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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• US Aircraft Carrier Nimitz Turns Off Transponder En Route to Middle East Sputnik 18 Jun 2025 -- US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68), believed to be heading to the Middle East to bolster the US defense posture amid the escalation between Iran and Israel, turned off the transponder and stopped transmitting data about its location, according to data from the Marine Vessel Traffic ship tracker.
• West Virginia Guard deploys troops in aftermath of deadly flooding Army News 18 Jun 2025 -- Gov. Patrick Morrissey mobilized Soldiers and Airmen of the West Virginia National Guard after severe flash flooding in West Virginia's Ohio and Marion counties that began June 14, 2025.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesman, Sean Parnell, on the Memorandum for the Establishment of the Military Service Recruitment Task Force DoD 18 Jun 2025 -- Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has directed the establishment of a Military Service Recruitment Task Force to ensure that the Department of Defense (DoD) continues to attract the brave men and women needed to address existing and emerging force requirements.
• Statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell on Implementation Memorandum for Permanent Change of Station Joint Task Force DoD 18 Jun 2025 -- The Secretary of Defense has named Army Maj. Gen. Lance Curtis to lead the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Joint Task Force (JTF). The new task force has the authority to decisively act and make immediate improvements to the DoD Personal Property Program.
• DOD Will Pass Audit by 2028, Comptroller Confirms DoD News 18 Jun 2025 -- The Marine Corps has already passed a financial audit, and the Defense Department has until 2028 to do the same, the department's comptroller said today during a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington.
• Army Plans to Eliminate Programs Not Contributing to Lethality DoD News 18 Jun 2025 -- The Army Transformation Initiative will reexamine all requirements and eliminate unnecessary ones, prioritize initiatives that contribute to lethality, and empower leaders to take risks and learn from failure, said Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll today during a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee in Washington.
• Grafenwoehr construction supports readiness and quality of life at premier U.S. power projection platform Army News 18 Jun 2025 -- Construction is booming around Grafenwoehr. From Army family housing, to training facilities, to dog kennels - life at the Grafenwoehr Resident Office is anything but boring.
• Regional Cooperation 25: Strengthening Regional Security and Partnership CENTCOM 18 Jun 2025 -- Nearly 250 military personnel from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan (U.N. neutral participant), Uzbekistan, Mongolia, and the United States, along with observers from Armenia, United Kingdom, and Georgia, began the 14-day Regional Cooperation 25 exercise June 16 at Joint Base Cape Cod.
• U.S. Navy Achieves FY25 Recruiting Goal 3 Months Early US Navy Press Release 18 Jun 2025 -- The U.S. Navy achieved its 2025 recruiting goal June 18, three months ahead of the end of the current fiscal year after contracting 40,600 future Sailors.
• Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby Visits Black Sea Technologies in Baltimore, Observes Small Unmanned Surface Vehicle Operations and Advanced Manufacturing Facility US Navy Press Release 18 Jun 2025 -- Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby visited the BlackSea Technologies (BlackSea) headquarters and production facilities in Baltimore, June 18, to see first-hand how BlackSea supports the U.S. Navy's Small Unmanned Surface Vehicles (sUSV) program and how it plans to continue to expand its capabilities to support fleet operations.
• DARPA Calls on Industry to Assist With Improving, Strengthening DOD Cybersecurity DoD News 18 Jun 2025 -- The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency announced a Resilient Software Systems Accelerator program to kick-start the widespread adoption of math-based software development practices to make military systems inherently more secure against cyberthreats.
• Oregon Army National Guard Flight Medics Help Design the Future of MEDEVAC Technology Army News 18 Jun 2025 -- Oregon Army National Guard flight medics are contributing critical field data to the Army's development of the MV-75 MEDEVAC cabin, evaluating the 20-foot Future Medical Evacuation Cabin Technical Demonstrator to inform the final design of the next-generation Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) patient handling system.
• Washington, Malaysia Strengthen Ties at Bersama Warrior 2025 Army News 18 Jun 2025 -- The 11th annual Bersama Warrior exercise began here with an opening ceremony June 17 with keynote addresses from Malaysian Lt. Gen. Dato' Zahani Bin Hj Zainal Abidin and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Michael Ake.
