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Violence broke out across parts of Belfast and other areas of Northern Ireland on Tuesday evening, a day after a brutal knife attack triggered anti immigration protests and heightened tensions. Hundreds of protesters, many of them wearing masks, gathered at multiple locations across Belfast from around 7 pm. Several vehicles, including a bus, were set on fire while major roads were blocked.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thick smoke was seen rising from different parts of the city as police helicopters monitored the situation overhead.&nbsp;Residents were forced to evacuate from a burning building near Belfast's city centre that was torched during anti-immigration protests, AFP reported.&nbsp;"By 7:30 pm (18:30 GMT) they started a fire in the bins...we heard police cars and sirens," said one resident, Eemran, an engineer. "More and more people started coming, they started throwing petrol bombs."&nbsp;The unrest followed a violent stabbing incident on Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast on Monday that shocked the country after footage of the attack circulated widely online.&nbsp;A Sudanese man in his 30s has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a blade and making threats to kill in connection with the incident.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-shot-our-apache-helicopter-near-hormuz-says-trump-promises-us-will-respond-to-attack-1781025820005">Iran shot our Apache helicopter near Hormuz, says Trump, promises ‘US will respond to attack’</a>The victim, a man in his 40s, suffered serious injuries to his face, neck, back and eyes. Police described the assault as both "sickening" and "barbaric".&nbsp;Authorities had earlier appealed for calm amid growing tensions following the attack.Sinn Féin MP condemns violence&nbsp;Reacting to the unrest, North Belfast MP John Finucane of Sinn Féin condemned both the stabbing and the violence that followed.&nbsp;"There is understandable disgust and revulsion at the horrific attempted murder that took place last night. I share that revulsion.&nbsp;"But the scenes we are witnessing tonight, family homes attacked, cars burnt, damaged infrastructure and parts of our community in flames, are shameful and disgraceful.&nbsp;"No one has the right to spread fear, terrorise innocent families or unleash lawless disorder on our streets."&nbsp;Finucane said attention should remain focused on the victim rather than the violence on the streets.&nbsp;Earlier, Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident "horrific" and "sickening" on X.The leaders of Northern Ireland's five main political parties issued a joint statement condemning the incident, saying "there is no place in our society for this kind of brutality".&nbsp;"We call for calm and for space to allow justice to take its course," it added.

The unrest comes a day after a Sudanese man in his 30s was charged with attempted murder, possession of a blade and making threats to kill over a stabbing in north Belfast that left a man in his 40s with serious injuries to his face, neck, back and eyes. 

Violence broke out across parts of Belfast and other areas of Northern Ireland on Tuesday evening, a day after a brutal knife attack triggered anti immigration protests and heightened tensions. Hundreds of protesters, many of them wearing masks, gathered at multiple locations across Belfast from around 7 pm. Several vehicles, including a bus, were set on fire while major roads were blocked. Thick smoke was seen rising from different parts of the city as police helicopters monitored the situation overhead. Residents were forced to evacuate from a burning building near Belfast's city centre that was torched during anti-immigration protests, AFP reported. "By 7:30 pm (18:30 GMT) they started a fire in the bins...we heard police cars and sirens," said one resident, Eemran, an engineer. "More and more people started coming, they started throwing petrol bombs." The unrest followed a violent stabbing incident on Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast on Monday that shocked the country after footage of the attack circulated widely online. A Sudanese man in his 30s has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a blade and making threats to kill in connection with the incident. Also Read: Iran shot our Apache helicopter near Hormuz, says Trump, promises ‘US will respond to attack’ The victim, a man in his 40s, suffered serious injuries to his face, neck, back and eyes. Police described the assault as both "sickening" and "barbaric". Authorities had earlier appealed for calm amid growing tensions following the attack. Sinn Féin MP condemns violence Reacting to the unrest, North Belfast MP John Finucane of Sinn Féin condemned both the stabbing and the violence that followed. "There is understandable disgust and revulsion at the horrific attempted murder that took place last night. I share that revulsion. "But the scenes we are witnessing tonight, family homes attacked, cars burnt, damaged infrastructure and parts of our community in flames, are shameful and disgraceful. "No one has the right to spread fear, terrorise innocent families or unleash lawless disorder on our streets." Finucane said attention should remain focused on the victim rather than the violence on the streets. Earlier, Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident "horrific" and "sickening" on X. The leaders of Northern Ireland's five main political parties issued a joint statement condemning the incident, saying "there is no place in our society for this kind of brutality". "We call for calm and for space to allow justice to take its course," it added.

The unrest comes a day after a Sudanese man in his 30s was charged with attempted murder, possession of a blade and making threats to kill over a stabbing in north Belfast that left a man in his 40s with serious injuries to his face, neck, back and eyes.&nbsp;

Belfast unrest: Bus torched, roads blocked as protests erupt across Northern Ireland after knife attack

The United States on Tuesday said its forces had launched what it described as "self-defence" strikes against Iran following the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter, marking a fresh escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran.&nbsp;In a statement posted on X, the White House said US Central Command forces began military operations at 5 p.m. ET at the direction of President Donald Trump.&nbsp;"U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began launching self-defence strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. ET today at the Commander in Chief's direction, in response to yesterday's downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter. The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression," the statement said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. ET today at the Commander in Chief’s direction, in response to yesterday’s downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter. The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian…&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2064457103134343170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;US military forces attacked several Iranian air defence batteries and radar systems around the Strait of Hormuz, Axios reported, citing senior officials.&nbsp;&nbsp;The development comes after Trump accused Iran of shooting down a US Army AH 64 Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz and vowed that Washington "must respond" to the incident.&nbsp;Speaking to ABC News moments before CENTCOM announced strikes, the US president said that he believes the response should be very strong, very powerful.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I think it's very important to respond. They shot down a helicopter, and we are responding as we speak."&nbsp;&nbsp;"I believe in responding in a strong manner. I always have throughout my life. And we have a deal that was very good, and probably will [still be]," the president continued. "This is a response to what they did with our helicopter last night, and I believe the response should be very strong, very powerful, and that's what this one is," Trump quoted as saying by ABC.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. )

The US said it carried out self-defence strikes against Iran after the reported downing of a US Army Apache helicopter, calling the operation a proportional response to Iranian aggression.

The United States on Tuesday said its forces had launched what it described as "self-defence" strikes against Iran following the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter, marking a fresh escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran. In a statement posted on X, the White House said US Central Command forces began military operations at 5 p.m. ET at the direction of President Donald Trump. "U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began launching self-defence strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. ET today at the Commander in Chief's direction, in response to yesterday's downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter. The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression," the statement said.

The US said it carried out self-defense strikes against Iran after the reported downing of a US Army Apache helicopter, calling the operation a proportional response to Iranian aggression.

US strikes Iran as Trump vows 'very powerful' response over Apache helicopter downing

The European Union on Tuesday proposed its 21st package of sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine war, targeting financial institutions, energy networks, military supply chains and companies in several countries, including India and China, that it alleges are supporting Russia's military industrial sector.&nbsp;Announcing the proposal on X, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said the measures are aimed at further weakening Russia's ability to finance and sustain its military operations.&nbsp;"Brick by brick, we are collapsing the foundations of Russia's war economy," Kallas said.The proposed package includes a temporary freeze on the Russian oil price cap and fresh restrictions on institutions that the EU claims help Moscow generate revenue and bypass existing sanctions. Banks, weapons manufacturers, oil traders, refineries and cryptocurrency operators are also among those targeted.&nbsp;"We are intensifying our sanctions efforts against individuals and entities that enable Russia's war against Ukraine," Kallas said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Brick by brick, we are collapsing the foundations of Russia&#39;s war economy. Today, we are presenting our proposals for a 21st sanctions package against Russia. This includes a temporary freeze of the Russian oil price cap and designations of institutions used by Moscow to…&mdash; Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) <a href="https://x.com/kajakallas/status/2064302073273827521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>India among the countries named</h2>Kallas said the package contains more than 170 proposed listings, making it the largest sanctions expansion put forward by her office in more than two years.&nbsp;"As part of this package, my services are putting forward the largest set of listings in over two years, with over 170 proposals, notably on the financial sector, energy and drones' production," she stated.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-shot-our-apache-helicopter-near-hormuz-says-trump-promises-us-will-respond-to-attack-1781025820005">Iran shot our Apache helicopter near Hormuz, says Trump, promises ‘US will respond to attack’</a>&nbsp;The EU is also proposing export control measures on 50 companies located in India, China, Turkiye, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;"We are also targeting companies providing support to Russia's military industrial complex. The new listings will cover more than 30 designations in the drone manufacturing as well as new export control measures on 50 companies, including entities based in China, Turkiye, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, the UAE and India," she said.&nbsp;The package would further tighten restrictions on exports of materials and technologies considered important for Russia's industrial and defence sectors.Focus on banks, energy and shadow fleet&nbsp;The EU is seeking to increase pressure on Russia's financial sector through asset freezes on nearly 90 banks and transaction bans affecting more than 30 banks in Russia and other countries. Additional measures have also been proposed against cryptocurrency platforms.&nbsp;The proposal also expands action against Russia's shadow fleet, with 30 additional vessels facing sanctions, while new restrictions have been proposed on two Russian ports and four airports.

The proposed package also includes a comprehensive visa ban on current and former Russian military personnel and members of proxy groups.

The European Union on Tuesday proposed its 21st package of sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine war, targeting financial institutions, energy networks, military supply chains and companies in several countries, including India and China, that it alleges are supporting Russia's military industrial sector. Announcing the proposal on X, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said the measures are aimed at further weakening Russia's ability to finance and sustain its military operations. "Brick by brick, we are collapsing the foundations of Russia's war economy," Kallas said. The proposed package includes a temporary freeze on the Russian oil price cap and fresh restrictions on institutions that the EU claims help Moscow generate revenue and bypass existing sanctions. Banks, weapons manufacturers, oil traders, refineries and cryptocurrency operators are also among those targeted. "We are intensifying our sanctions efforts against individuals and entities that enable Russia's war against Ukraine," Kallas said.

The proposed package also includes a comprehensive visa ban on current and former Russian military personnel and members of proxy groups.

EU proposes new Russia sanctions, targets firms in India, China and UAE

New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump could meet on the sidelines of the G7 Summit next week in France. If the meet materialises, this will be the first in-person meeting between the two leaders in over a year. The last meeting was in February 2025, when PM Modi had travelled to the US.&nbsp;US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India recently as both sides continue discussions on a potential trade deal.&nbsp;This meeting will also be the first meeting since the terror attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent May conflict with Pakistan. India launched Operation Sindoor, its counter-terrorism operation, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.&nbsp;Trump has claimed a role in resolving the crisis, an assertion New Delhi has firmly dismissed.&nbsp;As Trump’s tariffs and insulating comments cast a shadow on India-US ties, Delhi and Europe have been upping the engagements. While India and the European Union have announced a Free Trade Agreement, both have been firming up ties in a range of areas, from tech to AI.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier on Tuesday, India’s ministry of external affairs announced PM Modi’s upcoming European tour. He will visit France from 13-14 June in Nice and 16-19 June in Evian and Paris, with a state visit to Slovakia from 14-16 June.&nbsp;In Nice, Mr Modi will hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on 14 June. The leaders will review the India-France “Special Global Strategic Partnership” and will jointly inaugurate “Bharat Innovates,” an event showcasing startups and venture capital from India, France and beyond during the India-France Year of Innovation.&nbsp;The Prime Minister will then travel to Slovakia for the first-ever visit by an Indian premier to the country since its 1993 independence. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini. The trip builds on recent high-level exchanges, including President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Slovakia in April 2025 and Mr Pellegrini’s trip to India in February 2026 for the AI Impact Summit. Discussions are expected to focus on trade, investment, automobiles and railways.&nbsp;Mr Modi will participate in the G7 Outreach Summit in Evian on 16-17 June, joining sessions on forging new partnerships, sustainable economic growth, and the rollout of artificial intelligence. Bilateral meetings with a number of world leaders are under consideration. In Paris on 18 June, he will engage in further talks with the French President and attend VivaTech, Europe’s largest technology and startup event. He is also expected to address the Indian diaspora.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also travel to Slovakia for the first-ever visit by an Indian premier to the country since its 1993 independence. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini.

New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump could meet on the sidelines of the G7 Summit next week in France. If the meet materialises, this will be the first in-person meeting between the two leaders in over a year. The last meeting was in February 2025, when PM Modi had travelled to the US. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India recently as both sides continue discussions on a potential trade deal. This meeting will also be the first meeting since the terror attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent May conflict with Pakistan. India launched Operation Sindoor, its counter-terrorism operation, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Trump has claimed a role in resolving the crisis, an assertion New Delhi has firmly dismissed. As Trump’s tariffs and insulating comments cast a shadow on India-US ties, Delhi and Europe have been upping the engagements. While India and the European Union have announced a Free Trade Agreement, both have been firming up ties in a range of areas, from tech to AI. Earlier on Tuesday, India’s ministry of external affairs announced PM Modi’s upcoming European tour. He will visit France from 13-14 June in Nice and 16-19 June in Evian and Paris, with a state visit to Slovakia from 14-16 June. In Nice, Mr Modi will hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on 14 June. The leaders will review the India-France “Special Global Strategic Partnership” and will jointly inaugurate “Bharat Innovates,” an event showcasing startups and venture capital from India, France and beyond during the India-France Year of Innovation. The Prime Minister will then travel to Slovakia for the first-ever visit by an Indian premier to the country since its 1993 independence. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini. The trip builds on recent high-level exchanges, including President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Slovakia in April 2025 and Mr Pellegrini’s trip to India in February 2026 for the AI Impact Summit. Discussions are expected to focus on trade, investment, automobiles and railways. Mr Modi will participate in the G7 Outreach Summit in Evian on 16-17 June, joining sessions on forging new partnerships, sustainable economic growth, and the rollout of artificial intelligence. Bilateral meetings with a number of world leaders are under consideration. In Paris on 18 June, he will engage in further talks with the French President and attend VivaTech, Europe’s largest technology and startup event. He is also expected to address the Indian diaspora.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also travel to Slovakia for the first-ever visit by an Indian premier to the country since its 1993 independence. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini.

