Category: Middle East

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia: 14 June 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

PM call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia: 14 June 2025

The Prime Minister spoke to His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia earlier this afternoon.
The Prime Minister spoke to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman this afternoon.

They discussed the gravely concerning situation in the Middle East and agreed on the need to de-escalate.

The Prime Minister updated on his conversations with partners so far and reiterated that the UK is poised to work closely with its allies in the coming days to support a diplomatic resolution.

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Published 14 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets German Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, June 14

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Saturday with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Johann Wadephul, who is visiting the country.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them, in addition to discussing the latest developments in the region, particularly the Israeli attack on the territory of the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran.

In this context, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli attack on Iranian territory, considering it a flagrant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security, and a clear breach of the rules and principles of international law.

His Excellency also stressed the need for concerted regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions and resolve disputes through diplomatic means, affirming that the State of Qatar is making strenuous efforts, along with its partners, for all parties to return to the path of dialogue to address outstanding issues and consolidate security and peace in the region and the world.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: IDF says it has killed over 20 Iranian commanders

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 14 (Xinhua) — More than 20 senior Iranian military commanders have been killed since the start of Israel’s operation against Iran on Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Saturday.

As noted in the statement, during the first strike within the operation, Israeli fighter jets, guided by intelligence data, eliminated the deputy chief of intelligence of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran (AF) Gholamreza Mehrabi and the chief of the General Staff of the AF Mohammad Bagheri.

“G. Mehrabi played a key role in assessing intelligence, operational planning and preparing military operations against Israel,” the IDF said in a statement.

According to the IDF, Bagheri controlled most of Iran’s long-range surface-to-surface missiles and cruise missiles, which are Iran’s main offensive weapons against Israel.

Bagheri also oversaw Iran’s firepower systems and played an active role in decisions to attack Israel in April and October 2024, the statement said.

The chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces was killed along with the commander of the Aerospace Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC-AFS) Amir Ali Hajizadeh and several other high-ranking commanders in an underground headquarters in Tehran. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: New round of US-Iran nuclear deal talks scheduled for June 15 ‘not happening’ – Omani foreign minister

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

MUSCAT, June 14 (Xinhua) — The sixth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear deal talks scheduled for Sunday, June 15, “will not take place,” Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said on Saturday.

In his post on social media X, Badr al-Busaidi reiterated that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only way to achieve lasting peace.

The announcement came amid heightened tensions following Israel’s major strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, raising fears of a wider regional escalation.

Israel launched airstrikes on the Iranian capital Tehran and other cities early Friday, aiming to damage the Islamic republic’s nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile production and military capabilities.

In response, Iran launched a salvo of ballistic missiles at military targets in Israel that evening.

In a telephone conversation with European Union diplomacy chief Kaya Kallas on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that further indirect talks between his country and the US were pointless amid Israel’s “continued brutality.”

Commenting on Iran’s decision to participate in the sixth round of talks with the American side, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei noted: “In the current circumstances, our key focus is on countering the enemy’s aggression.”

Since April this year, Iranian and US delegations have held five rounds of indirect talks with Oman as the mediator on Tehran’s nuclear program and the lifting of US sanctions. Three were held in the Omani capital Muscat and two in Rome. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: God Bless the United States Army, and God Bless President Trump

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

Senator Marshall Joins Fox and Friends to Discuss the Celebrations for the 250th Birthday of the United States Army
Washington – On Saturday morning, live from the site of the U.S Army’s 250th Birthday Parade, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Joey Jones on Fox and Friends to discuss the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, the importance of celebrating the Army’s rich history of service, and his family ties to the Army.

Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
Highlights from the interview include:
On the current state of the Israel and Iran conflict:
“Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East – we need to stand beside them. At the same time, I want all the listeners to understand that the Iranian regime was just a week away from having nuclear warheads. President Trump gave them a 60-day warning. On day 61, Israel took things into their own hands. We pray for peace, we pray for the Iranian people, but we cannot tolerate a terrorist group having a nuclear warhead.”
On what should happen next for the United States regarding the conflict:
“Being from Kansas, I’m a big Eisenhower fan, and President Eisenhower said, “I hate war as only a soldier who’s lived it can, with all its brutality and futility.” Joey, you’ve seen what that war is like as well. I think when you’ve served, you hate war more than anybody else. I want to project peace through strength, that was another President Eisenhower saying as well, so let’s project peace through strength. Pray for peace every day, and I’m just so grateful for all the military people willing to fight for our freedoms to keep the peace, but make us safe as well. And a big shout-out to all those soldiers in harm’s way right now in the Middle East.”
On the planned counterprotests around the country for June 14:
“Certainly, their obsession has become psychosis. I would just come and invite some of the people to meet some of the people that I had the privilege of giving a Capitol tour to last night. Soldiers from the Big Red One, the First Infantry Division – this division had 12,000 people who made the ultimate sacrifice, 12,000 people from one division. 1.3 million people from the army have made the ultimate sacrifice, another 1.5 million people injured in war, so just come and tell them thanks for that right to get out here and protest. God bless all of them, God bless President Trump. Let’s celebrate the Army’s birthday today.”
On the penalties for those who burn American flags:
“I’m all for it. Unfortunately, I grew up during the Vietnam era, and that’s when the flag burning started. Again, my dad served, my brother served, someone from every generation of my family since the Civil War, and to see them burn the flag, it’s just a kick in the gut to all of us who served.”

MIL OSI USA News –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: International peacekeeping exercises “In Search of Khaan-2025” have begun in Mongolia

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

ULAN BATOR, June 14 (Xinhua) — The international peacekeeping exercise “Searching for Khaan-2025” kicked off in Mongolia on Saturday at the training center of the Mongolian Armed Forces, 60 km from the capital Ulan Bator.

At the opening ceremony, Deputy Chairman of the State Great Khural (parliament) of Mongolia Bukhchuluuny Purevdorj noted that the exercises serve as an important bridge for deepening international cooperation in peacekeeping operations and strengthening mutual trust and understanding between countries.

“The scale, inclusiveness, content and programme of these multinational peacekeeping exercises continue to expand year on year, reflecting a commitment to tangible actions that contribute to global peace and security,” he added.

A total of 1,200 peacekeepers from 24 countries, including Mongolia, China, Australia, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Japan and the United States, are taking part in 22 peacekeeping exercises organized by the Mongolian Armed Forces.

The exercise, which will last until June 28, will cover command and staff and field activities.

The exercises “In Search of Khaan” have been conducted since 2003 by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Mongolia jointly with the US Pacific Fleet Command and the UN Peace Support Fund. Since 2006, the peacekeeping maneuvers have evolved into large-scale international peacekeeping exercises. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Welch Statement on Escalation of Conflict in the Middle East

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement in response to the escalation of armed conflict in the Middle East:
“Like many around the world, I am alarmed by the latest escalation of armed conflict in the Middle East. Israel’s attack on Iran, and the subsequent counterattacks against Israel by the Iranian regime, risk destroying the nuclear negotiations led by the Trump Administration which offer the best hope for a lasting solution to Iran’s nuclear program. This escalation could ignite a regional war, which would be catastrophic for the people of the Middle East, as well as the United States.
“We must continue to lead with diplomacy. We must avoid getting dragged into this conflict and work across nations to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. President Trump said he wanted to end wars in the Middle East. I urge him to stand up for the safety of American troops and American interests and use his influence as president to stop this from escalating further.”

