NewzIntel.com

Category: Middle East

  • MIL-OSI Global: Regime change wouldn’t likely bring democracy to Iran. A more threatening force could fill the vacuum

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Andrew Thomas, Lecturer in Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    The timing and targets of Israel’s attacks on Iran tell us that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s short-term goal is to damage Iran’s nuclear facilities in order to severely diminish its weapons program.

    But Netanyahu has made clear another goal: he said the war with Iran “could certainly” lead to regime change in the Islamic republic.

    These comments came after an Israeli plan to assassinate the supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reportedly rebuffed by United States President Donald Trump.

    It’s no secret Israel has wanted to see the current government of Iran fall for some time, as have many government officials in the US.

    But what would things look like if the government did topple?

    How is power wielded in today’s Iran?

    Founded in 1979 after the Iranian Revolution, the Islamic Republic of Iran has democratic, theocratic and authoritarian elements to its governing structure.

    The founding figure of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, envisioned a state run by Islamic clerics and jurists who ensured all policies adhered to Islamic law.

    As Iran was a constitutional monarchy before the revolution, theocratic elements were effectively grafted on top of the existing republican ones, such as the parliament, executive and judiciary.

    Iran has a unicameral legislature (one house of parliament), called the Majles, and a president (currently Masoud Pezeshkian). There are regular elections for both.

    But while there are democratic elements within this system, in practice it is a “closed loop” that keeps the clerical elite in power and prevents challenges to the supreme leader. There is a clear hierarchy, with the supreme leader at the top.

    Khamenei has been in power for more than 35 years, taking office following Khomeini’s death in 1989. The former president of Iran, he was chosen to become supreme leader by the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body of Islamic jurists.

    While members of the assembly are elected by the public, candidates must be vetted by the powerful 12-member Guardian Council (also known as the Constitutional Council). Half of this body is selected by the supreme leader, while the other half is approved by the Majles.

    The council also has the power to vet all candidates for president and the parliament.

    In last year’s elections, the Guardian Council disqualified many candidates from running for president, as well as the Majles and Assembly of Experts, including the moderate former president Hassan Rouhani.

    As such, the supreme leader is increasingly facing a crisis of legitimacy with the public. Elections routinely have low turnout. Even with a reformist presidential candidate in last year’s field – the eventual winner, Masoud Pezeshkian – turnout was below 40% in the first round.

    Freedom House gives Iran a global freedom score of just 11 out of 100.

    The supreme leader also directly appoints the leaders in key governance structures, such as the judiciary, the armed forces and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

    The all-powerful IRGC

    So, Iran is far from a democracy. But the idea that regime change would lead to a full democracy that is aligned with Israel and the US is very unlikely.

    Iranian politics is extremely factional. Ideological factions, such as the reformists, moderates and conservatives, often disagree vehemently on key policy areas. They also jockey for influence with the supreme leader and the rest of the clerical elite. None of these factions is particularly friendly with the US, and especially not Israel.

    There are also institutional factions. The most powerful group in the country is the clerical elite, led by the supreme leader. The next most powerful faction would be the IRGC.

    Originally formed as a kind of personal guard for the supreme leader, the IRGC’s fighting strength now rivals that of the regular army.

    The IRGC is extremely hardline politically. At times, the IRGC’s influence domestically has outstripped that of presidents, exerting significant pressure on their policies. The guard only vocally supports presidents in lockstep with Islamic revolutionary doctrine.

    In addition to its control over military hardware and its political influence, the guard is also entwined with the Iranian economy.

    The IRGC is heavily enriched by the status quo, with some describing it as a “kleptocratic” institution. IRGC officials are often awarded state contracts, and are allegedly involved in managing the “black economy” used to evade sanctions.

    Given all of this, the IRGC would be the most likely political institution to take control of Iran if the clerical elite were removed from power.

    In peacetime, the general consensus is the IRGC would not have the resources to orchestrate a coup if the supreme leader died. But in a time of war against a clear enemy, things could be different.

    Possible scenarios post-Khamenei

    So, what might happen if Israel were to assassinate the supreme leader?

    One scenario would be a martial law state led by the IRGC, formed at least in the short term for the purposes of protecting the revolution.

    In the unlikely event the entire clerical leadership is decimated, the IRGC could attempt to reform the Assembly of Experts and choose a new supreme leader itself, perhaps even supporting Khamenei’s son’s candidacy.

    Needless to say, this outcome would not lead to a state more friendly to Israel or the US. In fact, it could potentially empower a faction that has long argued for a more militant response to both.

    Another scenario is a popular uprising. Netanyahu certainly seems to think this is possible, saying in an interview in recent days:

    The decision to act, to rise up this time, is the decision of the Iranian people.

    Indeed, many Iranians have long been disillusioned with their government – even with more moderate and reformist elements within it. Mass protests have broken out several times in recent decades – most recently in 2022 – despite heavy retaliation from law enforcement.

    We’ve seen enough revolutions to know this is possible – after all, modern Iran was formed out of one. But once again, new political leadership being more friendly to Israel and the West is not a foregone conclusion.

    It is possible for Iranians to hold contempt in their hearts for both their leaders and the foreign powers that would upend their lives.

    Andrew Thomas 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. Regime change wouldn’t likely bring democracy to Iran. A more threatening force could fill the vacuum – https://theconversation.com/regime-change-wouldnt-likely-bring-democracy-to-iran-a-more-threatening-force-could-fill-the-vacuum-259042

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • Iran leader Khamenei sees his inner circle hollowed out by Israel

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cuts an increasingly lonely figure.

    Khamenei has seen his main military and security advisers killed by Israeli air strikes, leaving major holes in his inner circle and raising the risk of strategic errors, according to five people familiar with his decision-making process.

    One of those sources, who regularly attends meetings with Khamenei, described the risk of miscalculation to Iran on issues of defence and internal stability as “extremely dangerous”.

    Several senior military commanders have been killed since Friday including Khamenei’s main advisers from the Revolutionary Guards, Iran’s elite military force: the Guards’ overall commander Hossein Salami, its aerospace chief Amir Ali Hajizadeh who headed Iran’s ballistic missile program and spymaster Mohammad Kazemi.

    These men were part of the supreme leader’s inner circle of roughly 15-20 advisers comprising Guards commanders, clerics, and politicians, according to the sources who include three people who attend or have attended meetings with the leader on major issues and two close to officials who regularly attend.

    The loose group meets on an ad-hoc basis, when Khamenei’s office reaches out to relevant advisers to gather at his compound in Tehran to discuss an important decision, all the people said. Members are characterised by unwavering loyalty to him and the ideology of the Islamic Republic, they added.

    Khamenei, who was imprisoned before the 1979 revolution and maimed by a bomb attack before becoming leader in 1989, is profoundly committed to maintaining Iran’s Islamic system of government and deeply mistrustful of the West.

    Under Iran’s system of government he has supreme command of the armed forces, the power to declare war, and can appoint or dismiss senior figures including military commanders and judges.

    Khamenei makes the final decision on important matters, though he values advice, listens attentively to diverse viewpoints, and often seeks additional information from his counsellors, according to one source who attends meetings.

    “Two things you can say about Khamenei: he is extremely stubborn but also extremely cautious. He is very cautious. That is why he has been in power for as long as he has,” said Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran Program at the Middle East Institute think-tank in Washington.

    “Khamenei is pretty well placed to do the basic cost-benefit analysis which really fundamentally gets to one issue more important than anything else: regime survival.”

     

    KHAMENEI’S SON AT THE FORE

    The focus on survival has repeatedly been put to the test. Khamenei has deployed the Revolutionary Guards and its affiliated Basij militia to quell national protests in 1999, 2009 and 2022.

    While the security forces have always been able to outlast demonstrators and restore state rule, years of Western sanctions have caused widespread economic misery that analysts say could ultimately threaten internal unrest.

    The stakes could barely be higher for Khamenei who faces an escalating war with Israel, which has targeted nuclear and military sites and personnel with air attacks, drawing retaliatory Iranian missile fire.

    The five people familiar with Khamenei’s decision-making process stressed that other insiders who have not been targeted by Israel’s strikes remain important and influential, including top advisers on political, economic and diplomatic issues.

    Khamenei designates such advisers to handle issues as they arise, extending his reach directly into a wide array of institutions spanning military, security, cultural, political and economic domains, two of the sources said.

    Operating this way, including in bodies nominally under the elected president, means Khamenei’s office is often involved not only in the biggest questions of state but in executing even minor initiatives, according to the people with knowledge.

    His son Mojtaba has grown ever more central to this process over the past 20 years, the sources said, building a role that cuts between the personalities, factions and organisations involved to coordinate on specific issues, the sources said.

    A mid-ranking cleric seen by some insiders as a potential successor to his ageing father, Mojtaba has built close ties with the Guards, giving him added leverage across Iran’s political and security apparatus, the people added.

    Ali Asghar Hejazi, the deputy of political security affairs at Khamenei’s office, has been involved in sensitive security decisions and is often described as the most powerful intelligence official in Iran, according to the sources said.

    Meanwhile, the head of Khamenei’s office, Mohammad Golpayegani, as well as former foreign ministers Ali Akbar Velayati and Kamal Kharazi, and ex-parliament speaker Ali Larijani, remain trusted confidants on diplomatic and domestic policies issues such as the nuclear dispute, the people said.

    The loss of the Revolutionary Guards commanders nonetheless decimates the top ranks of a military organisation that Khamenei has put at the centre of power since becoming supreme leader in 1989, relying on it for both internal security and regional strategy.

    While the regular army chain of command runs through the defence ministry under the elected president, the Guards answer personally to Khamenei, securing the best military equipment for their land, air and sea branches and giving their commanders a major state role.

    As he faces one of the most dangerous moments in the Islamic Republic’s history, Khamenei finds himself further isolated by the recent losses other key advisers in the region as Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” coalition has been hammered by Israel.

    Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, who was personally close to the Iranian leader, was killed by an Israeli airstrike in September last year and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown by rebels in December.

    (Reuters) 

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China welcomes joint statement by 21 Arab and Islamic countries on Israel-Iran conflict

    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 17 (Xinhua) — China welcomes the joint statement by 21 Arab and Islamic countries on the Israel-Iran conflict and is willing to work with relevant parties to help ease the situation, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday.

