U.S. Pressures West African Nations to Accept Deported Migrants Amid Trump Talks

G7 Leaders Back Israel’s Right to Self-Defence, Call for De-escalation with Iran

Rome, Italy – The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations have issued a strong statement affirming Israel’s right to self-defence while urging a broader de-escalation of hostilities across the Middle East, including the conflict in Gaza. In the statement released Monday, the G7 reiterated their collective commitment to peace and stability in the region and identified Iran as the “principal source of regional instability and terror.” “We, the leaders of the G7, reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East,” the statement began. “In this context, we affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel.” The G7 also stressed the importance of protecting civilian lives in all ongoing hostilities and reaffirmed a unified position that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. The leaders called for a diplomatic resolution that would help de-escalate tensions in the region. “We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza,” they stated. Acknowledging the global economic risks posed by the escalating conflict, particularly in relation to energy markets, the G7 said they would closely monitor the situation. “We will remain vigilant to the implications for international energy markets and stand ready to coordinate, including with like-minded partners, to safeguard market stability,” the statement concluded. The G7 comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

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Israel’s War on Gaza: 23 Killed Today, Including Aid Seekers

Death toll surpasses 55,000 as Israeli attacks continue Gaza – June 15, 2025Israeli military operations in Gaza continue at full intensity, with at least 23 Palestinians killed since dawn today, according to medical sources speaking to Al Jazeera. Among the dead are 11 people who were reportedly waiting to receive humanitarian aid, highlighting the growing risks faced by civilians amid the ongoing conflict. The Gaza Health Ministry now reports that at least 55,297 people have been killed and 128,426 wounded since the war began. The death toll includes thousands of women and children, with hospitals and emergency services overwhelmed or non-operational in many parts of the besieged territory. The humanitarian crisis deepens daily as Gaza remains largely cut off, with food, fuel, and medical supplies running dangerously low. International calls for a ceasefire have so far failed to halt the violence.

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Berlin Says Germany, Oman Agree Middle East Escalation Should Be Avoided

Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has spoken to Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, according to a German government statement, as regional tensions rise following Israel’s attacks on Iran. They both agreed that the conflict should not escalate and expressed their willingness to help end it through diplomatic means, the statement said. “The chancellor thanked [the sultan] for Oman’s mediation efforts towards ending Iran’s nuclear programme. He emphasised that Iran must never have nuclear weapons,” it added. Iran has pursued a nuclear programme for decades but insists it only wishes to use nuclear power peacefully.

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Explosions Rock Tehran as Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates; Dozens Dead in Intensified Strikes

Explosions Rock Tehran as Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates; Dozens Dead in Intensified Strikes

Iran vows to halt retaliation only if Israeli attacks stop; over 80 killed in Iran, Gaza toll passes 55,000 June 15, 2025 – Middle East BureauExplosions were reported overnight in Tehran as hostilities between Israel and Iran sharply escalated, triggering fears of a broader regional war. The renewed violence follows a barrage of Iranian missile strikes on Israeli targets, including areas near Haifa and Tel Aviv, which reportedly killed at least 10 people, according to medics and local media. In retaliation, Israeli air raids targeted Iranian civilian and strategic infrastructure, including the Shahran oil facility in Tehran, igniting major fires. The Israeli military claimed the strikes were aimed at sites “related to the Iranian regime’s nuclear weapons project.” Iran Warns of Continued Response Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran’s response would end only when Israel halts its air assaults. “The Iranian response will stop when Israel stops its attacks on Iran,” Araghchi said in a televised statement. Heavy Casualties in Iran Iranian state media reports that the Israeli strikes over the past 48 hours have killed at least 80 people, including 20 children, and wounded more than 800. The attacks reportedly hit both military sites and densely populated urban areas, raising concerns over civilian safety. Gaza Crisis Deepens Meanwhile, in the occupied Palestinian territory of Gaza, the death toll continues to mount. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 55,362 people have been killed and 128,741 wounded since Israel launched its offensive following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks, which left 1,139 people dead in Israel and more than 200 taken captive. Regional Tensions at Boiling Point The escalating tit-for-tat attacks have drawn in actors from across the region, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels and other Iranian allies also launching attacks against Israeli territory. Observers warn the conflict could soon spread beyond Iran and Israel if diplomatic efforts fail to halt the spiral.

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Helicopter Crash in Uttarakhand, India Kills All 7 On Board

Bell 407 chopper goes down near Gaurikund; infant among victims Uttarakhand, India – June 15, 2025A Bell 407 helicopter crashed early Sunday morning in a remote area near Gaurikund in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, killing all seven people on board, including an infant. According to Indian media reports, the crash occurred around 5:30 a.m. local time. The helicopter was carrying five adult passengers, one infant, and the pilot when it went down under circumstances that are still under investigation. Emergency response teams have reached the site, though access is reportedly difficult due to the terrain and early morning fog. Officials have yet to confirm the cause of the crash. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to launch a formal investigation. Gaurikund is a key stop along the route to the Kedarnath shrine, a popular pilgrimage site in the Himalayas, raising concerns about safety measures for air travel in the region. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.