PM Modi and President Trump could meet next week on the sidelines of G7 Summit

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi struck a defiant note in a statement after US President Donald Trump warned of a “response” to the Apache helicopter downing and reiterated Tehran’s claim that the Strait of Hormuz is under the joint sovereignty of Iran and Oman and hence foreign troops should leave.&nbsp;“The Strait of Hormuz is NOT international waters but shared between Iran and Oman, and located thousands of miles from US shores,” said Araghchi. “Maritime boundaries are crystal clear.”&nbsp;Araghchi insisted that at its narrowest point, just 21 nautical miles (equivalent to about 39 km) wide, the Strait of Hormuz falls entirely within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Foreign forces in proximity to our territory are at constant risk on account of their own human errors, plain accidents, or potentially being caught in crossfire. To reduce risk, best solution is for them to leave. We prefer language of diplomacy but speak other languages too. <a href="https://t.co/5DDgHAscBj">pic.twitter.com/5DDgHAscBj</a>&mdash; Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) <a href="https://x.com/araghchi/status/2064410758587339035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-shot-our-apache-helicopter-near-hormuz-says-trump-promises-us-will-respond-to-attack-1781025820005">Iran shot our Apache helicopter near Hormuz, says Trump, promises ‘US will respond to attack’</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Iran claims that legally, that gives it and Oman the right to regulate traffic through the strait, even though passage through the waterway has historically been free of restrictions.The US rejects this interpretation, arguing that the strait is an international passage vital to global shipping and that freedom of navigation must be guaranteed.&nbsp;<h2>‘Foreign forces in proximity to our territory are at constant risk’</h2>&nbsp;Though Araghchi did not mention the US Apache helicopter being shot down directly, he alluded to the incident in a social media post, telling foreign troops to leave the region “to reduce risk.”“Foreign forces in proximity to our territory are at constant risk on account of their own human errors, plain accidents, or potentially being caught in crossfire,” Araghchi said in a post on X.“To reduce risk, best solution is for them to leave.”&nbsp;He added, “We prefer language of diplomacy but speak other languages too.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-names-four-astronauts-as-crew-members-of-artemis-iii-mission-ahead-of-moon-landing-1781030841736">NASA names four astronauts as crew members of Artemis III mission ahead of moon landing</a>&nbsp;President Trump threatened to respond militarily to Iran shooting down the Apache.Initial reports indicate an Iranian drone apparently took down the Apache helicopter, reported CBS News, citing two US officials.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We prefer the language of diplomacy, but we speak other languages far more fluently. Break your commitments, and we&#39;ll switch to what we speak best. You ride the horse you saddled!&mdash; محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) <a href="https://x.com/mb_ghalibaf/status/2064385577529512161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-sanctions-irgc-navy-unit-2-iranians-over-crippling-strait-of-hormuz-blockade-1780933198425">EU sanctions IRGC Navy unit, 2 Iranians over crippling Strait of Hormuz blockade</a><h2>‘You ride the horse you saddled!’</h2>&nbsp;Iran’s chief negotiator and Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also struck a defiant tone in a similar post on X, saying, “We prefer the language of diplomacy, but we speak other languages far more fluently. Break your commitments, and we’ll switch to what we speak best.”&nbsp;“You ride the horse you saddled!,” he added.

Iran claims that legally, that gives it and Oman the right to regulate traffic through the strait, even though passage through the waterway has historically been free of restrictions. Initial reports indicate an Iranian drone apparently took down the Apache helicopter.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi struck a defiant note in a statement after US President Donald Trump warned of a “response” to the Apache helicopter downing and reiterated Tehran’s claim that the Strait of Hormuz is under the joint sovereignty of Iran and Oman and hence foreign troops should leave. “The Strait of Hormuz is NOT international waters but shared between Iran and Oman, and located thousands of miles from US shores,” said Araghchi. “Maritime boundaries are crystal clear.” Araghchi insisted that at its narrowest point, just 21 nautical miles (equivalent to about 39 km) wide, the Strait of Hormuz falls entirely within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman.

Iran claims that legally, that gives it and Oman the right to regulate traffic through the strait, even though passage through the waterway has historically been free of restrictions. Initial reports indicate an Iranian drone apparently took down the Apache helicopter.

Araghchi and Ghalibaf strike defiant tone after Trump’s ‘response to Apache downing’ vow

NASA introduced the four astronauts of the next Artemis moon programme mission on Tuesday, kicking off a year or more of mission-specific training for the Artemis III crew. They are expected to launch into Earth orbit next year to test rendezvous and docking procedures with moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin – a critical milestone before the US can send astronauts back to the moon for landing in 2028.&nbsp;NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the crew members at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston. They include Commander Randy “Komrade” Bresnik, pilot Luca Parmitano, mission specialist Frank Rubio, and mission specialist Andre Douglas.&nbsp;<h2>Who are the four astronauts on Artemis III mission?&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Andre Douglas is a first-time space flier; Frank Rubio is a record-setting astronaut; while Randy Bresnik is a veteran flier and test pilot. Luca Parmitano is an Italian astronaut who is with the European Space Agency. Bob Hines was named the backup crew member.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-shot-our-apache-helicopter-near-hormuz-says-trump-promises-us-will-respond-to-attack-1781025820005">Iran shot our Apache helicopter near Hormuz, says Trump, promises ‘US will respond to attack’</a>&nbsp;Bresnik, 58, a former Marine fighter pilot and “TOPGUN” graduate who logged 149 days in space during a space shuttle flight in 2009 and a long-duration stay aboard the International Space Station in 2017.&nbsp;“We are certainly humbled, being that unifying link between the phenomenal Artemis II mission we just had two months ago and the Artemis IV mission that will follow ours, where we will again ... land humans on another celestial body,” Bresnik told the crowd at the Johnson Space Centre.&nbsp;<h2>Artemis III to serve as precursor mission to moon landing</h2>&nbsp;Artemis III will serve as a precursor mission to a moon landing and will test out how the NASA-built Orion spacecraft will dock with a lunar lander. The primary goal of the flight is to “reduce risk” heading into an actual lunar touchdown, which NASA hopes will take place as soon as 2028.&nbsp;Launching atop a Space Launch System rocket in an Orion capsule, the crew will practice chasing down one moon lander at a time to make sure rendezvous and docking procedures work as planned before a future moon landing when those procedures will have to be carried out in lunar orbit.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-pak-is-held-accountable-for-misdeeds-india-condemns-massacre-of-kashmiris-in-pok-1781008180684">‘Hope Pak is held accountable for misdeeds’: India condemns massacre of Kashmiris in PoK</a><h2>Crew will carry out a mission similar to NASA’s Apollo 9 flight in 1969</h2>&nbsp;The Artemis III crew will carry out a mission similar to NASA’s Apollo 9 flight in March 1969, when three astronauts tested the spindly lunar excursion module in Earth orbit. That flight came after a successful lunar orbit mission, Apollo 8, at the end of 1968.Then the Apollo 10 flight tested the lunar module in orbit around the moon before Apollo 11 finally made the first moon landing in the Sea of Tranquility in July 1969.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-sanctions-irgc-navy-unit-2-iranians-over-crippling-strait-of-hormuz-blockade-1780933198425">EU sanctions IRGC Navy unit, 2 Iranians over crippling Strait of Hormuz blockade</a>&nbsp;Jeremy Parsons, a senior manager in NASA’s “Moon to Mars” programme office, said, “every aspect” of the Artemis III mission “will give us insight into how to refine our plans for Artemis IV and beyond, and buy down risk.”Toward the end of Tuesday’s ceremony, Wiseman passed a symbolic baton to Bresnik, a handoff from one crew to the next in NASA’s drive to return astronauts to the surface of the moon.&nbsp;“Randy, in your comments, I really loved when you said that you all are the link from (Artemis) II to the surface, and that really resonated with me,” Wiseman said. “And you guys know, we’ve been carrying these batons around for way too long. So with that, the Artemis II crew, Komrade, hands you the baton. You’ve got the controls.”

The Artemis III crew will carry out a mission similar to NASA’s Apollo 9 flight in March 1969, when three astronauts tested the spindly lunar excursion module in Earth orbit. Then the Apollo 10 flight tested the lunar module in lunar orbit before Apollo 11 finally made the first moon landing.

NASA introduced the four astronauts of the next Artemis moon programme mission on Tuesday, kicking off a year or more of mission-specific training for the Artemis III crew. They are expected to launch into Earth orbit next year to test rendezvous and docking procedures with moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin – a critical milestone before the US can send astronauts back to the moon for landing in 2028. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the crew members at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston. They include Commander Randy “Komrade” Bresnik, pilot Luca Parmitano, mission specialist Frank Rubio, and mission specialist Andre Douglas. Who are the four astronauts on Artemis III mission? Andre Douglas is a first-time space flier; Frank Rubio is a record-setting astronaut; while Randy Bresnik is a veteran flier and test pilot. Luca Parmitano is an Italian astronaut who is with the European Space Agency. Bob Hines was named the backup crew member. Also Read: Iran shot our Apache helicopter near Hormuz, says Trump, promises ‘US will respond to attack’ Bresnik, 58, a former Marine fighter pilot and “TOPGUN” graduate who logged 149 days in space during a space shuttle flight in 2009 and a long-duration stay aboard the International Space Station in 2017. “We are certainly humbled, being that unifying link between the phenomenal Artemis II mission we just had two months ago and the Artemis IV mission that will follow ours, where we will again ... land humans on another celestial body,” Bresnik told the crowd at the Johnson Space Centre. Artemis III to serve as precursor mission to moon landing Artemis III will serve as a precursor mission to a moon landing and will test out how the NASA-built Orion spacecraft will dock with a lunar lander. The primary goal of the flight is to “reduce risk” heading into an actual lunar touchdown, which NASA hopes will take place as soon as 2028. Launching atop a Space Launch System rocket in an Orion capsule, the crew will practice chasing down one moon lander at a time to make sure rendezvous and docking procedures work as planned before a future moon landing when those procedures will have to be carried out in lunar orbit. Also Read: ‘Hope Pak is held accountable for misdeeds’: India condemns massacre of Kashmiris in PoK Crew will carry out a mission similar to NASA’s Apollo 9 flight in 1969 The Artemis III crew will carry out a mission similar to NASA’s Apollo 9 flight in March 1969, when three astronauts tested the spindly lunar excursion module in Earth orbit. That flight came after a successful lunar orbit mission, Apollo 8, at the end of 1968. Then the Apollo 10 flight tested the lunar module in orbit around the moon before Apollo 11 finally made the first moon landing in the Sea of Tranquility in July 1969. Also Read: EU sanctions IRGC Navy unit, 2 Iranians over crippling Strait of Hormuz blockade Jeremy Parsons, a senior manager in NASA’s “Moon to Mars” programme office, said, “every aspect” of the Artemis III mission “will give us insight into how to refine our plans for Artemis IV and beyond, and buy down risk.” Toward the end of Tuesday’s ceremony, Wiseman passed a symbolic baton to Bresnik, a handoff from one crew to the next in NASA’s drive to return astronauts to the surface of the moon. “Randy, in your comments, I really loved when you said that you all are the link from (Artemis) II to the surface, and that really resonated with me,” Wiseman said. “And you guys know, we’ve been carrying these batons around for way too long. So with that, the Artemis II crew, Komrade, hands you the baton. You’ve got the controls.”

The Artemis III crew will carry out a mission similar to NASA’s Apollo 9 flight in March 1969, when three astronauts tested the spindly lunar excursion module in Earth orbit. Then the Apollo 10 flight tested the lunar module in lunar orbit before Apollo 11 finally made the first moon landing.

NASA names four astronauts as crew members of Artemis III mission ahead of moon landing

A federal court on Monday ruled that the fee of 1 lakh US dollars for H-1B visa imposed by Trump administration was unlawful. In its ruling the court said that the administration did not have the legal authority to impose "unauthorised tax" on employers seeking to hire highly skilled foreign workers.&nbsp;"The Court finds that the Policy imposes a tax on H-1B petitions without the requisite delegation by Congress," &nbsp;ruled US District Court Judge Leo Sorokin of Boston.&nbsp;The Trump administration had hiked the fee saying it was a way to prevent foreign workers from taking American jobs.&nbsp;<h2>What is the H-1B visa?</h2>&nbsp;<ul><li>H-1B visas allows American companies to hire skilled global talent</li><li>Technology companies like Amazon.com, Tata Consultancy Services, Microsoft, Meta Platforms and Apple &nbsp;are the biggest users</li><li>Nearly three-quarters of the approvals go to workers from India</li><li>Most H-1B visa applications cost several thousand dollars before it was hiked by Trump</li><li>H-1B visa is allotted using a lottery system under which about 65,000 visas are given annually along with another 20,000 for workers with advanced degrees</li><li>The visas last three to six years, but can be renewed</li></ul><h2>What was the hike in fee and how it impacted H-1B visa seekers</h2>&nbsp;The average H-1B visa fees used to be &nbsp;$2,000 until it was hiked to $100,000. by Trump in September last year. This fee had to be borne by employers who needed to sponsor skilled immigrants for work in the US.&nbsp;The step was taken to discourage companies from hiring outside talent as some in the Trump administration thought it took away job opportunities from American workers.&nbsp;This was not the first time Trump had taken this step but during his first term as president too he had signed an order to tighten scrutiny of visa applications and detect frauds.<h2>What does the ruling mean for Indians seeking H-1B visa?</h2>&nbsp;H-1B visa is allotted using a lottery system under which about 65,000 visas are given annually along with another 20,000 for workers with advanced degrees. And nearly three-quarters of the approvals go to workers from India as we said before.&nbsp;Statistically speaking, around 70 per cent of H-1B visas were approved for Indian workers in 2024. While Chinese with 12 per cent grabbed the second spot, according to US administration data. &nbsp;&nbsp;The ruling has come as a big relief to this working section as the companies that will be sponsoring them will not need to shell out huge amounts and will be more open to hiring talents from outside the US.&nbsp;

The Trump administration had hiked the fee in September last year to 1 lakh US dollars saying it was a way to prevent foreign workers from taking American jobs.

