Category: World

By Kamal Yalwa, Reporting from Washington, D.C. After a flurry of public appearances and statements on his social media platform Truth Social, as well as multiple interviews with U.S. journalists, President Donald Trump has remained notably silent in recent hours. Sources suggest the president is currently in the White House Situation Room, meeting with top national security advisers. This follows confirmation from both President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States had prior knowledge of a developing situation—details of which have yet to be fully disclosed. President Trump has reiterated a warning he issued 60 days ago, giving Iran a deadline to reach a new agreement limiting its nuclear program. That deadline has now passed without a resolution. At the core of the stalled negotiations is Iran’s insistence on maintaining a nuclear program for civilian purposes. While the U.S. administration initially appeared open to that possibility, President Trump later reversed course, stating unequivocally that there can be no path forward that might enable Iran to develop nuclear weapons—even under the guise of a peaceful program. The president’s latest actions suggest heightened concern within the administration, as officials continue to assess the implications of Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the next steps for U.S. foreign policy in the region.

In a strongly worded statement, a former U.S. president has warned Iran of severe consequences if it fails to reach a diplomatic agreement, urging the country to reconsider its current path amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The statement, shared on social media, claimed that the United States had given Iran “chance after chance” to make a deal, but that negotiations had failed to yield results. The former leader emphasized that continued delays would lead to “much worse” outcomes, citing the advanced capabilities of the U.S. military and its close alliance with Israel. “I told them it would be much worse than anything they know, anticipated, or were told,” the statement read. “The United States makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the world, BY FAR, and Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come — and they know how to use it.” The remarks further alleged that certain Iranian hardliners who previously issued defiant statements are now dead, though no official confirmation or independent verification of these claims has been made. “There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter… come to an end,” the statement continued. “Iran must make a deal before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire.” The message ended with a direct appeal to Iranian leadership to stop the violence and return to the negotiating table: “No more death, no more destruction, JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.” The Iranian government has not issued an official response to the comments as of the time of this report. The international community, including observers from the United Nations and various diplomatic missions, continues to call for restraint and renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation in the region.

Ahmedabad, India – June 12, 2025 — A devastating air disaster struck India on Thursday as Air India Flight 171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing an unknown number of passengers and crew. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people including two pilots and ten cabin crew members, reportedly issued a mayday call moments before going down. The crash site, located just outside the airport perimeter in a densely populated area of Ahmedabad, was engulfed in flames and thick black smoke, witnesses said. India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating that all emergency services had been dispatched immediately. “Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are rushed to the site,” Naidu said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those on board.” Air India Chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, confirmed the tragic incident in a statement: “With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.” An emergency centre has been activated by the airline to coordinate rescue efforts and offer assistance to families of passengers. A dedicated support team is also working to provide information and counseling. India has a painful history of aviation tragedies, including: Thursday’s crash is now one of the most serious aviation disasters in recent Indian history. A full investigation is underway to determine the cause, as rescue and recovery operations continue amid national mourning.