MIL OSI USA News –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RAF King’s Birthday Honours 2025Kings’ Birthday Honours List 2025 – Military Division.13 Jun 2025

Source: United Kingdom – Royal Air Force

King’s Birthday Honours List 2025 – Military Division

PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH

As Knight Commander

Air Marshal J.J. Stringer CBE

As Companion (CB)

Air Vice-Marshal M.W.J Chappell

Air Vice-Marshal A.P.T. Smith

PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

As Commanders (CBE)

Air Commodore I.J. Sharrocks OBE

Group Captain A. Burton

As Officers (OBE)

Group Captain A.P. Baron

Group Captain P. Baroni

Group Captain R.L. Dixon

Wing Commander G.A. Lonsdale

Wing Commander T.C. Page

Wing Commander A.N. Pandya

As Members (MBE)

Acting Wing Commander D.C. McCrae

Squadron Leader C.B.M. Emmerson

Squadron Leader J.R. Rushton

Squadron Leader T.A. Smith

Squadron Leader M.D. Sugden

Squadron Leader D.J. Taudevin

Squadron Leader J.K. Wilyman

Flight Lieutenant R.K. Mehta

Flight Lieutenant M.W. Norman

Captain R.M. St J. Sheehan (British Army)

Warrant Officer C. Hamilton

Staff Sergeant E. Oppong (British Army)

Sergeant G.L. Jones

Corporal E-J. Bangura

King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

Sergeant D.J. Tyler

Associate Member of The Royal Red Cross

Flight Sergeant (now Acting Warrant Officer) S.L. Roberts

King’s Birthday Honours list 2025 – Civilian Division

PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE CIVILIAN DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

As Members (MBE)

Mr R.P. O’Connor

Reverend J.M. Pitkin

British Empire Medal

Mr J.R. McGlasson

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

Warrant Officer M.A. Coupland

Warrant Officer N. Dutton

Master Aircrew P.A. Goss

Master Aircrew R.A. Jones

Master Aircrew T.J.M. Millar

Warrant Officer M. Rees-Martin MBE

Warrant Officer D.K. Rose

Master Aircrew D.V. Russell

Master Aircrew S.F. Severn

Warrant Officer S.W. Thorpe

Flight Sergeant (now Acting Warrant Officer) O.R. Watkins

Flight Sergeant R.C. Atha

Flight Sergeant S.J. Dutton

Flight Sergeant D. Farrell

Flight Sergeant R.E. Mauchline

Flight Sergeant R.M. Pugh

Acting Flight Sergeant C.M. Irvine

CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF COMMENDATIONS

Wing Commander K.E. Ingram MBE

Squadron Leader (now Wing Commander) A.H. Stewart

Squadron Leader N.J.D. Bell

Flight Lieutenant A. Carter

Flight Lieutenant G. Feetham

Sergeant P.M. Taylor

Acting Sergeant N.T. Egan

Corporal G.P. Dutton

Corporal L.D. Evans

Corporal J.F. Scott

Acting Corporal D.J. Purves

Air Specialist Class 1 B. Dudgeon

Team Commendations

Air Finance Strategic Financial Planning Team

Department of Medicine, RAF R&S, RAF Cranwell

Protector Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation, RAF Waddington

Tactical Operations Centre Light eXperimental (TOC-X) Delivery and Innovations Team

27 Squadron Engineering

DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF & AIR AND SPACE COMMANDER COMMENDATIONS

DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF COMMENDATIONS

Squadron Leader E.L. Brooks

Squadron Leader R.J. Kemplay

Flight Lieutenant M.J. Wade

Mrs N.J. Skelton

Team Commendations

Project NEXUS – DEIMOS Team

Qatar Air Programme Office 2024

Trial CHAINMAIL 2 Team

R&S Select Processing Team

Ground Combat and Security Profession Enlisted Aviator Career Management Team

ANY Desk Career Management

AIR AND SPACE COMMANDER COMMENDATIONS

Wing Commander T.P. Nassif

Squadron Leader B.P. Burton

Squadron Leader P.M. Dunkley

Squadron Leader S.E. Evans

Major M.G. Fairchild (US Space Force)

Squadron Leader E.E. Leonard

Squadron Leader C.J. Marsh

Squadron Leader L.M. Ryder

Squadron Leader D.A. Yule

Flight Lieutenant (now Acting Squadron Leader) B.L. Dzekashu

Lieutenant M.P. Anelli (Royal Navy)

Warrant Officer G. Pringle

Chief Petty Officer T.A. Fenwick (Royal Navy)

Flight Sergeant D.J. Gillam

Flight Sergeant G.L. Hobbs

Acting Flight Sergeant (now Chief Technician) J.W. Kelly

Sergeant (now Staff Sergeant) R. Limbu (British Army)

Sergeant T.A. Marley

Air Specialist Class 1 (now Acting Corporal) J.P.J. Eldridge

Air Specialist Class 1 T.D. Magill

Mr A.P. Bowell

Mrs C. Sherman

Team Commendations

RAF Pay Team, London Main Building

11 Group A5

Engineering Profession Advisor Team

RAF Medical Board

Engineering Team, Number II (Army Cooperation) Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth

Air Battlespace Training Centre, RAF Waddington

45 Squadron Mission Aircrew ISR Acoustics Team

RAF Coningsby Duty Fire Crew

Spitfire Crash Incident Officers

RAF Cranwell ACE Team

RAF Odiham Project PALES Team

AIR OFFICERS COMMANDING COMMENDATIONS

AIR OFFICER COMMANDING NO. 1 GROUP COMMENDATIONS

Lieutenant Commander P. Armstrong (Royal Navy)

Lieutenant Commander N.E. Baker (Royal Navy)

Squadron Leader D.C.D. Berris

Squadron Leader K.M. Hickinbotham

Squadron Leader S.I. Roxburgh

Flight Lieutenant D.A. Breslin

Flight Lieutenant M.R. Crosby-Jones

Flight Lieutenant A.M. Dale

Flight Lieutenant K. Jamison

Flight Lieutenant L.O. Matthews

Flight Lieutenant W.L.D. Mountfield

Flight Lieutenant D. Scarr

Flight Lieutenant R. Wallace

Lieutenant W.R. Sankey (Royal Navy)

Acting Flight Lieutenant V. Logan

Warrant Officer C.P. Harker

Flight Sergeant D.T. Best

Flight Sergeant J.A. Bracewell

Chief Petty Officer G. Parker (Royal Navy)

Chief Technician W.A. Byrne

Sergeant N.J. Lindley

Acting Sergeant R.G. Archer

Acting Sergeant J.A. Grimmer

Air Specialist Class 1 (Technician) T.A. Bond

Air Specialist Class 1 (Technician) O-J. Whitehead

Mr L. Maple

Mr S. Williams

Team Commendations

Number 54 Squadron – Protector Training Flight

BBMF CAw Management

Number 56 Squadron E-7 Wedgetail Operator Subject Matter Expert Team

BAE Systems Civilian Qualified Flying Instructor

Joint Air Delivery Test & Evaluation Unit – Engineering Section, RAF Brize Norton