    A joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of 21 countries called for respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries, upholding the principle of good-neighbourliness and friendship, and resolving disputes peacefully.

    In response to a reporter’s question at a regular departmental press conference, Guo Jiakun said that Israel’s attack on Iran provoked a sudden escalation of the situation in the region, which attracted increased attention from the international community.

    According to him, the main priority is to end the fire and the war, take effective measures to prevent the conflict from escalating, prevent the region from plunging into even greater unrest, and return to the path of political resolution of problems through dialogue and negotiations.

    China welcomes the joint statement and highly appreciates the efforts made by relevant countries to ease tensions, Guo Jiakun said, adding that China is willing to maintain communication with all parties concerned and play a constructive role in helping to ease the situation. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Iran-Israel conflict: Foreign Secretary’s statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Oral statement to Parliament

    Iran-Israel conflict: Foreign Secretary’s statement

    The Foreign Secretary made a statement to the House of Commons on 16 June 2025, updating on the Israel-Iran conflict.

    With permission, Mr Speaker, I will remind the House that the Foreign Office has been responding to 2 crises this past week.

    My Honourable Friend, Minister Falconer, will update on the Government’s extensive efforts to assist those who lost loved ones in Thursday’s devastating Air India plane crash.

    Just 9 days ago, I was in Delhi, strengthening our friendship. Our nations are mourning together. My thoughts are with all those suffering such terrible loss.

    With permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will now turn to the Middle East. Early last Friday morning, Israel launched extensive strikes across Iran. Targets including military sites, including the Iranian enrichment facility at Natanz, and key commanders and nuclear scientists.

    The last 72 hours has seen Iranian ballistic missile and drone strikes across Israel, killing at least 21 Israelis and injuring hundreds more. And Israeli strikes have continued, including on targets in Tehran, with the Iranian authorities reporting scores of civilian casualties. 

    Prime Minister Netanyahu has said his operations will “continue for as many days as it takes to remove the threat”. Supreme Leader Khameini has said Israel “must expect severe punishment”.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, in such crisis our first priority is of course the welfare of British nationals. On Friday, we swiftly stood up a crisis team in London and the region, and yesterday I announced that we now advise against all travel to Israel as well as our long-standing travel of not travelling to Iran.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, today I can update the House that we are asking all British nationals in Israel to register their presence with the FCDO, so that we can share important information on the situation and leaving the country.

    And I can announce today that we are further updating our Travel Advice to signpost border crossing points, and sending Rapid Deployment Teams to Egypt and Jordan to bolster our consular presence near the border with Israel, which has already been supporting British nationals on the ground.

    Israel and Iran have closed their airspace until further notice, and our ability therefore to provide support in Iran is extremely limited. British nationals in the region should closely monitor our Travel Advice for further updates.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, the situation remains fast-moving. We expect more strikes in the days to come. This is a moment of grave danger for the region.

    I want to be clear, the United Kingdom was not involved in the strikes against Iran. This is a military action conducted by Israel.

    It should come as no surprise that Israel considers the Iranian nuclear programme an existential threat. Khameini said in 2018 that Israel was a “cancerous tumour” that should be “removed and eradicated”.

    We have always supported Israeli security – that’s why Britain has sought to prevent Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon through extensive diplomacy. We agree with President Trump when he says negotiations are necessary and must lead to a deal.

    That has long been the view, Mr Speaker, of the so-called ‘E3’ – Britain, France and Germany – with whom we have worked so closely on this issue. The view of all of the G7 who have backed the efforts of President Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff. And for more than 2 decades, the cross-party view in this House.

    Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton and Lord Hague of Richmond led diplomatic efforts on the issue. Baroness May of Maidenhead and the former Right Honourable Member for Uxbridge did too, and this Government has continued to pursue negotiations, joining France and Germany in 5 rounds of talks with Iran this year alone.

    Ours is a hard-headed realist assessment of how best to tackle this grave threat. Fundamentally, no military action can put and end to Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, just last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors passed a non-compliance resolution against Iran, the first such IAEA finding in 14 years.

    The Director-General’s Comprehensive Report details Iran’s failure to declare nuclear materials. Iran remains the only state without nuclear weapons accumulating uranium at such dangerously high levels. Its total enriched stockpile is now 40 times the limit in the JCPoA, and their nuclear programme is part of a wider pattern of destabilising activity.

    The Government has taken firm action in response. When they transferred ballistic missiles for use in Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, we imposed extensive sanctions including against Iran Air, and cancelled our bilateral air services agreement.

    In the face of unacceptable IRGC threats here in the UK – with some 20 foiled plots since 2022 – the CPS has for the first time charged Iranian nationals under the National Security Act, and we have placed the Iranian state, including the IRGC, on the enhanced tier of the new Foreign Influence Registration Scheme.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, a widening war would have grave and unpredictable consequences, including for our partners in Jordan and the Gulf. The horrors of Gaza worsening, tensions in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq rising, the Houthi threat continuing.

    That’s why the Government’s firm view, as it was last October in the ballistic missile attack on Israel, is that further escalation in the Middle East is not in Britain’s interests, nor the interests of Israel, Iran or the region.

    There are hundreds of thousands of British nationals living in the region. And with Iran a major oil producer, and one fifth of total world oil consumption flowing through the Straits of Hormuz, escalating conflict poses real risks for the global economy.

    As missiles rain down, Israel has a right to defend itself and its citizens. But our priority now is de-escalation.

    Our message to both Israel and Iran is clear. Step back. Show restraint. Don’t get pulled ever deeper into a catastrophic conflict, whose consequences nobody can control.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, the Prime Minister chaired COBR on the situation last Friday and spoke to PM Netanyahu, President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He is now at the G7 Summit in Canada, discussing with our closest allies how to ease tensions.

    And the Government has deployed additional assets to the region, including jets for contingency support to UK forces and potentially our regional allies concerned about the escalating conflict.

    In the last 72 hours, my Honourable Friend the Minister for the Middle East and I have been flat out trying to carve out space for diplomacy. I have spoken to both Israeli Foreign Minister Sa’ar and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, underlining Britain’s focus on de-escalation.

    I have also met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal. I’ve had calls with US Secretary Rubio, EU High Representative Kallas and my counterparts from France and Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq. These conversations are part of a collective drive to prevent a spiralling conflict.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, this new crisis has arisen as the appalling situation in Gaza continues. This weekend, hospitals in Gaza reported over 50 people were killed and more than 500 injured while trying to access food.

    This Government will not take our eye off the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. We will not stop calling for aid restrictions to be lifted and an immediate ceasefire. We will not forget about the hostages.

    This morning, I met Yocheved Lifschitz and her family, whose courage and dignity in the face of Hamas’ barbarism was a reminder of the plight of those still cruelly held in Gaza. We will not stop striving to free the hostages and end that war.

    Madam Deputy Speaker, our vision remains unchanged. An end to Iran’s nuclear programme and destabilising regional activity. Israel, secure in its borders and at peace with its neighbours. A sovereign Palestinian state, as part of the two-state solution.

    Diplomacy is indispensable to each of these goals. Britain will keep pressing all sides to choose a diplomatic path out of this crisis.

    I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Driven by a Dream: Farah Al Fulfulee’s Quest to Reach the Stars

    Source: NASA

    Farah Al Fulfulee was just four years old when she started climbing onto the roof of her family’s house in Iraq to gaze at the stars.
    “It scared me how vast and quiet the sky was, but it made me very curious. I grew a deep passion for the stars and constellations and what they might represent,” she said.
    Her father noticed her interest and began bringing home books and magazines about space. Al Fulfulee first read about NASA in those pages and was fascinated by the agency’s mission to explore the cosmos for the benefit of all humanity.
    “Right then I knew I had to be an astronaut! I must go to space myself and get a closer look,” she said. “I knew I must find a way to go and work for NASA and fulfill my dream, working with other people like me who had a passion to explore the universe.”

    As a girl growing up in the Middle East, Al Fulfulee had few opportunities to pursue this dream, but she refused to give up. Her dedication to schoolwork and excellence in science and math earned her a spot at the University of Baghdad College of Engineering. She completed a degree in electronic and communication engineering — similar to American electrical and computer engineering programs — and graduated as one of the top 10 students in her class. “We had a graduation party where you dress up as what you want to be in the future,” she recalled. “I wore a spacesuit.”

    Al Fulfulee was ready to launch her career, but Iraq did not have a developed space industry and finding work as a female engineer was a challenge. She accepted a project engineer position with a prominent Iraqi engineering firm in the information technology sector and spent four years working for the company in Iraq, Turkey, and Jordan, but she was disappointed to discover that her role involved very little engineering. “I was the only female on the team,” she said. “It was not common for a woman to work in the field or with customers, so I was always left behind to do office work. The job was not fulfilling.”
    Still determined to join NASA, Al Fulfulee kept looking for her chance to come to the United States and finally found one in 2016, when she moved to Oklahoma to be near her sister. A new challenge soon rose: Without a degree from an American school or previous work experience in the United States, engineering opportunities were hard to come by. Al Fulfulee spent the next six years working in quality assurance for a human resources software company while she completed a MicroMasters program in software verification and management from the University of Maryland and honed her English and leadership skills.
    Her big break came in 2022, when she landed a job with Boeing Defense, Space, and Security as a software quality engineer. “I was so excited,” she said. “I knew I was much closer to my dream since Boeing worked in the space industry and I would be able to apply internally to work on a space program.”

    Less than one year later, Al Fulfulee became a system design and analysis engineer for the International Space Station Program and joined the Station Management and Control Team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. She helps develop requirements, monitors performance, and validates testing for electrical systems and software supporting space station payloads. She also designs hardware, software, and interface specifications for those systems. Al Fulfulee has served as the team’s point of contact, delivering verification assessment and data assessment reports for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 and Crew-10 missions, as well as the upcoming Axiom Mission 4 flight. She is currently working to support testing and verification for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11.
    “I could not be happier,” she declared.
    She is also not stopping. “I won’t quit until I wear the blue suit.”

