International

Trump Announces Complete Ceasefire Between Israel and Iran, Declares End to 12-Day War

June 24, 2025 by NOK Desk

United States President Donald Trump announced on Monday (local time) what he described as a “complete and total” ceasefire between Israel and Iran, stating that it would take effect in approximately six hours.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the ceasefire has been jointly agreed upon by both nations and would mark a significant de-escalation in hostilities that have gripped the region.

“CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED!” he wrote.

According to Trump, Iran will initiate the ceasefire first, followed by Israel, resulting in a complete cessation of hostilities within the next 24 hours. He also urged both countries to remain “peaceful and respectful” during the overlapping ceasefire windows.

“Officially, Iran will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 12th Hour, Israel will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 24th Hour, an Official END to THE 12 DAY WAR will be saluted by the World. During each CEASEFIRE, the other side will remain PEACEFUL and RESPECTFUL,” he stated.

“On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, “THE 12 DAY WAR.” This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will!,” he said.

“God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!” he added.

The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched a massive airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, codenamed “Operation Rising Lion”. In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) initiated a large-scale drone and missile campaign called ‘Operation True Promise 3’, targeting Israeli fighter jet fuel production facilities and energy supply centres.

Tensions escalated further after the US conducted precision airstrikes early Sunday morning on three key Iranian nuclear facilities under “Operation Midnight Hammer.”

Iran retaliated by launching multiple missiles at US military installations in Qatar and Iraq, including the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar–the largest US military base in the region, CNN reported. (ANI)

Flight Disruptions Hit Indian Airports After Gulf Airspace Closure Amid Escalating Iran-US Conflict

June 24, 2025 by NOK Desk

Flight operations to and from several airports in the country were disrupted due to airspace closures in Qatar and parts of the Gulf region on Monday.

This included — (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, and Mangaluru International Airport.

In addition, Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow and Cochin International Airport in Kerala also issued advisories cautioning passengers of possible delays and cancellations.

In a statement, Cochin International Airport confirmed operational disruptions to several flights due to operational reasons. The affected flights include A1953 (Cochin to Doha), SG018 (Cochin to Dubai), 6E1403 (Cochin to Abu Dhabi), 6E1493 (Cochin to Riyadh), 6E1271 (Cochin to Muscat), 6E1272 (Muscat to Cochin), 6E1206/055 (Bahrain to Cochin to Dammam), SG017 (Dubai to Cochin), and 6E1404 (Abu Dhabi to Cochin), it said.

Authorities at all these airports advised passengers to confirm flight statuses with their airlines before heading to the airport, seeking their cooperation during this period.

This came following a significant escalation that unfolded in the region after Iran launched multiple missiles targeting US military installations in Qatar and Iraq, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar– the largest US military installation in the region, according to CNN.

The attacks were believed to be a retaliatory move by Iran following US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities — Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow — in the early hours of Sunday.

Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump announced on Monday (local time) what he described as a “complete and total” ceasefire between Israel and Iran, stating that it would take effect in approximately six hours. (ANI)

Iran Targets US Air Base in Qatar with Missiles in Retaliation for Airstrikes

June 24, 2025June 24, 2025 by NOK Desk

Iran launched a missile attack on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. military facility in the Middle East, in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. Reports indicate Iran fired six to ten short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, with Qatar’s air defenses successfully intercepting them, resulting in no U.S. casualties or significant damage. Iran coordinated the attack with Qatar in advance, and the U.S. was also notified, allowing for base evacuation and minimizing harm. Qatar condemned the attack as a violation of its sovereignty but noted it posed no threat to its people. The strike, named “Operation Besharat Fatah” by Iran, was described as a symbolic response, with the number of missiles matching the bombs used in the U.S. strikes. Explosions were heard over Doha, and Qatar, UAE, and Bahrain temporarily closed their airspace. The U.S. is monitoring the situation, with President Trump in the Situation Room.web:0,1,4,5,7,8,10,13,15,16,17,19,21,23post:0,1,2,4,5

Khamenei Warns Ongoing Punishment for Zionist Enemy Over Major Crime in Latest Post on X

June 23, 2025 by NOK Desk

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday said that the Zionist enemy has made a big mistake, committing a big crime .