29 Squadron Typhoon Display Team, RAF Coningsby

Number 14 Squadron Shadow Qualified Flying Instructors, RAF Waddington

A Flight, ISR Enabling Squadron, 1ISR Wing, Royal Air Force Waddington

Number 99 Squadron C-17 ZZ173 Air Ground Engineers, RAF Brize Norton

Royal Air Force Falcons 2024 Parachute Display Team, RAF Brize Norton

AIR OFFICER COMMANDING NO. 2 GROUP COMMENDATIONS

Squadron Leader S.J. Jackson

Squadron Leader D.C. Netherton

Squadron Leader R.D. Scothern

Flight Lieutenant D. Anderson

Flight Lieutenant P. Crutchlow

Flight Lieutenant L.J. Eagle

Flight Lieutenant B.R. Garwood

Flight Lieutenant A.J. Mawdsley

Acting Flight Lieutenant R. Howarth

Flying Officer P. Shingler

Chief Technician A.J. Hunt

Flight Sergeant E.L. Dye

Flight Sergeant M. Eastaugh

Flight Sergeant M.J. Ellson

Flight Sergeant J.H.R. McClymont

Flight Sergeant G. Teague

Flight Sergeant N.H. White

Sergeant S.B. Brandt

Sergeant D.J. Cooper

Sergeant A.C. Lockwood

Sergeant P.R. Stockley

Corporal M.T. Ferguson

Corporal T.M. Grainger

Corporal G.F.E. Melling

Corporal C.J. Mills

Corporal S.A. Palmer

Corporal G.J. Sutton

Corporal R.P. Worthington

Acting Corporal R.P. Swatman

Air Specialist Class 1 (Technician) J.G. Evans

Air Specialist Class 1 H.C. Rhind-Tutt

Mr I. Aitkenhead

Mr A. Barber

Mr D. Clarke

Mr A. Stewart

Team Commendations

Crisis Response Team

RAF Police Support to Operation ROMAJI

Royal Air Force Benson Air Traffic Control Squadron

Tactical Communications Wing Project LETSRIG Team

Air Control Essentials Course Training Team

144 Signals Unit Deployable Air Defence Flight and 19 Squadron Portreath Detachment

RAF Regiment Apprenticeship Centre

Medical and Dental Servicing Section

Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron Operation LORIEN Recovery Team

A Life Saving Team at RAF Waddington

RAF Odiham Wildlife Control Unit

RAF Odiham Catering Flight

Royal Air Force Lossiemouth Mobility Support Section

Royal Air Force Coningsby Armament Engineering Flt

RAF Leeming Police and Security Flt

RAF Boulmer Beacon Community Centre

78 Squadron Flight Safety Team

Project KIMBINU GRIFFIN

RAF Marham Force Protection Training Flight

Polytunnel and Wellness Area Team (Whole Force Personnel and Families)

RAF Marham Physical Education Flight

HQ 2 Group Force Generation Team

1 AMW HQ Plans Team

AIR OFFICER COMMANDING NO. 11 GROUP COMMENDATIONS

Squadron Leader J. Ives

Squadron Leader G. Ivison

Squadron Leader M.J. Pickford

Squadron Leader S. Wain

Flight Lieutenant E.D.M. Haylock

Flight Lieutenant B.A. Ter Haar

Colour Sergeant S.C. Hopkins (British Army)

Air Specialist Class 1 T. Ogden

Air Specialist Class 1 J. Smart

S. Fogden

Team Commendation

11 Group A7 Operational Training Centre

AIR OFFICER COMMANDING NO. 22 GROUP COMMENDATIONS

Acting Major C. Reid (British Army)

Acting Squadron Leader J.C. Blackie

Acting Squadron Leader R.D. Jones

Flight Lieutenant J. Orrell

Flight Lieutenant S.S. Toomer

Flight Lieutenant I.A. Torrance

Warrant Officer 2 K.A. Feldsmann (British Army)

Warrant Officer 2 D. Rai (British Army)

Flight Sergeant T.J. Elton

Staff Sergeant J.L. Willis (British Army)

Sergeant D.S. Wilkinson

Mrs S. Gwilliam

Team Commendations

School of Army Aeronautical Engineering Aviation Academy

No 1 Radio School, Cyber Security Flight

Number 1 Radio School, Digital Systems and Applications Flight

Central Flying School (Helicopters) Squadron Training Team

Whittle Section, Trainee Support Squadron, No 1 School of Technical Training

Assurance and Governance Squadron, Learning and Development Wing

Defence College of Technical Training HQ Finance Team

Hawk Syllabus Development Team

Headquarters Defence College of Technical Training – TDA Plans Team

Essex Wing Warrant Officer’s Team, Royal Air Force Air Cadets

CHAPLAIN-IN-CHIEF (ROYAL AIR FORCE) COMMENDATIONS

Reverend (Squadron Leader) N. Galloway MBE

Mr P. Morcombe

COMMANDER UK SPACE COMMAND COMMENDATION

Captain C.M. Reeds (British Army)

Team Commendations

No.1 Space Operations Squadron Training Team

DIRECTOR CAPABILITY AND PROGRAMMES COMMENDATIONS

C. Young

DIRECTOR SUPPORT COMMENDATIONS

Flight Sergeant C.D. Andrews

Mr A. Collinson

K. Patel

DIRECTOR DIGITAL COMMENDATIONS

Flight Lieutenant R.S. Hall

Flight Lieutenant A.C. Metcalfe

Flying Officer D. Huckstepp

DIRECTOR RESERVES COMMENDATIONS

Flight Sergeant C.G. Smith

Team Commendations

RAuxAF100 Standard Parade Delivery Team

501 Sqn Operation SILK PURSE Team

COMMANDER JOINT AVIATION COMMAND COMMENDATIONS

Commander Joint Aviation Command Commendations

Flight Lieutenant C. Rudyk-Smith

Flight Lieutenant M.A. Stoodley

Flight Sergeant N.K-C. Bargery

Chief Technician S.A. Grant

Chief Technician C.J.M. Maisey

Chief Technician R.N. McCarthy

Sergeant D.J. Dickson

Sergeant K.S. Potts

Sergeant R.S. Worker

Acting Sergeant J.P. Jenkins

Corporal D.J. White

Team Commendations

Chinook CAMO Team

7 Sqn R1 Detachment

CAE Aircrew Training Service (Puma staff)

VICE CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF COMMENDATIONS

Wing Commander H.M. Parr

Squadron Leader J.P.J. Casson

COMMANDER UNITED KINGDOM STRATEGIC COMMAND COMMENDATIONS

Wing Commander D.E. Wilson

Squadron Leader (now Acting Wing Commander) S. Davies

Squadron Leader M. Bradley

Squadron Leader F.A. Merino

Squadron Leader L.G.J. Scott

Sergeant (now Acting Flight Sergeant) L.P. Buttery

Air Specialist Class 1 (now Acting Corporal) A.R. Harvey

DEPUTY COMMANDER UNITED KINGDOM STRATEGIC COMMAND COMMENDATIONS

Squadron Leader M.J. Rankine

Squadron Leader A.F. Xavier

Flight Sergeant A. Maltman

COMMANDER FIELD ARMY AND COMMANDER STANDING JOINT COMMAND (UK) COMMENDATIONS AND COMMANDER ALLIED RAPID REACTION CORPS COMMENDATIONS

