Advisories for popular international destinations coincide with rising domestic travel and new incentives to stay in Canada.
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The 2025 summer travel season arrives under closer scrutiny than in previous years. Global Affairs Canada has updated a long list of advisories shaped by war, crime and environmental disruption.
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Countries in the Middle East are under strict warnings to limit or avoid travel, and South American destinations popular with Canadian visitors have been flagged for instability.
Even the United States has entered more uncertain territory, though it is still carrying a green “take normal safety precautions” rating. A national poll in May found a majority of Canadians no longer felt welcome south of the border, and more than half believed travel to the country was no longer safe. On June 7, Canada updated its advisory for the U.S. to reflect large-scale demonstrations in Los Angeles.
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Domestic travel is seeing a rebound, driven by rising caution abroad and a new dose of civic pride at home. Ottawa expects record hotel bookings ahead of Canada Day, with tourism officials crediting a drop in U.S. trips and growing appetite for homegrown destinations.
Skyscanner data shows flight searches from Ottawa to Edmonton have risen 95 per cent since the start of the year, followed by Calgary and Winnipeg. Round-trip flights beginning and ending in Ottawa increased by 49 per cent, reflecting interest in regional tours or multi-leg vacations within Canada.
The federal government is actively trying to keep travelers inside Canada’s borders. Between June 20 and September 2, a Canada Strong Pass offers free or discounted admission to national parks, museums, galleries and VIA Rail trips.
“Canadians can enjoy free or discounted admission as they make Canada their travel destination this summer,” the program states, describing it as a way to “celebrate what unites us … our shared experiences, natural wonders and cultural richness.”
The view inside Canada may be bright, but international travel can be fraught with warnings.
Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories); travel.gc.ca/destinations/mexico
Why: Canada updated its travel advisory for Mexico on June 19 in response to two serious safety risks. Hurricane Erick made landfall on the western coast of Oaxaca, bringing violent winds and heavy rainfall across southern Mexico. Authorities have warned of flash flooding, landslides and severe disruptions to essential services, including transportation, power, food and water supply, telecommunications, emergency response and medical care.
In Sinaloa, escalating violence has led to clashes between rival armed groups near Culiacán and Mazatlán. Armed individuals have blocked major highways and attacked vehicles, prompting warnings about road safety and security conditions in the region.
This satellite image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows Hurricane Erick making landfall in Mexico early Thursday.
What to do: Avoid non-essential travel to the stretch of coast between Bahías de Huatulco and Acapulco, where Hurricane Erick has caused widespread disruption. Those already in southern Mexico should monitor local news and weather reports, prepare for possible outages and follow all instructions from emergency officials.
In Sinaloa, travellers near Culiacán or Mazatlán should limit movement, stay off major highways and take extra precautions due to armed violence and security threats in the area.
Exercise a high degree of caution; travel.gc.ca/destinations/cuba
Why: Widespread shortages of food, bottled water, medication, fuel and even tap water have affected daily life in Cuba, leading to travel disruptions and stranding some tourists. Long waits at gas stations have triggered occasional conflict, and service interruptions have been reported at some resorts due to limited water or fuel access.
As of July 1, 2025, all travelers will be required to present electronic visas upon arrival. Anyone entering Cuba via a third country must obtain this visa in advance.
What to do: Travelers should arrive prepared, especially when visiting areas outside the main resort zones. Bringing supplies like toiletries, prescription medication and a basic emergency kit is advised. While resort areas like Varadero, Cayo Coco, and Playa Santa Lucia are considered lower-risk, fuel and water shortages may still affect transit and services.
Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories); travel.gc.ca/destinations/thailand
Why: Sporadic demonstrations continue in Bangkok and other cities, while legal provisions give authorities broad powers to restrict movement, impose curfews, censor media and control public gatherings. Emergency measures may be enacted without warning.
In the country’s deep south, violent attacks by separatist insurgents have led to a blanket advisory to avoid all travel to the provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla, and Yala. Martial law is in place across much of that region. Additional security risks exist along the borders with Myanmar and Cambodia, where occasional clashes, criminal activity and border closures have been reported.
What to do: Avoid all travel to the southernmost provinces of Thailand due to the risk of violence. In other parts of the country, including Bangkok, remain alert to the potential for demonstrations or sudden security crackdowns. If visiting areas near the borders with Myanmar or Cambodia, stay informed about local developments, carry required documentation and only cross at designated points. Be prepared for delays or closures, and exercise increased caution in any region where military presence has been stepped up.
Exercise a high degree of caution; travel.gc.ca/destinations/qatar
Why: Hostilities between Israel and Iran have created serious security risks across the Middle East. Although Qatar remains relatively stable, regional tensions have led to reports of falling military debris in various locations and the potential for sudden flight disruptions, airspace restrictions, or border closures. The risk of escalation across neighbouring states is high, and Canada has warned it cannot guarantee the safety of Canadians abroad.
What to do: Travelers in Qatar should monitor local and international media and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times, including shelter-in-place directives. Ensure all travel documents are current in case departure becomes necessary.
Note: Canadians in nearby high-risk regions such as Iran, Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank are advised to stay close to bomb shelters or hardened structures and to follow civil defence warnings. Those wishing to leave are advised to sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive updates on evacuation options.
Take normal safety precautions with regional advisories; travel.gc.ca/destinations/panama
Why: As of June 12, a state of emergency was in place in Bocas del Toro Province following weeks of protests, while nationwide demonstrations since late April had caused recurring travel disruptions, including roadblocks and halted public transport. High levels of crime are reported in parts of Colón Province, San Miguelito and several Panama City districts. Travelers were also warned to avoid all travel to the Mosquito Gulf and the area south of Metetí in Darién Province due to violent crime, drug trafficking and human smuggling.
What to do: Travelers should check routes in advance and be prepared for delays or closures due to protests. In affected areas, it is essential to carry a valid ID and to follow instructions from local authorities. In urban areas with high crime rates, maintain a high level of awareness, especially after dark. Demonstrations may occur without warning in additional regions.
Exercise a high degree of caution; travel.gc.ca/destinations/peru
Why: High levels of crime, social unrest and the risk of strikes and demonstrations can disrupt travel. A state of emergency in Callao Province and parts of Lima includes districts like San Juan de Lurigancho, Villa el Salvador and Comas. Enhanced security measures are in place, including ID checks and restrictions on motorcycle passengers. In several regions, including parts of Ayacucho, Huánuco, and Junín, criminal activity linked to drug trafficking and domestic terrorism has prompted a separate advisory against non-essential travel.
What to do: In Lima and Callao, individuals should carry valid identification at all times and follow local laws, including restrictions tied to the current state of emergency. Travel plans should account for potential delays or closures due to protests or blockades. Travelers should avoid all non-essential travel to the regions flagged for organized crime and guerrilla activity, including the VRAEM corridor and border areas near Colombia and Ecuador. It is recommended to monitor local news closely and to remain alert in both urban and rural areas.
Exercise a high degree of caution; travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
Why: As of May 2025, tensions between India and Pakistan were high following cross-border airstrikes, though a ceasefire had since been announced. Areas within 10 kilometres of the Pakistan border remain under a strict “avoid all travel” advisory due to the risk of landmines and unexploded ordnance. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is also flagged for all travel avoidance due to the threat of terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping. Anti-Canada sentiment in some regions has sparked protests, and consular services are temporarily unavailable in and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai.
What to do: Non-essential travel should be avoided in the northeastern states of Assam and Manipur due to insurgent activity. Canadians currently in India should exercise caution in public, avoid crowded places and protests and limit interactions with strangers, particularly in Delhi and surrounding areas. Those needing consular assistance should contact the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi or Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre.
Exercise a high degree of caution; travel.gc.ca/destinations/germany
Why: Authorities are maintaining heightened security measures in Germany due to concerns about terrorism, organized crime and irregular migration. Temporary border controls have been reinstated at all land-entry points and were expected to remain in place until at least Sept. 15, 2025.
What to do: Those entering Germany from within the Schengen area should be prepared to show valid travel documents at border crossings. It is recommended to carry identification at all times.
Exercise a high degree of caution; travel.gc.ca/destinations/costa-rica
Why: Crime remains the main safety concern in Costa Rica, particularly in areas popular with tourists. Theft of passports and valuables is frequent, especially during high season. Pickpockets often work in teams, focusing on travelers in restaurants, bus terminals, hotel lobbies and national parks. Distraction techniques are common. Certain areas of San José, the Pacific coast, including Jacó and Manuel Antonio, and parts of the Caribbean coast, like Puerto Viejo and Cahuita see higher rates of reported incidents.
What to do: Avoid isolated areas, especially after dark, and be cautious when withdrawing money or using public transit. Keep your passport on you, along with the Costa Rican entry stamp, but secure it when possible. Minimize signs of wealth, and don’t carry more cash or valuables than necessary. Stay alert in crowds and in known hotspots and report any thefts immediately to local authorities.
Take normal safety precautions; travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states
Why: Demonstrations in Los Angeles and other major cities have prompted an increased security presence and the possibility of sudden curfew orders. Local authorities may restrict movement with little notice, and gun violence can be a concern. The high rate of firearm possession and the legal right to carry weapons in many states contribute to the risk of being caught in a mass shooting, even if tourists are not typically targeted.