A federal court on Monday ruled that the fee of 1 lakh US dollars for H-1B visa imposed by Trump administration was unlawful. In its ruling the court said that the administration did not have the legal authority to impose "unauthorised tax" on employers seeking to hire highly skilled foreign workers. "The Court finds that the Policy imposes a tax on H-1B petitions without the requisite delegation by Congress," ruled US District Court Judge Leo Sorokin of Boston. The Trump administration had hiked the fee saying it was a way to prevent foreign workers from taking American jobs. What is the H-1B visa? H-1B visas allows American companies to hire skilled global talent Technology companies like Amazon.com, Tata Consultancy Services, Microsoft, Meta Platforms and Apple are the biggest users Nearly three-quarters of the approvals go to workers from India Most H-1B visa applications cost several thousand dollars before it was hiked by Trump H-1B visa is allotted using a lottery system under which about 65,000 visas are given annually along with another 20,000 for workers with advanced degrees The visas last three to six years, but can be renewed What was the hike in fee and how it impacted H-1B visa seekers The average H-1B visa fees used to be $2,000 until it was hiked to $100,000. by Trump in September last year. This fee had to be borne by employers who needed to sponsor skilled immigrants for work in the US. The step was taken to discourage companies from hiring outside talent as some in the Trump administration thought it took away job opportunities from American workers. This was not the first time Trump had taken this step but during his first term as president too he had signed an order to tighten scrutiny of visa applications and detect frauds. What does the ruling mean for Indians seeking H-1B visa? H-1B visa is allotted using a lottery system under which about 65,000 visas are given annually along with another 20,000 for workers with advanced degrees. And nearly three-quarters of the approvals go to workers from India as we said before. Statistically speaking, around 70 per cent of H-1B visas were approved for Indian workers in 2024. While Chinese with 12 per cent grabbed the second spot, according to US administration data. The ruling has come as a big relief to this working section as the companies that will be sponsoring them will not need to shell out huge amounts and will be more open to hiring talents from outside the US.

The Trump administration had hiked the fee in September last year to 1 lakh US dollars saying it was a way to prevent foreign workers from taking American jobs.

WION Decodes: Judge strikes down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike, what does this mean for Indians seeking jobs in US?

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Iran had shot down a highly sophisticated Apache helicopter while it was patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz and vowed that the US would “respond to this attack.”&nbsp;“The Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz,” he said in a Truth Social post, adding that he had been briefed by the military on the situation.“There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured,” he said. “Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack,” Trump added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-pak-is-held-accountable-for-misdeeds-india-condemns-massacre-of-kashmiris-in-pok-1781008180684">‘Hope Pak is held accountable for misdeeds’: India condemns massacre of Kashmiris in PoK</a>&nbsp;Earlier, Central Command said two crew members were rescued by an unmanned boat—a first for American forces—after the aircraft went down off the coast of Oman.&nbsp;<h2>Pilots rescued by unmanned surface drone</h2>&nbsp;The pilots were rescued by an unmanned surface drone operated by a special department called Task Force 59, based within the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said. It was the first time a drone had been used for a water rescue.&nbsp;Both soldiers were receiving medical care, he said, adding, “The task force began fielding these drones in theatre in late March.”&nbsp;In a separate statement on X, CENTCOM had said the soldiers had been rescued within around two hours of the incident and were in stable condition. It said their US Army AH-64 Apache was patrolling regional waters and that the cause of the incident was under investigation.A US official said the injuries of the pilots were not serious or believed to be life-threatening, but both required medical attention.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-sanctions-irgc-navy-unit-2-iranians-over-crippling-strait-of-hormuz-blockade-1780933198425">EU sanctions IRGC Navy unit, 2 Iranians over crippling Strait of Hormuz blockade</a>&nbsp;Iranian media appeared to acknowledge the incident, with the semi-official Mehr News Agency reporting Tuesday that no claim of responsibility had been made by Iran. The Revolutionary Guard was yet to issue a statement.&nbsp;The US stock market turned sharply lower following Trump’s announcement, with the Nasdaq falling 3 per cent.&nbsp;Iran and Israel had exchanged their first direct attacks recently since the April truce, threatening a return to all-out war in the Middle East.The two adversaries later stepped away from the clash after Trump’s intervention.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/federal-judge-rules-trump-s-100-000-fee-for-h-1b-visas-unlawful-strikes-it-down-1780944680172">Federal judge rules Trump’s $100,000 fee for H-1B visas unlawful, strikes it down</a>&nbsp;Speaking earlier to reporters on Tuesday about a potential deal with Iran, Trump said, “We’re in the final throes of what will be a very, very good deal that will not allow in any way, shape or form nuclear weapons.”“The strait will open up right away. It’ll open up immediately upon signing, which could be in two or three days,” he said, though he said that the deal could even be done “in one hour, if you want to know the truth.”&nbsp;Trump has vowed to restore traffic through the vital shipping lane as part of a deal to end the war.

The two pilots of the Apache helicopter shot down by Iran were rescued by an unmanned surface drone operated by Task Force 59, based within the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said. It was the first time a drone had been used for a water rescue.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Iran had shot down a highly sophisticated Apache helicopter while it was patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz and vowed that the US would “respond to this attack.” “The Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz,” he said in a Truth Social post, adding that he had been briefed by the military on the situation. “There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured,” he said. “Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack,” Trump added.

The two pilots of the Apache helicopter shot down by Iran were rescued by an unmanned surface drone operated by Task Force 59, based within the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said. It was the first time a drone had been used for a water rescue.

Iran shot our Apache helicopter near Hormuz, says Trump, promises ‘US will respond to attack’

Beijing on Tuesday strongly criticised the US' decision to put several Chinese companies on a blacklist, after Washington added tech giants Alibaba and Baidu to a list of entities it alleges have links to China's military. "China has consistently and firmly opposed the United States' generalisation of the concept of national security ... and its unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a news briefing, urging Washington to "correct its erroneous practices". The move comes just weeks after US President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where both sides sought to preserve stability in bilateral ties. Trump has also extended an invitation for Xi to visit Washington in September. However, the latest action risks reigniting tensions between the world's two largest economies. The updated list was released by the US Department of Defence months after it had briefly published, and then unexpectedly withdrawn, an earlier version without providing any explanation.<h3>Two memory chipmakers were placed on the blacklist</h3>The new list is quite similar to the version momentarily published in February; however, two memory chipmakers were placed on the blacklist after having been omitted from it at the time. The re-added firms include ChangXin Memory Technologies and Yangtze Memory Technologies. "This updated list of Chinese military companies is a warning to American businesses, all levels of government, and the American people," said Representative John Moolenaar, the Republican chair of the House Select Committee on China. He also urged in a statement for all the US companies to "stop doing business with these threats to our national security" or risk "enabling China's military ascendance". The firms targeted also cover some of the important tech giants of China that are involved in artificial intelligence, including Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent. Meanwhile, in a statement on Chinese social media, Baidu opposed the list and called the accusations "entirely baseless". "We categorically reject the inclusion of Baidu on the list, and there is no credible justification for adding Baidu to the list," a spokesperson said. "The suggestion that Baidu is a military company is entirely baseless. We will not hesitate to use all options available to us to have the company removed from the list." Additionally, Alibaba also called the inclusion in the list "a mistake", threatening legal action. "There is no basis to conclude that Alibaba Group should be placed on the CMC List. Alibaba Group is not a Chinese military company nor part of any military-civil fusion strategy," the company said in a statement.

The firms targeted also cover some of the important tech giants of China that are involved in artificial intelligence, including Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent. Meanwhile, in a statement on Chinese social media, Baidu opposed the list and called the accusations "entirely baseless".

Beijing on Tuesday strongly criticised the US' decision to put several Chinese companies on a blacklist, after Washington added tech giants Alibaba and Baidu to a list of entities it alleges have links to China's military. "China has consistently and firmly opposed the United States' generalisation of the concept of national security ... and its unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a news briefing, urging Washington to "correct its erroneous practices". The move comes just weeks after US President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where both sides sought to preserve stability in bilateral ties. Trump has also extended an invitation for Xi to visit Washington in September. However, the latest action risks reigniting tensions between the world's two largest economies. The updated list was released by the US Department of Defence months after it had briefly published, and then unexpectedly withdrawn, an earlier version without providing any explanation. Two memory chipmakers were placed on the blacklist The new list is quite similar to the version momentarily published in February; however, two memory chipmakers were placed on the blacklist after having been omitted from it at the time. The re-added firms include ChangXin Memory Technologies and Yangtze Memory Technologies. "This updated list of Chinese military companies is a warning to American businesses, all levels of government, and the American people," said Representative John Moolenaar, the Republican chair of the House Select Committee on China. He also urged in a statement for all the US companies to "stop doing business with these threats to our national security" or risk "enabling China's military ascendance". The firms targeted also cover some of the important tech giants of China that are involved in artificial intelligence, including Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent. Meanwhile, in a statement on Chinese social media, Baidu opposed the list and called the accusations "entirely baseless". "We categorically reject the inclusion of Baidu on the list, and there is no credible justification for adding Baidu to the list," a spokesperson said. "The suggestion that Baidu is a military company is entirely baseless. We will not hesitate to use all options available to us to have the company removed from the list." Additionally, Alibaba also called the inclusion in the list "a mistake", threatening legal action. "There is no basis to conclude that Alibaba Group should be placed on the CMC List. Alibaba Group is not a Chinese military company nor part of any military-civil fusion strategy," the company said in a statement.

The firms targeted also cover some of the important tech giants of China that are involved in artificial intelligence, including Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent. Meanwhile, in a statement on Chinese social media, Baidu opposed the list and called the accusations "entirely baseless".

Beijing condemns US decision to blacklist Chinese companies over alleged military links

A 14-year-old schoolgirl has been arrested in the northwestern English city of Manchester after two students and a staff member were wounded in a school stabbing, UK police announced on Tuesday (June 9). According to a statement from Greater Manchester Police, the teenage girl was detained on suspicion of assault and remains in custody for questioning.&nbsp;Three individuals suffered injuries believed to be stab wounds during the incident, which occurred at the Co-op Academy north of central Manchester. The victims include a 14-year-old schoolgirl, a 14-year-old schoolboy, and a 27-year-old male member of the school staff. Police confirmed that all three were transported to the hospital, noting that their injuries are thankfully not believed to be serious and all remain in stable condition.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-woman-stabbed-for-saying-no-tik-tok-videos-normalise-violence-on-rejection-1776944712709">Brazil Woman Stabbed for Saying No, Tik Tok Videos Normalise Violence on Rejection</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Following the attack, the school decided to go into lockdown as emergency vehicles quickly surrounded the building, according to a report by the Manchester Evening News. Police Chief Inspector Jon Shilvock stated that officers will remain at the school and within the surrounding area to provide a visible presence and offer reassurance to the local community.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-school-knife-attack-13-year-old-shouting-allahu-akbar-stabs-classmates-two-fighting-for-life-1770790531077">London school knife attack: 13-year-old shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ stabs classmates, two fighting for life</a>&nbsp;This incident occurs at a time when the UK government is actively trying to clamp down on youth knife crime, as well as the sale of banned knives and machetes, particularly on online platforms. School stabbings involving young minors have raised concerns previously; in a separate incident in February, a 13-year-old boy was arrested and charged following the suspected stabbing of two boys at a school in London.

A teenage girl has been arrested following a stabbing incident at a school in Wales, UK, which left three people injured and the campus under lockdown.

A 14-year-old schoolgirl has been arrested in the northwestern English city of Manchester after two students and a staff member were wounded in a school stabbing, UK police announced on Tuesday (June 9). According to a statement from Greater Manchester Police, the teenage girl was detained on suspicion of assault and remains in custody for questioning. Three individuals suffered injuries believed to be stab wounds during the incident, which occurred at the Co-op Academy north of central Manchester. The victims include a 14-year-old schoolgirl, a 14-year-old schoolboy, and a 27-year-old male member of the school staff. Police confirmed that all three were transported to the hospital, noting that their injuries are thankfully not believed to be serious and all remain in stable condition. Also read: Brazil Woman Stabbed for Saying No, Tik Tok Videos Normalise Violence on Rejection Following the attack, the school decided to go into lockdown as emergency vehicles quickly surrounded the building, according to a report by the Manchester Evening News. Police Chief Inspector Jon Shilvock stated that officers will remain at the school and within the surrounding area to provide a visible presence and offer reassurance to the local community. Also read: London school knife attack: 13-year-old shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ stabs classmates, two fighting for life This incident occurs at a time when the UK government is actively trying to clamp down on youth knife crime, as well as the sale of banned knives and machetes, particularly on online platforms. School stabbings involving young minors have raised concerns previously; in a separate incident in February, a 13-year-old boy was arrested and charged following the suspected stabbing of two boys at a school in London.

A teenage girl has been arrested following a stabbing incident at a school in Wales, UK, which left three people injured and the campus under lockdown.

UK School Stabbing: Schoolgirl detained after three people wounded in Wales

US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday (Juen 9) that negotiations for a peace deal to end the West Asia war are in their final stages. This development follows a halt in attacks between Iran and Israel that had threatened to reignite the months-long conflict. On Sunday, Iran fired missiles at Israel following strikes against Lebanon's Hezbollah in Beirut's southern suburbs. Israel subsequently struck back, despite Trump's attempts to dissuade Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;Hours after Tehran announced it had ceased its military action, Netanyahu stated that the “fire on that front is contained.” However, both nations warned they could resume hostilities, even as diplomatic efforts accelerated. Speaking to reporters upon returning from an NBA Finals game, Trump explained that Iran and Israel had been going back and forth but agreed through him to stop. He stated they are now in the final stages of what will be a very good deal, estimating that it would take two or three days to finalise.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-100-days-of-iran-us-war-trump-revives-two-weeks-timeline-what-he-said-1780966729704">After 100 days of Iran-US war, Trump revives 'two weeks' timeline - What he said</a>&nbsp;This recent flare-up occurred after weeks of negotiations aimed at securing a definitive end to the regional war, which was originally sparked by US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Tehran has maintained that any cessation of the conflict must encompass a truce in Lebanon. Trump, who has reportedly become increasingly exasperated with Netanyahu, previously urged both sides to stop shooting and noted that "final negotiations on 'peace' are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way."&nbsp;&nbsp;When asked whether a deal would be a matter of days or weeks, he said it would take "two or three days." The flare-up came after weeks of negotiations seeking to bring about a definitive end to the regional war sparked by US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, with Tehran insisting a halt to the conflict must include a truce in Lebanon.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bibi-you-will-be-on-your-own-trump-s-stern-warning-to-netanyahu-against-renewed-iran-conflict-1780954671256">'Bibi, you will be on your own': Trump's stern warning to Netanyahu against renewed Iran conflict</a>&nbsp;Further highlighting the dynamic, US Vice President JD Vance told Fox News on Monday (June 8) that while the US and Israel share many common interests, their positions do not always align perfectly, stating that there are some situations where their interests diverge.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump announces that a historic Middle East peace deal with Iran is in its final stages, aiming to end months of active military conflict and permanently secure the Strait of Hormuz. 

