Assembly here in Astoria and I’m doing it bc I spend each day at work coming up against the legacy of Albany’s bankrupt policies. Our reps have turned family homes into investment properties while letting public housing fall into decay and disrepair.”

The Indian origin socialite, who calls himself the “worst nightmare” of US President Donald Trump, became a US citizen in 2018.

From rapper to NYC mayoral candidate: How Zohran Mamdani became ‘worst nightmare’ of Trump

A television news channel affiliated with Turkey's opposition party has been instructed to suspend broadcasts for 10 days over allegations of ‘inciting hatred’, authorities announced on Thursday (June 26), a move condemned by free-press watchdogs. The Turkish media authority, RTUK, ruled that Halk TV had broken rules, particularly when one of the guests on a show said Turkey ‘is not getting more religious, but sectarian’.&nbsp;The regulator's board said that amounted to "inciting hatred and hostility" -- a ruling condemned by Halk TV and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). &nbsp;The channel is viewed as aligned to the opposition CHP party, which has been under increasing pressure from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, such as having its leading opponent, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, jailed, a case that triggered huge protests.&nbsp;The media regulator "takes pleasure in arbitrarily and disproportionately sanctioning all debate or criticism, fuelled by the political and judicial repression targeting the CHP", said Erol Onderoglu of Reporters Without Borders. "We fear opposition TV news channels linked to the CHP may be shut down in the medium term," he was quoted saying to AFP.&nbsp;In March 2025, the watchdog imposed the same penalty on another opposition channel, Sozcu TV, but then suspended its decision before it came into force. Turkey’s Radio and Television Supreme Council, RTUK, the government agency regulating radio and TV, imposed heavy fines on four TV channels for their broadcasts of mass protests against the arrest of Istanbul mayor and presidential candidate Ekrem Imamoglu.&nbsp;Ilhan Tasci, a board member of RTUK from the main opposition Republican People’s Party, CHP, who opposed the penalties, said the reason given was “inciting hatred and enmity among the public”. “At today’s meeting of RTUK, the heaviest penalties in its history were imposed by majority vote. These penalties include a 10-day broadcast suspension, the most severe sanction before license revocation, for broadcasts related to the process leading to the arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Imamoglu,” Tasci explained. &nbsp;Turkey is placed at number 159 among 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders press freedom ranking. The CHP, which won in the local elections a year ago, has been subjected to a flurry of probes as Turkey rushes towards presidential polls in 2028 in which Imamoglu emerged as Erdogan's strongest contender.

Turkey suspends opposition media channel for 10 days Heres why

A television news channel affiliated with Turkey's opposition party has been instructed to suspend broadcasts for 10 days over allegations of ‘inciting hatred’, authorities announced on Thursday (June 26), a move condemned by free-press watchdogs. The Turkish media authority, RTUK, ruled that Halk TV had broken rules, particularly when one of the guests on a show said Turkey ‘is not getting more religious, but sectarian’. The regulator's board said that amounted to "inciting hatred and hostility" -- a ruling condemned by Halk TV and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The channel is viewed as aligned to the opposition CHP party, which has been under increasing pressure from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, such as having its leading opponent, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, jailed, a case that triggered huge protests. The media regulator "takes pleasure in arbitrarily and disproportionately sanctioning all debate or criticism, fuelled by the political and judicial repression targeting the CHP", said Erol Onderoglu of Reporters Without Borders. "We fear opposition TV news channels linked to the CHP may be shut down in the medium term," he was quoted saying to AFP. In March 2025, the watchdog imposed the same penalty on another opposition channel, Sozcu TV, but then suspended its decision before it came into force. Turkey’s Radio and Television Supreme Council, RTUK, the government agency regulating radio and TV, imposed heavy fines on four TV channels for their broadcasts of mass protests against the arrest of Istanbul mayor and presidential candidate Ekrem Imamoglu. Ilhan Tasci, a board member of RTUK from the main opposition Republican People’s Party, CHP, who opposed the penalties, said the reason given was “inciting hatred and enmity among the public”. “At today’s meeting of RTUK, the heaviest penalties in its history were imposed by majority vote. These penalties include a 10-day broadcast suspension, the most severe sanction before license revocation, for broadcasts related to the process leading to the arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Imamoglu,” Tasci explained. Turkey is placed at number 159 among 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders press freedom ranking. The CHP, which won in the local elections a year ago, has been subjected to a flurry of probes as Turkey rushes towards presidential polls in 2028 in which Imamoglu emerged as Erdogan's strongest contender.

The station is seen as close to the opposition CHP party, which has faced mounting pressure under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Turkey suspends opposition media channel for 10 days. Here's why

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday (June 26) days after the Israel-Iran ceasefire, said that Iran delivered a "heavy slap to the US's face", adding that America gained no achievement from this war.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shubhanshu Shukla, Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic milestone for India’s space ambitions.&nbsp;Click on the headlines for more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-heavy-slap-to-us-s-face-iranian-leader-khamenei-claims-inflicted-damage-to-al-udeid-air-base-america-achieved-nothing-1750934925934">'Heavy slap to US's face': Iranian Leader Khamenei says America 'achieved nothing' as he claims damage to Al-Udeid Air Base</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250619/image-1750323989111.jpg?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;w=800&amp;h=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Heavy slap to US's face': Iranian Leader Khamenei says America 'achieved nothing' as he claims damage to Al-Udeid Air Base"></figure>&nbsp;Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday (June 26) days after the Israel-Iran ceasefire, said that Iran delivered a "heavy slap to the US's face", adding that America gained no achievement from this war. In a post on X, Khamenei said that Iran attacked and inflicted damage on the Al-Udeid Air Base, a key US base in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/carrying-the-tricolour-on-my-shoulder-indian-astronaut-shubhanshu-shukla-makes-historic-address-from-space-1750947890782">'Carrying the Tricolour on my shoulder’: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla makes historic address from space</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250626/image-1750948348657.jpg?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;w=800&amp;h=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Carrying the Tricolour on my shoulder’: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla makes historic address from space"></figure>&nbsp;Shubhanshu Shukla, Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic milestone for India’s space ambitions. Part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Shukla addressed the nation from the ISS on Thursday, saying, “It is a privilege to be among the few who have had the chance to see Earth from such a vantage point.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-just-went-through-hell-israeli-pm-netanyahu-thanks-trump-for-his-incredible-support-during-israel-iran-war-1750949734086">'We just went through HELL': Israeli PM Netanyahu thanks Trump for his 'incredible support' during Israel-Iran war</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250626/image-1750950040172.jpeg?rect=(0,58,908,682)&amp;w=800&amp;h=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'We just went through HELL': Israeli PM Netanyahu thanks Trump for his 'incredible support' during Israel-Iran war"></figure>&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (June 26) thanked US President Donald Trump for his "heartfelt support" for Israel and the Jewish people as Israel, and Iran engaged in a full-blown war in the last two weeks. After a 12-day war, Trump this week announced an Israel-Iran ceasefire after attacking Tehran's nuclear facilities.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-on-its-last-leg-israel-halts-aid-supplies-to-gaza-over-alleged-looting-by-palestinian-militant-group-1750950325415">Hamas on ‘its last leg’: Israel halts aid supplies to Gaza over alleged looting by Palestinian militant group</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250626/image-1750950386627.jpg?rect=(0,58,908,682)&amp;w=800&amp;h=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Hamas on ‘its last leg’: Israel halts aid supplies to Gaza over alleged looting by Palestinian militant group"></figure>&nbsp;Israeli government spokesman David Mencer accused Hamas of looting aid entering Gaza, adding that the Palestinian militant group is “on its last legs”. He also said that Iran’s nuclear programme had been “set back by many years” following the US and Israeli strikes. This comes as Tel Aviv halted aid supplies to Gaza for two days to prevent them from being looted by Hamas, an official said on Thursday (Jun 26).&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-one-of-the-greatest-most-confirming-news-conferences-trump-after-hegseth-addresses-media-on-iran-strikes-1750944147670">'One of the greatest, most confirming news conferences': Trump after Hegseth addresses media on Iran strikes</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250626/image-1750944452155.jpg?rect=(0,29,454,341)&amp;w=800&amp;h=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'One of the greatest, most confirming news conferences': Trump after Hegseth addresses media on Iran strikes"></figure>&nbsp;Moments after United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed the media on Thursday morning (June 26) at the Pentagon on the strikes on Iran, US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social saying, “One of the greatest, most professional, and most ‘confirming’ News Conferences I have ever seen! The Fake News should fire everyone involved in this Witch Hunt, and apologize to our great warriors, and everyone else!”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaish-terrorist-killed-in-j-k-s-udhampur-operation-underway-1750948526437">Jaish terrorist killed in J&amp;K's Udhampur, operation underway</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250626/image-1750949004932.jpeg?rect=(0,90,1420,1065)&amp;w=800&amp;h=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Jaish terrorist killed in J&amp;K's Udhampur, operation underway"></figure>&nbsp;A Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist was killed on Thursday (June 26) in a gunfight with security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district, and three of his associates remain stuck in the dense Bihali forest of Basantgarh.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-concerns-not-acceptable-to-one-particular-country-mea-reveals-why-india-refused-to-sign-sco-joint-declaration-1750943762709">‘Concerns not acceptable to one particular country’: MEA reveals why India refused to sign SCO joint declaration</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250626/image-1750943771181.jpg?rect=(0,145,867,650)&amp;w=800&amp;h=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="‘Concerns not acceptable to one particular country’: MEA reveals why India refused to sign SCO joint declaration"></figure>&nbsp;The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (Jun 26) said that India refused to sign the joint declaration at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in China over concerns that terrorism was not included in the document.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-deep-manifest-dri-seizes-1-115-metric-tonne-of-pakistan-goods-1-held-1750946946635">Operation Deep Manifest: DRI seizes 1,115 metric tonne of Pakistan goods worth over ₹9 crore, 1 held</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250626/image-1750947262052.jpg?rect=(0,75,450,338)&amp;w=800&amp;h=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Operation Deep Manifest: DRI seizes 1,115 metric tonne of Pakistan goods worth over ₹9 crore, 1 held"></figure>&nbsp;In a significant enforcement action, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) launched an operation codenamed “Operation Deep Manifest”, targeting the illegal import of Pakistani-origin goods routed through third countries, primarily via Dubai, UAE.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kangana-ranaut-takes-a-dig-at-zohran-mamdani-sounds-more-pakistani-than-india-1750938204128">Kangana Ranaut takes a dig at Zohran Mamdani: ‘Sounds more Pakistani than India’</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250626/image-1750938334235.png?rect=(0,0,960,720)&amp;w=800&amp;h=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Kangana Ranaut takes a dig at Zohran Mamdani: ‘Sounds more Pakistani than India’"></figure>&nbsp;While the world may be cheering Zohran Mamdani the Democratic candidate for the New York mayor’s post, actress-turned BJP MP Kangana Ranaut doesn’t seem too impressed with him. Ranaut in a recent post on Instagram claimed Mamdani “sounds more Pakistani than Indian.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ing-vs-eng-ashwin-wants-india-to-extend-batting-but-not-by-runs-after-headingley-defeat-1750946924999">ING vs ENG: Ashwin wants India to extend batting but 'not by runs' after Headingley defeat</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250621/image-1750485715086.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;w=800&amp;h=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="ING vs ENG: Ashwin wants India to extend batting but 'not by runs' after Headingley defeat"></figure>&nbsp;Retired India spinner Ravi Ashwin says that current India batter, which are touring England for five Tests, need to extend their batting time and not necessarily runs to give themselves best chance to win. The comments come on the back of India's five-wicket loss in the first Test at Headingley where England chased down a mammoth 371-run target. India were 333/4 in the second innings before a collapse saw them getting bowled out for 364 towards the end of day 4 and gave England a chance to win.

Stay updated with our top stories from around the world, offering you a comprehensive overview of today's most impactful news and events.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday (June 26) days after the Israel-Iran ceasefire, said that Iran delivered a "heavy slap to the US's face", adding that America gained no achievement from this war. Shubhanshu Shukla, Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic milestone for India’s space ambitions. Click on the headlines for more 'Heavy slap to US's face': Iranian Leader Khamenei says America 'achieved nothing' as he claims damage to Al-Udeid Air Base Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday (June 26) days after the Israel-Iran ceasefire, said that Iran delivered a "heavy slap to the US's face", adding that America gained no achievement from this war. In a post on X, Khamenei said that Iran attacked and inflicted damage on the Al-Udeid Air Base, a key US base in the region. 'Carrying the Tricolour on my shoulder’: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla makes historic address from space Shubhanshu Shukla, Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic milestone for India’s space ambitions. Part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Shukla addressed the nation from the ISS on Thursday, saying, “It is a privilege to be among the few who have had the chance to see Earth from such a vantage point.” 'We just went through HELL': Israeli PM Netanyahu thanks Trump for his 'incredible support' during Israel-Iran war Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (June 26) thanked US President Donald Trump for his "heartfelt support" for Israel and the Jewish people as Israel, and Iran engaged in a full-blown war in the last two weeks. After a 12-day war, Trump this week announced an Israel-Iran ceasefire after attacking Tehran's nuclear facilities. Hamas on ‘its last leg’: Israel halts aid supplies to Gaza over alleged looting by Palestinian militant group Israeli government spokesman David Mencer accused Hamas of looting aid entering Gaza, adding that the Palestinian militant group is “on its last legs”. He also said that Iran’s nuclear programme had been “set back by many years” following the US and Israeli strikes. This comes as Tel Aviv halted aid supplies to Gaza for two days to prevent them from being looted by Hamas, an official said on Thursday (Jun 26). 'One of the greatest, most confirming news conferences': Trump after Hegseth addresses media on Iran strikes Moments after United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed the media on Thursday morning (June 26) at the Pentagon on the strikes on Iran, US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social saying, “One of the greatest, most professional, and most ‘confirming’ News Conferences I have ever seen! The Fake News should fire everyone involved in this Witch Hunt, and apologize to our great warriors, and everyone else!” Jaish terrorist killed in J&K's Udhampur, operation underway A Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist was killed on Thursday (June 26) in a gunfight with security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district, and three of his associates remain stuck in the dense Bihali forest of Basantgarh. ‘Concerns not acceptable to one particular country’: MEA reveals why India refused to sign SCO joint declaration The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (Jun 26) said that India refused to sign the joint declaration at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in China over concerns that terrorism was not included in the document. Operation Deep Manifest: DRI seizes 1,115 metric tonne of Pakistan goods worth over ₹9 crore, 1 held In a significant enforcement action, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) launched an operation codenamed “Operation Deep Manifest”, targeting the illegal import of Pakistani-origin goods routed through third countries, primarily via Dubai, UAE. Kangana Ranaut takes a dig at Zohran Mamdani: ‘Sounds more Pakistani than India’ While the world may be cheering Zohran Mamdani the Democratic candidate for the New York mayor’s post, actress-turned BJP MP Kangana Ranaut doesn’t seem too impressed with him. Ranaut in a recent post on Instagram claimed Mamdani “sounds more Pakistani than Indian.” ING vs ENG: Ashwin wants India to extend batting but 'not by runs' after Headingley defeat Retired India spinner Ravi Ashwin says that current India batter, which are touring England for five Tests, need to extend their batting time and not necessarily runs to give themselves best chance to win. The comments come on the back of India's five-wicket loss in the first Test at Headingley where England chased down a mammoth 371-run target. India were 333/4 in the second innings before a collapse saw them getting bowled out for 364 towards the end of day 4 and gave England a chance to win.