    Al Fulfulee has been an enthusiastic volunteer for various NASA studies, including the Exploration Atmosphere Studies that tested spacewalk safety protocols in an analog environment. She is pursuing a master’s degree in Space Operations Engineering from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She is an avid gardener and learning how to grow produce indoors as a volunteer experimental botanist with the Backyard Produce Project, noting that such knowledge might come in handy on Mars.
    She is also helping to inspire the next generation. Earlier this year, Al Fulfulee was a guest speaker at the Women in Tech & Business Summit in Iraq – an event designed to encourage Iraqi women to pursue technology careers. “I was the only person representing women in space,” she said. “It was a really moving experience.” Al Fulfulee provided practical advice on breaking barriers in aerospace and shared her story with the crowd.
    “I know my path is long and across the continents,” she said, “but I am enjoying my journey.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU billions for Ahmed al-Sharaa, a.k.a. Abu Mohammad al-Julani – E-001182/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    On 11 March 2025, gravely alarmed by the violence in Syria’s coastal region, the High Representative/Vice-President issued a statement[1] strongly condemning the horrific crimes committed against civilians.

    The EU called for a swift, transparent and impartial investigation to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. It welcomed the transitional authorities’ establishment of an independent investigative committee and called on them to allow the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic to investigate all violations.

    The EU remains attentive to the actions of the new authorities in ensuring the protection of all Syrians without any kind of discrimination.

    The EU continues to call for an end to violence across Syria and urges involved parties to protect all Syrians. The EU supports a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition, upholding the universality and indivisibility of human rights and principles of equality and non-discrimination among all components of society .

    The EU Brussels Conference pledges ensure support to Syria and neighbouring countries, that host a considerable number of refugees.

    The EU’s non-humanitarian assistance is subjected to extensive monitoring/evaluation mechanisms, including third party monitoring and risk assessments.

    The EU’s approach is gradual and commensurate with steps taken by the transitional government. The EU’s assistance follows strict implementation parameters. It aims to foster social cohesion by bringing together all Syrians without discrimination.

    The EU’s humanitarian aid is delivered through trusted partners in all parts of Syria . It seeks to respond to life-saving emergencies based on needs, accountability to affected populations, transparency, efficiency, effectiveness , and humanitarian principles (humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence) [2].

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/11/syria-statement-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-recent-wave-of-violence/.
    • [2] EU Treaties and the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid, see Joint Statement by the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission, OJ C 25, 30.1.2008, p. 1-12, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A42008X0130%2801%29.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Turkish military ‘Sea Wolf’ exercise threatens peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean – E-001912/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU has repeatedly expressed its expectation by Türkiye to de-escalate tensions in the interest of regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean[1].

    In particular, the Commission has underlined in the 2024 report on Türkiye[2] that, as stemming from obligations under the Negotiating Framework, Türkiye is expected to make an unequivocal commitment to good neighbourly relations, international agreements and the peaceful settlement of disputes including through the International Court of Justice.

    Türkiye must avoid threats and actions that damage good neighbourly relations and respect the sovereignty of all Member States over their territorial sea and airspace as well as all their sovereign rights, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

    This is essential to ensure a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and the development of a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship between the EU and Türkiye[3].

    The EU continues to stress that Türkiye should commit and actively contribute to normalising its relations with the Republic of Cyprus[4].

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/57442/2022-06-2324-euco-conclusions-en.pdf.
    • [2] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/8010c4db-6ef8-4c85-aa06-814408921c89_en?filename=T%C3%BCrkiye%20Report%202024.pdf.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_6157.
    • [4] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-16983-2024-INIT/en/pdf.
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Israeli legislation on registration and visa issuance for international NGOs – E-001532/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    On 24 February 2025, during the 13th meeting of the EU-Israel Association Council, the High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) and the Commissioner for the Mediterranean expressed the EU’s concerns in relation to the Israeli legislation on registration and visa issuance for international non-governmental organisations (NGO) as well as with the bill aiming to introduce financial and operational restrictions for internationally funded NGOs.

    In particular, the ‘risk of restrictions for foreign-funded NGOs, limiting civil society and its democratic participation and activity’ was highlighted in the EU statement[1].

    Similar concerns continue to be shared with Israel authorities at different levels of representation, both in Brussels and in Israel. The EU is closely following the matter, including through regular contact with international NGOs.

    In its relations with Israel, the EU considers that political engagement and frank and open dialogue are the most effective ways to convey EU concerns.

    The Association Agreement with Israel[2] is the legal basis of the EU’s ongoing dialogue with the Israeli authorities and it provides mechanisms to discuss issues and advance the EU’s point of view. In this framework, the EU will continue to reaffirm its commitment to the applicability of international human rights and humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territory.

    The EU keeps under constant review all agreements with third countries, and the principles and values upon which they are based. The possibility of a review of Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the Association Agreement has been discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 May 2025.

    Based on this discussion, the HR/VP has announced that such a review will be undertaken.

    • [1] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-6511-2025-INIT/en/pdf.
    • [2] https://eeas.europa.eu/archives/delegations/israel/documents/eu_israel/asso_agree_en.pdf.
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • Markets slip on geopolitical tensions, rising crude prices

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian equity markets ended lower on Tuesday, weighed down by escalating tensions in the Middle East and concerns over rising crude oil prices, which added to inflationary worries and dampened investor sentiment.

    After a muted opening, both benchmark indices briefly traded in positive territory before succumbing to sustained selling pressure through the session. The BSE Sensex declined by 212.85 points, closing at 81,583.30, while the NSE Nifty fell 93.10 points to end at 24,853.40. The Sensex touched an intraday low of 81,427 during the day’s trade.

    Market participants remained cautious ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision, with geopolitical developments also casting a shadow. US President Donald Trump’s sharp warning to Iran amid heightened Middle East tensions added to the nervousness in global markets.

    “The benchmark equity index experienced moderate losses amid the rising risk of escalation in the Middle East, ahead of the FOMC meeting,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services. He noted that a sharp uptick in Brent crude prices posed fresh headwinds for India, which remains heavily dependent on oil imports.

    The broader market reflected a similar trend. The Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 indices declined by 0.79 per cent and 0.82 per cent, respectively, underlining weakness across segments.

    Sectoral performance remained subdued, with IT being the sole gainer. Pharma and metal stocks bore the brunt of the selling, with the Nifty Pharma index falling 1.89 per cent and the Metal index shedding 1.43 per cent. Other sectors, including consumer durables, oil and gas, realty, auto, energy, FMCG, and media, closed with losses of up to 1 per cent.

    Among the Sensex constituents, Tata Motors, Sun Pharma, Bajaj Finance, IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Finserv, Eicher Motors, and Nestle India emerged as the top laggards. On the other hand, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Asian Paints, Maruti Suzuki, NTPC, TCS, and HCL Tech registered modest gains and offered some support to the indices.

    Sundar Kewat, Head of Research at Ashika Institutional Equity, observed that persistent concerns over crude oil are fueling inflation fears in India, the world’s second-largest oil importer. “Investors are now eyeing the Federal Reserve’s rate decision on Wednesday, which will likely have a significant bearing on global market sentiment,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the rupee weakened by 18 paise to close at 86.22 against the US dollar, tracking risk-off sentiment due to the escalating Israel-Iran conflict.

    (IANS)

  • World oil demand to keep growing this decade despite 2027 China peak, IEA says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Global oil demand will keep growing until around the end of this decade despite peaking in top importer China in 2027, as cheaper gasoline and slower electric vehicle adoption in the United States support consumption, the International Energy Agency said on Tuesday.

    The IEA, which advises industrialised countries, did not change its prediction that demand will peak by 2029, but sees China demand peaking earlier due to growth in electric vehicles.

    Its view that global demand will peak in a few years sharply contrasts with that of producer group the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) which says consumption will keep growing and has not forecast a peak.

    Oil demand will peak at 105.6 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2029 and then fall slightly in 2030, a table in the Paris-based IEA’s annual report shows. At the same time, global production capacity is forecast to rise by more than 5 million bpd to 114.7 million bpd by 2030.

    A conflict between Israel and Iran has highlighted the risk to Middle East supplies, helping send oil prices up 5% to above $74 a barrel on Friday. Still, the latest forecasts suggest ample supplies through 2030 if there are no major disruptions, the IEA said.

    “Based on the fundamentals, oil markets look set to be well-supplied in the years ahead,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol in a statement. “But recent events sharply highlight the significant geopolitical risks to oil supply security,” Birol said.

    In a separate report on Tuesday, which included a commentary on the market impact of the Israel-Iran conflict, the IEA said the world market looks well supplied this year in the absence of a major disruption as growth in supply exceeds that of demand.

    World demand will rise by 720,000 bpd this year, the IEA said, down 20,000 bpd from last month’s forecast. Supply will increase by 1.8 million bpd, up 200,000 bpd from last month, partly due to OPEC+ increasing output.

    CHINA PEAK

    After decades of leading global oil demand growth, China’s contribution is sputtering as it faces economic challenges as well as making a big shift to EVs.

    The world’s second-largest economy is set to see its oil consumption peak in 2027, following a surge in EV sales and the deployment of high-speed rail and trucks running on natural gas, the IEA said. In February, it predicted China’s demand for road and air transport fuels may have already peaked.

    China’s total oil consumption in 2030 is now set to be only marginally higher than in 2024, the IEA said, compared with growth of around 1 million bpd forecast in last year’s report.

    By contrast, lower gasoline prices and slower EV adoption in the United States, the world’s largest oil consumer, have boosted the 2030 oil demand forecast by 1.1 million bpd compared with the previous prediction, the IEA said.

    U.S. electric vehicles are now expected to account for 20% of U.S. total car sales in 2030, down from 55% assumed last year, the report said.

    Since returning to office, U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded OPEC lower oil prices and has taken aim at EVs through steps such as signing resolutions approved by lawmakers barring California’s EV sales mandates.

    (Reuters0

  • MIL-OSI Economics: CBB 12 Month Treasury Bills Issue No. 129 Fully subscribed

    Source: Central Bank of Bahrain

    CBB 12 Month Treasury Bills Issue No. 129 Fully subscribed

    Published on 17 June 2025

    Manama, Bahrain –17th June 2025 – This week’s BD 100 million issue of Government Treasury Bills has been fully subscribed by 100%.

    The bills, carrying a maturity of 12 months, are issued by the CBB, on behalf of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

    The issue date of the bills is 19th June 2025, and the maturity date is 18th June 2026.

    The weighted average rate of interest is 5.28% compared to 5.12% of the previous issue on 22nd May 2025.

    The approximate average price for the issue was 94.936% with the lowest accepted price being 94.731%.

