Category: World

Tehran, Iran – Iran has vowed a decisive response to the United States following Sunday’s airstrikes on its Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites. As tensions spike in the region, Iran launched a fresh wave of drone and missile attacks on Israel, with explosions reported in Ashdod, Lachish, and several other areas. Iran’s military leaders say the US has now fully entered the conflict. General Abdolrahim Mousavi accused Washington of violating Iran’s sovereignty and warned of further retaliation. Meanwhile, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s retaliatory efforts, said the attacks on Iran were designed to prop up a “dying Zionist regime,” adding that Tehran will expand its range of legitimate targets. Israel responded with extensive air raids across Iran, striking airports, missile storage sites, and even central Tehran. Key sites hit included Mehrabad Airport, parts of Shahid Beheshti University, and a technical facility used for live TV broadcasting. Over 400 Iranians, mostly civilians, have been killed in the escalating conflict, according to Iran’s health ministry. Following US President Trump’s claim that Iran’s nuclear sites were “obliterated,” Iranian officials warned they may target American military bases and are debating exiting the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Lawmakers have signalled support for suspending ties with the IAEA, pending a decision by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

Nigeria has been ranked the 7th friendliest country to strangers in the world, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report released by the United Nations in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre and Gallup. The report assesses 147 countries based on overall life satisfaction and prosocial behaviours, such as volunteering, helping others, and charitable giving. Despite its strong showing in informal generosity, Nigeria ranked 105th overall in happiness, indicating low levels of life satisfaction due to poor institutional trust, economic challenges, and systemic shortcomings. The report pointed out a common pattern in several African countries: a wide gap between spontaneous personal kindness and confidence in public systems. Data on trust showed Nigeria ranking 33rd in likelihood of a lost wallet being returned by a stranger, but falling to 71st if found by a neighbour, and a dismal 126th if found by the police. The report concluded that in countries with fragile institutions, “helping strangers likely becomes the most direct and effective form of benevolence.” Nigeria also placed 45th globally in charitable donations, reflecting a strong culture of direct, person-to-person support over structured giving through institutions. Other countries with similar patterns of informal generosity include Jamaica, Liberia, Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Venezuela, all of which made the top 10 for friendliness to strangers.

Iran’s UN delegation has officially requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address the U.S. military strikes. In a letter submitted Sunday, Iran warned of global consequences if the attack goes unpunished. “Silence in the face of such blatant aggression will plunge the world into an unprecedented level of danger and chaos,” Araghchi warned during remarks in Istanbul. The letter, published by Iranian state media, urged the Council to take immediate steps under the UN Charter to prevent a repeat of what Iran calls a criminal act of war. Iran is hoping to rally international opposition to what it sees as American unilateralism and Israel’s militarism, calling on other nations to condemn the attack and support a return to diplomacy.

Araghchi accused President Trump of betraying not only Iran but also the American people. He said Trump campaigned on promises to end U.S. entanglement in foreign conflicts but had now plunged the country into another war. “He has deceived his own voters by submitting to the wishes of a wanted war criminal,” said Araghchi, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The foreign minister accused Trump of using American lives and resources to serve Israeli interests. Trump’s decision to attack Iran, Araghchi claimed, contradicts his prior stance on “forever wars” and exposes a pattern of dishonesty in U.S. foreign policy. He warned that American credibility has been severely damaged. Iran says the strike will have consequences beyond the region, further isolating the United States on the world stage and undermining its claims to democratic values.

Foreign Minister Araghchi announced on Sunday that he would travel to Moscow to hold urgent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit comes in response to the escalating conflict and the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian soil. “Russia is a friend of Iran and we enjoy a strategic partnership,” Araghchi said while in Istanbul. “We always consult with each other and coordinate our positions.” The high-level diplomatic meeting is expected to take place on Monday morning, with both sides likely to discuss joint strategies and possible international responses to the crisis. Observers say the Iran-Russia relationship may become more prominent as Tehran seeks support against Western aggression and isolation at the United Nations.

Published: June 21, 2025 By Kamal Yalwa In a major escalation of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, US President Donald Trump has confirmed that American forces have conducted coordinated airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The announcement was made during a televised address from the White House. President Trump described the mission as “very successful,” noting that all US aircraft involved in the operation had exited Iranian airspace without incident. The targeted sites are known to house key components of Iran’s nuclear program, with Fordow and Natanz previously enriched to near weapons-grade uranium levels, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This marks the first confirmed direct US military engagement in the Israel-Iran war, which erupted following Israel’s initial strikes on June 13. Until now, the US had limited its role to logistical, intelligence, and diplomatic support for Israel.