Stay updated with our top stories from around the world, offering you a comprehensive overview of today's most impactful news and events.

Top 10 world news: Khamenei claims victory in war; Axiom-4 Mission crew reaches ISS, and more

The United States, 75 years ago, controlled North Korea's Pyongyang for eight weeks. According to the US Army histories, in 1950, the US Army's Cavalry Division along with a division of South Korean soldiers captured the North Korean capital on October 19.According to the histories, the US forces quickly got comfortable there, making it their home. All this happened during the "Korean War", also known as "The Forgotten War", which occurred during 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953.One of the world's most secretive cities, Pyongyang, North Korea's capital, was under the US Army's control. By October 22, the US Eighth Army had set up its advance headquarters in what was the headquarters building for North Korean leader Kim Il Sung.However, this period did not last long. The Chinese troops entered the war in late November 1950 and pushed South Korean and US forces out of Pyongyang by December 5.The Korean war that began 75 years ago this week, was considered as the first major armed conflict of the Cold War era. More than 135,000 North Korean troops invaded South Korea, beginning a war that took millions of lives and causing impact which is still there today. The US Army intervened in the war, sending combat troops in aid of South Korea under the United Nations Command.<h2>Why was it called 'The Forgotten War'?</h2>The war in Korea was overshadowed by World War II, a much bigger conflict that ended less than five years earlier.The US Army referred to the Korean War as "the Forgotten War" as it got less public attention compared to World War II and the Vietnam War. The US, however, never declared war on North Korea and instead called it a "police action" under the orders of the UN.The war fought from 1950 until 1953, was also overlooked by the media and the public as they were focusing on the larger and impactful events, and leaving the Korean War on the sideline.

However, this period did not last long. The Chinese troops entered the war in late November 1950 and pushed South Korean and US forces out of Pyongyang by December 5.

The United States, 75 years ago, controlled North Korea's Pyongyang for eight weeks. According to the US Army histories, in 1950, the US Army's Cavalry Division along with a division of South Korean soldiers captured the North Korean capital on October 19. According to the histories, the US forces quickly got comfortable there, making it their home. All this happened during the "Korean War", also known as "The Forgotten War", which occurred during 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953. One of the world's most secretive cities, Pyongyang, North Korea's capital, was under the US Army's control. By October 22, the US Eighth Army had set up its advance headquarters in what was the headquarters building for North Korean leader Kim Il Sung. However, this period did not last long. The Chinese troops entered the war in late November 1950 and pushed South Korean and US forces out of Pyongyang by December 5. The Korean war that began 75 years ago this week, was considered as the first major armed conflict of the Cold War era. More than 135,000 North Korean troops invaded South Korea, beginning a war that took millions of lives and causing impact which is still there today. The US Army intervened in the war, sending combat troops in aid of South Korea under the United Nations Command. Why was it called 'The Forgotten War'? The war in Korea was overshadowed by World War II, a much bigger conflict that ended less than five years earlier. The US Army referred to the Korean War as "the Forgotten War" as it got less public attention compared to World War II and the Vietnam War. The US, however, never declared war on North Korea and instead called it a "police action" under the orders of the UN. The war fought from 1950 until 1953, was also overlooked by the media and the public as they were focusing on the larger and impactful events, and leaving the Korean War on the sideline.

However, this period did not last long. The Chinese troops entered the war in late November 1950 and pushed South Korean and US forces out of Pyongyang by December 5.

US Army once controlled one of the world’s most SECRETIVE cities - Hint: A North Korean city - Here's all you need to know

Ecuador's most wanted man and leader of the Los Choneros gang, Jose Adolfo Macias, was arrested on Wednesday (June 25) , said the country's President Daniel Noboa. Macias, alias ‘Fito’, had escaped in January 2024 from a prison in Guayaquil after receiving a 34-year term for homicide and drug trafficking. His escape triggered a rampage of violence in Ecuador, leading Noboa to declare an internal armed conflict and consider Los Choneros and 21 other gangs operating within the country to be terror organisations.&nbsp;In February 2024, Los Choneros and Macias were sanctioned by the US Department of the Treasury for their drug trafficking and violent criminal activities in Ecuador and throughout the continent. Noboa said that Ecuador is proceeding with extradition to the US and has a pending response from American authorities. The police spokesman said no shots were discharged during the 10-hour combined operation by police and the army.&nbsp;A number of officers initially monitored and cordoned off the three-storey house in the Monterrey district of Manta, on the Ecuadorian coast. When they stormed into the building, they found a sliding trapdoor, disguised as part of the stone floor, from which metal stairs led to Fito's subterranean lair.&nbsp;The ‘bunker’ was equipped with air conditioning, bed, fan and a fridge. The house itself had a gym with punching bag and a games room where he could play pool and table football.&nbsp;Fito reportedly put no resistance and was flown to the port city of Guayaquil, home to several of Ecuador's largest prisons. Video of his arrival in Guayaquil showed him dressed in shorts, a T-shirt and flip flops and being escorted by armed security officers to a parked SUV before being moved to the La Roca maximum-security prison.&nbsp;Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa hailed the security authorities for capturing Fito and said that he would be extradited to the US, against which he has been indicted for smuggling cocaine. Fito had escaped from Guayaquil's La Regional prison in January 2024 with at least two guards' assistance, which garnered international media attention.&nbsp;From prison, he coordinated the gang's operations, including drug trafficking and extortion. He is also suspected of having given the instruction to kill politician Fernando Villavicencio, who was shot dead at a campaign rally just days before the 2023 election.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Police in Ecuador have recaptured the country&#39;s most wanted fugitive, drug lord Jose Adolfo Macías. <a href="https://t.co/5lactNIQyg">pic.twitter.com/5lactNIQyg</a>&mdash; Sky News (@SkyNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1938246576339657082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Under Fito's leadership, Los Choneros forged links with Mexico's powerful Sinaloa cartel, an alliance which experts say has led to the gruesome tactics commonly used by Mexican cartels - such as decapitations and mutilations - spreading to Ecuador. Shortly before his prison escape, he also appeared in a narcocorrido - a slick music video in which his daughter glorifies her father's criminal exploits. The video, partly captured within the prison walls, documents him stroking a fighting cockerel and chatting openly to inmates.&nbsp;The escape of the gang leader in 2024 was a setback for Noboa's administration. Ecuador's leader had taken office in November 2023 following his election on a vow to tackle the surging influence of the gangs.&nbsp;On Wednesday (June 25), Noboa said that the arrest of the drug lord was evidence his strategy - which involves introducing legislations granting him broad powers to proclaim an ‘armed internal conflict’, and which allows the police to make searches without a warrant - was paying off.&nbsp;"More [drug lords] will fall, we will regain [control of] the country," he posted on X.

Ecuador most wanted drug lord Fito captured hiding in bunker WATCH

Ecuador's most wanted man and leader of the Los Choneros gang, Jose Adolfo Macias, was arrested on Wednesday (June 25) , said the country's President Daniel Noboa. Macias, alias ‘Fito’, had escaped in January 2024 from a prison in Guayaquil after receiving a 34-year term for homicide and drug trafficking. His escape triggered a rampage of violence in Ecuador, leading Noboa to declare an internal armed conflict and consider Los Choneros and 21 other gangs operating within the country to be terror organisations. In February 2024, Los Choneros and Macias were sanctioned by the US Department of the Treasury for their drug trafficking and violent criminal activities in Ecuador and throughout the continent. Noboa said that Ecuador is proceeding with extradition to the US and has a pending response from American authorities. The police spokesman said no shots were discharged during the 10-hour combined operation by police and the army. A number of officers initially monitored and cordoned off the three-storey house in the Monterrey district of Manta, on the Ecuadorian coast. When they stormed into the building, they found a sliding trapdoor, disguised as part of the stone floor, from which metal stairs led to Fito's subterranean lair. The ‘bunker’ was equipped with air conditioning, bed, fan and a fridge. The house itself had a gym with punching bag and a games room where he could play pool and table football. Fito reportedly put no resistance and was flown to the port city of Guayaquil, home to several of Ecuador's largest prisons. Video of his arrival in Guayaquil showed him dressed in shorts, a T-shirt and flip flops and being escorted by armed security officers to a parked SUV before being moved to the La Roca maximum-security prison. Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa hailed the security authorities for capturing Fito and said that he would be extradited to the US, against which he has been indicted for smuggling cocaine. Fito had escaped from Guayaquil's La Regional prison in January 2024 with at least two guards' assistance, which garnered international media attention. From prison, he coordinated the gang's operations, including drug trafficking and extortion. He is also suspected of having given the instruction to kill politician Fernando Villavicencio, who was shot dead at a campaign rally just days before the 2023 election.

Macias, also known as ‘Fito’, escaped from a prison in Guayaquil in January 2024 while serving a 34-year sentence for homicide and narcotics trafficking

Ecuador most wanted drug lord 'Fito' captured hiding in bunker-WATCH

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday (June 26) got into a clash with one of the most senior reporters at the Pentagon, Fox News journalist Jennifer Griffin, when she asked about the US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and enriched uranium in Iran.This comes days after the US attacked Iranian nuclear facilities including Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, claiming that it has destroyed these facilities and Iran will not be able to make nuclear weapon.During a press conference on Thursday, Hegseth was addressing "intelligence leak" claims days after US President Donald Trump announced ceasefire.Hegseth aid that he was unaware of any intelligence suggesting Iran had moved any of its highly enriched uranium to shield it from US strikes. "I'm not aware of any intelligence that I've reviewed that says things were not where they were supposed to be, moved or otherwise," he said.When his former colleague and Fox News reporter Griffin asked him about the movement of enriched uranium from the Fordow site, Hegseth dodged the question, and attacked Griffin with words."Because you cheer against Trump so hard, in your DNA and in your blood, cheer Against Trump because you want him not to be successful so bad, you have to cheer against the efficacy," he said, addressing the media.Griffin asked Hegseth, "Are you certain none of that highly enriched uranium was moved?" Hegseth frustratedly replied, "Jennifer, you've been about the worst. The one who misrepresents the most intentionally.”The Fox reporter did not like the remark, and said, "I take issue with that."Hegseth during the briefing said that strikes in Iran were highly successful, it was a resounding success and brought the end of the war. "Trump created the conditions to end war destroying Iran's nuclear capabilities", calling it a "historic moment."Meanwhile, Gen. Dan Caine said, “We received intel on Monday that Iran intended to attack US bases in the region. Patriot cruise were deployed from Korea and Japan. We were joined in this engagement with Qatari Patriot cruise. In the days preceding the fordo attacks Iranians tried to cover the shafts with concrete."&nbsp;&nbsp;

During a press conference on Thursday, Hegseth was addressing "intelligence leak" claims days after US President Donald Trump announced ceasefire.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday (June 26) got into a clash with one of the most senior reporters at the Pentagon, Fox News journalist Jennifer Griffin, when she asked about the US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and enriched uranium in Iran. This comes days after the US attacked Iranian nuclear facilities including Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, claiming that it has destroyed these facilities and Iran will not be able to make nuclear weapon. During a press conference on Thursday, Hegseth was addressing "intelligence leak" claims days after US President Donald Trump announced ceasefire. Hegseth aid that he was unaware of any intelligence suggesting Iran had moved any of its highly enriched uranium to shield it from US strikes. "I'm not aware of any intelligence that I've reviewed that says things were not where they were supposed to be, moved or otherwise," he said. When his former colleague and Fox News reporter Griffin asked him about the movement of enriched uranium from the Fordow site, Hegseth dodged the question, and attacked Griffin with words. "Because you cheer against Trump so hard, in your DNA and in your blood, cheer Against Trump because you want him not to be successful so bad, you have to cheer against the efficacy," he said, addressing the media. Griffin asked Hegseth, "Are you certain none of that highly enriched uranium was moved?" Hegseth frustratedly replied, "Jennifer, you've been about the worst. The one who misrepresents the most intentionally.” The Fox reporter did not like the remark, and said, "I take issue with that." Hegseth during the briefing said that strikes in Iran were highly successful, it was a resounding success and brought the end of the war. "Trump created the conditions to end war destroying Iran's nuclear capabilities", calling it a "historic moment." Meanwhile, Gen. Dan Caine said, “We received intel on Monday that Iran intended to attack US bases in the region. Patriot cruise were deployed from Korea and Japan. We were joined in this engagement with Qatari Patriot cruise. In the days preceding the fordo attacks Iranians tried to cover the shafts with concrete."

