Category: Energy

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eritrea: Workshop on Reducing Environmental Pollution

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Download logo

    A workshop aimed at addressing health problems affecting humans and livestock, as well as environmental pollution caused by unsafe waste management and plastic use, was conducted on 13 June in Barentu, Gash Barka Region.

    Mr. Abubeker Osman, Director General of Agriculture and Land in the region, stated that although directives have been issued at the national level to mitigate the impact of plastic use on the environment, plastic products are still widely used by the public. He noted that the workshop aimed to review the measures taken so far and to discuss further actions needed to ensure environmental safety.

    Mr. Abraha Gebreamlak, head of the Agriculture branch, provided an extensive briefing on environmental resources, their benefits, and the challenges related to solid and liquid waste management. He highlighted the coordinated efforts in areas such as Teseney and Akordet, where administrations and communities are working together to eliminate hazardous wastes, including plastic. He stressed the need to implement the existing national guidelines.

    Ambassador Mahmud Ali Hirui, Governor of the region, emphasized that environmental pollution caused by plastic is becoming increasingly alarming. He called for the establishment of a committee involving all administrations and relevant institutions to assess current waste management practices and plastic use, and to propose concrete measures for improvement.

    Participants conducted extensive discussions on the issues raised during the workshop and adopted various recommendations.

    – on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran Launches New Wave of Attacks on Israel – Official Media

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    TEHRAN, June 15 (Xinhua) — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a “large-scale combined offensive operation” against Israel late on Saturday, using a large number of missiles and drones, the IRGC’s official Sepah News reported.

    The IRGC’s aerospace unit carried out the attack, saying it was in response to Israel’s “repeated aggression” against Iran, Sepah reported.

    A rocket hit a residential building in a northern community in Israel, killing one woman and wounding 13 others, the national emergency medical service Magen David Adom reported. Several others were moderately and lightly wounded, and four were treated for anxiety, the service said.

    Earlier in the day, Magen David Adom reported that at least three people had been killed and 204 others wounded since the Iranian offensive began.

    Following the latest wave of attacks, Israel’s Home Front Command advised residents outside Haifa and areas in the north of the country to leave bomb shelters but remain near secure areas.

    The Israeli military said its air defense systems were actively intercepting incoming projectiles while Israeli Air Force units were striking military targets in Tehran.

    Iran’s Oil Ministry confirmed that two oil depots in Tehran were damaged in the attacks. Residents reported two powerful explosions in the capital that were felt in both western and northern areas. The ministry said the situation was under control.

    Meanwhile, Jordan temporarily closed its airspace late on Saturday as a precaution following a rocket attack from Iran. The country’s Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission said the move was taken to ensure the safety of civil aviation.

    The Iranian offensive was in response to Israeli airstrikes early Friday in Tehran and several other cities. Iranian officials said the Israeli strikes killed several senior military commanders, nuclear scientists and dozens of civilians. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Netanyahu has two war aims: destroying Iran’s nuclear program and regime change. Are either achievable?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Parmeter, Research Scholar, Middle East Studies, Australian National University

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities could last for at least two weeks.

    His timing seems precise for a reason. The Israel Defence Forces and the country’s intelligence agencies have clearly devised a methodical, step-by-step campaign.

    Israeli forces initially focused on decapitating the Iranian military and scientific leadership and, just as importantly, destroying virtually all of Iran’s air defences.

    Israeli aircraft can not only operate freely over Iranian air space now, they can refuel and deposit more special forces at key sites to enable precision bombing of targets and attacks on hidden or well-protected nuclear facilities.

    In public statements since the start of the campaign, Netanyahu has highlighted two key aims: to destroy Iran’s nuclear program, and to encourage the Iranian people to overthrow the clerical regime.

    With those two objectives in mind, how might the conflict end? Several broad scenarios are possible.

    A return to negotiations

    US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, was to have attended a sixth round of talks with his Iranian counterparts on Sunday aimed at a deal to replace the Iran nuclear agreement negotiated under the Obama administration in 2015. Trump withdrew from that agreement during his first term in 2018, despite Iran’s apparent compliance to that point.

    Netanyahu was opposed to the 2015 agreement and has indicated he does not believe Iran is serious about a replacement.

    So, accepting negotiations as an outcome of the Israeli bombing campaign would be a massive climbdown by Netanyahu. He wants to use the defanging of Iran to reestablish his security credentials after the Hamas attacks of October 2023.

    Even though Trump continues to press Iran to accept a deal, negotiations are off the table for now. Trump won’t be able to persuade Netanyahu to stop the bombing campaign to restart negotiations.

    Complete destruction of Iran’s nuclear program

    Destruction of Iran’s nuclear program would involve destroying all known sites, including the Fordow uranium enrichment facility, about 100 kilometres south of Tehran.

    According to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, the facility is located about half a mile underground, beneath a mountain. It is probably beyond the reach of even the US’ 2,000-pound deep penetration bombs.

    The entrances and ventilation shafts of the facility could be closed by causing landslides. But that would be a temporary solution.

    Taking out Fordow entirely would require an Israeli special forces attack. This is certainly possible, given Israel’s success in getting operatives into Iran to date. But questions would remain about how extensively the facility could be damaged and then how quickly it could be rebuilt.

    And destruction of Iran’s nuclear centrifuges – used to enrich uranium to create a bomb – would be only one step in dismantling its program.

    Israel would also have to secure or eliminate Iran’s stock of uranium already enriched to 60% purity. This is sufficient for up to ten nuclear bombs if enriched to the weapons-grade 90% purity.

    But does Israeli intelligence know where that stock is?

    Collapse of the Iranian regime

    Collapse of the Iranian regime is certainly possible, particularly given Israel’s removal of Iran’s most senior military leaders since its attacks began on Friday, including the heads of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian armed forces.

    And anti-regime demonstrations over the years, most recently the “Women, Life, Freedom” protests after the death in police custody of a young Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, in 2022, have shown how unpopular the regime is.

    That said, the regime has survived many challenges since coming to power in 1979, including war with Iraq in the 1980s and massive sanctions. It has developed remarkably efficient security systems that have enabled it to remain in place.

    Another uncertainty at this stage is whether Israeli attacks on civilian targets might engender a “rally round the flag” movement among Iranians.

    Netanyahu said in recent days that Israel had indications the remaining senior regime figures were packing their bags in preparation for fleeing the country. But he gave no evidence.

    A major party joins the fight

    Could the US become involved in the fighting?

    This can’t be ruled out. Iran’s UN ambassador directly accused the US of assisting Israel with its strikes.

    That is almost certainly true, given the close intelligence sharing between the US and Israel. Moreover, senior Republicans, such as Senator Lindsey Graham, have called on Trump to order US forces to help Israel “finish the job”.

    Trump would probably be loath to do this, particularly given his criticism of the “forever wars” of previous US administrations. But if Iran or pro-Iranian forces were to strike a US base or military asset in the region, pressure would mount on Trump to retaliate.

    Another factor is that Trump probably wants the war to end as quickly as possible. His administration will be aware the longer a conflict drags on, the more likely unforeseen factors will arise.

    Could Russia become involved on Iran’s side? At this stage that’s probably unlikely. Russia did not intervene in Syria late last year to try to protect the collapsing Assad regime. And Russia has plenty on its plate with the war in Ukraine.

    Russia criticised the Israeli attack when it started, but appears not to have taken any action to help Iran defend itself.

    And could regional powers such as Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates become involved?

    Though they have a substantial arsenal of US military equipment, the two countries have no interest in becoming caught up in the conflict. The Gulf Arab monarchies have engaged in a rapprochement with Iran in recent years after decades of outright hostility. Nobody would want to put this at risk.

    Uncertainties predominate

    We don’t know the extent of Iran’s arsenal of missiles and rockets. In its initial retaliation to Israel’s strikes, Iran has been able to partially overwhelm Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system, causing civilian casualties.

    If it can continue to do this, causing more civilian casualties, Israelis already unhappy with Netanyahu over the Gaza war might start to question his wisdom in starting another conflict.

    But we are nowhere near that point. Though it’s too early for reliable opinion polling, most Israelis almost certainly applaud Netanyahu’s action so far to cripple Iran’s nuclear program. In addition, Netanyahu has threatened to make Tehran “burn” if Iran deliberately targets Israeli civilians.

    We can be confident that Iran does not have any surprises in store. Israel has severely weakened its proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas. They are clearly in no position to assist Iran through diversionary attacks.

    The big question will be what comes after the war. Iran will almost certainly withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and forbid more inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

    Israel will probably be able to destroy Iran’s existing nuclear facilities, but it’s only a question of when – not if – Iran will reconstitute them.

    This means the likelihood of Iran trying to secure a nuclear bomb in order to deter future Israeli attacks will be much higher. And the region will remain in a precarious place.

    Ian Parmeter does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Netanyahu has two war aims: destroying Iran’s nuclear program and regime change. Are either achievable? – https://theconversation.com/netanyahu-has-two-war-aims-destroying-irans-nuclear-program-and-regime-change-are-either-achievable-259014

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: Israel’s attacks on Iran are already hurting global oil prices, and the impact is set to worsen

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joaquin Vespignani, Associate Professor of Economics and Finance, University of Tasmania

    The weekend attacks on Iran’s oil facilities – widely seen as part of escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran – represent a dangerous moment for global energy security.

    While the physical damage to Iran’s production facilities is still being assessed, the broader strategic implications are already rippling through global oil markets. There is widespread concern about supply security and the inflationary consequences for both advanced and emerging economies.

    The global impact

    Iran, which holds about 9% of the world’s proven oil reserves, currently exports between 1.5 and 2 million barrels per day, primarily to China, despite long-standing United States sanctions.

    While its oil output is not as globally integrated as that of Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates, any disruption to Iranian production or export routes – especially the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply flows – poses a systemic risk.

    Markets have already reacted. Brent crude prices rose more than US 6%, while West Texas Intermediate price increased by over US 5% immediately after the attacks.

    These price movements reflect not only short-term supply concerns but also the addition of a geopolitical risk premium due to fears of broader regional conflict.

    International oil prices may increase further as the conflict continues. Analysts expect that Australian petrol prices will increase in the next few weeks, as domestic fuel costs respond to international benchmarks with a lag.

    Escalation and strategic intentions

    There is growing concern this conflict could escalate further. In particular, Israel may intensify its targeting of Iranian oil facilities, as part of a broader strategy to weaken Iran’s economic capacity and deter further proxy activities.

    Should this occur, it would put even more upward pressure on global oil prices. Unlike isolated sabotage events, a sustained campaign against Iranian energy infrastructure would likely lead to tighter global supply conditions. This would be a near certainty if Iranian retaliatory actions disrupt shipping routes or neighbouring producers.

    Countries most affected

    Countries reliant on oil imports – especially in Asia – are the most exposed to such shocks in the short term.

    India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Bangladesh rely heavily on Middle Eastern oil and are particularly vulnerable to both supply interruptions and price increases. These economies typically have limited strategic petroleum reserves and face external balance pressures when oil prices rise.

    China, despite being Iran’s largest oil customer, has greater insulation due to its diversified suppliers and substantial reserves.

    However, sustained instability in the Persian Gulf would raise freight and insurance costs even for Chinese refiners, especially if the Strait of Hormuz becomes a contested zone. The strait, between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, provides the only sea access from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.

    Australia’s exposure

    Australia does not import oil directly from Iran. Most of its crude and refined products are sourced from countries including South Korea, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore.