COMMANDER FIELD ARMY COMMENDATION

Flight Lieutenant D. Graham

COMMANDER STANDING JOINT COMMAND (UK) COMMENDATION

Squadron Leader R.A. Lee

Warrant Officer C.L. Wheeler

COMMANDER ALLIED RAPID REACTION CORPS COMMENDATIONS

Sergeant C.A. Brown

Royal Air Force Operational Honours List

APPOINTMENT TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

As Officer (OBE)

Group Captain H.M. Bishop

Distinguished Flying Cross

Flight Lieutenant J.A. Chadwick

Air Force Cross

Acting Squadron Leader (now Squadron Leader) J.M.G. Hawkins

Flight Lieutenant S.B. Watson

King’s Commendation for Bravery in the Air

Flight Lieutenant M.M.T. Howell

King’s Commendation for Valuable Service

Squadron Leader (now Wing Commander) I.D.E. Robinson

Squadron Leader G.R. McKay

Squadron Leader B.R.M. Tripp

Flight Sergeant J.P. Graham

CHIEF OF JOINT OPERATIONS, JOINT COMMANDER’S COMMENDATIONS

Chief of joint Operations Commendation

Squadron Leader D.G. Tipler

Joint Commanders Commendation

Wing Commander A.P. Machin

Lieutenant Colonel A.A.R. Townend (British Army)

Squadron Leader F.Y. Allery

Squadron Leader J. Marlowe

Squadron Leader E.M. Thomas

Flight Lieutenant B.F.J. Brook

Team Commendations

Crew of Custom46 XIII Sqn RAF

Op Underhill Atlas Team

Op Underhill Planning and Liaison Team

Royal Air Force Non-Operational Gallantry Award – Commendation

Air and Space Commander Commendation

Air Specialist Class 1 (Technician) J.D. Coombs-Hoar

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Three killed, 172 injured in Iranian rocket attacks on Israel

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 14 (Xinhua) — Three Israelis were killed and 172 wounded in rocket attacks from Iran on Friday night and Saturday morning, Israeli state-run Kan TV reported.

According to the channel, the two victims, 73-year-old Israel Aloni and 60-year-old Eti Cohen Angel, were killed in a rocket attack on the central city of Rishon LeZion on Saturday. The attack left 27 people injured and several homes severely damaged.

Earlier on Friday evening, another woman was killed in an Iranian strike on a Tel Aviv neighborhood.

Of the injured, one person is in serious condition, 15 were moderately injured, and the rest were lightly injured. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), seven of the wounded are soldiers, all of whom were lightly injured.

Iran fired hundreds of rockets in five barrages, IDF says. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Iran appoints new army commander and IRGC Aerospace Force commander

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

TEHRAN, June 14 (Xinhua) — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has appointed a new commander-in-chief of the army and commander of the aerospace force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

On Saturday, A. Khamenei appointed Majid Mousavi as the commander of the IRGC Aerospace Forces, the semi-official Iranian news agency Mehr reported.

Mousavi, who previously served as deputy commander of the IRGC Aerospace Forces, was appointed to the post after his predecessor, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, was killed in Israeli airstrikes on Tehran on Friday.

Also on Friday, the Iranian leader appointed former Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami as army commander-in-chief, Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported.

Khatami replaced Abdolrahim Mousavi, who was appointed chief of the general staff of the Iranian armed forces on Friday following the death of the incumbent Mohammad Bagheri in Israeli airstrikes earlier in the day.

On Friday morning, Israel launched airstrikes on the Iranian capital Tehran and other cities in the country.

In addition to M. Bagheri and A. A. Hajizade, the head of the IRGC, Hossein Salami, and the commander of the central headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces “Khatam al-Anbiya” /air defense forces headquarters/ Gholam Ali Rashid were also killed. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Press Arrangements for IAEA Board of Governors Meeting, 16 June 2025

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

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

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

The Board of Governors meeting is closed to the press.

Photo Opportunity

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

Accreditation and Press Working Area:

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

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

MIL Security OSI –

June 15, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: A video like no other – why the Israeli military revealed its own failure

By Ramzy Baroud and Romana Rubeo

Unlike the Palestinian message, the Israeli message is not global, but very much a localised cry for help — get us out of Gaza.

This is not your typical video. The event itself might be similar to numerous other events in Gaza — a fighter emerging from a tunnel, placing a bomb under an Israeli Merkava tank, and returning to his tunnel before a massive explosion takes place.

This is what is called an operation from zero distance. But the video, this time, is different, as it was not released by the Al-Qassam Brigades or any other group.

There is no foreboding music in the background, no slick edits, no red triangles. The reason? The video was released by the Israeli army itself.

This raises many questions, including why the Israeli army would report the bravery of a Palestinian fighter and the successful blowing up of the pride and joy of the Israeli military — the Merkava.

The answer might lie in the sense of despair in the Israeli military, an army that knows well that it has lost the war or, at best, is unable to clinch victory, even after it laid Gaza to waste and exterminated nearly 10 percent of its 2.3 million population (between the killed, wounded, and missing).

This sentiment is now very well-known among Israelis, as Israeli media, which initially touted the idea of “total victory”, is now the one promoting a version of Israel’s own total defeat.

On verge of ‘collective suicide’
Writing in the Israeli newspaper Maariv, retired Major-General Itzhak Brik said that Israel was on the verge of “collective suicide” and that the army has effectively been defeated by Hamas in Gaza.

“With a political and military echelon of this type, there is no need for external enemies; they will bring disaster upon us in their stupidity,” he warned, adding:

“We may soon reach a point of no return, and the only thing left for us to do is pray to our God to come to our aid, and then we will all become messiahs who pray for miracles.”

General Brik can no longer be accused of being the detached former soldier who is horribly misreading the situation on the ground. Even those on the ground are expressing the exact same sentiment.

مقاوم فلسطيني خرج فجأة من بين الأنقاض، وثبّت عبوة ناسفة على دبابة إسرائيلية من مسافة صفر، ثم عاد إلى مخبئه قبل أن تنفجر .

في غزة للصفر قيمة. pic.twitter.com/OvNwKZwago

— Tamer | تامر (@tamerqdh) June 10, 2025

On Tuesday, June 4, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth quoted an Israeli infantry soldier who expressed a feeling of brokenness after returning to fighting in Gaza, stating that “everyone is exhausted and uncertain”.

The Israeli soldier reportedly added that he feelt there was no appreciation for the lives of soldiers fighting in Gaza and that they had moved from offence to defence, noting that the soldiers “doubt the objectives of the war”.

‘Hamas has Defeated Us’ – Ret. Israeli Maj. Gen. Brik Speaks of ‘Collective Suicide’

Dominant global narrative
Many in the pro-Palestine circle, which now represents the dominant global narrative on the war, are celebrating the bravery of the young men in the video and, by extension, the bravery of Gaza, deeply wounded but still fighting — in fact, winning.

But there is more to the story than this. The fact that a tank belonging to the 401st Brigade would be blown up in such a way, under the watchful eye of Israeli drones, which could only report the event without being able to change it, is telling us something.

But unlike the Palestinian message, the Israeli message is not global, but very much a localised cry for help — get us out of Gaza.

Whether Israeli politicians, lead among them the master of political survival, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will listen or not, that is a completely different question.