What to do: At the border, be prepared for detailed screening by U.S. authorities. Entry is never guaranteed — even for travelers with valid documents — and border agents have wide discretion, including the authority to search devices and to detain individuals who are denied entry. Remain co-operative and ensure your documents are in order before travel.
smisenheimer@postmedia.com
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US Attack On Iran Live Updates | Israel says striking Iranian security command centres – The Daily Star
Here’s how Iran could retaliate after US strikes on its nuclear sites
US enters Israel-Iran war. Here are 3 scenarios for what might happen next
World leaders react to US attack on Iran
Congress members split over US attack on Iran
Key Updates-
The world braced for Iran’s response after the US attacked key Iranian nuclear sites, joining Israel in the biggest Western military action against the Islamic Republic since its 1979 revolution.
Iran vowed to defend itself a day after the US dropped 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs onto the mountain above Iran’s Fordow nuclear site while American leaders urged Tehran to stand down and pockets of anti-war protesters emerged in U.S. cities.
As the Iran-Israel war took a new turn, here are the real-time updates:
7:41pm
Iranian foreign minister says he had good meeting with Putin and discussed in detail development of situation in Middle East: RIA
Reuters
7:40pm
Donald Trump thinks Iranians should overthrow their government if it refuses to negotiate on its nuclear programme, but the US president is “still interested” in diplomacy, the White House said Monday.
“If the Iranian regime refuses to come to a peaceful diplomatic solution, which the president is still interested and engaging in, by the way, why shouldn’t the Iranian people take away the power of this incredibly violent regime that has been suppressing them for decades?” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Fox News.
US bombers attacked Iran’s heavily guarded and secretive nuclear enrichment sites over the weekend, joining Israel’s military campaign to destroy the Iranian nuclear programme.
AFP
7:30pm
Mojtaba Khamenei is one of the most influential figures in the Iranian clerical establishment headed by his father, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and among the figures seen as a candidate to succeed him as leader of the Islamic Republic.
A mid-ranking cleric who studied under religious conservatives in the seminaries of Qom, Mojtaba is a hardliner with close ties to the Revolutionary Guards, the force mandated to safeguard the Islamic Republic led by Khamenei since 1989.
Carrying the clerical rank of Hojjatoleslam, Mojtaba, 55, has never held a formal position in the Islamic Republic’s government, exercising his influence behind the scenes as the gatekeeper to his father, according to Iran watchers.
Reuters
7:15pm
Israel’s state power company reported supply disruptions on Monday after damage near a “strategic infrastructure facility” at an undisclosed location, as Iran launched a fresh wave of missiles.
“Due to damage near a strategic infrastructure facility of the Israel Electric Corporation… disruptions in electricity supply are being reported in several communities in the area,” the IEC said in a statement, without specifying the cause.
Avraham Rabukhin, head of the grid division for the Tel Aviv and Coastal district, later told AFP that a missile fell near one of the company’s facilities.
Journalists were allowed to film the area of the strike, but under Israel’s military censorship were ordered not to publish any information about the location.
AFP
7:10pm
Iran’s supreme leader sent his foreign minister to Moscow on Monday to ask President Vladimir Putin for more help from Russia after the biggest US military action against the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution over the weekend.
US President Donald Trump and Israel have publicly speculated about killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and about regime change, a step Russia fears could further destabilise the Middle East.
While Putin has condemned the Israeli strikes, he has yet to comment on the US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites though he last week called for calm and offered Moscow’s services as a mediator over the nuclear programme.
Reuters
7:05pm
Oil majors Eni, BP, and Total Energies operating in Iraqi oilfields have evacuated a number of their foreign personnel, Iraq’s state-run Basra Oil Company said in a statement on Monday.
However, oil operations in Iraq’s southern oilfields have not been affected, with exports averaging 3.32 million barrels per day, two oil officials told Reuters.
The measures taken come as the world awaits Tehran’s response to the US attack on nuclear sites in the Islamic Republic with clashes between Israel and Iran, which borders Iraq, flaring up.
Reuters
7:00pm
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday that there was no reason for him to criticise attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran.
Reuters
5:40pm
Israel’s military said Monday it was striking command centres of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards and other domestic security forces responsible for “maintaining the regime’s stability”.
“These forces consist of various corps and command centers and are responsible, on behalf of the Iranian regime’s military, for defending the homeland security, suppressing threats, and maintaining the regime’s stability,” it said in a statement.
AFP
4:50pm
Israel’s defence minister said the army was targeting Tehran’s notorious Evin prison Monday as it carried out fresh strikes on the Iranian capital.
The military “is carrying out strikes of unprecedented force against regime targets and agencies of government repression in the heart of Tehran. Among the targets… (is) Evin Prison (which holds political prisoners and dissidents)… and additional regime-related targets,” Israel Katz said in a post on X.
AFP
[03:50pm]
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Monday thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for condemning U.S. strikes on Iran, telling him Russia stood on “the right side of history”.
Araqchi made the comments at the start of Kremlin talks with Putin and told the Russian leader that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian had asked him to convey their best wishes to Putin.
Reuters
[03:30pm]
Israel carried out a fresh strike on Iran’s underground Fordo nuclear site south of Tehran, a media outlet in the country reported.
“The aggressor attacked the Fordo nuclear site again,” Tasnim news agency reported, quoting a spokesperson for the crisis management authority in Qom province where the site is located.
The latest attacks come a day after the United States launched unprecedented strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities including Fordo and sites at Isfahan and Natanz.
AFP
[03:25pm]
The Kremlin Monday said it “condemns” and “regrets” US strikes on Iran over the weekend, as Russian President Vladimir Putin was set to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow.
“There has been a new escalation of tensions in the region, and, of course, we condemn this and express our deep regret in this regard,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
AFP
[03:20pm]
U.S. bombing probably caused “very significant” damage to the underground areas of Iran’s Fordow uranium enrichment plant dug into a mountain, though no one can yet tell the extent, U.N. nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said on Monday.
“Given the explosive payload utilised and the extreme(ly) vibration-sensitive nature of centrifuges, very significant damage is expected to have occurred,” Grossi said in a statement to an emergency meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s 35-nation Board of Governors.
Reuters
[01:50pm]
Loud explosions were heard in Jerusalem on Monday, after the Israeli military warned a fresh barrage of missiles had been launched from Iran.
Around 10 minutes after announcing the missiles had been identified, the military said “additional missiles were launched” towards Israel and urged people to take cover.
The Magen David Adom rescue service reported no immediate casualties.
AFP
[12:50pm]
The Israeli military carried out air strikes on at least six airports in western, eastern and central Iran.
In a statement posted on its Hebrew account on X, Israel said that remotely manned aircraft destroyed 15 Iranian aircraft and helicopters. An image attached in the post listed the Mehrabad, Mashhad and Dezful airports as among those targeted.
“The strikes damaged runways, underground bunkers, a refuelling plane and F-14, F-5, and AH-1 aircraft belonging to the Iranian regime,” it said.
“The air force disrupted the ability to take off from these airports and the operation of the Iranian army’s air power from them.”
[12:30pm]
Recent hostile action by the United States expanded the scope of legitimate targets for Iran’s armed forces, a spokesperson for its Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said in a video shared on Monday.
Ebrahim Zolfaqari said the U.S. should expect heavy consequences for its actions.
“Mr. Trump, the gambler, you may start this war, but we will be the ones to end it,” Zolfaqari said in English at the end of his recorded statement.
Reuters
[11:30am]
Iran and Russia are coordinating their positions on the current escalation in the Middle East, the TASS news agency reported on Monday citing Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi, who is visiting Moscow.
Reuters
[11:10am]
Israel’s army said it was striking military sites in western Iran’s Kermanshah on Monday, as fighting between the two foes raged for the 11th day.
The Israeli air force “is currently striking military infrastructure sites in Kermanshah in Iran”, a military statement said.
AFP
[10:10am]
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged China Sunday to help deter Iran from shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial trade route, following American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
“I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that because they heavily depend on the Strait of Hormuz for their oil,” Rubio said on Fox News.
Analysts have said Iran may opt to retaliate to Washington’s early Sunday attack by shutting the Strait, a waterway through which one-fifth of global oil output passes.
AFP
[09:40am]
North Korea condemned on Monday US strikes on Iran, calling it violation of the United Nations charter and blaming the tension in the Middle East on the “reckless valor of Israel”.
“The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea strongly denounces the attack on Iran by the US which severely violated the UN Charter with respect for sovereignty,” said a spokesperson of the North’s foreign ministry, according to a statement carried by the state news agency.
AFP
[09:20am]
US issues ‘worldwide caution’ for Americans over Mideast conflict
The US State Department issued a “worldwide caution” for Americans on Sunday, saying the conflict in the Middle East could put those traveling or living abroad at an increased security risk.
“The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East. There is the potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad,” the State Department’s security alert said.
AFP
[08:20am]
President Donald Trump insisted Sunday that US strikes had destroyed Iranian nuclear sites, after other officials cautioned that the extent of damage was still unclear.
“Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran, as shown by satellite images. Obliteration is an accurate term!” Trump wrote on social media, without sharing the images he was referencing.
“The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!” he added.
AFP
6:15am
Israel army says carried out strikes on military targets in Iran
The Israeli army said it carried out strikes on Iranian military targets, including missile launch and storage sites, on Sunday.
“Approximately 20 (Israeli airforce) fighter jets conducted intelligence-based strikes using over 30 munitions on military targets in Iran,” the Israeli army said in a statement posted to Telegram.
The attacks were carried out on “storage and missile launching infrastructure sites”, as well as “military satellites and radar sites”, it added.
It came after the United States carried out massive air strikes that Washington said had destroyed Tehran’s nuclear program, though some officials cautioned that the extent of the damage was unclear.
Israel also struck several parts of northwest Iran on Sunday, Iranian media reported, as fighting between the arch enemies raged.
At least three people were killed on Sunday after an Israeli strike hit an ambulance in central Iran.
AFP
6:05am
Israeli military says missiles launched from Iran towards Israel
Reuters
6:00am
The UN Security Council met on Sunday to discuss U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites as Russia, China and Pakistan proposed the 15-member body adopt a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East.
“The bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States marks a perilous turn,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council on Sunday.
“We must act – immediately and decisively – to halt the fighting and return to serious, sustained negotiations on the Iran nuclear programme.”
5:45am
Air defences activated in Karaj, west of Tehran, to counter Israeli attack, explosions heard: Iranian news agencies
Reuters
5:40am
The US State Department issued a “worldwide caution” for Americans on Sunday, saying the conflict in the Middle East could put those traveling or living abroad at an increased security risk.
“There is the potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad,” and “the Department of State advises US citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution,” said the State Department’s security alert.
AFP
5:30am
Israeli air strikes hit Parchin, location of a large Iranian military complex southeast of Tehran, Nournews reports
Reuters
5:15am
Air defences activated in Iran’s central Tehran districts to counter ‘enemy targets’: Iranian news agencies
Reuters
5:00am
Russia’s UN envoy today called for immediate cessation of aggressive actions by Israel and US.
He added that US was clearly not interested in diplomacy and has opened a pandora’s box. “No one knows what new catastrophes, suffering it will bring.”
He condemned the “irresponsible, dangerous, provocative actions by US against Iran”.
Reuters
4:30am
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations on Sunday slammed the United States for its strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
“The United States, a permanent member of this Council… has now once again resorted to illegal force, waged a war against my country, under a fabricated and absurd pretext: preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons,” Amir Saeid Iravani told the UN Security Council.
AFP
4:00am
President Donald Trump hinted Sunday at interest in regime change in Iran, despite several of his administration officials earlier stressing that US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites did not have that goal.
“It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
AFP
3:30am
Israeli strikes attacked several parts of northwest Iran Sunday, Iranian media reported, as fighting between the two foes raged for the 10th day.
The strikes targeted “two locations in the southwestern part of Tabriz” city, capital of the East Azerbaijan province, ISNA news agency reported, quoting Majid Farshi the province’s crisis management authority chief.
It was not immediately clear what locations were targeted but Farshi said the air-defence systems had been activated to counter the attack.
AFP
3:00am
At least three people were killed Sunday after an ambulance was hit in an Israeli strike in central Iran, local media reported, as fighting raged between the two foes for the 10th day.
“The ambulance… was en route to transfer a patient when it was severely damaged by a drone strike,” ISNA news agency reported quoting Hamidreza Mohammadi Fesharaki, the governor of Najafabad county in the central Isfahan province.
“All occupants of the ambulance — including the driver, the patient, and the patient’s companion — were martyred.”
He added: “The impact of the drone caused the ambulance to veer off course and collide with a passing vehicle.”
AFP
1:40am
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres warned Sunday against yet “another cycle of destruction” and retaliation following the US strikes against Iran, which he said marked a “perilous turn” in the region.
“I have repeatedly condemned any military escalation in the Middle East,” the secretary-general told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. “The people of the region cannot endure another cycle of destruction. And yet, we now risk descending into a rathole of retaliation after retaliation.”
AFP
1:30am
Israel was very close to meeting its goals in Iran of removing the threats of ballistic missiles and the nuclear programme, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday.
Speaking to Israeli reporters, he said: “We won’t pursue our actions beyond what is needed to achieve them, but we also won’t finish too soon. When the objectives are achieved, then the operation is complete and the fighting will stop.”
“I have no doubt that this is a regime that wants to wipe us out, and that’s why we embarked on this operation to eliminate the two concrete threats to our existence: the nuclear threat, the ballistic missile threat. We are moving step by step towards achieving these goals. We are very, very close to completing them,” he said.
Reuters
1:10am
Entrances to tunnels at Iran’s sprawling Isfahan nuclear complex were hit in US military strikes overnight, the UN nuclear watchdog said in a statement on Sunday.
“We have established that entrances to underground tunnels at the site were impacted,” the International Atomic Energy Agency said. Officials said before Israel attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities on June 13 that much of Iran’s most highly enriched uranium was stored underground at Isfahan.
Reuters
1:00am
Israeli military says it is attacking military infrastructure in Tehran and Western Iran.
Reuters
12:40am
Iran’s army says brigade chief, three officers and two soldiers killed in Israeli attack in Western Iran – SNN news.
Reuters
12:30am 23/06/2025
Iran’s atomic energy agency says nuclear sites quickly being rebuilt, activity to continue with greater power – Iranian media.
Reuters
11:30pm
Over 200 places in the Iranian capital have been hit in Israeli strikes since the start of the war ten days ago, Tehran’s provincial governor said Sunday.
“More than 200 locations have been attacked by the usurping Zionist regime,” governor Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian told state TV.
He said over 120 residential housing units “have been fully destroyed” while 500 others suffered “damages.”
AFP
11:00pm
The leaders of Britain, France and Germany on Sunday urged Iran not to take any actions that would further destabilise the region following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities overnight.
“We have consistently been clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon and can no longer pose a threat to regional security,” the government heads of Germany, Britain, France, known as the E3, said in a joint statement.
“We call upon Iran to engage in negotiations leading to an agreement that addresses all concerns associated with its nuclear program. We stand ready to contribute to that goal in coordination with all parties.”
Reuters
10:45pm
Seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards and two soldiers killed in Israeli attacks on two military sites in the city of Yazd on Sunday, state-run Mizan news agency reports.
Reuters
10:30pm
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation said on Sunday it would set up a ministerial contact group to establish regular contact with international and regional parties to support de-escalation efforts after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.
In a joint declaration following a meeting of the 57-member group’s foreign ministers in Istanbul, the OIC condemned “the aggression of Israel” against Iran, stressing “the urgent need to stop Israeli attacks and their great concern regarding this dangerous escalation”.
It also urged the international community to take deterrent measures against attacks on Iran and “make Israel accountable for crimes committed”.
Reuters
10:20pm
Iran president says US ‘must receive response to their aggression’
AFP
9:55pm
Pakistan condemned on Sunday the strikes ordered on its neighbour Iran by Donald Trump, a day after Islamabad had said it would nominate the US President for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Pakistan on Sunday said Trump’s decision to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities violated international law and that diplomacy was the only way to resolve the Iran crisis.
“The unprecedented escalation of tension and violence, owing to ongoing aggression against Iran is deeply disturbing. Any further escalation of tensions will have severely damaging implications for the region and beyond,” Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Reuters
9:45pm
Iran said on Sunday that it was ready to defend itself by “all necessary means” after unprecedented US strikes on its nuclear facilities.
“Iran is resolutely determined to defend its national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national security and people by all necessary means,” foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei posted on X, condemning what he described as an “unconscionable act of aggression — perpetrated by a nuclear-armed state… against a non-nuclear weapon country”.
AFP
9:30pm
The United States would allow Iran to operate nuclear power plants but not enrich its own fuel, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday, after a wave of American strikes aimed to wipe out Iran’s nuclear program.
“The Iranian regime should wake up and say ‘OK, if we really want nuclear energy in our country, there’s a way to do it.’ That offer’s still there, we’re prepared to talk to them tomorrow,” he told Fox News.
“Ultimately, they have to make a decision. It’s a very simple decision: if what they want is nuclear reactors so they can have electricity — there are so many other countries in the world that do that, and they don’t have to enrich their own uranium — they can do that,” Rubio added.
AFP
9:45pm
As Operation “Midnight Hammer” got underway on Saturday, a group of B-2 bombers took off from their base in Missouri and were noticed heading out toward the Pacific island of Guam, in what experts saw as possible pre-positioning for any US decision to strike Iran.
But they were a decoy. The real group of seven bat-winged, B-2 stealth bombers flew east undetected for 18 hours, keeping communications to a minimum, refueling in mid-air, the US military revealed on Sunday.
As the bombers neared Iranian airspace, a US submarine launched more than two dozen Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles. US fighter jets flew as decoys in front of the bombers to sweep for any Iranian fighter jets and missiles.