    However, because Australian fuel prices are pegged to international benchmarks such as Brent and Singapore Mogas, domestic prices will rise in response to the global increase in oil prices, regardless of whether Australian refineries process Iranian oil.

    These price increases will have flow-on effects, raising transport and freight costs across the economy. Industries such as agriculture, logistics, aviation and construction will feel the pinch, and higher operating costs are likely to be passed on to consumers.

    Broader economic impacts

    The conflict could also disrupt global shipping routes, particularly if Iran retaliates through its proxies by targeting vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, or Hormuz Strait.

    Any such disruption could drive up shipping insurance, delay delivery times, and compound existing global supply chain vulnerabilities. More broadly, this supply shock could rekindle inflationary pressures in many countries.

    For Australia, it could delay monetary easing by the Reserve Bank of Australia and reduce consumer confidence if household fuel costs rise significantly. Globally, central banks may adopt a more cautious approach to rate cuts if oil-driven inflation proves persistent.

    The attacks on Iran’s oil fields, and the likelihood of further escalation, present a renewed threat to global energy stability. Even though Australia does not import Iranian oil, it remains exposed through price transmission, supply chain effects and inflationary pressures.

    A sustained campaign targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure by Israel could amplify these risks, leading to a broader energy shock that would affect oil-importing economies worldwide.

    Strategic reserve management and diplomatic engagement will be essential to contain the fallout.

    Joaquin Vespignani is affiliated with the Centre for Australian Macroeconomic Analysis, Australian National University.

    ref. Israel’s attacks on Iran are already hurting global oil prices, and the impact is set to worsen – https://theconversation.com/israels-attacks-on-iran-are-already-hurting-global-oil-prices-and-the-impact-is-set-to-worsen-259013

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • Manohar Lal reviews progress of strategic nuclear power project

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Power Minister Manohar Lal on Saturday visited the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) to review the progress of the nuclear power project, being implemented by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) under the Department of Atomic Energy.

    The project involves setting up 4×700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).

    Once completed, 50 per cent of the electricity generated will be allocated to Haryana, significantly boosting the state’s energy capacity, according to a statement by Power Ministry.

    Commercial operation at the plant are expected by March 2031.

    The minister was also apprised of NPCIL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. A total of Rs 75 crore has been spent on community development activities such as construction of roads, schools, provision of medical vans, and development of an Astro Turf Hockey Ground.

    Skill development initiatives and public awareness programs have also been conducted in schools, NCC camps, and civil service training programmes. The “Atom on Wheels” mobile exhibition van was highlighted as a key outreach initiative to educate and engage the public on nuclear energy and safety.

    Manohar Lal appreciated NPCIL’s efforts and reiterated the importance of nuclear power in achieving clean, safe, and reliable energy for the nation’s future.

    Last month, Manohar Lal said the Centre has asked state governments to examine the feasibility of setting up nuclear power plants.

    The Centre also asked Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to explore the possibility of establishing a nuclear power facility as a long-term measure for energy security and sustainability in the coastal state.

    The Union Minister said that India was currently generating eight gigawatts of nuclear power while the aim is to generate 100 gigawatts by 2047.

    Highlighting the importance of operational efficiency, the Minister encouraged Goa to further reduce utility losses and integrate more Renewable Energy into the grid. He mentioned that this would help lower the cost of power supply and enhance overall performance.

    (IANS)

  • Manohar Lal reviews progress of strategic nuclear power project

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Power Minister Manohar Lal on Saturday visited the Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) to review the progress of the nuclear power project, being implemented by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) under the Department of Atomic Energy.

    The project involves setting up 4×700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).

    Once completed, 50 per cent of the electricity generated will be allocated to Haryana, significantly boosting the state’s energy capacity, according to a statement by Power Ministry.

    Commercial operation at the plant are expected by March 2031.

    The minister was also apprised of NPCIL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. A total of Rs 75 crore has been spent on community development activities such as construction of roads, schools, provision of medical vans, and development of an Astro Turf Hockey Ground.

    Skill development initiatives and public awareness programs have also been conducted in schools, NCC camps, and civil service training programmes. The “Atom on Wheels” mobile exhibition van was highlighted as a key outreach initiative to educate and engage the public on nuclear energy and safety.

    Manohar Lal appreciated NPCIL’s efforts and reiterated the importance of nuclear power in achieving clean, safe, and reliable energy for the nation’s future.

    Last month, Manohar Lal said the Centre has asked state governments to examine the feasibility of setting up nuclear power plants.

    The Centre also asked Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to explore the possibility of establishing a nuclear power facility as a long-term measure for energy security and sustainability in the coastal state.

    The Union Minister said that India was currently generating eight gigawatts of nuclear power while the aim is to generate 100 gigawatts by 2047.

    Highlighting the importance of operational efficiency, the Minister encouraged Goa to further reduce utility losses and integrate more Renewable Energy into the grid. He mentioned that this would help lower the cost of power supply and enhance overall performance.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI China: Smart factories power China’s green industrial transformation

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Inside an intelligent manufacturing base of Offshore Oil Engineering Co., Ltd. (COOEC) in Tianjin, the scene is far removed from that of a traditional factory.

    Three massive automated welding machines silently go about their work, emitting sparks but no smoke, with no workers in sight.

    Instead, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and gantry cranes quietly shuttle materials to designated locations. Only a few figures holding controllers among the steel plates and pipes indicate that humans are still steering the operation.

    Seated in front of two computer screens, 38-year-old Li Guochao adjusts parameters on digital work orders, operating the machines remotely with a click of the mouse. “The smart factory makes everything more efficient and cleaner,” he said.

    For Li, the move from a noisy, smog-filled outdoor workspace to a cool, comfortable indoor station felt like a “miracle.” However, his experience is just one part of a broader transformation underway at the 575,000-square-meter base, which houses four intelligent workshops and is spearheading a green revolution.

    China’s manufacturing sector has long been criticized for its reputation as an energy-intensive, polluting, and resource-intensive industry. But since 2012, the country has been actively shifting toward new development models, with green growth at the forefront.

    In the years since, companies like COOEC have embraced energy conservation and emissions reduction as essential components of high-quality development.

    At its fully operational Tianjin base, COOEC has introduced more than 600 pieces of advanced, energy-efficient, and intelligent equipment. Powered by big data and artificial intelligence, these tools enable automated cutting, grinding, assembly and welding in the prefabrication process.

    Plate cutting is now 90 percent automated, and 70 percent of deck panel welding is done automatically, boosting overall productivity by more than 20 percent compared to traditional methods.

    The base also developed China’s first integrated intelligent manufacturing management platform for offshore oil and gas equipment. The streamlined production process helps reduce steel usage by 10 percent.

    “We hope these smart manufacturing efforts will support high-quality development in the traditionally heavy marine equipment sector,” said Wang Jinyuan, deputy general manager of COOEC’s Tianjin Intelligent Manufacturing Company.

    The push aligns with China’s national goals. According to the 14th five-year plan for energy conservation and emission reduction, released by the State Council in 2022, energy consumption per unit of GDP is set to decrease by 13.5 percent by 2025. To meet these targets, manufacturers are turning to digital technology to restructure their production.

    China’s booming digital economy has given manufacturers the confidence to make the leap. The country is now home to more than 30,000 basic-level smart factories, 1,200 advanced-level facilities, and over 230 at the excellence level, covering over 80 percent of major manufacturing industries. The accelerating integration of digital and real economies is driving quality and efficiency.

    In 2023, China made new quality productive forces a national priority, with intelligent, high-end, and green manufacturing forming the backbone of this transformation.

    At the COOEC Tianjin base, this shift is visible at every stage of the production chain, from energy to manufacturing to storage.

    In the smart storage center, deputy manager Wang Xiaoli of the procurement logistics unit taps her phone. Dozens of windows swing open, and the hum of air conditioners fades. “The system detected that outdoor temperature and lighting were optimal, so it recommended shutting off air conditioners to save power,” she said.

    According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China had cultivated 6,430 green factories as of January 2024. Since 2012, energy consumption and carbon emissions per unit of GDP have fallen by over 26 percent and 35 percent, respectively, making China one of the world’s fastest improvers in energy efficiency.

    With the results of the green transformation becoming increasingly evident, China has set a new goal that by 2030, green development will underpin new industrialization, with green factory output accounting for over 40 percent of total manufacturing output.

    To that end, COOEC is expanding its solar generation capacity. Building on its 1.1 million kWh annual output from rooftop photovoltaics, a second phase is underway. Once connected by the end of this year, the plant will generate 2.6 million kWh annually, covering 25 percent of its electricity needs.

    “As of the end of 2024, more than 140 of our suppliers had earned green certification,” said Tang Lijun, deputy general manager of the COOEC procurement shared center. The company now incorporates green metrics into supplier rankings and has completed over 11,500 green evaluations by 2024.

    “Our aim is to raise awareness and encourage suppliers to pursue green transformation and certification,” Tang said. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: King’s Birthday Flypast 202514 Jun 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Royal Air Force

    Flying high over Buckingham Palace, the Royal Air Force had the pleasure of parading a selection of RAF aircraft to celebrate the Official Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III. 

    At 13:00 twenty-nine aircraft took to the skies above the crowds on The Mall and over Buckingham Palace, watched over by Their Majesties’ The King and Queen, alongside other members of the Royal family.  

    The stunning formation was led by four Chinook helicopters from No 18 & 27 Squadrons of RAF Odiham, following the King’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour). 

    The aircraft came from nine different RAF stations, many of whom flew in the VE80 celebrations in May this year. 

    It is an enormous privilege to be part of His Majesty The King’s Birthday celebrations, where the Flypast is an opportunity for the Royal Air Force to honour His Majesty The King, our Commander-in-Chief, on the occasion of his Official Birthday. 

    This year, the flypast will comprise twenty-nine aircraft, including the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, rotary wing assets from the Joint Aviation Command, training aircraft from No.22 Group and front-line aircraft from across No.1 Group representing the Air Mobility, Combat Air and ISTAR Forces; as always the flypast will conclude with the iconic Red Arrows.”

    Air Vice-Marshal Jackson,
    Air Officer Commanding 1 Gp

    The aircraft, whose main purpose is to secure our skies and protect our citizens at home and abroad have a broad range of uses. These include training, air transport, lift capabilities, air-to-air refuelling, maritime, humanitarian missions, and fast jet combat. 

    It is a great honour to be part of an event that will bolster our national pride, and to be part of something much greater than myself. My role will include coordinating with civil air traffic and assisting the safe passage of all the aircraft back to their bases.”

    Sergeant Mcglasson,
         ATC, 78 Sqn   

    A Lancaster from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, RAF Coningsby followed the Chinooks.  

    Wing Commander Andrew Watson, a Typhoon pilot and Officer Commanding 12 Squadron had the task of overseeing the whole flypast. The planning for the whole event has been meticulous over many months. The culmination is the spectacle that was seen by millions of people worldwide. 

    It is a huge personal honour being Mission Commander and coordinating such an impressive array of aircraft fit for His Majesty The King’s Birthday. I cannot be more impressed by the focus and professionalism of both air and ground crew in bringing this spectacle to life.”

    Wing Commander Watson,
    Mission Commander & OC 12 Sqn 

    Other aircraft in the formation included a Phenom, Typhoon, an F35 and a C17 Globemaster.  

