Source: Government of Canada regional news
L-R: Nick Hilton, MLA for Yarmouth and Ministerial Assistant for Health and Wellness; Dr. Mohammad Srour; Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness; Premier Tim Houston; Wadih Fares, Honorary Consul of Lebanon in Halifax; and Dr. Gus Grant, CEO and Registrar of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, at the announcement. (Province of Nova Scotia)
Source: Microsoft
Headline: From potholes to personalization: What Abu Dhabi is teaching us about AI-powered smart cities
If you ask many city government leaders how to win the hearts of citizens, the answer might very well be “potholes,” or, more specifically, fixing them.
“Potholes not only tell you about the state of your infrastructure,” noted a Harvard researcher in 2019, “they also tell you about the nature of participation in your city.”1 A city that fixes a pothole promptly is not just responsive, its constituents feel empowered to engage with government.
In recent years, expectations have only risen on what governments need to deliver, leaving many cities struggling to deliver services in ways people prefer while also running a gauntlet of budgetary, regulatory, and societal challenges. On the one hand, citizens want to access great city services on par with how they do their banking or shopping—that is, secure, personalized experiences on smartphones and computing devices, rather than exclusively in-person. On the other hand, governments face unprecedented pressures in terms of funding, regulations, staffing, and cybercrime.
To bridge this gap, more and more city governments are looking to use the force-multiplying power of generative AI. Its ability to converse in natural language and reason over vast stores of data, then find answers, compose messages, and orchestrate actions is not only solving longstanding modernization challenges, it’s also opening incredible new frontiers in city services.
Helping city governments evaluate, explore, and successfully deploy high-impact solutions with AI is now the primary focus of our work at Microsoft for government. In cities around the world, we have seen dramatic acceleration in generative AI innovation, with new solutions that are helping cities to:
The President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, launched an ambitious drive around 15 years ago to make government services more accessible and service-oriented. In Abu Dhabi, the nation’s capital, those efforts took a giant leap with the advent of AI, accelerating innovation that led to the launch of a new AI-powered government services platform in October 2024.
Aptly called TAMM—which in Arabic translates to “consider it done!”—the platform began as a centralized portal several years ago and was revised to expand service offerings. With the application of new AI capabilities, it is now a one-stop digital hub, offering access to nearly 950 government services for citizens, residents, visitors, and investors.
Built on Microsoft Azure OpenAI service, TAMM uses advanced AI to deliver new classes of benefits. The platform offers real-world examples of how AI can transform smart cities by unifying services and inviting engagement in new and powerful ways.
Here are three noteworthy ways that TAMM improves city service delivery.
TAMM is designed to remove barriers between government services and the people who need them. In many cases, that means no longer forcing them to go to government buildings to get things done.
The new TAMM includes a generative AI assistant that provides every day service, offering personalized access to services such as license renewals, utility bill payments, permit applications, healthcare, and more. There’s even a new photo reporting app, where people can take a snapshot of a problem they come across (including, yes, a pothole) and the assistant helps to fill out a report and later sends updates on the progress of repairs.
TAMM also helps to untangle bureaucracy to simplify common yet complicated tasks. The process of registering a car, for instance, was dramatically simplified. What previously required days of visiting buildings and standing in lines can now be done quickly through the app—which also recommends the right type of insurance policy and synchronizes it with registration.
Because TAMM handles so many more routine tasks than before (such as responding to basic questions on services issues or applications), city employees can focus more on high-value service delivery. With live services including video and audio options, agents can deliver high-touch assistance while still maintaining user privacy.
A good example of this is the case of a foreign worker who lived in Abu Dhabi for 10 years and was told by an immigration agent that she couldn’t leave the country due to visa issues. In tears, she opened the TAMM app on her phone and was connected to a helpline, where an agent quickly eased her anxieties. “I said I don’t know what to do, and the agent was literally amazing,” the woman said. “[The agent] said, ‘Don’t worry, it’s getting updated now’—and I was on my way.”
The approach to innovation behind TAMM also reflects an important trend: equipping public servants to work like product teams so that city services evolve like platforms. The TAMM organization operates in a unique “factory” in Abu Dhabi that operates like a startup—agile, data-driven, and obsessed with user satisfaction. The city’s employees don’t just execute services; they co-innovate with citizens and stakeholders to create them. Real-time dashboards, productivity-enhancing agents, and a culture of continuous iteration are driving success and proving that empowering the workforce is the foundation of smarter cities.
TAMM is designed to help people better navigate government services by understanding and responding to user needs almost instantly. It recognizes multiple languages and offers the option for spoken conversations, intelligently walking people through a broad range of complex processes. For example, for a family with a person who has a disability, TAMM can help navigate special services, significantly streamlining a qualification process that previously took weeks.
TAMM not only remembers previous conversations and knows the status of an issue or process, it is also deeply integrated across major government entities in the city. Service can be coordinated with in-person service centers or agencies who help housebound people in their homes.
The TAMM platform is powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI service and G42 Compass 2.0, a next-generation enterprise AI platform that provides sovereign cloud services. It also uses open-source models, including JAIS, a high-performing Arabic Large Language Model, and Azure OpenAI GPT-4.
The TAMM app now assists Abu Dhabi’s 2.5 million citizens to conduct than 10 million transactions a year. Helping to protect data and ensure privacy within these transactions is the world class cloud security provided by the Microsoft platform—reflecting our commitment to security above all in delivering AI services, as codified in our Secure Futures Initiative.
The noteworthy innovation happening in Abu Dabhi is a great example of a city realizing the transformative potential offered by generative AI. Many others are following the trend, and the results are exciting.
As we look across the global landscape, we note a set of common factors that consistently underpin successful AI adoption. We would advise every city to consider the following:
To help your city government make the most of modern cloud and AI technology, contact your local Microsoft representative or certified technology partner. Together, we can help you explore options, identify use cases, and transform your ideas into meaningful solutions.
Solutions that empower governments
Sources:
1 Harvard Griffin GSAS, “Pothole Politics”, January 2019.
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
During the ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise, one of the response measures includes aerial monitoring of the environment. (Photo: J. Jin)
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in collaboration with over 75 countries and 10 international organizations, successfully concluded a 36-hour simulation that tested global readiness and response mechanisms to a severe nuclear emergency scenario at Romania’s Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant. The ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise began on 24 June and concluded today, 25 June, at about 17:45 CEST.
Such exercises are held every three to five years and are based on simulated events hosted by IAEA Member States.
The exercise simulated a significant release of radioactive material, prompting participating nations and organizations to engage in real-time decision-making, information exchange, public communication and coordination of protective actions, including medical response and cross-border logistics.
“The ConvEx-3 (2025) demonstrated the strength of international cooperation in nuclear emergency preparedness,” said Carlos Torres Vidal, Director of the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre. “By working together in realistic scenarios, we enhance our collective ability to protect people and the environment.”
Key innovations in this year’s exercise included:
The exercise emphasized the importance of timely information sharing, accurate assessment and prognosis, and effective public communication during nuclear emergencies.
ConvEx-3 exercises are conducted every three to five years to evaluate and strengthen the emergency response frameworks established under the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency.
In the coming weeks, the IAEA will compile feedback from all participants to identify best practices and areas for improvement, contributing to the continuous enhancement of global nuclear emergency preparedness. The final report will guide preparations for the upcoming International Conference on Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies (EPR 2025) to be held this December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Photos from ConvEx-3 are available here.
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –
During the ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise, one of the response measures includes aerial monitoring of the environment. (Photo: J. Jin)
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in collaboration with over 75 countries and 10 international organizations, successfully concluded a 36-hour simulation that tested global readiness and response mechanisms to a severe nuclear emergency scenario at Romania’s Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant. The ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise began on 24 June and concluded today, 25 June, at about 17:45 CEST.
Such exercises are held every three to five years and are based on simulated events hosted by IAEA Member States.
The exercise simulated a significant release of radioactive material, prompting participating nations and organizations to engage in real-time decision-making, information exchange, public communication and coordination of protective actions, including medical response and cross-border logistics.
“The ConvEx-3 (2025) demonstrated the strength of international cooperation in nuclear emergency preparedness,” said Carlos Torres Vidal, Director of the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre. “By working together in realistic scenarios, we enhance our collective ability to protect people and the environment.”
Key innovations in this year’s exercise included:
The exercise emphasized the importance of timely information sharing, accurate assessment and prognosis, and effective public communication during nuclear emergencies.
ConvEx-3 exercises are conducted every three to five years to evaluate and strengthen the emergency response frameworks established under the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency.
In the coming weeks, the IAEA will compile feedback from all participants to identify best practices and areas for improvement, contributing to the continuous enhancement of global nuclear emergency preparedness. The final report will guide preparations for the upcoming International Conference on Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies (EPR 2025) to be held this December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Photos from ConvEx-3 are available here.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Geraint Harvey, DANCAP Private Equity Chair in Human Organization, Western University
A recent market study by the Competition Bureau is calling for more airline competition in Canada’s airline industry to reduce fares, increase service quality and provide better services to remote communities.
The study reiterates that Canada’s domestic air travel market is largely dominated by just two carriers, Air Canada and WestJet. Together, they account for between 56 per cent to 78 per cent of all domestic passenger traffic. This concentration limits passenger choice, and many Canadians feel airfares are high and quality of service is low as a consequence.
Increased competition has lowered air fares elsewhere, like in Europe, for example, where low-fares airlines dominate the continental market. However, there have been negative outcomes for consumers.
While the bureau positions competition as the solution to the many issues plaguing the industry, it overlooks how an increase in competition can fall short, particularly when it comes to transparency, service quality, labour conditions and regional connectivity.
One of the Competition Bureau’s key criticisms of Canada’s airline industry is the lack of cost transparency when booking flights. Hidden fees and complex fare structures make it difficult for travellers to effectively make comparisons among airlines.
But it’s unreasonable to expect increased competition — when airlines seek to make their offering more attractive than their competitors — to lead to greater transparency in Canada. In fact, competition has been linked theoretically and empirically to dishonest practices.
