Russia urges Israel to stop assaults on Bushehr facility amid worker safety concerns
Russian foreign ministry's spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Thursday (June 19) repeated a Russian warning to the United States not to get involved militarily in the Israel-Iran conflict, saying this would have unpredictable and negative consequences.
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Indian Express
20 minutes ago
- Indian Express
As US eyes its airspace, Pakistan confirms: Trump, Munir had discussion on Iran
As anticipated by Delhi, US President Donald Trump and Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir had a 'detailed exchange of views' on the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict when they met over lunch at the White House. In a statement Thursday, the Pakistan Army said, 'A detailed exchange of views also took place on the prevailing tensions between Iran and Israel, with both leaders emphasising the importance of resolution of the conflict.' Asked if Iran was discussed with Munir, Trump said: 'Well, they know Iran very well, better than most, and they are not happy about anything.' 'It's not that they are bad with Israel. They know them both, actually, but they probably, maybe they know Iran better, but they see what's going on, and he agreed with me,' he said. In Islamabad, the Pakistan Army said the US President showed 'keen interest' in developing a mutually beneficial trade relationship with Pakistan on the basis of long-term strategic interests. According to Delhi's assessment, the US is enlisting Rawalpindi's support since it would want to use Pakistan's airspace, air bases and other infrastructure for launching any military offensive on Iran. This was the key focus of Trump's lunch with Munir which, according to sources, lasted for about two hours, and not one hour as scheduled. According to news agency Reuters, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said Trump was hosting Munir after he called for the US President to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for preventing a nuclear war between India and Pakistan. But sources indicated that the meeting was not arranged through routine diplomatic channels, and was the outcome of 'unorthodox efforts' by a group of advisers, businessmen and other influential figures. Sources said stronger counter-terrorism cooperation, engagement with crypto-linked influence networks, and targeted lobbying via Republican-aligned firms in Washington helped Pakistan secure the meeting. A source, who has been tracking the US-Pakistan relationship over decades, said, 'It is not rare but absolutely unprecedented for a military chief to be invited by a POTUS (President of the United States) for a meeting, let alone a meeting over a meal. All Pakistan military chiefs who visited the US and other capitals did so as Presidents.' In the past, US President George W Bush met Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf in 2004. Munir's US visit began last Sunday and was his second since he took over as military chief in 2022. Trump was effusive about both Munir and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said he was 'honoured' to meet Munir and that they discussed the situation arising out of the Iran-Israel conflict. 'The reason I had him here, I want to thank him for not going into the war, ending the war (with India). And I want to thank, as you know, Prime Minister Modi,' he said. 'We are working on a trade deal with India. We are working on a trade deal with Pakistan.' Trump also recalled his meeting with Modi at the White House in February. He said he was 'happy' that 'two very smart people decided not to keep going with that war'. 'That could have been a nuclear war. Those are two nuclear powers, big ones, big, big nuclear powers, and they decided (to end the conflict),' he said. The US President was accompanied at the meeting by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff. Munir was joined by Pakistan National Security Advisor Lt Gen Asim Malik, who is also head of the spy agency ISI. Earlier, in his phone conversation with Trump, Modi had told the President that India and Pakistan halted their military actions following direct talks between the two militaries without any mediation by the US. The Pakistan Army, in its statement on the Trump-Munir meeting, said, the 'Chief of Army Staff conveyed the deep appreciation of the government and people of Pakistan for President Trump's constructive and result-oriented role in facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in the recent regional crisis. The COAS acknowledged President Trump's statesmanship and his ability to comprehend and address the multifaceted challenges faced by the global community.' 'President Trump, in turn, lauded Pakistan's ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability, and appreciated the robust counter-terrorism cooperation between the two states. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in the field of counter-terrorism,' it said. 'Discussions also encompassed avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation in multiple domains including trade, economic development, mines and minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies. President Trump expressed keen interest in forging a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests,' it said. 'In a gesture reflecting the warmth of bilateral ties, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir extended an invitation to President Trump, on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date'
India.com
29 minutes ago
- India.com
Iran's Lethal Sejjil-2 Missile Makes Its War Debut Against Israel – Five Things To Know
New Delhi: Iran has deployed one of its most powerful weapons – the Sejjil-2. Fired as part of Operation True Promise III, a multi-wave missile campaign targeting Israel, the Sejjil-2 marks a leap in Iran's use of long-range strategic firepower. Here is a closer look at what the missile is, why its launch matters and how it changes the stakes in the Iran-Israel conflict: The Sejjil-2 is one of Iran's most advanced medium-range ballistic weapons, known for its solid-fuel engine and long-range capability. With a reach of roughly 2,000 kilometres and a 700-kilogram warhead capacity, it is designed for deep and decisive strikes. What makes it stand out is its two-stage solid-fuel propulsion. Unlike older liquid-fueled missiles, which require time-consuming preparation, solid-fuel missiles can be fired with minimal warning – making it harder to detect and intercept. The Sejjil's range puts most of the Middle East, including Israel, within striking distance. In addition to being a symbol of Iran's military reach, it is also a psychological weapon. Its solid-fuel design allows for greater mobility and faster response times. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) describes it as 'one of the most accurate and strategic missiles in the region', with a guidance system refined through multiple test launches since its first successful flight in 2008. According to the IRGC, the Sejjil-2 was launched on Thursday in the latest wave of retaliatory strikes against Israel. The missile reportedly aimed for high-value military targets, though Israel claims it was intercepted and only debris struck a civilian vehicle. Despite the interception, the launch itself is symbolic – showing Iran's readiness to escalate the war using its heaviest and farthest-reaching arsenal. The Sejjil-2 has been tested at least six times. One of its most notable tests saw it flying over 1,900 kilometres into the Indian Ocean, demonstrating both range and improved navigation systems. Each test has reportedly focused on fine-tuning accuracy and flight stability. The May 2009 trial was specifically aimed at upgrading guidance and targeting technology – a crucial improvement for hitting military-grade installations. The appearance of the Sejjil-2 in an active war theatre is a milestone in Iran's military doctrine. It signals a shift from regional posturing to real-time deployment. For Israel, and the broader international community, this introduces new challenges in missile defense and regional strategy. The launch also complicates diplomatic efforts. Solid-fuel missiles like the Sejjil can be fired from remote, hidden locations and do not require external fueling – making them ideal for surprise attacks.
India Today
31 minutes ago
- India Today
Zelenskyy appoints Hennadiy Shapovalov as new ground forces chief
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has named Hennadiy Shapovalov as the new commander of Ukraine's land forces, following the resignation of Mykhailo Drapatyi after a deadly Russian attack on a military training site in the appointment was confirmed Thursday through a presidential decree. He previously served as a liaison officer at a NATO coordination center in Germany and held the position of commander within Ukraine's Operational Command his nightly address, Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of Shapovalov's NATO experience, saying it would be vital in implementing reforms within Ukraine's armed forces. "All this useful experience of this coordination and all the real combat experience of our soldiers must be applied now within Ukraine's land forces," he stated. "Changes are needed and this is an imperative." Former commander Drapatyi, who stepped down earlier this month in the wake of the Russian strike, has been reassigned to lead Ukraine's joint forces command as part of a broader restructuring within the inputs from ReutersMust Watch