• Senior leadership discuss importance of Arcane Thunder Exercise Army News 18 Jun 2025 -- More than 300 U.S. and allied service members participated in Exercise Arcane Thunder 25 from May 11 through 27, a U.S. Army Europe and Africa directed, 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force-led exercise designed to strengthen multi-domain integration and interoperability across the European and African theaters. It took place across training locations in Germany, Poland and the United States.
• Colorado Army Guard's Drone Warfare Cell Reshapes Warfighting Army News 18 Jun 2025 -- As the battlespace continues to evolve, so too must the tools and training of those who fight within it. Among the quiet forces reshaping U.S. warfighting readiness is a specialized group called the Drone Warfare Cell (DWC), operating within the Multi-Domain Special Operations Cell (MDSOC) at 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Colorado Army National Guard.
• U.S., Australia, and Japan strengthen ties during Southern Jackaroo 25 USMC News 18 Jun 2025 -- U.S. Marines and Sailors with the Marine Rotational Force - Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) arrived in Townsville to train alongside the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) during Exercise Southern Jackaroo 25, a multi-lateral exercise held from May 25 through June 13, 2025 at the Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland, Australia.
• SNMCMG1 strengthens mine countermeasures readiness at BALTOPS 2025 NATO Allied Maritime Command 20 Jun 2025 -- The multinational maritime exercise BALTOPS 2025 has officially concluded after several weeks of high-intensity operations across the Baltic Sea.
• Finland host joint multinational Agile Combat Employment exercise - Atlantic Trident 25 NATO Allied Air Command 18 Jun 2025 -- From June, 16 to 27, 2025, Allies will participate in exercise Atlantic Trident 25, a joint, multinational exercise bringing together forces from Finland, France, the United Kingdom and the United States to develop Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts.
• Taiwan submarine conducts first sea trial tests: Shipbuilder CNA 18 Jun 2025 -- Taiwan's first indigenous submarine, known as the Narwhal or Hai Kun, completed a series of tests Tuesday on its first day of sea trials just outside the Port of Kaohsiung, its builder said late that night.
• Soldiers start training on Army's new combat engineering vehicles Australia DOD 18 Jun 2025 -- The first cohort of Australian Army sappers have begun training on new combat engineering vehicles, significantly enhancing the safety of our soldiers in conflict.
• INS ARNALA COMMISSIONED INTO INDIAN NAVY IN THE PRESENCE OF CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF, GEN ANIL CHAUHAN AT NAVAL DOCKYARD, VISAKHAPATNAM India PIB 18 Jun 2025 -- INS Arnala, the first of the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, was commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy on 18 Jun 2025 in the presence of General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff, at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
• armasuisse presents modern technologies for battlefield reconnaissance and countermeasures in Thun Federal Council - Swiss Government 18 Jun 2025 -- The "Scout 25" technical symposium was held at the Military Training Area in Thun on 18 June 2025. Here, the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse came together with the Swiss Armed Forces to present modern technologies for battlefield reconnaissance and countermeasures. The event also gave those in attendance the chance to experience the technological possibilities being developed by industry and academia within the framework of the Vision 2030+ programme of the Swiss Armed Forces in a wide range of presentations.
• Europe and Australia commit to Security and Defence Partnership European Commission 18 Jun 2025 -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa met Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today and agreed to start negotiations on a Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) at the G7 Leaders' Summit in Alberta, Canada.
• Validity of Border Security Act to be extended until 31 December 2026 Finnish Government 18 Jun 2025 -- The validity of the Act on Temporary Measures to Combat Instrumentalised Migration ('Border Security Act') will be extended until 31 December 2026.
• A look at the Defence News 8 - 15 June Netherlands Ministry of Defence 18 Jun 2025
• Japan conducts maritime law enforcement drill with US, Philippines while ex-official hypes 'China threat' Global Times 18 Jun 2025 -- Japanese, the US, and Philippine maritime law enforcement agencies have conducted a new round of joint exercises this week in Japanese waters. Japan, which continuously engages in maritime actions along with other countries, has been propagating the "Chinese military threat" by closely monitoring the movements of Chinese aircraft carriers while an ex-official speculated about China's normal law enforcement actions near the Diaoyu Islands.
• PCG visits Kagoshima to boost defense, security ties with Japan, US Philippine News Agency 18 Jun 2025 -- A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) delegation has visited the 10th Regional Headquarters of the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) in Kagoshima to boost defense and security cooperation in the maritime region.