Europe provides a cautionary example. Increased competition has not led to greater air fare transparency in Europe. Airlines like Ryanair, a low-fare airline and the continent’s largest airline by passengers carried, have been accused of hiding fees for passengers.
The bureau’s study also found that many Canadians are dissatisfied with the quality of service offered by domestic airlines. Yet increased competition is unlikely to raise service standards. As airlines compete to offer the lowest fares, they often look to reduce operating costs, typically at the expense of service quality.
Those who suffer the most from airlines minimizing costs are employees, since labour represents one of the few areas where airlines can cut back.
The morality and safety implications of introducing wage and employment insecurity to workers within high reliability organizations aside, reducing the quality of employment terms and conditions for workers in such an important industry is short-sighted.
Claims of a pilot shortage are contested, and making employment in Canadian aviation less attractive for a highly skilled and crucial occupational group like pilots is a strategic faux pas that could have long-term consequences for the industry’s stability.
Read more:
Potential Air Canada pilot strike: Key FAQs and why the anger at pilots is misplaced
Canada’s unique geography means that many remote regions rely on airlines for goods and transport. Yet these areas are not effectively served by the commercial aviation industry. The bureau suggests greater competition could help, but that claim is questionable.
The reason existing airlines are not providing a greater number of flights between remote communities and larger airports is because these routes aren’t profitable. Rather than expanding service, a more competitive market could shrink route availability because airlines could abandon less profitable routes or refuse to compete on routes where a market leader emerges.
To its credit, the bureau offers several recommendations for northern and remote communities. But these communities are unlikely to benefit from competition alone. In fact, increased competition would likely mean airlines will focus on profitable routes and remove those that don’t yield high profits.
Europe’s airline industry is once again instructive. Eurocontrol, a pan-European organization dedicated to the success of commercial aviation in Europe, states that “domestic aviation in Europe has experienced a substantial and persistent decline over the past two decades,” including the demise of regional operators serving lower-density routes.
Where routes have been maintained — in Norway, for example — it’s as a consequence of public service obligations that guarantee essential routes are maintained through government support.
It’s because of public service obligations, not competition, that the Canadian government can serve remote communities. Without such safeguards, increased competition has the potential to do more harm than good.
The bureau also recommended relaxing rules around foreign ownership within the Canadian airline industry so that a wholly foreign owned airline can compete domestically.
But not all airlines are equal. Some, like Qatar Airways, are backed by the government of their home state. Qatar Airways has purchased stakes in airlines in Asia Pacific and Africa.
Competition with airlines such as Qatar Airways is inherently unfair because of the huge financial support it receives. Allowing such state-backed carriers into the Canadian market could place domestic airlines at a significant competitive disadvantage. This could not only weaken Canadian airlines, but also be detrimental to the Canadian economy if domestic carriers are pushed out.
Competition may reduce fares, but it always comes at a cost. Canadians must be certain that lower fares are worth the cost.
Geraint Harvey 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. The Competition Bureau wants more airline competition, but it won’t solve Canada’s aviation challenges – https://theconversation.com/the-competition-bureau-wants-more-airline-competition-but-it-wont-solve-canadas-aviation-challenges-259498
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA
During the ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise, one of the response measures includes aerial monitoring of the environment. (Photo: J. Jin)
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in collaboration with over 75 countries and 10 international organizations, successfully concluded a 36-hour simulation that tested global readiness and response mechanisms to a severe nuclear emergency scenario at Romania’s Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant. The ConvEx-3 (2025) exercise began on 24 June and concluded today, 25 June, at about 17:45 CEST.
Such exercises are held every three to five years and are based on simulated events hosted by IAEA Member States.
The exercise simulated a significant release of radioactive material, prompting participating nations and organizations to engage in real-time decision-making, information exchange, public communication and coordination of protective actions, including medical response and cross-border logistics.
“The ConvEx-3 (2025) demonstrated the strength of international cooperation in nuclear emergency preparedness,” said Carlos Torres Vidal, Director of the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre. “By working together in realistic scenarios, we enhance our collective ability to protect people and the environment.”
Key innovations in this year’s exercise included:
The exercise emphasized the importance of timely information sharing, accurate assessment and prognosis, and effective public communication during nuclear emergencies.
ConvEx-3 exercises are conducted every three to five years to evaluate and strengthen the emergency response frameworks established under the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency.
In the coming weeks, the IAEA will compile feedback from all participants to identify best practices and areas for improvement, contributing to the continuous enhancement of global nuclear emergency preparedness. The final report will guide preparations for the upcoming International Conference on Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies (EPR 2025) to be held this December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Photos from ConvEx-3 are available here.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to the Amir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, on the occasion of the anniversary of his accession to power.
In this message, the Sovereign extends, on His own behalf and that of the Moroccan people, His warmest congratulations and sincere wishes for good health and long life to the Amir of the State of Qatar, in order to continue to lead, under his guidance, the brotherly Qatari people towards greater progress and prosperity.
On the same occasion, HM the King conveys His high appreciation for the strong brotherly bonds linking Morocco and Qatar, based on mutual esteem and constructive cooperation, underlining His firm determination to elevate them to the highest levels, in line with the shared ambitions and aspirations of the two brotherly peoples.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.
Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi received Azzedine el–Tayse, Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia, on the occasion of the end of his tenure.
The Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation for the Ambassador’s efforts in strengthening relations between the two brotherly countries and wished him success in his future endeavours.
The meeting was attended by Sayyid Najeeb Albalushi, Head of the Protocol Department, and Sheikh Faisal Almarhoon, Head of the Arab Department.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Foreign Ministry of Oman.
Source: Interpol (news and events)
Operation reveals growing demand for semaglutides and peptides as ‘lifestyle enhancers’
SINGAPORE – An INTERPOL-coordinated operation across 90 countries has resulted in the seizure of 50.4 million doses of illicit pharmaceuticals worth USD 65 million, highlighting the alarming scale of the global trade in unapproved and counterfeit medicines.
Operation Pangea XVII, which took place from December 2024 to May 2025, saw the arrest of 769 suspects and the dismantling of 123 criminal groups worldwide.
The seizures and arrests are the largest in the operation’s 17-year history.
Nervous system agents, including psychostimulants, anti-anxiety drugs, and medications for Parkinson’s disease, topped the list as the most seized product type, with erectile dysfunction medicines, the second highest.
Other commonly seized product types include anabolic steroids, anti-diabetic medicines, anti-smoking products, dermatological agents, health supplements, herbal products and psychotherapeutic agents.
David Caunter, Director pro tempore of Organized and Emerging Crime at INTERPOL, said:
“Fake and unapproved medications are a serious risk to public health. They can include dangerous or illegal ingredients potentially resulting in severe illness, or even death.
“The rapid growth of online platforms has made it easier for these unsafe drugs to reach people as well as opening new opportunities for criminal networks to exploit.
“Working together through Operation Pangea, countries are taking action to protect people’s health and keep healthcare systems safe.”
The operation revealed growing demand for anti-diabetic drugs and peptide supplements, driven by increasing self-medication, among other factors.
This trend is being driven by the widespread promotion and availability of these medicines across social media and online marketplaces, creating lucrative and relatively low-risk opportunities for criminal networks selling low-quality or counterfeit products.
Data from participating countries indicate increasing circulation of illicit anti-diabetic medicines globally due to their off-label weight loss effects, with unapproved and potentially fake drugs seized in the Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America.
Estimates suggest that a single semaglutide pen may sell for several hundred US dollars on the secondary market.
The seizures corroborate recent alerts from the World Health Organization and various national health regulatory agencies warning of emerging risks associated with GLP-1-related injectable drugs.
Operation Pangea XVII revealed another emerging trend – growing demand for peptide supplements for their perceived cosmetic and performance-enhancing benefits, especially in high-income countries across Europe, North America and Oceania.
These supplements, such as BPC-157, ipamorelin, and melanotan, remain unapproved in many regions due to potential health risks and the lack of sufficient human trials, and until recently, seizures of such peptide-based biologically active substances were rare.
In total, law enforcement agencies worldwide launched 1,728 investigations and issued 847 search warrants targeting criminal networks engaged in the illicit distribution of pharmaceutical products.
93 per cent of the illicit pharmaceuticals seized lacked regulatory approvals from national health authorities.
Such products may contain counterfeit, substandard or falsified substances which have not been identified.
The remaining seven per cent were confirmed as either counterfeit, diverted, or misbranded products.
Australia recorded the largest seizures globally, with psychostimulants such as modafinil and armodafinil being the most common category seized nationally. This was followed by anti-smoking pouches and erectile dysfunction medicines.
Professor Tony Lawler, Head of Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said:
“During this operation, the TGA assessed over 9,500 imports referred by the Australian Border Force and facilitated the seizure of over 5.2 million units of unlawfully imported therapeutic goods, including products that were found to be substandard or falsified.
This operational partnership represents a significant disruption of dangerous medicines from entering our community, and diversion of profits from those that would usually benefit from the illegal sale and supply.”
Large seizures of various illicit pharmaceuticals were similarly reported in Canada, Ireland, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States, among other countries.
Operation Pangea XVII also saw the shutdown of approximately 13,000 criminal-linked websites, social media pages, channels, and bots used to market and sell illegal or falsified medicines.
Malaysia removed the greatest number of online listings (7,000), followed by Russia, Ireland, Singapore and Iran. The five countries collectively accounted for 96 per cent of all listings taken down.
In Burkina Faso, 816,000 tablets including analgesics and anti-inflammatories were discovered hidden in vehicles.
In Mexico, authorities intercepted 27,000 clonazepam tablets and 20,000 alprazolam tablets passing through a courier facility in Tijuana.
In Portugal, anabolic steroids were discovered in eight prisons across the country, unveiling evidence of a criminal network smuggling illicit substances into correctional facilities.
Notes to Editor
Operation Pangea is an annual INTERPOL operation targeting the online sale of illicit pharmaceuticals. The 17th edition of the operation marked a departure from previous iterations with enforcement action taking place over six months instead of the traditional one week. This extended duration allowed for a more comprehensive and sustained effort to disrupt criminal networks.