In a post on X, Khameinei wrote, “The Punishment continues.The Zoinist enemy has made a big mistake, committing a big crime ; it must be punished and it is being punished ; it is being punished right now.”

International

Netanyahu Hails Trump’s Iran Strikes: “A Bold Move That Will Change History”

June 22, 2025 by NOK Desk

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday congratulated US President Donald Trump for the ‘precision strikes’ which were carried out at Iran’s three nuclear facilities by the United States.

In a video message, Netanyahu said, “Congratulations President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history. In Operation Rising Lion, Israel has done truly amazing things. But in tonight’s action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, America has been truly unsurpassed. It has done what no other country on Earth could do.”

He said that history will record the US President as “acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime, the world’s most dangerous weapons.”

Noting that his leadership has created a pivot of history which would help West Asia and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace, Netanyahu reiterated the stance, “President Trump and I often say, peace through strength. First comes strength, then comes peace.”

The Israeli PM said, “Tonight, President Trump and the United States acted with a lot of strength.”

He thanked Trump and concluded his remarks by saying, “May God bless our unshakable alliance, our unbreakable faith.”

His remarks follow after Donald Trump on Saturday (US local time) stated that “massive precision strikes” by the US had struck three key nuclear facilities in Iran- Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan. Trump also threatened of retaliation if peace is not achieved soon in Iran.

Iran in a statement acknowledged that the sites had been hit and called it “savage aggression–an act in violation of international laws”, stressing particularly on the NPT. It alleged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of indifference and complicity and said that it expects the international community to condemn these actions.

The underground site at Fordow and the larger Natanz plant were Iran’s two primary uranium enrichment facilities, out of which Natanz had already been hit by Israel with smaller weapons earlier in the week, the New York Times reported.

The conflict between Israel and Iran entered its ninth day on Saturday, with the US now joining in support of Israel. The conflict started after Israel, on June 13, launched a massive airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion.”

In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a large-scale drone and missile operation, ‘Operation True Promise 3’, targeting Israeli fighter jet fuel production facilities and energy supply centres. (ANI)

International

Trump Warns Iran of More Strikes After U.S. Hits Nuclear Sites: “Many Targets Left”

June 22, 2025 by NOK Desk

US President Donald Trump has threatened Iran of further military action if peace is not achieved in the region. He made the remarks in his first public statement since the “precision” strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities–Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan by the US on Saturday (US local time).

In his address from the White House, Trump said, “Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight was the most difficult of them all by far and perhaps the most lethal. But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill.”

Stating that the other sites can be taken out in “a matter of minutes”, Trump praised the military prowess of America in his speech. “Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes. There’s no military in the world that couldn’ve done what we did tonight, not even close. There has never been a military that can do what took place just a little while ago.”

Trump announced that Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General Dan Caine will hold a press conference on Sunday (US local time) at the Pentagon.

Trump thanked the “military minds” involved in the attack.”

I want to thank the Israeli military for the wonderful job they’ve done and most importantly I want to congratulate great American patriots who flew those magnificent machines tonight, and all of the United States’ military on an operation the likes of which the world has not seen in many, many decades. Hopefully we will no longer need their services in this capacity. I hope that so.”

Trump’s announcement comes just two days after he said that he had opened a two-week window for diplomacy.

Hours ahead of his remarks, the US President took to his Truth Social platform to state that the US had bombed the three Iranian nuclear facilities and in his address from the White House on Saturday night (local time), Trump said those facilities “have been completely and totally obliterated” thereby meeting the objective to stop the “nuclear threat”.

In his concluding remarks, Trump said, “I want to thank everybody and in particular god, I just want to say, we love you god and we love our great military, protect them. God bless the Middle East, god blesses you and God bless America.”

As per a report in the CNN which cited a US official, the US used six B-2 bombers to drop a dozen “bunker buster” bombs on the Fordow nuclear site.

Navy submarines fired 30 TLAM cruise missiles at two other sites, Natanz and Isfahan, and a B2 dropped two bunker busters on Natanz, the official said.

International

Over 450 Missiles, 400 Drones Target Israel Since June 13; 24 Killed, 1,272 Injured in Iran Attacks

June 22, 2025 by NOK Desk

Since the start of Israel’s military operations against Iran on June 13, more than 450 missiles and over 400 drones have been launched toward Israeli territory, according to figures released Saturday night by the Government Press Office.