Reuters
9:00pm
Ukraine said Sunday that US and Israeli strikes on Iran were justified to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, praising the military intervention as a “clear signal”.
“Ukraine is convinced that Iran’s nuclear programme must be stopped so that it never again poses a threat to the countries of the Middle East or any other state,” the Ukrainian foreign ministry said.
AFP
8:39pm
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council must make the final decision on whether to close the Strait of Hormuzfollowing US bombing raids, Iran’s Press TV said on Sunday, after parliament was reported to have backed the measure.
Iran has long used the threat of closing the Strait, through which around 20% of global oil and gas demand flows, as a way to ward off Western pressure which is now at its peak after the overnight U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities.
The decision to close the strait is not yet final and it was not officially reported that parliament had in fact adopted a bill to that effect.
Instead, a member of parliament’s national security commission Esmail Kosari was quoted on other Iranian media as saying: “For now, [parliament has] come to the conclusion we should close the Strait of Hormuz, but the final decision in this regard is the responsibility of the Supreme National Security Council.”
Reuters
8:22pm
While it is clear that US airstrikes overnight hit Iran’s enrichment site buried into a mountain at Fordow, it is not yet possible to assess the damage done underground there, UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi told CNN on Sunday.
Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency that Grossi leads have not been able to inspect Iran’s nuclear facilities since the first strikes on them by Israel on June 13, and Grossi said he hoped they would be able to return to Fordow and other sites as soon as possible.
Reuters
8:20pm
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday warned Iran against retaliating against US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, saying such an action would be “the worst mistake they’ve ever made.”
He said Iran had highly enriched uranium in sufficient quantities to make at least nine or 10 bombs.
Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser, made the comments on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo” show.
Reuters
8:15pm
Seven stealth bombers were used in the US attack against Iranian nuclear sites, which apparently saw little response by Iran’s military, top general Dan Caine said Sunday.
Describing the complex operation, dubbed “Midnight Hammer,” Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine said the “main strike package comprised of 7 B-2 Spirit bombers” flying 18 hours from the US mainland to Iran with multiple aerial refuelings.
“Iran’s fighters did not fly, and it appears that Iran’s surface to air missile systems did not see us throughout the mission. We retained the element of surprise,” Caine added.
AFP
8:00pm
US Vice President JD Vance said on Sunday the US was not at war with Iran but at war with its nuclear programme, adding the program had been pushed back by a very long time due to American strikes ordered by President Donald Trump.
Trump said he had “obliterated” Iran’s main nuclear sites in strikes overnight with massive bunker-busting bombs, joining Israel’s assault against its Middle East rival in a significant new escalation of conflict in the region.
“We’re not at war with Iran. We’re at war with Iran’s nuclear program,” Vance said in an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker” show
“I think that we have really pushed their programme back by a very long time. I think that it’s going to be many, many years before the Iranians are going to be able to develop a nuclear weapon.”
Reuters
7:57pm
The United Nations Security Council is due to meet later on Sunday, diplomats said, after the United States joined Israel’s assault on Iran and hit the country’s main nuclear sites overnight in strikes with massive bunker-busting bombs.
Iran requested the meeting, calling on the 15-member body “to address this blatant and unlawful act of aggression, to condemn it in the strongest possible terms.”
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon said in a statement on Sunday that the US and Israel “do not deserve any condemnation, but rather an expression of appreciation and gratitude for making the world a safer place.”
Reuters
7:45pm
Reuters
7:00pm
Israeli stocks rose for a sixth session on Sunday to hit fresh all-time highs after US attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites, which investors believe would likely prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons anytime soon.
The broad Tel Aviv 125 index .TA125 was 1.3% higher, while the blue-chip TA-35 .TA35 was 1.2% higher in afternoon trading.
On the heels of Israeli strikes in Iran, shares rose during all five sessions last week, gaining some 6%, as Israel hit Iranian nuclear and military targets prior to Saturday’s surprise US attacks.
“The destruction of Iran’s key nuclear facilities by the US military is, of course, a positive development … in terms of improving the regional security environment and reducing Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities,” said Mizrahi Tefahot chief markets economist Ronen Menachem. “It’s a game-changer.”
Reuters
6:45pm
An organisation that monitors flight risks warned on Sunday that U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites could heighten the threat to American operators in the region as some airlines cancelled flights to and from Dubai and Doha.
Airlines continued to avoid large parts of the Middle East due to ongoing missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, the latest upheaval to travel in the region.
Singapore Airlines said it cancelled scheduled flights from Singapore to Dubai following a security assessment and British Airways cancelled flights to and from Dubai and Doha.
Reuters
6:30pm
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday that US military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities were an incredible and overwhelming success that have obliterated Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
“Iran’s nuclear ambitions have been obliterated,” Hegseth told reporters in a briefing, adding that said the strikes did not target Iranian troops or people.
“The operation President Trump planned was bold and it was brilliant, showing the world that American deterrence is back. When this president speaks, the world should listen,” Hegseth said.
Reuters
[06:15pm]
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Sunday that U.S. military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities were an incredible and overwhelming success which took months and weeks of positioning to carry out.
Hegseth said the strikes did not target Iranian troops or people, but they did obliterate Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“The operation President Trump planned was bold and it was brilliant, showing the world that American deterrence is back. When this President speaks, the world should listen,” Hegseth said.
Reuters
[06:04pm]
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned US strikes on nuclear sites Sunday, saying in his first response that the attack revealed Washington was “behind” Israel’s military campaign in the Islamic republic.
“This aggression showed that America is the main factor behind the Zionist regime’s hostile actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he said, according to IRNA news agency, adding that the United States acted after seeing Israel’s “obvious inability”.
AFP
[05:15pm]
The head of Iran’s Red Crescent Society, Pir Hossein Kolivand, said there were no fatalities in the US strikes Sunday on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“Fortunately, we did not have any martyrs in last night’s events of the US aggression against Iran’s nuclear facilities,” he said according to state television.
AFP
[03:55pm]
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that he would travel to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday following the US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“I’m going to Moscow this afternoon” and will hold “serious consultations with the Russian president tomorrow” morning, Araghchi said at a press conference in Istanbul on the sidelines of an OIC summit.
AFP
[03:45pm]
The Kremlin said on Sunday that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin had no plans to speak to U.S. President Donald Trump following U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites, but added the call could be quickly arranged, state news agency TASS reported.
Reuters
[03:35pm]
The Iranian foreign minister has condemned the US’s “brutal military aggression” against what he described as Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme.
“It is an outrageous, grave and unprecedented violation of the fundamental principles of the charter of the United Nations and international law,” Abbas Araghchi said during his speech in Istanbul at the OIC summit.
Reuters
[03:15pm]
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday the United States and Israel “decided to blow up” diplomacy when they launched strikes on his country’s nuclear sites.
In a post on X, Araghchi said Israel blew up negotiations between Tehran and Washington with its strikes on June 13, while the United States did the same to talks with European powers this week with its strikes on Sunday. Addressing European calls for Iran to return to negotiations, he asked “how can Iran return to something it never left”.
AFP
[03:05pm]
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said on Sunday that U.S. President Donald Trump had started a new war for the U.S. by attacking Iran.
U.S. forces struck Iran’s three main nuclear sites, Trump said late on Saturday, and he warned Tehran it would face more devastating attacks if it does not agree to peace.
“Trump, who came in as a peacemaker president, has started a new war for the U.S.,” Medvedev wrote on his Telegram channel.
Reuters
[02:55pm]
The military escalation in the Middle East risks sparking warfare with irreversible consequences, the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross said Sunday, following US strikes on Iran.
ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric called for civilians and medical personnel to be spared after the US military hit three Iranian nuclear sites, joining its ally Israel’s bombing campaign.
“The intensification and spread of major military operations in the Middle East risk engulfing the region — and the world — in a war with irreversible consequences,” Spoljaric said in a statement.
“The world cannot absorb limitless war.
“Upholding international humanitarian law is not a choice — it is an obligation. Civilians must be spared from the conduct of hostilities.”
AFP
[02:40pm]
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday called for a swift return to diplomacy after the US struck three nuclear sites in Iran overnight, his spokesman said.
Iran must “immediately enter into negotiations with the US and Israel and to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict”, Merz said, according to his spokesman Stefan Kornelius.
The German government believes “large parts of Iran’s nuclear programme have been damaged by the airstrikes”, Kornelius said.
AFP
[02:20pm]
European Council President Antonio Costa said on Sunday he was deeply alarmed by the situation in the Middle East and urged restraint and diplomacy on all sides.
“I call on all parties to show restraint and respect for international law and nuclear safety,” Costa said in a post on social media platform X.
“Diplomacy remains the only way to bring peace and security to the Middle East region. Too many civilians will once again be the victims of a further escalation,” he said, adding that the EU will continue engaging the parties and partners.
Reuters
[01:40pm]
The European Union’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas called Sunday for de-escalation and a return to negotiations after the United States carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
“I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation,” Kallas wrote on X, adding Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that EU foreign ministers will discuss the situation on Monday.
