Iran Could Restart Nuclear Enrichment for Bomb Within Months, Warns UN Watchdog

BBC News,

The head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, has warned that Iran could resume uranium enrichment for weapons purposes within months, despite recent US and Israeli airstrikes. Grossi, speaking to CBS News, said Iran still maintains the technical and industrial capability to restart its nuclear program. This contradicts former US President Donald Trump’s claim that the strikes “totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The IAEA reported that although significant damage was done to facilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, Iran could soon resume enrichment. Meanwhile, tensions remain high as Iran’s Supreme Leader and Foreign Ministry sent mixed signals about the impact of the strikes. Iran’s parliament has suspended cooperation with the IAEA, accusing it of bias. The US and Israel launched strikes after Iran was found in breach of its non-proliferation obligations. Although a ceasefire has been declared, Iran remains skeptical of Israel’s intentions, and Trump has said further strikes remain on the table if Iran moves forward with uranium enrichment.

Chinese Factory Activity Slightly Improves Amid Temporary Tariff Delay

Associated Press,

China’s manufacturing activity saw modest improvement in June, rising from 49.5 to 49.7 in the official purchasing managers index (PMI), after a 90-day delay in higher tariffs from the US. Despite this uptick, the index remains below the 50-point threshold signaling expansion, indicating ongoing contraction. The temporary revival mostly benefitted large firms; small and mid-sized companies continued to struggle, and hiring declined. Export orders stayed weak, and similar trends were observed in Japan and South Korea, where output remained sluggish. Trump stated he has no intention of extending the tariff pause beyond July 9. Meanwhile, trade negotiations with China remain stalled, and only partial agreements—such as a deal on rare earth exports—have been reached. Analysts warn that the short-term boost from the tariff delay may not be sustainable without broader trade resolutions. The manufacturing sector across Asia remains fragile amid prolonged trade uncertainties.

China’s Top Diplomat Wang Yi to Visit EU, Germany, and France for Strategic Talks

The Straits Times,

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will travel to Europe next week to hold high-level talks with EU, German, and French officials, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. The visit will include a strategic dialogue with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas in Brussels and bilateral discussions with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. Wang will also meet with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Deputy PM Maxime Prevot. The diplomatic tour comes as China seeks to manage tensions with the West amid trade and geopolitical challenges. Beijing aims to deepen dialogue and cooperation while countering what it sees as increasing pressure from the US and EU on issues ranging from human rights to market access and global governance. Analysts suggest the trip reflects Beijing’s attempt to diversify diplomatic engagement amid growing polarization in international politics.

Intercepted Iranian Call Suggests US Strikes Less Effective Than Publicly Claimed

The Washington Post,

Classified US intelligence has revealed intercepted communications among senior Iranian officials indicating that recent US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities were less effective than anticipated. According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, the Iranian officials privately discussed their surprise at the limited destruction caused by the strikes, which were directed by former President Trump. This assessment aligns with earlier leaks from the Pentagon suggesting the damage may have set Iran’s program back only by a few months. These revelations undermine Trump’s public assertions that the strikes were one of the most successful military actions in history. The intercepted call adds further complexity to the ongoing narrative around Iran’s nuclear program and Washington’s strategy. It also raises questions about intelligence accuracy and the potential for miscalculation in an already tense regional environment.

Air India Flight Returns Mid-Air After Burning Smell Detected; Safety Concerns Mount

Livemint,

An Air India flight from Mumbai to Chennai was forced to return mid-air on June 27 after a burning smell was detected in the cabin, marking the latest in a string of safety incidents involving the airline. Flight AI 639 returned safely, and an alternate aircraft was arranged for passengers. While the source of the smell was not disclosed, Air India assured that all necessary safety procedures were followed. The incident follows a non-specific security alert on another Air India flight the previous day and a technical glitch on a Delhi-Jammu flight that also required an emergency return. These events come just two weeks after a catastrophic crash of Air India’s international flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, which resulted in 270 fatalities. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is probing the cause of that crash. These repeated incidents have raised public concern over Air India’s operational safety standards and triggered calls for regulatory scrutiny.