Additional support was provided by national health regulatory agencies, Europol, the International Narcotics Control Board, the Pharmaceutical Security Institute, the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Universal Postal Union, the World Customs Organization and the World Health Organization.
The following countries participated in Operation Pangea XVII: Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Rep., Democratic Rep. of Congo, Denmark, Dominican Rep., Ecuador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Greece, Guyana, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Jamaica, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland (United Kingdom), Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Palestine, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Rep San Marino, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka, St Lucia, Sweden, Thailand, Togo, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on children and armed conflict.
The UK remains committed to supporting Syrians as they rebuild after years of suffering, with an inclusive transition that reflects a wide range of voices, including those of Syria’s youth.
I will make three points today.
First, the United Kingdom is deeply concerned about the worsening situation for children in conflicts around the world.
The Secretary-General’s report highlights a shocking 25% increase in grave violations against children in the past year.
We call on all parties to armed conflict to immediately end and prevent grave violations against children. Perpetrators need to be held to account.
We also echo the Secretary-General’s call for all listed parties to engage with the United Nations to develop and implement action plans to end and prevent grave violations.
Second, as we’ve heard today, cases of rape and other forms of sexual violence against children have increased by over a third in the past year.
In Sudan, children as young as one are reportedly subject to sexual violence.
The United Kingdom unequivocally condemns sexual violence against children and has championed the rights of child survivors and rallied global action through the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative.
Third, in too many conflicts, children are bearing the brunt of violence.
The conflict in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is having a catastrophic impact on children, with thousands killed and maimed as a result of Israeli military action.
Palestinians, desperate to feed their families, have been killed as they try to reach the few aid sites permitted by Israel.
This is unacceptable.
We call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law to protect children and urgently lift restrictions to enable aid to enter Gaza at scale.
Israeli children have also suffered as a result of Hamas’ despicable crimes, with children killed and taken hostage on 7 October.
The UK repeats its call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages.
And Russia continues to kill and maim children and attack schools and hospitals in its illegal war in Ukraine.
We call on Russia to cease this unprovoked war and return forcibly deported children to Ukraine.
President, the United Kingdom remains steadfast in its commitment to the Children and Armed Conflict mandate and ending grave violations against children.
We need to do more to protect children. They are the next generation of leaders and peacebuilders. They are our future.
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
The Prime Minister spoke with the President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in The Hague earlier this afternoon.
The Prime Minister spoke with the President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in The Hague earlier this afternoon.
The leaders began by discussing the perilous situation in the Middle East. The leaders welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran and agreed that negotiations must lead to the next vital step forward.
Discussing the conflict in Gaza, the leaders agreed that there needed to be an urgent acceleration of aid and an end to the intolerable situation.
Turning to the situation in Ukraine, the Prime Minister thanked President Erdoğan for his support to the Coalition of the Willing planning and thanked him for Türkiye’s role in peace talks.
The leaders also welcomed the strengthening military cooperation between the two countries, and agreed on the importance of making progress in free trade agreement talks.
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
THE HAGUE, June 25 (Xinhua) — The United States will strike again if Iran restores its nuclear facilities, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday.
D. Trump issued a corresponding warning on the sidelines of the NATO summit held in the Netherlands’ The Hague. Answering the question whether the US would strike again if Iran resumed its uranium enrichment program, D. Trump replied: “Of course.”
The American leader assured that Washington will not allow Tehran to continue enriching uranium, including allowing the possibility of preventing this by military means.
“We will not allow this. First of all, by military means. I think that eventually we will have some kind of relationship with Iran,” he said. –0–
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a move that flips the script on what meme coins are actually capable of, Little Pepe (LILPEPE) has launched its own Ethereum-compatible Layer-2 chain. Most meme tokens just lean on hype and ride existing networks, but LILPEPE’s doing something way more solid—it’s laying down its own tech to support the space it came from. This new Layer-2 network is designed from the ground up for meme communities, aiming to fix the usual headaches like crazy gas fees, slow transactions, and security concerns that have haunted Ethereum-based meme projects for years.
Instead of riding trends, LILPEPE’s diving head-first into shaping them. By launching its own chain, it’s giving meme coins a serious upgrade—making space for faster, cheaper, and safer projects to thrive without losing their viral energy. It’s not just a step forward for LILPEPE; it’s a whole new lane for the meme coin space.
This Layer-2 network isn’t just about making transactions faster; it’s about creating an affordable, purpose-built foundation for meme coins, where developers and communities can launch, build, and grow without being charged high fees. The LILPEPE chain provides zero trading taxes, sniper bot protection, and near-instant finality—features that genuinely matter when you’re building or participating in fast-moving, meme-driven markets.
Due to its EVM-compatible architecture, the network will support seamless use of existing tools, wallets, and dApps. It’s a practical, well-thought-out setup that gives meme culture the technical support it’s always needed, turning viral potential into something with real staying power.
Purpose-Built for Meme Utility
LILPEPE isn’t just another meme coin trying to ride the hype; it’s actually the main utility token behind its own Layer-2 chain, built straight-up for meme projects and communities. Instead of depending on big chains like Solana or BNB Smart Chain, LILPEPE is doing its own thing, building out a full-on setup where meme creators actually have the tools and space to build, launch, and grow on their own turf.
One of the standout features is a launchpad designed to give new meme tokens a legitimate space to launch—free from rug pulls and sniper bots. On top of that, the chain is rolling out staking, DAO-based governance, and plans to bring NFTs into the mix. This isn’t just about pumping hype—it’s about giving meme projects a real shot at sticking around. The team’s taking all the right steps to make that happen. They’re locking up liquidity to prevent rug pulls and putting serious anti-bot measures in place so things stay fair, especially during launches. That kind of security-first approach makes it easier for people to get involved without second-guessing every move.
It’s clear they’re not just tossing out a token and hoping for the best—they’re actually building a chain that’s built to last and protect the people putting their money behind it.
Further, LILPEPE has a total supply capped at 100 billion tokens, with 26.5% set aside for the presale. That gives early supporters a legitimate shot at getting in early and riding the growth as things scale. The rest of the supply isn’t thrown around carelessly—it’s split up for stuff like chain reserves, staking rewards, and liquidity, all structured to keep the project steady as it grows. Instead of dumping a bunch of extra tokens into circulation and messing with the price, they’ve kept it balanced to actually help the project grow steadily.
Presale Momentum and What’s Coming Next
Little Pepe’s Layer-2 launch couldn’t have come at a better time—just as the presale is picking up major momentum. Across the first three stages, the project has already raised over $2 million, with more than 1.89 billion tokens sold out of the 2.25 billion allocated for Stage 3. That means over 84% of the current stage is already completed.
Tokens are now priced at $0.0012 in Stage 3, with the price set to rise to $0.0013 in Stage 4. This tiered pricing model not only rewards early participants with better entry points but also fuels steady demand as the project approaches its expected $0.003 listing price and upcoming CEX launches.
On top of that, a massive $777,000 giveaway has been kicked off to keep the buzz going. Ten people will win $77,000 worth of LILPEPE tokens, and to improve the odds, participants can complete a few quick social tasks to stack up bonus entries. It’s a clean way to build hype while giving the community something real to aim for.
What’s next? The roadmap looks pretty solid. The team is getting ready for the mainnet rollout of the Layer-2 chain, and they’re already laying the foundation for a full-on ecosystem. That includes tools and dApps built with meme projects in mind, so creators and devs don’t have to keep bending their projects to fit other networks. It’s not just talk—they’re building something that actually works for the space they’re in.
For more information about Little Pepe, visit the links below:
Website: https://littlepepe.com/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/littlepepetoken
Telegram: https://t.me/littlepepetoken
Contact Details:
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Disclaimer: This content is provided by Little Pepe. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/99a7cbab-af49-4824-bd94-e63d7ca53b62
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
QINGDAO, June 25 (Xinhua) — Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Wednesday held individual meetings in east China’s Qingdao city with his counterparts from Belarus, Iran, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.
They are attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers’ Meeting from Wednesday to Thursday.
Unilateralism and protectionism are surging, while hegemonic, high-handed, and bullying acts severely undermine the international order, making these practices the biggest sources of chaos and harm, Dong said.
He called for efforts to enhance coordination within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the SCO, defend international fairness and justice, and uphold global strategic stability.
The attendees commended China’s rotating SCO presidency for enhancing institutional mechanisms and cross-sector cooperation, while expressing strong readiness to consolidate and develop military cooperation.
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Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kaanch has quickly become a very popular project, raising more than 2.5 million during the presale, and most investors and analysts recognize it as the most promising crypto to buy at the moment. This wave of interest is especially remarkable because the presale is only a few days away, attracting significant investments by different parties. The strong foundations and strategic location of the project are also adding to its reputation as one of the best investment opportunities in the present market conditions.
Presale Nears Closure: Final Opportunity for Investors
Kaanch is on the 7th stage of its presale, and the price of the token is 0.64 dollars. The project has already collected 2,530,726.1284873397 dollars, and it will have a fixed listing price of 30 dollars when it is listed in exchanges. As the presale is set to end in four days, investors are advised to take the opportunity to buy tokens at the current price before the presale is over. This short participation period is creating a lot of investor interest, and whales have been buying much more.
Upcoming Major Exchange Listing
KNCH will be listed on BitMart shortly, as well as, LBank and xT, at a fixed price of 30 dollars. This upcoming listing is causing quite a buzz, as it is a huge jump over the current presale price of $0.64, which means that early investors have a chance of making a lot of money. Future listings on the exchanges will also increase the visibility and liquidity of Kaanch, making it one of the best competitors in the cryptocurrency market.
Advanced Technological Infrastructure and Security
Kaanch stands out as the fastest and scalable blockchain to date with 1.4 million transactions per second (TPS) and 0.8-second finality, guaranteeing instant trade execution and optimal smart contract flows. The platform also has near-zero gas fees, which makes it very cost-effective on decentralized applications (dApps), microtransactions, and other payment solutions. Kaanch has 3,600 decentralized nodes, which allow tokenizing real-world assets and make transactions between businesses and individuals secure and instant. The project is community-based, with open governance and staking dashboard, and is enterprise and developer-friendly, which will allow easy integration of blockchain into the broader community. SpyWolf and VerifyLab have audited the robust infrastructure of Kaanch, which demonstrates its dedication to security and reliability. The maximum amount of Kaanch tokens is limited to 58 million.