    The flypast is also thought to be the first time anywhere in the world that a national aerobatic squadron has switched to both a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend for propulsion and a renewable biofuel – known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). This is a premium quality fuel, with a chemical structure almost identical to the regular diesel traditionally used by the aerobatic team for its vapour trails.

    In addition to reducing its carbon footprint, the move demonstrates the RAF’s commitment to new technology as well as becoming more energy secure and less reliant on fossil fuels.

    The event culminated in a spectacular show of red, white and blue from the pilots of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows

    It is a privilege to be a member of the Red Arrows. To me, the Red Arrows are an icon of the United Kingdom – so knowing that you had a key role to play in them bringing joy and excitement to thousands of people as they fly over the Mall is something I am incredibly proud of. 

    As head of all engineering and logistics on the team, I am even more proud to lead the amazing and diverse team of over one hundred ‘Blues’ that not only make major flypasts happen, but work tirelessly for twelve months a year, every year, to deliver a colourful and dynamic aerobatic show. 

    Working with the smoke generation system is the most unique part of the job. The vibrant vapour that we generate is what sets the team apart and so to be the first team in the world to move to a fully sustainable option is really exciting.”

    Squadron Leader King
    Snr Engineering Officer, RAF Aerobatic Team

    The aircraft of the Armed Forces have a long and proud history of taking part in this occasion, with the first King’s Birthday Flypast taking place in 1913 and most recently formed part of Their Majesties’ Coronation in 2023 and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. 

    The flypast has much poignancy for one of the Chinook pilots, Master Aircrew (MACr) Ruffles. The King’s Birthday Flypast was one of MACr Ruffles’ last flights as he leaves the RAF after forty years’ service and nine thousand hours flying with helicopters.

    Being part of the King’s Birthday Flypast after forty years of service especially on the 80th anniversary of VE Day is an honour I’ll carry with me for many years to come. It’s been a test of resilience, teamwork and dedication. But through it all, the bond with my fellow crew members, the sense of purpose and the pride in serving at such a high level has made every moment worthwhile.”

    Master Aircrew Ruffles
    27 Squadron, Chinooks

    The King’s Birthday Flypast concluded Trooping the Colour which took place on Horse Guards Parade, a ceremony dating back to the reign of King Charles II, becoming an annual event in 1760. Over 1,400 officers and soldiers form the parade, together with two hundred horses; over four hundred musicians from ten bands and Corps of Drums marched and played in unison. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Press Arrangements for IAEA Board of Governors Meeting, 16 June 2025

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The IAEA Board of Governors will convene a meeting at the Agency’s headquarters starting at 10:00 CEST on Monday, 16 June, in Board Room C, Building C, 4th floor, in the Vienna International Centre (VIC).

    The meeting is convened by the Chair of the Board following a request from the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation for “an urgent session of the IAEA Board of Governors on the matter related to the Israeli attacks against the Iranian nuclear facilities that are under the IAEA safeguards”.

    The Board of Governors meeting is closed to the press.

    Photo Opportunity 

    There will be a photo opportunity with the IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and the Chair of the Board, Ambassador Matilda Aku Alomatu Osei-Agyeman of Ghana, before the start of the Board meeting, on 16 June at 10:00 CEST in Board Room C, in the C building in the VIC. 

    Accreditation and Press Working Area:

    The Press Room on the M-Building’s ground floor will be available as a press working area starting from 9:00 CEST on 16 June.

    Journalists are requested to register with the Press Office by 08:00 CEST on Monday, 16 June. Please email press@iaea.org.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: International Conference on Roads and Railways 2025 successfully concludes On-site visits to Central Kowloon Route and MTRCL Tung Chung Line Extension works projects

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The International Conference on Roads and Railways 2025 co-organised by the Highways Department (HyD) and the Hong Kong Institution of Highways and Transportation already came to a successful conclusion yesterday (June 13). The two-day conference attracted over 800 participants, successfully bringing together global experts, scholars and industry leaders to share experiences and insights, and jointly lead Hong Kong’s transport infrastructure development to write a new chapter.

    In his opening remarks and speech on the second day of the conference, Vice President of the Research Institute of Highway of the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Wang Shuiyin, inspired the participants to think about how to put smart and green road construction into practice. The conference then focused on Smart and Green Transport Infrastructure – Planning, Design and Construction and Green Solutions for Smart Transport Infrastructure, with in-depth discussions on the topics of innovative designs, construction and material technologies, smart monitoring technologies, strategies to cope with extreme weather, etc., which provided multi-faceted solutions for the promotion of smart and green transport infrastructure. Students studying relevant engineering subjects were invited to participate in the conference. This enabled them to understand the future development of transport infrastructure, as well as the breakthroughs in innovative technologies of the engineering sector. Deputy Director of Highways, Mr Richard Ng, said in his closing remarks that the conference inspired Hong Kong to create sustainable solutions through policy innovation and technological innovation in order to respond to various challenges in the implementation of transport infrastructures, while deepening international co-operation. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the guests, speakers, supporting organisations and all participants for their participation which had made the conference a success. 
    The project team of the HyD introduced to the delegation their self-invented and multi-international award-winning Smart Site Management Hub, which effectively monitors the works progress of the entire project under different works contracts in a unified manner by integrating various data of innovative technologies, thereby enhancing site safety and construction quality. The delegation then visited the Kai Tak Interchange, Kai Tak Depressed Road and entrance of Yau Ma Tei Tunnel, as well as the works site at Kansu Street in Yau Ma Tei to understand how the project team had overcome the challenges encountered during construction, including tunnel excavation, re-provisioning of Gascoigne Road Flyover, etc in the dense urban areas. The project team also shared the people-oriented engineering philosophy of the project in striving to conserve the nearby heritages and iconic landmarks when implementing works, as well as first re-provisioning the public facilities affected, taking full account of cultural conservation and community needs. The delegation was specially arranged to visit the Former Yau Ma Tei Police Station to gain a deep understanding of the history of the century-old building and conservation engineering technology.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Solaris Presale Hits Final Stretch: $7 Entry Before 233% Launch Surge, 10,000+ TPS Capacity Confirmed

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLINN, Estonia, June 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S), the rapidly growing decentralized network, has entered Phase 7 of its presale, with tokens now priced at just $7—a steep discount ahead of its $20 public launch price, marking a projected 233% return for early contributors.

    With the presale closing July 31, 2025, and only limited allocation remaining, momentum is accelerating. To date, the project has raised over $3.8 million from 11,500+ contributors, drawing attention for its hybrid architecture and real-world usability.

    Built for Speed, Designed for Growth

    At the core of Bitcoin Solaris is its dual-layer consensus architecture—combining Proof-of-Work (PoW) security with a Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) execution layer. This enables:

    • 10,000+ transactions per second (TPS)
    • 2-second finality
    • 99.95% lower energy usage compared to traditional PoW mining
    • Browser and mobile-friendly mining options—no rigs required

    This structure ensures high throughput, low latency, and a seamless environment for smart contracts and scalable applications.

    How Bitcoin Solaris Could Actually Make People Rich

    This isn’t just a flashy project with technical jargon—it’s a system designed to generate daily passive income through real mining, smart staking, and active governance participation.

    With Bitcoin Solaris:

    • You can mine from your browser or phone (no expensive rigs needed)
    • Validators and miners earn continuous rewards from a dual-layer ecosystem
    • Real-world use cases are already built into the chain’s smart contract logic

    What makes it powerful is the opportunity for constant, compounding utility. Whether you’re staking, mining, or contributing via voting, you’re not just holding a token—you’re part of a working economy.

    This Isn’t Just a Token—It’s a Wealth Engine Built on BTC-S

    Inside the Tech: Why Bitcoin Solaris Processes 10,000+ TPS

    At the core of BTC-S is its dual-layer architecture. The Base Layer uses traditional Proof-of-Work (PoW)—the same battle-tested SHA-256 algorithm as Bitcoin. But then, it layers in a Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) Solaris Layer to handle massive scale.

    Here’s what that enables:

    • Base Layer: Up to 3,000 TPS; 5-minute block time; PoW security
    • Solaris Layer: Up to 10,000 TPS; 2-second finality; smart contract speed
    • Cross-layer security: Validators are rotated every 24 hours and anchored to the PoW chain for double security
    • Energy Efficiency: 99.95% lower consumption than traditional Bitcoin mining

    All this means that while Bitcoin can handle around 7 transactions per second, Bitcoin Solaris can scale to meet global consumer and enterprise demands without lag, congestion, or insane gas fees.

    Audited and Verified—Not Just Hype

    It’s easy to throw around buzzwords, but what sets BTC-S apart is verification. The project’s smart contracts have been fully audited by top firms. You can view the Cyberscope audit and Freshcoins audit for yourself.

    This gives investors and developers alike the confidence that BTC-S isn’t a flash-in-the-pan—it’s structurally sound.

    Tokenomics Built for Long-Term Wealth

    BTC-S isn’t flooding the market with supply. Its tokenomics are carefully structured to encourage healthy price action, long-term holding, and community contribution.

    Key highlights:

    • Total Supply: Capped and deflationary over time
    • Mining + Staking Rewards: 65% of supply reserved for ecosystem contributors
    • No VC Overload: Fair launch with a presale-first model
    • Development Fund: Ensures long-term growth, not short-term gimmicks

    This economic model is designed to reward early believers and avoid pump-and-dump cycles.

    Even Influencers Are Catching On

    Crypto influencers and analysts are starting to turn their attention to BTC-S—and not because they’re paid to shill. The fundamentals speak for themselves. In a recent review by Ben Crypto, the project was described as “one of the few early-stage tokens that actually has real technology behind it.”

    And across Telegram and X, thousands are discussing its hybrid consensus, mobile-first mining, and near-instant smart contracts. If you haven’t joined yet, now is your time.

    The Future of Wealth Starts with Smart Timing

    Bitcoin Solaris isn’t just another crypto project—it’s a second chance for those who missed Bitcoin’s early explosion. With its lightning-fast 10,000+ TPS architecture, audited smart contracts, powerful tokenomics, and mobile-accessible mining, BTC-S blends real-world utility with wealth-building potential.

    As the presale accelerates and adoption surges, the window to buy in before the price skyrockets is closing fast. If you’re looking for the best crypto to buy now, this is the moment to act.

    For more information on Bitcoin Solaris:
    Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/
    Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris
    X: https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris

    Media Contact
    Xander Levine
    press@bitcoinsolaris.com
    Press Kit: Available upon request

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Bitcoin Solaris. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9291df7d-b87b-4e75-a671-fd6c0a503a99
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1c2febcf-867e-478c-ac60-2febdaa68c96
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4236526-e74c-41fd-ba79-b5ec2c4aef1a

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Entrepreneurs and retail leaders recognised in King’s Birthday Honours List

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Entrepreneurs and retail leaders recognised in King’s Birthday Honours List

    Recipients recognised for years of exceptional service and dedication, and who are trailblazers for helping drive economic prosperity and increasing the UK’s global standing.

    The chief executive of one of Britain’s most popular high-street bakeries, the founder of an iconic ceramics brand, and the head of the UK’s largest professional body for recruiters are included in the King’s Birthday Honours today. 

    The UK is home to many iconic brands, and a number of top entrepreneurs and pioneers have been rightly recognised for their outstanding achievements across a variety of sectors, from hospitality to arts and crafts. 

    Greggs chief executive Roisin Currie has been made a CBE for her services to hospitality, while the head of leading high-street brand Pets at Home has been awarded an OBE for services to retail. 