AFP
[01:30pm]
UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said on Sunday he was calling an emergency meeting of his agency’s 35-nation Board of Governors after the United States said it carried out military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
“In light of the urgent situation in Iran, I am convening an emergency meeting of the (International Atomic Energy Agency) Board of Governors for tomorrow,” IAEA chief Grossi said on X.
Reuters
[01:19pm]
Iran has the legal right to withdraw from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) based on its Article 10 following U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, Parliament Foreign Policy Committee Head Abbas Golroo said on X on Sunday.
Article 10 states that an NPT member has “the right to withdraw from the Treaty if it decides that extraordinary events have jeopardized the supreme interests of its country.”
Reuters
[01:09pm]
Three areas of Israel including coastal hub Tel Aviv were hit Sunday morning during waves of Iranian missile attacks, with at least 23 people injured, according to rescue services and police.
Several buildings were heavily damaged in the Ramat Aviv area in Tel Aviv, with holes torn in the facades of apartment blocks.
“Houses here were hit very, very badly,” Tel Aviv mayor Ron Huldai told reporters at the scene. “Fortunately, one of them was slated for demolition and reconstruction, so there were no residents inside.
“Those who were in the shelter are all safe and well. The damage is very, very extensive, but in terms of human life, we are okay.”
AFP
[12:49pm]
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Iran to return to the negotiating table and said that stability in the region remained a priority, according to a statement from Downing Street on Sunday, following US strikes on Iran’s three main nuclear sites.
“Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the U.S. has taken action to alleviate that threat,” Starmer said in the statement.
Reuters
[12:45pm]
Iran says nuclear attacks show US ‘will stop at no illegality or crime’ to support Israel
Iran’s foreign ministry said the US attacks Sunday on nuclear facilities showed that Washington “will stop at no illegality or crime” to support Israel.
“It has now become abundantly clear to all that the very regime which enjoys permanent membership in the Security Council is beholden to no principle or morality and will stop at no illegality or crime to serve the aims of a genocidal, occupying regime,” the ministry said in a statement, referring to the United States and Israel respectively.
AFP
[12:30pm]
Iraq warns US attacks on Iran threaten regional peace
Iraq warned on Sunday that the US attacks on its neighbour Iran’s nuclear facilities threaten peace and stability in the Middle East.
Iraq “expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation of the targeting of nuclear facilities” in Iran, government spokesperson Basim Alawadi said. “This military escalation constitutes a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East and poses serious risks to regional stability,” he added.
AFP
[11:55am]
A NATO official told Reuters on Sunday that the alliance is watching the situation closely after U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces struck Iran’s three main nuclear sites.
Reuters
[11:52am]
Israel military launches fresh wave of strikes in western Iran
AFP
[11:49am]
Kuwait said its nuclear defence center did not detect an increase in radioactive traces in Kuwaiti airspace and waters following U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, the country’s national guard said in a post on X.
Reuters
[11:45am]
Iran’s armed forces said Sunday they targeted multiple sites in Israel including Ben Gurion airport, after US attacks on key nuclear sites in the Islamic republic.
“The twentieth wave of Operation Honest Promise 3 began using a combination of long-range liquid and solid fuel missiles with devastating warhead power,” the armed forces said in a statement quoted by Fars news agency. The targets included the airport, a “biological research centre”, logistics bases and various layers of command and control centres, it added.
AFP
[11:25am]
At least 11 people were hurt and at least one impact was reported in central Israel after Iran launched two waves of missiles following the US bombing of its nuclear sites, rescue services and reports said.
Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service said in a statement that “11 people were taken to hospital, including one in moderate condition — a 30-year-old man wounded in the upper body by shrapnel.”
Public broadcaster KAN 11 showed images of a devastated building surrounded by mounds of rubble that it said was in central Israel, following the two waves of missiles launched at Israel from around 7:30 am (0430 GMT).
AFP
[11:15am]
Iranian authorities executed on Sunday a man convicted of being an agent for Israel’s Mossad spy service, the judiciary said, as fighting raged between the two foes for a tenth day.
“Majid Mosayebi… was hanged this morning after going through the full process of criminal procedure and after his sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court,” the judiciary’s Mizan Online website said, adding that he sought to provide “sensitive information … to Mossad.” Iranian authorities have carried out multiple arrests of people suspected of spying for Israel since its attack on June 13.
AFP
[11:05am]
The International Atomic Energy Agency said on Sunday there had been no increase in off-site radiation levels reported following U.S. strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran, including the Fordow site.
Reuters
[10:55am]
Iran launches 30 missiles at Israel: state television
Iran’s state TV announced on Sunday new missile launches against Israel after Tel Aviv’s closest ally the United States bombed several Iranian nuclear sites.
“These live images you are seeing are of a new salvo of Iranian missiles fired on the occupied territories,” said a presenter on air, referring to Israel. Citing “sources”, a presenter said that “30 missiles have been launched at Israel from Iran”.
AFP
[10:45am]
A Yemeni Houthi official said on Sunday that the Iran-aligned group’s response to the U.S. attack on Iran was “only a matter of time”.
Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi movement’s political bureau, told Al Jazeera Mubasher TV that its ceasefire deal with Washington was before the “war” on Iran.
The group has been launching attacks on shipping lanes and Israel in what it says is in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza during the Israeli war. It agreed on a ceasefire deal with the United States in May to stop attacking U.S. ships in exchange for an end to Washington’s bombings of the group.
Reuters
[10:25am]
In his first public remarks after the US strikes, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused Washington of breaching international law.
“The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations,” Araghchi said in a social media post.
“The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior.”
He added that Iran “reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people”.
[10:05am]
Airlines keep avoiding Middle East airspace after US attack on Iran
Airlines continued to avoid large parts of the Middle East on Sunday after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24, with traffic already skirting airspace in the region due to recent missile exchanges.
“Following US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, commercial traffic in the region is operating as it has since new airspace restrictions were put into place last week,” FlightRadar24 said on social media platform X.
Its website showed airlines were not flying in the airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria and Israel. They have chosen other routings such as north via the Caspian Sea or south via Egypt and Saudi Arabia, even if it results in higher fuel and crew costs and longer flight times.
Reuters
[09:25am]
Iran says ‘no signs of contamination’ after US attacks on key nuclear sites
AFP
[09:15am]
No radioactive traces have been detected in the environment of Saudi Arabia or other Arab Gulf states following the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Saudi Arabia’s nuclear regulator said in a post on X on Sunday.
Reuters
[09:11am]
Hamas condemns ‘blatant US aggression’ against Iran
Palestinian group Hamas condemned “blatant US aggression” against Iran after President Donald Trump said American warplanes bombed Tehran’s main nuclear enrichment facilities.
“The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) condemns in the strongest terms the blatant US aggression against the territory and sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the group said in a statement issued after Trump announced the United States had joined Israel’s bombing campaign against Iran.
“This brutal aggression is a dangerous escalation,” the Hamas statement added, calling the attack “a flagrant violation of international law, and a direct threat to international peace and security”.
AFP
[08:51am]
Trump warns Iran against any retaliation after US strikes
President Donald Trump on Saturday warned Iran to not respond after US strikes targeted its main nuclear enrichment facilities in attacks he called a “spectacular military success.”
“Any retaliation by Iran against the United States of America will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed tonight,” Trump posted on social media after making an address to the nation from the White House.
AFP
[08:26am]
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday branded the U.S. strikes on Iran as a “dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.”
“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” Guterres said in a statement.
Read more
[08:19am]
Trump says Iran must make peace or “we will go after” other targets

President Donald Trump said US air strikes on Sunday had “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facilities, and warned of more attacks to come if Tehran does not seek peace.
In a televised address to the nation from the White House after the United States joined Israel’s air campaign against Tehran, Trump called the US attacks a “spectacular military success.”
Read more
[08:17am]
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Donald Trump on Sunday after the president said the US military bombed three nuclear sites in Iran.
“Congratulations President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history,” Netanyahu said in a video message, adding that the attacks demonstrated “America has been truly unsurpassed.”
Netanyahu added that Trump had created a “pivot of history” that will “help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace”.
AFP
[07:15am]
Iranian media said on Sunday that part of the Fordo uranium enrichment facility as well as the Isfahan and Natanz nuclear sites were attacked, after Donald Trump said the US had bombed them.
“A few hours ago, after Qom’s air defenses were activated and hostile targets were identified, part of the Fordo nuclear site was attacked by enemy airstrikes,” Tasnim news agency reported, quoting Morteza Heydari, spokesperson for the Qom Provincial crisis management department.
Read more
[06:30am]
US B-2 bombers were involved in strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites announced by President Donald Trump on Saturday, a US official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Read more
[06:25am]
US forces struck three Iranian nuclear sites in a “very successful attack,” President Donald Trump said on Saturday, adding that the crown jewel of Tehran’s nuclear program, Fordow, is gone.
After days of deliberation, Trump’s decision to join Israel’s military campaign against its major rival Iran represents a major escalation of the conflict.
“All planes are safely on their way home,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social, and he congratulated “our great American Warriors.”