• 'No surprise,' PH Navy says on Chinese presence in joint sea drills Philippine News Agency 18 Jun 2025 -- There is nothing new with China's move to deploy naval assets in response to any Philippine-led maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the country's territorial waters, a ranking Philippine Navy (PN) official said.
• PAF: Acquisition of more FA-50 combat jets won't affect MRF project Philippine News Agency 18 Jun 2025 -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said the acquisition of multi-role fighters (MRFs) remains a part of its modernization program.
• Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants US Dept. of State 18 Jun 2025 -- The State Department is committed to protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process. A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.
• Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Norwegian Foreign Minister Eide US Dept. of State 18 Jun 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For June 18, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 18 June 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Jun 2025
• Civilian deaths in conflict are surging, warns UN human rights office UN News 18 Jun 2025 -- Civilian deaths in conflict surged by 40 per cent last year, according to new data released by the UN human rights office (OHCHR) with already marginalised groups facing disproportionate levels of discrimination.
• UN relief chief calls for solidarity, with humanitarians 'literally under attack' UN News 18 Jun 2025 -- With the humanitarian sector "under-funded, overstretched, and literally under attack" as crises continue in Gaza, Sudan and beyond, international support is needed more than ever, the UN's top aid official said on Wednesday in Geneva.
• UN Relief Chief pushes for humanitarian system "even more rooted in the communities we serve" UNOCHA 19 Jun 2025 -- The IASC [Inter-Agency Standing Committee] gathered on 17 June. We paid tribute to the dignity and courage of those we serve, to colleagues killed since we last met, to the many superb people and programmes lost due to massive and sudden funding cuts, and to all those still on the humanitarian frontlines.
• 'We Are Losing Ground" in Preventing Conflict, Secretary-General Tells Security Council, Underlining Importance of Investing in Development UN Security Council 19 Jun 2025 -- Development is the first line of defence against conflict, but unfortunately it is facing an emergency just as conflict has increased to unprecedented levels, the Security Council heard today in an all-day open debate on the implications of poverty, underdevelopment and conflict for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood | Operation Northern Arrows | Giddeon's Chariots

• UN rights office 'horrified' by deadly violence at Gaza food distribution sites UN News 18 Jun 2025 -- As the pall of starvation hangs over Gaza, UN agencies have sounded the alarm over deadly violence at food distribution points, where over 400 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in recent weeks while trying to access desperately needed humanitarian aid.
• Gaza Statement WFP 18 Jun 2025 -- Over the last four weeks, WFP has been able to dispatch just 9,000 metric tons of food aid inside Gaza - a tiny fraction of what a population of 2.1 million hungry people needs.
• UN chief condemns killings of food-seeking Gazans People's Daily 18 Jun 2025 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemns as "unacceptable" the killing and injury of Gazans seeking food aid from the non-UN, militarized distribution sites, a spokesman said on Tuesday.
• Israel Isolates Gaza, Butchers 508 Palestinians in One Week -----Occupation Forces Raid the West Bank 257 Times, Arrest and Wound 24 Children Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 18 Jun 2025 -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation's Media Observatory for Israeli Crimes Against Palestinians reported that from June 10 to June 16, 2025, there were 508 martyrs, and 2,347 individuals wounded.
• U.S.-backed aid mechanism poses threat to Gazans: NGO network People's Daily 18 Jun 2025 -- The Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network (PNGO) warned on Tuesday the U.S.-backed aid distribution mechanism poses a threat to the lives of tens of thousands of hungry people in the Gaza Strip.

Operation Rising Lion / Operation True Promise III

• Mossad's Moles? Iran Catches Five in Act Amid Rising Tensions Sputnik 18 Jun 2025 -- Iranian security forces have detained five people in the southwest of the country suspected of cooperating with Israeli foreign intelligence agency Mossad, Iranian news agency Fars reported on Wednesday, citing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
• Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 18 Jun 2025
• FM Sa'ar briefs foreign ambassadors at the site of the Iranian ballistic missile attack in Bat Yam Israel MFA 18 Jun 2025 -- FM Sa'ar: "There are no negotiations. The operation will continue until we achieve our objectives."