Republished with permission from The Palestine Chronicle.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: 60 killed in Israeli airstrike on Tehran apartment building – IRIB

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

TEHRAN, June 14 (Xinhua) — At least 60 people, including 20 children, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a 14-story residential building in the Iranian capital Tehran on Friday morning, state-run IRIB television reported Saturday.

The residential complex, located in the northeast of the city, was one of the places hit by Israeli strikes on various parts of the capital and other Iranian cities.

Some 38 people have been freed from the rubble, according to IRIB. Ten children, including those under nine months old, are still trapped under the rubble.

Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities on Friday morning. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Israeli army says nine Iranian nuclear scientists killed

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

JERUSALEM, June 14 (Xinhua) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Saturday that its strikes killed nine senior Iranian nuclear officials.

It is noted that they fell victim to fire from fighter jets acting on data from the Military Intelligence Directorate. The scientists were killed at the start of the Israeli operation, which was carried out on Friday morning.

The dead played an important role in the Iranian nuclear project and had decades of accumulated experience in developing nuclear weapons, the IDF emphasized, noting that they included experts in nuclear and chemical engineering, physics, materials science and mechanics.

Israel carried out airstrikes early Friday on Tehran and other Iranian cities. The IDF said the strikes were intended, among other things, to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Tehran has repeatedly denied it seeks them. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Egyptian Foreign Minister condemns Israeli aggression against Iran in phone call with Iranian counterpart

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Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty condemned the Zionist regimes military attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran in a phone call on Friday with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

Abdelatty described the attacks as fueling an extremely dangerous regional escalation, a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter, and a clear threat to regional and international security and stability.

The Iranian foreign minister, while appreciating the phone call and Egypt’s stance in condemning the Zionist regime’s aggression against Iran, emphasized, “This attack constitutes a clear violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a gross breach of the UN Charter.”

Araghchi added, “The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, based on the right to self-defense, will deliver a decisive response to this aggression by the Zionist regime.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Islamic Republic of Iran.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China Calls on Israel to Stop Military Adventurism in Iran

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

UNITED NATIONS, June 14 (Xinhua) — China’s permanent representative to the United Nations Fu Cong called on Israel to immediately stop its military adventurism in Iran at an emergency meeting of the Security Council on Friday.

China condemns Israel’s actions that violate Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, he said.

China opposes the escalation of tensions and the expansion of conflicts and is deeply concerned about the potentially serious consequences of Israeli operations, the diplomat stressed.

“A sharp escalation in the region is in no one’s interests. We call on Israel to immediately cease all military adventurism and avoid further escalation of tensions,” the Permanent Representative said.

Fu Cong said China calls on all parties concerned to abide by the UN Charter and international law, resolve disputes through political and diplomatic means, and jointly maintain regional peace and stability.

The Permanent Representative expressed concern about the potential negative impact of the current developments on diplomatic negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue. China has always been committed to a peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiations, and opposes the use of force, illegal unilateral sanctions and armed attacks on nuclear facilities used for peaceful purposes, he stressed.

Iran’s right as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to peaceful uses of nuclear energy must be fully respected, Fu Tsung noted.

The international community should work together to promote a ceasefire in Gaza, reduce regional tensions and effectively contain the spread of the conflict, the diplomat said.

Countries with significant influence over Israel must play a more constructive role, he said, adding that the Security Council must use all means provided by the UN Charter to ensure the implementation of relevant resolutions and play its proper role in maintaining regional peace and security. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Two Israeli fighter jets shot down – Iranian media

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

TEHRAN/JERUSALEM, June 14 (Xinhua) — Iran’s air defense forces shot down two Israeli F-35 fighter jets and a large number of micro-drones. The female pilot of one of the downed drones was captured, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied the report. IDF spokesman Avichai Adrai called the claims “completely baseless.”

The statements came amid heightened tensions following Israel’s large-scale strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities.

According to the Iranian Press TV channel, Iranian air defenses shot down an Israeli drone near the Fordow nuclear facility, located near the city of Qom.

On Friday, Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities.

Iran’s permanent representative to the UN, Amir Saeed Iravani, said at least 78 people had been killed and 320 wounded in the Israeli attacks in the country.

Among the dead were also Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces (AF) Mohammad Bagheri, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Hossein Salami, commander of the central headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces “Khatam al-Anbiya” Gholam Ali Rashid and commander of the IRGC Aerospace Forces Amir Ali Hajizadeh. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 14, 2025
Air India, IndiGo issue alerts as Iran airspace closure disrupts flight operations

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, India’s leading airlines, Air India and IndiGo, have issued public advisories alerting passengers to flight delays and rerouting caused by the closure of Iranian airspace.

Air India on Saturday said that it has rerouted several flights because of the airspace closures. The airline announced that some flights are now operating on longer, alternative routes to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

Air India, the national carrier, shared an official update on social media platform X, stating:

“Due to the emerging situation in Iran and parts of the Middle East, the subsequent closure of airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, some of our flights are operating on alternative extended routes. We are doing our best to minimise any inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen airspace closure. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains a top priority.”

The advisory comes as airspace over Iran and nearby regions remains closed, following a series of regional escalations.

The situation has significantly impacted several international air routes that usually traverse Iranian skies — particularly those operating between India and Europe or India and North America.

IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, also issued a statement via X, warning passengers of potential disruptions.

“Airspace over Iran and surrounding areas continues to be unavailable. Certain flight paths may need adjustments, leading to extended travel durations or delays,” the airline said in its advisory.

IndiGo has advised all passengers to check their flight status via its website or mobile application before heading to the airport to avoid last-minute surprises. The airline assured that its customer service teams are actively assisting travellers affected by the delays.

Both airlines are working to reroute affected flights via alternative air corridors, which may result in longer flying times. As a result, several services to and from Europe, the Gulf, and Central Asia are experiencing delays ranging from 30 minutes to several hours.

Passengers have been urged to stay updated on real-time flight schedules and remain in contact with the respective airline helplines.

The current geopolitical uncertainty follows Iran’s response to recent Israeli airstrikes, which has triggered broader concerns over regional security and airspace safety. Aviation authorities in multiple countries have already issued NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), advising airlines to avoid the region until further notice.

While airlines assure that passenger safety remains their utmost priority, industry experts say the airspace disruption could continue for several days or even weeks, depending on how the situation evolves diplomatically.

For now, travellers flying to the West or through the Middle East are advised to plan ahead, allow extra time for transit, and remain patient as airlines navigate the complex airspace restrictions.

IANS

June 14, 2025
PM Modi to visit Cyprus, Canada and Croatia in key multinational tour

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a three-nation tour from June 15 to 19, covering Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia. The high-profile visit aims to deepen India’s bilateral ties and broaden strategic engagement with the European Union, the Mediterranean region, and G-7 partners.

In the first leg of his tour, Prime Minister Modi will visit Cyprus from June 15 to 16 at the invitation of President Nikos Christodoulides. This marks the first visit by the Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades.

During his stay in Nicosia, PM Modi will hold official talks with President Christodoulides and later address a gathering of business leaders in Limassol. The visit is expected to reaffirm the shared commitment between India and Cyprus to bolster bilateral cooperation and expand India’s presence in the Mediterranean region.