Read more
ইসরায়েল যখন ইরানে হামলা শুরু করে মার্কিন প্রেসিডেন্ট ডোনাল্ড ট্রাম্প শুরুতে দূরত্ব বজায় রেখেছিলেন। কিন্তু কয়েক দিনের মধ্যেই তিনি এমন এক পথে এগিয়ে যান যা শেষ পর্যন্ত রাজনৈতিক ও সামরিক কৌশলে পরিচালিত…
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COREN Partners Engineering Firm To Enhance Practice In Nigeria – News Agency of Nigeria
Africa's Media Giant
Africa's Media Giant
By Stellamaris Ashinze and Funmilola Gboteku
The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has initiated a collaboration with ITB Nigeria Ltd. to advance engineering practice across the country.
During a courtesy visit to ITB’s head office in Lagos, the President of COREN, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, stated that the partnership with the firm would provide training and internship opportunities for young engineers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while COREN is a statutory body established to regulate the practice of engineering in Nigeria, ITB Nigeria Ltd. is a civil engineering and construction company.
NAN reports that COREN president was represented by Vice President, Mr Olaolu Ogunduyile.
At the visit, Abubakar underscored the importance of practical experience and skills in engineering practice.
He explained that COREN was committed to empowering Nigerian engineers to compete and practice globally.
He also noted that COREN was a provisional member of the Washington Accord, an international agreement recognising the equivalence of engineering education and professional competence.
“We have seen what you are doing here, but we need collaboration because we cannot achieve this alone. We need training opportunities for younger engineers,” he said.
“We believe your efforts will have a significant impact on the nation. This facility, equipped with fibre optics and power capacity capable of generating up to 1.5 gigabytes, is a giant stride forward.”
According to Abubakar, COREN regulates all aspects of engineering practice and education in Nigeria.
“The council is working on multiple roadmaps to empower Nigerian engineers to be competitive on the global stage.”
He highlighted the example of India, which generates about $44 trillion annually through mobility in engineering and technology, reducing pressure on foreign exchange.
“If we develop our engineers here in Nigeria, it will create similar mobility.
“Even when engineers travel abroad, which cannot be prevented, they will be able to practice their profession effectively wherever they go.
“COREN collaborates with several organisations and recently signed an accord to strengthen engineering regulation and monitoring across various sectors.
“Our goal is to eliminate issues like building collapses by ensuring strict regulation in all engineering fields.
“COREN is not focusing only on the building sector but also on mining, maritime, power, telecoms, and eleven other sectors where engineering practice is critical.”
ITB’s management expressed gratitude for the visit and appreciation for COREN’s efforts in promoting engineering excellence in Nigeria.
They welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with COREN and support the development of young engineers in the country.
The Managing Director of ITB Nigeria Ltd., Mr Ramzi Chidiac, led the company’s delegation during the visit.
Chidiac pledged to collaborate with COREN on engineering training and certification.
He expressed commitment to registering its engineers with COREN, with over 40 engineers already registered.
According to the managing director, the company also plans to establish a training school for young engineers and artisans.
He said that the proposed training school aims to equip students with practical skills in areas like carpentry, welding, and MEP work.
According to him, upon completion, graduates will be certified and potentially absorbed into ITB’s workforce or other industries.
‘’This initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s national skill framework, which encourages outcome based education and certification for artisans and young people without formal education.”
Both parties agreed to work together to make this initiative a success, with potential involvement from relevant government agencies and industry stakeholders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kevin Okunzua
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Sensex Today | Stock Market Highlights: Market fails to hold on to intra-day recovery, Nifty below 25,000 – CNBC TV18
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Jyoti Gupta, Research Analyst, Nirmal Bang Institutional Eq
On Defence Stocks
Most of the defence companies are trading at elevated valuations reflecting high investor expectations, despite the execution levels that we are expecting.
However, Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and BEML are ones which I still feel they offer attractive risk adjusted upside, and typically, our approach has remained conservative, factoring in padding for execution or order delays.
Somil Mehta, Head of Alternate Research, Capital Market Strategy at Mirae Asset Sharekhan + Gaurang Shah, Senior Vice President at Geojit Financial Services
On Varun Beverages
Gaurang Shah: Our research team has a hold recommendation on the stock. Second advice that I would give this investor is that, since you got invested at higher levels, and you’re getting the stock for further investment, in case, if you have investable amount at a very decent price correction, add a small quantity, or maybe half the quantity at current levels, that will bring down your acquisition price. And from a long-term point of view, chances of profitable exit looks much, much brighter. But hold and average is the recommendation.
Somil Mehta: I would say in the very short term, the trend is negative, trend is downside, and I’ll be expecting this trend to continue. And ₹430-420 would be the targets in the very short term. However, once it starts going above the averages, closes about 200 daily moving average, which is way above, ₹540 would be the levels I’ll be looking out for. If it closes above ₹540 then the medium to long term outlook will be positive. But at this point of time, short term is definitely negative.
On Birla Corp
Gaurang Shah: The outlook on the stock, we have an ‘accumulation’ stance. That means if you have it, you can hold on to it. If you have investable amount on corrections, you can add on to it. If you get dips further to maybe about ₹1,200 or ₹1,225 you can accumulate as well.
Somil Mehta: These levels are very attractive. The rise which we have seen in the last three to four months from the levels of ₹900 it has been retracing now, and I’ll be expecting now to take support around ₹1,230-1,220 levels, and that will be a very good level to buy this stock. In the medium-term outlook, positive, in the short term, maybe a little sideways, maybe a little bit of more correction. But that will be a time to buy. On the upside, I will be expecting our targets of around ₹1,450 and ₹1,550 in the medium-term outlook.
Market Watch: Sudeep Shah, SBI Securities
Buy Glenmark Pharma with a stop loss of ₹1,650 and a target of ₹1,830-1,870
Buy Polycab India with a stop loss of ₹6,150 and a target of ₹6,550-6,600
On BSE
It could consolidate at current levels but steadily move up to ₹3,000-3,200 on the upside and the support zone for this move could be closer to ₹2,600 on the downside.
On IndiGo
The stock has managed to hold ₹5,200-5,250 and is now consolidating at the current levels. IndiGo could consolidate between ₹5,200-5,400 and steadily it could start inching up towards the previous highs and even surpass them. So at these levels and on dips, I feel IndiGo can be bought with a ₹5,200 stop loss positionally.
Market Watch: Anirudh Garg, Partner & Fund Manager, Invasset PMS
On sectors: “A couple of months back, our top pick was defence. It’s not just because of what is happening right now. It’s because of the global order that is changing. Every country needs to be self-sufficient now when it comes to defence because overall the structure of the world in the past one-one-and-a-half year has changed.”
On IT stocks: “I do not see any relative change happening in IT at all. So, we have zero exposure to IT; no mid, small, large, nothing.”
On autos: “We are not very bullish on autos from here. So, we do not take calls where we ignore a sector totally, but since they are such cyclical sectors, auto is also a no-no for us right now.”
Solar Industries India Ltd. on Monday, June 23, said it has won a contract worth ₹158 crore to supply defence products to the ministry of defence.
The contract is to be executed within a year, the company said.
Read more here
Nifty 50 is back below 25,000 at 24,990.60.
Infosys, HCLTech, L&T, Hero MotoCorp and M&M are the top five Nifty 50 losers.
A total of 33 of the 50 stocks are trading with losses.
Here are a couple of stock recommendations by Apurva Sheth, Head-Research, SAMCO Securities:
Buy BEL with a stop loss of ₹397 and a target of ₹450
Buy Paras Defence with a stop loss of ₹1,600 and a target of ₹1,945
The Nifty Midcap 100 index marked an 800-point recovery from the day’s low. The midcap index flipped the red to green.
The top stocks contributing to this comeback include
Polycab shares surged by 4.66%
Dixon Tech shares increased by 3.79%
BSE share also increased in value by 3.72%
#JustIN | GAIL board approves revision in completion schedule & addl cost for MNJPL project
–MNJPL project cost is anticipated to be increased by ₹411.12 cr to ₹8,255.37 cr
–MNJPL project competition date is delayed to September 30 from June 30, 2025 pic.twitter.com/SnMnlfOC0c
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) June 23, 2025
Shares of NBCC (India) Ltd. gained as much as 3% on Monday, June 23, after the company said it had won an order worth ₹296.53 crore from the Meerut Development Authority (MDA).
ACME Solar Holdings Secures ₹1,072 Cr Refinancing For 250 MW Operational Project In Rajasthan
CNBC-TV18 Exclusive | Sources To CNBC-TV18
BIOCON To CNBC-TV18
Amazon India To CNBC-TV18
Orange Health To CNBC-TV18
Market Watch: Apurva Sheth, Head-Research, SAMCO Securities
Buy BEL with a stop loss of ₹397 and a target of ₹450
Buy Paras Defence with a stop loss of ₹1,600 and a target of ₹1,945
On Zee
The stock has formed a good base around ₹90 and ₹100 levels. Compared to all the other media stocks, it was trading at extremely cheap valuations around those ₹100 levels, and from there onwards, it has started moving higher.
So our short-term to medium-term outlook on Zee would be positive and it could head for targets of ₹170 in the medium-term.