Investment Accessibility and Incentives
Investors can purchase Kaanch tokens using ETH and USDT. The presale will have live staking rewards of up to 30% APY, which is a good incentive to early adopters. The project has a limited supply of 58 million tokens, and the demand is growing, which means that the project will grow in price quickly during and after the presale phase. To the investors who are interested in this project, it would be advisable to visit the Kaanch presale site to buy the tokens since the presale is fast-paced.
For more information about Kaanch Network visit the links below:
Website: https://presale.kaanch.com/
Whitepaper: https://docs.kaanch.network/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/KaanchNetwork
Telegram: https://t.me/kaanchnetwork
Win 1M: https://presale.kaanch.com/win-1-million
How to buy: https://presale.kaanch.com/how-to-buy
Disclaimer: This content is provided by Kaanch. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ed2f746-cae2-477d-95cc-f3494f4f1dc4
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7ca2de1d-9c94-4f53-abe8-685d25ca8d0b
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1282ce63-d204-44ba-a1a0-f6ea91402ea2
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kaanch has quickly become a very popular project, raising more than 2.5 million during the presale, and most investors and analysts recognize it as the most promising crypto to buy at the moment. This wave of interest is especially remarkable because the presale is only a few days away, attracting significant investments by different parties. The strong foundations and strategic location of the project are also adding to its reputation as one of the best investment opportunities in the present market conditions.
Presale Nears Closure: Final Opportunity for Investors
Kaanch is on the 7th stage of its presale, and the price of the token is 0.64 dollars. The project has already collected 2,530,726.1284873397 dollars, and it will have a fixed listing price of 30 dollars when it is listed in exchanges. As the presale is set to end in four days, investors are advised to take the opportunity to buy tokens at the current price before the presale is over. This short participation period is creating a lot of investor interest, and whales have been buying much more.
Upcoming Major Exchange Listing
KNCH will be listed on BitMart shortly, as well as, LBank and xT, at a fixed price of 30 dollars. This upcoming listing is causing quite a buzz, as it is a huge jump over the current presale price of $0.64, which means that early investors have a chance of making a lot of money. Future listings on the exchanges will also increase the visibility and liquidity of Kaanch, making it one of the best competitors in the cryptocurrency market.
Advanced Technological Infrastructure and Security
Kaanch stands out as the fastest and scalable blockchain to date with 1.4 million transactions per second (TPS) and 0.8-second finality, guaranteeing instant trade execution and optimal smart contract flows. The platform also has near-zero gas fees, which makes it very cost-effective on decentralized applications (dApps), microtransactions, and other payment solutions. Kaanch has 3,600 decentralized nodes, which allow tokenizing real-world assets and make transactions between businesses and individuals secure and instant. The project is community-based, with open governance and staking dashboard, and is enterprise and developer-friendly, which will allow easy integration of blockchain into the broader community. SpyWolf and VerifyLab have audited the robust infrastructure of Kaanch, which demonstrates its dedication to security and reliability. The maximum amount of Kaanch tokens is limited to 58 million.
Investment Accessibility and Incentives
Investors can purchase Kaanch tokens using ETH and USDT. The presale will have live staking rewards of up to 30% APY, which is a good incentive to early adopters. The project has a limited supply of 58 million tokens, and the demand is growing, which means that the project will grow in price quickly during and after the presale phase. To the investors who are interested in this project, it would be advisable to visit the Kaanch presale site to buy the tokens since the presale is fast-paced.
For more information about Kaanch Network visit the links below:
Website: https://presale.kaanch.com/
Whitepaper: https://docs.kaanch.network/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/KaanchNetwork
Telegram: https://t.me/kaanchnetwork
Win 1M: https://presale.kaanch.com/win-1-million
How to buy: https://presale.kaanch.com/how-to-buy
Disclaimer: This content is provided by Kaanch. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.
Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ed2f746-cae2-477d-95cc-f3494f4f1dc4
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7ca2de1d-9c94-4f53-abe8-685d25ca8d0b
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1282ce63-d204-44ba-a1a0-f6ea91402ea2
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
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As part of her participation in the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions, held in Tianjin from 23 to 26 June, focused on agile & innovative economic policies to manage evolving global trends, H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, held two high-level meetings with Ms. Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum (WEF), and Mr. Mohammad Abunayyan, Founder and Chairman of ACWA Power.
During her meeting with the WEF Managing Director, the two sides discussed the activation of the Letter of Intent signed in January 2025 during the World Economic Forum in Davos. The agreement aims to develop “Egypt’s Future of Growth Accelerator “. This initiative supports national efforts to advance inclusive economic development and draws on the expertise and insights of the WEF’s Centre for the New Economy and Society.
Discussions also covered the ongoing collaboration between the World Economic Forum and the technical teams at the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation to operationalize the Accelerator in the coming period.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also reviewed the integration between the proposed Accelerator and Egypt’s soon-to-be-launched “Advancing Economic Development in Egypt: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience” narrative. This narrative promotes a transition towards a private-sector-led growth model, focused on tradable and export-oriented sectors, enhancing foreign direct investment, and supporting industrial localization across the country.
In a separate meeting, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat met with Mr. Abunayyan, Chairman of ACWA Power, to discuss the latest developments in the company’s renewable energy investments in Egypt. The Minister emphasized that ACWA Power is a key partner in the implementation of renewable energy projects under the energy pillar of Egypt’s NWFE (Nexus of Water, Food and Energy) platform. She highlighted the central role of international partnerships and blended concessional finance in unlocking greater private sector participation—both domestic and international—in Egypt’s green energy transition.
H.E. the Minister reiterated the Egyptian government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the private sector, enhancing its contribution to national development efforts across all sectors. She underscored that regulatory and legislative reforms are underway to strengthen private sector engagement, while simultaneously improving the governance and efficiency of public investments to achieve comprehensive and sustainable economic growth.
The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation recently published the second progress report on the NWFE program. Under its energy pillar, the program aims to add 10 GW of new renewable energy capacity, backed by approximately $10 billion in investments, while phasing out 5 GW of fossil-fuel-based electricity generation by 2028.
Over the past two and a half years, Egypt has successfully mobilized $4 billion in concessional financing to support 4.2 GW of renewable energy projects. These efforts involve key global and regional partners, including Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power, Masdar, Infinity Power, Norway’s Scatec, UAE-based AMEA Power (a subsidiary of Al Nowais Group), as well as local developers such as Orascom Construction and Hassan Allam Utilities.
– on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Nova Scotia is working with two universities in Lebanon to bring more family doctors to the province.
The Province and Lebanese American University in Beirut have signed a memorandum of agreement outlining a five-year pilot program that will see 10 ready-to-practise family physicians come to Nova Scotia, two in each year of the agreement.
The government also has a strong relationship with Lebanon’s American University of Beirut. It has already supported two physicians trained there who are now practising in Nova Scotia, with another set to arrive shortly.
“We have doctors who want to make Nova Scotia their home, and we have opportunities to help them do what they do best – provide care to patients,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness. “These partnerships will further strengthen ties between our province and Lebanon and create a unique opportunity to bring highly skilled family physicians to Nova Scotia.”
The government has been working with the Honorary Consulate of Lebanon in Halifax and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia to support doctor recruitment from Lebanon.
The Province will invest $5 million over the length of the agreement with Lebanese American University, covering expenses related to funding two medical school residency positions each year, licensing exams, and immigration and relocation costs. The doctors will be required to sign a three-year return-of-service agreement.
Becoming a magnet for health providers is the first solution in Action for Health, the Province’s plan to improve healthcare.
“This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when governments, institutions and communities come together with purpose. By tapping into the strength and talent of our diverse society, we are not only addressing urgent healthcare needs, but also building a more inclusive, resilient and compassionate Nova Scotia.”
— Wadih Fares, Honorary Consul of Lebanon in Halifax
“When a government and an institution unite with a shared vision, they transform ambition into lasting impact. The common good becomes the common goal.”
— Dr. Kamal Badr, Executive Vice Dean, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut
“At the heart of this collaboration is something deeply human: the need for care, and the people who provide it. Family doctors are the backbone of any healthcare system, and the growing need for them is felt around the world. Partnerships like this remind us that when collaboration is driven by purpose, medicine knows no borders.”
— Dr. Sola Aoun Bahous, Dean and professor of medicine, Lebanese American University
“This agreement not only recognizes the excellence of family medicine training at the Lebanese American University, it also reflects the extraordinary strength of the Lebanese-Nova Scotian community and the willingness of the provincial government to invest in innovative solutions to our access to care challenge.”
— Dr. Gus Grant, Registrar and CEO, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia
Action for Health, the government’s plan to improve healthcare in Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/actionforhealth/
Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus
The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI – June 24, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, Whip Katherine Clark, Vice Chair Ted Lieu and Democratic Caucus National Security Task Force Co-Chairs Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander and Derek Tran held a press conference on the Trump Administration’s chaotic foreign policy putting American troops in harm’s way.
CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Good afternoon. Members today were supposed to receive a classified briefing from the Trump Administration, but clearly the chaos and the confusion coming out of the White House made that impossible. It is completely unacceptable that Congress has not been briefed on this in a timely fashion. We need evidence, we need details and we need to know them now. There are a number of outstanding questions, including whether this attack achieved the Administration’s stated goals. Launching an attack without Congressional authorization is wrong—launching a potentially unsuccessful attack without Congressional authorization would be an administration-defining failure. And this is a defining week for the Trump presidency. He has asked Republicans to put the unpopular One Big Ugly Bill on his desk by July 4th so that he can celebrate Independence Day by throwing 16 million people off of their health insurance to pay for billionaire tax breaks that explode the deficit by over $3 trillion. And now he’s putting American troops in harm’s way in the Middle East, after promising that he’d restore peace. The American people want a steady hand at the wheel and to fight back.