• President Herzog visits Tamra following the Iranian missile strike Israel MFA 18 Jun 2025 -- President Isaac Herzog today (Wednesday, 18 June 2025), visited the northern Israeli town of Tamra where four young women were killed by an Iranian missile strike.
• Operation Rising Lion - update Israel MFA 18 Jun 2025 -- As of June 18 2025, approximately 400 ballistic missiles and hundreds of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) have been launched at Israel from Iran
• The IDF Struck a Centrifuge Production Site and Multiple Weapons Manufacturing Facilities Belonging to the Iranian Regime Israel Defense Forces 18 Jun 2025
• The Israeli Air Force Identified and Struck Five Attack Helicopters at a Military Base in the Kermanshah Area Israel Defense Forces 18 Jun 2025
• Approximately 25 Fighter Jets struck Over 40 Military Targets Belonging to the Iranian Military in Western Iran Israel Defense Forces 18 Jun 2025
• The IAF Destroyed Three Additional Attack Helicopters in a Military Base in the Area of Kermanshah Israel Defense Forces 18 Jun 2025
• Over 600 Aerial Refuelings in Middle Eastern Skies - Activity of the 120th Squadron Israel Defense Forces 18 Jun 2025
• IDF Strikes Anti-Tank Missile Production Site in Iran Used to Arm Hezbollah Israel Defense Forces 18 Jun 2025
• The IDF completed a series of strikes in Tehran Israel Defense Forces 18 Jun 2025
• The IAF Struck Dozens of Military Targets Including an Inactive Nuclear Reactor in the Area of Arak Israel Defense Forces 18 Jun 2025
• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson, BG Effie Defrin-June 18, 2025 Israel Defense Forces 18 Jun 2025
• Op. True Promise III: Iran unleashes wave of new-gen missiles at Zionist entity Press TV 18 Jun 2025 -- Iranian armed forces on Wednesday evening launched the new phase of Operation True Promise III by unleashing a barrage of missiles, including those being used for the first time, at the occupied territories.
• Iran Launches Super-Heavy Sejjil Missiles in Recent Attack on Israel Sputnik 18 Jun 2025 -- Iran used two-stage super-heavy ballistic missiles Sejjil in an attack on Israel on Wednesday evening, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said.
• Iran Launches New Wave of Missile Attacks on Israel Sputnik 18 Jun 2025 -- Iran launched on Wednesday an attack on Israeli territory, the IRNA news agency reported.
• Fifth Israeli F-35 Fighter Jet Shot Down in Iran's Tehran Province Sputnik 18 Jun 2025 -- Iranian air defense forces shot down an Israeli F-35 fighter jet over the city of Varamin in Iran's Tehran province, the head of the Varamin County said on Wednesday.
• Iran's IRGC Says It Has Full Control Over Israeli Airspace Sputnik 18 Jun 2025 -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Wednesday that the Iranian armed forces established full control over Israeli airspace.
• I.R.G.C. says it has targeted Israeli bases in impact-oriented ops IRNA 18 Jun 2025 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (I.R.G.C.) says it has targeted Israeli military bases in impact-oriented operations.
• Fattah missile sends message of Iranian power to Israel's war-mongering ally: IRGC Press TV 18 Jun 2025 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has announced that the advanced "Fattah" hypersonic missiles were used in the eleventh phase of Operation True Promise III in the early hours of Wednesday
• Leader: Iran stands firmly against imposed war; US intervention to cause 'irreparable damage' Press TV 18 Jun 2025 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in a message on Wednesday, said the Iranian nation will "firmly stand against" an imposed war.
• Iran's Supreme Leader: US Involvement in Israel-Iran Conflict Will Harm America More Than Iran Sputnik 18 Jun 2025 -- Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday, commenting on the Iranian-Israeli conflict and a possible participation of the United States in it, that Tehran will win.
• Iran sends a message to the U.S. with an advanced maneuverable missile used in the latest strikes on Israel IRNA 18 Jun 2025 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (I.R.G.C.) says Iran has sent a message to the Israeli regime's sponsor, the United States, by striking Israeli targets with a new advanced missile.
• Trump: 'Not Looking To Fight' But Prepared To Block Iran From Getting Nuclear Arms RFE/RL 18 Jun 2025 -- US President Donald Trump said he is "not looking to fight" Iran amid reports he is considering US air strikes against the country, but he suggested he might be forced to conduct such operations to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.