US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday (Juen 9) that negotiations for a peace deal to end the West Asia war are in their final stages. This development follows a halt in attacks between Iran and Israel that had threatened to reignite the months-long conflict. On Sunday, Iran fired missiles at Israel following strikes against Lebanon's Hezbollah in Beirut's southern suburbs. Israel subsequently struck back, despite Trump's attempts to dissuade Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hours after Tehran announced it had ceased its military action, Netanyahu stated that the “fire on that front is contained.” However, both nations warned they could resume hostilities, even as diplomatic efforts accelerated. Speaking to reporters upon returning from an NBA Finals game, Trump explained that Iran and Israel had been going back and forth but agreed through him to stop. He stated they are now in the final stages of what will be a very good deal, estimating that it would take two or three days to finalise. Also read: After 100 days of Iran-US war, Trump revives 'two weeks' timeline - What he said This recent flare-up occurred after weeks of negotiations aimed at securing a definitive end to the regional war, which was originally sparked by US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Tehran has maintained that any cessation of the conflict must encompass a truce in Lebanon. Trump, who has reportedly become increasingly exasperated with Netanyahu, previously urged both sides to stop shooting and noted that "final negotiations on 'peace' are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way." When asked whether a deal would be a matter of days or weeks, he said it would take "two or three days." The flare-up came after weeks of negotiations seeking to bring about a definitive end to the regional war sparked by US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, with Tehran insisting a halt to the conflict must include a truce in Lebanon. Also read: 'Bibi, you will be on your own': Trump's stern warning to Netanyahu against renewed Iran conflict Further highlighting the dynamic, US Vice President JD Vance told Fox News on Monday (June 8) that while the US and Israel share many common interests, their positions do not always align perfectly, stating that there are some situations where their interests diverge.

US President Donald Trump announces that a historic West Asia peace deal with Iran is in its final stages, aiming to end months of active military conflict and permanently secure the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;

Trump signals Iran peace deal in ‘final stages’ after latest West Asia flashpoints

India on Tuesday reacted to reports of Pakistan’s alleged brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where several protesters had been killed and many injured during recent demonstrations, and said it hopes that the international community will hold Islamabad accountable for its misdeeds and abuses.“There are reports of severe police brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in which several people have been killed and many injured. We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses,” said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a briefing on Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> LIVE | <a href="https://x.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a>&#39;s weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson On the protest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, &quot;We continue to see in this context, a pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan. It is a desperate attempt… <a href="https://t.co/LARlEHbIP9">pic.twitter.com/LARlEHbIP9</a>&mdash; DD India (@DDIndialive) <a href="https://x.com/DDIndialive/status/2064297482994196558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/federal-judge-rules-trump-s-100-000-fee-for-h-1b-visas-unlawful-strikes-it-down-1780944680172">Federal judge rules Trump’s $100,000 fee for H-1B visas unlawful, strikes it down</a>&nbsp;The MEA remarks come after Pakistani forces shot Joint Awami Action Committee protesters in Rawalakot, which reportedly left dozens dead.While Pakistani official figures of the death toll differed, videos circulating on social media claim that the number of casualties may be significantly higher.Several Pakistani journalists and activists claimed on X that the actual casualty toll is in dozens.&nbsp;However, these claims could not be independently verified.&nbsp;<h2>‘Pakistan spreading fake news to divert attention from human rights abuses in PoK’</h2>&nbsp;Jaiswal also accused Pakistan of spreading fake news and misinformation to divert attention from alleged human rights abuses in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where tensions remain high days after a violent crackdown on protesters in Rawalakot.Responding to reports emerging from the region, the MEA spokesperson said India had observed a “pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan” and described it as a desperate attempt to cover up its own failings.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-sanctions-irgc-navy-unit-2-iranians-over-crippling-strait-of-hormuz-blockade-1780933198425">EU sanctions IRGC Navy unit, 2 Iranians over crippling Strait of Hormuz blockade</a>&nbsp;“We continue to see, in this context, a pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan. It is a desperate attempt by Pakistan to cover up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses,” Jaiswal said.&nbsp;Pakistani forces claimed they launched the crackdown after the JAAC started a “guerrilla-style” attack from narrow lanes using firearms and petrol bombs.Protests have spread across Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Dadial, Rawalakot, Sudhnoti and Tattapani in PoK despite Pakistani authorities suspending mobile internet services in a bid to curb the unrest.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strikes-made-iran-stop-attacks-fight-against-tehran-hezbollah-not-over-netanyahu-1780939147844">Israeli strikes made Iran stop attacks, fight against Tehran, Hezbollah ‘not over’: Netanyahu</a><h2>Kashmiri diaspora In UK protests outside Pakistani mission</h2>&nbsp;The protests have also reached the UK, where the Kashmiri diaspora gathered and protested outside a Pakistani mission. At least 30 British MPs have written to the British government to “engage proactively and use all appropriate diplomatic channels to encourage de-escalation and a peaceful resolution” of the situation.Authorities have warned that they will block the proposed long march planned across POK, even as organisers have vowed to press ahead with the demonstration.&nbsp;<h2>Human rights lawyer slams Munir-led establishment’s handling of PoK unrest</h2>&nbsp;PoK has witnessed recurring protests over the past few years, with Kashmiris raising concerns over inflation, electricity tariffs, wheat prices, governance and political representation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-announces-end-of-military-operations-against-israel-warns-harsher-action-if-lebanon-attacked-again-1780925146328">Iran announces end of military operations against Israel, warns ‘harsher’ action if Lebanon attacked again</a>&nbsp;UK-based Pakistani-origin human rights lawyer Sabine Kayani criticised the Asim Munir-led Pakistani establishment’s handling of the unrest in PoK. Kayani accused the Pakistan Army led by Asim Munir of turning “grief into a massacre” and said Kashmiris were being treated not as citizens but as “internal enemies”. She called the “Rawalakot bloodshed a profound spiritual betrayal”.&nbsp;Another Pakistani-origin human rights activist, Aladeen, who is based in Germany, said that “the situation in PoK is worse” than what Islamabad alleges about Jammu and Kashmir.

While official figures of the death toll after Pakistani forces opened fire at Joint Awami Action Committee protesters in Rawalakot differed, eeveral Pakistani journalists and activists claimed on X that the actual casualty toll is in dozens.

India on Tuesday reacted to reports of Pakistan’s alleged brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where several protesters had been killed and many injured during recent demonstrations, and said it hopes that the international community will hold Islamabad accountable for its misdeeds and abuses. “There are reports of severe police brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in which several people have been killed and many injured. We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses,” said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a briefing on Tuesday.

While official figures of the death toll after Pakistani forces opened fire at Joint Awami Action Committee protesters in Rawalakot differed, several Pakistani journalists and activists claimed on X that the actual casualty toll is in dozens.

‘Hope Pak is held accountable for misdeeds’: India condemns massacre of Kashmiris in PoK

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has slammed the Trump administration over its aggressive immigration policies ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Mamdani called out Trump, calling out the policies of denial of visas from certain countries, barring referees and allowing one-day expiry visa reflects the bureaucracy's conflict with “the spirit of this tournament”.“Some of the decisions that we’ve seen have been taken by the federal administration — be it the denial of visas for journalists from certain countries, or the rejection of a visa for a coach of a team, as well as single-day visas for specific foreign national teams — this is anathema to what this tournament is supposed to be about,” said Mamdani.Mamdani's statement comes to a New York Times reporter's question about Trump's “border czar”, Tom Homan's vow to surge immigration enforcement in the five boroughs. "I made her a promise: you're going to see more ICE agents than you've ever seen in New York City, and it's coming," said Tom Homan to Fox News. Mamdani denounced the raid and claimed that he had shared his concerns directly with the President.&nbsp;Zohran Mamdani, who had been a lifelong football fan, has said in a social media post, “Soccer would not exist without immigrants”. He emphasised that the whole football ecosystem was built around immigrants, from players, coaches, to the maintenance staff at the arena and the fans that fill the stadiums.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-karim-khan-icc-prosecutor-suspended-sexual-misconduct-allegations-1781000477604">Who is Karim Khan? ICC chief prosecutor suspended amid sexual misconduct allegations</a><h2>The FIFA World Cup has been plagued by controversy</h2>Even before the kick-off of the tournament, it has been plagued by disruptions. The World Cup, which is being hosted jointly by Mexico, Canada and the US, has faced controversy around the ticket pricing. There had been accusations of unprecedented corporate greed, deceptive sales practices, and a "monumental betrayal" of football's working-class fanbase. Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup are up to seven times more expensive than the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. New York and New Jersey Attorney Generals have launched an investigation, subpoenaing FIFA for internal communications regarding ticket sales at MetLife Stadium.Further, there have been controversies around the visa allocation and treatment by US law enforcement. Iran was allowed a daily expiration visa, and 15 members of the Iranian delegation were denied visas. They were not allowed to host training camps. Iraq's Aymen Hussein was detained at the O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, while the team’s official photographer was deported after being held for 12 hours. A top-tier Somali referee was deported. The Senegal and Uzbekistan delegations reported degrading treatment by US law enforcement during their entry processing.&nbsp;

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has criticised the Trump administration's immigration policies ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, citing visa denials, deportations and enforcement actions.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has slammed the Trump administration over its aggressive immigration policies ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Mamdani called out Trump, calling out the policies of denial of visas from certain countries, barring referees and allowing one-day expiry visa reflects the bureaucracy's conflict with “the spirit of this tournament”. “Some of the decisions that we’ve seen have been taken by the federal administration — be it the denial of visas for journalists from certain countries, or the rejection of a visa for a coach of a team, as well as single-day visas for specific foreign national teams — this is anathema to what this tournament is supposed to be about,” said Mamdani. Mamdani's statement comes to a New York Times reporter's question about Trump's “border czar”, Tom Homan's vow to surge immigration enforcement in the five boroughs. "I made her a promise: you're going to see more ICE agents than you've ever seen in New York City, and it's coming," said Tom Homan to Fox News. Mamdani denounced the raid and claimed that he had shared his concerns directly with the President. Zohran Mamdani, who had been a lifelong football fan, has said in a social media post, “Soccer would not exist without immigrants”. He emphasised that the whole football ecosystem was built around immigrants, from players, coaches, to the maintenance staff at the arena and the fans that fill the stadiums. Also Read: Who is Karim Khan? ICC chief prosecutor suspended amid sexual misconduct allegations The FIFA World Cup has been plagued by controversy Even before the kick-off of the tournament, it has been plagued by disruptions. The World Cup, which is being hosted jointly by Mexico, Canada and the US, has faced controversy around the ticket pricing. There had been accusations of unprecedented corporate greed, deceptive sales practices, and a "monumental betrayal" of football's working-class fanbase. Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup are up to seven times more expensive than the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. New York and New Jersey Attorney Generals have launched an investigation, subpoenaing FIFA for internal communications regarding ticket sales at MetLife Stadium. Further, there have been controversies around the visa allocation and treatment by US law enforcement. Iran was allowed a daily expiration visa, and 15 members of the Iranian delegation were denied visas. They were not allowed to host training camps. Iraq's Aymen Hussein was detained at the O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, while the team’s official photographer was deported after being held for 12 hours. A top-tier Somali referee was deported. The Senegal and Uzbekistan delegations reported degrading treatment by US law enforcement during their entry processing.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has criticised the Trump administration's immigration policies ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, citing visa denials, deportations and enforcement actions.

'Anathema to football': Mamdani's explosive attack on Trump's World Cup policies

Couples across the world are facing growing difficulties in conceiving a child, and this is largely being attributed to lifestyle changes like poor food habits, stress, health issues like weight gain, lack of exercise and air pollution. Rising living costs, expensive housing, delayed marriages and changing social norms have also forced couples to opt for a single child thus causing the fertility rate to drop. But there is one more reason, though unusual, behind the rapidly falling fertility rate - the &nbsp;introduction of Apple's smartphone or the &nbsp;iPhone.&nbsp;Yes, you heard it right. Researchers in the United States have come to the conclusion that the device owned by billions of people could be influencing how people socialise, date and form relationships, thus affecting fertility rates around the world.&nbsp;National Bureau of Economic Research, while exploring why fertility rate in the US dropped by 22 per cent since 2007 studied the impact of the arrival of Apple’s first iPhone during the same year. And guess what, their findings coincided with measurable changes in fertility patterns across the United States.&nbsp;The US general fertility rate was nearly constant at 65 to 70 births per 1,000 women from 1980 through 2007. But began to decline and by 2024 it had fallen to 54 births.<h2>Did the iPhone impact birth rates?</h2>&nbsp;According to Researchers Caitlin Myers and Ezekiel Hooper, the iPhone during its initial years were sold exclusively through the telecommunication company AT&amp;T in the US and all regions with strong AT&amp;T coverage were studied to come to the conclusion that counties with greater access to the iPhone experienced larger declines in births, particularly among younger women.&nbsp;The age group that was impacted the highest was between 15-24 although smaller but statistically meaningful declines were also registered among older age groups.&nbsp;While in counties without AT&amp;T coverage, teen births fell by 13.8 per cent, compared with 18.9 per cent in counties with partial coverage and 26 per cent in counties with larger coverage.&nbsp;The study does not directly states that smartphones are responsible for the decline in fertility but suggests it may have impacted behavioural changes in individuals indirectly affecting fertility decisions.&nbsp;It is believed that with the advent of smartphones and it growing popularity people started to spend less time with friends in the physical world, leading to drop in sexual activity. Also it lead to rising consumption of pornography, which researchers say became a possible substitute to sex.<h2>Is this trend Global?</h2>&nbsp;In another study published early this year, Economists Nathan Hudson and Hernan Moscoso Boedo analysed data from 128 countries and compared smartphone adoption rates with teenage fertility figures provided by the World Bank.&nbsp;The research too disclosed a similar pattern, which means fertility rates began to fall in several countries once the smarphones made their entry.&nbsp;

Researchers in the United States have come to the conclusion that the device owned by billions of people could be influencing how people socialise, date and form relationships, thus affecting fertility rates around the world.