During a press conference on Thursday, Hegseth was addressing "intelligence leak" claims days after US President Donald Trump announced ceasefire.

'You've been the worst!': Hegseth explodes at Fox journalist during Israel-Iran war briefing - Here's how it went

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Thursday (June 26) said that sirens were heard in Yated, southern Israel, triggering speculations over who might have done it. It comes three days after US President Donald Trump announced Israel-Iran ceasefire."Sirens sounding in Yated, southern Israel," the IDF said in a post on X on Thursday.Minutes later, the IDF clarified, saying that it was determined to be a false identification."Following the sirens that sounded at 17:42 in Yated, it was determined to be a false identification," the Israel defence forces stated.

"Sirens sounding in Yated, southern Israel," the IDF said in a post on X on Thursday. It comes three days after US President Donald Trump announced Israel-Iran ceasefire.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Thursday (June 26) said that sirens were heard in Yated, southern Israel, triggering speculations over who might have done it. It comes three days after US President Donald Trump announced Israel-Iran ceasefire. "Sirens sounding in Yated, southern Israel," the IDF said in a post on X on Thursday. Minutes later, the IDF clarified, saying that it was determined to be a false identification. "Following the sirens that sounded at 17:42 in Yated, it was determined to be a false identification," the Israel defence forces stated.

"Sirens sounding in Yated, southern Israel," the IDF said in a post on X on Thursday. It comes three days after US President Donald Trump announced Israel-Iran ceasefire.

Sirens heard in southern Israel days after Israel-Iran ceasefire, IDF clarifies...

Israeli government spokesman David Mencer accused Hamas of looting aid entering Gaza, adding that the Palestinian militant group is “on its last legs”. He also said that Iran’s nuclear programme had been “set back by many years” following the US and Israeli strikes. This comes as Tel Aviv halted aid supplies to Gaza for two days to prevent them from being looted by Hamas, an official said on Thursday (Jun 26). The move was taken after images circulated showing masked men on aid trucks, whom the clan leaders claimed were protecting the aid.&nbsp;In a joint statement with Defence Minister Israel Katz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Wednesday (Jun 25) that he ordered the military to present a way within two days to prevent aid from being taken under control by Hamas. The move was made after new information indicated that the Palestinian militant group was seizing the aid intended for civilians in northern Gaza. While the statement did not disclose the information, a video circulating showed dozens of masked men, some armed, raiding the trucks carrying aid.&nbsp;An Israeli official told Reuters that aid deliveries were temporarily suspended for two days to allow the military to come up with a new plan. The Higher Commission for Tribal Affairs, which represents influential clans in the region, said that trucks were protected as part of an aid security process managed “solely through tribal efforts”. It suggested that Hamas had not taken part in the process.&nbsp;Earlier on Wednesday (Jun 25), A senior Hamas official told AFP that negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group have “intensified in recent hours” with mediator countries.After the ceasefire was announced between Israel and Iran on Tuesday (Jun 24) following 12 days of conflict, the Israeli military chief said that Tel Aviv’s focus will now shift back to Gaza and fighting against Hamas.&nbsp;“Now the focus shifts back to Gaza — to bring the hostages home and to dismantle the Hamas regime,” chief of staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said in a statement.

The move was made after new information indicated that the Palestinian militant group was seizing the aid intended for civilians in northern Gaza.

Israeli government spokesman David Mencer accused Hamas of looting aid entering Gaza, adding that the Palestinian militant group is “on its last legs”. He also said that Iran’s nuclear programme had been “set back by many years” following the US and Israeli strikes. This comes as Tel Aviv halted aid supplies to Gaza for two days to prevent them from being looted by Hamas, an official said on Thursday (Jun 26). The move was taken after images circulated showing masked men on aid trucks, whom the clan leaders claimed were protecting the aid. In a joint statement with Defence Minister Israel Katz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Wednesday (Jun 25) that he ordered the military to present a way within two days to prevent aid from being taken under control by Hamas. The move was made after new information indicated that the Palestinian militant group was seizing the aid intended for civilians in northern Gaza. While the statement did not disclose the information, a video circulating showed dozens of masked men, some armed, raiding the trucks carrying aid. An Israeli official told Reuters that aid deliveries were temporarily suspended for two days to allow the military to come up with a new plan. The Higher Commission for Tribal Affairs, which represents influential clans in the region, said that trucks were protected as part of an aid security process managed “solely through tribal efforts”. It suggested that Hamas had not taken part in the process. Earlier on Wednesday (Jun 25), A senior Hamas official told AFP that negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group have “intensified in recent hours” with mediator countries. After the ceasefire was announced between Israel and Iran on Tuesday (Jun 24) following 12 days of conflict, the Israeli military chief said that Tel Aviv’s focus will now shift back to Gaza and fighting against Hamas. “Now the focus shifts back to Gaza — to bring the hostages home and to dismantle the Hamas regime,” chief of staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said in a statement.

The move was made after new information indicated that the Palestinian militant group was seizing the aid intended for civilians in northern Gaza.

Hamas on ‘its last leg’: Israel halts aid supplies to Gaza over alleged looting by Palestinian militant group

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (June 26) thanked US President Donald Trump for his "heartfelt support" for Israel and the Jewish people as Israel, and Iran engaged in a full-blown war in the last two weeks. After a 12-day war, Trump this week announced an Israel-Iran ceasefire after attacking Tehran's nuclear facilities.The Israeli prime minister said that he looks forward to continue working with Trump to "defeat common enemies" and free hostages."Thank you @realDonaldTrump. I was deeply moved by your heartfelt support for me and your incredible support for Israel and the Jewish people," Netanyahu said in a post on X.He added, "I look forward to continue working with you to defeat our common enemies, liberate our hostages and quickly expand the circle of peace."Meanwhile, Trump on Wednesday took to Truth Social, a day after he announced the ceasefire, saying that Bibi and he just went through hell together, fighting a "very tough and brilliant longtime enemy of Israel, Iran.""Anybody else would have suffered losses, embarrassment, and chaos! Bibi Netanyahu was a WARRIOR, like perhaps no other Warrior in the History of Israel, and the result was something that nobody thought was possible, a complete elimination of potentially one of the biggest and most powerful Nuclear Weapons anywhere in the World, and it was going to happen, SOON!," he said.Trump added that they were fighting for the survival of Israel "literally", and there is nobody in Israel's history that fought harder or more competently than Bibi Netanyahu.<h2>'Witch Hunt'</h2>Trump then continued to express support for Netanyahu, saying that Israel is continuing its "ridiculous witch hunt" against their "great wartime prime minister"."Despite all of this, I just learned that Bibi has been summoned to Court on Monday for the continuation of this long-running, (He has been going through this “Horror Show” since May of 2020 – Unheard of!," the US president wrote.He stressed that this is the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister has ever been on trial, a "politically motivated case, “concerning cigars, a Bugs Bunny doll, and numerous other unfair charges” in order to do him great harm. "Calling it a "witch hunt", Trump said that Netanyahu deserves much better than this and so does the state of Israel."Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State," he said.&nbsp;

The Israeli prime minister said that he looks forward to continue working with Trump to "defeat common enemies" and free hostages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (June 26) thanked US President Donald Trump for his "heartfelt support" for Israel and the Jewish people as Israel, and Iran engaged in a full-blown war in the last two weeks. After a 12-day war, Trump this week announced an Israel-Iran ceasefire after attacking Tehran's nuclear facilities. The Israeli prime minister said that he looks forward to continue working with Trump to "defeat common enemies" and free hostages. "Thank you @realDonaldTrump. I was deeply moved by your heartfelt support for me and your incredible support for Israel and the Jewish people," Netanyahu said in a post on X. He added, "I look forward to continue working with you to defeat our common enemies, liberate our hostages and quickly expand the circle of peace." Meanwhile, Trump on Wednesday took to Truth Social, a day after he announced the ceasefire, saying that Bibi and he just went through hell together, fighting a "very tough and brilliant longtime enemy of Israel, Iran." "Anybody else would have suffered losses, embarrassment, and chaos! Bibi Netanyahu was a WARRIOR, like perhaps no other Warrior in the History of Israel, and the result was something that nobody thought was possible, a complete elimination of potentially one of the biggest and most powerful Nuclear Weapons anywhere in the World, and it was going to happen, SOON!," he said. Trump added that they were fighting for the survival of Israel "literally", and there is nobody in Israel's history that fought harder or more competently than Bibi Netanyahu. 'Witch Hunt' Trump then continued to express support for Netanyahu, saying that Israel is continuing its "ridiculous witch hunt" against their "great wartime prime minister". "Despite all of this, I just learned that Bibi has been summoned to Court on Monday for the continuation of this long-running, (He has been going through this “Horror Show” since May of 2020 – Unheard of!," the US president wrote. He stressed that this is the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister has ever been on trial, a "politically motivated case, “concerning cigars, a Bugs Bunny doll, and numerous other unfair charges” in order to do him great harm. " Calling it a "witch hunt", Trump said that Netanyahu deserves much better than this and so does the state of Israel. "Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State," he said.

The Israeli prime minister said that he looks forward to continue working with Trump to "defeat common enemies" and free hostages.

'We just went through HELL': Israeli PM Netanyahu thanks Trump for his 'incredible support' during Israel-Iran war

The Korean war that began 75 years ago this week, was considered as the first major armed conflict of the Cold War era. More than 135,000 North Korean troops invaded South Korea, beginning a war that took millions of lives and causing impact which is still there today. The US Army intervened in the war, sending combat troops in aid of South Korea under the United Nations Command.The war in Korea was overshadowed by the World War II, a much bigger conflict that ended less than five years earlier.<h2>'The Forgotten War'</h2>The US Army referred to the Korean War as "the Forgotten War" as it got less public attention compared to World War II and the Vietnam War. The US, however, never declared war on North Korea and instead called it a "police action" under the orders of the UN.The war fought from 1950 until 1953, was also overlooked by the media and the public as they were focusing on the larger and impactful events, and leaving the Korean War on the sideline.On the directions of the United Nations Command, 16 nations including the US, sent combat troops to South Korea. While the Chinese troops intervened on the North Korean side.<h2>How it started?</h2>It all began when North Korean forces stormed across the 38th parallel dividing North and South Korea. Later in 1953, an armistice stopped the war, however, it was never officially over since there was no peace treaty.During the three years of war, the US aircraft dropped 635,000 tons of bombs, both high explosive and incendiary on North Korea.It is more than the 500,000 tons of bombs the US dropped in the Pacific in the entirety of the Second World War, according to a report."We went over there and fought the war and eventually burned down every town in North Korea anyway, some way or another," General Curtis LeMay, father of US strategic bombing and the architect of fire raids that destroyed swathes of Japanese cities in World War II, said.He said that the bombing of North Korea has effects that still have effects to this day.

The war in Korea was overshadowed by the World War II, a much bigger conflict that ended less than five years earlier.

The Korean war that began 75 years ago this week, was considered as the first major armed conflict of the Cold War era. More than 135,000 North Korean troops invaded South Korea, beginning a war that took millions of lives and causing impact which is still there today. The US Army intervened in the war, sending combat troops in aid of South Korea under the United Nations Command. The war in Korea was overshadowed by the World War II, a much bigger conflict that ended less than five years earlier. 'The Forgotten War' The US Army referred to the Korean War as "the Forgotten War" as it got less public attention compared to World War II and the Vietnam War. The US, however, never declared war on North Korea and instead called it a "police action" under the orders of the UN. The war fought from 1950 until 1953, was also overlooked by the media and the public as they were focusing on the larger and impactful events, and leaving the Korean War on the sideline. On the directions of the United Nations Command, 16 nations including the US, sent combat troops to South Korea. While the Chinese troops intervened on the North Korean side. How it started? It all began when North Korean forces stormed across the 38th parallel dividing North and South Korea. Later in 1953, an armistice stopped the war, however, it was never officially over since there was no peace treaty. During the three years of war, the US aircraft dropped 635,000 tons of bombs, both high explosive and incendiary on North Korea. It is more than the 500,000 tons of bombs the US dropped in the Pacific in the entirety of the Second World War, according to a report. "We went over there and fought the war and eventually burned down every town in North Korea anyway, some way or another," General Curtis LeMay, father of US strategic bombing and the architect of fire raids that destroyed swathes of Japanese cities in World War II, said. He said that the bombing of North Korea has effects that still have effects to this day.

The war in Korea was overshadowed by the World War II, a much bigger conflict that ended less than five years earlier.

'The Forgotten War': 75 years ago, US intervened in North Korea-South Korea war with 635,000 tons of bombs - It has never ended

Moments after United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed the media on Thursday morning (June 26) at the Pentagon on the strikes on Iran, US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social saying, “One of the greatest, most professional, and most “confirming” News Conferences I have ever seen! The Fake News should fire everyone involved in this Witch Hunt, and apologize to our great warriors, and everyone else!”&nbsp;He further added, “The cars and small trucks at the site were those of concrete workers trying to cover up the top of the shafts. Nothing was taken out of facility. Would take too long, too dangerous, and very heavy and hard to move!”