• Trump's Policy Goal In Iran Is 'Meaningful Concessions,' Says US Security Expert Ilan Berman RFE/RL 18 Jun 2025 -- Ilan Berman is senior vice president of the American Foreign Policy Council and a veteran national-security policy adviser for the Department of Defense, Congress, and US government agencies. He also recently served as head of the team handling the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) transition on behalf of President Donald Trump's administration, and is a board member of RFE/RL.
• Trump Says He May or May Not Strike Iranian Nuclear Facilities Sputnik 18 Jun 2025 -- US President Donald Trump declined to give a clear response on Wednesday whether he will choose to target Iranian nuclear facilities and when.
• Trump's Advisers Disagree on Possible US Strikes on Iran - Reports Sputnik 18 Jun 2025 -- There is no full agreement among US President Donald Trump's closest advisers on possible US participation in the Israeli operation against Iran and its nuclear facilities, the CBS News broadcaster reported on Tuesday.
• US calls for Iran's 'unconditional surrender' while Iranian Supreme Leader vows 'never compromise' as Israel-Iran conflict escalates Global Times 18 Jun 2025 -- The air war between Iran and Israel entered its sixth day with the two bitter foes launching new missile strikes at each other on Wednesday local time, despite the US' call for Iran's "unconditional surrender" following Iranian Supreme Leader's vow of "never compromise," Reuters reported.
• Fearing Israeli Attacks Could Target Any City, Iranians Seek Refuge In Neighboring Armenia RFE/RL 18 Jun 2025 -- With Israeli air strikes showing no sign of slowing after five days, thousands are fleeing Tehran, creating traffic jams and fuel shortages as they head north seeking refuge in parts of the country they hope are safe. For many, that's not far enough.
• Can A Strike On A Deeply Buried Enrichment Site Disable Iran's Nuclear Program? RFE/RL 18 Jun 2025 -- The Israel-Iran conflict carries with it many unknowns: whether Israeli air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities might cause the release of radiological materials; whether Israel's offensive might morph into a campaign of regime change; and whether the United States might become directly involved in a war with Iran.
• Iranians Rush To Armenian Border, Despite Long Distances And High Costs RFE/RL 18 Jun 2025 -- As a new barrage of Israeli air strikes hit Tehran throughout June 18, residents resumed their scramble to get out of the Iranian capital and other cities.
• Guterres renews call for Israel-Iran ceasefire UN News 18 Jun 2025 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday he remains "profoundly alarmed" by the ongoing military escalation between Israel and Iran, as the sides continued to trade airstrikes.
• Statement by the Secretary-General - on the need for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran UN Secretary-General 18 Jun 2025
• IAEA chief rebuffs Trump, says no evidence Iran is building nuclear weapons Press TV 18 Jun 2025 -- In a significant admission that contradicts the assertions of the Israeli regime and US officials, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has confirmed that there is no evidence Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapons program.
• IAEA Sees No Proof of Iran's Nuclear Weapons Program Sputnik 18 Jun 2025 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) saw no evidence that Iran has a nuclear weapons program, but the situation is concerning, IAEA Director General Grossi said on Wednesday.
• Iran-Israel crisis: UN rights office appeals for urgent de-escalation UN News 18 Jun 2025 -- As the Iran-Israel crisis continued into a sixth day on Wednesday, the UN deputy human rights chief Nada Al-Nashif called for urgent talks to end the ongoing missile attacks between Tehran and Tel-Aviv.
• Human Rights Council hears alarming updates on executions in Iran and global civic space crackdown UN News 18 Jun 2025 -- On the third day of the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC), the spotlight turned to reports on rising executions in Iran and the increasing repression of civic space around the world amid a wave of elections.
• Slovak Defence Ministry actively assists with evacuation of people from Middle East Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 18 Jun 2025 -- The first repatriation flight from the Middle East region landed at M. R. Štefánik Airport in Bratislava on Monday evening 17 June 2025.
