Israel Attacks Iranian Nuclear Sites; Iranian Missiles Damage Israeli Hospital

Reuters,

Israel launched a major strike against Iran’s key nuclear facilities on Thursday, targeting the Khondab nuclear reactor in Arak and a site near Natanz believed to be linked to nuclear weapons development. Iranian missiles in response struck several locations in Israel, including a hospital in the southern city of Beersheba, causing extensive damage and injuring several people. Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed that Iran would “pay the full price,” while Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated a significant intensification of military operations against Tehran. The week-long conflict has resulted in hundreds of deaths, extensive damage to civilian and military infrastructure in both countries, and a sharp rise in oil prices as fears grow of a broader Middle East conflict. President Donald Trump has not committed to U.S. military involvement, with diplomatic efforts ongoing but fragile. The escalation marks the deadliest direct confrontation between the two regional powers in decades, with global leaders calling for restraint amid surging regional instability.

China Rebukes Ursula von der Leyen’s ‘Baseless, Biased’ G7 Speech

Euronews,

China strongly criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following her remarks at the G7 summit, where she accused Beijing of perpetuating “dominance, dependency, and blackmail” in its global trading practices. Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun denounced the speech as “baseless and biased,” accusing the EU of double standards and protectionism. The diplomatic clash comes amid heightened tensions over trade policies, with both the EU and China accusing each other of unfair subsidies and market distortions. Von der Leyen highlighted the ongoing risks posed by China’s dominance in rare earths, a sector vital for modern technologies. Beijing has recently imposed restrictions on rare earth exports, drawing criticism from the EU and the U.S. Despite the heated exchange, both sides have signaled interest in maintaining dialogue, with an EU-China summit scheduled for late July. The ongoing friction underscores deeper concerns about global supply chains and the future of multilateral economic cooperation.

Ships Advised to Avoid Iranian Waters as Hormuz Strait Tensions Escalate

Reuters,

Commercial vessels in the Gulf region have been advised to steer clear of Iranian territorial waters near the Strait of Hormuz amid intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran. Maritime agencies report that most ships are hugging Oman’s coastline to reduce risk, while Iranian-flagged vessels remain in their own waters. Recent days have seen a surge in electronic interference with navigation systems and a significant rise in supertanker earnings, reflecting elevated regional threats. The Gulf of Oman and the narrow Hormuz Strait are critical chokepoints for global oil shipments, and any disruption could have severe consequences for world energy markets. QatarEnergy has instructed its tankers to delay entering the Strait until the last possible moment, while the Greek Shipping Ministry has issued similar warnings to its fleet. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected U.S. demands for surrender, as the risk of miscalculation or escalation in the maritime domain remains high.

Flights Resume to Bali After Mount Lewotobi Eruption Disrupts Air Traffic

Reuters,

Flights to and from Indonesia’s popular tourist island of Bali have resumed following major disruptions caused by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara province. On Tuesday, the volcano sent ash 11 kilometers into the sky, forcing the cancellation or delay of 87 international and domestic flights. Operations returned to normal on Thursday, with airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, Virgin Australia, JetStar, and Singapore Airlines resuming scheduled service to destinations including Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and China. Airports in the immediate vicinity of the eruption temporarily closed but have now mostly reopened, except for Fransiskus Xaverius Seda airport in Maumere, which remains shut due to lingering ash. Local authorities evacuated dozens of residents from nearby villages, as Tuesday’s eruption marked the volcano’s largest since November of last year. Indonesia, situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” remains vulnerable to frequent volcanic and seismic activity.

SpaceX Successfully Launches 26 Starlink Satellites and Lands Rocket at Sea

Supercar Blondie,

SpaceX has successfully launched 26 Starlink satellites from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base, with the Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage landing precisely on a droneship in the Pacific Ocean. This marks the third successful mission for the booster supporting the Starlink constellation, which aims to provide global internet connectivity, including “Direct to Cell” services in remote areas. The company has announced plans for another Starlink launch imminently, underscoring SpaceX’s aggressive expansion of its satellite network. The recent accomplishment also included notable achievements in reusable rocket technology and satellite deployment. Meanwhile, other space exploration milestones continue to capture attention, including NASA’s robotic exploration and the Perseverance Rover’s ongoing mission on Mars.

Kim Jong Un to Send 6,000 More Workers to Russia’s Kursk Region for Reconstruction

Business Insider,

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is sending an additional 6,000 personnel to Russia’s Kursk region, following heavy losses among North Korean forces deployed earlier to support Russian military efforts. According to Russian official Sergei Shoigu, the new group will include 1,000 military engineers for mine clearance and 5,000 workers to restore damaged infrastructure. UK intelligence estimates that over 6,000 North Koreans have already been killed or wounded in the fighting around Kursk since Ukrainian forces seized parts of the region in 2024. Pyongyang’s support for Moscow has deepened in recent months, with North Korea reportedly receiving economic aid and military technology in exchange. The deployment is viewed as mutually beneficial: Kim gains hard currency and critical military knowledge, while Russia bolsters its labor force for reconstruction amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine. South Korea’s government is closely monitoring the situation, given the growing military ties between Russia and North Korea.