Speaking to the reporters, Hegseth said, “Strikes in Iran were highly successful, it was a resounding success and brought the end of the war. Trump created the conditions to end war destroying Iran's nuclear capabilities. What other presidents talked about, President Trump achieved. This is a historic moment."&nbsp;“Leaked preliminary report is based on lynchpin assumptions. Rafael Grossi also said that US strikes caused enormous damage. This is a historically successful mission." “32 NATO countries committed to spending 5%, historic change in continental security. What President Trump achieved at NATO yesterday was groundbreaking,” he further added.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Gen. Dan Caine said, “We received intel on Monday that Iran intended to attack US bases in the region. Patriot cruise were deployed from Korea and Japan. We were joined in this engagement with Qatari Patriot cruise. In the days preceding the fordo attacks Iranians tried to cover the shafts with concrete."&nbsp;Meanwhile, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a post on X said, “Thank you <a href="https://x.com/realDonaldTrump">@realDonaldTrump</a>. I was deeply moved by your heartfelt support for me and your incredible support for Israel and the Jewish people. I look forward to continue working with you to defeat our common enemies, liberate our hostages and quickly expand the circle of peace.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>. I was deeply moved by your heartfelt support for me and your incredible support for Israel and the Jewish people. I look forward to continue working with you to defeat our common enemies, liberate our hostages and quickly expand the circle of peace. <a href="https://t.co/zRd6LYfMbY">https://t.co/zRd6LYfMbY</a> <a href="https://t.co/YCGN1dIu0d">pic.twitter.com/YCGN1dIu0d</a>&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1938220829734514922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

One of the greatest most confirming news conferences Trump after Hegseth addresses media on Iran strikes

Moments after United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed the media on Thursday morning (June 26) at the Pentagon on the strikes on Iran, US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social saying, “One of the greatest, most professional, and most “confirming” News Conferences I have ever seen! The Fake News should fire everyone involved in this Witch Hunt, and apologize to our great warriors, and everyone else!” He further added, “The cars and small trucks at the site were those of concrete workers trying to cover up the top of the shafts. Nothing was taken out of facility. Would take too long, too dangerous, and very heavy and hard to move!”

‘The Fake News should fire everyone involved in this Witch Hunt, and apologize to our great warriors, and everyone else!’, President Trump posted on Truth Social

'One of the greatest, most confirming news conferences': Trump after Hegseth addresses media on Iran strikes

Iranian nuclear scientist Sedighi Saber was among 11 members of his family killed in an Israeli assassination raid just hours before the Iran-Israel ceasefire came into force late on Monday (June 23). Iran's English-language station Press TV said the attack occurred in Astaneh Ashrafieh, a northern Iranian city along the Caspian Sea. A family picture of the scientist released by Press TV showed the family members who were killed, including elderly citizens, some children and women. The Israeli regime targeted at least 14 Iranian nuclear scientists during its 12-day attack on the nation, as per reports.&nbsp;As Israel launched Operation Rising Lion against Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities, top military officials, and nuclear scientists in the past few weeks, another operation has come into light. Israel also launched Operation Narnia, killing 10 Iranian nuclear scientists as a part of the ongoing war. The Iranian nuclear scientists were killed while they were sleeping in their homes, Channel 12 reported.Israel’s Operation Rising Lion eliminated many senior officials in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and key individuals involved in Iran’s nuclear program.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">12 members of the family of Iranian scientist Sedighi Saber were killed in a terrorist attack carried out early Tuesday morning by the Zionist regime on their home in Astaneh Ashrafieh. Follow: <a href="https://t.co/B3zXG73Jym">https://t.co/B3zXG73Jym</a> <a href="https://t.co/JKa6FZNwvZ">pic.twitter.com/JKa6FZNwvZ</a>&mdash; Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressTV/status/1938088211479233017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Israel Defence Forces (IDF) targeted the scientists who had the most military expertise and the greatest difficulty in replacing them. Then, Israel compiled a list of those scientists, ready for execution at command. The strike successfully targeted nuclear scientists with the help of the Intelligence Directorate’s precise intelligence. Israel used a “special weapon” to eliminate these scientists, according to Channel 9 and Channel 12 reports. While the specifics of this have been barred from publication. Those scientists were the key figures in Iran’s nuclear program, with years of experience in nuclear weapons development.&nbsp;Out of those 10 scientists, three of the most known were Fereydoun Abbasi, Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi, and Akbar Matlali Zadeh. Notably, many of those scientists were successors of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who was popularly known as the father of Iran’s nuclear program. Fakhrizadeh himself was killed in 2020, by a robotic sniper, allegedly planned by Israel.

11 family members killed alongside Iranian nuclear scientist in Israeli hit: Report

Iranian nuclear scientist Sedighi Saber was among 11 members of his family killed in an Israeli assassination raid just hours before the Iran-Israel ceasefire came into force late on Monday (June 23). Iran's English-language station Press TV said the attack occurred in Astaneh Ashrafieh, a northern Iranian city along the Caspian Sea. A family picture of the scientist released by Press TV showed the family members who were killed, including elderly citizens, some children and women. The Israeli regime targeted at least 14 Iranian nuclear scientists during its 12-day attack on the nation, as per reports. As Israel launched Operation Rising Lion against Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities, top military officials, and nuclear scientists in the past few weeks, another operation has come into light. Israel also launched Operation Narnia, killing 10 Iranian nuclear scientists as a part of the ongoing war. The Iranian nuclear scientists were killed while they were sleeping in their homes, Channel 12 reported. Israel’s Operation Rising Lion eliminated many senior officials in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and key individuals involved in Iran’s nuclear program.

A family photo of the scientist posted by Press TV showed the family members who were killed, including elderly people, several children and women

In an unexpected and untold chapter from JFK: Public, Private, Secret, bestselling author J.Randy Taraborrelli reveals an extraordinary liaison of a young flight attendant, Joan Lundberg, who got embroiled in a steamy affair with Former US President John F Kennedy, who was then married to Jackie and had a daughter, Caroline.&nbsp;Joan 23-year-old and mother of two, was working as a cocktail waitress for Frontier Airlines, and JFK was a 39-year-old &nbsp;charismatic senator; both met at a jukebox in a Santa Monica dive bar. The connection clicked, both felt a strong attraction towards each other, and it blossomed into a meaningful relationship. JFK often found solace with her, far from the political pressure of Washington. It created a rare space for him to open up.&nbsp;Over the years, both nurtured that relationship. JFK used to fly across the country to meet Joan, often covering all the expenses. Soon, in June 1958, Joan was pregnant.&nbsp;“Joan would recall that her news about the baby was ‘like a knife to Jack’s heart,” reads the excerpt. “While it was a shock, Joan wrote that they shouldn’t have been so surprised: ‘I didn’t like wearing a diaphragm, and Jack wouldn’t wear a rubber. '"JFK, like the traditional Washington guy, was torn between responsibility and political calculations. What followed was a coercion for Joan to get an abortion. A $400 draft followed, telling her, “you’ll know what to do”. When the initial payment was delayed, it compelled him to send more funds once he found out about the lapse. JFK soon started to descend into paranoia about the baby, whether Joan planned to get pregnant all along or if the baby was his. The relationship ended with a tense statement from Joan: “I’m somebody’s daughter, too. Remember that the next time you treat a woman the way you’ve treated me”.

John F Kennedy's hidden love life with Joan Lundberg revealed in J.Randy Taraborrelli's best-selling book JFK: Public, Private, Secret.

In an unexpected and untold chapter from JFK: Public, Private, Secret, bestselling author J.Randy Taraborrelli reveals an extraordinary liaison of a young flight attendant, Joan Lundberg, who got embroiled in a steamy affair with Former US President John F Kennedy, who was then married to Jackie and had a daughter, Caroline. Joan 23-year-old and mother of two, was working as a cocktail waitress for Frontier Airlines, and JFK was a 39-year-old charismatic senator; both met at a jukebox in a Santa Monica dive bar. The connection clicked, both felt a strong attraction towards each other, and it blossomed into a meaningful relationship. JFK often found solace with her, far from the political pressure of Washington. It created a rare space for him to open up. Over the years, both nurtured that relationship. JFK used to fly across the country to meet Joan, often covering all the expenses. Soon, in June 1958, Joan was pregnant. “Joan would recall that her news about the baby was ‘like a knife to Jack’s heart,” reads the excerpt. “While it was a shock, Joan wrote that they shouldn’t have been so surprised: ‘I didn’t like wearing a diaphragm, and Jack wouldn’t wear a rubber. '" JFK, like the traditional Washington guy, was torn between responsibility and political calculations. What followed was a coercion for Joan to get an abortion. A $400 draft followed, telling her, “you’ll know what to do”. When the initial payment was delayed, it compelled him to send more funds once he found out about the lapse. JFK soon started to descend into paranoia about the baby, whether Joan planned to get pregnant all along or if the baby was his. The relationship ended with a tense statement from Joan: “I’m somebody’s daughter, too. Remember that the next time you treat a woman the way you’ve treated me”.

John F Kennedy's hidden love life with Joan Lundberg revealed in J.Randy Taraborrelli's best-selling book JFK: Public, Private, Secret.

John F Kennedy's hidden love life: The flight attendant who got pregnant and led to abortion

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed the media on Thursday morning (June 26) at the Pentagon on the strikes on Iran. Speaking to the reporters, Hegseth said, “Strikes in Iran were highly successful, it was a resounding success and brought the end of the war. Trump created the conditions to end war destroying Iran's nuclear capabilities. What other presidents talked about, President Trump achieved. This is a historic moment."&nbsp;“Leaked preliminary report is based on lynchpin assumptions. Rafael Grossi also said that US strikes caused enormous damage. This is a historically successful mission." “32 NATO countries committed to spending 5%, historic change in continental security. What President Trump achieved at NATO yesterday was groundbreaking,” he further added.&nbsp;Meanwhile, &nbsp;Gen. Dan Caine said, “We received intel on Monday that Iran intended to attack US bases in the region. Patriot cruise were deployed from Korea and Japan. We were joined in this engagement with Qatari Patriot cruise. In the days preceding the fordo attacks Iranians tried to cover the shafts with concrete."&nbsp;The Trump administration has been resolute that its strikes on three nuclear facilities on Saturday (June 21 ) in Iran were a success. Several media outlets have reported that a preliminary intelligence assessment found the bombings delayed Iran’s nuclear program by only a few months. President Trump and his cabinet have insisted the sites were “obliterated” and “destroyed”.&nbsp;Donald Trump's two top executives, on Wednesday (Jun 25) at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in The Hague, confirmed that a bombshell US intelligence report on Iran airstrikes was, in fact, leaked. They then quickly pivoted to denouncing the people behind the leak, calling the move politically motivated and demanding accountability. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio assumed an aggressive counteroffensive against the leaked preliminary Pentagon report that said that US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites only set the nation's nuclear programme back by a few months. Confirming the bombshell leak, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at a NATO summit in the Netherlands alongside US President Donald Trump, sought to downplay the contents of the preliminary Pentagon assessment. While Trump continues to insist that the strikes caused a "total obliteration" of Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the leak, first reported by CNN and The New York Times, suggested that the underground facilities had survived the attack, with entrances sealed but no collapse of the critical subterranean infrastructure. Furthermore, the intel estimated that the damage had only caused a few months' setback to Iran's programme and not years, as Trump claimed.&nbsp;At the press conference, Hegseth accused unnamed insiders of leaking the report for political purposes and revealed that an FBI-led investigation was underway. "We are doing a leak investigation with the FBI now because this information is for internal purposes—battle damage investigation—and CNN and others are trying to spin it to try and make the president look bad when this was an overwhelming success," he said.&nbsp;He defended the precision and power of the operation, saying that "When you talk to the people who built the bombs, understand what those bombs can do, and deliver those bombs, they landed precisely where they were supposed to." Hegseth claimed the Fordow facility, buried deep within a mountain, suffered "devastation," thanks to the "30,000 pounds of explosives", even as early assessments described the damage as "moderate to severe."&nbsp;Trump also conceded that the report was "correct" but lashed out at the press over the leaked report, singling out outlets by name. "CNN is scum, MSDNC is scum, the New York Times is scum," he told reporters. "They're bad people, they’re sick."&nbsp;“What they've done is they’ve tried to make this unbelievable victory into something less,” he said, insisting that the report's interpretation was off. Painting the reports as a way to get ratings, he added, ”The generals and all of the people who did a good job, they get demeaned by these idiots at CNN, who can't get ratings. The place is dying, nobody even wants to waste their time going on any of their shows, so they form what [sic] The New York Times, which is dying also. Without Trump, you wouldn't have a New York Times."