    This is issue No. 129 (ISIN BH000X45Z109) of Government Treasury Bills. With this, the total outstanding value of Government Treasury Bills is BD 2.110 billion.

    Share this

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Chang Yong Rhee: Speech – 75th Anniversary of the Bank of Korea

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    I would like to thank Choongwon Park, Taesup Kim, and Byeongrok Lee for their help in preparing this speech. * This is an unofficial translation of the original speech released on June 12, 2025.

    My dear colleagues at the Bank of Korea,

    Seventy-five years ago, the Bank of Korea took its first step with the mission of contributing to the sound development of the national economy through pursuing price stability. Since that day, we have faithfully fulfilled our responsibilities through every chapter of our nation’s history, bringing us to where we stand today. I would like to express my deepest respect to our predecessors who devoted themselves to setting and implementing monetary policy over the decades. I also extend my sincere gratitude to the members of the Monetary Policy Board, who continue to serve as a guiding compass for the Bank, and to all the staff who have diligently carried out their duties in their respective roles. Above all, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the families of our staff, whose steadfast support has been a constant source of strength.
    This year marks both the 75th anniversary of the Bank of Korea’s establishment and the 80th anniversary of national liberation. This is a special year, an opportunity to reflect on our history defined by overcoming numerous crises and achieving remarkable progress. More recently, over the past six months, a rapidly shifting global landscape and escalating political tensions have evoked a sense of crisis reminiscent of the turmoil that followed Korea’s liberation.
    Globally, geopolitical tensions have persisted due to the wars between Russia and Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas. At the same time, domestically, political instability that escalated following the declaration of martial law late last year has continued, deepening social conflict and division. It has been a period of confusion that can be summed up in one word: “uncertainty”. Amid these global and domestic shocks, Korea’s economic growth has slowed considerably, and self-employed and small business owners are facing significant difficulties in particular.
    Despite these challenges, there remains a silver lining. Although political uncertainty has brought high economic and social costs, the process of overcoming it has reaffirmed the strength and resilience of our democracy. Now, with a new administration in place on a foundation of a mature democracy, we look forward to strengthening social cohesion through unity and restoring economic vitality by prioritizing pragmatism. The Bank of Korea must also do its part to help the nation overcome these hardships by conducting monetary policy based on principle and conviction, and by faithfully fulfilling its responsibilities, including pursuing price stability, that are essential to the future of the national economy and to the well-being of the people.

    My dear colleagues,

    Economic conditions this year remain highly challenging. As noted in last month’s economic outlook, the GDP growth forecast has been revised downward to 0.8% for the year and to 1.6% for next year, representing a significant downgrade from the February projection. The projected growth rate for this year is the lowest in the past three decades, excluding the periods of the Asian Financial Crisis, the Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also highly unusual for an annual growth projection to be lowered by as much as 0.7%p within the span of just three months.

    A combination of several factors lies behind this sluggish growth. While the expected slowdown in exports due to tighter U.S. protectionist trade policies is a key contributor, a more critical factor is a delayed recovery in domestic demand amid six months of prolonged political uncertainty. As a result, GDP growth in the first half of this year is expected to come in at just 0.1% compared to the same period last year. In particular, construction investment is projected to contract for five consecutive quarters through the second quarter of this year, emerging as the single largest source of the downward pressure on growth. This is attributable to the correction currently underway in real estate-related debt, which had surged rapidly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant uncertainty also looms over the 1.6% growth outlook for next year. While domestic demand is expected to recover gradually going forward, the outlook for exports could differ greatly depending on how U.S. trade policies and global trade negotiations unfold.

    The Bank of Korea views the current situation with grave concern and acknowledges the urgency of stimulus policies in that regard. Since October last year, we have cut the Base Rate four times in an effort to reinvigorate the economy, and we intend to maintain an accommodative monetary policy stance for the time being. At the same time, close coordination between monetary and fiscal policy should continue as long as it does not compromise central bank independence. However, in determining the appropriate degree of economic stimulus, it is essential to assess the current low growth not only from a cyclical perspective but also from a structural lens.

    Under the current circumstances, it is clear that stimulus measures are urgently needed for economic recovery. Yet at the same time, in light of these structural shifts, we should also make efforts to prevent continued declines in the potential growth rate and establish a resilient economic structure against cyclical volatility. Excessive reliance on economic stimulus packages, driven by immediate pressures alone, could result in bigger negative side effects.

    For instance, excessively lowering the Base Rate would more likely fuel housing price hikes in the Seoul metropolitan area, rather than support a recovery in the real economy. We need to be mindful that since last March, apartment prices in Seoul have increased at an annualized rate of approximately 7%, and that household lending by the financial sector has also increased at a fast pace. We should break away from the past practice of tolerating excessive investment in real estate in an attempt to give an easy boost to the economy. In addition, although the won/dollar exchange rate has recently declined to the mid-1,300 won level, volatility in the foreign exchange market could reemerge as the interest rate differential between Korea and the U.S. might widen further depending on the pace of the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts, and as uncertainty regarding trade negotiations among major economies remains high. Going forward, while the Bank will maintain an accommodative monetary stance, decisions concerning the timing and extent of any further rate cuts will be made with caution based on a thorough assessment of macroeconomic and financial developments.

    Building on this awareness, the Bank of Korea has actively sought not only to conduct monetary policy, but also to identify the structural problems of our economy and to propose solutions. For instance, we have diagnosed that Korea’s low birth rate and an aging population are rooted in the concentration in the Seoul metropolitan area and in the intense competition in the college entrance system. In response, we have put forward bold institutional reform proposals such as a “balanced development focusing on regional hub cities” and a “regional proportional admissions system” (Chung, M. et al., 2024; Chung, J. et al., 2024). To mitigate the economic and social impact of an aging population, we have explored policy measures like the sustainable employment of older workers, improvements in care services, and the utilization of home pensions after retirement (Oh, S. et al., 2025; Chae, M. et al., 2024; Hwang, I. et al., 2025). In addition, recognizing the vulnerabilities arising from Korea’s heavy dependence on exports and its concentration in a few key industries, we have also conducted research into strategies that could help foster intellectual services as a new growth engine for exports (Choi, J. et al., 2025).

    The call to pursue structural reform alongside economic stimulus is not unique to Korea. Across Europe, as growth stagnates, there is a growing recognition that the region’s deepening reliance on China and Russia and the disruptions from the global supply chain fragmentation are not merely temporary phenomena, but structural vulnerabilities. Efforts are emerging to address these challenges. A prominent example is the report “The Future of European Competitiveness,” published in September last year by Mario Draghi, the so-called “Draghi Report.” This report provided a comprehensive, long-term analysis of the causes behind Europe’s weakening competitiveness and proposed a wide range of policy responses. Since the beginning of this year, there have been notable efforts to strengthen the euro’s status as an international currency by integrating the region’s capital markets, in response to the rise of U.S. protectionism.

    The European case offers some important implications. It is increasingly acknowledged that the slow progress made on structural reform across Europe was not due to a lack of policy proposals, such as those outlined in the Draghi Report, but rather on the absence of political leadership to reconcile divergent national interests. In a self-critical reflection that Europe has carried out reform only in response to an external crisis, the current trade conflict with the U.S. paradoxically presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen its own political leadership.

    Structural reform inevitably involves conflicts of interest, and in the process, there will unavoidably be both winners and losers. Without sufficient coordination and broad-based public consensus, even well-designed policies may falter in the face of resistance from interest groups. The various policies proposed by the Bank of Korea are no exception. We hope that the newly launched administration will clearly prioritize its structural reform agenda and demonstrate leadership in managing social conflict, to turn the current crisis into an opportunity. The Bank of Korea will provide full support during these efforts through rigorous analysis and thoughtful policy recommendations.

    My dear colleagues at the Bank of Korea,

    The structural reforms I have mentioned so far are efforts to solve problems accumulated from the past. Now, however, we must also prepare for future challenges from a forward-looking perspective. Above all, as digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to penetrate every aspect of our economy and society, we are witnessing rapid and fundamental changes in the financial and economic landscape. In this environment, identifying and nurturing new engines of economic growth has become one of our most urgent priorities. Grounded in this awareness, we are committed to not only conducting research, but also to taking concrete action. We have proudly launched our own initiatives that proactively respond to digital innovation and to the growing influence of AI.

    With “Project Hangang,” the Bank of Korea has recently begun conducting pilot test for a future digital currency infrastructure based on a wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) and on tokenized deposits, conducting trials in a real-world environment (Bank of Korea, 2025a). Of course, today’s payment systems, including credit cards and mobile payment services, are already highly efficient, but we must not become complacent with current levels of convenience. The digital transformation of finance has moved beyond a race for speed. We are now entering a new phase that demands structural change and greater interconnectedness. The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has introduced the concept of the “finternet” as a vision for the future of finance (Carstens et al., 2024). This envisions the integration of fragmented financial services across banking, securities, digital payments, and insurance into a unified interface, enabling real-time, user-centric financial management.

    To realize this vision, a common digital currency foundation that interconnects all financial institutions is essential, with a CBDC and tokenized deposits at its core. These instruments function as a trusted common unit of settlement for all participants, serve as the technological standard, and can be designed as “programmable money,” making them the key enablers of the personalized and automated financial environment envisioned by the finternet. Project Hangang is scheduled to conduct a follow-up test later this year to assess the potential benefits of tokenized deposits and determine whether to move forward with commercialization. In parallel, as KRW-denominated stablecoins not only have the potential to drive innovation in Korea’s fintech industry but could also function as substitutes for legal tender, we will work closely with relevant authorities to establish institutional safeguards that ensure their stability and usefulness, while preventing any circumvention of foreign exchange regulations. Additionally, through our participation in “Project Agorá,” in collaboration with major central banks and global institutions, we are helping to build a cross-border digital financial infrastructure aimed at dramatically reducing the cost of international remittances.

    Alongside digital finance, AI is rapidly becoming a part of everyday life, and its full potential is still difficult to predict. Korea is among the few countries that are developing “sovereign AI” based on its own language.2 As AI deployment extends beyond centralized large-scale servers to smaller devices, such as smartphones, it may also open new opportunities for Korea’s semiconductor industry. In line with this transformation, the Bank of Korea is currently developing a BOK-specific AI model built on a sovereign AI platform developed by a domestic firm. We plan to implement this model in the second half of this year. We hope this project will serve as a good example of public-private cooperation in developing Korea’s AI industry. I also encourage all of our staff to become comfortable using AI tools and to grow into the kind of creative talent that is demanded by this new digital era.