I’m proud to launch the House Democratic Caucus National Security Task Force, co-chaired by Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander and Derek Tran. And we want to thank Co-chair Mikie Sherrill, who can’t be with us here today. The members leading this task force will draw on their patriotism, expertise and commitment to service by providing the leadership that Donald Trump and the Rubberstamp Republicans lack the courage and moral clarity to deliver. Vice Chair Ted Lieu.
VICE CHAIR LIEU: Thank you, Chairman Aguilar. Please to be joined today by veterans Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander and Derek Tran. Like Chairman Aguilar said, it is completely unacceptable that the Administration is unwilling to brief the House of Representatives on the strikes in Iran. It has been a longstanding bipartisan goal of both Democratic and Republican Administrations to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The Iranian regime is a theocratic autocratic regime. If they had nuclear weapons, they could launch them at U.S. bases, U.S. military interests and at Israel. And we have to make sure this regime never acquires a nuclear weapon. At the same time, I believe the Constitution means what it says: Only Congress has the power to declare war. I probably stated at the time that Obama needed Congressional authorization to strike Syria. I believe Trump needs Congressional authorization to strike Iran. My view of the Constitution does not change based on what party the President happens to belong to.
Now, there’s some other news that happened today, including that consumer sentiment declined again, and what we know is that the economic policies of Donald Trump and the Republicans are harming Americans. The American people know it. Inflation has increased. Grocery prices have increased. People are having difficulty making ends meet, and now we have this huge, Big Ugly Bill that’s going to cut health care for millions and millions of Americans, in service of tax breaks for billionaires. We asked the Republican Senate and House Republicans to vote no. And with that, it is my honor and pleasure to introduce Representative Jason Crow, who served our country in combat prior to joining Congress.
REP. CROW: Thank you, Chairman Aguilar, Vice Chairman Lieu and my fellow Co-chairs of the House Democratic National Security Task Force, Derek Tran and Maggie Goodlander. I’m Jason Crow from Colorado. And even though I’m a Member of Congress now, I view this issue, like many national security issues, more through my eyes as a former Army Ranger and paratrooper and combat veteran, than just as a Member of Congress. I deployed three times to Iraq and Afghanistan in my early and mid-20s. And I know the true costs of war. I know what happens when unaccountable elites in comfortable, air-conditioned offices in Washington pound their chests, saber-rattle and then send somebody else to go off and do the tough work. Because the people that I grew up with, working-class kids from around the country, from the middle of the country, from small towns that people in Washington don’t pay attention to that have to go out and carry out that tough talk. So I take it pretty personally when an elite like Donald Trump makes a cavalier decision without thought, without engagement with Congress, to potentially pull us into another long-term, endless conflict in the Middle East. But don’t get us wrong, there is no appetite in America for the United States to be pulled into another decades-long conflict in the Middle East. So, there’s a lot of talk about Congress and why Congress should be involved. A lot of discussion about the Constitution, a lot of discussion about war powers, and I just want to talk about why that should matter to Americans. Of course, the Constitution matters. And of course, obeying the rule of law matters.
But let’s drill down into that for just one moment. We spent 20 years and $3 trillion and over 6,000 American troop lives fighting wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, that should have ended much, much sooner and been far less costly than they were. How did that happen? Well, it happened in large part because there was just one vote the entirety of those wars, one vote and one formal debate in Congress. And then out of sight, out of mind. Congress is an essential part of this. That is what the Framers of the Constitution envisioned. That the people closest to the American people have to go home every weekend and stand in high school auditoriums, in gyms and Rotary Clubs and Friday night fish frys across America, and be held accountable and say why we should spend taxpayer dollars to send our men and women to someplace around the world into conflict. Why we should do that. And to be accountable for it in real time. That’s why the involvement of Congress matters. Because nobody will ever tell me that things would have been different in Iraq and Afghanistan had we actually had that debate, had we actually pushed that accountability. We know, we know it would have been. So, Congress needs to step up. I know House Democrats are ready to step up. We’re already leading to reinsert ourselves into matters of war and peace. It’s time for the Republicans to step up too and say enough is enough. We have an independent Constitutional obligation to support our military, to support our troops and to discharge our obligations under the Constitution, regardless of what Donald Trump says. We are not asking them to storm the beaches of Normandy or to give their lives for this country; we are asking them to step up and fulfill their constitutional obligations. And with that, it is my pleasure to introduce the intrepid Whip of the House Democrats, Katherine Clark of Massachusetts.
WHIP CLARK: Thank you so much Congressman Crow and thank you for your service to our country, both your military service and your service. And to all of you. And thank you to our Chairman and Vice Chairman for pulling this together. Our message today is clear: the Constitution is not a document of convenience. It is there to guarantee that there is accountability, because it is the people’s voice of this country. It is American families who are feeling every day that it is hard to get ahead. Who need to be informed of when this country is going to have military strikes and go to war. And that is where representative government comes in. That is the design. That as members of Congress, we are here representing our districts and the voice of the American people. So when we have a President and an Administration and now a Republican Party in Congress that has decided the American people are not entitled to know anything. It is a trust us, we are doing what we’re doing. You are just here to pay the taxes while we debate these things internally, without your representatives involved. That is an outrage and an insult to families at home. Who, at this time, where 60% of American families are feeling they can’t provide the basics, while we are debating a GOP bill that wants to take away health care from 16 million Americans, that wants to take away food programs, and strip funding from veterans benefits. The audacity of them coming forward and saying, on top of all that, we feel that you are not entitled to the basic information around our national security and such profound decisions about whether to go to war or not. This is far beyond a briefing and what day it will be held. It is the fact that we have been demanding information on behalf of American families, of American veterans, of those who are in active duty and their families who deserve answers on what our country is committing as far as foreign action and why. Thank you.
CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Thanks. Co-Chair Maggie Goodlander.
REP. GOODLANDER: Thank you so much. I’m really grateful to our leadership and to my colleagues who are part of this task force, which I’m really proud to be part of. I represent the “Live Free or Die” State of New Hampshire here in Congress, and we’ve got freedom-loving patriots right here on this podium who believe deeply in our mission and our role. And what I’d say is, I’m about to turn it over to Derek Tran, who, like my dad, joined the military at age 18. My dad, Ted, always said he got his education in the United States Navy—and so did I. I really did. I served 11 years as an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve. I learned in the Navy and saw firsthand that the United States of America has brutal and determined enemies all across the world, including in Iran. I saw firsthand how our patriotic service members, when they take an oath to this document, I bring my Constitution with me everywhere I go in this job, because it’s a useful document to have these days for questions big and small. When they take an oath to this, they mean it. I also learned in the Navy firsthand why our Framers were really smart to give Congress a central role in American national security and in matters of war and peace, because there are no more consequential decisions than can be made. What we see today is an Administration that is completely ignoring the role of Congress in matters of war and peace, and it’s having real consequences. It’s been said. We just came back. I was pounding the pavement all across New Hampshire. I heard from the families of service members who were asking basic questions, questions that this Administration should be answering to the American people, about why we went ahead and conducted a military strike without Congressional authorization? What the impact of that strike was, what damage it did to Iran’s nuclear program and their nuclear industrial base, and what is the plan now? This is why Congress has got a role in questions of war and peace, and why this administration is going to have to answer to us. I’m really proud to be in this effort alongside all of you, and delighted to turn it over to my colleague, and Army veteran. I’ll allow it. Go Navy! Derek Tran.
REP. TRAN: Thank you so much, Rep. Goodlander. Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for coming and thank you especially to my colleagues with whom I am so proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder. I joined the Army Reserves when I was 18 years old. I walked into that recruitment office because I was committed to giving back to the country that has given me so much. My parents fled a communist dictatorship and came to the United States seeking the freedom and democracy that defined the core of our national values. I brought that background with me to Congress, and I’m so proud to lend my voice as a leader of the House Democratic Caucus on the National Security Task Force. Just this week, we learned in terrifying detail just how important our voices are at this critical moment. Iran and its proxies pose a serious threat to our nation, and American people are looking for measured, steady leadership to protect our national security. They’re not seeing it from President Trump. They’re not seeing it from Congressional Republicans, who refuse to hold this President accountable. I am proud to stand with my colleagues today to urge a stronger, more stable approach to our national security. We are committed to keeping our service members safe. We are committed to protecting U.S. global leadership and we don’t want our country dragged into another reckless war. It is critical that we exhaust all diplomatic options to de-escalate this conflict, because we do not want more of our soldiers put in harm’s way. The United States has been the sole global superpower for decades, not only because of our military might, but because of our values, our adherence to the Constitution and our respect to the rule of law. We’re here today because we refuse to stand by, while the legacy, this legacy, is under threat. Thank you so much and I’m going to turn it back to our Chairman for questions.
Video of the full press conference and Q&A can be viewed here.
###
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
Watch Kennedy’s comments here.
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:
“Where is Russia? Where is President Putin? I ask that question in light of what’s been happening over the past week in Iran. Where’s Russia? Where’s President Putin? You couldn’t find either one of them with a search party. Dog the Bounty Hunter, all of a sudden, couldn’t find President Putin. All of a sudden even Google can’t find Russia.
“I thought Iran and Russia were peeps. I thought they were best friends. I mean, for decades, Iran and Russia have had a partnership where they have attacked everyone in the freedom-loving West. They’re best buds.
“Now, I know Iran has a relationship with China, but that’s more transactional. China just likes to buy Iran’s cheap oil. With Russia and Iran, it was supposed to be a deeper, more meaningful relationship. And this isn’t something new. This has been a partnership for decades.
“I remember when Putin invaded Ukraine, one of the first allies he turned to was Iran, and Iran sent Russia ammunition. And Iran sent Russia artillery shells. And Iran sent Russia drones. And Iran has sent Russia drones, and ammunition, and artillery shells every single day of the war.
“So, where’s Russia? It hasn’t been a good week for Iran. Where’s Russia?
“On Monday of this week, Iran’s top diplomat met with President Putin and asked for help. Do you know what President Putin said he would provide? Nothing. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Some kind of friend.