Following his engagements in Cyprus, the PM will travel to Canada on June 16–17 to attend the G-7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. Invited by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, this will be PM Modi’s sixth consecutive participation in the summit.

At the G-7, he is scheduled to engage in discussions with leaders from G-7 nations, invited outreach partners, and heads of key international organisations. Topics on the agenda include energy security, emerging technologies, and global innovation challenges, with a particular focus on the AI-energy nexus and developments in quantum technology. Several bilateral meetings are also planned on the sidelines of the summit.

The final leg of the Prime Minister’s tour will take him to Croatia on June 18, at the invitation of Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. This marks the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia and is expected to be a milestone in bilateral relations.

PM Modi will hold talks with Prime Minister Plenković and meet Croatian President Zoran Milanović. The visit is aimed at enhancing India’s partnership with European Union nations and strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with Croatia.

The three-nation visit highlights India’s growing global engagement and underscores the country’s strategic intent to strengthen cooperation across Europe and North America.

June 14, 2025
Iran vows to continue strikes against Israel, US bases, military officials say

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Iran’s strikes against Israel will continue,with targets set to expand to include U.S. bases in the regionin the coming days, Iran’s Fars news agency reported on Saturday, citing senior Iranian military officials.

“This confrontation will not end with last night’s limited actions and Iran’s strikes will continue, and this action will be very painful and regrettable for the aggressors,” Fars reported, citing senior military officials.

They were quoted saying that the war would “spread in the coming days to all areas occupied by this (Israeli) regime and American bases in the region”.

The threat of a wider war comes as Iran and Israel continue targeting each other on Saturday after Israel launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its longtime foe in a bid to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon.

(Reuters)

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa condemns Israeli attacks on Iran

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South Africa expresses profound concern regarding the attacks conducted by Israel on targets within Iran on 13 June 2025, including reported impacts on military areas, nuclear facilities, and civilian infrastructure. Reports of civilian casualties, alongside military personnel, are deeply troubling.

These actions raise serious concerns under international law, including the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the protection of civilians enshrined in the UN Charter and international humanitarian law.

South Africa notes with particular concern the implications for nuclear safety and security arising from attacks in the vicinity of nuclear facilities. We recall the firm stance of the IAEA General Conference, reflected in resolutions such as GC(XXIX)/RES/444 and GC(XXXIV)/RES/533, against armed attacks on peaceful nuclear installations as violations of the UN Charter and international law.

South Africa emphasises that anticipatory self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter requires clear evidence of an imminent armed attack, which does not appear substantiated in this instance.

South Africa extends its sincere condolences to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the families of all victims.

We reiterate our unwavering commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes. South Africa urges maximum restraint by all parties and calls for the urgent intensification of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote stability in the Middle East. We support ongoing bilateral discussions, such as those between the USA and Iran, and reaffirm the critical importance of establishing a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in the Middle East.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 14, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Twyford condemns weak action by NZ over Israel’s ‘ruthless’ apartheid

Asia Pacific Report

Labour MP for Te Atatu Phil Twyford criticsed the New Zealand government today for failing to take stronger action against Israel over its genocide and starvation strategy in Gaza, saying that at the very least the ambassador should be expelled.

Speaking at a rally in Henderson organised by the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa in West Auckland suburbs for the first time in the 88th week of protest, Twyford said: “The Israeli government is operating in an apartheid state.

“They subject the Palestinian people under their military.

“People who are under international law they are obliged to protect,” he told about 500 protesters.

“They are subjecting them to the most ruthless, most brutal system of apartheid.”

It was a story of “ethnic cleansing, dispossesion, terror routinely visited upon Palestinian people on a daily basis in their land”, said Twyford, who is Labour Party spokesperson on immigration, disarmament and foreign affairs.

“And it is being done, not only by the forces of Zionism, but by the Western world complicit, knowing, understanding and actively conniving in that dispossession and repression.”

Widely condemned move
Twyford referred to the government’s move this week alongside four other countries to impose sanctions on two far-right ministers in the the Israeli cabinet, illegal settlers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, which has been widely condemned as too little and too late.

Labour MP Phil Twyford speaking at the Henderson pro-Palestinian humanitarian rally today . . . Palestinians are subjected by Israel to “the most ruthless, most brutal, system of apartheid.” Image: Asia Pacific Report

Leading British journalist Jonathan Cook this week criticised Britain, Australia, Canada and Norway along with New Zealand, saying they may have been “seeking strength in numbers” to withstand retaliation from Israel and the United States.

“But in truth, they have selected the most limited and symbolic of all the possible sanctions they could have imposed on the Israeli government.”

Israel was also condemned by speakers at the rally for its “unprovoked attack” on Iran and its strategy of forced starvation on the Palestinian people in Gaza and the repression in occupied West Bank.

The death toll in Gaza was almost 62,000 Palestinians — more than 17,000 of them children — and Israel had also killed at least 78 people in the first waves of attacks on Iran.

Meanwhile, in a statement today, the PSNA said it was appalled at the deportation of a Palestinian New Zealander from Egypt.

PSNA said it had conveyed to the Egyptian government its “shock and anger” at the deportation of Rana Hamida who had travelled to Egypt to take part in the Global March to Gaza.

“This Jew stands for Palestine” and “Sanction Israel now” placards at today’s Henderson rally. Image: APR

Egyptian deportations over ‘global march’
Egyptian authorities have deported dozens of people, including Spanish, Swedish, Finnish, Moroccan, Greek and US citizens.

The Global March to Gaza is due to start this weekend in Egypt with thousands of people from throughout the world taking part.

PSNA co-chair John Minto said the march was to “express humanity’s outrage” at the ongoing Gaza-wide bombing and starving of the Palestinian population by Israel.

“Egypt’s action in deporting activists can only be seen as assisting Israel’s attacks against the Palestinian population,” he said.

“Unfortunately, Egypt has a long history of collaboration with the US and Israel to stifle the Palestine liberation struggle. This is in sharp contrast to the Egyptian people who are as appalled and angry as the rest of humanity at Israel’s horrendous war crimes.”

Minto said the following message from Rana as she returned to New Zealand — she was due at Auckland International Airport this afternoon:

‘The more we will roar’
“The Egyptian authorities, along with other governments, think that blocking humanity from this act of solidarity will stop because of them blocking people from being there and doing the job that they continue failing to do.

“They are so mistaken — the more complicit and enabling they get in their inaction and in this case their active participation, the more we will rise, and roar.

“We are escalating as you awaken the dragons within us.

“We will sing louder and we will walk longer — with our hiking shoes in the Sinai desert, or barefoot towards your embassies.

“We will disrupt your meetings, we will crowd your phone with calls and emails, and we will be the light that blinds your robotic heart and melts it alongside the lies you stand for.

“This is not about us, it is about HUMANITY within us that is dying and being oppressed in various forms, it is about the humans enduring hell in Gaza, West Bank and Falastine as a whole.

“Muslims, Jews and Christians together.

“It is about NEVER AGAIN.

“Boycott, divest — we will not stop we will not rest.”

Pro-Palestinian and anti-genocide protesters at the Henderson rally today with Te Atatu MP Phil Twyford speaking. Image: APR

Expel Israeli ambassador call
In an earlier statement in the wake of Israel’s attack on Iran, PSNA called on the government to immediately expel the Israeli ambassador from New Zealand.