#JustIn | 5.56×45 mm CQB carbine produced by #BharatForge selected as L1 in #IndianArmy request for proposal, says #DRDO pic.twitter.com/zJorD9cuMJ
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) June 23, 2025
ideaForge shares jumped by 10% after the company bagged orders worth ₹137 crore to supply Mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) with accessories to the Ministry of Defence.
Solar Ind In Focus: Defence arm gets 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions order from Indian Army
The shares of the Tata Group-owned Trent surged in the intraday trade on Monday. The company shares hit the mark of ₹6,000 mark. The current price stands at ₹6,001.00, after surge of ₹103.50 or 1.75%.
Shares of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. surged as much as 9% on Monday, June 23, after the company shared its growth plans for the current financial year in its investor presentation.
Zee Entertainment is aiming for a breakeven in its digital business Z5 or Zee5 in the current financial year. The business had reported a loss of ₹548 crore on an EBITDA.
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#JustIn | #WaareeRenewable signs MoU with Viet Khanh Joint Stock Company for the execution of EPC work of solar power project of 100 MWp capacity pic.twitter.com/2C2wDOvDtN
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) June 23, 2025
Jayanta Basu, Managing Director, ITD Cementation On CNBC-TV18
Govt Sources Say | Strait Of Hormuz Has Not Been Closed As Yet, Officials Continue To Monitor The Situation Closely
Shares of Kerala Ayurveda Ltd., a company having a market capitalisation of over ₹600 crore, surged as much as 20% in a weak market on Monday, June 23, after multiple block deals took place in the stock.
Gold prices slipped on Monday (June 23) even as tensions escalated in West Asia following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Investors sought safety in the US dollar, dampening gold’s appeal as a haven asset.
At 0341 GMT, spot gold was down 0.2% at $3,362.29 per ounce, while US gold futures dropped to $3,378 an ounce.
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Lost your job? 8 expert-backed tips for financial and emotional recovery – Mathrubhumi English
Mass layoffs across sectors are causing widespread financial and emotional stress, but experts say there are practical steps to manage
As economic uncertainty affects industries across the globe, thousands of people in both public and private sectors—from technology and media to manufacturing and government—are grappling with sudden job losses, disrupted incomes, and the emotional toll of unemployment.
While such an experience can be deeply unsettling, financial and mental health experts stress that there are practical steps individuals can take to regain control and stability.
Step 1: Take time to emotionally process
Losing a job can trigger a mix of emotions: sadness, anger, anxiety, or even relief. Financial therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin says it's important to allow yourself to sit with those feelings. “A layoff can feel so personal, but it’s not a reflection of your value,” she explains. Processing those emotions is the first step toward recovery and planning ahead.
Step 2: Review your financial situation
No matter where you live, it's crucial to assess your current financial position. Career coach Marlo Lyons suggests reviewing your monthly expenses, cutting non-essential costs temporarily, and calculating how long your savings or severance (if provided) can sustain you. If your country offers unemployment benefits or social support, apply as early as possible to reduce financial stress.
Step 3: Budget with purpose
Budgeting becomes critical during a period of unemployment. Jesse Mecham, founder of the budgeting tool YNAB (You Need A Budget), advises assigning every unit of currency—whether dollar, euro, rupee, or yen—a job. This means knowing exactly what each amount is meant to cover. Bryan-Podvin adds that compassion is key: “Remind yourself that this is a temporary situation, not a permanent downgrade.”
Step 4: Avoid over-relying on credit
While using credit cards or loans may seem like a quick fix, experts caution against depending heavily on them. “If finding a new job takes longer than expected, debt can quickly become overwhelming,” Mecham warns. It’s better to scale down lifestyle expenses than risk long-term financial strain.
Step 5: Tap into community resources
From local food banks and utility aid programmes to government hardship funds, support exists in many countries to help individuals navigate job loss. Bryan-Podvin encourages people to explore community-specific support services—whether through municipal schemes, nonprofits, or global platforms like USA.gov or national employment portals in other countries.
Step 6: Reassess your career path and update your resume
A layoff can be an opportunity to reflect. Lyons suggests updating your resume to be “forward-looking,” focusing on what you can contribute to future roles rather than just listing past accomplishments. Consider taking short online courses or certifications, and rekindle professional connections through LinkedIn or relevant industry events.
Step 7: Structure your days
Unemployment often throws daily routines into disarray. Experts recommend maintaining a regular schedule—mealtimes, exercise, job search hours, and leisure breaks—to preserve mental well-being. “Routine helps restore a sense of control and direction,” Bryan-Podvin says.
Step 8: Lean on your support system
Emotional isolation can compound the stress of unemployment. Reach out to family, friends, or support groups—whether in person or online. Talking through your experience can not only help you process it but may also lead to unexpected job leads or guidance.
A layoff, while deeply challenging, doesn’t diminish your worth or potential. With the right mindset, careful financial planning, and emotional support, it’s possible to turn this temporary setback into an opportunity for growth and renewal—no matter where in the world you are.
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.
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Miley Cyrus says this type of therapy saved her life. What is EMDR? – USA Today
Miley Cyrus is opening up about how she overcame stage fright with a cutting-edge therapy technique that she says saved her life.
In an interview with the New York Times last month, Cyrus shared that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, or EMDR, has been pivotal for her healing and mental health. The therapy was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the 1980s to help people alleviate distress around painful memories. The therapy has been used by clinicians for decades but has become an increasingly popular and sought-after treatment to deal with traumatic or adverse life experiences.
“Love it. Saved my life,” Cyrus said of EDMR. “It’s like watching a movie in your mind. … I came out of it, and I’ve never had stage fright again. Ever. I don’t have stage fright anymore.”
Cyrus isn’t the only celebrity who’s been open about undergoing EMDR. In 2021, Prince Harry shared in his Apple TV+ docuseries on mental health with Oprah Winfrey that he uses EMDR to address the discomfort he feels when he flies into London, which he said reminds him of the loss of his mother.
“It’s almost a wave that can’t be stopped because people are hearing their friends talk about it, they’re seeing the changes in their family members,” Wendy Byrd, a professional counselor and president of the board of directors at the EMDR International Association, previously told USA TODAY. “When I was trained in 2008, I would have to go in and explain what EMDR was and tell my clients why I thought it was such a good therapy. … Now, I would say almost everyone that comes into my door is asking me for EMDR.”
EMDR engages what’s called the adaptive information processing system to bring up past traumatic experiences in a safe space, so your brain can essentially reprocess them.
“EMDR allows the brain to heal from experiences that were traumatic or adverse or overwhelming by allowing the brain to process that information and to store it in a way where the brain now knows, ‘I’m in a different circumstance, that’s not happening to me anymore,'” Byrd said.
Our brains and bodies have a built-in mechanism for processing information. But sometimes, especially when we experience a trauma, that mechanism becomes overwhelmed.
When new information comes in that feels similar to that adverse experience, the brain stores it in the same place as the original trauma, Byrd said. This can make things in your everyday life that are not threatening feel dangerous.
“It’s the blue car driving down the road, or it’s the dog barking, or your spouse’s face in that one contorted way, and all of a sudden, you’re upset, you’re triggered and overwhelmed,” she said.
Byrd said in an EMDR session a clinician will ask questions to bring up the components of a memory, including sensory information – such as sight, sound and smell. A clinician will ask how your body felt during the experience, how you felt during the experience – the emotional information that connects to that memory.
Eventually, the clinician will add in eye movements or tapping. This is called bilateral stimulation. Studies show that eye movements facilitate information processing and calm down a person’s physiology.
“It will make something that feels upsetting, less upsetting. It helps the brain make images that are very vivid, less vivid,” Byrd said. “And part of that is because of what we call dual attention, meaning I’m present in the room with the therapist, or over Zoom, nowadays, and I’m thinking about that experience and it’s all the ingredients that the brain needs to engage that adaptive information processing mechanism.”
Part of the reprocessing occurs by the clinician introducing positive things into the recall. A therapist will ask, “What do you want to think now about that experience?”
“It brings in the current information. Maybe the positive is that it’s over, or maybe it’s that you learned from it or that now you now you’re worthy,” she said.
Byrd said EMDR works on various types of trauma, and most people are good candidates for the treatment. EMDR can be effective whether someone is seeking to address a single traumatic event, such as a car crash, or a chronic experience, such as bullying.
Patients work with their clinicians to identify future outcomes they desire – how they want to think, feel and behave in the world. For Byrd’s part, she said looking to build resilience in clients.
“I want their triggers to be very difficult to find,” she said.
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Byrd encourages anyone with a painful memory to consider EMDR.
“People feel like sometimes what happened to them isn’t big enough. They should just be able to get over it. … And that just breaks my heart because I know that they can feel better and that they do deserve to feel better,” she said. “I just wish that people knew that they could come in, we could figure out some of the things that are happening that are causing them pain, and that it would be not that long of a journey before they could get some relief.”
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Feature: Let's move! China celebrates Olympic Day in fitness-for-all activities – People's Daily Online
500 participants join a 4.5-kilometer race during a fitness-for-all activity to celebrate International Olympic Day in Beijing, China, June 21, 2025. (Xinhua)
Hundreds joined a spirited run between Beijing’s iconic Olympic venues on Saturday, kicking off nationwide celebrations for International Olympic Day.
