Spain has cancelled a €285 million deal to acquire 168 SPIKE LR2 anti-tank missile systems developed by Pap Tecnos, a Spanish subsidiary of Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems. The move, part of Madrid’s strategy to sever military ties with Israel, follows Spain’s recognition of a Palestinian state and rising European concern over Israel’s Gaza offensive. Defence Ministry officials confirmed that the cancellation aligns with efforts to replace outdated systems while distancing the country from Israeli technology. This decision also comes amid Spain’s growing involvement in international legal action against Israel’s military conduct and its tightening arms embargo imposed since October 2023.
INDIAN PILOT SET FOR ISS
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is set to become the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), launching on 10 June. This marks India’s return to space after 41 years since Rakesh Sharma’s historic mission. Shukla, who will pilot the mission alongside Commander Peggy Whitson, joins a multinational crew for a two-week scientific expedition. The mission, involving NASA, ISRO, ESA, and SpaceX, also carries seven Indian experiments, from studying crop seeds to tardigrades in space. Shukla’s participation is expected to inspire a new generation of Indian space enthusiasts.
TRUMP MOCKED IN CHINA, US
US President Donald Trump is under fire at home and abroad as his trade policies face ridicule. In China, viral AI-generated videos mock Trump’s tariff strategy, with one clip showing a robot self-destructing to avoid executing his orders. Meanwhile, in Washington, Democrats parked a taco truck outside Republican HQ with the slogan “Trump Always Chickens Out” (TACO), targeting his wavering stance on tariffs. As Trump prepares for talks with Chinese President Xi, tensions rise over trade disputes. A US trade court recently ruled that Trump exceeded his authority on tariffs, but an appeals court temporarily reinstated them.
BULGARIA GETS EUROZONE GREENLIGHT
Bulgaria is set to become the 21st member of the eurozone in January 2026 after receiving formal approval from the European Central Bank and the European Commission. The decision marks a significant milestone after years of delays due to inflation and political instability. Economic indicators, including inflation and debt levels, now meet the EU’s criteria. However, the move has faced domestic protests and misinformation campaigns, with President Rumen Radev unsuccessfully pushing for a referendum. Despite minor inflationary risks, joining the eurozone is expected to enhance Bulgaria’s economic integration, lower borrowing costs, and amplify its influence within the EU’s monetary policy.
KHAMENEI REJECTS US NUCLEAR DEMANDS
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has firmly rejected the United States’ proposal to prohibit uranium enrichment in a potential nuclear deal, declaring Iran will not wait for Washington’s “green light.” Calling the proposal “100 per cent against” the ideals of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Khamenei emphasized national independence and self-sufficiency in nuclear capabilities. President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed the stance, stating Iran seeks peace, not nuclear weapons, but will not yield to US pressure. This comes as the US, under President Trump, proposes curbs on enrichment and centrifuge research. Iran demands clarity on sanction relief before any further agreement is considered.