“You know, it’s not the first time that we’ve seen President Putin’s true colors. It’s happened before. You would think that Iran would learn. The month after Iran through Hamas attacked Israel back in October of 2023, Iran immediately asked Moscow to supply Iran with—because Iran knew what was coming and so did Hamas— they knew retribution was coming from Israel.
“Iran asked Moscow for jet fighters, for attack helicopters, air defense systems, and training jets. And Iran was sure that their buddy, Putin, would be there. Putin sent them a few jets and said go away, don’t bother me. And then not long ago, when Israel took out the better part of Iran’s air defense system, its golden dome—wasn’t exactly golden, it was more like tin—but the Israelis took it out. Iran asked Russia and said, look, we have to rearm. We’re naked and alone here. We need more air defense missiles to shoot down the Israeli planes. President Putin said go away. Don’t bother me. What a friend.
“President Putin has done it to other countries. Russia has had alliances not just with Iran through the years. I’ll give you a couple of examples. Armenia. Armenia and Russia were best buds, two peas in a pod. But when Armenia got into a war with Azerbaijan, once again you couldn’t find Russia with a search party.
“Iran and Russia worked together to prop up Assad in Syria. Remember that? When the people of Syria were revolting against Assad, who had blood under his fingernails. Do you know who kept him afloat? Iran, yes, but especially Russia. And then Assad got in trouble, and that’s when he really needed Russia. He went to Mr. Putin and said help me, help me, and Mr. Putin said no. You’re on your own. You can come to my country where they can’t get to you, but that’s it. Too bad. I don’t need you anymore.
“A lot’s going on with respect to the Middle East right now, but I hope the world notices what kind of friend Russia is. I hope other countries that Russia has alliances with and that Russia is assiduously courting to be a ‘partnership’ notice how Russia reacts to their friends.
“Where’s Russia? Where’s Putin? All of a sudden you can’t find him. Now I’m delighted with that. I’m just delighted. But this was very, very predictable. With friends like Russia—I say this to every country in the world that might be thinking about partnering with Russia. With friends like Russia, who needs enemies?”
Watch Kennedy’s speech here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
June 24, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – After President Donald Trump illegally ordered a military strike against Iran over the weekend, today combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) condemned Trump’s actions as both unconstitutional and a violation of the War Powers Act and underscored her support for U.S. Senator Tim Kaine’s (D-VA) War Powers Resolution, which would reassert that only Congress holds the power and solemn responsibility to declare war. Duckworth reiterated that while Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon, the President of the United States and Commander in Chief should have pursued this goal through diplomatic means first before needlessly dragging the American people and our nation’s servicemembers into another war in the Middle East. Duckworth’s remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube.
“When Donald Trump illegally bombed Iran without Congressional authorization, let’s be clear: there was no imminent threat to the U.S. or our troops,” said Duckworth. “It wasn’t time to strike, not when the democratically elected representatives of the American people have not had a chance to weigh the costs and risks against the gains to make an informed decision on behalf of our constituents—and to make sure the President is not getting us into yet another forever war in the Middle East.
“Servicemembers will be the ones to risk their lives if we get drawn into another unnecessary war with no plan and no end state. Their Commander in Chief owes it to them—and to all Americans—to uphold the Constitution that they swore to support and defend.”
In response to Senator Duckworth’s sharp questioning, Deputy Commander of United States Central Command Vice Admiral Charles B. Cooper II would not specifically state what end-state the US is seeking after Trump’s illegal military strike against Iran, even though combatant commands would normally be informed of the desired end-states in order to drive their operations. The lack of clarity on the desired end-state of U.S. military operations against Iran raises serious questions about whether the Trump Administration’s goals against Iran are being deliberately obscured from the American people or simply a product of chaotic policymaking. When asked, Vice Admiral Cooper also refused to commit to providing an option—even among many—to the White House that includes providing Iran with an off-ramp from further military action, if he is confirmed to be Commander of the United States Central Command.
In light of Trump’s reckless statements that suggest he might order our military to pursue regime change, Duckworth said: “Like many who served and sacrificed in Iraq, I am sick with anger and dread at the thought that, in 2025, the President of the United States is talking of toppling another government in the Middle East—drawing Americans into a destabilizing military action in a volatile region and owning the chaos that follows.”
-30-
Source: US Whitehouse
Take it from those who actually know:
President Trump: “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term! The white structure shown is deeply imbedded into the rock, with even its roof well below ground level, and completely shielded from flame. The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!”
Israel Atomic Energy Commission: “The devastating US strike on Fordo destroyed the site’s critical infrastructure and rendered the enrichment facility inoperable. We assess that the American strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, combined with Israeli strikes on other elements of Iran’s military nuclear program, has set back Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years. The achievement can continue indefinitely if Iran does not get access to nuclear material.”
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir: “I can say here that the assessment is that we significantly damaged the nuclear program, and I can also say that we set it back by years, I repeat, years.”
Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei: “Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that’s for sure.”
Vice President JD Vance: “I can say to the American people with great confidence that they are much further away from a nuclear program today than they were 24 hours ago. That was the objective of the mission, to destroy that Fordow nuclear site, and of course, do some damage to the other sites as well, but we feel very confident that the Fordow nuclear site was substantially set back, and that was our goal.”
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth: “Based on everything we have seen — and I’ve seen it all — our bombing campaign obliterated Iran’s ability to create nuclear weapons. Our massive bombs hit exactly the right spot at each target and worked perfectly. The impact of those bombs is buried under a mountain of rubble in Iran; so anyone who says the bombs were not devastating is just trying to undermine the President and the successful mission.”
Secretary Hegseth: “Given the 30,000 pounds of explosions and the capability of those munitions, it was DEVASTATION underneath Fordow … Any assessment that tells you otherwise is speculating with other motives.”
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan “Razin” Caine: “Initial battle damage assessments indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction. More than 125 US aircraft participated in this mission, including B2 stealth bombers, multiple flights of fourth and fifth generation fighters, dozens and dozens of air refueling tankers, a guided missile submarine, and a full array of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft, as well as hundreds of maintenance and operational professionals.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “The Iranian program — the nuclear program — today looks nothing like it did just a week ago … That story is a false story and it’s one that really shouldn’t be re-reported because it doesn’t accurately reflect what’s happening.”
Secretary Rubio: “Everything underneath that mountain is in bad shape … There’s no way Iran comes to the table if somehow nothing had happened. This was complete and total obliteration. They are in bad shape. They are way behind today compared to where they were just seven days ago because of what President Trump did.”
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff: “We put 12 bunker buster bombs on Fordow. There’s no doubt that it breached the canopy, there’s no doubt that it was well within reach of the depth that these bunker buster bombs go to, and there’s no doubt that it was obliterated — so the reporting out there that in some way suggests that we did not achieve the objective is just completely preposterous.”
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard: “The operation was a resounding success. Our missiles were delivered precisely and accurately, obliterating key Iranian capabilities needed to quickly assemble a nuclear weapon.”
International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi: “Given the explosive payload utilized, and the extreme vibration-sensitive nature of centrifuges, very significant damage is expected to have occurred. At the Esfahan nuclear site, additional buildings were hit, with the US confirming their use of cruise missiles. Affected buildings include some related to the uranium conversion process. Also at this site, entrances to tunnels used for the storage of enriched material appear to have been hit. At the Natanz enrichment site, the Fuel Enrichment Plant was hit, with the US confirming that it used ground-penetrating munitions.”
Institute for Science and International Security President David Albright: “Overall, Israel’s and U.S. attacks have effectively destroyed Iran’s centrifuge enrichment program. It will be a long time before Iran comes anywhere near the capability it had before the attack.”
Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program Deputy Director Andrea Stricker: “I think that because of the massive damage and the shock wave that would have been sent by 12 Massive Ordnance Penetrators at the Fordow site, that it likely would render its centrifuges damaged or inoperable.”
American Enterprise Institute Middle East Portfolio Manager Brian Carter: “There is no question that the bombing campaign ‘badly, badly damaged’ the three sites.”
Institute for Science and International Security Senior Research Fellow Spencer Faragasso: “Overall, it may possibly take years for Iran to reconstitute the capabilities it lost at these facilities.”
Source: The Conversation – USA – By William Akoto, Assistant Professor of Global Security, American University
The United States is trying to decouple its economy from rivals like China. Efforts toward this include policymakers raising tariffs on Chinese goods, blocking exports of advanced technology and offering subsidies to boost American manufacturing. The goal is to reduce reliance on China for critical products in hopes that this will also protect U.S. intellectual property from theft.
The idea that decoupling will help stem state-sponsored cyber-economic espionage has become a key justification for these measures. For instance, then-U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai framed the continuation of China-specific tariffs as serving the “statutory goal to stop [China’s] harmful … cyber intrusions and cyber theft.” Early tariff rounds during the first Trump administration were likewise framed as forcing Beijing to confront “deeply entrenched” theft of U.S. intellectual property.
This push to “onshore” key industries is driven by very real concerns. By some estimates, theft of U.S. trade secrets, often through hacking – costs the American economy hundreds of billions of dollars per year. In that light, decoupling is a defensive economic shield – a way to keep vital technology out of an adversary’s reach.
But will decoupling and cutting trade ties truly make America’s innovations safer from prying eyes? I’m a political scientist who studies state-sponsored cyber espionage, and my research suggests that the answer is a definitive no. Indeed, it might actually have the opposite effect.
To understand why, it helps to look at what really drives state-sponsored hacking.
Intuitively, you might think a country is most tempted to steal secrets from a nation it depends on. For example, if Country A must import jet engines or microchips from Country B, Country A might try to hack Country B’s companies to copy that technology and become self-sufficient. This is the industrial dependence theory of cyber theft.
There is some truth to this motive. If your economy needs what another country produces, stealing that know-how can boost your own industries and reduce reliance. However, in a recent study, I show that a more powerful predictor of cyber espionage is industrial similarity. Countries with overlapping advanced industries such as aerospace, electronics or pharmaceuticals are the ones most likely to target each other with cyberattacks.
Why would having similar industries spur more spying? The reason is competition. If two nations both specialize in cutting-edge sectors, each has a lot to gain by stealing the other’s innovations.