    Neil Carberry, the chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, has received an OBE for his services to the economy and to business, while Craig Beaumont has received an OBE for his work on the Federation of Small Businesses. 

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    I am immensely proud to see so many outstanding individuals recognised in the 2025 Birthday Honours for their exceptional contributions to British business and trade. These honours reflect the innovation, resilience and leadership that drives our economy forward.

    From pioneering entrepreneurs to champions of growth, these worthy recipients embody this government’s core mission – to unlock opportunity, boost productivity and champion growth across every region of the UK as part of our Plan for Change.

    Recipients include: 

    • Craig Beaumont has received an OBE for services to small businesses. Craig has worked as the voice of the small business community at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), developing reforms that helped thousands of its members and the broader community to grow. He oversaw FSB launching a pioneering mental health and disability programme with MIND and the Royal Foundation, set up a partnership with X-Forces Enterprise to help veterans into employment and self-employment, and created the UK’s first online LGBT+ business hub, now serving over 1,000 users. He contributes to the Social Mobility Commission, Building Back Britain Commission, Industry and Parliament Trust and the Worshipful Company of Communicators in the City of London. 
    • Douglas Perkins has received a CBE for services to business and trade. Doug co-founded Specsavers with his wife in 1984, growing it into a global optical and audiology leader. Today, the company operates 2,815 stores across multiple countries, employing over 45,000 people. In 2023/24, Specsavers reported £4.18 billion in revenue—a 7.5% increase – serving 48 million customers worldwide, with 24.8 million frames and 617 million contact lenses sold. 
    • Elaine Bell has received a BEM for services to the Stapleford High Street. Elaine founded Sewing Belle in Stapleford, transforming it into a vibrant high street anchor and creative community hub. Alongside selling fabrics and haberdashery, her adjoining sewing studio hosts up to 20 workshops a month, attracting over 200 participants. With visitors travelling from across the UK—many staying overnight—Sewing Belle has become a local draw, boosting nearby businesses. 
    • Emma Bridgewater CBE has received a Damehood for services to ceramics.  Founded in 1985, Emma Bridgewater has grown into a beloved British brand, renowned for its colourful, hand-decorated pottery and distinctive patterns. Sold online, in dedicated stores, and through retailers across the UK and internationally, the company continues to thrive. In 2022, it earned B Corporation certification, reflecting its enduring commitment to transparency, accountability, and high ethical standards. 
    • Lyssa McGowan has received an OBE for services to retail. Since becoming CEO of Pets at Home in 2022, Lyssa has led the transformation of the business into a truly integrated petcare business providing veterinary, retail and grooming services, which has driven strong growth, with consumer revenue rising to nearly £2 billion in 2025. Recognised by Retail Week as one of 2024’s most influential leaders, Lyssa’s leadership has also seen the Pets Club membership grow to over 8 million, building on her extensive consumer experience from an 12-year career at Sky UK.  * Neil Carberry has received an OBE for services to the economy and to business.  The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) has become a key body for businesses navigating changing workforce needs. Representing firms who support recruitment and talent planning, a £43bn industry, REC’s research is a major contributor to understanding our changing jobs market and future needs. Neil has also contributed to positive employment relations through the Low Pay Commission and the Council of Acas. 
    • Roisin Currie has received a CBE for services to hospitality. Roisin has been instrumental in driving Greggs rapid expansion, with the company on track to double sales by 2026 following record-breaking results in 2024. Her leadership emphasises the strong internal culture shared by 33,000 colleagues – something she sees as central to Greggs continued success. With a career spanning over 35 years, Roisin has been a driving force in championing social mobility and nurturing talent across the sector. This honour reflects Roisin’s unwavering dedication to excellence and her lasting impact on the industry.

    Full list of recipients

    Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) 

    Clare Barclay, Lately Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft UK. For services to Business, Technology and Leadership. 

    Emma Bridgewater CBE, Founder, Emma Bridgewater Pottery. For services to Ceramics.  

    Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) 

    Roisin Currie, Chief Executive Officer, Greggs PLC. For services to Hospitality. 

    Stephen Foots, Chief Executive Officer, Croda. For services to the Chemical and Life Sciences Industry. 

    Shevaun Haviland, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce. For services to Business.  

    Jonathan Holmes, Lately Co-Chair, Infrastructure Exports UK and Deputy Chairman, Mace. For services to Construction. 

    David Howden, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Howden Group. For services to the Insurance Industry. 

    Dr Peter Musgrove, Engineer and Renewable Energy Pioneer. For services to Renewable Energy. 

    Babatunde Olanrewaju, Managing Partner, Europe, McKinsey & Company. For services to Business. 

    Douglas Perkins, Co-Founder and Chair, Specsavers. For services to Business and Trade. 

    Tanuja Randery, Managing Director and Vice President, Amazon Web Services, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. For services to Business and the Technology Sector. 

    Stephen Scrimshaw, Lately Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Energy Ltd. For services to British Manufacturing, to Transport and to the Green Transition to Net Zero. 

    Dana Strong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Sky. For services to Business and to Media. 

    Stephen Varley, Lately UK Chair and Managing Partner, EY. For services to the Professional Services Industry. 

    David Ward, General Secretary, Communication Workers’ Union. For services to Trade Unions. 

    Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) 

    Craig Beaumont, Executive Director, Federation of Small Businesses. For services to Small Businesses 

    Neil Carberry, Chief Executive Officer, The Recruitment and Employment Confederation. For services to the Economy and to Business 

    Rachel Gardner-Poole, Director, Aviascia. For services to Aviation 

    Hannah Gibson, Chief Executive Officer, Ocado Retail. For services to Retail 

    Ruth Handcock, Chief Executive Officer, Octopus Money. For services to Financial Services and Investment 

    Richard Howells, Founder, Bronze Software Labs Ltd. For services to Business, Technology and Innovation 

    Professor Shirley Lane (Price), Emerita Professor of Toxicology, University of Surrey. For services to Industry and Consumer Protection 

    Andrew Love, Senior Adviser, The Ritz London. For services to Hospitality 

    Lyssa McGowan, Chief Executive Officer, Pets at Home. For services to Retail 

    Stephen Pegge, Lately Managing Director, UK Finance. For services to Business 

    Mohammad Sadique (Sid Sadique), Chairman and Owner, Electra Commercial Vehicles Ltd. For services to the Automotive and Transport Industry 

    Gareth Stapleton, Founder and Partner, RiSE International. For services to Architecture and to Project and Construction Management 

    Jane Whitehart, International Lead Associate Consultant, People1st International Limited. For services to International Trade 

    Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) 

    Noreen Burroughes, President, Organisation for Women in International Trade UK. For services to Women in International Trade and to Entrepreneurship 

    Karyle Davidge-Stringer, Service Manager, Rushmoor Citizens Advice. For services to the community in Hampshire 

    Dawn Edwards, Managing Director, Challenge Training and Consultancy Ltd. For services to the Business Community in Nottinghamshire 

    Daniel Fell, Chief Executive, Doncaster Chamber of Commerce. For services to Business and the Economy in South Yorkshire 

    Julian Hetherington, Automotive Transformation Director, Advanced Propulsion Centre. For services to Business Investment and Growth 

    Muhammad Abdul Musabbir, Chair, Hyde Bangladesh Welfare Association. For services to Community Cohesion 

    Laura Silverman, Creator and Head, London School of Economics and Political Science Generate. For services to Social Innovation and Education 

    Matthew Turner, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Creative Pod. For services to Business and to Charity 

    Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) 

    Elaine Bell, Managing Director, Sewing Belle. For services to The Stapleford High Street 

    Civil Servants recognised in the Birthday 2025 Honours List include: 

    Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) 

    Susan Clews, Lately Chief Executive, Acas. 

    Frederick Perry, Lately Director, Advanced Manufacturing, Department for Business and Trade 

    Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) 

    Tracy Buckingham, Deputy Director, Security and Cyber Security Exports, Department for Business and Trade.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese and Russian enterprises held a presentation of cooperation projects in Tianjin

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) — Representatives from more than 200 Chinese and Russian enterprises and research institutes gathered in the north Chinese coastal city of Tianjin on Friday to exchange views on a range of business issues and seek cooperation partners in various fields including energy, machinery and information technology.

    The event was organized by Tianjin TEDA Export Development Center in Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Zone (EDZ), which is one of the first 14 national-level EDTZs in China. Its official title was: “The First International Forum on Industrial Development Coordination at Tianjin TEDA Export Development Center of North China – Special Sub-Forum on China-Russia Connectivity and SCO Cooperation in Energy, Manufacturing and Science and Technology”

    As reported on the local official website enorth.com.cn, the event was attended by such major enterprises as Gazprom, Rosneft and the metallurgical company NLMK Group from the Russian side, and from the Chinese side, among others, the company for the development of warehouse and logistics technologies under the PipeChina group (a Chinese state-owned pipeline operator), Sinomachfreet Shandong Industrial Holdings Co., Ltd, Tianjin University and the technology company IFlytek.

    At the event, cooperation projects were presented one by one by representatives from 7 Russian and 3 Chinese enterprises. They outlined in detail the key operations, priority areas of external cooperation and technological advantages of their enterprises. In the subsequent part of the event, business representatives of the two countries discussed in depth new trends and opportunities for cooperation in such areas as energy sector transformation, high-tech manufacturing, digital infrastructure and environmentally friendly agriculture.

    Before the event, a familiarization tour of the Nangang Industrial Park, owned by Tianjin ZTER, was organized for Russian entrepreneurs. There they visited several iconic facilities in the energy and chemical industries. The TEDA Comprehensive Export Service Center also contacted Russian enterprises in advance with inquiries about points of interest in cooperation with the Chinese side.

    One of the Russian representatives noted that the Nangang Industrial Park is home to a large number of modern enterprises, and the Tianjin ZTER generally provides convenient and comfortable conditions for attracting investment. Previously, a major Russian energy giant had already launched cooperation with the ZTER, and this time, many Russian enterprises also showed great interest in projects in the ZTER. This event directly stimulated inter-corporate contacts between the two countries, and it is expected that in the near future, a partnership between enterprises of the two countries will be concluded on a number of projects, the representative assured.

    Wang Hongwei, chairman of Sinomachfreet Shandong Industrial Holdings Co., Ltd, said that as a result of the event, his company signed a memorandum of understanding to establish cooperation with two Russian enterprises. According to him, the Russian partners expressed their need for equipment designed for oil production and offshore drilling, which is precisely the flagship product of his company. “We will continue to hold talks with our Russian partners on promising cooperation,” the entrepreneur said. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-Evening Report: As war breaks out with Israel, Iran has run out of good options

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    The scale of Israel’s strikes on multiple, sensitive Iranian military and nuclear sites on Friday was unprecedented. It was the biggest attack on Iran since the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s.

    As expected, Iran responded swiftly, even as Israeli attacks on its territory continued. The unfolding conflict is reshaping regional dynamics, and Iran now finds itself with no easy path forward.

    Strikes come at a delicate time

    The timing of the Israeli strikes was highly significant. They came at a critical point in the high-stakes negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear program that began earlier this year.

    Last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a report accusing Tehran of stockpiling highly enriched uranium at levels dangerously close to weaponisation.

    According to the report, Iran has accumulated around 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity. If this uranium is further enriched to 90% purity, it would be enough to build nine to ten bombs.

    The day before Israel’s attack, the IAEA board of governors also declared Iran to be in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in two decades.

    The nuclear talks recently hit a stumbling block over a major issue – the US refusal to allow Iran to enrich any uranium at all for a civilian nuclear program.