HISTORICALLY SUCCESSFUL MISSION says Pete Hegseth on Iran strikes

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed the media on Thursday morning (June 26) at the Pentagon on the strikes on Iran. Speaking to the reporters, Hegseth said, “Strikes in Iran were highly successful, it was a resounding success and brought the end of the war. Trump created the conditions to end war destroying Iran's nuclear capabilities. What other presidents talked about, President Trump achieved. This is a historic moment." “Leaked preliminary report is based on lynchpin assumptions. Rafael Grossi also said that US strikes caused enormous damage. This is a historically successful mission." “32 NATO countries committed to spending 5%, historic change in continental security. What President Trump achieved at NATO yesterday was groundbreaking,” he further added. Meanwhile, Gen. Dan Caine said, “We received intel on Monday that Iran intended to attack US bases in the region. Patriot cruise were deployed from Korea and Japan. We were joined in this engagement with Qatari Patriot cruise. In the days preceding the fordo attacks Iranians tried to cover the shafts with concrete." The Trump administration has been resolute that its strikes on three nuclear facilities on Saturday (June 21 ) in Iran were a success. Several media outlets have reported that a preliminary intelligence assessment found the bombings delayed Iran’s nuclear program by only a few months. President Trump and his cabinet have insisted the sites were “obliterated” and “destroyed”. Donald Trump's two top executives, on Wednesday (Jun 25) at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in The Hague, confirmed that a bombshell US intelligence report on Iran airstrikes was, in fact, leaked. They then quickly pivoted to denouncing the people behind the leak, calling the move politically motivated and demanding accountability. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio assumed an aggressive counteroffensive against the leaked preliminary Pentagon report that said that US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites only set the nation's nuclear programme back by a few months. Confirming the bombshell leak, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at a NATO summit in the Netherlands alongside US President Donald Trump, sought to downplay the contents of the preliminary Pentagon assessment. While Trump continues to insist that the strikes caused a "total obliteration" of Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the leak, first reported by CNN and The New York Times, suggested that the underground facilities had survived the attack, with entrances sealed but no collapse of the critical subterranean infrastructure. Furthermore, the intel estimated that the damage had only caused a few months' setback to Iran's programme and not years, as Trump claimed. At the press conference, Hegseth accused unnamed insiders of leaking the report for political purposes and revealed that an FBI-led investigation was underway. "We are doing a leak investigation with the FBI now because this information is for internal purposes—battle damage investigation—and CNN and others are trying to spin it to try and make the president look bad when this was an overwhelming success," he said. He defended the precision and power of the operation, saying that "When you talk to the people who built the bombs, understand what those bombs can do, and deliver those bombs, they landed precisely where they were supposed to." Hegseth claimed the Fordow facility, buried deep within a mountain, suffered "devastation," thanks to the "30,000 pounds of explosives", even as early assessments described the damage as "moderate to severe." Trump also conceded that the report was "correct" but lashed out at the press over the leaked report, singling out outlets by name. "CNN is scum, MSDNC is scum, the New York Times is scum," he told reporters. "They're bad people, they’re sick." “What they've done is they’ve tried to make this unbelievable victory into something less,” he said, insisting that the report's interpretation was off. Painting the reports as a way to get ratings, he added, ”The generals and all of the people who did a good job, they get demeaned by these idiots at CNN, who can't get ratings. The place is dying, nobody even wants to waste their time going on any of their shows, so they form what [sic] The New York Times, which is dying also. Without Trump, you wouldn't have a New York Times."

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed the media on Thursday morning (June 26) at the Pentagon on the strikes on Iran

'HISTORICALLY SUCCESSFUL MISSION', says Pete Hegseth on Iran strikes

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crew, including India’s Shubhanshu Shukla, successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) at 6:30 am ET (4:00 pm IST) on Thursday, June 26. The docking, known as ‘soft capture,’ was smooth and marked a key milestone in the mission, which lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 25 at 12:01 pm IST. This event makes Shukla the second Indian to travel to space, 40 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's mission in 1984, and the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS.&nbsp;Shukla, a 39-year-old fighter pilot and the mission pilot, is part of a four-member international crew. Alongside him are Peggy Whitson (USA), the mission commander and a former NASA astronaut; Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), both serving as mission specialists.&nbsp;WATCH:&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Axiom-4 successfully docks with ISS Next, the astronauts will open the hatch and greet Expedition 73 crew . . . .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONuncut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONuncut</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Axiom4Mission?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Axiom4Mission</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShubhanshuShukla?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShubhanshuShukla</a> <a href="https://t.co/KtsTDFfLCf">pic.twitter.com/KtsTDFfLCf</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1938190300037714189?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>What's next?</h2>&nbsp;The crew is set to spend 14 days aboard the ISS, undertaking various scientific experiments. Organised as a joint effort by NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space, with support from ISRO. This mission represents a growing trend of commercial human spaceflight involving international collaboration.&nbsp;<h2>Post-Docking Process Begins, Hatch Opening 2 Hours Away</h2>&nbsp;Following the successful docking, the post-docking sequence is underway before the astronauts can enter the ISS. The first step, known as ‘soft capture,’ was completed as the Dragon spacecraft latched onto the docking port. This is followed by ‘hard mate’, a process involving mechanical latches and hooks engaging to form a secure, airtight connection between Dragon and the ISS.&nbsp;Next comes the leak check and pressure equalisation phase, during which engineers carefully inspect for air leaks and gradually balance the pressure between the spacecraft and the station. Once a safe and stable environment is confirmed, astronauts remove their helmets or suits, known as suit doffing, and system readiness is verified, ensuring all life support and airflow systems are operational. Only after these procedures are completed, typically two hours post-docking, will the hatch be opened, allowing the Ax-4 crew to officially enter the ISS.

The docking, known as ‘soft capture,’ was smooth and marked a key milestone in the mission, which lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 25 at 12:01 pm IST. 

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crew, including India’s Shubhanshu Shukla, successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) at 6:30 am ET (4:00 pm IST) on Thursday, June 26. The docking, known as ‘soft capture,’ was smooth and marked a key milestone in the mission, which lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 25 at 12:01 pm IST. This event makes Shukla the second Indian to travel to space, 40 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's mission in 1984, and the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS. Shukla, a 39-year-old fighter pilot and the mission pilot, is part of a four-member international crew. Alongside him are Peggy Whitson (USA), the mission commander and a former NASA astronaut; Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), both serving as mission specialists. WATCH:

The docking, known as ‘soft capture,’ was smooth and marked a key milestone in the mission, which lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on June 25 at 12:01 pm IST.&nbsp;

WATCH: Dragon docks at International Space Station with Shubhanshu Shukla onboard; post-docking steps begin

North Korea starts a resort, Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area, to boost tourism, but it is open only to Russians and North Koreans

North Korea starts a coastal resort open only for Russians and North Koreans

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday (June 26) claimed victory over Israel, days after US President Donald Trump announced the Israel-Iran ceasefire. He congratulated the country for 'crushing Israel'.In his first public message after the ceasefire, Khamenei said that the "Zionist regime" had almost collapsed and been crushed under the blows of Iran.“With all that clamor, with all those claims, the Zionist regime, under the blows of the Islamic Republic, has almost collapsed and been crushed,” Khamenei said in a televised message to Iranian people posted on his official X account."My congratulations on our dear Iran’s victory over the US regime," the Iranian supreme leader posted on X.He further slammed the US for entering the war, saying that America intervened because it felt that Israel would be completely destroyed."The US regime entered the war directly because it felt that if it didn’t, the Zionist regime would be completely destroyed. It entered the war in an effort to save that regime but achieved nothing," he said.<h2>Warning to US</h2>Khamenei claimed that Iran attacked and inflicted damage on the Al-Udeid Air Base, which is one of the key US bases in the region, adding that Iran delivered a "heavy slap to the US's face".Khamenei further warned the US, saying that such an action "can be repeated in the future too, and America will definitely pay a heavy price."The fact that the Islamic Republic has access to key US centers in the region and can take action whenever it deems necessary is a significant matter. Such an action can be repeated in the future too. Should any aggression occur, the enemy will definitely pay a heavy price," the Iranian leader said.Extending congratulations to Iran, he posted, "I offer my congratulations on the victory over the fallacious Zionist regime."

In his first public message after the ceasefire, Khamenei said that the "Zionist regime" had almost collapsed and been crushed under the blows of Iran.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday (June 26) claimed victory over Israel, days after US President Donald Trump announced the Israel-Iran ceasefire. He congratulated the country for 'crushing Israel'. In his first public message after the ceasefire, Khamenei said that the "Zionist regime" had almost collapsed and been crushed under the blows of Iran. “With all that clamor, with all those claims, the Zionist regime, under the blows of the Islamic Republic, has almost collapsed and been crushed,” Khamenei said in a televised message to Iranian people posted on his official X account. "My congratulations on our dear Iran’s victory over the US regime," the Iranian supreme leader posted on X. He further slammed the US for entering the war, saying that America intervened because it felt that Israel would be completely destroyed. "The US regime entered the war directly because it felt that if it didn’t, the Zionist regime would be completely destroyed. It entered the war in an effort to save that regime but achieved nothing," he said. Warning to US Khamenei claimed that Iran attacked and inflicted damage on the Al-Udeid Air Base, which is one of the key US bases in the region, adding that Iran delivered a "heavy slap to the US's face". Khamenei further warned the US, saying that such an action "can be repeated in the future too, and America will definitely pay a heavy price. "The fact that the Islamic Republic has access to key US centers in the region and can take action whenever it deems necessary is a significant matter. Such an action can be repeated in the future too. Should any aggression occur, the enemy will definitely pay a heavy price," the Iranian leader said. Extending congratulations to Iran, he posted, "I offer my congratulations on the victory over the fallacious Zionist regime."

In his first public message after the ceasefire, Khamenei said that the "Zionist regime" had almost collapsed and been crushed under the blows of Iran.

'Almost collapsed and crushed': Khamenei claims VICTORY over Israel in first message after Israel-Iran ceasefire

American mathematician Joshua Zahl, who recently solved a 100-year-old math problem, has packed his bags and is set to leave Canada’s University of British Columbia (UBC). His breakthrough in the three-dimensional Kakeya conjecture attracted attention worldwide, and universities across the world started vying to get him on board. A Chinese university has won the race as Zahl is taking up a full-time position at Nankai University’s Chern Institute of Mathematics (CIM). He will be a chair professor at the university, according to the Chinese educational institution’s website.The note on the website further states that Zahl met Chen Yulu, president of Nankai University. There, he praised CIM’s intense academic atmosphere and excellent research team, and called it an ideal research platform, according to the website article. He is the third internationally renowned mathematician to be offered a full-time position at the university in recent months, according to SCMP. The CIM is named after its founder, renowned Chinese mathematician SS Chern, who established the institute in 1985.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-underground-nuclear-sites-high-strength-concrete-scientists-say-mother-of-all-bombs-cannot-break-it-1750843963153">Is Iran's concrete unbreakable? Scientists believe even 'mother of all bombs' cannot shatter it</a>&nbsp;Zahl worked with Wang Hong from New York University to solve the math problem, posting the solution in a 127-page preprint paper on the open-access repository arXiv in February. Mathematicians across the world have been working on the Kakeya problem. Zahl's doctoral mentor, &nbsp;UCLA mathematician Terence Tao, is one of them and immediately hailed Zahl's achievement. He confirmed in his blog the next day that Zahl and Wang had made "some spectacular progress in geometric measure theory" and had resolved “the three-dimensional case of the infamous Kakeya set conjecture”.“It’s like perfecting a perpetual-motion machine. It’s magical; they are getting more out of the output than they put in. Their approach proves the three-dimensional Kakeya conjecture,” Tao wrote. Notably, Tao published his ideas on the conjecture in 2014 on his blog, and this acted as a foundation for Zahl and Wang’s work.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/centuries-old-algebra-conundrum-solved-by-getting-rid-of-a-pesky-detail-9024852">Polynomials to the fifth degree? No problem! Mathematician presents simple solution</a>&nbsp;<h2>Zahl's work on the Kakeya conjecture</h2>&nbsp;Zahl and Wang's collaboration spans years and they decided to work on the Kakeya conjecture. The solution provided by them runs multiple pages. They have proved the Kakeya conjecture in three articles they call a trilogy, where the solution gradually unravels. The first paper, titled “Sticky Kakeya Sets and the Sticky Kakeya Conjecture”, was published in 2022. Zahl and Wang proved the absence of sticky counterexamples to the Kakeya conjecture, strongly supporting its validity.The second article was published online in 2024 and then in the April 29 print edition of the top mathematics journal Inventiones Mathematicae this year. Both Zahl and Wang are up for the Fields Medal in 2026, also known as the Nobel Prize of mathematics. It is given every four years to up to four mathematicians under the age of 40. Zahl would also give a 45-minute presentation here at the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) in Philadelphia.

Mathematician Joshua Zahl made headlines for solving the 100-year-old math problem Kakeya conjecture. He is now leaving Canada’s University of British Columbia and moving to China. Here is why.

American mathematician Joshua Zahl, who recently solved a 100-year-old math problem, has packed his bags and is set to leave Canada’s University of British Columbia (UBC). His breakthrough in the three-dimensional Kakeya conjecture attracted attention worldwide, and universities across the world started vying to get him on board. A Chinese university has won the race as Zahl is taking up a full-time position at Nankai University’s Chern Institute of Mathematics (CIM). He will be a chair professor at the university, according to the Chinese educational institution’s website. The note on the website further states that Zahl met Chen Yulu, president of Nankai University. There, he praised CIM’s intense academic atmosphere and excellent research team, and called it an ideal research platform, according to the website article. He is the third internationally renowned mathematician to be offered a full-time position at the university in recent months, according to SCMP. The CIM is named after its founder, renowned Chinese mathematician SS Chern, who established the institute in 1985. Also Read: Is Iran's concrete unbreakable? Scientists believe even 'mother of all bombs' cannot shatter it Zahl worked with Wang Hong from New York University to solve the math problem, posting the solution in a 127-page preprint paper on the open-access repository arXiv in February. Mathematicians across the world have been working on the Kakeya problem. Zahl's doctoral mentor, UCLA mathematician Terence Tao, is one of them and immediately hailed Zahl's achievement. He confirmed in his blog the next day that Zahl and Wang had made "some spectacular progress in geometric measure theory" and had resolved “the three-dimensional case of the infamous Kakeya set conjecture”. “It’s like perfecting a perpetual-motion machine. It’s magical; they are getting more out of the output than they put in. Their approach proves the three-dimensional Kakeya conjecture,” Tao wrote. Notably, Tao published his ideas on the conjecture in 2014 on his blog, and this acted as a foundation for Zahl and Wang’s work. Also Read: Polynomials to the fifth degree? No problem! Mathematician presents simple solution Zahl's work on the Kakeya conjecture Zahl and Wang's collaboration spans years and they decided to work on the Kakeya conjecture. The solution provided by them runs multiple pages. They have proved the Kakeya conjecture in three articles they call a trilogy, where the solution gradually unravels. The first paper, titled “Sticky Kakeya Sets and the Sticky Kakeya Conjecture”, was published in 2022. Zahl and Wang proved the absence of sticky counterexamples to the Kakeya conjecture, strongly supporting its validity. The second article was published online in 2024 and then in the April 29 print edition of the top mathematics journal Inventiones Mathematicae this year. Both Zahl and Wang are up for the Fields Medal in 2026, also known as the Nobel Prize of mathematics. It is given every four years to up to four mathematicians under the age of 40. Zahl would also give a 45-minute presentation here at the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) in Philadelphia.