Couples across the world are facing growing difficulties in conceiving a child, and this is largely being attributed to lifestyle changes like poor food habits, stress, health issues like weight gain, lack of exercise and air pollution. Rising living costs, expensive housing, delayed marriages and changing social norms have also forced couples to opt for a single child thus causing the fertility rate to drop. But there is one more reason, though unusual, behind the rapidly falling fertility rate - the introduction of Apple's smartphone or the iPhone. Yes, you heard it right. Researchers in the United States have come to the conclusion that the device owned by billions of people could be influencing how people socialise, date and form relationships, thus affecting fertility rates around the world. National Bureau of Economic Research, while exploring why fertility rate in the US dropped by 22 per cent since 2007 studied the impact of the arrival of Apple’s first iPhone during the same year. And guess what, their findings coincided with measurable changes in fertility patterns across the United States. The US general fertility rate was nearly constant at 65 to 70 births per 1,000 women from 1980 through 2007. But began to decline and by 2024 it had fallen to 54 births. Did the iPhone impact birth rates? According to Researchers Caitlin Myers and Ezekiel Hooper, the iPhone during its initial years were sold exclusively through the telecommunication company AT&T in the US and all regions with strong AT&T coverage were studied to come to the conclusion that counties with greater access to the iPhone experienced larger declines in births, particularly among younger women. The age group that was impacted the highest was between 15-24 although smaller but statistically meaningful declines were also registered among older age groups. While in counties without AT&T coverage, teen births fell by 13.8 per cent, compared with 18.9 per cent in counties with partial coverage and 26 per cent in counties with larger coverage. The study does not directly states that smartphones are responsible for the decline in fertility but suggests it may have impacted behavioural changes in individuals indirectly affecting fertility decisions. It is believed that with the advent of smartphones and it growing popularity people started to spend less time with friends in the physical world, leading to drop in sexual activity. Also it lead to rising consumption of pornography, which researchers say became a possible substitute to sex. Is this trend Global? In another study published early this year, Economists Nathan Hudson and Hernan Moscoso Boedo analysed data from 128 countries and compared smartphone adoption rates with teenage fertility figures provided by the World Bank. The research too disclosed a similar pattern, which means fertility rates began to fall in several countries once the smarphones made their entry.

Researchers in the United States have come to the conclusion that the device owned by billions of people could be influencing how people socialise, date and form relationships, thus affecting fertility rates around the world.

iPhone a birth control device? Is it contributing to declining fertility rate: WION Decodes

Amid West Asia conflicts, India is reconsidering the Rs 40,000-crore, 2,000-km Oman-Gujarat deep-sea gas pipeline. Bypassing the volatile Strait of Hormuz chokepoint, the subsea link would secure direct gas delivery at depths over 3,000 meters.

Beyond Strait of Hormuz: How the Oman-Gujarat deep-sea pipeline could transform India's energy imports

The International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan is facing allegations of sexual misconduct with a female aide. He has been suspended following an extensive disciplinary review, and was announced on Monday night by the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), the court's executive oversight body. But the decision and related documentation will remain confidential, the NYT cited anonymous sources to suggest that a majority of the bureau members had found that Mr Khan had committed serious misconduct.&nbsp;<h2>Who is Karim Khan? What are the allegations?</h2>Karim Khan is a prominent British lawyer and King's Counsel. 56-year old Khan began his career as a domestic prosecutor in the United Kingdom before transitioning into the field of international criminal law. He had spent nearly three decades specialising in international criminal law and human rights. He is best known for seeking arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Israeli top officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior Hamas leaders.The allegations against Khan stem from one of his female aides in her late-30s, who had accused Khan of engaging in coercive and non-consensual sexual behaviour for an extended period between 2023 and 2024. According to AP, which cites whistleblower documents, Khan spotted the woman in another department and moved her to his office. She was asked to accompany him on private trips, where Khan reportedly “sexually touched her” and engaged in other non-consensual behaviour.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-agri-export-crisis-nepal-japan-china-compliance-failures-1780993466741">India's agri-export crisis- Mango, rice, spice, a bigger pattern of compliance failure</a><h2>What will happen to Karim Khan?</h2>The Bureau said that the decision was taken based "on the report of an investigation undertaken by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), the underlying evidence, the advice of an ad hoc Panel of judicial experts, and written submissions." In a statement, the Bureau said that the decision does not indicate the “final outcome”. Khan had already been placed on voluntary leave. The claims were brought in by a woman who was working under Khan at the court’s headquarters in The Hague.&nbsp;A final decision on Khan's fate is now up to the Assembly of States Parties, which will hold a special session to decide whether Khan can retain his job at the global court. To permanently remove Khan, a secret ballot will be held among the 125 member states, out of which a simple majority of 63 countries is required to permanently oust him. If removed, Khan will retain the right to appeal before the International Labour Organisation.

ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has been suspended following an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. Here's who he is, the claims against him, and what happens next.

The International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan is facing allegations of sexual misconduct with a female aide. He has been suspended following an extensive disciplinary review, and was announced on Monday night by the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), the court's executive oversight body. But the decision and related documentation will remain confidential, the NYT cited anonymous sources to suggest that a majority of the bureau members had found that Mr Khan had committed serious misconduct. Who is Karim Khan? What are the allegations? Karim Khan is a prominent British lawyer and King's Counsel. 56-year old Khan began his career as a domestic prosecutor in the United Kingdom before transitioning into the field of international criminal law. He had spent nearly three decades specialising in international criminal law and human rights. He is best known for seeking arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Israeli top officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior Hamas leaders. The allegations against Khan stem from one of his female aides in her late-30s, who had accused Khan of engaging in coercive and non-consensual sexual behaviour for an extended period between 2023 and 2024. According to AP, which cites whistleblower documents, Khan spotted the woman in another department and moved her to his office. She was asked to accompany him on private trips, where Khan reportedly “sexually touched her” and engaged in other non-consensual behaviour. Also Read: India's agri-export crisis- Mango, rice, spice, a bigger pattern of compliance failure What will happen to Karim Khan? The Bureau said that the decision was taken based "on the report of an investigation undertaken by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), the underlying evidence, the advice of an ad hoc Panel of judicial experts, and written submissions." In a statement, the Bureau said that the decision does not indicate the “final outcome”. Khan had already been placed on voluntary leave. The claims were brought in by a woman who was working under Khan at the court’s headquarters in The Hague. A final decision on Khan's fate is now up to the Assembly of States Parties, which will hold a special session to decide whether Khan can retain his job at the global court. To permanently remove Khan, a secret ballot will be held among the 125 member states, out of which a simple majority of 63 countries is required to permanently oust him. If removed, Khan will retain the right to appeal before the International Labour Organisation.

ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has been suspended following an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. Here's who he is, the claims against him, and what happens next.

Who is Karim Khan? ICC chief prosecutor suspended amid sexual misconduct allegations

The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has accused organisers of withdrawing its allocated World Cup tickets just days before the tournament begins, leaving many supporters who had already arranged travel plans unable to attend Iran’s matches. The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday (June 11), with Iran scheduled to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.&nbsp;In a statement released on Tuesday (June 9), FFIRI said it had already started distributing tickets through the official process before being informed that the allocation would no longer be available to Iranian fans. The federation said that many supporters had already booked flights and accommodation based on the announced ticketing arrangements. It described the decision as unfair and contrary to the principles of equality and inclusivity that should govern international sporting events.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-will-neymar-play-in-brazil-s-opening-match-against-morocco-all-on-his-latest-injury-update-1780998449800">FIFA World Cup 2026: Will Neymar play in Brazil's opening match against Morocco? Here's what we know</a>&nbsp;FFIRI also expressed concern that political considerations may have influenced the decision, raising questions about non-sporting interference in the organisation of football’s biggest tournament. Under FIFA regulations, each participating federation receives 8% of match tickets to distribute among its supporters. While FFIRI did not identify who made the decision, it called on FIFA to uphold neutrality, fairness, and established rules to ensure all participating nations are treated equally.&nbsp;FIFA had not issued an immediate response to the federation’s claims. Iran’s World Cup preparations have been complicated by regional tensions following U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran earlier this year. Concerns over visa approvals and security led the team to relocate its base camp from Arizona to Mexico.&nbsp;Although U.S. authorities eventually granted visas to all Iranian players last week, several members of the team’s staff reportedly did not receive travel approval. On Tuesday, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said he held a positive meeting with FFIRI President Mehdi Taj after the team arrived at its tournament base in Mexico. FIFA stated it would continue working closely with the Iranian delegation to ensure a smooth World Cup experience.

Iran's football federation claims its World Cup ticket allocation was withdrawn days before kickoff, leaving fans unable to attend matches despite travel plans

The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has accused organisers of withdrawing its allocated World Cup tickets just days before the tournament begins, leaving many supporters who had already arranged travel plans unable to attend Iran’s matches. The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday (June 11), with Iran scheduled to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26. In a statement released on Tuesday (June 9), FFIRI said it had already started distributing tickets through the official process before being informed that the allocation would no longer be available to Iranian fans. The federation said that many supporters had already booked flights and accommodation based on the announced ticketing arrangements. It described the decision as unfair and contrary to the principles of equality and inclusivity that should govern international sporting events. Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Will Neymar play in Brazil's opening match against Morocco? Here's what we know FFIRI also expressed concern that political considerations may have influenced the decision, raising questions about non-sporting interference in the organisation of football’s biggest tournament. Under FIFA regulations, each participating federation receives 8% of match tickets to distribute among its supporters. While FFIRI did not identify who made the decision, it called on FIFA to uphold neutrality, fairness, and established rules to ensure all participating nations are treated equally. FIFA had not issued an immediate response to the federation’s claims. Iran’s World Cup preparations have been complicated by regional tensions following U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran earlier this year. Concerns over visa approvals and security led the team to relocate its base camp from Arizona to Mexico. Although U.S. authorities eventually granted visas to all Iranian players last week, several members of the team’s staff reportedly did not receive travel approval. On Tuesday, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said he held a positive meeting with FFIRI President Mehdi Taj after the team arrived at its tournament base in Mexico. FIFA stated it would continue working closely with the Iranian delegation to ensure a smooth World Cup experience.

Iran says its FIFA World Cup ticket allocation was withdrawn before the tournament, leaving fans with travel plans unable to attend matches

FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran alleges ticket allocation withdrawn days before tournament, leaving fans in limbo

The military preparations by Taiwan to face a potential invasion by China, and the increasing aerial and naval incursions by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) along the Taiwan Trait, are bringing back the so-called 'Davidson Window' debate. This is a kind of notional timeline linked to a warning by a US military official about when China could be capable of attempting to reunify Taiwan with the mainland, by force if required. China has in recent years pushed back against interpretations of the Davidson Window as an invasion deadline, with its leaders often saying there is no fixed timetable for reunification. Nevertheless, events on the ground point to a continuing military build-up. Here is a backgrounder:<h2>Taiwan tensions: Significance of the 2027 deadline and the Davidson Window</h2>In simple terms, the ‘Davidson Window’ is a military readiness milestone rather than a prediction of a definite invasion date. The year 2027 was highlighted by Admiral Philip Davidson. In 2021, the then commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command warned that China could have the capability to attempt to take control of Taiwan by 2027. That is why 2027 came to be known as the 'Davidson Window' in strategic and military circles. The strategic concept boosted US efforts to assist Taiwan bolster its defences. The Congress authorised billions of dollars worth of military aid for the 2021-2027 timeline mentioned in the Davidson Window.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-seeks-up-to-14-billion-arms-package-from-washington-1780648033678/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-seeks-up-to-14-billion-arms-package-from-washington-1780648033678/embed</a><h2>Why is 2027 significant for China?</h2>The year 2027 overlaps with several internal Chinese milestones. It is the 100th anniversary of the PLA's founding. The year will also precede the 21st National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, where President Xi Jinping is widely expected to seek another term in power. If he secures another five-year term, Xi will become China's longest-serving paramount leader since Mao Zedong.&nbsp;The year 2027 also marks the culmination of a PLA modernisation goal set by Xi Jinping, who instructed the military to accelerate capabilities needed to fight and win modern wars.US officials have repeatedly stressed that 2027 should be viewed as a readiness target, not an invasion deadline. Former CIA Director William Burns said Xi had instructed the PLA to be ready to conduct an invasion of Taiwan by 2027, but added that this did not mean a decision to launch one had been made.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kill-zone-in-taiwan-strait-why-taiwan-is-expanding-its-anti-ship-arsenal-against-china-which-missiles-form-its-core-1780562189356">‘Kill zone’ in Taiwan Strait: Why Taiwan is expanding its anti-ship arsenal against China, which missiles form its core</a><h2>Is China really preparing to invade Taiwan in 2027?</h2>Xi has been dismissive of suggestions that Beijing has set 2027 as an invasion date, reportedly telling US officials in 2023 that there were no such plans. A US intelligence assessment released in March 2026 said China does not currently plan to invade Taiwan in 2027 and has no fixed timetable for reunification. The report said Beijing still prefers to achieve unification without the use of force if possible, while continuing to develop military options and contingency plans. The US Annual Threat Assessment concluded that Beijing prefers non-kinetic means if possible. &nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-deploys-more-than-100-ships-near-taiwan-after-trump-xi-meeting-says-taipei-1779539283078">China deploys more than 100 ships near Taiwan after Trump-Xi meeting, says Taipei</a><h2>Taiwan and China: Shift from invasion risk to coercive pressure</h2>Nevertheless, the year 2027 remains a capability checkpoint that worries military planners. It would also carry political symbolism for Xi if China were able to make significant progress towards its Taiwan-related objectives by then.Recent military developments across the Taiwan Strait should be seen in this context.&nbsp;In late 2024 and 2025, China conducted a series of large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, including blockade and encirclement simulations. In December 2025, the PLA held "Justice Mission" drills that featured scenarios linked to isolating and pressuring the island. &nbsp;<h2>Taiwan's military preparations</h2>Taiwan plans to deploy High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and other long-range strike assets to strengthen deterrence, including on strategically important outlying islands such as Penghu and Dongyin. Taiwan is also seeking to advance major US arms purchases, with reports indicating that discussions have included packages worth up to US$14 billion.It is considering additional long-range precision-strike capabilities and continues to invest in asymmetric warfare systems, such as anti-ship missiles, drones and mobile launchers.Domestic debates continue in Taiwan over special defence budgets, amid opposition resistance and legislative wrangling. In 2026, proposals for substantial additional defence spending remained under debate.&nbsp;Taiwan is also expanding its anti-ship missile arsenal, with plans to field significantly larger numbers of Harpoon and indigenous Hsiung Feng missiles by the end of the decade as part of its strategy to deter a Chinese blockade or invasion.&nbsp;<h2>Trump's ambivalence amid PLA's aerial and naval activity around Taiwan</h2>Dozens of Chinese aircraft sorties and multiple naval vessels are regularly detected around the Taiwan. Chinese military pressure has increasingly taken the form of so-called "grey-zone" operations that stop short of open conflict.The administration of President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has at times sent mixed signals on how the United States would respond to a Taiwan contingency. Trump has claimed that Xi assured him China would not attack Taiwan during his presidency, although Beijing has not publicly confirmed such an understanding. At the same time, US officials have continued public reaffirmations of support for Taiwan's defence needs and arms purchases.The key question, therefore, is not whether China will necessarily attack Taiwan in 2027, but whether the PLA will have achieved by then the military capabilities that Chinese leaders may wish to keep available as an option. Increasingly, US intelligence assessments suggest that 2027 - the year of 'Davidson Window' - &nbsp;should be seen as a readiness benchmark rather than a deadline for war.