    To properly utilize AI technology, cloud computing is essential. AI needs to process large-scale data and conduct high-performance computations, that exceed the limitations of ordinary computers or of internal servers. Until now, the government’s “network separation policy” for cybersecurity has been unavoidable in some respects, but at the same time, it has restricted the use of new technologies.3 However, in light of the rapid spread of AI, we can no longer adhere to traditional methods. Accordingly, the Bank of Korea, for the first time among public institutions, is launching its own AI initiative and, in collaboration with the government, is also carrying out a “network improvement pilot project” as part of this broader effort. We hope that the Bank of Korea’s pilot project will contribute to accelerating AI adoption in the public sector. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to the members of the Monetary Policy Board for their active support for these pioneering efforts, such as Project Hangang and our AI development project, despite many challenges.

    My dear colleagues,

    Over the past three years, many changes have taken place within the Bank of Korea. We have made efforts toward new management innovations, such as reforming the evaluation system, restructuring the organization, delegating more authority to lower levels, and promoting a culture of information sharing and open discussion. As a result, the Bank of Korea’s organizational capabilities have been significantly strengthened. Research reports we have published have sparked social responses, and our standing as a think tank for the national economy has been further strengthened. This is not just my personal view, but one that has also been affirmed by external evaluations, as well. According to a recent public perception survey concerning the Bank of Korea, the proportion of favorable responses rose by 9.6%p from last year, surpassing the 50% mark for the first time. The public’s assessment of the Bank’s credibility also increased by 18.2%p, reaching 66% (Bank of Korea, 2025b).4 I would like to sincerely thank all of you for your active participation in these efforts for change and innovation.

    There have also been significant changes in our public communications. Christine Lagarde, the president of the European Central Bank, once emphasized “humility” as the key principle in central bank communication, stating that we need to narrow the gap with the public through simple and clear messages. The Bank of Korea has also been striving to communicate through multiple channels that are tailored to various audiences. The “Financial and Economic Snapshot” provides visualized information to help people better understand economic trends. Our YouTube content has become more diverse, ranging from “BOK Inside,” which captures the daily lives of our staff, to “BOK Overseas Briefings” from our overseas representative offices. Starting this week, we are opening a gift shop at the Bank of Korea Money Museum to showcase souvenirs that represent the Bank of Korea, with the aim of raising the Bank’s brand awareness.

    We have also established a dedicated studio to improve the quality of our media content and are providing systematic media training for our staff. I am especially pleased and encouraged by the active media engagement of our younger employees, not only at headquarters but also at our regional offices. Thanks to these continued efforts, the number of subscribers to the Bank of Korea’s YouTube channel has surpassed the Silver Creator Award threshold and is now nearing 110,000. We look forward to continued growth, with the aim of surpassing 150,000 subscribers in the near future.
    Over the past three years, as I worked alongside all of you, I have witnessed the high level of competence demonstrated by our employees. The favorable assessments of our structural reform reports were only made possible by the in-depth analyses that supported them. I believe the quality of our work stands on par with that of any international institution, such as the IMF. Moving forward, I hope each of you will believe in your own potential and approach your work with greater initiative.

    Of course, there are still several areas that require improvement, and some aspects have yet to meet expectations. More than anything, I encourage you to not limit yourselves to passively carrying out tasks directed from above, but to ask your own questions and to take the initiative in driving change within our organization. In my first commemorative speech marking the Bank’s anniversary, delivered shortly after taking office, I emphasized the need to build an organizational culture where, “everyone can express their own views regardless of seniority.” Some noticeable progress has been made toward such a “vibrant Bank of Korea,” but there are still not many employees who feel comfortable saying, “Governor, I’m not sure I agree with you.” I hope to see more change in this regard going forward. My office door is always open.

    Winston Churchill once said, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” The progress we have made so far is a valuable outcome made possible by the collective dedication of all our staff. I hope that this spirit of change will continue to flourish so that a self-sustaining, enduring culture of innovation can take firm root within the Bank.

    As we stand at this meaningful milestone of our 75th anniversary, I would like to once again express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have made today’s achievements possible. In covering so many topics in today’s speech, I remain mindful that I was unable to extend specific words of appreciation to our colleagues who work quietly and tirelessly in essential areas such as currency management, security, customer service, business support, and facility maintenance. I am deeply aware that your dedication and hard work are truly the backbone of this organization. I believe that the time we build together will lay a strong foundation not only for the future of the Bank of Korea, but also for a brighter future of our national economy. I sincerely wish you and your families continued health and happiness. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on his Annual Report

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on his Annual Report

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on his Annual Report. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    High Commissioner.

    We agree that we must protect human rights as a core UN function and support your efforts – through UN80 – to make the Organisation fit-for-purpose. The world’s human rights challenges demand a modern, agile United Nations.

    In Gaza, the humanitarian situation is indeed catastrophic and the Israeli aid model inhumane. We condemn Hamas, and call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the immediate resumption of unhindered aid at scale and progress towards a two-state solution. In the West Bank, the Israeli Government must stop the expansion of illegal settlements and hold violent settlers to account.

    High Commissioner,

    Three years after the publication of your office’s assessment on Xinjiang, China has, sadly, failed to implement its recommendations. We urge China to end its violations in both Xinjiang and Tibet, and to allow unfettered access by independent observers.

    You rightly drew our attention to Sudan’s further descent into chaos marked by indiscriminate attacks, sexual violence, and malnutrition, with 11 million people internally displaced. We condemn the atrocities and call for the perpetrators to be held to account. Sudan must not – will not – be forgotten. 

    Last but not least, as we made clear yesterday afternoon, we share your concern at the horrific situation in the eastern DRC. It’s well beyond time to end the extrajudicial killings, the enforced disappearances, the sexual violence and the child recruitment.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • U.S. Hints at Direct Talks with Iran as Israel Intensifies Airstrikes

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump said he wanted a “real end” to the nuclear problem with Iran and indicated he may send senior American officials to meet with the Islamic Republic as the Israel-Iran air war raged for a fifth straight day.

    He made the comments during his midnight departure from Canada, where he attended the Group of Seven nations summit on Monday, according to comments posted by a CBS News reporter on social media platform X.

    Trump predicted that Israel would not be easing its attacks on Iran. “You’re going to find out over the next two days. You’re going to find out. Nobody’s slowed up so far,” the CBS journalist quoted Trump as saying on Air Force One.

    He said “I may”, on the prospect of sending U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President JD Vance to meet with Iran.

    Trump is looking for a “complete give up” by Iran, according to a pool report by Politico.

    Washington has said Trump was still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran, even as the military confrontation unfolds.

    World leaders meeting at the Group of Seven summit called for a de-escalation of the worst-ever conflict between the regional foes, saying Iran was a source of instability and must never have a nuclear weapon while affirming Israel’s right to defend itself.

    Trump, who left the summit early due to the Middle East situation, said his departure had “nothing to do with” working on a deal between Israel and Iran after French President Emmanuel Macron said the U.S. had initiated a ceasefire proposal.

    “Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform late on Monday.

    Israel launched its air war with a surprise attack that has killed nearly the entire top echelon of Iran’s military commanders and its leading nuclear scientists. It says it now has control of Iranian airspace and intends to escalate the campaign in the coming days.

    Trump has consistently said the Israeli assault could end quickly if Iran agreed to U.S. demands that it accept strict curbs on its nuclear programme.

    “Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” Trump said on Monday.

    Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Tuesday that a “more powerful” new wave of missiles was recently launched towards Israel, the state news agency reported. A senior Iranian army commander said a new wave of drones would hit Israel.

    Three people were killed and four injured in Iran’s central city of Kashan in an Israeli attack, Iran’s Nournews reported on Tuesday.

    EXPLOSIONS, AIR DEFENCE FIRE

    Iranian media also reported explosions and heavy air defence fire in Tehran early on Tuesday, with smoke rising in the city’s east after an explosion of suspected Israeli projectiles. Air defences were activated also in Natanz, home to key nuclear installations 320 km (200 miles) away, the Asriran news website reported.

    Doctors and nurses have been recalled from leave to carry out their duties, Iranian media reported.

    Khorramabad city MP Reza Sepahvand told the Iranian labour news agency that most incidents happening in Iran are due to “infiltrators” rather than direct action from Israel, adding that 21 people were killed in the western province of Lorestan.

    World oil markets are on high alert for any developments in the conflict that could hit global supply.

    A shipping incident near the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates early on Tuesday morning was not security related but a result of ships colliding. The UAE coast guard said it had evacuated 24 people from oil tanker ADALYNN following a collision between two ships in the Gulf of Oman, near Hormuz. About a fifth of the world’s total oil consumption passes through the waterway.

    Naval sources have told Reuters that electronic interference with commercial ship navigation systems has surged in recent days around the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Gulf, which is having an impact on vessels sailing through the region.

    Israel’s military said on Tuesday that it killed Iran’s wartime chief of staff. Israel also said it carried out extensive strikes on Iranian military targets including weapons storage sites and missile launchers.

    Iranian officials have reported 224 deaths, mostly civilians, while Israel said 24 civilians had been killed. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said nearly 3,000 Israelis had been evacuated due to damage from Iranian strikes.

    Sources told Reuters that Tehran had asked Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to urge Trump to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to an immediate ceasefire. In return, Iran would show flexibility in nuclear negotiations, according to two Iranian and three regional sources.

    CHINESE URGED TO LEAVE ISRAEL

    “If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X. “Israel must halt its aggression, and absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue.”

    Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and has pointed to its right to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

    Israel, which is not a party to the NPT, is the only country in the Middle East widely believed to have nuclear weapons. Israel does not deny or confirm that.

    With security concerns growing and Israeli airspace closed because of the war, the Chinese embassy in Israel urged its citizens to leave the country via land border crossings as soon as possible.

    The conflict escalated on Monday with Israel attacking Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities.

    Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the BBC that the Natanz plant sustained extensive damage, likely destroying 15,000 centrifuges, while Iran’s Fordow plant remained largely intact.

    (Reuters) 

  • Israeli tank shelling kills 51 people awaiting aid trucks in Gaza, ministry says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israeli tank shellfire killed at least 51 Palestinians on Tuesday as they awaited aid trucks in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, the territory’s health ministry said, adding that dozens of others were wounded.