    Iran has previously agreed to cap its enrichment at 3.67% under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a nuclear deal between Iran, the US and other global powers agreed to in 2015 (and abandoned by the first Trump administration in 2018). But it has refused to relinquish its right to enrichment altogether.

    US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to attack Iran last week, believing he was close to a deal.

    But after the attack, Trump ramped up his threats on Iran again, urging it to agree to a deal “before there is nothing left”. He called the Israeli strikes “excellent” and suggested there was “more to come”.

    Given this context, it is understandable why Iran does not view the US as an impartial mediator. In response, Iran suspended its negotiations with the US, announcing it would skip the sixth round of talks scheduled for Sunday.

    Rather than compelling Iran to agree to a deal, the excessive pressure could risk pushing Iran towards a more extreme stance instead.

    While Iranian officials have denied any intention to develop a military nuclear program, they have warned that continued Israeli attacks and US pressure might force Tehran to reconsider as a deterrence mechanism.




    Read more:
    As its conflict with Israel escalates, could Iran now acquire a nuclear bomb?


    Why surrender could spell the regime’s end

    On several occasions, Trump has insisted he is not seeking “regime change” in Iran. He has repeatedly claimed he wants to see Iran be “successful” – the only requirement is for it to accept a US deal.

    However, in Iran’s view, the US proposal is not viewed as a peace offer, but as a blueprint for surrender. And the fear is this would ultimately pave the way for regime change under the guise of diplomacy.

    Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei responded to the latest US proposal by insisting that uranium enrichment remains a “red line” for Iran. Abandoning this right from the Iranian perspective would only embolden its adversaries to escalate their pressure on the regime and make further demands – such as dismantling Iran’s missile program.

    The fear in Tehran is this could push the country into a defenceless state without a way to deter future Israeli strikes.

    Furthermore, capitulating to the US terms could ignite domestic backlash on two fronts: from an already growing opposition movement, and from the regime’s base of loyal supporters, who would see any retreat as a betrayal.

    In this context, many in Iran’s leadership believe that giving in to Trump’s terms would not avert regime change – it would hasten it.

    What options remain for Iran now?

    Caught between escalating pressure and existential threats, Iran finds itself with few viable options other than to project strength. It has already begun to pursue this strategy by launching retaliatory missile strikes at Israeli cities.

    This response has been much stronger than the relatively contained tit-for-tat strikes Israel and Iran engaged in last year. Iran’s strikes have caused considerable damage to government and residential areas in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

    Iran sees no alternative but to push forward, having already been drawn into open confrontation. Any sign of weakness would severely undermine the regime’s legitimacy at home and embolden its adversaries abroad.

    Moreover, Tehran is betting on Trump’s aversion to foreign wars. Iranian leaders believe the US is neither prepared nor willing to enter another costly conflict in the region – one that could disrupt global trade and jeopardise Trump’s recent economic partnerships with Persian Gulf states.

    Therefore, Iran’s leadership likely believes that by standing firm now, the conflict will be limited, so long as the US stays on the sidelines. And then, Iran’s leaders would try to return to the negotiating table, in their view, from a position of strength.

    Ali Mamouri does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. As war breaks out with Israel, Iran has run out of good options – https://theconversation.com/as-war-breaks-out-with-israel-iran-has-run-out-of-good-options-258916

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wagner Statement on Israeli Preemptive Strikes on Iran

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement in response to Israel’s preemptive strikes on Iran:

    “I wholeheartedly support Israel defending its people and nation. The United States must unequivocally stand with the Israeli people as they fight for their right to exist. Our alliance is resolute, and will never waver. 

    “It is the stated goal of Iran to wipe Israel off the face of the earth, and they continued to enrich uranium to construct and use nuclear weapons on the Jewish people and the Western world.  Iranian leaders who operated in defiance of the United States, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the entire international community have now been permanently removed from power due to the success of this Israeli operation.  This should serve as a warning to the Ayatollah.  Agree to the Trump Administration’s terms, or suffer the most severe consequences. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and the House Intelligence Committee to support Israel in their fight for lasting peace throughout the region.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Neguse and Bennet: “We must oppose any provisions that would stake a for sale sign on our nation’s public lands.”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Washington, D.C. — Congressman Joe Neguse and Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources issued newly released budget reconciliation text. The bill now seeks to sell off between 2 and 3 million acres of land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service—greenlighting the sale of public lands in Colorado, Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

    “Colorado, like so many Western states, is proud to be home to millions of acres of treasured public lands—places people from across the country and around the world flock to for outdoor recreation and to experience the natural beauty of the outdoors. Auctioning off these lands to pay for President Trump’s radical agenda, including the prioritization of tax cuts for billionaires and big corporations, is an affront to our core values. We must continue to stand in firm opposition to any provisions that would put a for sale sign on our nation’s treasured public lands.” 

    Neguse and Bennet have long partnered on efforts to protect Colorado’s public lands, including through their championing of the CORE Act–a bill that would codify protections for 420,000 acres of the state’s public land, establish new wilderness areas, and safeguard existing outdoor recreation opportunities to boost the economy for future generations.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Neguse Issues Statement on Developments in Middle East

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Washington, D.C. — Congressman Neguse issued the following statement regarding developments in the Middle East: 

    “I continue to closely monitor the situation and developments in the Middle East, and join fellow Americans in praying for the people of Israel. Earlier this week, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog — the International Atomic Energy Agency — declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations. A nuclear Iran would pose an undeniable threat to Israel, the United States and our allies, and Israel, like all nations, has the undeniable right to defend itself against any imminent threat. I urge the President and his administration to ensure that U.S. civilians, personnel and forces stationed across the region are protected, and will continue to support efforts to bring stability and peace to the region.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Another trial project on hydrogen fuel technology given agreement-in-principle by Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Another trial project on hydrogen fuel technology given agreement-in-principle by Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel 
    The said project concerns an application jointly submitted by the Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited and Chi Shing New Energy Technology Co., Limited, involving provision of electricity with hydrogen power generation equipment to support the operation of electrical equipment at a recreation facility of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department at Fan Kam Road, Fanling, for the golf event of the 15th National Games to be held in November.
     
    The spokesperson of the EEB stated, “The Working Group has promptly initiated the examination process upon receipt of detailed information of the trial project. After seeking members’ agreement through circulation, the Working Group has given agreement-in-principle to the application on June 13.”
     
    To date, the Working Group has given agreement-in-principle in stages to a total of 27 applications of hydrogen energy trial projects. The Working Group will continue to make reference to the operational data and experience collected from the trials to provide advice for the continuous enhancement of the safety and technical guidelines on the local application of hydrogen energy. Details are set out in the thematic webpage (cnsd.gov.hk/en/inter-departmental-working-group-on-using-hydrogen-as-fuel/ 
    The Working Group is formed by the EEB, the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Development Bureau, the Security Bureau, the Environmental Protection Department, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Fire Services Department, the Transport Department, the Marine Department, the Planning Department, the Lands Department, the Buildings Department, the Architectural Services Department and the Labour Department.  
    Issued at HKT 11:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Veasey Releases Statement on Current Israel-Iran Conflict

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

    Headline: Congressman Veasey Releases Statement on Current Israel-Iran Conflict

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Veasey released the following statement regarding the current Israel-Iran conflict: 

    “Donald Trump’s short-sighted withdrawal from the Iran nuclear agreement placed Israel in a position where it felt a preemptive strike in self-defense was necessary. Iran’s failure to abide by nuclear nonproliferation agreements led the International Atomic Energy Agency to issue a censure of the regime. Iran’s continued development of its nuclear program poses a threat not only to Israel, but to the entire Middle East, the United States, and the Iranian people themselves. Israel’s right to self-defense in the face of the Iranian regime’s nuclear threat is paramount to the future safety of the region and of Americans as a whole.

    Trump endangered our ally, Israel, in 2018 and gave Iran an opportunity to further destabilize the region. We must ensure the safety of our service members and Americans who may be caught in the crosshairs of this conflict.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 14, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 14, 2025.

    Fijian in Abu Dhabi worried about Pacific communities in Middle East
    By Susana Suisuiki, Presenter/producer of RNZ Pacific Waves Fiji’s Embassy in Abu Dhabi says it is closely monitoring the situation in Iran and Israel as tensions remain high. Israel carried out a dozen strikes against Iranian military and nuclear sites on Friday, claiming it acted out of “self-defence”, saying Iran is close to building a

    Eugene Doyle: Team Genocide and the West’s war on Iran
    COMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle I have visited Iran twice. Once in June 1980 to witness an unprecedented event: the world’s first Islamic Revolution. It was the very start of my writing career. The second time was in 2018 and part of my interest was to get a sense of how disenchanted the population was —

    Greta Thunberg tried to shame Western leaders – and found they have no shame
    ANALYSIS: By Jonathan Cook in Middle East Eye If you imagined Western politicians and media were finally showing signs of waking up to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, think again. Even the decision this week by several Western states, led by the UK, to ban the entry of Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, two far-right

    News of the Air India plane crash is traumatic. Here’s how to make sense of the risk
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hassan Vally, Associate Professor, Epidemiology, Deakin University simonkr/Getty Images On Thursday afternoon local time, an Air India passenger plane bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from the northwestern Indian city of Ahmedabad. There were reportedly 242 people onboard, including two pilots and ten cabin crew. The

    News of the Air India plane crash is traumatic. Here’s how to make sense of the risk
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hassan Vally, Associate Professor, Epidemiology, Deakin University simonkr/Getty Images On Thursday afternoon local time, an Air India passenger plane bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from the northwestern Indian city of Ahmedabad. There were reportedly 242 people onboard, including two pilots and ten cabin crew. The

    Selwyn Manning Analysis: Israel clearly saw an opportunity to strike Iran. Here’s the trip-wire… UPDATED
    Analysis and Notes by Selwyn Manning: Prep for Radio New Zealand – Israel Strikes Against Iran – June 13, 2025. Listen to the audio from 3:00 minutes in. Over the last 24 hours, the atomic control agency IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) formed a view at its UN Geneva meeting, that there was so-called evidence

    Selwyn Manning Analysis: Israel clearly saw an opportunity to strike Iran. Here’s the trip-wire…
    Analysis and Notes by Selwyn Manning: Prep for Radio New Zealand – Israel Strikes Against Iran – June 13, 2025. Listen to the audio from 3:00 minutes in. Over the last 24 hours, the atomic control agency IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) formed a view at its UN Geneva meeting, that there was so-called evidence

    Why did Israel defy Trump – and risk a major war – by striking Iran now? And what happens next?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University; and Vice Chancellor’s Strategic Fellow, Victoria University Alarmed by an intelligence assessment that Iran will be able to produce nuclear weapons within months if not weeks, Israel has launched a massive air campaign

    Just one man survived the Air India crash. What’s it like to survive a mass disaster?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Smith, Associate Professor and Discipline Lead (Paramedicine), La Trobe University Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British citizen returning from a trip to India, has been confirmed as the only survivor of Thursday’s deadly Air India crash. “I don’t know how I am alive,” Ramesh told family, according to

    Speculation about the cause of Air India crash is rife. An aviation expert explains why it’s a problem
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Natasha Heap, Program Director for the Bachelor of Aviation, University of Southern Queensland It has only been a few hours since Air India flight AI171 crashed in Ahmedabad, killing more than 260 people, yet public speculation about the causes of the disaster is already rife. Parts of

    What do we know about the Air India crash? How did one man survive? What now? An aviation safety expert explains
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Guido Carim Junior, Senior Lecturer in Aviation, Griffith University The back of Air India flight 171 after it crashed into a residential building in Ahmedabad. Sam Panthaky / AFP via Getty Images An Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad in northwest India on Thursday

    The Daily Blog calls for NZ to immediately expel Israeli envoy for unprovoked attack on Iran
    OPINION: By Martyn Bradbury, editor of The Daily Blog The madness has begun. We should have suspected something when the cloud strike shut down occurred. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs to continue war so that he is never held to account. This madness is the last straw. NZ must immediately expel the Israeli Ambassador

    Trump may push Albanese on defence spending, but Australia has leverage it can use, too
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thomas Corben, Research Fellow, Foreign Policy and Defence, University of Sydney Ahead of a prospective meeting between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit Canada, two key developments have bumped defence issues to the top of the alliance agenda. First, in

    How long is a vagina? And how do I know if mine is ‘short’?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Keersten Fitzgerald, Lecturer in General Practice, University of Sydney Jarrod Simpson/Getty We often use the word vagina to describe everything “down there”, but that’s not actually anatomically correct. The vagina is the stretchy, muscular tube that connects the external genitalia, or vulva, to the cervix, which is

    ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 13, 2025
    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 13, 2025.