The Davidson Window is a US strategic concept on China's military readiness for a Taiwan contingency by 2027. PLA build-up, drills and Taiwan's defence efforts keep concerns alive even as both US and China do not foresee an all-out invasion in the near term. Here is what you know:

The military preparations by Taiwan to face a potential invasion by China, and the increasing aerial and naval incursions by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) along the Taiwan Trait, are bringing back the so-called 'Davidson Window' debate. This is a kind of notional timeline linked to a warning by a US military official about when China could be capable of attempting to reunify Taiwan with the mainland, by force if required. China has in recent years pushed back against interpretations of the Davidson Window as an invasion deadline, with its leaders often saying there is no fixed timetable for reunification. Nevertheless, events on the ground point to a continuing military build-up. Here is a backgrounder: Taiwan tensions: Significance of the 2027 deadline and the Davidson Window In simple terms, the ‘Davidson Window’ is a military readiness milestone rather than a prediction of a definite invasion date. The year 2027 was highlighted by Admiral Philip Davidson. In 2021, the then commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command warned that China could have the capability to attempt to take control of Taiwan by 2027. That is why 2027 came to be known as the 'Davidson Window' in strategic and military circles. The strategic concept boosted US efforts to assist Taiwan bolster its defences. The Congress authorised billions of dollars worth of military aid for the 2021-2027 timeline mentioned in the Davidson Window. https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-seeks-up-to-14-billion-arms-package-from-washington-1780648033678/embed Why is 2027 significant for China? The year 2027 overlaps with several internal Chinese milestones. It is the 100th anniversary of the PLA's founding. The year will also precede the 21st National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, where President Xi Jinping is widely expected to seek another term in power. If he secures another five-year term, Xi will become China's longest-serving paramount leader since Mao Zedong. The year 2027 also marks the culmination of a PLA modernisation goal set by Xi Jinping, who instructed the military to accelerate capabilities needed to fight and win modern wars. US officials have repeatedly stressed that 2027 should be viewed as a readiness target, not an invasion deadline. Former CIA Director William Burns said Xi had instructed the PLA to be ready to conduct an invasion of Taiwan by 2027, but added that this did not mean a decision to launch one had been made. Also read: ‘Kill zone’ in Taiwan Strait: Why Taiwan is expanding its anti-ship arsenal against China, which missiles form its core Is China really preparing to invade Taiwan in 2027? Xi has been dismissive of suggestions that Beijing has set 2027 as an invasion date, reportedly telling US officials in 2023 that there were no such plans. A US intelligence assessment released in March 2026 said China does not currently plan to invade Taiwan in 2027 and has no fixed timetable for reunification. The report said Beijing still prefers to achieve unification without the use of force if possible, while continuing to develop military options and contingency plans. The US Annual Threat Assessment concluded that Beijing prefers non-kinetic means if possible. Also read: China deploys more than 100 ships near Taiwan after Trump-Xi meeting, says Taipei Taiwan and China: Shift from invasion risk to coercive pressure Nevertheless, the year 2027 remains a capability checkpoint that worries military planners. It would also carry political symbolism for Xi if China were able to make significant progress towards its Taiwan-related objectives by then. Recent military developments across the Taiwan Strait should be seen in this context. In late 2024 and 2025, China conducted a series of large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, including blockade and encirclement simulations. In December 2025, the PLA held "Justice Mission" drills that featured scenarios linked to isolating and pressuring the island. Taiwan's military preparations Taiwan plans to deploy High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and other long-range strike assets to strengthen deterrence, including on strategically important outlying islands such as Penghu and Dongyin. Taiwan is also seeking to advance major US arms purchases, with reports indicating that discussions have included packages worth up to US$14 billion. It is considering additional long-range precision-strike capabilities and continues to invest in asymmetric warfare systems, such as anti-ship missiles, drones and mobile launchers. Domestic debates continue in Taiwan over special defence budgets, amid opposition resistance and legislative wrangling. In 2026, proposals for substantial additional defence spending remained under debate. Taiwan is also expanding its anti-ship missile arsenal, with plans to field significantly larger numbers of Harpoon and indigenous Hsiung Feng missiles by the end of the decade as part of its strategy to deter a Chinese blockade or invasion. Trump's ambivalence amid PLA's aerial and naval activity around Taiwan Dozens of Chinese aircraft sorties and multiple naval vessels are regularly detected around the Taiwan. Chinese military pressure has increasingly taken the form of so-called "grey-zone" operations that stop short of open conflict. The administration of President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has at times sent mixed signals on how the United States would respond to a Taiwan contingency. Trump has claimed that Xi assured him China would not attack Taiwan during his presidency, although Beijing has not publicly confirmed such an understanding. At the same time, US officials have continued public reaffirmations of support for Taiwan's defence needs and arms purchases. The key question, therefore, is not whether China will necessarily attack Taiwan in 2027, but whether the PLA will have achieved by then the military capabilities that Chinese leaders may wish to keep available as an option. Increasingly, US intelligence assessments suggest that 2027 - the year of 'Davidson Window' - should be seen as a readiness benchmark rather than a deadline for war.

The Davidson Window is a US strategic concept on China's military readiness for a Taiwan contingency by 2027. PLA build-up, drills and Taiwan's defence efforts keep concerns alive even as both US and China do not foresee an all-out invasion in the near term. Here is what you know:

Will China attack Taiwan in 2027? What's the Davidson Window?

Meta Platforms has announced a $115 million new training initiative, America’s Workforce Academy (AWA), that will allow Americans to take free, five-week courses in skilled trades and a guaranteed job after graduation. The initiative aims to staff the sprawling data centres required to compete in the artificial intelligence industry. The programme is being launched in collaboration with commercial real estate services firm CBRE and the Associated Builders and Contractors. It is set to target a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople in the US by offering training in roles including electrical work, HVAC installation, welding, plumbing and fibre-optic technology. Those who complete the programme will earn an industry-recognised certification from the National Centre for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), along with an America's Workforce Certificate. A key feature of the initiative is its employment pathway. Upon graduation, participants will be directly matched with one of Meta's general contractors working at an active data centre construction site, effectively providing a guaranteed route into the workforce.<h3>The pilot programme</h3>The initiative will initially be rolled out in Louisiana, Ohio, Indiana and Texas, all of which are already hosting existing or set to host Meta data centre projects. The move reflects Meta's infrastructure ambitions. Meta's largest data centre project, Hyperion, is being developed in Richland Parish, Louisiana. The company has described the facility as so expansive that it would occupy a substantial portion of Manhattan. The Associated Builders and Contractors estimates that the US-based construction industry will need to add nearly 349,000 net new workers this year alone to fulfil demand generated by the data centre boom. The labour market research firm Lightcast analysed that total data centre-related construction job postings have roughly doubled over the past two years.&nbsp;Announcing the initiative, the company said: “Meta is proud to be partnering with the National Urban League, the Associated Builders and Contractors, and CBRE, as well as community partners across the country including, the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, STRIVE, Boone County Economic Development Corporation (IN), Richland Parish Chamber of Commerce (LA), Workforce Solutions Borderplex (TX), and Ohio Chamber of Commerce (OH)”.&nbsp;Meta added that it is “launching America’s Workforce Academy (AWA) to build upon the huge demand we saw for Meta’s first major initiative of this kind, Level-Up, Meta’s fibre installation training program that received 35,000 applications in the first seven days”.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-russia-lead-record-119-billion-nuclear-arms-surge-where-does-india-stand-1780981437231">US, China, Russia lead record $119 billion nuclear arms surge: Where does India stand?</a> The programme reflects a significant shift in how technology companies view workforce development. For years, the sector has largely focused on promoting coding, software engineering and computer science education. Meta's new academy, however, acknowledges that the rapid expansion of physical infrastructure also requires a highly skilled workforce in construction and technical trades. Meta is not the only company addressing this challenge. Earlier this year, the BlackRock Foundation launched a $100 million initiative aimed at expanding training opportunities in skilled trades. A substantial share of the funding has been allocated to electrician training programmes in Texas, where demand for workers has surged alongside the rapid growth of data centres.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 America’s Workforce Academy (AWA) is set to target a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople in the US by offering training in roles including electrical work, HVAC installation, welding, plumbing and fibre-optic technology.

Meta Platforms has announced a $115 million new training initiative, America’s Workforce Academy (AWA), that will allow Americans to take free, five-week courses in skilled trades and a guaranteed job after graduation. The initiative aims to staff the sprawling data centres required to compete in the artificial intelligence industry. The programme is being launched in collaboration with commercial real estate services firm CBRE and the Associated Builders and Contractors. It is set to target a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople in the US by offering training in roles including electrical work, HVAC installation, welding, plumbing and fibre-optic technology. Those who complete the programme will earn an industry-recognised certification from the National Centre for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), along with an America's Workforce Certificate. A key feature of the initiative is its employment pathway. Upon graduation, participants will be directly matched with one of Meta's general contractors working at an active data centre construction site, effectively providing a guaranteed route into the workforce. The pilot programme The initiative will initially be rolled out in Louisiana, Ohio, Indiana and Texas, all of which are already hosting existing or set to host Meta data centre projects. The move reflects Meta's infrastructure ambitions. Meta's largest data centre project, Hyperion, is being developed in Richland Parish, Louisiana. The company has described the facility as so expansive that it would occupy a substantial portion of Manhattan. The Associated Builders and Contractors estimates that the US-based construction industry will need to add nearly 349,000 net new workers this year alone to fulfil demand generated by the data centre boom. The labour market research firm Lightcast analysed that total data centre-related construction job postings have roughly doubled over the past two years. Announcing the initiative, the company said: “Meta is proud to be partnering with the National Urban League, the Associated Builders and Contractors, and CBRE, as well as community partners across the country including, the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, STRIVE, Boone County Economic Development Corporation (IN), Richland Parish Chamber of Commerce (LA), Workforce Solutions Borderplex (TX), and Ohio Chamber of Commerce (OH)”. Meta added that it is “launching America’s Workforce Academy (AWA) to build upon the huge demand we saw for Meta’s first major initiative of this kind, Level-Up, Meta’s fibre installation training program that received 35,000 applications in the first seven days”. Also read: US, China, Russia lead record $119 billion nuclear arms surge: Where does India stand? The programme reflects a significant shift in how technology companies view workforce development. For years, the sector has largely focused on promoting coding, software engineering and computer science education. Meta's new academy, however, acknowledges that the rapid expansion of physical infrastructure also requires a highly skilled workforce in construction and technical trades. Meta is not the only company addressing this challenge. Earlier this year, the BlackRock Foundation launched a $100 million initiative aimed at expanding training opportunities in skilled trades. A substantial share of the funding has been allocated to electrician training programmes in Texas, where demand for workers has surged alongside the rapid growth of data centres.

&nbsp;America’s Workforce Academy (AWA) is set to target a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople in the US by offering training in roles including electrical work, HVAC installation, welding, plumbing and fibre-optic technology.

Free training, guaranteed jobs: Meta launches $115 million five-week programme to boost AI data centre

OpenAI said on Monday that it has confidentially filed for a draft for IPO. The company is expected to go public as early as Q4FY26 with a valuation that could be close to a trillion dollars. The AI giant has submitted its S-1 form for review and is keeping the sensitive financial books private before they are made public to the prospective investors.“We recently submitted a confidential S-1. We expect it to leak, so we’re just announcing it. We have not decided on timing yet; it may be a while because there are things we want to do that are likely easier as a private company. But it’s a complicated set of tradeoffs, and this gives us the option to go public sooner if that ends up being best,” read OpenAI's blog post.The company has a private valuation of somewhat close to $850 billion. CFO Sarah Friar told CNBC in April that it’s “good hygiene” for a company like OpenAI to look, feel and act like a “public company”. However, she did not mention a specific timeline for the IPO. The company is currently working with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley on the filing.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-exports-may-2026-ai-ev-tech-demand-trade-surplus-1780983208551">China exports surge 19.4% in May as AI, EV and tech demand offset West Asia war risks</a><h2>Open AI Financial reality</h2>OpenAI was last valued privately at $852 billion; going public would shed light on the real financial margin and expose the company to intense scrutiny. It flagship LLM (large language model) ChatGPT now supports more than 900 million active users weekly. OpenAI has raised around $180 billion in private VC funding. It is burning staggering computing and operational infrastructure costs exceeding $100 billion annually. Internal communication from the company, reported by the Wall Street Journal, states that it is not expected to be profitable before 2030. It plans to spend roughly $600 billion on computing and data centres by 2030, as reported by CNBC and Reuters.<h2>Race to Wall Street</h2>OpenAI marks the third AI giant which is racing to become public. Its primary rival, Anthropic, maker of Claude, has beaten them to the market with a confidential filing, at a private valuation of roughly $965 billion. Elon Musk's rocket maker SpaceX is leading the pack with its record-breaking $1.77 trillion valuation. SpaceX stock trading is scheduled to officially start on Friday, June 12, 2026, and is expected to raise around $75 billion.&nbsp;

OpenAI has confidentially filed for an IPO and could go public as early as Q4 FY26. The ChatGPT maker is reportedly targeting a valuation approaching $1 trillion amid soaring AI demand.

