The US Department of Defence has released footage of its “historically successful” bunker-buster strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—carried out during Operation Midnight Hammer. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth declared the mission a turning point in the Iran-Israel-US conflict. While Trump hailed the strikes and criticised media coverage, Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei dismissed the US claims, calling them exaggerated. The released video aims to counter leaked intelligence suggesting minimal damage. The strikes reportedly ended the conflict after Iran had retaliated against both Israeli cities and US bases in Qatar.
SLOVAKIA BLOCKS NEW RUSSIA SANCTIONS
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has vetoed the European Union’s proposed 18th sanctions package against Russia, citing national dependence on Russian oil and gas. Fico’s decision, announced at the EU summit, stems from fears that breaking long-term gas contracts could trigger billion-euro lawsuits from Gazprom. Despite discussions with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Fico remains firm, insisting a resolution on energy security must come first. The deadlock underscores growing divisions within the EU over how to respond to Russia’s actions. Meanwhile, the summit also failed to yield a consensus on the EU-Israel Association Agreement amid rights concerns.
IRAN THANKS CHINA FOR SUPPORT
Iran’s Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh made his first foreign trip since the Iran-Israel conflict, visiting China for the SCO defence ministers’ meeting in Qingdao. He thanked Beijing for backing Iran’s stance and urged continued Chinese support for regional peace. While China remained diplomatically neutral during the 12-day conflict, it condemned Israel’s attack and the US strikes, calling them destabilising. Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun promoted an anti-hegemonic global security vision. The gathering reflected China’s growing influence in Middle East affairs and its effort to challenge Western-dominated alliances through SCO partnerships with countries like Iran, Russia, India, and Pakistan.
INDIA TO RECEIVE FULL S-400
India and Russia have reaffirmed their strategic defence partnership, with Moscow promising full delivery of the remaining two S-400 Triumf air defence squadrons by 2027. Discussions, held during the SCO Defence Ministers’ meet in Qingdao, also included upgrades to Su-30MKI fighter jets, joint production, and modernisation of defence platforms. The S-400 system proved vital in India’s Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack. Russia also expressed solidarity over cross-border terrorism. Despite delays due to the Ukraine war, India has already deployed three S-400 squadrons to counter threats from China and Pakistan, reinforcing its regional defence capabilities.
WORLD BANK FUNDS MIDDLE EAST
The World Bank has approved over $1 billion in funding for development projects across Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Iraq received the largest share—$930 million—for railway infrastructure upgrades, job creation, and economic diversification. Syria was granted $146 million to restore damaged electricity infrastructure, while Lebanon secured $250 million to repair vital public services after its recent war with Israel. The financial support aims to boost regional connectivity, stability, and post-conflict recovery. As Iraq transitions from reconstruction to development, and Syria and Lebanon seek stabilization, the World Bank’s investment underscores global efforts to rebuild conflict-affected nations.