If you’re a tech powerhouse, you have valuable secrets worth stealing, and you have the capability and motivation to steal others’ secrets. In essence, simply trading with a rival isn’t the core issue. Rather, it’s the underlying technological rivalry that fuels espionage.
For example, a cyberattack in 2012 targeted SolarWorld, a U.S. solar panel manufacturer, and the perpetrators stole the company’s trade secrets. Chinese solar companies then developed competing products based on the stolen designs, costing SolarWorld millions in lost revenue. This is a classic example of industrial similarity at work. China was building its own solar industry, so it hacked a U.S. rival to leapfrog in technology.
Crucially, cutting trade ties doesn’t remove this rivalry. If anything, decoupling might intensify it. When the U.S. and China exchange tariff blows or cut off tech transfers, it doesn’t make China give up – it likely pushes Chinese intelligence agencies to work even harder to steal what they can’t buy.
This dynamic isn’t unique to China. Any country that suddenly loses access to an important technology may turn to espionage as Plan B.
History provides examples. When South Africa was isolated by sanctions in the 1980s, it covertly obtained nuclear weapons technology. Similarly, when Israel faced arms embargoes in the 1960s, it engaged in clandestine efforts to get military technology. Isolation can breed desperation, and hacking is a low-cost, high-reward tool for the desperate.
There’s no easy fix for state-sponsored hacking as long as countries remain locked in high-tech competition. However, there are steps that can mitigate the damage and perhaps dial down the frequency of these attacks.
One is investing in cyber defense. Just as a homeowner adds locks and alarms after a burglary, companies and governments should continually strengthen their cyber defenses. Assuming that espionage attempts are likely to happen is key. Advanced network monitoring, employee training against phishing, and robust encryption can make it much harder for hackers to succeed, even if they keep trying.
Another is building resilience and redundancy. If you know that some secrets might get stolen, plan for it. Businesses can shorten product development cycles and innovate faster so that even if a rival copies today’s tech, you’re already moving on to the next generation. Staying ahead of thieves is a form of defense, too.
Ultimately, rather than viewing tariffs and export bans as silver bullets against espionage, U.S. leaders and industry might be safer focusing on resilience and stress-testing cybersecurity firms. Make it harder for adversaries to steal secrets, and less rewarding even if they do.
William Akoto does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Blocking exports and raising tariffs is a bad defense against industrial cyber espionage, study shows – https://theconversation.com/blocking-exports-and-raising-tariffs-is-a-bad-defense-against-industrial-cyber-espionage-study-shows-258243
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Gregory F. Treverton, Professor of Practice in International Relations, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
The Trump administration’s decision to bomb Iran dramatically marks the now nearly half-century of hostility between the United States and Iran, which began in 1979 with Iran’s takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and the taking of 52 diplomatic hostages.
It remains uncertain whether the Iran-Israel ceasefire will hold, given President Donald Trump’s seemingly impulsive policy decisions and an Israeli leader who critics say pursues war to stay in power.
Additional unpredictability can be seen in a weakened Iran government that is unpopular with its own people but must also bet that standing up to the U.S. and Israel will induce its people to rally around the flag, even if they don’t like who holds that flag.
As a U.S. international relations scholar, I think whatever comes next will be well informed by what has already happened in U.S.-Iran history. That includes an offer from Trump – who considers himself the consummate negotiator – to Iran to return to the negotiating table.
The opening bracket in modern U.S.-Iran relations was the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi,“ whom a CIA covert action had restored to leadership a quarter-century earlier.
As a young National Security Council staffer, I stood on the South Lawn of the White House as the shah’s helicopter landed in 1977 for a state visit to his close ally, the United States.
The episode was perhaps a metaphor for the two countries’ relationship. I stood next to a colleague who had written for President Jimmy Carter remarks that included fulsome praise of the shah, but his crack to me was: “You’ll recognize the shah. He’s the one with blood under his fingernails.” Beneath a formal alliance, there was a good deal of cynicism on the U.S. part about the shah’s repressive regime and use of secret police to suppress opposition.
Pro- and anti-shah protesters were demonstrating at the bottom of the Ellipse, the park south of the White House grounds. The U.S. Park Police, understandably but unwisely, sought to separate them with tear gas, which then wafted over the proceedings on the South Lawn.
It’s impossible to overstate the effect of the 1979 hostage crisis, when Iranian students seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding 62 American hostages for 444 days.
The Carter administration negotiated the Algiers Accords, which led to the release of the hostages in January 1981. There have been persistent accounts, none ever fully validated, that the incoming Reagan administration dealt with Iran to delay the release until after the new president’s inauguration.
The crisis not only cost Carter his job, but it also cast an enduring shadow over the U.S.-Iran relationship, compounding Americans’ difficulty in understanding a regime that was not only theocratic but Muslim.
The 1980s witnessed a whipsaw of relations.
From 1980 to 1988, as Iran and Iraq fought a bloody war to a stalemate, the U.S. saw the power of both countries contained, but it did provide intelligence and logistical support to Iraq.
Then came the Iran-Contra Affair of 1985 to 1987. It was the Reagan administration’s most serious scandal, in which White House officials illegally sold sanctioned arms to Iran and secretly diverted the proceeds to the Nicaraguan Contras. In a moment straight out of comic opera, National Security Council aides brought a goodwill chocolate cake to Tehran during a secret diplomatic mission in May 1986.
In 1988, a U.S. ship struck an Iranian mine in the Persian Gulf. The U.S. retaliated by destroying oil platforms and damaging Iranian ships in “Operation Praying Mantis,” and tragically – and mistakenly – shot down Iran Air Flight 655, killing 290 civilians.
The 1990s and 2000s again displayed the limits of the relationship.
In 1995, President Bill Clinton imposed an oil and trade embargo against Iran, and Congress passed the Iran–Libya Sanctions Act in 1996, which imposed economic sanctions on companies doing business with Iran and Libya.
In 1998, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami called for a “dialogue of civilizations,” prompting cautious U.S. signals of engagement.
Then, in 2002, President George W. Bush labeled Iran part of the “axis of evil,” a sharp rhetorical escalation. For its part, Iran alleged U.S. drone incursions and covert operations. Limited diplomatic back channels emerged, but to no outcome.
In 2009, President Barack Obama reached out to Tehran amid post-election unrest in Iran, but two years later Iran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for oil shipments to the West.
In 2015, the two countries were party to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, with Iran agreeing to limit its nuclear program under international oversight.
Two years later, though, President Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal and reimposed sweeping sanctions in a “maximum pressure” campaign.
In 2019 and 2020, a series of tit-for-tat escalations culminated in the Jan. 3, 2020, U.S. drone strike that assassinated senior Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on U.S. bases in the region.
U.S. sanctions continued in the Biden administration as Iran pursued deeper ties with Russia, China and nonstate proxies, especially Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.
What can be learned from this tangled history?
First, that negotiations are possible between the two countries, but they are neither easy nor likely to produce more than limited outcomes. Indeed, high-level indirect talks mediated by Oman began in April 2025, though they were in suspension when the U.S. bombers struck.
Second, despite the Iran regime’s unpopularity, regime change in Iran is unlikely. Assassinating Ayatollah Ali Khameini would likely abet the “rally ‘round the flag” effect, as did the assassination of Soleimani.
Third, Iran has been careful in its responses even to Israeli aggression but especially in engaging the U.S. in military conflict, a caution the American B-2 bombings on June 21 can only underscore.
Iran had to retaliate, so the attack on the U.S. base in Qatar came as no surprise. But Iran was careful in retaliating, even notifying the U.S. in advance.
The dropping of U.S. bombs, followed by Iran’s careful retaliation, was the opportunity for Trump to make an offer Iran couldn’t refuse.
Gregory F. Treverton does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. What happens next in US-Iran relations will be informed by the two countries’ shared history – https://theconversation.com/what-happens-next-in-us-iran-relations-will-be-informed-by-the-two-countries-shared-history-259607
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi spoke by phone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President El-Sisi expressed Egypt’s absolute rejection of the recent Iranian missile attack targeting the State of Qatar.
The President emphasized Egypt’s condemnation of any actions that infringe upon the sovereignty of states, particularly Arab and Islamic countries.
President El-Sisi welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, affirming the importance of underpinning and adhering to this agreement, in light of the regional escalation that almost plunged the region into widespread chaos and violence.
The call also reviewed Egypt’s intensive efforts and contacts over the past days with various concerned parties, mainly the United States, to curb the escalation and restore calm and stability to the region.
The call underscored Egypt’s continued endeavors to exert all necessary efforts to solidify the ceasefire agreement.
The two presidents concurred that the current delicate and sensitive phase necessitates advancing comprehensive political solutions and adopting approaches that consider the various dimensions related to regional security.
Both Presidents also reiterated the significance of resuming negotiations on the nuclear program between Washington and Tehran and the indispensability to address concerns related to nuclear non-proliferation, in addition to advocating the establishment of a Middle East Weapons of Mass Destruction-Free Zone.
The Iranian president expressed his gratitude and appreciation to President El-Sisi, valuing Egypt’s wise and supportive stances for restoring stability in the region, and the efforts to prevent bloodshed among all parties.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, held an expanded meeting with a number of leaders and representatives of the Chinese business community, with the participation of Eng. Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade.
The meeting took place during her participation in the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Tianjin, China, and included several CEOs from Chinese companies in the automotive, pharmaceutical, financial, and digital transformation sectors, among others.
During the meeting, H.E. Minister Al-Mashat emphasized the deep and distinguished Egyptian-Chinese relations, which span decades of close cooperation based on mutual respect and common interests. She noted that the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, launched in 2014, represents a successful model for South-South cooperation and contributes to achieving mutual development.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed out that in recent years, the Egyptian state has adopted an ambitious program of economic and structural reform aimed at enhancing the investment environment, stimulating private sector participation, and developing infrastructure. This creates promising opportunities for joint investment in priority sectors such as industry, renewable energy, telecommunications, technological infrastructure, and logistics.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated that China is a key partner in this vision, as economic relations between the two countries are witnessing remarkable development, both in terms of trade volume and direct investments. She highlighted the unique investment opportunities Egypt offers, based on its distinguished geographical location, a network of free trade agreements, and legislative frameworks that support business growth.