Mathematician Joshua Zahl made headlines for solving the 100-year-old math problem Kakeya conjecture. He is now leaving Canada’s University of British Columbia and moving to China. Here is why.

Mathematician who solved the 100-year-old Kakeya conjecture is moving to China. Here's why

Japan’s remote Tokara Islands has been shaken by hundreds of earthquakes in the last few days. A dormant volcano Kyushu has also erupted, renewing public anxiety in the predictions made by a manga artist. Ryo Tatsuki, a self-proclaimed clairvoyant had foretold a 2011 disaster and speculated another major calamity striking Japan in early July.&nbsp;In her comic book The Future I Saw, Tatsuki claims that Japan will witness a massive disaster on July 5, 2025. The book, originally published in 1999 says that &nbsp;cities will sink into the sea and a mega-tsunami, stronger than the one in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake will hit the country.&nbsp;This seems to have created fear among people as the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirmed that more than 330 tremors &nbsp;had been recorded in the area in the past five days.&nbsp;Though they were not very strong, two of them recorded on Sunday and Tuesday had a magnitude of 5.1 on the Richter scale. These were enough to instill fear among people who saw ceiling fans and hanging lamps swing inside their houses.&nbsp;Asking people to take precaution, the Japenese meteorological department said, “This region has seen long periods of earthquake activity in the past. Please be careful."&nbsp;However, officials have asked people to shun fears and speculations and remain calm. The governor of Miyagi, Yoshihiro Murai, said there is no official warning and advised people not to change their plans based on rumours.&nbsp;Seismologists, too have dismissed any link between the recent activity and the prediction, highlighting that there is no scientific way to predict an earthquake and its magnitude.&nbsp;Tokara Islands lies between the southern tip of Kyushu and the Okinawa islands, in a seismically active stretch of southwestern Japan, small frequent earthquakes are nothing new for the region.&nbsp;Since the prediction, Tatsuki has gained immense popularity. His comic book The Future I Saw, has sold over 900,000 copies including printed editions in Chinese, according to the book’s publisher.&nbsp;

Seismologists have said that there is no scientific way to predict an earthquake, its magnitude and timing.

Japan’s remote Tokara Islands has been shaken by hundreds of earthquakes in the last few days. A dormant volcano Kyushu has also erupted, renewing public anxiety in the predictions made by a manga artist. Ryo Tatsuki, a self-proclaimed clairvoyant had foretold a 2011 disaster and speculated another major calamity striking Japan in early July. In her comic book The Future I Saw, Tatsuki claims that Japan will witness a massive disaster on July 5, 2025. The book, originally published in 1999 says that cities will sink into the sea and a mega-tsunami, stronger than the one in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake will hit the country. This seems to have created fear among people as the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirmed that more than 330 tremors had been recorded in the area in the past five days. Though they were not very strong, two of them recorded on Sunday and Tuesday had a magnitude of 5.1 on the Richter scale. These were enough to instill fear among people who saw ceiling fans and hanging lamps swing inside their houses. Asking people to take precaution, the Japenese meteorological department said, “This region has seen long periods of earthquake activity in the past. Please be careful." However, officials have asked people to shun fears and speculations and remain calm. The governor of Miyagi, Yoshihiro Murai, said there is no official warning and advised people not to change their plans based on rumours. Seismologists, too have dismissed any link between the recent activity and the prediction, highlighting that there is no scientific way to predict an earthquake and its magnitude. Tokara Islands lies between the southern tip of Kyushu and the Okinawa islands, in a seismically active stretch of southwestern Japan, small frequent earthquakes are nothing new for the region. Since the prediction, Tatsuki has gained immense popularity. His comic book The Future I Saw, has sold over 900,000 copies including printed editions in Chinese, according to the book’s publisher.

Seismologists have said that there is no scientific way to predict an earthquake, its magnitude and timing.

Japan fears viral manga prediction as hundreds of earthquakes rattle Tokara Islands

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday (June 26) days after the Israel-Iran ceasefire, said that Iran delivered a "heavy slap to the US's face", adding that America gained no achievement from this war. In a post on X, Khamenei said that Iran attacked and inflicted damage on the Al-Udeid Air Base, a key US base in the region. This comes more than 24 hours after Israel-Iran war ended after Trump announced ceasefire between the two countries.&nbsp;"The Islamic Republic delivered a heavy slap to the US’s face. It attacked and inflicted damage on the Al-Udeid Air Base, which is one of the key US bases in the region," Khamenei wrote on X after his televised message will be released in minutes.Khamenei warned the US, saying that such an action "can be repeated in the future too, and America will definitely pay a heavy price."The fact that the Islamic Republic has access to key US centers in the region and can take action whenever it deems necessary is a significant matter. Such an action can be repeated in the future too. Should any aggression occur, the enemy will definitely pay a heavy price," the Iranian leader said.&nbsp;Claiming victory for the Israel-Iran war, Khamenei further stressed that the US entered the war because it felt that Israel would be completely destroyed without it."My congratulations on our dear Iran’s victory over the US regime. The US regime entered the war directly because it felt that if it didn’t, the Zionist regime would be completely destroyed. It entered the war in an effort to save that regime but achieved nothing," he added.He offered congratulations on the victory over the "fallacious Zionist regime."He claimed that Israel was practically knocked out and "crushed" under the blows of the Islamic Republic.During the Israel-Iran war, Iran attacked the Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts thousands of US troops near Doha, resulting in no casualties. According to reports, Qatar’s air defence systems successfully intercepted the missiles, likely helped by advanced notice of the strike.

In a post on X, Khamenei claimed Iran attacked and inflicted damage on the Al-Udeid Air Base, warning the US, that such an action "can be repeated in the future too, and America will definitely pay a heavy price. 

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday (June 26) days after the Israel-Iran ceasefire, said that Iran delivered a "heavy slap to the US's face", adding that America gained no achievement from this war. In a post on X, Khamenei said that Iran attacked and inflicted damage on the Al-Udeid Air Base, a key US base in the region. This comes more than 24 hours after Israel-Iran war ended after Trump announced ceasefire between the two countries. "The Islamic Republic delivered a heavy slap to the US’s face. It attacked and inflicted damage on the Al-Udeid Air Base, which is one of the key US bases in the region," Khamenei wrote on X after his televised message will be released in minutes. Khamenei warned the US, saying that such an action "can be repeated in the future too, and America will definitely pay a heavy price. "The fact that the Islamic Republic has access to key US centers in the region and can take action whenever it deems necessary is a significant matter. Such an action can be repeated in the future too. Should any aggression occur, the enemy will definitely pay a heavy price," the Iranian leader said. Claiming victory for the Israel-Iran war, Khamenei further stressed that the US entered the war because it felt that Israel would be completely destroyed without it. "My congratulations on our dear Iran’s victory over the US regime. The US regime entered the war directly because it felt that if it didn’t, the Zionist regime would be completely destroyed. It entered the war in an effort to save that regime but achieved nothing," he added. He offered congratulations on the victory over the "fallacious Zionist regime." He claimed that Israel was practically knocked out and "crushed" under the blows of the Islamic Republic. During the Israel-Iran war, Iran attacked the Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts thousands of US troops near Doha, resulting in no casualties. According to reports, Qatar’s air defence systems successfully intercepted the missiles, likely helped by advanced notice of the strike.

In a post on X, Khamenei claimed Iran attacked and inflicted damage on the Al-Udeid Air Base, warning the US, that such an action "can be repeated in the future too, and America will definitely pay a heavy price.&nbsp;

'Heavy slap to US's face': Iranian Leader Khamenei says America 'achieved nothing' as he claims damage to Al-Udeid Air Base

MAGA fans are posting edited images of the Statue of Liberty wearing a burqa after Zohran Mamdani emerged victorious in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary. Results were unofficial, but Mamdani, who is only 33 would be the city's first Muslim mayor, had such a strong lead that his opponent, former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, conceded during the early hours of overnight.&nbsp;Mamdani’s religion – he is a Muslim of Gujarati ancestry – has led to Islamophobic posts against him. American far-right politician Marjorie Taylor Greene was among those who shared digitally altered photographs of the Statue of Liberty covered in a black burqa.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This hits hard. <a href="https://t.co/YUrNTZW5lq">pic.twitter.com/YUrNTZW5lq</a>&mdash; Marjorie Taylor Greene 🇺🇸 (@mtgreenee) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtgreenee/status/1937851484567195954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

MAGA supporter Don Keith was another person who shared the photograph along with a sarcastic remark, “Congratulations New York”. Images of Zohran Mamdani in a kurta pajama were also posted on social media with the hashtag "Never Forget" - referring to the September 11 attacks by the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda against the United States in 2001&nbsp;The MAGA crowd's hate is not unexpected - Mamdani has long been vocal with his attacks for Republican Donald Trump. The Ugandan-born state legislator has repeatedly denounced Israel and PM Benjamin Netanyahu and has also expressed his solidarity for the Palestinians.&nbsp;The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of democracy and freedom, was gifted by France to the United States in 1886 as a centennial gift to celebrate American independence and honour the long-standing friendship between the two nations.&nbsp;Designed by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, with the metal structure designed by Gustave Eiffel, the statue was constructed on Liberty Island in New York Harbour. It is now regarded as a symbol of hope and opportunity, especially for seafaring immigrants, becoming one of the most iconic landmark of the New York city. However, only few are aware that the Statue of Liberty was once envisioned as a Muslim woman. According to a report by the Smithsonian magazine, the statue was “originally intended to represent a female Egyptian peasant as a Colossus of Rhodes for the Industrial Age.”

MAGA supporters share image of Statue of Liberty in a burqa Heres why

MAGA fans are posting edited images of the Statue of Liberty wearing a burqa after Zohran Mamdani emerged victorious in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary. Results were unofficial, but Mamdani, who is only 33 would be the city's first Muslim mayor, had such a strong lead that his opponent, former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, conceded during the early hours of overnight. Mamdani’s religion – he is a Muslim of Gujarati ancestry – has led to Islamophobic posts against him. American far-right politician Marjorie Taylor Greene was among those who shared digitally altered photographs of the Statue of Liberty covered in a black burqa.

The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, was a gift from France to the United States in 1886 to commemorate the centennial of American independence and celebrate the enduring friendship between the two nations

MAGA supporters share image of Statue of Liberty in a burqa-Here's why

Elon Musk on Thursday (June 26) made a big announcement for X users, as the microblogging platform's CEO said that people would not be able to use hashtags on X for ads, calling it an "esthetic nightmare".In a post on X, Musk said, "Starting tomorrow, the esthetic nightmare that is hashtags will be banned from ads on X." This marks the latest step in Musk's new changes to the platform X.Earlier also, he pressed that hashtags disrupt visual clarity and are no longer necessary.Last year in December, Musk urged users to stop using them altogether, saying that they were outdated and unattractive.“The system doesn’t need them anymore and they look ugly,” he said at the time, hinting that the platform’s evolving AI tools could replace the need for traditional tagging.<h2>What all you need to know</h2>The ban on hashtags will be there just for ads on X, but normal posts on X are expected to still be able to use hashtags. The new policy announced by Musk will only be applicable for ads on the platform.The new rule will be applicable starting tomorrow (Friday, June 27).Hashtags were used to increase engagement and discovery on the microblogging platform. Last year, when Musk pitched that AI tools could replace the need for hashtags, he claimed that the discovery and search algorithm of X, powered by xAI-made AI chatbot Grok can now group and display subjects without hashtags.<h2>Users react</h2>As Musk posted the big announcement on X, a user tagged Grok, asking, "do you still recommend us to use them in some of our posts? Got any tips on how to use it effectively?"Grok replied, "Yes, hashtags are still useful for regular posts on X, despite the ad ban starting June 27, 2025. They boost visibility and engagement. Use 1-2 relevant hashtags per post to avoid looking spammy."Another user commented, "RIP #hashtags. End of an era". A third user posted, "Are you kidding me? Hashtags are the lifeblood of X! Banning them from ads is like banning oxygen from the air. Absolute clown move, X!"&nbsp;

Last year in December, Musk urged users to stop using them altogether, saying that they were outdated and unattractive.

Elon Musk on Thursday (June 26) made a big announcement for X users, as the microblogging platform's CEO said that people would not be able to use hashtags on X for ads, calling it an "esthetic nightmare". In a post on X, Musk said, "Starting tomorrow, the esthetic nightmare that is hashtags will be banned from ads on X." This marks the latest step in Musk's new changes to the platform X. Earlier also, he pressed that hashtags disrupt visual clarity and are no longer necessary. Last year in December, Musk urged users to stop using them altogether, saying that they were outdated and unattractive. “The system doesn’t need them anymore and they look ugly,” he said at the time, hinting that the platform’s evolving AI tools could replace the need for traditional tagging. What all you need to know The ban on hashtags will be there just for ads on X, but normal posts on X are expected to still be able to use hashtags. The new policy announced by Musk will only be applicable for ads on the platform. The new rule will be applicable starting tomorrow (Friday, June 27). Hashtags were used to increase engagement and discovery on the microblogging platform. Last year, when Musk pitched that AI tools could replace the need for hashtags, he claimed that the discovery and search algorithm of X, powered by xAI-made AI chatbot Grok can now group and display subjects without hashtags. Users react As Musk posted the big announcement on X, a user tagged Grok, asking, "do you still recommend us to use them in some of our posts? Got any tips on how to use it effectively?" Grok replied, "Yes, hashtags are still useful for regular posts on X, despite the ad ban starting June 27, 2025. They boost visibility and engagement. Use 1-2 relevant hashtags per post to avoid looking spammy." Another user commented, "RIP #hashtags. End of an era". A third user posted, "Are you kidding me? Hashtags are the lifeblood of X! Banning them from ads is like banning oxygen from the air. Absolute clown move, X!"