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minister Burke welcomes findings that four in five businesses rank sustainability as an important day-to-day issue

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    Strong demand by businesses for energy efficiency grants in 2025

    The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke today  welcomed new research which shows four in five businesses (83%) believe sustainability is important to them on a day-to-day basis. The finding is part of a survey of over 300 SMEs carried out on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment by Amárach Research to identify what factors motivate small and micro businesses to become more sustainable.

    The research shows that not only do a large majority of SMEs think sustainability is important, many have already taken steps to become so. Almost two in three (63%) of the businesses surveyed had addressed their waste, two in five their water usage (41%), and nearly half (49%) had taken steps to address energy efficiency.

    Minister Burke said it was particularly encouraging to see the number of companies which had already taken action to become more sustainable:

    “There is money available from the Government to help businesses to cut their costs and become more sustainable. I’d urge any small or micro enterprise to contact either their Local Enterprise Office (LEO) or the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and talk to them about the grants available which can make them more sustainable and competitive. 

    “The LEO’s Energy Efficiency Grant will cover three quarters of the cost of items such as new energy efficient equipment, smart control or heat recovery systems. So far this year alone 296 small businesses have availed of grants worth €2.45 million in total. Last year 289 businesses received grants worth €2.28m.

    “The SEAI’s Business Energy Upgrades Scheme meanwhile funds energy efficient and renewable measures in commercial buildings and since its launch in November 2024, 102 applications have been approved totalling €2.39m in grant funding”, said Minister Burke.

    Just over one in three of the organisations surveyed had a written sustainability strategy in place. That figure rises for medium (48%) and large (73%) sized organisations and falls to just one in four (24%) for micro and small firms.

    Minister of State for Small Business and Retail and Circular Economy Alan Dillon said the Government had supports in place to help SMEs put a plan in place:

    “The SEAI, the LEOs and Enterprise Ireland (EI) offer grants to businesses to get advice on how to identify and act on energy-saving opportunities. This is really worthwhile doing as it gives SMEs a starting point and a plan.

    “I was also really pleased to see the high level of awareness about the Circular Economy (75%) in this survey, which is a core part of making Irish businesses more sustainable. Companies that embrace circularity by considering the full life cycle of their products can cut costs and will gain a competitive edge in both EU and global markets. To learn more, I strongly encourage business to investigate two state-funded supports – MODOS from the LEO network, which is now taking registrations for circular economy training in the autumn and Circuléire, which delivers wrap-around support for sustainable manufacturing.”

    The research findings are published on enterprise.gov.ie, and more information on the supports available to businesses is available from the National Enterprise Hub.

    Notes To Editor

    This research was undertaken in November 2024. 

    https://mywaste.ie/dispose-waste/in-your-workplace/modos-circular-economy-training/

    ENDS

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Director General Grossi’s Statement to UNSC on Situation in Iran

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Early this morning, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was informed of the military operation launched by Israel which includes attacks on nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

    As I reported this morning to the IAEA Board of Governors, we have been in permanent contact with the Iran Nuclear Regulatory Authority, to ascertain the status of relevant nuclear facilities and to assess any wider impacts on nuclear safety and security.

    Iran has confirmed that at present, only the Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant site has been attacked in today’s strikes. This facility contains the Fuel Enrichment Plant and the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant.

    At Natanz, the above-ground part of the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant, where Iran was producing uranium enriched up to 60% U-235, has been destroyed.

    Electricity infrastructure at the facility (electrical sub-station, main electric power supply building, emergency power supply and back-up generators) has been destroyed.

    There is no indication of a physical attack on the underground cascade hall containing part of the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant and the main Fuel Enrichment Plant. However, the loss of power to the cascade hall may have damaged the centrifuges there.

    The level of radioactivity outside the Natanz site has remained unchanged and at normal levels indicating no external radiological impact to the population or the environment from this event.

    However, due to the impacts, there is radiological and chemical contamination inside the facilities in Natanz. The type of radiation present inside the facility, primarily alpha particles, is manageable with appropriate radiation protection measures.

    At present, the Iranian authorities are informing us of attacks on the other facilities, the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant; and Esfahan site, where a fuel plate fabrication plant, a fuel manufacturing plant, a uranium conversion facility and an enriched UO2 powder plant are located. However I have to inform that at this moment we do not have enough information beyond indicating that military activity has been taking place around these facilities as well which initially had not been part of military operation.

    All these developments are deeply concerning. I have repeatedly stated that nuclear facilities must never be attacked, regardless of the context or circumstances, as it could harm both people and the environment.  Such attacks have serious implications for nuclear safety, security and safeguards, as well as regional and international peace and security.

    In this regard, the IAEA recalls the numerous General Conference resolutions on the topic of military attacks against nuclear facilities, in particular, GC(XXIX)/RES/444 and GC(XXXIV)/RES/533, which provide, inter alia, that “any armed attack on and threat against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes constitutes a violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law and the Statute of the Agency”. 

    Furthermore, the IAEA has consistently underlined that “armed attacks on nuclear facilities could result in radioactive releases with grave consequences within and beyond the boundaries of the State which has been attacked”, as was stated in GC(XXXIV)/RES/533.

    As Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and consistent with the objectives of the IAEA under the IAEA Statute, I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. I reiterate that any military action that jeopardizes the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond.

    Madame Under Secretary General evoked that yesterday, the Board of Governors of the IAEA adopted an important resolution on Iran’s safeguards obligations. In addition to this, the Board resolution stressed its support for a diplomatic solution to the problems posed by the Iranian nuclear programme.

    The IAEA continues to monitor the situation closely.  Our Incident and Emergency Center (IEC) has maintained continuous contact with Iranian authorities from the onset of the attack, regularly confirming the status of the facilities and will continue to do so in the coming days. Additionally, we have established a task force comprising several senior staff members to monitor the situation closely over the next few days, and they will be available 24/7at the disposal of the UNSC.

    The IAEA stands ready to provide technical assistance, and remains committed to its nuclear safety, security and safeguards mandate in all circumstances. I stand ready to engage with all relevant parties to help ensure the protection of nuclear facilities and the continued peaceful use of nuclear technology in accordance with the Agency mandate, including, deploying Agency nuclear security and safety experts (in addition to our safeguards inspectors in Iran) wherever necessary to ensure that nuclear installations are fully protected and continue to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.

    As I informed today the IAEA Board of Governors, I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran.

    I have also been in contact with our inspectors in Iran and Israel. The safety of our staff is of paramount importance. All necessary actions are being taken to ensure they are not harmed.

    Despite the current military actions and heightened tensions, it is clear that the only sustainable path forward—for Iran, for Israel, the entire region, and the international community—is one grounded in dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace, stability, and cooperation. 

    The International Atomic Energy Agency, as the International technical institution entrusted with overseeing the peaceful use of nuclear energy, remains a unique and vital forum for dialogue, especially now. 

    In accordance with its Statute and longstanding mandate, the IAEA provides the framework and natural platform where facts prevail over rhetoric and where engagement can replace escalation. 

    I reaffirm the Agency’s readiness to facilitate technical discussions and support efforts that promote transparency, safety, security and the peaceful resolution of nuclear-related issues in Iran.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Update 4: Alberta wildfire update (June 13, 3:30 p.m.)

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hinson Applauds RVO Proposal as Win for Iowa’s Ag Community, Biofuels Producers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent announcement on the Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) levels for 2026 and 2027.

    “I’m very encouraged by the EPA’s proposed rule, which underscores the important role that biofuels play in our strategy for American energy dominance. Energy security is national security, and today’s announcement is a win for our biofuels producers and Ag community in Iowa.
     
    “Earlier this year, I led a bipartisan letter to President Trump, urging him to propose robust blending targets, especially for biodiesel, after the Biden Administration’s low RVOs caused several biodiesel plants in the Midwest to stop production. This is a strong first step, and I look forward to my continued work with President Trump and Administrator Zeldin to expand domestic production of liquid transportation fuels.” – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

    Read more about Congresswoman Hinson’s letter to President Trump and Administrator Zeldin here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Completes Fourth Reviews Under the Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility Arrangements, First Review of an Arrangement Under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, and Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Papua New Guinea

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 13, 2025

    • The Executive Board completed the Fourth Reviews under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangements for Papua New Guinea, providing the country with immediate access to about US$172 million.
    • The IMF Executive Board also completed the First Review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement, making available about US$28 million to support the authorities’ policies to address longer-term structural balance of payments vulnerabilities associated with climate change. Papua New Guinea is the first Pacific Island country to access the RSF.
    • The IMF-supported programs will continue to support Papua New Guinea’s homegrown reform agenda, focusing on strengthening debt sustainability, alleviating FX shortages, fostering good governance, and building climate resilience, while protecting the vulnerable and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.

    Washington, DC: On June 13, 2025, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Fourth Reviews of Papua New Guinea’s ECF/EFF arrangements and the First Review under the RSF arrangement.[1] The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.[2] The completion of these reviews allows for the immediate disbursement of SDR 121.07 million (about US$172 million) under the ECF/EFF and SDR 19.74 million (about US$28 million) under the RSF, bringing total disbursements under the programs so far to SDR 461.93 million (about US$655 million). The Executive Board also concluded the Article IV consultation with Papua New Guinea.

    The ECF/EFF arrangements with Papua New Guinea were approved by the Executive Board on March 22, 2023, in an overall amount equivalent to SDR 684.32 million (260 percent of quota) to help address a protracted balance of payments need—manifested in foreign exchange shortages—and to support the authorities’ reforms to address longstanding structural impediments to inclusive growth. The 24-month RSF arrangement, which was approved by the Executive Board on December 11, 2024, in an overall amount of SDR 197.4 million (75 percent of quota), aims to help address risks to prospective balance of payments stability associated with longer-term structural challenges posed by climate change.

    Papua New Guinea’s economic outlook remains positive as structural reforms continue to bear fruit. Notwithstanding a weakening external environment, growth is expected to increase to 4.7 percent in 2025, driven by strong growth in the resource sector and resilient growth in the non-resource sector in part thanks to improvements in access to foreign exchange. Headline inflation is expected to rise to 4.8 percent from a very low base in 2024 and core inflation is expected to edge up to 4 percent. Over the medium term, growth is expected to moderate and stabilize at just above 3 percent, supported by the non-resource sector growth, with inflation remaining anchored at around 4.5 percent.