• Statement by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, together with the High Representative of the European Union European External Action Service (EEAS) 18 Jun 2025 -- The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, together with the High Representative of the European Union, had a phone conversation with their Iranian counterpart on Monday, 16 June 2025, regarding the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
• Statement by the Foreign Ministrers of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the High Representative of the European Union Germany Federal Foreign Office 18 Jun 2025 -- Iran - Statement by the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the High Representative of the European Union following their phone call with their Iranian counterpart
• FM updates on China's evacuation progress: 791 Chinese nationals transferred from Iran to safe areas Global Times 18 Jun 2025 -- When asked about the progress of the Chinese government's organization of the safe evacuation of Chinese nationals in Iran and Israel, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that as of Wednesday, under the coordination of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese embassy and consulates in Iran, and with the active assistance and support of relevant neighboring countries, 791 Chinese nationals have been transferred from Iran to safe areas, and more than 1,000 others are being evacuated.
• Chinese FM responds to Trump's call for Iran's 'unconditional surrender' Global Times 18 Jun 2025 -- At a press conference of the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday, a foreign media reporter asked about the statement made earlier that day by US President Donald Trump on social media, in which he said there was no intention to kill Iran's leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "for now." Trump also called for Iran to "unconditionally surrender" in his social media post. What is China's comment on this?
• Baiba Braže: Latvia calls for close coordination with the Middle Eastern countries, the U.S. and the UK on the EU's future policy in its relations with Israel and Iran Latvia MFA 18 Jun 2025 -- On Tuesday, 17 June 2025, an informal videoconference of the EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs was convened on the initiative of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, to discuss recent developments in the Middle East.
• Moscow on Nuclear Escalation Threat in Middle East: World 'Millimeters Away' From Disaster Sputnik 18 Jun 2025 -- The world is "millimeters away from disaster" regarding the threat of a nuclear escalation in the Middle East, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.
• Putin Confirms to UAE Leader Russia's Readiness to Mediate Iran-Israel Conflict Sputnik 18 Jun 2025 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone conversation with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Wednesday confirmed Russia's readiness to mediate in promoting dialogue between Iran and Israel, the Kremlin said.
• No: 123, 18 June 2025, Regarding the Social Media Post by the Israeli Foreign Minister Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Jun 2025

Other Conflicts

• Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, Burkina Faso UNOCHA 18 Jun 2025 -- OCHA reports that amid ongoing hostilities across the Gaza Strip, attacks have continued, reportedly killing and injuring scores of people and damaging vital infrastructure.
• Syrian interim authorities urged to fulfill counter-terrorism obligations, take all measures to combat terrorist organizations: Chinese envoy Global Times 18 Jun 2025 -- The Syrian interim authorities should earnestly fulfill their counter-terrorism obligations and take all necessary measures to combat all terrorist organizations listed by the Security Council, including the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, at the Security Council meeting on the Syria issue, according to a release published on the website of the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations on Tuesday local time.
• Joint Statement on Peace Talks between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, Mediated by the United States and Observed by the State of Qatar US Dept. of State 18 Jun 2025 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Republic of Rwanda on the occasion of peace talks held this week in Washington, D.C.

News Reports

• Los Angeles mayor lifts downtown curfew People's Daily 18 Jun 2025 -- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday lifted the curfew that has been in place for one week for portion of downtown of the second-largest city in the United States.
• G7 leaders meet for final day without Trump People's Daily 18 Jun 2025 -- The Group of Seven (G7) leaders met for the final day of the two-day summit in Kananaskis in the province of Alberta, Canada, on Tuesday without U.S. President Donald Trump.
• Prolific Guatemalan Drug Traffickers Extradited to the United States to Face Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Charge US Dept. of Justice 18 Jun 2025 -- Steven Ovaldino Lorenzana Alvarenga, also known as "Chipi," and Allan Mendoza, also known as "Carnes" and "Carnitas," both of Guatemala, made their initial appearances today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia following their June 17 extraditions from Guatemala to the United States.
• Sanctioning CJNG Leaders as Specially Designated Global Terrorists US Dept. of State 18 Jun 2025 -- Today, the United States is sanctioning five Mexico-based leaders of Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), a ruthless and violent cartel responsible for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other illicit drugs into the United States.
• Treasury Sanctions Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion Leaders Under Counterterrorism Authorities US Treasury 18 Jun 2025 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned five Mexico-based leaders of Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG). CJNG is a brutally violent cartel responsible for a significant share of fentanyl and other illicit drugs entering the United States. It uses murder as a tactic to intimidate rivals, including sending messages to other cartels through the targeted killings of women. The recent discovery of a CJNG recruitment camp, Izaguirre ranch—which was reportedly used to execute recruits that defy instructions—underscores the cartel's brutal methods.
