The UN’s nuclear watchdog chief, Rafael Grossi, warned that Iran could resume uranium enrichment within months, despite recent joint US-Israel airstrikes on its nuclear facilities. Grossi said Iran still possesses the technical capacity, while Tehran has denied IAEA inspections and suspended cooperation after the attacks. US President Trump defended the strikes and hinted at future military action if Iran’s nuclear activity escalates. Meanwhile, conflicting reports emerged over the actual damage caused. The 2015 nuclear deal remains in disarray, with renewed fears over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the region’s fragile peace after a 12-day Iran-Israel conflict.
NETANYAHU PRIORITIZES HOSTAGE DEAL
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signalled a shift in policy, placing the rescue of hostages in Gaza above the defeat of Hamas following Israel’s recent military campaign in Iran. His comments come as US President Donald Trump pushes for a ceasefire deal to secure the release of 50 hostages. A new US-backed proposal calls for a 60-day ceasefire and phased hostage release. Despite continued Israeli strikes and heavy civilian tolls, Netanyahu faces increasing domestic and international pressure for diplomacy. Talks resume amid hopes that military gains in Iran may unlock broader regional and humanitarian solutions.
TRUMP SHRUGS OFF CHINA THREAT
US President Donald Trump downplayed the threat posed by China after two Chinese nationals were arrested for attempting to smuggle a dangerous agricultural pathogen, Fusarium graminearum, into the US. When asked about China’s misconduct, including cyber espionage and biosecurity risks, Trump suggested such actions were common in global politics, stating, “It’s a nasty world.” He hinted that the US engages in similar activities, refusing to criticize Beijing. Despite tensions, Trump claimed US-China ties were stable, citing ongoing trade talks and tariff enforcement. The White House recently reported progress on rare earth trade agreements with China.
RACIST REMARK SPARKS OUTRAGE
Texas Congressman Brandon Gill faced backlash after making a racist comment about Indian-origin New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani eating biryani with his hands during an interview. Gill tweeted that Mamdani should “go back to the Third World” for not adopting Western customs. The remark was widely condemned online, especially given Gill’s marriage to an Indian-origin woman. Critics pointed out cultural double standards and hypocrisy, highlighting that many Americans, including Trump, eat with their hands. The controversy reignited debates around racism, cultural acceptance, and xenophobia in American politics amid Mamdani’s growing public visibility.
CHINA UNVEILS NEW TECH
China has unveiled a powerful new weapon—a graphite-based “blackout bomb”—capable of knocking out enemy power stations by dispersing carbon filaments that short-circuit electrical infrastructure. A video released by state broadcaster CCTV shows the bomb ejecting 90 submunitions, targeting areas over 10,000 square metres. The bomb has a 290 km range and is speculated to be aimed at crippling Taiwan’s power grid. Analysts warn this raises the risk of nuclear escalation in a regional conflict. While the weapon isn’t nuclear, its disabling effect could leave adversaries vulnerable to strategic or retaliatory attacks.
