Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the Kremlin anticipates slow progress in improving Russia-US relations due to existing obstacles. High-level meetings and lower-level talks are planned, while Trump seeks closer ties with Moscow, unsettling Europe. Amidst this, the US may reduce military aid to Ukraine, as Trump aims to end the conflict, even as recent Russian strikes in Kharkiv resulted in casualties.
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In the early hours of June 13, 2025, Israel unleashed a three-pronged campaign into the very heart of Iranian military infrastructure. Prime Minister Netanyahu called it “a historic campaign unlike any other.” And for once, he undersold it. This wasn’t about showing capability. It was about consequences.
New York City's mayoral race features a diverse field of 12 candidates as early voting commences. Incumbent Eric Adams is running as an independent, while prominent Democrats like Zohran Mamdani, Brad Lander, and Adrienne Adams are also vying for the position. The Republican candidate, Curtis Sliwa, hopes to capitalise on divisions within the Democratic Party.
Birthday call between US and Russian presidents touches on Middle East, Ukraine war, prisoner swaps; Kyiv voices unease over tone and aid concerns
Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir announced that Israel has effectively turned Iran's 'ring of fire' strategy against them, targeting Iranian assets within their own territory. Major General Shlomi Binder reported successful strikes against the Quds Force and Khatam al-Anbiya leadership, emphasising Israel's determination to neutralise threats and continue the campaign at full pace.
Matt Gaetz criticised leaders and media pushing for a US involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, suggesting it resembles the lead-up to the Iraq War and is driven by Israel's desire for regime change. He argued that focusing on Iran's alleged nuclear ambitions is hypocritical, given Israel's undeclared nuclear program. He further argued that if Israel gave up its nuclear weapons, Trump would win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Air Arabia has temporarily halted flights to and from ten countries, including Iran and Iraq, due to airspace closures following Israeli airstrikes on Iran. The disruptions, affecting flights on June 13th and 14th, 2025, may also cause delays and rerouting for other flights. Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai are also experiencing similar issues.
Fresh doubts surround the 2024 US election as reports allege unannounced changes to voting machines approved by Pro V&V, a federally certified testing lab. Despite director Jack Cobb's insistence that updates were minor, watchdogs like SMART Elections claim inadequate testing raises security risks.
The GCC has approved a unified tourist visa allowing travel across all six member states, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, with a single entry. Expected to launch soon, the visa aims to boost tourism, "bleisure" travel, and regional GDP. Industry leaders hail it as a transformative step for economic integration and job creation across the Gulf.
The partnership crystallised in mid-2024, after an assassination attempt on Trump led Musk to shift from critic to donor. He poured nearly $300 million into the Republican war chest, joined the cabinet as head of the meme-friendly Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and helped package Trumpism for the techno-libertarian crowd. “I love Donald Trump, as much as a straight man can,” Musk once declared.