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Israel-Iran Confrontation Puts Middle East on High Alert

Palestinians most vulnerable as region braces for broader fallout June 15, 2025 — Middle East Desk Tensions between Israel and Iran have placed the entire Middle East on high alert, with governments, markets, and civilians bracing for what could become a wider regional conflict. The escalation — which has already seen direct missile exchanges — is sending shockwaves well beyond the immediate conflict zone. Oil prices have surged, regional commerce has slowed, and geopolitical nerves are fraying. Countries across the region, from Lebanon and Yemen to Turkiye, are monitoring events minute by minute. But what’s raising the stakes even further are reports that Israel is now issuing evacuation orders not only in conflict zones like Gaza or southern Lebanon, but directly for Iran — a rare and serious move that signals a potential expansion of the conflict. Global Stakes: Will the US Get Involved? The uncertainty over whether the United States will become militarily involved looms large. A direct American entry into the confrontation could fundamentally alter the trajectory of the crisis — politically, militarily, and economically. So far, Washington has remained cautious, urging restraint while reinforcing its presence in the region. But the lack of clarity has only fueled the anxiety across global capitals. “Everybody is on edge,” said a regional analyst. “If the U.S. gets pulled in, this won’t stay a regional crisis.” Humanitarian Concerns: Palestinians in the Crossfire Among the most vulnerable are the Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where the humanitarian situation is quickly deteriorating. With no shelters, minimal emergency services, and supplies dwindling, residents are effectively trapped in areas already under tight military lockdown. Aid agencies warn that a prolonged or expanded war could lead to catastrophic civilian casualties. “There’s a lot at stake here — not just for the Israeli and Iranian people, but for millions across the Middle East,” said a humanitarian worker in Ramallah. As both sides harden their rhetoric and the threat of regional war deepens, the international community is facing growing pressure to intervene diplomatically — before the next strike drags the region into chaos.

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Iran Fires 80 Missiles at Israel Overnight, Killing at Least 10

Strikes hit civilian areas in Tamra and Bat Yam; over 200 wounded in escalating regional conflict Tel Aviv – June 13, 2025Iranian forces launched approximately 80 ballistic missiles at northern and central Israel overnight, according to estimates cited by Israeli Army Radio and The Times of Israel. The attacks occurred in two volleys, causing significant civilian casualties and widespread damage. Military sources reported that the first wave of 40 missiles targeted northern Israel. One missile struck a residential home in the predominantly Palestinian town of Tamra, killing four civilians. The second barrage of 35 missiles was directed at central Israel. One missile hit the coastal city of Bat Yam, resulting in at least six deaths and nearly 200 injuries. Another missile struck Rehovot, injuring 40 people, local emergency services confirmed. In addition to the missile strikes, the Israeli military reported intercepting seven drones launched toward Israeli territory earlier in the morning. There has been no immediate comment from Iranian authorities regarding the strikes. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for launching additional missiles toward central Israel, saying the operation was conducted in coordination with Iran. The attacks mark a dangerous escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran, with increasing signs of a broader regional alignment involving allied non-state actors.

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Russia Signs Deal to Build Eight Nuclear Power Plants in Iran, Including Four in Bushehr

By [ Kamal Yalwa], International Affairs Correspondent Tehran, June 13, 2025 — Russia has signed an agreement to construct eight nuclear power plants in Iran, including four new reactors in the southern city of Bushehr, according to Iranian state media IRNA on Monday. The announcement was made by Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), underscoring deepening nuclear cooperation between Tehran and Moscow. The expansion comes as Iran seeks to increase its domestic energy output and strengthen strategic ties with Russia amid mounting international scrutiny over its nuclear ambitions. Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad previously revealed in April that Russia would fund the construction of a new nuclear plant in Iran. He said the initiative would include the completion of phases two and three of the Bushehr nuclear power plant using a Russian credit line. “Russia and Iran will jointly undertake the construction of new nuclear energy facilities,” Paknejad said, signaling a broader energy partnership between the two nations. Russia has long played a central role in Iran’s nuclear development. Moscow helped Tehran construct its first civilian nuclear reactor in Bushehr, which went online in 2011 under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) oversight. However, the announcement has renewed concerns in the West over Iran’s growing nuclear infrastructure. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi described Iran as his “biggest preoccupation” among nuclear-powered nations. He cited limited access for international inspectors and Iran’s continued enrichment of uranium to levels far above civilian-use thresholds. Grossi and other Western officials have warned that Iran’s expanding nuclear program — including cooperation with sanctioned states like Russia — raises proliferation risks and may further destabilize an already tense Middle East. The new Russia-Iran nuclear pact is expected to draw close scrutiny from both the IAEA and Western governments, especially amid ongoing tensions over Iran’s uranium enrichment activities and the breakdown of nuclear negotiations with global powers.

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