• Treasury Endorses New International Payments Standards, Supports FATF Reports on Countering Illicit Finance US Treasury 18 Jun 2025 -- On June 13, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) concluded its joint plenary with the Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL), the FATF-style regional body for Europe, in Strasbourg, France. The plenary agreed to release reports on proliferation financing sanctions evasion typologies and how terrorist groups like Hamas, Hizballah, and the Houthis raise and move funds. The body also found consensus on a revised payments standard, new publications on how countries around the world are regulating virtual assets to combat illicit finance, and a new mechanism to prevent the FATF standards from being misused to pressure civil society groups.
• Eastside Rollin' 20s Crips Members and Associates Indicted, Including Murder, Robbery, Fentanyl Distribution and Firearms Offenses US Dept. of Justice 18 Jun 2025 -- A twelve-count indictment was unsealed today in the Eastern District of Virginia charging nine members of the Eastside Rollin' 20s Crips (RTC) violent street gang with crimes including a drug conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, firearms offenses, and a racketeering conspiracy involving murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, conspiring to distribute large quantities of pressed fentanyl pills, narcotics trafficking, identity fraud, and the illegal use and straw purchasing of firearms.
• New powers for Finnish Border Guard to prevent and investigate certain offences Finnish Government 18 Jun 2025 -- The Finnish Border Guard will be given new powers concerning the prevention and investigation of human trafficking offences and money laundering offences. The
• Meeting on economic issues President of Russia 18 Jun 2025 -- The President started his working trip to the Northwestern Federal District by chairing a meeting on economic issues. Held at the Constantine Palace in Strelna, the event took place on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
• Russia Welcomes Foreign Investment, But Only on Terms That Foster Innovation Sputnik 18 Jun 2025 -- Russia is not rejecting foreign investments, but they must be "smart," primarily aimed at creating new technological competencies, and it is necessary to ensure a number of principles when doing business with foreign investors, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said.
• Telephone conversation with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of Russia 18 Jun 2025 -- At the initiative of the Emirati side, Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the UAE Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Jun 2025
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Uganda Jeje Abubakar Odongo Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Jun 2025
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during his meeting with Foreign Minister of Uganda Jeje Odongo, Moscow, June 18, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Jun 2025
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Jun 2025
• Statement of the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations Office and Other International Organisations in Geneva Gennady Gatilov at the Plenary Meeting of the Conference on Disarmament, 17 June 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Jun 2025
• Latvia will no longer recognise the Russian Federation citizen's non-biometric passports Latvia MFA 18 Jun 2025 -- On 15 July 2025, a decision will come into effect to only recognise biometric passports of the Russian Federation citizens as valid travel documents to enter Latvia.
• 60 vessels entities listed under the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 Australia DFAT 18 Jun 2025 -- The Minister for Foreign Affairs (the Minister) has by legislative instrument designated 60 vessels as sanctioned vessels for Russia ('listed') in accordance with regulation 8 of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 (the Regulations).
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on June 18, 2025 PRC MofA 18 Jun 2025
• China opposes G7's manipulation of China-related issues: FM spokesperson Global Times 18 Jun 2025 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday that "the G7 Summit once again manipulated issues related to China. The G7 made irresponsible remarks on Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the East China Sea, falsely accused China of 'overcapacity' and 'market distortion.'"
• Chinese Embassy strongly rejects G7 statement for interference and smears on China-related matters Global Times 18 Jun 2025 -- The Chinese Embassy in Canada Tuesday local time firmly rejected the G7 summit chair's summary released by Canada, which holds the rotating presidency of the G7. The embassy said the statement ignored objective facts, disregarded China's solemn position, and maliciously manipulated China-related issues, launching groundless accusations and interfering in China's internal affairs.
• Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi PRC MofA 18 Jun 2025
• Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Expatriates Badr Abdel Aaty PRC MofA 18 Jun 2025
• Hong Kong grows more opaque on arrests in national security cases Radio Free Asia 18 Jun 2025 -- Hong Kong authorities are declining to provide details of six recent arrests under a national security law, fueling growing concerns about government transparency as it tightens controls on dissent.