Iran’s attacks have killed 24 people and injured 1,272 others, including 14 in serious condition. The Israel Tax Authority has received 30,735 damage claims, with most–25,040–related to buildings, followed by 2,623 for vehicles and 3,006 for other property.

The Home Front Command has evacuated 8,190 civilians from their homes due to the ongoing threat. (ANI/TPS)

International

Putin and Xi Condemn Israeli Strikes on Iran, Urge Ceasefire and Diplomatic Resolution to Crisis

June 20, 2025 by NOK Desk

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping have condemned Israeli strikes against Iran urging both sides to pursue diplomatic means and put an immediate end to hostilites.

Escalating tensions between Iran and Israel topped the agenda of the telephone call between the two leaders in a telephone call, the Kremlin said on Thursday. Putin and Xi discussed the results of the recent G7 Summit in Canada, noting “the flaws that emerged in the relations of the meeting’s participants, ” TASS reported.

The call between the two leaders was “very constructive”, Russian state media TASS cited Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov telling reporters at a briefing on Thursday.

The two leaders strongly condemned “Israeli actions violating the UN Charter and other norms of international law” and said that the two counties “fundamentally agree that the current situation and issues related to the Iranian nuclear program can not be resolved militarily.”

Xi called for a cease-fire between the two warring nations describing it as an “urgent priority,” the Foreign Ministry of China said as per Xinhua media outlet.

Terming Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities is extremely dangerous, Putin said that Russia stands ready to maintain close communication with China, and make joint active efforts to cool down the situation, so as to safeguard regional peace and stability.

Xi, the Chinese state media reported, noted that the international community should make efforts to de-escalate the situation and that disputes should be resolved through negotiations rather than military force. The Chinese leader urged the relevant parties to firmly support a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, and push the issue back to the track of political solution through dialogue and negotiation.

He further said China stands ready to continue enhancing communication and coordination with all parties, pool their efforts, uphold justice, and play a constructive role in restoring peace in West Asia. He also called on the UN Security Council to play a bigger role in this regard.

The two heads of state agreed to maintain close high-level exchanges, advance cooperation in various fields, and deepen the development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.

Putin has said that he is in touch with US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the Israel-Iran conflict. He said Russia is prepared to support Tehran’s peaceful nuclear development while addressing Tel Aviv’s security concerns and that a deal to end fighting between Israel and Iran is possible.

According to the Kremlin, Putin has confirmed Russia’s readiness to mediate a dialogue between Iran and Israel in a phone call with President of the United Arab Emirates Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Kremlin said.

During a meeting with the heads of leading global news agencies in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, Putin said that Russia has engaged in detailed discussions on this issue with both Israeli and US officials, and has communicated proposals to its Iranian counterparts.”In general, it is possible to meet Iran’s interests in peaceful nuclear energy and at the same time address Israel’s concerns about its national security,” he said on the sidelines of the SPIEF 2025 an economic conference in St. Petersburg,

Meanwhile, in their telephone call that lasted for over an hour on Thursday Putin and Xi discussed how the participating G7 group of wealthy nations struggled for a consensus on Ukraine after US President Trump backed Putin and left the summit early.

Putin and Xi “discussed the results of the recent G7 meeting in Canada. In particular, they noted the well-known rough edges that emerged in the relations between participants,” Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters. “And, by the way, it was mentioned that for Zelenskyy this was by no means the most successful trip abroad”, the aide to Russian President said.

Chinese president, said the media outlet also “briefed” the Russian leader “in detail” about his trip to Kazakhstan, which hosted the second China-Central Asia Summit on June 17-18.

The next meeting, reported TASS, between Putin and Xi will be held in China at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in late August or early September. Putin and Xi will hold full-fledged talks on September 2 in Beijing, on the sidelines of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan. (ANI)

International

Trump Opens 2-Week Diplomatic Window with Iran Amid Israel Strikes, Reviews Military Options

June 20, 2025 by NOK Desk

US President Donald Trump has opened a two-week window for diplomacy with Iran before deciding on military action, aiming to restart stalled negotiations amid Israel’s bombing campaign, CNN reported.