Last year in December, Musk urged users to stop using them altogether, saying that they were outdated and unattractive.

'Absolute clown move': Musk bans 'UGLY' hashtags on X ads, users react - Here's what you need to know about 'esthetic nightmare'

The spectre of the global nuclear black market is rising again in the wake of the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites by Israel and the US B2 bombers in the just-concluded 12-day war. Iran has benefited in the past from the nuclear black market led by the Pakistani AQ Khan network. Recent news reports and studies show that the nuclear black market is alive and thriving, both offline and on the dark web, and could become a source for future nuclear weapon programmes of countries, including possibly Iran.&nbsp;<h2>Recent incidents show the nuclear black market is alive</h2>An article in the Harvard International Review in 2024 noted that there were 146 incidents involving the transfer of items related to illicit nuclear weapons development in 2021 alone. Illicit nuclear goods are becoming available to terrorist networks, with groups like Al-Qaeda expected to continue their attempts to acquire the bomb, it said.&nbsp;It pointed out that the US and NATO store 20 B-61 gravity bombs at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey. "In 2010, activists easily entered the compound and walked freely through the nuclear vaults for over an hour before security arrived. If an unarmed group can get inside a military compound, what will happen if a small army of dangerous actors knocks on the door?"&nbsp;The UN reported in 2023 that 2.3 tonnes of uranium went missing in Libya. In the hands with technical know-how, that could be turned into 12 pounds of weapons-grade material, the HIR article noted. The uranium barrels were later found in Chad.&nbsp;<h2>Nuclear manuals sold on the dark web, material smuggled by ex-Soviet networks</h2>A study in March 2021 by Roderic G Broadhurst of Australian National University noted that DIY manuals were available on the darknet for nuclear and radiological weapons. In 2015, the Moldovan government said that the FBI had helped the former Soviet republic three times in the previous five years to thwart potential smuggling of nuclear and radioactive material. There were fears that the smugglers would try to sell the material to terrorists like ISIS.&nbsp;In April 2009, three Ukrainians were arrested for trying to sell nuclear materials. They tried to sell a metal container of what they said contained some 3.7 kg of plutonium-239 for $10, according to the Ukrainian Security Service, the SBU.&nbsp;In 2010, nuclear bomb material was found for sale on the Georgia black market. The highly enriched uranium had been smuggled through train inside lead-lined cigarette box.&nbsp;<h2>The global nuclear black market, explained</h2>The nuclear black market, where illicit trade of nuclear materials, technologies and expertise takes place, involves both states and non-state actors. There are three main participants: buyers, sellers and transit points. The aim of the buyers is to acquire nuclear capabilities outside the purview of international regulations.<h2>What is traded in the nuclear black market?</h2>Items and tech needed for nuclear weapons are sold in the black market, such as uranium enrichment technology like gas centrifuge components, and designs including digitised warhead blueprints. Fissile materials, like uranium hexafluoride and enriched uranium are highly coveted. Also on demand are dual-use equipment like high-precision machine tools, aluminium tubes and nuclear application software. Those with technical expertise are sought for consultancy on centrifuge assembly and warhead integration.Various other pieces of the puzzle have been traded in the nuclear black market, such as infrastructure components like piping, electrical systems, and uranium feed/withdrawal equipment for enrichment facilities.<h2>State-linked entities are allegedly involved in the nuclear black market</h2>It has been reported in the past that state-affiliated entities in Pakistan, Iran, North Korea, and Libya, were allegedly involved in the nuclear black market as buyers or sellers. Chinese state-owned companies have been implicated in providing expertise and equipment to North Korea and Iran. Pakistan was once the centre of the AQ Khan network, of which Iran was a major recipient, specifically centrifuge designs and components. North Korea is both a seller and buyer in the global nuclear black market. It has done both arms exports and procurement through front companies. Libya had sought a centrifuge facility through the Khan’s network until it abandoned its nuclear programme in 2003. Syria is reported to have sought nuclear-related materials through intermediaries.&nbsp;<h2>Intermediary countries</h2>Studies on the nuclear black market have named more than 20 countries as having been involved as transit points or places of intermediary activities. These include Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, South Africa, Switzerland, South Korea, and the UAE. These countries were either transit hubs or supplier locations for components and expertise.&nbsp;<h2>AQ Khan network</h2>Abdul Qadeer Khan, the Pakistani scientist, led a proliferation network in the 1980s and 1990s, whose material and technology transfers went to Iran, Libya, North Korea, and other countries. The father of Pakistan’s nuclear bomb, Khan confessed publicly in 2004 to transferring nuclear technology to multiple countries. It was a sophisticated network of middlemen, front companies, academics, banks, businessmen and bureaucrats across Europe, West Asia, and Asia.&nbsp;<h2>Iran was a big client of the nuclear black market</h2>Iran's clandestine nuclear weapons programme, the AMAD Project that ran from 1999–2003, is recorded to have procured warhead designs from the AQ Khan network and elsewhere in the nuclear black market. These included re-engineered Pakistani designs. In this period and subsequent years, Iran is thought to have sourced materials, equipment, technology, designs, and expertise from the global nuclear black market.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-strikes-iran-s-nuclear-sites-wion-speaks-to-experts-on-israel-iran-war-escalation-1750687603061/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-strikes-iran-s-nuclear-sites-wion-speaks-to-experts-on-israel-iran-war-escalation-1750687603061/embed</a>&nbsp;Centrifuge blueprints, components, and technical drawings it acquired from the black market were used to establish secret enrichment workshops, such as the Kalaye Electric Company in Tehran. Uranium hexafluoride feedstock and equipment for Natanz were also bought in the black market, with centrifuge designs resembling those from Pakistan’s Kahuta facility, which again is based on stolen European technology.&nbsp;With its current nuclear capabilities bombed back by several months if not years, Iran might be tempted to dial the nuclear black market once again.&nbsp;

Recent news reports and studies show that the nuclear black market is alive and thriving, both offline and on the dark web, and could become a source for future nuclear weapon programmes of countries, including possibly Iran.

The spectre of the global nuclear black market is rising again in the wake of the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites by Israel and the US B2 bombers in the just-concluded 12-day war. Iran has benefited in the past from the nuclear black market led by the Pakistani AQ Khan network. Recent news reports and studies show that the nuclear black market is alive and thriving, both offline and on the dark web, and could become a source for future nuclear weapon programmes of countries, including possibly Iran. Recent incidents show the nuclear black market is alive An article in the Harvard International Review in 2024 noted that there were 146 incidents involving the transfer of items related to illicit nuclear weapons development in 2021 alone. Illicit nuclear goods are becoming available to terrorist networks, with groups like Al-Qaeda expected to continue their attempts to acquire the bomb, it said. It pointed out that the US and NATO store 20 B-61 gravity bombs at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey. "In 2010, activists easily entered the compound and walked freely through the nuclear vaults for over an hour before security arrived. If an unarmed group can get inside a military compound, what will happen if a small army of dangerous actors knocks on the door?" The UN reported in 2023 that 2.3 tonnes of uranium went missing in Libya. In the hands with technical know-how, that could be turned into 12 pounds of weapons-grade material, the HIR article noted. The uranium barrels were later found in Chad. Nuclear manuals sold on the dark web, material smuggled by ex-Soviet networks A study in March 2021 by Roderic G Broadhurst of Australian National University noted that DIY manuals were available on the darknet for nuclear and radiological weapons. In 2015, the Moldovan government said that the FBI had helped the former Soviet republic three times in the previous five years to thwart potential smuggling of nuclear and radioactive material. There were fears that the smugglers would try to sell the material to terrorists like ISIS. In April 2009, three Ukrainians were arrested for trying to sell nuclear materials. They tried to sell a metal container of what they said contained some 3.7 kg of plutonium-239 for $10, according to the Ukrainian Security Service, the SBU. In 2010, nuclear bomb material was found for sale on the Georgia black market. The highly enriched uranium had been smuggled through train inside lead-lined cigarette box. The global nuclear black market, explained The nuclear black market, where illicit trade of nuclear materials, technologies and expertise takes place, involves both states and non-state actors. There are three main participants: buyers, sellers and transit points. The aim of the buyers is to acquire nuclear capabilities outside the purview of international regulations. What is traded in the nuclear black market? Items and tech needed for nuclear weapons are sold in the black market, such as uranium enrichment technology like gas centrifuge components, and designs including digitised warhead blueprints. Fissile materials, like uranium hexafluoride and enriched uranium are highly coveted. Also on demand are dual-use equipment like high-precision machine tools, aluminium tubes and nuclear application software. Those with technical expertise are sought for consultancy on centrifuge assembly and warhead integration. Various other pieces of the puzzle have been traded in the nuclear black market, such as infrastructure components like piping, electrical systems, and uranium feed/withdrawal equipment for enrichment facilities. State-linked entities are allegedly involved in the nuclear black market It has been reported in the past that state-affiliated entities in Pakistan, Iran, North Korea, and Libya, were allegedly involved in the nuclear black market as buyers or sellers. Chinese state-owned companies have been implicated in providing expertise and equipment to North Korea and Iran. Pakistan was once the centre of the AQ Khan network, of which Iran was a major recipient, specifically centrifuge designs and components. North Korea is both a seller and buyer in the global nuclear black market. It has done both arms exports and procurement through front companies. Libya had sought a centrifuge facility through the Khan’s network until it abandoned its nuclear programme in 2003. Syria is reported to have sought nuclear-related materials through intermediaries. Intermediary countries Studies on the nuclear black market have named more than 20 countries as having been involved as transit points or places of intermediary activities. These include Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, South Africa, Switzerland, South Korea, and the UAE. These countries were either transit hubs or supplier locations for components and expertise. AQ Khan network Abdul Qadeer Khan, the Pakistani scientist, led a proliferation network in the 1980s and 1990s, whose material and technology transfers went to Iran, Libya, North Korea, and other countries. The father of Pakistan’s nuclear bomb, Khan confessed publicly in 2004 to transferring nuclear technology to multiple countries. It was a sophisticated network of middlemen, front companies, academics, banks, businessmen and bureaucrats across Europe, West Asia, and Asia. Iran was a big client of the nuclear black market Iran's clandestine nuclear weapons programme, the AMAD Project that ran from 1999–2003, is recorded to have procured warhead designs from the AQ Khan network and elsewhere in the nuclear black market. These included re-engineered Pakistani designs. In this period and subsequent years, Iran is thought to have sourced materials, equipment, technology, designs, and expertise from the global nuclear black market. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-strikes-iran-s-nuclear-sites-wion-speaks-to-experts-on-israel-iran-war-escalation-1750687603061/embed Centrifuge blueprints, components, and technical drawings it acquired from the black market were used to establish secret enrichment workshops, such as the Kalaye Electric Company in Tehran. Uranium hexafluoride feedstock and equipment for Natanz were also bought in the black market, with centrifuge designs resembling those from Pakistan’s Kahuta facility, which again is based on stolen European technology. With its current nuclear capabilities bombed back by several months if not years, Iran might be tempted to dial the nuclear black market once again.

Recent news reports and studies show that the nuclear black market is alive and thriving, both offline and on the dark web, and could become a source for future nuclear weapon programmes of countries, including possibly Iran.

Nuclear black market still exists, and Iran might dial again: Inside the murky trade of radioactive material, designs and tech

NATO, or The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is also seen written with the letters switched backwards - OTAN. While it might look like NATO has simply been written as OTAN for some diplomatic or official reason, that is not the case. NATO is an intergovernmental transnational military alliance that came into existence on 4 April 1949. It has 32 member states—30 European and 2 North American-and the defence bloc works for the collective security of all nations that are a part of the alliance. Its main aim was to create a safe environment during the Cold War and defend countries against the threat posed by the Soviet Union. However, it continues to remain active long after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.NATO-OTAN are not letters merely arranged backwards. While NATO stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization, OTAN is the abbreviation of its French name - Organisation du traité de l'Atlantique nord.&nbsp;<h2>Why does NATO have a French name?</h2>The reason for having a French name also for NATO is that France was one of the original twelve founding members of NATO in 1949. Also, the bloc has two official languages - English and French. So the defence bloc's name is written both in English and French. Besides, French has held a prominent place as a language in international diplomacy.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-the-daddy-thing-i-didn-t-embarrassed-nato-chief-rutte-backtracks-on-calling-trump-daddy-1750917489349">'The daddy thing, I didn't...': Embarrassed NATO chief Rutte does an about-turn on Trump 'daddy' remark</a>&nbsp;Having started with 12 members, NATO has grown over the years, with new members being added ten times. Sweden was the most recent addition, having joined the alliance on 7 March 2024. There are four aspiring members: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and Ukraine. Kyiv has been vying to become a member of NATO for years now. It urged to hasten its application after Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022. NATO's expansion has become a reason for increasing tensions with countries like Russia.The bloc doesn't meet every year but only when new policies or new member nations are set to be introduced. To date, 34 NATO summits have happened. The most recent one was held in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 24 and 25. In this edition, it was decided to increase defence spending by each country. According to the new language, "allies commit to invest 5 per cent of GDP annually on core defence requirements as well as defence-and security-related spending by 2035." Most of the member nations agreed, while Spain said it would only invest two per cent.&nbsp;

NATO is also written as OTAN. It looks like the letters are reversed for some official reason, but that's not the case. Here is why the official sign carries both the words NATO and OTAN.