• Full text of Xi's keynote speech at second China-Central Asia Summit People's Daily 18 Jun 2025 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech Tuesday at the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan.
• Xi urges China, Central Asian countries to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation People's Daily 18 Jun 2025 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called on China and Central Asian countries to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and forge ahead toward the goal of building a China-Central Asia community with a shared future under the guidance of the China-Central Asia Spirit.
• Developers elaborate on innovation of China's new-gen crewed spacecraft Mengzhou Global Times 18 Jun 2025 -- Developers of Mengzhou - China's new-generation manned spacecraft that just successfully underwent an escape flight test at zero altitude on Tuesday - further elaborated Wednesday on the innovation of the spacecraft in comparison with the country's Shenzhou system, which included deploying parachutes and airbags to reduce the landing impact on the return capsule.
• Taiwan thanks G7 members for supporting cross-strait peace, stability CNA 18 Jun 2025 -- President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Wednesday expressed gratitude to the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) members for their support of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and their concerns about China's destabilizing activities in the region.
• China cyberattacks may be precursor to Taiwan Strait conflict: Expert CNA 18 Jun 2025 -- A Japanese cybersecurity strategist has voiced concern at a security conference in Rome that China's cyberattacks and its cutting of undersea communications cables in the Taiwan Strait could be omens of possible conflict in the region in the future.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 18 Jun 2025
• Mainland calls for cross-Strait contributions to Chinese modernization People's Daily 18 Jun 2025 -- When meeting with former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party Ma Ying-jeou on Tuesday, a mainland official urged the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to take part in, work for and benefit from Chinese modernization.
• DPRK Premier Inspects Various Sectors of National Economy KCNA 18 Jun 2025 -- Pak Thae Song, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and premier of the DPRK Cabinet, inspected various sectors of the national economy.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Meets Secretary of Russian Security Council Sergei Shoigu KCNA 18 Jun 2025 -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, met Comrade Sergei Shoigu who visited the DPRK again, leading a delegation of the Security Council of the Russian Federation upon special authorization of Comrade Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, on June 17.
• PM meeting with President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea: 17 June 2025 Gov.UK 18 Jun 2025
• PM call with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani: 18 June 2025 Gov.UK 18 Jun 2025
• English Translation of Foreign Secretary's statement on the telephone conversation between PM and US President India PIB 18 Jun 2025 -- "Prime Minister Modi clearly conveyed to President Trump that at no point during this entire sequence of events was there any discussion, at any level, on an India-U.S. Trade Deal, or any proposal for a mediation by the U.S. between India and Pakistan. The discussion to cease military action took place directly between India and Pakistan through the existing channels of communication between the two armed forces, and it was initiated at Pakistan's request. Prime Minister Modi firmly stated that India does not and will never accept mediation."
• Prime Minister meets Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit India PIB 18 Jun 2025 -- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honourable H
• Transcript of Special briefing by MEA on Prime Minister's visit to Croatia (June 18, 2025) India MEA 18 Jun 2025
• Press conference - Kananaskis, Canada Prime Minister of Australia 18 Jun 2025
• "Türkiye is going through a highly sensitive period during which it must devote all its energy to matters concerning its survival" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 18 Jun 2025 -- Addressing AK Party's Parliamentary Group Meeting, President Erdoğan said: "Türkiye is going through a highly sensitive period during which it must devote all its energy and capacity to matters concerning its survival. We need cooperation and a spirit of solidarity to achieve the goal of a terror-free Türkiye, whose strategic importance is now well recognized."
• Cambodia leak of phone call puts Thai PM's political future in peril Radio Free Asia 18 Jun 2025 -- A leaked phone conversation between Thailand's prime minister and Cambodia's Hun Sen about a worsening border dispute pitched the Thai government into crisis as its second-largest coalition partner withdrew its support.
• Rumen Radev: With Adequate Long-term Strategies, Bulgaria Has the Potential to Be a Regional Factor in a Number of Areas President of the Republic of Bulgaria 18 Jun 2025 -- Ensuring Bulgaria's prosperity and security requires our country to play an active role in the alliances and multinational formats in which it participates, to develop good neighbourly relations, and for the political class to be able to create adequate long-term strategies in various areas.