H.E. Minister Al-Mashat added that the Egyptian government seeks to strengthen cooperation with Chinese companies and institutions wishing to expand into the Egyptian market, especially within the framework of Egypt’s Vision 2030, which includes targets related to sustainable growth, green transformation, and the localization of strategic industries.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reaffirmed that the government is working to consolidate macroeconomic stability and preserve development gains to deal with successive regional and international challenges. She noted that the state continues to implement a comprehensive program of economic and structural reforms aimed at enhancing the economy’s resilience, improving the business climate, and expanding the growth base led by the private sector. She mentioned that these reforms, along with continuous investments in infrastructure and legislative modernization, make Egypt an attractive and growing destination for foreign direct investment.
At the conclusion of the meeting, H.E. Minister Al-Mashat invited the Chinese business community to take advantage of cooperation opportunities with Egypt as a gateway to African, Middle Eastern, and European markets. She stressed the state’s commitment to providing all means of support to serious investors and building long-term partnerships that contribute to achieving common interests and balanced development.
It is worth noting that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, in its role of developing and strengthening economic relations with development partners, is working to advance relations on various levels with the Chinese side, particularly in the field of exchanging expertise and technology and enhancing scientific research. The Chinese side contributes to supporting and developing Egyptian expertise in the field of satellite assembly and testing, and training Egyptian cadres.
In 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding for the Global Development Initiative (GDI) was signed during Dr. Rania Al-Mashat’s visit to China. This MoU lays the foundation for a new phase of joint work with the Chinese side. Through this, an integrated strategy for development cooperation between Egypt and China for 3-5 years will be formulated for the first time in light of the joint relations between the two countries. The two countries also signed their first MoU for debt-for-development swap, which the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation is working to activate.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined her colleagues in introducing the No War Against Iran Act to prohibit the use of federal funds for any use of military force in or against Iran without specific Congressional authorization. This action follows Israel’s military strikes against Iran and President Trump’s strike on Iranian nuclear facilities that did not have congressional approval, threatening to further destabilize the Middle East and draw the United States into yet another military conflict. The bill contains an exception for self-defense as enshrined in the War Powers Act and applicable U.S. law.
“I agree with the vast majority of Wisconsinites who don’t want to send American troops abroad and get us involved in another war in the Middle East. Period,” said Senator Baldwin. “President Trump got us into this situation by pulling out of the last deal, which would have restricted Iran’s nuclear program. No President, including Donald Trump, can start an all-out war without Congress signing off, and what Donald Trump did was frankly unconstitutional. The President should be laser-focused on diplomacy to reduce tensions and prevent our country from being launched into another conflict with no clear end in sight.”
After President Trump’s bombing of Iran, Senator Baldwin released a statement slamming the decision, arguing that while Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, diplomacy is the only course of action, not an all-out war started by a President without the approval of Congress.
The bill is led by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and co-sponsored by Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Tina Smith (D-MN).
Full text of the bill is available here.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
BROSSARD, Quebec, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diagnos Inc. (“DIAGNOS” or the “Corporation”) (TSX Venture: ADK, OTCQB: DGNOF, FWB: 4D4A), a pioneer in early detection of critical health issues using advanced technology based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), is thrilled to announce that Dr. Barry A. Ginsberg, O.D. has joined the Corporation’s Advisory Board.
Mr. Weiner will team up with Dr. Tomas J. Philipson, former vice chairman and acting chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers and Mr. Ed Weiner, a seasoned entrepreneur, to provide valuable insights to DIAGNOS about the US optical market.
Dr. Ginsberg brings more than three decades of practice across corporate, retail and private-practice settings, giving him a ground-level view of how new technologies gain traction in high-volume optometry environments. He has repeatedly identified and launched innovative products and services that increased revenue per visit and improved patient retention for leading optical chains. This commercial experience, combined with his expertise in advanced contact-lens fitting and ocular-disease management, will help DIAGNOS refine its go-to-market strategy and demonstrate the tangible ROI of AI-driven screening to investors and practitioners alike.
Dr. Ginsberg earned a B.A. in Chemistry with a minor in Economics from Yeshiva University, followed by a B.S. and Doctor of Optometry from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. His training included an externship at the Feinbloom Low Vision Center in Philadelphia, where he focused on age-related macular degeneration, and another at the Goldschleger Eye Institute in Tel Hashomer Hospital, Israel, where he concentrated on glaucoma and other ocular diseases.
President and CEO André Larente noted that Dr. Ginsberg’s “ability to translate clinical value into business outcomes makes him an ideal partner as we expand CARA into the wider optical marketplace.” Mr. Larente added, “DIAGNOS has built an AI platform to analyze retina images, these images are taken by thousands of optometrists worldwide. According to recent VisionWatch data, the US saw approximately 111 million routine eye exams and 60 million medical eye exams in 2020. DIAGNOS, along with its partners can address this growing market”.
DIAGNOS recently opened its US office in south Florida to support its US prospects and clients.
About DIAGNOS
DIAGNOS is a publicly traded Canadian corporation dedicated to early detection of critical eye-related health problems. By leveraging Artificial Intelligence, DIAGNOS aims to provide more information to healthcare clinicians to enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline workflows, and improve patient outcomes on a global scale.
Additional information is available at www.diagnos.com and www.sedarplus.com.
This news release contains forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in these statements. DIAGNOS disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Source: South Africa News Agency
Norway calls for G20 Sherpa meeting to address ongoing global conflict
Henrik Harboe of Norway has highlighted the crucial role of the third Sherpa meeting in addressing international crises, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as the broader tensions in the Middle East.
“We are halfway through this year, only five months away from the summit in November, so we have a lot of work to formulate, what are the G20 recommendations to deal with all these international crises and the big issues around development and economic stability in the world,” he told SAnews.
The third Sherpa meeting of the G20 kicked off on Wednesday morning at the Sun City Resort in the North West.
“We’ll have a round [of discussions] about the G20’s role in the world in general. That’s very important. But then go straight into the geopolitical tensions. And then, of course, this being a group with a lot of different countries and different perspectives.
“But I think we’ll touch upon Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the horrible crisis in Gaza as a result of Israel’s response to the terrorist attack. And then, of course, the recent developments in the broader Middle East, with both Israel and the US bombing of Iran,” he explained.
The Director of Development Policy at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed deep concern about recent developments.
He noted that these events involve multiple violations of international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter.
“I mean, G20 is actually not about geopolitics, but we cannot avoid discussing geopolitical issues.”
In his opening remarks, Zane Dangor, the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, announced that the Foreign Ministers will have in-depth discussions on global geopolitical issues.
These discussions will focus on international law and mutual accountability, while emphasising the importance of prioritising substantive matters.
In December last year, South Africa welcomed Norway as a G20 guest country during its Presidency.
In an interview with SAnews, Harboe, a Norwegian Sherpa, said South Africa was poised to make history as the first African nation to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
According to Harboe, the G20 focuses on sustainable development and a stable global economy to ensure growth for all countries.
As the first Presidency in Africa, Harboe believes they will use their position to highlight critical issues such as energy security, essential minerals, and sustainable development.
“All these issues are extremely important for Africa. So, we are very happy to see that and strongly support South Africa’s priority on these issues.”
The official is of the view that South Africa serves as a microcosm of global challenges, making its perspective crucial.
“South Africa has a huge poverty problem, job creation problem, inequality, and these are exactly the issues.
“So, I think what we discussed around the G20 table is relevant for the world and developing countries, but also very much for Africa, and South Africa. South Africa’s own experience is extremely relevant for this broader discussion. I always encourage South African colleagues to talk about the challenges here.”
He mentioned that he had attended a Just Energy Transition programme. He said while South Africa’s energy situation is challenging, it also serves as a valuable example for the world on how to conduct an energy transition in a fair manner while also creating job opportunities for young people.
On a lighter note, he told the SAnews that he had a wonderful stay in Sun City since his arrival.
“I always love South Africa. It’s fantastic. Since I’m from Norway, the cold weather, I don’t mind, the fresh morning like today was just nice. The only problem this morning was a monkey, taking my bread on the breakfast table,” he said, with a chuckle. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Source: Scottish Greens
Scottish Enterprise are set to continue funding arms companies linked to Israel and Saudi Arabia such as Leonardo, Raytheon and BAE Systems. The move has been condemned by the Scottish Greens as “shameful”.
Companies receiving funds through Scottish Enterprise are meant to be subject to a human rights due diligence check, but no company has ever failed these checks.
A new report in The Ferret has highlighted that despite a genocide taking place in Gaza, only four human rights checks were carried out on arms companies between January 2022 and April 2025, all of which have passed.
The Scottish Greens used a parliamentary debate in February to force the Scottish Government into undertaking a review of these human rights checks to ensure that Scotland is meeting its international obligations.
The review has concluded that despite funding the manufacturer of parts for F-35s and other military technology, Scottish Enterprise have never funded munitions – completely missing the point of the review.
Since the review began in February over 10,000 people have been murdered in Palestine.
Reacting to the review, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Lorna Slater MSP said:
“I am honestly shocked at this outcome, the SNP have been right to call out Westminster’s disgraceful complicity in Israel’s war crimes but when it came to taking action here in Scotland the SNP have shamefully chosen the future of war profiteers over the lives of innocent Palestinians.
“Not a single penny of public money should be spent on funding arms companies that are profiting from war crimes and genocide in Gaza and the West Bank.
“This decision shows that the SNP not only know about their funding of Israel’s arms dealers, but they are happy to green light future deals!
“The SNP have been happy to talk the talk when it comes to rightly condemning Labour’s bloody hands in this conflict, but when it really counted they’ve done nothing but try to sweep their continued funding of these arms dealers under the rug.
“We cannot sit back and continue to allow Scottish tax payers money to be spent on funding war profiteers. Scottish Greens will continue our fight to end Scotland’s complicity in Israel’s genocide.”