NATO, or The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is also seen written with the letters switched backwards - OTAN. While it might look like NATO has simply been written as OTAN for some diplomatic or official reason, that is not the case. NATO is an intergovernmental transnational military alliance that came into existence on 4 April 1949. It has 32 member states—30 European and 2 North American-and the defence bloc works for the collective security of all nations that are a part of the alliance. Its main aim was to create a safe environment during the Cold War and defend countries against the threat posed by the Soviet Union. However, it continues to remain active long after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. NATO-OTAN are not letters merely arranged backwards. While NATO stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization, OTAN is the abbreviation of its French name - Organisation du traité de l'Atlantique nord. Why does NATO have a French name? The reason for having a French name also for NATO is that France was one of the original twelve founding members of NATO in 1949. Also, the bloc has two official languages - English and French. So the defence bloc's name is written both in English and French. Besides, French has held a prominent place as a language in international diplomacy. Also Read: 'The daddy thing, I didn't...': Embarrassed NATO chief Rutte does an about-turn on Trump 'daddy' remark Having started with 12 members, NATO has grown over the years, with new members being added ten times. Sweden was the most recent addition, having joined the alliance on 7 March 2024. There are four aspiring members: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and Ukraine. Kyiv has been vying to become a member of NATO for years now. It urged to hasten its application after Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022. NATO's expansion has become a reason for increasing tensions with countries like Russia. The bloc doesn't meet every year but only when new policies or new member nations are set to be introduced. To date, 34 NATO summits have happened. The most recent one was held in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 24 and 25. In this edition, it was decided to increase defence spending by each country. According to the new language, "allies commit to invest 5 per cent of GDP annually on core defence requirements as well as defence-and security-related spending by 2035." Most of the member nations agreed, while Spain said it would only invest two per cent.

NATO is also written as OTAN. It looks like the letters are reversed for some official reason, but that's not the case. Here is why the official sign carries both the words NATO and OTAN.

Is OTAN NATO written backwards? Not really! Here's why both words are seen on defence bloc's sign

There are claims and counterclaims on whether Irans' nuclear capabilities have been set back by years in the Israeli-US air strikes during the just-concluded 12-day war. The strikes targeted nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan. But it has been reported that Iran has a secure stockpile of some 400 kilogrammes of uranium enriched to 60 per cent, as well as other radioactive isotopes. This leads to the possibilty of Iran developing dirty nukes.&nbsp; Iran has not yet developed dirty bombs, but certainly has the capability to do so, given its nuclear expertise, infrastructure, access to materials like uranium, spent fuel isotopes like cesium-137 and industrial isotopes like cobalt-60. How much risk is there of Iran producing a dirty nuke? Here is a down of its capabilities and materials.&nbsp;<h2>What are dirty nukes or radiological dispersal devices?</h2>In simplest terms, a dirty nuke is a conventional bomb with some nuclear components. Formally known as radiological dispersal devices (RDDs), these can potentially cause radioactive contamination on targeted areas, leading to health problems and environmental damage. Besides uranium, dirty nukes can use isotopes like cesium-137, cobalt-60 or nuclear reactor byproducts.While they do not cause huge nuclear explosions, dirty bombs are considered 'weapons of mass disruption', mainly because of the potential psychological and economic impacts and adverse health effects.&nbsp;<h2>Can Iran develop dirty nukes?</h2>Iran has always maintained it's nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. But under the current circumstances, it does have the capability to develop dirty nuclear weapons. All ingredients are there: an advanced nuclear programme that enriched uranium to 60 per cent, availability of radioactive materials, and years of expertise in conventional explosives. Nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan and Bushehr, have been producing or handling radioactive materials that are, technically speaking, suitable for building RDDs. For instance, the uranium conversion plant and research reactors at the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center could churn radioactive isotopes.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/strait-of-hormuz-shows-supply-vulnerability-1750916285218/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/strait-of-hormuz-shows-supply-vulnerability-1750916285218/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;In spite of Israel's attempts to kill of its nuclear scientists, Iran still possesses the knowledge base to handle radioactive materials. If it chooses to, it can use them in conventional explosives.&nbsp;Byproducts of nuclear products like spent nuclear fuel from the Bushehr reactor and other isotopes from research reactors like the Tehran Research Reactor, could theoretically be used to build dirty bombs. (Bushehr spent fuel is supposed to be returned to Russia, as per the two nations' agreements.)&nbsp;<h2>Current status of Iran nuclear material is vague</h2>Iran, which has dual-use capabilities, said it would partially stop cooperation with the inspectors from UN nuclear agency IAEA. There is talk on whether Iran would exit the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The 60 per cent enriched uranium, 400 kg of which Iran has reportedly moved to safe locations amid Israeli and American bombardment, can be used for building dirty bombs.&nbsp;<h2>Which isotopes can Iran use to build radiological bombs?</h2>The 60 per cent enriched uranium isotope U-235 is highly radioactive. It can cause radiological contamination if used in a bomb. Uranium radiation is toxic, and can cause health troubles if inhaled or ingested. But making a bomb from the 60 per cent enriched uranium requires sophisticated design capabilities to maximise contamination. Also, it is less radioactive than cesium-137 or cobalt-60. These are the preferred isotopes for making dirty nukes.&nbsp;<h2>Will Iran actually use its 60 per cent enriched uranium in dirty nukes?</h2>Most probably not, due to the strategic value of this material. It took Iran decades to enrich uranium to 60 per cent, which is considered near-bomb grade. (Note that a nuclear weapon requires 90 per cent enriched uranium). So it is highly unlikely that Iran would waste this precious and limited resource in a dirty nuke.&nbsp;<h2>What else does Iran have that can be used in dirty nukes?</h2>Iran, however, still has some other nuclear meterials that could go into dirty nukes, though it is contract-bound to dispense with most of them. This include low-enriched uranium, cesium-137 (a common RDD candidate), strontium-90, and iodine-131 in Bushehr nuclear plant. Spent fuel from Bushehr is removed by Russia to avoid proliferation. Thus far, the IAEA has been monitoring Bushehr, but lack of future cooperation could pave the way for dirty nuke development.&nbsp;Radioactive isotopes and byproducts are present in research reactors like Tehran Research Reactor as well as at facilities in Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center and Arak. These include uranium enriched up to 20 per cent, molybdenum-99 and technetium-99m. Other byproducts, such as cesium-137 or cobalt-60, could be extracted for an RDD. Iran might also possess Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6) and the highly radio active plutonium-239.&nbsp;Though it has the capability, there’s no indication that Iran has pursued dirty nukes. But the risk of such possibility has only increased after Iran's partial withdrawal from IAEA monitoring. &nbsp;

Iran has not yet developed dirty bombs, but certainly has the capability to do so, given its nuclear expertise, infrastructure, access to materials like uranium, spent fuel isotopes like cesium-137 and industrial isotopes like cobalt-60. How much risk is there of Iran producing a dirty nuke?

There are claims and counterclaims on whether Irans' nuclear capabilities have been set back by years in the Israeli-US air strikes during the just-concluded 12-day war. The strikes targeted nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan. But it has been reported that Iran has a secure stockpile of some 400 kilogrammes of uranium enriched to 60 per cent, as well as other radioactive isotopes. This leads to the possibilty of Iran developing dirty nukes. Iran has not yet developed dirty bombs, but certainly has the capability to do so, given its nuclear expertise, infrastructure, access to materials like uranium, spent fuel isotopes like cesium-137 and industrial isotopes like cobalt-60. How much risk is there of Iran producing a dirty nuke? Here is a down of its capabilities and materials. What are dirty nukes or radiological dispersal devices? In simplest terms, a dirty nuke is a conventional bomb with some nuclear components. Formally known as radiological dispersal devices (RDDs), these can potentially cause radioactive contamination on targeted areas, leading to health problems and environmental damage. Besides uranium, dirty nukes can use isotopes like cesium-137, cobalt-60 or nuclear reactor byproducts. While they do not cause huge nuclear explosions, dirty bombs are considered 'weapons of mass disruption', mainly because of the potential psychological and economic impacts and adverse health effects. Can Iran develop dirty nukes? Iran has always maintained it's nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. But under the current circumstances, it does have the capability to develop dirty nuclear weapons. All ingredients are there: an advanced nuclear programme that enriched uranium to 60 per cent, availability of radioactive materials, and years of expertise in conventional explosives. Nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan and Bushehr, have been producing or handling radioactive materials that are, technically speaking, suitable for building RDDs. For instance, the uranium conversion plant and research reactors at the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center could churn radioactive isotopes. https://www.wionews.com/videos/strait-of-hormuz-shows-supply-vulnerability-1750916285218/embed In spite of Israel's attempts to kill of its nuclear scientists, Iran still possesses the knowledge base to handle radioactive materials. If it chooses to, it can use them in conventional explosives. Byproducts of nuclear products like spent nuclear fuel from the Bushehr reactor and other isotopes from research reactors like the Tehran Research Reactor, could theoretically be used to build dirty bombs. (Bushehr spent fuel is supposed to be returned to Russia, as per the two nations' agreements.) Current status of Iran nuclear material is vague Iran, which has dual-use capabilities, said it would partially stop cooperation with the inspectors from UN nuclear agency IAEA. There is talk on whether Iran would exit the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The 60 per cent enriched uranium, 400 kg of which Iran has reportedly moved to safe locations amid Israeli and American bombardment, can be used for building dirty bombs. Which isotopes can Iran use to build radiological bombs? The 60 per cent enriched uranium isotope U-235 is highly radioactive. It can cause radiological contamination if used in a bomb. Uranium radiation is toxic, and can cause health troubles if inhaled or ingested. But making a bomb from the 60 per cent enriched uranium requires sophisticated design capabilities to maximise contamination. Also, it is less radioactive than cesium-137 or cobalt-60. These are the preferred isotopes for making dirty nukes. Will Iran actually use its 60 per cent enriched uranium in dirty nukes? Most probably not, due to the strategic value of this material. It took Iran decades to enrich uranium to 60 per cent, which is considered near-bomb grade. (Note that a nuclear weapon requires 90 per cent enriched uranium). So it is highly unlikely that Iran would waste this precious and limited resource in a dirty nuke. What else does Iran have that can be used in dirty nukes? Iran, however, still has some other nuclear meterials that could go into dirty nukes, though it is contract-bound to dispense with most of them. This include low-enriched uranium, cesium-137 (a common RDD candidate), strontium-90, and iodine-131 in Bushehr nuclear plant. Spent fuel from Bushehr is removed by Russia to avoid proliferation. Thus far, the IAEA has been monitoring Bushehr, but lack of future cooperation could pave the way for dirty nuke development. Radioactive isotopes and byproducts are present in research reactors like Tehran Research Reactor as well as at facilities in Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center and Arak. These include uranium enriched up to 20 per cent, molybdenum-99 and technetium-99m. Other byproducts, such as cesium-137 or cobalt-60, could be extracted for an RDD. Iran might also possess Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6) and the highly radio active plutonium-239. Though it has the capability, there’s no indication that Iran has pursued dirty nukes. But the risk of such possibility has only increased after Iran's partial withdrawal from IAEA monitoring.

Iran has not yet developed dirty bombs, but certainly has the capability to do so, given its nuclear expertise, infrastructure, access to materials like uranium, spent fuel isotopes like cesium-137 and industrial isotopes like cobalt-60. How much risk is there of Iran producing a dirty nuke?

Dirty nukes: Can Iran make radiological bombs after Israel and US B2 bombers struck its nuclear sites during 12-day war?

world

World, News on World, stories on World, articles on World, World stories at Wion, World news, World latest news

world news

'President Trump open to visit from Netanyahu in DC', says White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt

From rapper to NYC mayoral candidate: Zohran Mamdani

Turkey suspends opposition media channel for 10 days. Here's why

Top 10 world news: Khamenei claims victory in war, and more

US Army once controlled one of the world’s most secretive cities

Ecuador most wanted drug lord 'Fito' captured hiding in bunker-WATCH

'You've been the worst!': Hegseth explodes at Fox journalist over Iran question

Sirens heard in southern Israel days after ceasefire, IDF clarifies...

Israel halts aid supplies to Gaza over alleged looting by Hamas

'Israeli PM Netanyahu thanks Trump for his 'incredible support' during Iran war

'War that never ended': US intervened in Korean war 75 years ago - EXPLAINED

'One of the greatest...', says Trump after Hegseth briefs media on Iran strikes

Israeli strike kills Iranian nuclear scientist, 11 family members: Report

John F Kennedy's hidden love life: The flight attendant who got pregnant and led to abortion

'HISTORICALLY SUCCESSFUL MISSION', says Pete Hegseth on Iran strikes

Dragon docks at ISS with Shubhanshu Shukla onboard; post-docking steps begin

North Korea starts a coastal resort open only for Russians and North Koreans

Khamenei claims VICTORY over Israel in first message after ceasefire

Mathematician who solved 100-year-old conjecture is moving to China. Here's why

Japan fears viral manga prediction as hundreds of quakes rattle Tokara Islands

'Heavy slap to US's face': Iranian Leader Khamenei says US 'achieved nothing'

MAGA supporters share image of Statue of Liberty in a burqa-Here's why

Musk bans 'ugly' hashtags on X ads - Here's what you need to know

Inside nuclear black market: A murky world, a dangerous trade

Is OTAN NATO written backwards? Not really! Here's the official reason

Dirty nukes: With nuclear plans hit hard, can Iran build radiological bombs?