Multiple Geopolitical Tensions Erupt: Iran, Russia, US, and EU in Focus

CIS military officials discuss drone use during meeting at International Military Center

The event was attended by representatives of the defense ministries of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the Secretariat of the CIS Council of Defense Ministers

Iran closes Strait of Hormuz over Israeli strikes on Lebanon — Command

The Iranian military stated that the decision is also related to the clear violation and non-fulfillment by the United States of the first paragraph of the memorandum on ending the war

Russian troops liberate five communities in Donetsk region over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 2,040 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed 18 enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian MP warns of nuclear proliferation risk if Israel uses nukes against Iran

Alexey Pushkov noted that the question of whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will use nuclear weapons in Iran has been actively discussed on American television in recent days

EU urgently needs diplomatic channel of communication with Russia — Fico

According to the Slovak PM, a permanent communication channel between the EU and Russia would help avoid an escalation of tensions in the event of unintentional violation of the community's air borders by UAVs

NATO forces intercept missile presumably launched from Iran — Turkish Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, "all necessary measures are being taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at Turkey's territory and airspace"

Pezeshkian asks global community to judge which side, Iran or US, actually favors dialogue

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian invited the world to judge which side engages in terrorism

Trump says Europe of old could be no more amid energy, migration mishandling

The US leader does not see Europe solving these problems

US intelligence believes that Israel will not cease attacks on Lebanon — NYT

According to assessments by US intelligence sources cited by the newspaper, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under intense domestic political pressure to continue operations against Hezbollah

US president threatens strikes on Iran’s energy, civilian infrastructure

Donald Trump called on Iranian leaders to open the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that otherwise the country "will be living in hell

Iran warns ships not to approach Strait of Hormuz

Otherwise, their safety will be at risk, the IRGC Navy said in a statement

Trump accuses Meloni of ingratitude, trying to 'boost her rating' with G7 photo

US President also stated that Meloni did not allow the US to use Italian landing strips and runways, creating "a great logistical inconvenience," despite the fact that Washington spends "hundreds of billions of dollars" annually to protect Italy and other "so-called NATO allies"

US cites ‘defense purposes’ as pretext for research in biolabs — analyst

According to former US Marine Corps intelligence analyst Scott Ritter, some of the documents suggest that some of the research was not done for defensive purposes

Trump reports ‘serious cases’ of vandalism at Reflecting Pool in Washington

Nevertheless, Trump noted that the damage was minor and will be repaired early next week

ZNPP completely cut off from external power for 20th time since start of conflict — IAEA

Emergency diesel generators were automatically started to provide backup power for the reactor core cooling systems and other functions critical to nuclear safety

EU tries to dictate to Russia, mistakenly thinking it is weak — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that attempts by the European Union to talk to Russia from a position of strength "are a dead-end"

EU preparing for possible energy supply crisis due to conflict in Iran — Spanish newspaper

The EC assures that there is currently no risk to supplies, though markets are feeling the impact of rising Brent crude oil prices, which has led to higher gas and oil prices in Europe

What is known about largest Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow Region in two years

According to Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, air defenses downed more than 190 drones since the start of the day

Russia to continue to support Cuba, help republic — ambassador

Viktor Coronelli said that Russia is looking for every opportunity to support Cuba politically and provide all possible financial assistance

Witkoff heads to Switzerland for talks with Iran, Kushner already there — Axios journalist

According to sources cited by Barak Ravid, the officials are expected to participate in the first round of talks on a potential nuclear deal

Ukraine cannot become EU member while at war — Merz

The German chancellor added that Ukraine could become an associate member of the EU and later a full member of the union

Large demonstration for peace with Russia marches through Berlin center

Several hundred people are participating under the slogan "Peace! Russia is not our enemy!" near the Brandenburg Gate

US inability to influence Israel fraught with jeopardizing memorandum — Iran

Iran has fulfilled its obligations, while the other side was obliged to make sure that the Zionist regime maintains a ceasefire in Lebanon, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said

At least one killed in train collision in UK — police

An unknown number of people were wounded in the accident

US troop buildup near Iran not sign of any new decisions — White House

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28

Russia continues to provide food aid to Cuba through UN program, ambassador says

Russia’s ambassador to Cuba Viktor Koronelli recalled that he had met with Regional Director of the WFP Office for Latin America and the Caribbean Lena Savelli at the Russian embassy in Havana on June 16

Trump says will be able to persuade Israel not to attack Lebanon

The US leader noted that Israel had "a lot of respect" for him

Activities of biolabs in Ukraine, US role: statements by Russian chemical troops

According to chief of the Russian army's Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Defense Troops Lieutenant General Alexey Rtishchev, American intelligence materials confirmed that biolabs in Ukraine were funded from the US state budget

General HQ of Iranian army warns of potentially larger strikes on Tel Aviv

The Iranian military also advised "host countries of US military bases to force the Americans to leave their territory, if they want to avoid damage"

Europe does not want to start Russia talks on Ukraine from 'losing position' — Tusk

The Polish prime minister confirmed that during a closed discussion about such negotiations at the EU summit, he strongly opposed their handling by a handful of countries, such as France and Germany

There can no longer be any rules against Kiev attacking cities in Russia — Medvedev

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council emphasized that "back then, it was not customary to steal or kill the leaders of even hostile countries"

Deal with US shows that Iran did not lose the war, but Israel will take revenge — Medvedev

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council noted that "the third participant - Israel - is offended in its expectations of the complete defeat of Iran's political regime, which means it will take revenge, and Trump cannot do anything about it"

World’s largest nuclear-powered sub takes part in Russia’s Northern Fleet drills

Its notional enemies were small missile ships Onega and Naryan-Mar

Macron believes EU cannot mediate in Ukrainian settlement

The French president said the European Union cannot be an intermediary, as it supports Ukraine and has imposed sanctions against Russia

Polish president strips Zelensky of Order of White Eagle

Karol Nawrocki said he made this decision "after consulting with the chapter" of the order

UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine to be held on June 22 at West’s request

The meeting will be devoted to "maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine"

US keen to resolve Ukrainian crisis — Trump

The US president says he thought the resolution of the conflict probably being "the easiest of all" but found out it "to be a little more difficult"

Iran divides countries into three categories based on use of Strait of Hormuz — TV

According to the TV channel, all states are divided into three categories — "hostile," "neutral," and "friendly"

Zelensky makes new threats against Belarus

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated the day before that the situation on the border with Ukraine is "burning like never before" and ordered reinforced protection of the region

US ready to ease economic pressure on Iran if it fulfills its demands — Vance

If they don't do that, of course, there's no skin off our back, US Vice President said

US advances to FIFA World Cup playoff with 2:0 win over Australia

The US team became the second one after Mexico to reach the Round of 32.