Morning Digest: Trump Confirms Iran Strikes, Jaishankar Stresses Realism in Regional Ties, Air India Begins Compensation

U.S. Confirms Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites, Escalating Middle East Conflict

In a dramatic announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces conducted airstrikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—joining Israel’s military campaign aimed at weakening Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Trump stated that the strikes used advanced bunker-buster bombs and Tomahawk cruise missiles, describing the mission as a “very successful attack” with all aircraft returning safely.

The strikes occurred early on Sunday, June 22, 2025, and marked a dangerous new phase in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Iran, with the U.S. directly entering the conflict. President Trump’s statement on social media declared, “We have completed our very successful attack on the three nuclear sites in Iran... All planes are now outside of Iran’s airspace.”

Iran Responds with Fury, Vows Proportionate Retaliation

Iranian officials reacted strongly, with Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani warning the UN Security Council that the U.S. had “destroyed diplomacy” and would be held accountable. “The Iranian military will decide the timing, nature, and scale of Iran’s proportionate response,” he said.

Iran's state broadcaster Press TV has also reported that the Iranian Parliament has approved a motion to potentially close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply flows.

This move, if implemented, could lead to massive disruptions in global oil supply, intensify the already volatile situation in the Middle East, and provoke countermeasures from global powers reliant on Gulf energy.

Jaishankar on Neighbourhood Policy: ‘Don’t Expect Smooth Sailing All the Time’

Meanwhile, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized that regional diplomacy is not always smooth, but India continues to seek mutually beneficial relationships with its neighbours.

No Illusions About Regional Relations

Speaking at an event on foreign policy, Jaishankar noted, “We should not expect smooth sailing all the time with our neighbouring countries.” He added that India has worked consistently to build “collective interests” and long-term stability in the region, regardless of political shifts in neighbouring nations.

He stressed that India remains a natural partner for most of its neighbours, as “working with India gives you benefits, and not working with India has a cost.”

However, he made a pointed exception for Pakistan, stating that its military-led identity has led to inherent hostility towards India. “Some take longer to realise it, some understand it better. One exception, of course, is Pakistan,” he remarked.

Air India Begins ₹25 Lakh Interim Compensation for Ahmedabad Crash Victims

In a significant development following the tragic Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, the airline has begun issuing interim compensation of ₹25 lakh each to the families of those deceased and injured in the accident.

The crash, which occurred just moments after takeoff for a London-bound flight, resulted in the death of 241 passengers and 30 people on the ground. This marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indian history.

Counselling and Support for Affected Families

Air India stated that trained psychologists and trauma support professionals have been deployed in Ahmedabad to assist grieving families. As of June 21, three families had received interim compensation, and the remaining claims are being processed.

A spokesperson said, “The well-being of affected families is our priority. We are committed to offering both financial support and psychological assistance.”

FATF Links Dual-Use Cargo to Pakistan’s Missile Programme

In a notable security update, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has released a report revealing that dual-use equipment seized in 2020 by Indian customs authorities was linked to Pakistan’s National Development Complex, a facility involved in the country's missile development programme.

The consignment, shipped on an Asian-flagged merchant vessel bound for Pakistan, was misdeclared, raising major red flags about proliferation risks and violations of international sanctions.

The FATF report highlighted this as an example of how missile-related technology can be disguised in commercial shipping, calling for stricter scrutiny and cooperation between countries.

SC Warns Against Misuse of Anti-Gangster Law in Communal Cases

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters Act was misused in a case involving communal violence triggered by a provocative social media post. A bench led by Justice Sandeep Mehta stated that invoking anti-gang laws in such a context was legally unjustified and warned against overreach by law enforcement agencies.

The court emphasized the need to differentiate between organized crime and isolated incidents, reaffirming the fundamental rights of citizens, even in cases involving sensitive religious issues.

BJP Leader Faces Backlash Over Remarks on Sex Workers

West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar has come under heavy criticism for comparing the law-and-order situation in the state to sex workers during an altercation with police officers.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) called the remarks “deeply offensive and dehumanizing”, demanding a public apology. Civil society groups and activists also condemned the comments, stating that such language stigmatizes marginalized communities and reflects a lack of accountability from public figures.

CBI Raids in ₹100 Crore Fake GST Refund Scam

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted raids at seven locations in Bihar and Jharkhand in connection with a ₹100-crore fake GST refund scam. The case involves senior Customs officials, including the then Additional Commissioner, who allegedly colluded with exporters to submit fake export bills.

Seized during the raids were seven gold bars, incriminating documents, and digital evidence, pointing to a widespread corruption and money laundering racket.

Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil Vows Continued Protest

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist released after three months of detention in the U.S., has vowed to continue protesting against Israel’s war in Gaza. Speaking at Newark International Airport, he said, “Even if they kill me, I would still speak up for Palestine.”

Khalil had been detained at a federal immigration facility in Louisiana, sparking protests from human rights organizations and Palestinian support groups.

Brazil Hot-Air Balloon Tragedy: 8 Dead

In a shocking accident in Santa Catarina, Brazil, a hot-air balloon caught fire and crashed, killing eight people. According to local firefighters, thirteen passengers managed to jump out, but eight were trapped and killed as the balloon plunged.

Authorities have opened an investigation, and the results are expected within 30 days. Video footage showed the balloon engulfed in flames mid-air.

Ukraine Accuses Russia of Disrespecting Its Dead

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of failing to honour the remains of its own soldiers, claiming that 20 Russian bodies were returned during recent prisoner exchanges. Some of the bodies, he said, were found with passports still on them.

Zelenskyy criticized Russia’s “disorganized” handling of its war dead and accused Moscow of showing disregard for human dignity.

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