Minto said Israel’s strikes on Iran were “unprovoked, unilateral and a massive threat to humanity everywhere”.

“This is such a dangerous action, that diplomatic weasel words about Israel are not acceptable. Israel is an out-of-control rogue state playing with the future of humanity. We must send it the strongest possible message.”

“Israel’s using its often repeated lies and misinformation to attempt to justify it’s unconscionable violence and aggression.”

Minto pointed to Iran’s right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes.

“Even US intelligence officials have made is clear very recently that Iran is NOT on the way to produce a nuclear weapon.”

“And neither is Iran committed to the ‘annihilation’ of Israel.

‘Liberation for Palestine’
“Iran does not support Israel as a racist, apartheid state and wants to see liberation for Palestine.

“In this, Iran has, along with the overwhelming majority of countries in the world, called for an end to Israel’s military occupation of Palestine, the end of its apartheid policies directed against Palestinians and the return of Palestinian refugees.”

New Zealand had the same policies, Minto said.

However, he condemned NZ’s “appeasement of this apartheid state, as our government and other Western countries have done over 20 months”.

A “Save the world from evil Zionism” placard at the Henderson rally today. Image: APR

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Israel reports 41 wounded, heavy damage in Iran’s retaliatory attack

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

Nearly 100 missiles were launched from Iran toward central and northern Israel in two massive barrages, causing significant damage and injuring 41 people, according to the Israeli military and the national emergency service, Magen David Adom (MDA).

The MDA reported two people critically injured, two moderately, four lightly-moderately, while the remaining individuals suffered light injuries or trauma-related symptoms, including panic attacks.

Following the launches, air defense sirens were activated, sending millions of residents to protected rooms and shelters for more than an hour.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Effie Defrin said that most missiles were intercepted by the air defense system or did not reach their target. He noted that the injuries reported occurred inside buildings, with several caused by shrapnel from intercepted missiles.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said following the launches that “Iran crossed red lines when it dared to fire missiles at civilian population centers in Israel.”

“We will continue to protect the citizens of Israel,” he said, warning that the country would “ensure that Tehran pays a very heavy price for its criminal actions.”

Meanwhile, the IDF denied Iranian media reports that Iran had downed an Israeli fighter jet and detained its pilot.

In a separate statement, the IDF said it had attacked earlier Friday Iranian Air Force bases in western Iran, destroying Tabriz Airbase, without providing further details.

It added that the IDF attacked and destroyed dozens of Iranian air defense targets, drones, and surface-to-surface missile launchers.

“The IDF is prepared to continue to operate as necessary,” the statement read. “The IDF is continuously conducting situational assessments and will continue to update on developments.”

MIL OSI China News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: As war breaks out with Israel, Iran has run out of good options

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

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

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

Strikes come at a delicate time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why surrender could spell the regime’s end

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

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

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

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

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

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

What options remain for Iran now?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 14, 2025
‘Yoga Connect’ global summit begins in Delhi with over 1,000 participants

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

In the lead-up to the International Day of Yoga (IDY), the Ministry of Ayush is hosting the high-profile global summit ‘Yoga Connect’ at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday. The event brings together wellness leaders and yoga experts from across the world to exchange ideas, research, and innovations in holistic health.

Organised in a hybrid format, the event aims to bring together influential voices from the world of yoga and holistic wellness to share ideas, research, and innovations.

The summit, coordinated by the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), has attracted participation from internationally renowned yoga masters and wellness leaders.

Prominent figures such as Dr H.R. Nagendra, Bikkhu Sanghasena, Bharath Bhushan, Baba Ramdev, and Acharya Balakrishna are expected to share their insights during the sessions.

According to the Ministry of Ayush, more than 1,000 participants are attending the event in person, while a large virtual audience is joining from across the globe.

Delegates include yoga practitioners, researchers, health professionals, policymakers, business leaders, and wellness advocates from countries including the US, United Kingdom, South Korea, and Bahrain, among others.

The summit is part of a series of build-up events leading to the International Day of Yoga on June 21, which will feature over one lakh coordinated yoga sessions across India and abroad. These events, based on a common yoga protocol, will take place simultaneously from 6:30 AM to 7:40 AM, highlighting the 2025 theme: ‘One Earth, One Health.’

Union AYUSH Minister Prataprao Jadhav announced that the main International Day of Yoga celebration this year will be hosted in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the event.

Over 65,000 organisations across India have registered to participate in this nationwide wellness movement, now recognised as one of the largest global health initiatives.

Representatives from around 40 countries are expected to attend the Visakhapatnam event, underlining the growing international stature of the Yoga Day celebrations.

In the national capital, Delhi will mark the day with yoga events at 111 iconic locations, including the Red Fort, Kartavya Path, and Lodhi Garden.

Since being officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, the International Day of Yoga has evolved into a global celebration of India’s ancient tradition that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

IANS

June 14, 2025
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu briefs PM Modi on Iran strikes

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a phone call from his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday evening, during which the two leaders discussed the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran. The conversation comes in the backdrop of “Operation Rising Lion” — Israel’s latest offensive targeting Iranian nuclear sites.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu briefed PM Modi on the latest developments. The PM conveyed New Delhi’s deep concern over the unfolding situation and stressed the need for “early restoration of peace and stability in the region.” The two leaders agreed to remain in touch, the statement said.

Later, in a post on X, PM Modi said, “Received a phone call from PM Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. He briefed me on the evolving situation. I shared India’s concerns and emphasised the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region.”

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also received a call from his Israeli counterpart, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. In a separate post on X, Jaishankar said: “Received a call this afternoon from FM Gideon Sa’ar of Israel regarding ongoing developments.”

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs said India was “deeply concerned” about the rising tensions and reports of attacks on nuclear facilities. “We are closely monitoring the evolving situation,” the MEA said in a statement, calling on both countries to avoid any steps that could escalate the crisis.

India also reiterated its readiness to support peace efforts, stating that “existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards de-escalation and resolving underlying issues.”

“India enjoys close and friendly relations with both countries and stands ready to extend all possible support,” the MEA added.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Friday said they had carried out a “precise, preemptive strike” in Iran, claiming the attacks were aimed at disrupting Tehran’s nuclear capabilities and came in response to continued “aggression” from the Iranian regime.

ANI

June 14, 2025
Iran launches massive missile barrage against Israel following nuclear facility strikes

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Iran launched a large-scale retaliatory missile and drone attack on Israel late Friday night, marking one of the most significant military confrontations between the two nations in recent history. Tehran named the assault “Operation Severe Punishment,” claiming it was a direct response to Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and top military leaders.

The barrage triggered air raid sirens across Israel, sending millions of civilians rushing into bomb shelters. Explosions were reported in major cities including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with live footage capturing fireballs lighting up the night sky.

Background of the Escalation

The Iranian offensive came just hours after Israeli fighter jets conducted a surprise strike on Iran’s underground Natanz nuclear facility—widely believed to be at the core of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The attack, which Israeli officials framed as a preemptive measure to halt Iran’s nuclear weapons development, also resulted in the assassination of key Iranian military figures, including the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

In response, Iran launched what officials described as “hundreds of missiles and drones,” targeting Israeli airbases, cities, and strategic infrastructure.