BEIJING, June 21 (Xinhua) — As an integral part of Beijing Marathon’s classic route, the central avenue between China’s capital city’s iconic dual Olympic venues “Bird’s Nest” and “Water Cube” has long been an attraction for runners.
On Saturday morning, 500 participants started an event here on the avenue, which was one of the fitness-for-all activities held nationwide to celebrate the upcoming International Olympic Day, which falls on June 23.
The 4.5-kilometer race took place mainly around the National Stadium, known as the Bird’s Nest, where both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics were staged. The finish line was near the Beijing Olympic Museum, located south of the stadium.
Wang Shuchuan, a former triathlete, came to the starting area early in the morning to prepare for his vlog. “I kept exercising and participating in marathon events after my athletic career had ended. I hope to lead more people to join in sporting events through my videos and enlarge our running community,” he said.
Runner poses for pictures in the central avenue between Beijing’s dual Olympic venues. (Xinhua/Dai Mingxuan)
The race also attracted the likes of Italy’s Paola Marras, who took part in an event at Beijing’s Olympic Park. “I work in Beijing. During the 2022 Winter Olympics, I watched competitions on TV. The sports atmosphere in Beijing is good, and I like the [tennis] China Open in particular,” she said.
During the activity, Chinese Olympic champions Ma Long and Zhang Yufei sent their best wishes to sports lovers in an interview.
China’s swimmer Zhang Yufei (front left) and table tennis player Ma Long (front right) interact with sports lovers. (Xinhua/Dai Mingxuan)
“Physical exercise is relevant to health. I can feel the public’s enthusiasm for sports. The outstanding performance of Chinese athletes on the international stage is inspiring more people to get involved. Exercise is a lifelong hobby. I hope people can find the sports they love and practice in a healthy and scientific way,” said Ma, 36, China’s most decorated Olympian with six gold medals.
Swimmer Zhang reflected on her Olympic journey, saying, “At the 2016 Rio Games, I might not have fully understood the significance of the Olympics. Then, after winning gold at Tokyo [2020], I felt the power of our teamwork. Last year at the Paris Olympics, I realized that even though I had made the utmost effort, it was still hard to get corresponding rewards. That is sport.”
Zhang Yufei (L) takes a group photo with staff members. (Xinhua/Dai Mingxuan)
“However, what remains unchanged is that the Olympic spirit leads me to pursue my next goal,” Zhang added.
Established in 1948, the Olympic Day is a global celebration of sport and takes place on June 23 each year to commemorate the day the International Olympic Committee was founded in 1894 – the birth of the modern Olympic Games.
With the theme of “Let’s Move,” the celebrating activities of Olympic Day were held in 12 cities in China on Saturday, also including Shenzhen, Nanjing, Ningbo, Zhangjiakou and Chengde. A variety of activities such as hiking, running, cycling, football, basketball and table tennis had a wide participation all over the country.
Li Jing, Deputy Director of the General Administration of Sport of China, said, “At the Paris Olympics, the Chinese delegation achieved its best results in the history of participating in the Olympics abroad, which interpreted the Olympic motto of ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together’ and demonstrated the confidence, optimism, passion, and friendliness of Chinese youth.”
“Those remarkable moments of Chinese athletes at the Olympics motivated more people to embrace sports activities. Looking ahead, we hope the Chinese sports spirit will continue to shine at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics,” Li noted.
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ABUAD ranks 84th world's best, 3rd in Africa, 1st in Nigeria – The Sun Nigeria
22nd June 2025
From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has joined the league of 100 best universities in the world.
The institution’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olasupo Ijabadeniyi, disclosed this to newsmen at a press conference held in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, at the weekend, where he said the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings announced the development in its 2025 report.
He further disclosed that ABUAD has also been ranked 3rd in Africa and 1st in Nigeria for four consecutive years: 2022, 2023, 2024, and now 2025.
The acting VC said the global recognition was a dream come true for the proprietor of the university, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), in his lifetime. He revealed that the founder a few years ago said, “My wish, my hope and prayer is that this university must, in my lifetime, be recognised by the international body as one of the best 100 in the world. So, I still have a lot of work to do to bring this dream into fruition.”
The acting VC, who said that the 15-year-old university has been making headlines since its establishment, having navigated its way to the very top in the comity of universities nationally and internationally, attributed the achievements to the resilience, hard work, and Frankenstein leadership of the founder.
He also ascribed the feat to the tireless efforts of the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, and the commitment and dedication of staff as well as the cultured and ever-obedient students.
According to him, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings of ABUAD are as follows: No. 84 in the world, No. 3 in Africa, No. 1 in Africa in SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy) with a score of 83.3%, No. 1 in Africa in SDG 13 (Climate Change) with a score of 83.1%, No. 2 in Africa in SDG 1 (No Poverty) with a score of 87.9%, No. 3 in Africa in SDG 17 (Partnership for Goals) with a score of 92.4%, No. 1 in Nigeria for four consecutive years: 2022, 2023, 2024, and now 2025.
He continued, “No. 1 in Nigeria in SDG 1 (No Poverty) with a score of 87.9%, No. 1 in Nigeria in SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy) with a score of 83.3%, No. 1 in Nigeria in SDG 13 (Climate Change) with a score of 83.1%, No. 1 in Nigeria in SDG 17 (Partnership for Goals) with a score of 92.4%.”
Ijabadeniyi said many factors contributed to the institution’s success story, some of which include: “The only fully residential university in Nigeria today, the first university in Nigeria to commence academic work on its permanent site, the university is reputed for having a serene and conducive learning environment, the university has students from all 36 states of the Federation, including the FCT, it also has students from some foreign countries, it has a well-planned landscape which enables seamless movement of students from the college areas to their hostels and facility areas, well-equipped modern laboratories and workshops as a result of which the Nigerian Society of Engineers acknowledged our College of Engineering as the ‘Template for Engineering Education in Nigeria’.”
Continuing, he said, “Full accreditation by NUC and professional bodies in all 44 programmes, including programmes in Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Sciences, as well as Social & Management Sciences, ABUAD has the most advanced computational platform for drug design & research in Nigeria, it is mandatory for ABUAD students to obtain additional professional certification in Banking, Accounting, ICT, Marketing, ICAN, Computer Science, Engineering, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, and Arbitration while pursuing their undergraduate degrees, it is mandatory for ABUAD students to have a certificate of proficiency in one modern foreign language (Chinese or French) with a scholarship to study in China.”
He added, “The Institute of Government Research and Leadership Technology awarded ABUAD the Best Law Faculty Award in 2012, compulsory evening classes for students between 7–9 p.m., dress code for both students and staff (this is being emulated by other institutions of higher education in the country), regular and uninterrupted power supply from the university’s Independent Power Plant (IPP), which was commissioned on Monday, June 21, 2021, a university dam which ensures regular supply of water, predictable and stable academic calendar which enables students to graduate on time, a functional planetarium where all fresh students engage in space studies compulsorily without paying any fee. On account of the quality of education we offer in ABUAD, many of our students are offered direct admission to pursue their Ph.D. degrees without going through a Master’s programme.”
He said other things that contributed to the outstanding milestone are: “ABUAD has been encouraging Nigerian youths to return to the farm, by reducing the school fees for students studying Agriculture by 50%. In addition, it gives seed money of N250,000 to every graduate in Agriculture from the university to start his own business upon graduation.
“Youth Empowerment Scheme, under which the university has trained over 1,000 youths and expended N186 million, while it has doled out the sum of N49,103,875 to people under the Entrepreneurship Scheme.
“A 124-unit Industrial Research Park designed to harmonise university education with industry, provide quality and functional education, provide opportunity for hi-tech scientists, innovators, inventors, geniuses, research, community service, stimulate economic development, and provide employment for university graduates, professionals, and artisans.
“The ultra-modern 400-bed ABUAD Multi-System Hospital, which leading healthcare stakeholders have acknowledged as the ‘most well-equipped hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa’.”
Expressing delight at the historic milestone, he said that the university will not rest on its oars but will continue in its determined effort to institutionalise quality and functional education and raise a new generation of transformational and impactful leaders in Nigeria and beyond.
He used the occasion to appeal to the Federal and Ekiti State governments to complement the efforts of Babalola and consider the reconstruction of Ado-Ijan Road and ensure the functionality of the Ekiti Cargo Airport.
“The role played by Aare Afe Babalola in the maintenance of the stretch of Ado-Ijan Road from St. Paul’s Church to this university between 2009 and 2019 is in the public domain.
“The same goes for the Ado-Ekiti Cargo Airport, where he has invested billions of Naira to make it functional.
“The maintenance of Ado-Ijan Road and the functionality of the Cargo Airport is certainly beyond his capacity, bearing in mind the quantum of projects he has embarked upon in the overall interest of the state.
“Because of this, the time has come for both the Federal and Ekiti State governments to see to the immediate reconstruction of the Ado-Ijan Road and the completion of the Ado-Ekiti Cargo Airport.
“If the university is more accessible, it will attract patronage from both local and international audiences, as a result of which it would win more laurels for the state and the nation at large.”
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