    Medics said residents said Israeli tanks fired shells at crowds of desperate Palestinians awaiting aid trucks along the main eastern road in Khan Younis. They said at least 51 people were killed and 200 wounded, with at least 20 of them in critical condition.

    There was no immediate comment by the Israeli military on the incident.

    Witnesses said Israeli tanks fired at least two shells at thousands of people awaiting aid trucks. Nasser Hospital wards were crowded with casualties, and medical staff had to place some on the ground and in corridors due to the lack of space.

    The incident was the latest in nearly daily mass deaths of Palestinians who were seeking aid in past weeks, including near sites operated by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

    Local health officials said at least 23 people were killed by Israeli gunfire on Monday as they approached a GHF aid distribution site in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

    The GHF stated in a press release late on Monday that it had distributed more than three million meals at its four distribution sites without incident.

    There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military about Monday’s reports of shootings. In previous incidents, it has occasionally acknowledged troops opening fire near aid sites, while blaming militants for provoking the violence.

    Israel has put responsibility for distributing much of the aid it allows into Gaza into the hands of the GHF, which operates sites in areas guarded by Israeli troops.

    The United Nations has rejected the plan, saying GHF distribution is inadequate, dangerous and violates humanitarian impartiality principles.

    The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered in October 2023, when Palestinian Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli allies.

    U.S. ally Israel’s subsequent military assault on Gaza has killed nearly 55,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, while internally displacing nearly Gaza’s entire population and causing a hunger crisis.

    The assault has also triggered accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations.

    EYE ON IRAN

    The escalation is taking place as Palestinians in the Gaza Strip watch the exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran, which began with Israel launching major strikes on Friday.

    Residents of the Gaza Strip have circulated images of wrecked buildings and charred vehicles hit by Iranian missiles in Israeli cities, and some were hopeful the wider conflict could eventually bring peace to their ruined homeland.

    “We live these scenes and pain daily. We are very happy that we saw the day when we saw rubble in Tel Aviv, and they are trying to get out from under the rubble and the houses that were destroyed on top of their residents,” said Gaza man Saad Saad.

    Others said Iran’s response was greater than many, including Israel, had expected.

    “We saw how Iran, despite (showing) a lot of patience on the harm of the Israeli occupation and its frequent attacks and the assassinations carried out on Iranian soil, … it lost patience and the time has come for Iran to teach the Israeli occupation state a lesson,” said another Gaza man, Taysseir Mohaissan.

    With Israel saying its operation could last weeks, fears have grown of a regional war dragging in outside powers.

    Despite efforts by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to restore a ceasefire in Gaza, neither Israel nor Hamas has shown willingness to back down on core demands, with each side blaming the other for the failure to reach a deal.

    Hamas leaders have repeatedly thanked Iran for its military and financial support to the group in its fight against Israel, including during the current war.

    (Reuters)

  • Israeli tank shelling kills 51 people awaiting aid trucks in Gaza, ministry says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israeli tank shellfire killed at least 51 Palestinians on Tuesday as they awaited aid trucks in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, the territory’s health ministry said, adding that dozens of others were wounded.

    Medics said residents said Israeli tanks fired shells at crowds of desperate Palestinians awaiting aid trucks along the main eastern road in Khan Younis. They said at least 51 people were killed and 200 wounded, with at least 20 of them in critical condition.

    There was no immediate comment by the Israeli military on the incident.

    Witnesses said Israeli tanks fired at least two shells at thousands of people awaiting aid trucks. Nasser Hospital wards were crowded with casualties, and medical staff had to place some on the ground and in corridors due to the lack of space.

    The incident was the latest in nearly daily mass deaths of Palestinians who were seeking aid in past weeks, including near sites operated by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

    Local health officials said at least 23 people were killed by Israeli gunfire on Monday as they approached a GHF aid distribution site in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

    The GHF stated in a press release late on Monday that it had distributed more than three million meals at its four distribution sites without incident.

    There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military about Monday’s reports of shootings. In previous incidents, it has occasionally acknowledged troops opening fire near aid sites, while blaming militants for provoking the violence.

    Israel has put responsibility for distributing much of the aid it allows into Gaza into the hands of the GHF, which operates sites in areas guarded by Israeli troops.

    The United Nations has rejected the plan, saying GHF distribution is inadequate, dangerous and violates humanitarian impartiality principles.

    The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered in October 2023, when Palestinian Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli allies.

    U.S. ally Israel’s subsequent military assault on Gaza has killed nearly 55,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, while internally displacing nearly Gaza’s entire population and causing a hunger crisis.

    The assault has also triggered accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations.

    EYE ON IRAN

    The escalation is taking place as Palestinians in the Gaza Strip watch the exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran, which began with Israel launching major strikes on Friday.

    Residents of the Gaza Strip have circulated images of wrecked buildings and charred vehicles hit by Iranian missiles in Israeli cities, and some were hopeful the wider conflict could eventually bring peace to their ruined homeland.

    “We live these scenes and pain daily. We are very happy that we saw the day when we saw rubble in Tel Aviv, and they are trying to get out from under the rubble and the houses that were destroyed on top of their residents,” said Gaza man Saad Saad.

    Others said Iran’s response was greater than many, including Israel, had expected.

    “We saw how Iran, despite (showing) a lot of patience on the harm of the Israeli occupation and its frequent attacks and the assassinations carried out on Iranian soil, … it lost patience and the time has come for Iran to teach the Israeli occupation state a lesson,” said another Gaza man, Taysseir Mohaissan.

    With Israel saying its operation could last weeks, fears have grown of a regional war dragging in outside powers.

    Despite efforts by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to restore a ceasefire in Gaza, neither Israel nor Hamas has shown willingness to back down on core demands, with each side blaming the other for the failure to reach a deal.

    Hamas leaders have repeatedly thanked Iran for its military and financial support to the group in its fight against Israel, including during the current war.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israel says Iranian military chief killed in Tehran strike

    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

    JERUSALEM, June 17 (Xinhua) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Tuesday that Ali Shadmani, Iran’s chief of military staff and one of the Islamic Republic’s highest-ranking military officers, was killed in an overnight airstrike on a command center in Tehran.

    The strike was carried out by Israeli aircraft after receiving “precise intelligence” and a “sudden opportunity,” the IDF said in a statement.

    A. Shadmani, a senior military commander and closest to Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, commanded the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian army.

    He was appointed commander of Iran’s armed forces at the start of the ongoing five-day war after his predecessor, Alaa Ali Rashid, was killed in an Israeli strike that started the current fighting.

    The killing of A. Shadmani “continued a series of assassinations of Iran’s top military command and disrupted the chain of command,” the IDF said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As Israeli attacks draw tit-for-tat missile responses from Iran and shuts Haifa refinery, Gaza genocide continues

    Israeli media report that Iranian missile strikes on Haifa oil refinery yesterday killed 3 people and closed down the installation.

    The Israeli death toll has risen to 24, with 400 injured and more than 2700 people displaced.

    Israeli authorities report 370 missiles fired by Iran in total, 30 reaching their targets. Iranian military report they have carried out 550 drone operations.

    224 killed in Iran
    Two hundred and twenty four people have been killed by Israeli attacks on Iran, with 1277 hospitalised.

    The state radio and television building was targeted by Israeli strikes twice — while broadcasting live — with the broadcast back online within 5 minutes despite the attack.

    In response, Iran has issued a warning to evacuate the central offices of Israeli television channels 12 and 14.

    An Israeli attack on a Red Crescent ambulance in Tehran resulted in the deaths of two relief workers.

    Israel’s Finance Minister Belazel Smotrich, who is accused of being a war criminal and the target of sanctions by five countries including New Zealand, claims they have hit 800 targets in Iran, with aircraft flying freely in the nation’s airspace.

    In the West Bank, the tension continues, with business continuing at a subdued level, everyone waiting to see how the situation will unfold.

    Israel’s illegal siege continues, cutting off cities and villages from one another, while blocking ambulances and urgent medical access in several locations today.

    Israeli and Iranian strikes are expected to continue, and potentially escalate, over the coming days.

    Israel’s genocide in Gaza continues.

    Cole Martin is an independent New Zealand photojournalist based in the Middle East and a contributor to Asia Pacific Report.

    Iranian missiles raining down on Tel Aviv as seen from the occupied West Bank. Image: CM screenshot APR

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Israel Intercepts 30 Iranian Drones as Arab Nations Call for De-escalation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel’s military intercepted and eliminated 30 drones from Iran overnight, the Israel Defense Forces said Tuesday, describing it as the least impactful night by the Iranian attacks since the beginning of this operation. The IDF also reported Iran fired several ballistic missiles toward Israel, though the exact number was not specified.

    Around 20 missiles fired from Iran on Tuesday triggered sirens across Israel, including northern and southern areas, central Israel, Jerusalem, and the West Bank. Reports indicated a direct hit in central Israel, with property damage confirmed by Israeli police, though authorities have not officially confirmed the strike.

    The foreign ministers of 20 Arab and Muslim countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, and Pakistan, denounced Israel’s attacks on Iran and called for de-escalation in a joint statement. The ministers expressed grave concern over the dangerous escalation in the region and urged all parties to settle disputes peacefully while respecting state sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also emphasized the importance of creating a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and urged countries to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

    US President Donald Trump called for the immediate evacuation of all of Tehran, issuing the warning shortly after Israeli forces told residents in northeastern Tehran to leave ahead of planned strikes. The Pentagon announced deployment of additional military capabilities to West Asia to enhance defensive posture amid the escalating conflict.

    Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz later clarified that Israel has no intention of deliberately harming Tehran’s residents. “There is no intention to physically harm the residents of Tehran as the murderous dictator does to the residents of Israel,” Katz said.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Monday that the strikes have set Iran’s nuclear program back “years” and said he is in daily contact with Trump, who left the G7 summit in Canada early amid reports he was heading to Washington to work on a ceasefire deal.

  • Israel says it killed Iran’s wartime chief, Khamenei’s close aide

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Tuesday announced that it had eliminated Ali Shadmani, Iran’s wartime chief of staff and close aide of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an overnight strike.