Impact on Israel

Israel’s Home Front Command declared a nationwide state of emergency, stating that “all of Israel is under attack.” The Iron Dome and other air defense systems were activated, but several projectiles still managed to breach Israeli defenses.

Ben Gurion International Airport was shut down, and tens of thousands of Israeli troops were called into active service as part of a full-scale mobilization. In Tel Aviv, direct hits were reported in central areas. Paramedics treated at least five people for shrapnel wounds, and damage from missile debris was evident in several neighborhoods.

This marks the first time Iranian missiles have successfully reached major Israeli population centers, heightening concerns of an extended and broader regional conflict.

Iran’s Position

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that Israel had “initiated war” and warned that the Islamic Republic’s retaliation would be “painful and unrelenting.” Iranian state media framed the missile attack as just the beginning of a prolonged military campaign.

“The Zionist regime has crossed all red lines,” one senior Iranian official told IRNA, the state news agency. “This retaliation is only the first step.”

The IRGC confirmed it was fully mobilized for continued operations and warned that more strikes could follow, depending on Israel’s next move.

International Concerns Mount

The situation has drawn alarm from global powers, with calls for restraint amid fears that the tit-for-tat strikes could ignite a full-scale regional war. Both the United States and the United Nations have called for de-escalation, though neither side appears willing to back down at this stage.

June 14, 2025
UN Security Council meets as Iran launches missiles at Israel

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session on Friday as Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel in retaliation for attacks on its nuclear facilities, prompting the UN nuclear watchdog chief to warn of “grave consequences” from military strikes on atomic sites.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated, “Any military action that jeopardises the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond.”

He added that the IAEA’s General Conference had declared military attacks on nuclear facilities to be in violation of the UN Charter and international law.

UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, addressing the emergency session requested by Iran, said, “We must at all costs avoid a growing conflagration which would have enormous global consequences.”

She noted that Israel launched the attack on Iran at a time when “significant diplomatic developments” were underway, including scheduled talks between Washington and Tehran in Oman on Sunday. Iran has since withdrawn from those negotiations.

“A peaceful resolution through negotiations remains the best means to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme,” she emphasised.

A senior US State Department official, McCoy Pitt, told the Council that the United States remained open to diplomacy.

“We seek a secure peace,” Pitt said. “As President Trump stated, the violence must come to an end, and Iran should make a deal so there is ‘no more death, no more destruction’. The United States will continue to seek a diplomatic resolution that ensures Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon or pose a threat to stability in the Middle East.”

“Iran’s leadership would be wise to negotiate at this time,” he added.

During his first term, President Trump withdrew from an international agreement that aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for easing sanctions. However, in recent months, he had been pursuing a new agreement with Tehran—efforts that now appear to have been derailed by Israel’s strike.

Iran’s Permanent Representative, Amir Saeid Iravani, said the Israeli attack was intended “to kill diplomacy, sabotage negotiations, and drag the region into a wider conflict.”

He also accused Washington of complicity in the attack.

Pitt denied that the US was involved, though he acknowledged that Washington had been informed in advance.

Israel’s Permanent Representative, Danny Danon, defended the operation as “an act of national preservation.” He presented a photo of a countdown clock in Tehran, allegedly tied to a plan to annihilate Israel.

Israel’s mission, he said, was to “neutralise the Iranian regime’s ability to follow through on its repeated public promise to destroy the State of Israel.”

Danon claimed the strikes were precise and specifically targeted nuclear facilities.

IANS

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Pilot programs to see speedy rollouts

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

China will expedite pilot programs to further open up its services sector in key areas such as cloud computing, biotechnology and wholly foreign-owned hospitals, as part of broader efforts to create a more favorable environment for foreign investment, said a senior commerce official on Friday.

Li Yongjie, deputy China international trade representative at the Ministry of Commerce, said the ministry will work with relevant government branches to gradually expand opening-up in more service areas and revise China’s Catalog of Encouraged Industries for Foreign Investment.

Speaking at a news conference in Beijing, Li said the updated catalog will include more opportunities in strategic emerging sectors.

The government is studying new policy measures to encourage reinvestment by foreign companies and will ensure that foreign-invested firms can participate on an equal footing in government procurement, as well as in nationwide programs such as large-scale equipment upgrades and the trade-in of consumer goods initiative, she added.

To encourage more global businesses to invest in China, the sixth Qingdao Multinationals Summit will be convened from June 18 to 20 in Qingdao, East China’s Shandong province. A total of 557 guests, including executives of multinational corporations, heads of international organizations and government officials, will attend the event.

In addition to traditional markets such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United States, Germany and France, this year’s summit has seen increased participation from emerging markets, including member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and countries from the Middle East and Africa, said Wang Lei, director of Shandong’s provincial department of commerce.

“For the first time, companies from nine countries, such as Vietnam and Egypt, will attend the event,” she said.

A delegation of 35 representatives from 22 multinational companies based in the Middle East will also participate in the summit, seeking new cooperation opportunities in areas such as fund investment, new energy, modern agriculture and seawater desalination, Wang said.

Gao Lingyun, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, said global firms see China as a key pillar in their long-term growth strategies amid growing geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

An increasing number of global companies are recalibrating their strategies to capitalize on new opportunities driven by China’s consumption upgrade, digital transformation and green development efforts, said Gao.

That sentiment aligns with the latest data.

China’s actual use of foreign direct investment in high-tech industries reached 96.71 billion yuan ($13.47 billion) in the first four months of 2025, data from the Ministry of Commerce showed.

In the meantime, FDI in e-commerce services surged 137 percent year-on-year, while investment in aerospace equipment manufacturing rose 86.2 percent on a yearly basis.

Malaysia’s state-owned energy group Petronas said it will further expand its presence in the country, as it views China as a key strategic market in its global growth plans.

Shamsairi Ibrahim, vice-president of Petronas’ LNG marketing and trading, gas and maritime business, said Petronas will accelerate the expansion of its global liquefied natural gas (LNG) portfolio to support China’s growing energy needs, as the nation deepens efforts to shift toward cleaner fuels and strengthen energy security.

Ibrahim said that Petronas will also advance marine LNG solutions such as bunkering services and the expansion of its LNG fleet.

Four of Petronas’ new LNG carriers are now being built at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co Ltd, a major shipyard based in Shanghai, he added.

Xu Daquan, president of China unit at German industrial conglomerate Bosch Group, said China is becoming a major innovation hub for Bosch and many of its latest innovations will enter mass production in China this year.

“The innovation and experience we gain here will not only serve the Chinese market, but also be applied to other countries as demand evolves,” he said.

MIL OSI China News –

June 14, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Boyle Statement on Iran’s Threat to Israel and Global Stability

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brendan Boyle (13th District of Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) released the following statement regarding the Iranian regime’s continued aggression:

“The Iranian regime has spent decades threatening Israel’s existence and fueling terror across the Middle East and the world. Its deepening military ties with Russia also underscore the growing global threat Iran poses.

Tehran has never been serious about peace, only about buying time to advance its nuclear ambitions. That’s why I voted against the Iran nuclear deal in 2015.

We must remain clear-eyed about the danger Iran presents and stand firmly with Israel and our allies around the world. It is deeply unfortunate, but not surprising, that President Trump refused to back Israel in this important moment.”

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MIL OSI USA News –

June 14, 2025