Trump and advisers hope that Iran — under pressure from Israeli strikes and missile losses — might agree to drop its uranium enrichment, a demand previously rejected, CNN reported. The pause also allows Trump more time to assess the risks of entering a foreign conflict he aimed to avoid.

White House efforts included proposed deployments of Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Vice President JD Vance to the region, though both remained in Washington as no talks were scheduled, as reported by CNN.

Meanwhile, European foreign ministers from Britain, Germany, and France will meet Iranian representatives in Geneva on Friday to revisit Witkoff’s earlier offer.

Iran, however, has maintained it will not negotiate with the US until Israel’s bombing of its territory ends–emphasising that US officials have not pressured Israel to halt the strikes, CNN noted.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed Trump’s stand, stating diplomacy remains viable while emphasizing the strength of the US military: “Iran and the entire world should know that the United States military is the strongest and most lethal fighting force in the world,” she said.

In a series of Situation Room meetings this week, Trump reviewed options involving bunker-buster bombs targeting Iran’s underground nuclear facility at Fordow, but expressed concern over the risk of a multi-year war. The prospect of a drawn-out engagement troubles many of his advisers, as well as his onetime strategist Steve Bannon.

US Secretary of State Rubio has also actively engaged with allies, holding conversations with European counterparts on ensuring Iran never develops nuclear weapons. Ahead of Geneva talks, he discussed the matter with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who stated, “Iran can never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon.”

A White House official described the upcoming European-Iran meeting as a “temperature check” to gauge Tehran’s openness to diplomatic settlement amid mutual strikes.

Special Envoy Witkoff has continued indirect outreach to Iran, and though the administration feels diplomatic options remain viable, Iran’s response to third-party mediators has so far shown no shift.

Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated on June 13 when Israel launched operation “Rising Lion,” targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Iran responded with retaliatory strikes. (ANI)

International

Khamenei Rejects Trump’s Surrender Call, Warns U.S. of ‘Irreparable Damage’ Over Possible Iran Intervention

June 19, 2025 by NOK Desk

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s call for an “unconditional surrender,” warning of dire consequences if the United States intervenes militarily in Israel’s escalating war with Iran, according to The New York Times.

“Intelligent people who know Iran, the nation and the history of Iran, will never speak to this nation in the language of threats, because the Iranian nation cannot be surrendered,” Ayatollah Khamenei said in a televised address.

“The Americans should know that any US military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage.”

As reported by The New York Times, his statement came shortly after President Trump raised the possibility of assassinating Khamenei, though he clarified he would not pursue that action “at least for now.”

Trump said the US might still consider joining the Israeli military offensive against Iran, stating, “Nobody knows what I’m going to do.”

Despite heightened tensions, both US and Iranian officials issued mixed signals regarding diplomatic engagement. Trump claimed that Iran had reached out for potential talks and reiterated that “nothing’s too late” for a nuclear agreement.

However, Iran’s UN mission rebuffed the possibility, saying, “No Iranian official has ever asked to grovel at the gates of the White House.” The statement further added, “Iran does NOT negotiate under duress, shall NOT accept peace under duress, and certainly NOT with a has-been warmonger clinging to relevance.”

Still, a senior Iranian Foreign Ministry official, speaking anonymously, told The New York Times that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would be open to US-brokered ceasefire talks with Israel. Meanwhile, three Iranian government and commercial aircraft were tracked landing in Oman–a country known to mediate between Washington and Tehran–though the passengers remain unidentified.

In parallel, Israel’s military campaign against Iran has intensified. According to The New York Times, Israeli airstrikes have killed multiple senior Iranian military figures and nuclear scientists while targeting missile launch sites and nuclear infrastructure across Iran.

Israeli forces reportedly hit over 50 targets in Tehran alone, including a centrifuge facility and enrichment component workshops.

Responding to Israeli attacks, Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel. While most were intercepted, the back-and-forth has left citizens on both sides bracing for further escalation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the resilience of Israelis and thanked Trump for his continued support, stating, “We talk continuously, including last night. We had a very warm conversation.”

As tensions soar, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has begun facilitating the evacuation of American citizens from Israel. Despite growing risks, many Israelis expressed support for their government’s military response, citing a unified goal of neutralising Iran’s nuclear threat. (ANI)