    “Following accurate intelligence received by the Intelligence Branch and a sudden opportunity during the night, Air Force fighter jets attacked a manned headquarters in the heart of Tehran and killed Ali Shadmani, the Chief of Staff of the War, the most senior military commander and the man closest to Iranian leader Ali Khamenei,” the IDF said in a post on X.

    This is the second time in recent weeks that Israel has targeted and killed a high-ranking military commander of the regime, with an aim to disrupt Iran’s military leadership.

    According to the Israeli military, Shadmani served as Chief of War Staff and Commander of the Armed Forces Emergency Command and commanded the Revolutionary Guards and the Iranian army.

    “Prior to the assassination of his predecessor, Shadmani served as deputy commander of the Hatem Al-Aniba Emergency Command and head of the Operations Department of the Armed Forces General Staff. Shadmani’s assassination joins a series of assassinations of the highest military command in Iran and constitutes another blow to the chain of command of the Iranian armed forces,” the IDF added.

    The IDF further asserted that the “Khatem al-Anbiya” emergency command, under the assassinated Iranian officer’s command, was responsible for managing combat and approving Iranian fire plans.

    In his various roles, the military said that Shadmani “directly influenced” Iranian fire plans to harm Israel.

    Shadmani earlier replaced Gen. Gholam Ali Rashid, who was killed on Friday when Israel launched ‘Operation Rising Lion’ against Iran, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat of nuclear weapons to Israel’s very survival.

    “In view of Lt. Gen. Gholamali Rashid’s martyrdom at the hands of the vile Zionist regime, and in light of Major General Ali Shadmani’s meritorious services & valuable experience, I confer the rank of Major Gen. & appoint him Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central HQ,” Iranian Supreme leader Khamenei had posted on X.

    Earlier in the day, Israel also announced the destruction of several surface-to-surface missiles and surface-to-air missile launchers of the Iranian regime as the hostilities between both nations escalated.

    “Dozens of infrastructure for storing and launching surface-to-surface missiles and surface-to-air missile launchers of the Iranian regime were destroyed. Last night, Air Force fighter jets completed several waves of attacks against dozens of Iranian regime military targets in western Iran. As part of the waves of attacks, the Air Force attacked dozens of infrastructures for storing and launching surface-to-surface missiles, UAV storage sites, and surface-to-air missile launchers in western Iran,” said the Israel Defence Force (IDF) in a post on X.

    The Israel-Iran conflict entered its fifth day, and hostilities between the two nations continued to escalate as several missiles from Iran were fired at Israel, triggering air raid sirens in Haifa and dozens of other cities and communities across northern Israel and the occupied Golan Heights, confirmed by the Israeli military.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI China: SCIO organizes media trip to Jiangsu and Zhejiang

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

    SCIO organizes media trip to Jiangsu and Zhejiang

    China SCIO | June 17, 2025

    Since May, the State Council Information Office has organized a series of media trips aimed at introducing how different regions across China are advancing high-quality development and fulfilling the goals set out in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025).

    The second leg of the program was held from June 9 to 13, during which journalists from the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, Singapore, Indonesia, Turkey, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, and other countries visited Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. They focused on topics such as innovation-driven development, green development, and how major economic provinces are playing a leading role in national growth.

    On June 9, 2025, the State Council Information Office holds a press briefing in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, about the province’s progress in innovation-driven development. [Photo by Luan Haijun/China SCIO]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – 95 New Zealand Lawyers Call for Stronger Govt Stance on Israel Amidst Rising Tensions in Middle East

    Source: Max Harris
    Ninety-five New Zealand lawyers – including 9 King’s Counsel – have signed a letter to the Prime Minister and other ministers urging the Government to consider a stronger stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
    The letter has been sent amidst rising tensions in the region, following Israel’s surprise attacks on Iran, and Iran’s attacks on Israel in response.
    The letter’s signatories come from all levels of seniority in the legal community including senior barristers, law firm partners, legal academics, and in-house lawyers.
    The letter cites UN sources that document the steadily deteriorating plight of civilians in Gaza, featuring escalating levels of bombardment, forced displacement, blockades of aid and deliberate targeting of hospitals, aid workers and journalists, and notes key responses to date.
     
    In September last year New Zealand voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution calling upon all UN Member States to comply with their obligations under international law and take concrete steps to address Israel’s ongoing presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. At the time, New Zealand noted it expected Israel to take meaningful steps towards compliance with international law including withdrawal from the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The letter comments that Israel has done nothing of the sort.
     
    The letter goes on to point out that in May this year Independent UN Experts demanded immediate international intervention to “end the violence or bear witness to the annihilation of the Palestinian population in Gaza.” UN experts have observed the occurrence of over 52,535 deaths, of which 70 percent continue to be women and children. The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher has called for a response “as humanitarians” urging “Humanity, the law and reason must prevail”.
    The letter urges the Government to consider a stronger response including to condemn Israel’s unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, to review immediately all diplomatic and political and economic ties with Israel, and to go further in imposing sanctions after New Zealand imposed sanctions on two extremist Israeli politicians.
    One of the letter’s signatories, barrister Max Harris, says: “This letter reflects rising concern among the general community about Israel’s breaches of international law.”
    “The Government has tried to highlight red lines for Israel, but these have been repeatedly crossed, and it’s time that the Government considers doing more, in line with international law,” adds Harris.
    Aedeen Boadita-Cormican, another barrister who has signed the letter, says: “The Government could do more to follow through on how it has voted at the United Nations and what it has said internationally.”
    “This letter shows the depth of concern in the legal community about Israel’s actions,” adds Boadita-Cormican.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Inspiration Arts Festival will be held at VDNKh in July

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    From July 23 to 27, the VDNKh will host the International Arts Festival “Inspiration” for the eighth time. It will bring together creative teams and projects of artists from the capital, St. Petersburg, Krasnodar, as well as China, India, Turkey, Egypt and other countries. This was reported by Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.

    “At various exhibition venues, city residents and tourists will be treated to street plays and dance performances, performances and concerts. The stages will feature works by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Mikhail Glinka, Aram Khachaturian, Frederic Chopin and other famous composers,” the deputy mayor said.

    The festival will take place at 10 venues, including the Main Alley, the square near the Friendship of Nations fountain, the Worker and Kolkhoz Woman pavilion, and the Slovo Museum of Slavic Literature.

    On July 23, the Green Theater will host a performance based on Leo Tolstoy’s epic novel “War and Peace.” It will be performed by a group from Turkey. On July 25, the “Night of One-Act Ballets” project will be presented here. Modern choreographic programs will be demonstrated by dance schools from Egypt and Cuba.

    On July 25, the main stage of the festival will host an opera production. It will introduce the culture of China, in particular the traditions and folk legends of the Guangxi province. A classical music concert will also be held at the same venue. Residents and guests of the capital will be able to hear works by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Mikhail Glinka, Sergei Rachmaninov and Aram Khachaturian. And on July 27, the performance “Three Sisters” by the Krasnodar Academic Drama Theater named after Maxim Gorky will be shown on the veranda of the VDNKh House of Culture. It is based on the play by Anton Chekhov.

    All events are free. Pre-registration is required to attend.website VDNKh.

    The Inspiration Festival will be held as part of a large-scale project “Summer in Moscow”. It brings together the most vibrant events in the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sporting events are held in all areas of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and this season will be more eventful: new, original and colourful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Quickly find out the main news of the capital inofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155319073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Oil prices continue to surge amid growing Israel-Iran tensions

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Oil prices rose sharply on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump called for the evacuation of Tehran, raising fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

    The prices jumped initially but later eased, as the market stayed cautious about any major disruption in oil supplies.

    Brent crude oil went up by as much as 2.2 per cent before falling slightly to trade just above $73 a barrel.

    West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also rose and hovered near $72. This comes after oil prices had dropped on Monday when there were signs that Iran was trying to calm tensions.

    Israel continued to strike Iranian military targets, including weapons storage sites and missile launchers.

    The oil market is closely watching the Strait of Hormuz – a narrow waterway that plays a crucial role in global oil trade.

    Around 20 per cent of the world’s daily oil supply passes through this route. Maritime security company Ambrey reported a possible incident near the area on Tuesday, although details were not clear.

    So far, the impact of the conflict has mostly been seen in the shipping sector. According to the UK Navy, ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf are facing issues with navigation signals.

    Many shipping companies are now hesitant to take bookings in the region due to safety concerns. However, Iran’s infrastructure for exporting oil has not been damaged yet.

    Even with some gains being reversed, oil prices remain higher than they were before the current conflict began.

    This has led to record levels of hedging by oil producers and a rise in trading of oil futures and options.

    Investment bank Morgan Stanley has also raised its oil price forecasts – citing higher risks because of the conflict.

    Meanwhile, the White House is reportedly discussing the possibility of meeting Iranian officials this week to talk about reviving the nuclear deal and ending the ongoing war with Israel, according to a report by Axios.

    Israel, on the other hand, claimed that it has taken control over large parts of Iran’s airspace and has heavily damaged its missile and nuclear facilities since launching its assault on Friday.

    This has sparked fears of a broader war in the region, which produces nearly one-third of the world’s oil.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese referees Ma, Fu debut at 2025 Club World Cup

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

    Chinese referees Ma Ning and Fu Ming made their debut at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on Monday, officiating in Flamengo’s 2-0 victory over Tunisia’s Esperance de Tunis.

    In the Group D opener, Dutch referee Danny Makkelie served as the match referee, with Rob Dieperink acting as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Ma was assigned as the fourth official, while Fu took on the role of Assistant VAR (AVAR).

    The tournament features 35 referees, 58 assistant referees, and 24 VAR officials representing 41 FIFA member associations.

    Notably, no Chinese assistant referees were included in this year’s roster. Given FIFA’s usual practice of assigning referee teams from the same country or region, Ma’s opportunities to serve as a main referee may be limited.

    At the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco, Ma made history by officiating the opening match between Egypt’s Al Ahly and New Zealand’s Auckland City. In that game, Zhou Fei and Zhang Cheng served as assistant referees, while Fu was also AVAR – marking the first time a Chinese referee team had officiated at FIFA’s premier club tournament.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Healthy crowds and Messi mania lift Club World Cup, but quality gap shows

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The expanded Club World Cup has kicked off with healthy crowds, “Messi mania” and a festival atmosphere in Miami, giving an early vindication to world football body FIFA after fears of empty stands and global disinterest.