    The outlook is subject to significant downside risks, as Papua New Guinea is vulnerable to both domestic and external shocks. These risks are exacerbated by considerable capacity constraints and socio-political fragility that limit the government’s ability to design and implement policies aimed at economic stabilization, development, and climate adaptation. Commodity price volatility, as well as other global risks arising from geopolitical conflicts, geoeconomic fragmentation, trade barriers, and supply disruptions may create additional pressure on growth and inflation. On the upside, the kickoff of major resource projects, which are not yet in the baseline scenario, could boost economic growth in the medium run, with significant gains in exports and fiscal revenues once they begin operations.

    Program performance has remained satisfactory, with the authorities displaying a sustained commitment to reforms. All but one end-December 2024 quantitative performance criteria and indicative targets under the ECF-EFF arrangements were met, and six out of eight structural benchmarks due were fully or partially implemented. One reform measure under the RSF arrangement was implemented.

    At the conclusion of the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Bo Li, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, made the following statement:

    “The Papua New Guinea (PNG) authorities have continued implementing their multipronged reform agenda under the Fund-supported programs, with the reforms continuing to bear fruit. Sustained commitment to these homegrown reforms will help achieve more resilient, inclusive, and greener economic growth.

    “The authorities have been successfully reducing the fiscal deficit and adopted important amendments to the Income Tax Act—a major milestone in the simplification of tax policies. Going forward, further fiscal adjustment, guided by the implementation of the authorities’ medium-term revenue strategy and supported by efforts to limit the growth of current spending and strengthen expenditure efficiency, would help to durably reduce debt vulnerabilities. Securing fiscal space for social and capital spending, engaging in prudent borrowing, and strengthening debt management capacity, including to avoid incurrence of arrears, are also essential.

    “Foreign exchange shortages continued to ease, supported by central banking reforms, increased flexibility of the Kina, and favorable external conditions. The current crawl-like arrangement remains appropriate to bring the Kina to its market-clearing rate and facilitate the return to Kina convertibility. A tighter monetary policy stance, through timely adjustments in the KFR, is needed to ensure consistency between monetary policy and the exchange rate regime. Further efforts to modernize monetary policy operations, strengthen the Bank of PNG’s liquidity management capacity, develop the interbank market, and operationalize its lender of last resort function would help to support financial sector development.

    “Further strengthening governance and addressing the remaining gaps in the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism regime are critical. Meanwhile, macro-structural reforms should focus on improving PNG’s external competitiveness and attracting foreign investment, including by removing barriers to trade, enhancing export capacity, and further diversifying the economy.

    “Reforms under the new RSF arrangement will help the authorities build resilience against climate-related risks and address structural balance of payments vulnerabilities. The recent climate finance roundtable event, which provided several concrete and innovative climate finance options, will support the authorities’ efforts to effectively scale up resources for climate action.

    “The ECF/EFF and RSF arrangements will continue to support the authorities’ homegrown reform agenda, helping address balance of payment needs and rebuild buffers, while avoiding disruptive adjustment and catalyzing support from other international partners. Timely technical assistance and advice from the IMF and other development partners will continue to underpin reform implementation.

    Executive Board Assessment[3]

    Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They commended the authorities for their commitment to keep program performance on track in a fragile socio‑political environment and welcomed positive developments in macroeconomic and fiscal indicators. Given significant downside risks and elevated external uncertainty, they stressed the importance of building buffers to preserve macroeconomic stability. They encouraged the authorities to continue to advance critical structural reforms with the support of capacity development activities.

    Directors supported the authorities’ fiscal consolidation strategy and stressed the need for continued efforts to durably reduce public debt risks, including by enhancing the rules‑based fiscal framework, strengthening debt management capacity, and maintaining a prudent borrowing strategy. They called for a continued reduction of the fiscal deficit while securing space for development spending by combining revenue mobilization efforts with improvements in expenditure efficiency and cash management. They called for a timely adoption of the amendments to the Internal Revenue Commission Act to reinforce accountability in revenue collection.

    Directors commended the progress achieved in implementing central banking reforms. They supported efforts to depreciate the Kina to its market‑clearing rate and gradually eliminate foreign exchange restrictions. They broadly concurred that a tighter monetary policy stance would help anchor inflation expectations and support the exchange rate regime, and emphasized the importance of liquidity management reforms to strengthen monetary policy transmission. They encouraged further development of the financial sector while containing financial stability risks.

    Directors encouraged the authorities to further promote good governance, law and order, proactively enhance their AML/CFT framework, allocate sufficient budget resources to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, and swiftly appoint its oversight committee members. They also emphasized the need for enhancing transparency in the financial dealings of state‑owned enterprises. 

    Directors encouraged the authorities to expedite reforms to enhance external competitiveness and help attract foreign investment, including by improving the business environment, removing barriers to trade, enhancing export capacity, reducing gender imbalances, and further diversifying the economy. Directors commended efforts to scale up climate finance and called for maintaining focus on strengthening disaster risk management, setting up fiscal incentives for fuel efficiency and forest protection, and integrating climate considerations in infrastructure governance.

    It is expected that the next Article IV consultation with Papua New Guinea will be held in accordance with the Executive Board decision on consultation cycles for members with Fund arrangements.

    Papua New Guinea: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2021–2026

     
     

    Nominal GDP (2021):      

    US$26.3 billion 1/

       

    Population (2021):         

    11.8 million

       

    GDP per capita (2021):    

    US$2,217

       

    Quota:

    SDR 263.2 million

       
     
     

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

     

    Actual

    Actual

    Actual

    Est.

    Proj.

    Proj.

     
     

    (Percentage change)

     

    Real sector

     

     

    Real GDP growth

    -0.5

    5.7

    3.8

    3.8

    4.7

    3.5

     

    Resource 2/

    -11.6

    5.1

    1.3

    1.7

    4.7

    1.4

     

    Non-resource

    4.2

    5.9

    4.7

    4.5

    4.8

    4.2

     

    Mining and quarrying (percent of GDP)

    8.2

    8.2

    8.5

    9.9

    12.2

    13.4

     

    Oil and gas extraction (percent of GDP)

    17.1

    23.7

    18.9

    18.3

    16.4

    16.2

     

    CPI (annual average)

    4.5

    5.3

    2.3

    0.6

    4.8

    4.6

     

    CPI (end-period)

    5.7

    3.4

    3.9

    0.7

    4.0

    4.3

     
     

    (In percent of GDP)

     

    Central government operations

     

    Revenue and grants

    15.1

    16.6

    17.9

    17.0

    17.9

    18.6

     

    Of which: Resource revenue

    1.1

    3.9

    3.9

    3.5

    4.2

    4.5

     

    Expenditure and net lending

    22.0

    21.9

    22.3

    20.4

    20.5

    19.7

     

    Net lending(+)/borrowing(-)

    -6.8

    -5.3

    -4.3

    -3.4

    -2.6

    -1.2

     

    Non-resource net lending(+)/borrowing(-)

    -8.0

    -9.1

    -8.2

    -6.9

    -6.8

    -5.7

     
     

    (Percentage change)

     

    Money and credit

     

     

    Domestic credit

    15.9

    1.5

    12.1

    1.6

    3.6

    2.3

     

    Credit to the private sector

    2.5

    6.9

    14.9

    3.2

    13.4

    10.8

     

    Broad money

    13.4

    14.7

    9.9

    -6.4

    -8.5

    7.7

     
     

    (In billions of U.S. dollars)

     

    Balance of payments

     

     

    Exports, f.o.b.

    10.8

    14.6

    12.8

    13.4

    14.9

    15.1

     

    Imports, c.i.f.

    -4.4

    -5.9

    -5.4

    -4.6

    -6.1

    -6.8

     

    Current account (including grants)

    3.3

    4.6

    2.8

    5.0

    3.5

    4.2

     

    (In percent of GDP)

    12.6

    14.4

    9.1

    15.8

    10.8

    12.7

     

    Gross official international reserves

    3.2

    4.0

    3.9

    3.7

    3.0

    3.5

     

    (In months of goods and services imports)

    4.5

    5.9

    6.7

    5.6

    3.7

    4.3

     
     

    (In percent of GDP)

     

    Government debt

     

     

    Government gross debt

    52.6

    48.2

    53.9

    52.1

    50.5

    48.9

     

    External debt-to-GDP ratio (in percent) 3/

    25.0

    23.5

    27.0

    27.4

    29.7

    30.5

     

    External debt-service ratio (percent of exports)

    4.3

    2.2

    2.7

    3.4

    4.5

    5.4

     
     

    Memo Items

     

    US$/kina (end-period)

    0.2850

    0.2840

    0.2683

    0.2500

     

    NEER (2005=100, fourth quarter)

    91.2

    100.3

    95.3

    89.3

     

    REER (2005=100, fourth quarter)

    125.3

    134.6

    129.0

    119.5

     

    Terms of trade (2010=100, end-period)

    48.3

    70.4

    64.0

    62.7

    67.7

    66.8

     
     

    Nominal GDP (in billions of kina)

    91.6

    111.4

    110.6

    121.5

    134.9

    144.2

     

    Non-resource nominal GDP (in billions of kina)

    68.4

    75.9

    80.3

    87.3

    96.3

    101.6

     
     

    Sources: Papua New Guinea authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.

     

    1/ Based on period average exchange rate.

     

    2/ Resource sector includes production of mineral, petroleum, and gas and directly-related activities such as

     

    mining and quarrying, but excludes indirectly-related activities such as transportation and construction.

     

    3/ Public external debt includes external debt of the central government, the central bank, and guarantees to other entities.

     

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] Under the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, publication of documents that pertain to member countries is voluntary and requires the member consent. The staff report will be shortly published on the www.imf.org/en/Countries/PNG page.

    [3] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chair of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pemba Sherpa

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/13/pr-25197-papua-new-guinea-imf-completes-4th-rev-under-ecf-eff-1st-rev-of-arrang-under-rsf-art-iv

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: Houston American Energy Corp. Provides Response to Unusual Market Action

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, TX, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Houston American Energy Corp. (NYSE American: HUSA) (“HUSA” or the “Company”) announced today that the Company had become aware of unusual trading activity in its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange American (the “NYSE”) on June 12 and June 13, 2025. The Company is issuing this press release pursuant to Section 401(d) of the NYSE Company Guide. The Company has made inquiries and has been unable to determine whether corrective actions are appropriate at this time. The Company is further announcing that there has been no material development in its business and affairs not previously disclosed or, to its knowledge, any other reason to account for the unusual market action.