OpenAI said on Monday that it has confidentially filed for a draft for IPO. The company is expected to go public as early as Q4FY26 with a valuation that could be close to a trillion dollars. The AI giant has submitted its S-1 form for review and is keeping the sensitive financial books private before they are made public to the prospective investors. “We recently submitted a confidential S-1. We expect it to leak, so we’re just announcing it. We have not decided on timing yet; it may be a while because there are things we want to do that are likely easier as a private company. But it’s a complicated set of tradeoffs, and this gives us the option to go public sooner if that ends up being best,” read OpenAI's blog post. The company has a private valuation of somewhat close to $850 billion. CFO Sarah Friar told CNBC in April that it’s “good hygiene” for a company like OpenAI to look, feel and act like a “public company”. However, she did not mention a specific timeline for the IPO. The company is currently working with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley on the filing. Also Read: China exports surge 19.4% in May as AI, EV and tech demand offset West Asia war risks Open AI Financial reality OpenAI was last valued privately at $852 billion; going public would shed light on the real financial margin and expose the company to intense scrutiny. It flagship LLM (large language model) ChatGPT now supports more than 900 million active users weekly. OpenAI has raised around $180 billion in private VC funding. It is burning staggering computing and operational infrastructure costs exceeding $100 billion annually. Internal communication from the company, reported by the Wall Street Journal, states that it is not expected to be profitable before 2030. It plans to spend roughly $600 billion on computing and data centres by 2030, as reported by CNBC and Reuters. Race to Wall Street OpenAI marks the third AI giant which is racing to become public. Its primary rival, Anthropic, maker of Claude, has beaten them to the market with a confidential filing, at a private valuation of roughly $965 billion. Elon Musk's rocket maker SpaceX is leading the pack with its record-breaking $1.77 trillion valuation. SpaceX stock trading is scheduled to officially start on Friday, June 12, 2026, and is expected to raise around $75 billion.

OpenAI has confidentially filed for an IPO and could go public as early as Q4 FY26. The ChatGPT maker is reportedly targeting a valuation approaching $1 trillion amid soaring AI demand.

Race to Wall Street- OpenAI files confidentially for IPO on US stock market

Even as reports of tense exchanges between US President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu emerge, Israel's Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter has brushed them aside terming it as “lover's spat.” In an interview he said that the “deep friendship” between Israel and the US go back to 40 years and the conversation can get heated sometimes. He insisted that both countries are working collaboratively on Iran. He went on to accuse journalists of playing a misleading narrative.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-100-days-of-iran-us-war-trump-revives-two-weeks-timeline-what-he-said-1780966729704/amp">After 100 days of Iran-US war, Trump revives 'two weeks' timeline - What he said</a>&nbsp;"They have a deep friendship that goes back some 40 years, and sometimes lovers have a spat, and sometimes the tension in the room and on the conversation can get a little heated," Leiter said while talking to Fox News. The Israeli diplomat claimed that while the Israeli leader "decided" to "lower the temperature" on military action against Iran at Trump's request, the US president understands "full well" Israel can't “absorb ballistic missiles into our country without responding.” "For the most part, we're dealing with a very, very close collaborative effort between the United States and Israel, and there's tremendous understanding," he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-should-we-pick-a-fight-netanyahu-calls-off-massive-iran-strike-after-trump-s-warning-call-1780968052307/amp">'Why should we pick a fight...': Netanyahu calls off massive Iran strike after Trump's warning call</a>&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly called off a massive strike on Iran with fighter jets on the runway, after US President Donald Trump's call. When told by other Israeli leaders to not give in to US pressure over Iran, Netanyahu said that they shouldn't pick up a fight with the US president. Later, Netanyahu reportedly defended the coordination with Washington. “We are on the same page as Trump,” Netanyahu was quoted as saying. “He is not releasing Iran’s frozen funds, he is determined to secure the nuclear material, and he is maintaining the pressure. Why should we pick a fight with him?” He defended Israel’s strikes but announced that it is on hold “for now.” "After Iran attacked Israel, I directed the IDF to strike military and economic targets throughout Iran. At present, the fire on this front has been halted, because after the terrorist regime in Tehran was struck, it stopped attacking us,” he added, while warning that “if that terrorist regime makes the mistake of attacking us again, we will respond with force.”<h2>Tense exchanges between Trump and Netanyahu</h2>After Iran's attack, Trump called Netanyahu and asked him not to retaliate. However, soon after the warning, Israeli military said that it has attacked several locations inside Iran. Explosions were heard in Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj and Tabrej. Trump then called Netanyahu and told him that he would be isolated if he moves ahead with his Iran plans without paying heed to American negotiations. Trump had also asserted his authority and said on Sunday that it is he who “calls the shots and not the Israeli PM.” Last Monday, Axios reported that Trump's call with Netanyahu was expletive laden. He reportedly told the Israeli PM that he is “fucking crazy” and that everyone “hates Israel.” The Axios report this morning quotes the US president saying: “I said, 'Bibi, you better be careful, or you will be on your own very soon.”&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Israel's US Envoy Yechiel Leiter dismissed rumors of a rift between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, framing their tense talks over Iran as a temporary "lovers' spat." He noted that while Israel eased its military stance at Trump's request, it retains the absolute right to self-defense

Even as reports of tense exchanges between US President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu emerge, Israel's Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter has brushed them aside terming it as “lover's spat.” In an interview he said that the “deep friendship” between Israel and the US go back to 40 years and the conversation can get heated sometimes. He insisted that both countries are working collaboratively on Iran. He went on to accuse journalists of playing a misleading narrative. Also Read: After 100 days of Iran-US war, Trump revives 'two weeks' timeline - What he said "They have a deep friendship that goes back some 40 years, and sometimes lovers have a spat, and sometimes the tension in the room and on the conversation can get a little heated," Leiter said while talking to Fox News. The Israeli diplomat claimed that while the Israeli leader "decided" to "lower the temperature" on military action against Iran at Trump's request, the US president understands "full well" Israel can't “absorb ballistic missiles into our country without responding.” "For the most part, we're dealing with a very, very close collaborative effort between the United States and Israel, and there's tremendous understanding," he added. Also Read: 'Why should we pick a fight...': Netanyahu calls off massive Iran strike after Trump's warning call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly called off a massive strike on Iran with fighter jets on the runway, after US President Donald Trump's call. When told by other Israeli leaders to not give in to US pressure over Iran, Netanyahu said that they shouldn't pick up a fight with the US president. Later, Netanyahu reportedly defended the coordination with Washington. “We are on the same page as Trump,” Netanyahu was quoted as saying. “He is not releasing Iran’s frozen funds, he is determined to secure the nuclear material, and he is maintaining the pressure. Why should we pick a fight with him?” He defended Israel’s strikes but announced that it is on hold “for now.” "After Iran attacked Israel, I directed the IDF to strike military and economic targets throughout Iran. At present, the fire on this front has been halted, because after the terrorist regime in Tehran was struck, it stopped attacking us,” he added, while warning that “if that terrorist regime makes the mistake of attacking us again, we will respond with force.” Tense exchanges between Trump and Netanyahu After Iran's attack, Trump called Netanyahu and asked him not to retaliate. However, soon after the warning, Israeli military said that it has attacked several locations inside Iran. Explosions were heard in Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj and Tabrej. Trump then called Netanyahu and told him that he would be isolated if he moves ahead with his Iran plans without paying heed to American negotiations. Trump had also asserted his authority and said on Sunday that it is he who “calls the shots and not the Israeli PM.” Last Monday, Axios reported that Trump's call with Netanyahu was expletive laden. He reportedly told the Israeli PM that he is “fucking crazy” and that everyone “hates Israel.” The Axios report this morning quotes the US president saying: “I said, 'Bibi, you better be careful, or you will be on your own very soon.” Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Israel's US Envoy Yechiel Leiter dismissed rumors of a rift between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, framing their tense talks over Iran as a temporary "lovers' spat." He noted that while Israel eased its military stance at Trump's request, it retains the absolute right to self-defense

Trump-Netanyahu having a 'lover's spat': Israel envoy defends tense exchanges between two leaders over Iran

In a joint operation between the Indian Coast Guard and the Omani authorities, at least 24 Indian seafarers were saved after a missile strike on a foreign-flagged oil tanker on Monday (June 8). The Palau-flagged vessel, Marivex, had reported a fire incident off the coast of Oman. Upon receiving the alert, Mumbai’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) collaborated with Omani officials to secure the crew's rescue. Footage from the scene showed Omani helicopters hovering over the ship's deck to evacuate the stranded seafarers. "Swift response by MRCC Mumbai following missile attack on MT Marivex in Oman SRR. On receiving information, MRCC Mumbai immediately coordinated with OMSC Oman, ensuring the safe rescue of 24 Indian crew by Oman Navy helicopters," it said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Swift response by <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/MRCC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MRCC</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> following missile attack on MT Marivex in <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/OmanSRR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OmanSRR</a>. On receiving information, MRCC Mumbai immediately coordinated with OMSC Oman, ensuring the safe rescue of 24 <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> crew by <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Oman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oman</a> Navy helicopters.<a href="https://x.com/IndiaCoastGuard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaCoastGuard</a> remains steadfast in its… <a href="https://t.co/ULDjzgEK4g">pic.twitter.com/ULDjzgEK4g</a>&mdash; Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) <a href="https://x.com/IndiaCoastGuard/status/2064142668972867943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-caused-the-deadly-delhi-malviya-nagar-hotel-fire-probe-points-to-two-possible-triggers-what-we-know-1780977125526">What caused the deadly Delhi hotel fire? Probe points to two possible triggers – What we know</a><h3>All Indian seafarers are safe</h3>Maritime traffic data indicated that the vessel Marivex was sailing from Karwar in India to Duqm in Oman when it was targeted in a missile attack. Shipping Ministry Director Opesh Kumar Sharma confirmed yesterday that all Indian seafarers on board are safe. He further noted that the Shipping Ministry, working alongside the Directorate General of Shipping, has successfully coordinated the safe repatriation of 3,506 Indian seafarers to date, which includes 32 sailors brought home within the last 96 hours. Additionally, the Coast Guard reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting Indian lives throughout the Indian Ocean region, maintaining close coordination with neighbouring coastal nations. "International cooperation with friendly foreign countries remains a key focus for ICG to ensure prompt and effective search and rescue in the Indo-Pacific," it added.&nbsp;

An Indian Coast Guard and Omani joint operation rescued 24 Indian seafarers after a missile strike hit the Palau-flagged tanker Marivex off Oman on June 8. All crew are safe, and the Shipping Ministry is coordinating their repatriation.

In a joint operation between the Indian Coast Guard and the Omani authorities, at least 24 Indian seafarers were saved after a missile strike on a foreign-flagged oil tanker on Monday (June 8). The Palau-flagged vessel, Marivex, had reported a fire incident off the coast of Oman. Upon receiving the alert, Mumbai’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) collaborated with Omani officials to secure the crew's rescue. Footage from the scene showed Omani helicopters hovering over the ship's deck to evacuate the stranded seafarers. "Swift response by MRCC Mumbai following missile attack on MT Marivex in Oman SRR. On receiving information, MRCC Mumbai immediately coordinated with OMSC Oman, ensuring the safe rescue of 24 Indian crew by Oman Navy helicopters," it said.

An Indian Coast Guard and Omani joint operation rescued 24 Indian seafarers after a missile strike hit the Palau-flagged tanker Marivex off Oman on June 8. All crew are safe, and the Shipping Ministry is coordinating their repatriation.

VIDEO: Indian Coast Guard and Oman officials rescue 24 Indian seafarers from burning tanker after missile attack

In a big revelation, the latest report by &nbsp;International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) stated that nuclear-armed countries increased their spending on atomic weapons by a fifth last year to a record high of nearly $119 billion. It also claimed that these nations have planned to ramp up those investments in the coming decades. According to the report, the world's nine nuclear-armed states jointly increased their spending on their arsenals by nearly $17 billion last year, with US, China and Russia leading in terms of numbers.&nbsp;<h2>Which countries spent the most on nuclear arsenals?</h2>According to the report, the US spent $69.2 billion on nuclear weapons in 2025 – which is more than all the other countries combined,. This is an increase of $12.4 billion from what Washington spent an year ago. China came second in terms of nuclear spending with $13.5 billion spent last year, then Britain at $12.6 billion and Russia at $9.5 billion. And over the past five years, ICAN, which won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize, found that the nine countries had spent over $470 billion on their arsenals. The study showed that all of the nuclear-armed states -- Britain, China, France, India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States – increased their spending last year.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-should-we-pick-a-fight-netanyahu-calls-off-massive-iran-strike-after-trump-s-warning-call-1780968052307/amp">'Why should we pick a fight...': Netanyahu calls off massive Iran strike after Trump's warning call</a>&nbsp;France allocated $7.7 billion in 2025 which was 8 per cent up from the previous year. Among the other nuclear powers, India spent $2.8 billion - a whopping 12 per cent increase, Pakistan spent $1.5 billion - a massive 18 per cent increase, Israel allocated $1.2 billion (+2 per cent), and North Korea spent an estimated $656 million, reflecting a 4 per cent rise.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-100-days-of-iran-us-war-trump-revives-two-weeks-timeline-what-he-said-1780966729704/amp">After 100 days of Iran-US war, Trump revives 'two weeks' timeline - What he said</a><h2>Warnings from ICAN</h2>The researchers said that the huge sums being spent were particularly jarring at a time when the global humanitarian system was reeling from dramatic funding cuts. "What these countries spent in 2025 could have paid 32 years of the UN operating budget," Snyder pointed out, adding that a single day of nuclear weapons spending last year could have provided food security to more than two million people. The ICAN report warned that at a time of growing geopolitical tensions, “a new nuclear arms race is upon us.” Susi Snyder, ICAN's director of programmes and co-author of that report, said the scale-up, coupled with fears that artificial intelligence could increase the risk of nuclear weapons use, was deeply alarming. "To be perfectly honest, I'm terrified," she told AFP.

Global spending on nuclear weapons reached a record $119 billion in 2025, led by the US, China, and Russia. A report by ICAN warns of a renewed arms race as nations modernize arsenals amid rising tensions, while SIPRI notes fewer warheads overall but greater readiness for use.

In a big revelation, the latest report by International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) stated that nuclear-armed countries increased their spending on atomic weapons by a fifth last year to a record high of nearly $119 billion. It also claimed that these nations have planned to ramp up those investments in the coming decades. According to the report, the world's nine nuclear-armed states jointly increased their spending on their arsenals by nearly $17 billion last year, with US, China and Russia leading in terms of numbers. Which countries spent the most on nuclear arsenals? According to the report, the US spent $69.2 billion on nuclear weapons in 2025 – which is more than all the other countries combined,. This is an increase of $12.4 billion from what Washington spent an year ago. China came second in terms of nuclear spending with $13.5 billion spent last year, then Britain at $12.6 billion and Russia at $9.5 billion. And over the past five years, ICAN, which won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize, found that the nine countries had spent over $470 billion on their arsenals. The study showed that all of the nuclear-armed states -- Britain, China, France, India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States – increased their spending last year. Also Read: 'Why should we pick a fight...': Netanyahu calls off massive Iran strike after Trump's warning call France allocated $7.7 billion in 2025 which was 8 per cent up from the previous year. Among the other nuclear powers, India spent $2.8 billion - a whopping 12 per cent increase, Pakistan spent $1.5 billion - a massive 18 per cent increase, Israel allocated $1.2 billion (+2 per cent), and North Korea spent an estimated $656 million, reflecting a 4 per cent rise. Also Read: After 100 days of Iran-US war, Trump revives 'two weeks' timeline - What he said Warnings from ICAN The researchers said that the huge sums being spent were particularly jarring at a time when the global humanitarian system was reeling from dramatic funding cuts. "What these countries spent in 2025 could have paid 32 years of the UN operating budget," Snyder pointed out, adding that a single day of nuclear weapons spending last year could have provided food security to more than two million people. The ICAN report warned that at a time of growing geopolitical tensions, “a new nuclear arms race is upon us.” Susi Snyder, ICAN's director of programmes and co-author of that report, said the scale-up, coupled with fears that artificial intelligence could increase the risk of nuclear weapons use, was deeply alarming. "To be perfectly honest, I'm terrified," she told AFP.

Global spending on nuclear weapons reached a record $119 billion in 2025, led by the US, China, and Russia. A report by ICAN warns of a renewed arms race as nations modernize arsenals amid rising tensions, while SIPRI notes fewer warheads overall but greater readiness for use.

US, China, Russia lead record $119 billion nuclear arms surge: Where does India stand?

US President Donald Trump was once again caught dozing off at a public event – this time during Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The president attended the match at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Monday (Jun 8), where he was seen shutting his eyes as he sat beside Knicks owner James Dolan and watched the game. The moment was caught on camera and went viral on social media.Trump, who often refers to former president Joe Biden as “sleepy Joe”, has himself faced several accusations of falling asleep during public appearances, with Democrats even calling him “the Commander-in-Sleep”.At the NBA game, Trump was greeted with rude gestures and a chorus of deafening boos during the national anthem. Later, he was recorded during the game with his eyes closed, appearing to have fallen asleep.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">DONALD TRUMP HAS FALLEN ASLEEP AT THE NBA FINALS IN MADISON SQUARE GARDEN. <a href="https://t.co/rFrW6c4cME">pic.twitter.com/rFrW6c4cME</a>&mdash; CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) <a href="https://x.com/CalltoActivism/status/2064162965100609620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨HOLY SHIT: The boos just happened AGAIN and Trump stops clapping as they get even LOUDER by the end of the clip. This is humiliating. <a href="https://t.co/PIu9C7jO7X">https://t.co/PIu9C7jO7X</a> <a href="https://t.co/0EHip5gDL0">pic.twitter.com/0EHip5gDL0</a>&mdash; CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) <a href="https://x.com/CalltoActivism/status/2064150714289438863?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The video of Trump dozing off at the NBA Finals was widely shared on social media, with several people criticising and trolling him.“Bringing half your cabinet courtside just to take a historic nap is wild. He didn’t come to watch the Knicks; he just paid thousands for a premium snooze,” a person wrote on X.“The most powerful man on earth falling asleep courtside at the NBA Finals tells you everything about the state of American politics,” another user said. “The cameras call it exhaustion. Voters call it decline. Markets call it transition.”“Thousands of dollars for courtside seats, and the highlight of the night was a presidential power nap. The Knicks were playing, but apparently REM sleep was the main event,” one person joked.One user pointed out, “Trump called Biden ‘Sleepy Joe’ for years, but now he’s the one dozing off at the NBA Finals. The irony is undefeated and courtside.”

A video appearing to show US President Donald Trump dozing off during Game 3 of the NBA Finals went viral online, prompting criticism and jokes on social media, with many highlighting the irony of his past attacks on “Sleepy Joe” Biden.

US President Donald Trump was once again caught dozing off at a public event – this time during Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The president attended the match at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Monday (Jun 8), where he was seen shutting his eyes as he sat beside Knicks owner James Dolan and watched the game. The moment was caught on camera and went viral on social media. Trump, who often refers to former president Joe Biden as “sleepy Joe”, has himself faced several accusations of falling asleep during public appearances, with Democrats even calling him “the Commander-in-Sleep”. At the NBA game, Trump was greeted with rude gestures and a chorus of deafening boos during the national anthem. Later, he was recorded during the game with his eyes closed, appearing to have fallen asleep.

A video appearing to show US President Donald Trump dozing off during Game 3 of the NBA Finals went viral online, prompting criticism and jokes on social media, with many highlighting the irony of his past attacks on “Sleepy Joe” Biden.

WATCH | Trump caught dozing off at NBA Finals; video goes viral

China's export pace peaked in May despite the bottleneck due to the war in West Asia. The overall export growth for May was at 19.4 per cent at $376.78 billion from a year, compared to the 14.1 per cent growth of April, surpassing the projected growth of 15 per cent. The AI-related technology export made up the largest growth; high-tech exports grew by 50 per cent in May compared to a year ago.<h2>Tech demands keep China's exports high</h2>&nbsp;Analysts predict the war in West Asia and the resulting energy crisis, projecting the demand for clean technology such as green tech and EV-related products. “The war is boosting demand for green exports, such as electric vehicles, batteries, solar products, and AI-related technology goods,” said Sheana Yue, senior economist at Oxford Economics. &nbsp;While exports grew at a faster pace, imports also jumped for the month at 27.4 per cent compared with April's 25.3 per cent year-on-year expansion. The massive export growth and the relatively slower import growth widened China's total monthly trade surplus to an unexpected $105.43 billion. Exports to the US in May surged by more than 35 per cent from the year before, after an 11 per cent increase in April.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/michael-reiter-bush-era-officials-jeffrey-epstein-prosecution-allegations-1780929002021">‘It felt like they were working for Epstein’: Former police chief makes explosive claim about Bush-era officials</a>Key performers are integrated circuits (ICs), which surged by 111 per cent, the most since 2013; computer and parts surged by 66 per cent, total high-tech exports jumped by 50.9 per cent, automatic data processing machines by 66 per cent, mobile phones by 44.3 per cent, autos by 39.3 per cent, and ships by 31 per cent. The major export destinations include the US, ASEAN countries, South Korea and Russia.China is the biggest importer of crude oil, but its import volume has dropped drastically. In May, crude oil import volume dropped by -29 per cent YoY. While import values rose 10.0 per cent YoY. China's large oil reserves afford it more flexibility to adjust imports strategically. Still, the import growth is driven mostly by technology imports rather than energy imports.&nbsp;A recent Federal Reserve paper reported that China's global trade surplus has topped 1 per cent of global GDP. Western regulators have warned about China Shock 2.0, as subsidised Chinese technology floods the world market, alleging that massive state subsidies account for roughly 60 per cent of Chinese firms' recent international market gains.

China's exports jumped 19.4% in May to $376.78 billion, driven by AI technology, EVs, semiconductors and green tech despite disruptions from the West Asia conflict.

China's export pace peaked in May despite the bottleneck due to the war in West Asia. The overall export growth for May was at 19.4 per cent at $376.78 billion from a year, compared to the 14.1 per cent growth of April, surpassing the projected growth of 15 per cent. The AI-related technology export made up the largest growth; high-tech exports grew by 50 per cent in May compared to a year ago. Tech demands keep China's exports high Analysts predict the war in West Asia and the resulting energy crisis, projecting the demand for clean technology such as green tech and EV-related products. “The war is boosting demand for green exports, such as electric vehicles, batteries, solar products, and AI-related technology goods,” said Sheana Yue, senior economist at Oxford Economics. While exports grew at a faster pace, imports also jumped for the month at 27.4 per cent compared with April's 25.3 per cent year-on-year expansion. The massive export growth and the relatively slower import growth widened China's total monthly trade surplus to an unexpected $105.43 billion. Exports to the US in May surged by more than 35 per cent from the year before, after an 11 per cent increase in April. Also Read: ‘It felt like they were working for Epstein’: Former police chief makes explosive claim about Bush-era officials Key performers are integrated circuits (ICs), which surged by 111 per cent, the most since 2013; computer and parts surged by 66 per cent, total high-tech exports jumped by 50.9 per cent, automatic data processing machines by 66 per cent, mobile phones by 44.3 per cent, autos by 39.3 per cent, and ships by 31 per cent. The major export destinations include the US, ASEAN countries, South Korea and Russia. China is the biggest importer of crude oil, but its import volume has dropped drastically. In May, crude oil import volume dropped by -29 per cent YoY. While import values rose 10.0 per cent YoY. China's large oil reserves afford it more flexibility to adjust imports strategically. Still, the import growth is driven mostly by technology imports rather than energy imports. A recent Federal Reserve paper reported that China's global trade surplus has topped 1 per cent of global GDP. Western regulators have warned about China Shock 2.0, as subsidised Chinese technology floods the world market, alleging that massive state subsidies account for roughly 60 per cent of Chinese firms' recent international market gains.

China's exports jumped 19.4% in May to $376.78 billion, driven by AI technology, EVs, semiconductors and green tech despite disruptions from the West Asia conflict.

China exports surge 19.4% in May as AI, EV and tech demand offset West Asia war risks

A US teen who survived a school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, which took place in January 2025, has registered a lawsuit against the manufacturer of an AI gun detection system, as the technology failed to flag the handgun used in the attack. The incident, which took place in the Antioch High School cafeteria, has claimed the lives of two people, including a 16-year-old girl and the 17-year-old gunman, Solomon Henderson. In 2023, the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) Board approved a $1 million contract to deploy AI-powered gun detection software across its existing network of surveillance cameras and security systems. The technology was intended to identify potential shooters and improve school safety. However, a lawsuit filed in Davidson County last month alleges that security firm Omnilert either knew or should have been aware of major operational shortcomings in its gun-detection technology that could lead to failures in identifying threats. "Omnilert knew, or reasonably should have known, of significant operational limitations in its gun detection system that could result in detection failures during actual emergencies, including limitations based on camera placement, proximity of the weapon to camera sensors, camera angle, lighting, and weapon visibility," the lawsuit stated.&nbsp;The complaint further claims that after the Nashville incident, Omnilert updated its website to draw attention to the system's significant blind spots and limitations. "Omnilert's own post-shooting revisions to its commercial website, adding for the first time disclosures that the system is subject to "falsealerts" and that human verification is designed to ‘reduce false alerts’, confirm that Omnilert possessed knowledge of these limitations at the time of sale and deployment." Chris Smith, one of the attorneys representing the teenager involved in the case, told ArcTechnica that he was initially doubtful about the effectiveness and reliability of AI-based gun detection technology. "I just thought that it was kind of bullshit. I have a Tesla, and I think Tesla's self-driving is bullshit," he said. "It's not ready for prime time! How could you possibly be entrusting that? That's your plan to protect kids from school shootings? Why is this any better than a metal detector?"&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-should-we-pick-a-fight-netanyahu-calls-off-massive-iran-strike-after-trump-s-warning-call-1780968052307">'Why should we pick a fight...': Netanyahu calls off massive Iran strike after Trump's warning call</a><h3>High School shooting incident</h3>Last Wednesday, an 18-year-old was killed, and three others were injured during a shooting incident that occurred at a high school graduation ceremony in California's Bay Area. The incident erupted after the ceremony for Sem Yeto High School, which started at 6 pm local time. Meanwhile, the police couldn't publicly identify the mass shooting victims "pending next-of-kin notification and to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation". "Three victims, ages 11, 20, and 25, sustained non-fatal gunshot injuries. A fourth victim, an 18-year-old, succumbed to their injuries," said Fairfield Police Officer Michelle Belyea.&nbsp;

A lawsuit filed in Davidson County last month alleges that security firm Omnilert either knew or should have been aware of major operational shortcomings in its gun-detection technology that could lead to failures in identifying threats.

A US teen who survived a school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, which took place in January 2025, has registered a lawsuit against the manufacturer of an AI gun detection system, as the technology failed to flag the handgun used in the attack. The incident, which took place in the Antioch High School cafeteria, has claimed the lives of two people, including a 16-year-old girl and the 17-year-old gunman, Solomon Henderson. In 2023, the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) Board approved a $1 million contract to deploy AI-powered gun detection software across its existing network of surveillance cameras and security systems. The technology was intended to identify potential shooters and improve school safety. However, a lawsuit filed in Davidson County last month alleges that security firm Omnilert either knew or should have been aware of major operational shortcomings in its gun-detection technology that could lead to failures in identifying threats. "Omnilert knew, or reasonably should have known, of significant operational limitations in its gun detection system that could result in detection failures during actual emergencies, including limitations based on camera placement, proximity of the weapon to camera sensors, camera angle, lighting, and weapon visibility," the lawsuit stated. The complaint further claims that after the Nashville incident, Omnilert updated its website to draw attention to the system's significant blind spots and limitations. "Omnilert's own post-shooting revisions to its commercial website, adding for the first time disclosures that the system is subject to "falsealerts" and that human verification is designed to ‘reduce false alerts’, confirm that Omnilert possessed knowledge of these limitations at the time of sale and deployment." Chris Smith, one of the attorneys representing the teenager involved in the case, told ArcTechnica that he was initially doubtful about the effectiveness and reliability of AI-based gun detection technology. "I just thought that it was kind of bullshit. I have a Tesla, and I think Tesla's self-driving is bullshit," he said. "It's not ready for prime time! How could you possibly be entrusting that? That's your plan to protect kids from school shootings? Why is this any better than a metal detector?" Also read: 'Why should we pick a fight...': Netanyahu calls off massive Iran strike after Trump's warning call High School shooting incident Last Wednesday, an 18-year-old was killed, and three others were injured during a shooting incident that occurred at a high school graduation ceremony in California's Bay Area. The incident erupted after the ceremony for Sem Yeto High School, which started at 6 pm local time. Meanwhile, the police couldn't publicly identify the mass shooting victims "pending next-of-kin notification and to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation". "Three victims, ages 11, 20, and 25, sustained non-fatal gunshot injuries. A fourth victim, an 18-year-old, succumbed to their injuries," said Fairfield Police Officer Michelle Belyea.

A lawsuit filed in Davidson County last month alleges that security firm Omnilert either knew or should have been aware of major operational shortcomings in its gun-detection technology that could lead to failures in identifying threats.

US school shooting survivor files lawsuit against AI gun detection company

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WATCH | Trump caught dozing off at NBA Finals; video goes viral

China exports surge 19.4% as AI, EV and tech demand offset West Asia war risks

US school shooting survivor files lawsuit against AI gun detection company