    FIFA controversially awarded Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami a backdoor route into the tournament, ensuring the sport’s biggest name would be there after he propelled soccer to new heights in a country often ambivalent to the world’s most popular game.

    Some 61,000 fans packed the Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday to watch the Argentine and teammates play Egyptian giants Al-Ahly in a goalless draw.

    Another strong crowd turned out on Sunday for the clash between Paris St Germain and Atletico Madrid, which ended in a one-sided 4-0 win for the Champions League winners.

    However, Bayern Munich’s 10-0 demolition of semi-professional Auckland City underscored the worrying gulf in quality between some of the competing clubs.

    But the opening weekend largely delivered what FIFA had hoped for: vibrant crowds and global representation.

    South American supporters made their presence especially felt.

    More than 1,000 Boca Juniors fans in blue and gold turned Miami Beach into a party strip on Sunday ahead of their opening match, singing club anthems and waving flags in scenes reminiscent of a World Cup carnival.

    “Wherever you go, Boca is here,” Gaston San Paul, a fan who flew in from Entre Rios in Argentina, told Reuters.

    “Wherever we are we do this,” he added, referring to the “Banderazo” (flag party), a fan gathering destined to mark territory ahead of a game.

    Boca and Real Madrid games were among the top early ticket sellers, according to FIFA, which said that top markets after the U.S. were Brazil, Argentina and Mexico.

    Talk of empty stands was at least provisionally dismissed as well as heightened anxiety in the immigrant-heavy Miami area following recent federal immigration raids.

    At the heart of the opening weekend buzz was Messi, whose presence has elevated Inter Miami’s profile and guaranteed global glamour for the tournament.

    $1 BILLION DEAL

    Messi, who received a standing ovation before kickoff, was unable to find the net against Al-Ahly but provided flashes of brilliance in a tightly contested, physical match.

    FIFA is banking not only on Messi’s star power but also on a radical new broadcast strategy. The tournament is being streamed for free worldwide by DAZN in a $1 billion deal.

    That agreement followed Saudi Arabia’s SURJ Sports Investment, a subsidiary of the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), acquiring a minority stake in DAZN for a reported $1 billion — another marker of the kingdom’s growing investment footprint in sport.

    The partnership, one of the largest broadcast packages in football history, is central to FIFA’s push to maximize digital engagement and position the Club World Cup as a global spectacle ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.

    The $1 billion prize money, which ensures a hefty $125 million for the winners, was an obvious incentive for the European clubs.

    “There’s a lot of money at stake. If you have the chance to earn a lot of money at a tournament, you should take the chance,” former Bayern legend Karl Heinz Rummenigge said in the run-up.

    DAZN has yet to provide viewership data.

    While the crowds gave FIFA reason to be cheerful, the Bayern Munich v Auckland City match raised awkward questions about the tournament’s balance as the German champions obliterated their opponents 10-0.

    Despite the lopsided contest in Cincinnati, the overall mood among organizers was one of optimism, calling the opening weekend a resounding success.

    Many Floridians, however, did not know a global soccer event was taking place in their state.

    “There is a World Cup? Hockey?,” said one person working in a restaurant in Miami Beach.

    “This tournament is new, and it is different. It is the very first time clubs and players from all over the world have had the chance to face each other in competitive matches on a global stage,” FIFA said, referring to the 32-club format after the previous editions featured seven.

    With group matches continuing through the week and Boca’s opener against Benfica expected to draw another bumper crowd in Miami later on Monday, FIFA will be hoping to build on the early momentum — and avoid more one-sided encounters like the one in Cincinnati as European teams appear to be a level above those from other continents’.

    (Reuters)

  • Trump says his G7 summit departure not linked to any Israel-Iran ceasefire offer

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Donald Trump said late on Monday his early departure from the Group of Seven nations summit has “nothing to do with” working on a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, refuting comments by French President Emmanuel Macron who said the U.S. president made a ceasefire proposal.

    Macron “mistakenly said that I left the G7 Summit, in Canada, to go back to D.C. to work on a ‘cease fire’ between Israel and Iran,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform as he left the G7 summit in Canada to return to Washington.

    “Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that,” Trump added in the post.

    Macron said earlier on Monday Trump had made an offer for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. “There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange. An offer was made especially to get a ceasefire and to then kick-start broader discussions,” Macron told reporters at the G7.

    Trump left the G7 summit in Canada early to return to Washington due to the Middle East situation.

    The air war between Iran and U.S. ally Israel – which began on Friday when Israel attacked Iran with air strikes – has raised alarms in a region that had already been on edge since the start of Israel’s military assault on Gaza in October 2023.

    Since the Israeli strikes on Friday, the two Middle Eastern rivals have exchanged blows, with Iranian officials reporting over 220 deaths, mostly civilians, while Israel said 24 civilians were killed.

    Israel, the U.S. and other Western nations have long sought to pressure Iran to curb its nuclear weapons development.

    Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons and has said it has the right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

    Israel, which is not a party to the NPT, is the only country in the Middle East widely believed to have nuclear weapons.

    Washington said Trump was still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran.

    (Reuters)

  • G7 expresses support for Israel, calls Iran source of instability

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Group of Seven nations expressed support for Israel in a statement issued late on Monday and labeled its rival Iran as a source of instability in the Middle East, with the G7 leaders urging broader de-escalation of hostilities in the region.

    The air war between Iran and Israel – which began on Friday when Israel attacked Iran with air strikes – has raised alarms in a region that had already been on edge since the start of Israel‘s military assault on Gaza in October 2023.

    “We affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel,” G7 leaders said in the statement.

    “Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror,” the statement added and said the G7 was “clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”

    Israel attacked Iran on Friday in what it called a preemptive strike to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Since then the two Middle Eastern rivals have exchanged blows, with Iranian officials reporting over 220 deaths, mostly civilians, while Israel said 24 civilians were killed.

    Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and has said it has the right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

    Israel, which is not a party to the NPT, is the only country in the Middle East widely believed to have nuclear weapons. Israel does not deny or confirm that.

    President Donald Trump planned to leave the G7 summit in Canada early to return to Washington due to the Middle East situation.

    The United States has so far maintained that it is not involved in the Israeli attacks on Iran although Trump said on Friday the U.S. was aware of Israel‘s strikes in advance and called them “excellent.” Washington has warned Tehran not to attack U.S. interests or personnel in the region.

    “We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza,” the G7 statement said, adding the nations were also ready to coordinate on safeguarding stability in energy markets.

    An Israeli strike hit Iran‘s state broadcaster on Monday while Trump said in a social media post that “everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran.”

    Separately, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also discussed the Israel–Iran war in phone calls with his British, French and European Union counterparts on Monday.

    Washington said Trump was still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran.

    (Reuters)

  • G7 expresses support for Israel, calls Iran source of instability

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Group of Seven nations expressed support for Israel in a statement issued late on Monday and labeled its rival Iran as a source of instability in the Middle East, with the G7 leaders urging broader de-escalation of hostilities in the region.

    The air war between Iran and Israel – which began on Friday when Israel attacked Iran with air strikes – has raised alarms in a region that had already been on edge since the start of Israel‘s military assault on Gaza in October 2023.

    “We affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel,” G7 leaders said in the statement.

    “Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror,” the statement added and said the G7 was “clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”

    Israel attacked Iran on Friday in what it called a preemptive strike to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Since then the two Middle Eastern rivals have exchanged blows, with Iranian officials reporting over 220 deaths, mostly civilians, while Israel said 24 civilians were killed.

    Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and has said it has the right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

    Israel, which is not a party to the NPT, is the only country in the Middle East widely believed to have nuclear weapons. Israel does not deny or confirm that.

    President Donald Trump planned to leave the G7 summit in Canada early to return to Washington due to the Middle East situation.

    The United States has so far maintained that it is not involved in the Israeli attacks on Iran although Trump said on Friday the U.S. was aware of Israel‘s strikes in advance and called them “excellent.” Washington has warned Tehran not to attack U.S. interests or personnel in the region.

    “We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza,” the G7 statement said, adding the nations were also ready to coordinate on safeguarding stability in energy markets.

    An Israeli strike hit Iran‘s state broadcaster on Monday while Trump said in a social media post that “everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran.”

    Separately, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also discussed the Israel–Iran war in phone calls with his British, French and European Union counterparts on Monday.

    Washington said Trump was still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Joint statement by Arab and Islamic countries affirms the necessity of halting Israeli hostilities against Iran and returning to the path of negotiations

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha – June 16, 2025

    In light of the rapidly evolving regional developments and the unprecedented escalation of tensions in the Middle East, particularly owing to the ongoing military aggression of Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Foreign Ministers of the State of Qatar, People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, the Kingdom of Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, the Republic of Chad, the Union of the Comoros, the Republic of Djibouti, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Iraq, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, the State of Libya, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of the Sudan, the Republic of Türkiye, the Sultanate of Oman, and the United Arab Emirates hereby affirm the following:

    •⁠  ⁠The categorical rejection and condemnation of Israel’s recent attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran since the 13th of June 2025, and any actions that contravene international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, while emphasizing the necessity of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, adhering to the principles of good neighbourliness, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

    •⁠  ⁠The imperative need to halt Israeli hostilities against Iran, which come during a time of increasing tension in the Middle East, and to work towards de-escalation, to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire and restoration of calm, while expressing great concern regarding this dangerous escalation, which threatens to have serious consequences on the peace and stability of the entire region.

    •⁠  ⁠The urgent necessity of establishing a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction, which shall apply to all States in the region without exception in line with relevant international resolutions, as well as the urgent need for all countries of the Middle East to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

    •⁠  ⁠The paramount importance of refraining from targeting nuclear facilities that are under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, in accordance with relevant IAEA resolutions and United Nations Security Council decisions, as such acts constitute a violation of international law and international humanitarian law, including the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

    •⁠  ⁠The urgency of a swift return to the path of negotiations as the only viable means to reach a sustainable agreement regarding the Iranian nuclear program.

    •⁠  ⁠The importance of safeguarding the freedom of navigation in international waterways per the relevant rules of international law, and refraining from undermining maritime security.

    •⁠  ⁠That diplomacy, dialogue, and adherence to the principles of good neighbourliness, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, remain the only viable path to resolving crises in the region, and that military means cannot bring about a lasting resolution to the ongoing crisis.

    MIL OSI Africa –