    About HUSA

    HUSA is an independent oil and gas company focused on the development, exploration, exploitation, acquisition, and production of natural gas and crude oil properties. Our principal properties and operations are in the U.S. Permian Basin. Additionally, we have properties in the Louisiana U.S. Gulf Coast region. For more information, please visit: https://houstonamerican.com/

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of, and subject to the safe harbor created by, Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Exchange Act and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are referred to as the “safe harbor provisions.” Statements contained or incorporated by reference in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding HUSA’s or AGIG’s business and future financial and operating results, and other aspects of HUSA’s or AGIG’s operations or operating results. Words such as “may,” “should,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “project,” and similar phrases that denote future expectations or intent regarding HUSA’s or AGIG’s financial results, operations, and other matters are intended to identify forward-looking statements that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions. Investors are cautioned not to rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release including:

      risks relating to fluctuations of the market value of common stock, including as a result of uncertainty as to the long-term value of the common stock of HUSA or as a result of broader stock market movements;
      the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Share Exchange Agreement;
      failure to attract, motivate and retain executives and other key employees;
      disruptions in the business of HUSA or AGIG, which could have an adverse effect on their respective businesses and financial results;
      the unaudited pro forma combined consolidated financial information in the proxy statement is presented for illustrative purposes only and may not be reflective of the operating results and financial condition of the combination of HUSA and AGIG; and
      other risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the proxy statement, as well as HUSA’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other documents filed by HUSA from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

    The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. HUSA does not undertake to update, alter, or revise any forward-looking statements made in this report to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

    For additional information, view the company’s website at www.houstonamerican.com or contact Houston American Energy Corp. at (713) 222-6966. 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: KGNCLOUD Introduces Zero Threshold Gold Mining for Crypto’s New Era

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NJ, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    The cryptocurrency market is undergoing a new round of explosive changes—Bitcoin has broken through the $100,000 mark, the US has relaxed regulations, and Russia has fully legalised mining. These monumental shifts are reshaping the global financial landscape. In response, cloud mining is increasingly recognized as a pivotal pathway for ordinary investors seeking entry into the market, offering compelling advantages such as zero hardware investment and freedom from ongoing operation and maintenance costs. The following key trends and strategies will help you seize the unique opportunities presented by this evolving digital economy.

    This period of explosive growth is not merely a fleeting surge but signals a profound maturation of the cryptocurrency sector, driven by emerging global forces. A “Global Vision: New Mining Forces in 2025” highlights critical developments:

    • Political Capital Entry: The Trump family and Hut 8 have jointly established American Bitcoin Corp (ABTC), with a Nasdaq listing countdown approaching. This strategic alignment predicts Bitcoin will exceed $170,000 in 2026, signaling significant mainstream validation.
    • Game Between Energy Countries: Russia is strategically leveraging the US mining machine tariff war to absorb global computing power, while Canada and Kazakhstan, with their low-electricity price areas, are becoming the primary power sources for the migration of mining sites, creating new hubs of digital asset production.

    At the heart of KGNCLOUD’s offering is its revolutionary Zero Threshold Digital Gold Mining initiative, embodying an inclusive solution designed to dismantle barriers to entry. This groundbreaking feature empowers users with:

    • Free Trial Mining: Register today to receive $100 in experience money, allowing users to verify KGNCLOUD’s profit model without any initial risk.
    • No Hardware/Electricity Pressure: The platform fully bears all operation and maintenance costs, ensuring users enjoy pure profit sharing, free from the burdens of significant hardware investment, energy consumption, or technical upkeep.
    • Flexible Withdrawal in Multiple Currencies: KGNCLOUD supports rapid withdrawals of 11 major cryptocurrencies, including USDT, BTC, and ETH, with funds credited to user accounts within a swift 5 minutes.

    “This is a transformative period for digital assets,” commented Joy Bennett, “The shift in market dynamics and regulatory landscapes creates unprecedented opportunities, making accessible solutions like cloud mining increasingly vital for broader participation. We are witnessing a convergence of mainstream finance and decentralized technology, opening doors that were previously unimaginable for stable digital asset accumulation.”

    The benefits of KGNCLOUD’s platform extend far beyond just eliminating hardware and operational costs. It significantly reduces investment risk, broadens accessibility to diverse demographics—from students and busy professionals to retirees—and offers a truly global reach. KGNCLOUD leverages secure, state-of-the-art infrastructure across geographically distributed data centers, ensuring operational resilience and transparent reporting. This robust framework guarantees reliable service and empowers users with real-time insights into their mining performance.

    Take the leading platform KGNCLOUD Mining as an example (the first user growth rate in 2025):

    Contract type Investment amount Cycle (days) Expected income
    Free experience $100 1 $100+$1
    Classic computing power (primary) $500 4 $500+$100
    Classic computing power (advanced) $1200 5 $1200+$240
    Smart miner $2800 6 $2800+$660
    Innovative mining machine $5580 7 $5580+$2506

    For more miner plans, please open the KGNCLOUD website to view.

    KGNCLOUD defines this as a “New Era of Cryptocurrency”—one focused on sustainability, mainstream adoption, and true financial inclusion, moving beyond mere speculative trading towards long-term wealth building. KGNCLOUD’s role in this era is not just as a service provider but as an educator and a trusted partner, committed to fostering an informed and confident community of digital asset holders, aligning with the evolving global forces.

    To empower investors with practical guidance in this dynamic landscape, KGNCLOUD offers a straightforward Action Guide: Start Cloud Mining in Three Steps:

    1. Registration: Simply visit the KGNCLOUD Mining official website to register and immediately receive your $100 trial mining gold.
    2. Choose Contract: Select an investment level that matches your goals, with options starting from just $100.
    3. Income: Monitor your panel data daily and initiate immediate cash withdrawals once your target profit is met.

    A Critical Policy Window Period Reminder: The looming Federal Reserve debt crisis, which stands at an staggering $37 trillion, may significantly accelerate the monetization process of Bitcoin reserves. This scenario positions early computing power layouters to capture substantial excess dividends, making informed and timely entry into cloud mining crucial for maximizing potential returns in this unprecedented economic climate.

    About KGNCLOUD

    KGNCLOUD is a visionary leader in global cloud mining services, dedicated to fostering a transparent, accessible, and secure environment for digital asset accumulation. Committed to innovation and user empowerment, KGNCLOUD provides state-of-the-art cloud mining solutions that enable individuals worldwide to participate confidently in the burgeoning cryptocurrency market, driving a new era of financial inclusion and digital wealth creation.

    Act now → KGNCLOUD Mining official website entry channel

    Name: Joy Bennett
    Email: info@kgncloud.com
    Website: http://www.kgncloud.com
    Address: Copper House 150 Neath Road, Landore, Swansea, Abertawe, Wales, SA1 2BD

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Warns of Dangers of Israeli Violations on International Peace and Security

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Vienna, June 13

    The State of Qatar has reiterated its strong condemnation and deep denunciation of the Israeli attack that targeted the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, describing it as a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security at a time when countries around the world are striving to reach diplomatic solutions to restore peace to the Middle East.

    This came in Qatar’s statement delivered by HE Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations and international organizations in Vienna Jassim Yaqoub Al Hammadi before the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), during discussions on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and the Israeli nuclear file.

    His Excellency called on the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities to urgently stop Israeli violations before it is too late, warning of their grave consequences for the region, particularly the destruction of prospects for peace and the endangerment of the people of the region as well as regional and global security.

    He further urged the international community and its organizations to pressure Israel, the occupying power, to immediately end its campaign of genocide against unarmed civilians in the Gaza Strip, its use of food as a weapon, and its ongoing military operations and settlement projects in the occupied West Bank.

    His Excellency reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s firm and unwavering position in support of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the right to establish an independent state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also noted that Qatar continues its mediation efforts alongside the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America to reach a permanent ceasefire and create conditions conducive to launching serious negotiations toward achieving a two-state solution.

    Regarding Israel’s nuclear capabilities, His Excellency emphasized the need for the international community and its institutions to fulfill their commitments under United Nations Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, as well as IAEA decisions and the 1995 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference resolution, all of which call on Israel to subject its entire nuclear program to the Agency’s comprehensive safeguards system and to join the NPT as a non-nuclear state.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Statement on Trump Administration Decision to Pull out of the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    June 13, 2025
    Oregon senator: “Donald Trump proves yet again his irrational preference for litigation and mindless destruction of actual achievements like this settlement agreement”
    Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s decision this week to pull out of the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement.
    “Donald Trump proves yet again his irrational preference for litigation and mindless destruction of actual achievements like this settlement agreement,” said Wyden a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “His approach will make life more difficult for businesses and families by upending meaningful progress to meet regional energy production, water resources, and transportation needs while recovering a river and its salmon key to our part of the country. The states of Oregon and Washington as well as Tribes worked too hard and long to reach this agreement to have it upended so casually from 3,000 miles away.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Australia’s naval nuclear propulsion: AUKUS update to IAEA Board of Governors, June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Australia’s naval nuclear propulsion: AUKUS update to IAEA Board of Governors, June 2025

    Update by Australia, the UK and the USA (AUKUS) to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on Australia’s naval nuclear propulsion programme

    Thank you, Chair.

    I have the honour of speaking on behalf of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to provide an update to the Board of Governors on Australia’s naval nuclear propulsion (NNP) program.

    Chair,

    Bilateral consultations between Australia and the Agency on the safeguards and verification approach for Australia’s program, including an arrangement under Article 14 of Australia’s Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA), are ongoing.

    As the Director General stated in his report to this Board last November, these consultations are guided by the relevant provisions of the Agency’s Statute, and Australia’s CSA and Additional Protocol (AP). The topics under discussion include the structure and content of Australia’s Article 14 arrangement; provisions for advance notification, reporting and verification prior to the entry of nuclear material into the arrangement; and the circumstances under which the arrangement will apply.

    Technical discussions also continue on ways to facilitate possible verification and monitoring activities, and on the structure of material balance areas, facilities and sites at relevant locations in Australia, within the framework of Australia’s CSA and AP. 

    Chair,

    We reaffirm the fundamental commitment that ensures our approach sets the highest non-proliferation standard. Australia’s program will be subject to a robust package of safeguards and verification measures, enabling the Agency to continue to fulfil its technical objectives for Australia at all stages. Throughout the lifecycle of Australia’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines the Agency will continue to verify that there has been no diversion of nuclear material, no misuse of facilities, and no undeclared nuclear material or activities in Australia. 

    As the Director General has stated, Australia’s Article 14 arrangement, once finalised, will be referred to this Board for appropriate action – which we fully support. When the Article 14 arrangement comes before the Board of Governors, in the fullness of time, we expect it to be judged on its non-proliferation merits, on the basis of the Director General’s technical assessment.

    Chair,

    We remain committed to updating the Board on relevant developments concerning our three countries’ cooperation on NNP, as we have done since September 2021.

    Australia is continuing to build our capacity to operate and maintain our future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines through support and training from the US and UK. To this end, consistent with the phased approach we announced in March 2023, Australia is receiving regular port visits from American nuclear-powered submarines at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia – which will continue and be supplemented in future by UK visiting submarines. There is a long history of US and UK submarines visiting Australia, and port visits by many nations are carried out regularly around the world.  Our cooperation is proceeding in full compliance with AUKUS partners’ respective international obligations, including Australia’s obligations under its CSA and AP, and under the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty.

    As the Director General confirmed in his report last November, the Agency continues to undertake independent verification activities in relation to Australia’s program; and Australia continues to provide the Agency all information required under its CSA and AP.

    Chair,

    We support the Director General’s ongoing commitment to report to the Board on NNP programs, as he judges appropriate. He did this last November, and he has also done so at this Board in the Safeguards Implementation Report for 2024. We continue to welcome technically focused discussions at the Board, under agenda items proposed by the Director General and guided by his reporting.

    AUKUS partners remain committed to transparency and setting the highest non-proliferation standard for Australia’s NNP program. We welcome opportunities to present information and address genuine questions regarding Australia’s NNP program. Since 2023 we have co-hosted a side event on our non-proliferation approach at each NPT PrepCom meeting – most recently on 1 May in New York. We will continue to provide updates to the Board and in other fora, as appropriate.

    Thank you, Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom