Israel-Iran Conflict LIVE: Trump urges Tehran to ‘evacuate immediately'; at G7 Summit, Macron says US president considering ‘ceasefire' offer
Israel-Iran News LIVE Updates: US President Donald Trump cut short his visit to the G7 Summit being held in Canada due to the prevailing situation in the Middle East and cautioned Iran that it should have signed a nuclear deal with America, as he told everyone in a Truth Social post on Tuesday to 'immediately evacuate' Tehran. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Trump told G7 leaders that he is considering the prospect of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. 'An offer was made especially to get a ceasefire and to then kick-start broader discussions,' Macron said.
What has happened till now: Sirens in Israel were sounded a number of times in the past few hours as Iran launched a barrage of fresh strikes at Tel Aviv early on Tuesday, triggering citizens to take shelter in protected areas. Israel's national emergency services reported no injury to any civilian in the latest Iranian attack. As the fifth day is underway for the Israel-Iran conflict, the Israeli death toll has reached 22 and according to Iran's health ministry, the total death toll from Israeli strikes has risen to at least 224.
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Time of India
12 minutes ago
- Time of India
UAE emerges as key alternative for international students with 100% scholarships & global transfers
With growing concerns over US student visa issues, universities in the United Arab Emirates are seeing a sharp increase in international applications. Institutions across the UAE are offering scholarships, easy visa processes, and global transfer options to attract students, especially those rethinking plans to study in the United States, according to a report by Gulf News. The shift comes amid policy uncertainty in the US, where international students are facing unpredictable visa outcomes. A proclamation by former US President Donald Trump, although temporarily blocked by a federal judge, had raised concerns by attempting to ban foreign students from attending institutions like Harvard . Many students are now seeking countries with more stable policies. To meet this growing interest, UAE universities are offering new incentives. Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) launched an Excellence Scholarship for the September 2025 intake, which includes up to 100% tuition fee waivers for top-performing postgraduate students. Camille Assouline, Head of Communications at SUAD, said to Gulf News, 'To support outstanding postgraduate students, we've launched a new Excellence Scholarship for the September 2025 intake, offering up to 100 per cent off tuition fees for top-ranked applicants from globally ranked universities.' She added, 'Awards are based on academic performance and IELTS results – making internationally recognised education more accessible to top talent.' As per the report by Gulf News, Gulf Medical University (GMU) is holding international webinars, campus visits, and digital sessions to guide students. Professor Manda Venkatramana, Acting Chancellor of GMU, told Gulf News, 'These initiatives aim to provide clarity, guidance, and direct engagement with our academic advisors and admissions team. We see this moment as more than just a recruitment opportunity – it's a chance to position the UAE as a long-term leader in global medical and health sciences education.' (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Universities are also offering flexibility in campus options. Heriot-Watt University 's Go Global programme allows students to transfer freely between its campuses in Dubai, Edinburgh, and Kuala Lumpur. Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice Principal at Heriot-Watt Dubai, told Gulf News, 'Should students want to study in the UK at a later stage, Heriot-Watt allows them to freely transfer between our campuses.' Live Events MORE STORIES FOR YOU ✕ Trump administration's visa delays drive surge in UAE university applications How Trump's America is driving away the brightest minds in the world « Back to recommendation stories I don't want to see these stories because They are not relevant to me They disrupt the reading flow Others SUBMIT
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First Post
13 minutes ago
- First Post
Modi's Cyprus gambit: How India is reshaping IMEC, countering Turkey's influence
While Turkey calibrates its regional aspirations, PM Modi's Cyprus overture may well foreshadow a new phase of geopolitical realignment in the eastern Mediterranean read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Cyprus on June 15th (Sunday) as part of the three-nation tour. The second leg of the multi-nations tour would be in Canada for the G7 summit, and the third leg to Croatia. This is the first visit by an Indian prime minister in the last 23 years to Cyprus, after the one by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002. During this visit, the Prime Minister is to hold talks with President Nikos Christodoulides and address business leaders at Limassol. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The prime minister Narendra Modi's visit does not appear to be just a routine stop. Through the prima facie terrain screening, it looks like the visit is designed to send a powerful message across the geopolitical chessboard. The visit aims to firmly integrate Cyprus into India's connectivity plans, particularly about the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), while also subtly redrawing the boundaries for Turkey. A New Delhi-Nicosia Axis: More Than Just Friendship Prime Minister Modi's visit transcended mere camaraderie and marks a significant upgrade in the India-Cyprus strategic partnership. Amidst the world of chaos and strategic positioning, Cyprus remains one of India's time-trusted and dependable friends. Cyprus supports India's permanent membership in the extended United Nations Security Council; vis-à-vis, it has also extended full support to the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, which helps India satisfy its energy needs and fosters economic growth and development. The island nation also supports India's position on Kashmir and expressed solidarity with India after a terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, condemning the terrorist attack in unequivocal terms. The visit saw discussions focusing on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, security, and technology, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges. The prime minister also highlighted India's recent achievements, such as being one of the fastest-growing economies, a rise in civil aviation, an increase in ease of doing business, and India is destined to be the third-largest economy very soon. The prime minister also mentions that Cyprus is an excellent tourist destination. The most significant development was the inauguration of the India–Greece–Cyprus (IGC) Business and Investment Council. This trilateral platform is more than merely a business partnership. It is about forgoing new regional dynamics and leveraging collective strength in shipping, renewable energy, civil aviation and digital payment services. The Cypriot president said it is a 'historic visit' and a 'new chapter in a strategic partnership that knows no limits'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Cyprus: The Missing Link in the IMEC Puzzle The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) was launched on September 9, 2023, during the G20 summit in New Delhi. The IMEC is India's ambitious blueprint for a seamless route connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Cyprus' strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean is indispensable for the full potential of IMEC. Cyprus is sitting aside key shipping lanes linking the Suez Canal to European ports. The deep-water harbours of Cyprus, particularly Limassol and Larnaca, are well suited to handle large-scale transhipment, offering a midpoint for cargo moving between IMEC's Gulf and European nodes. The emergence of Cyprus as an energy player with the discovery of offshore natural gas reserves satisfies the IMEC's energy diversification goals. This is also crucial as Europe is looking to reduce dependency on Russian gas. The integration of Cyprus into IMEC is crucial for fortifying the western terminus of the corridor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The IMEC is important for India, as this is the Eurasian alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), extending the benefits of this trade route to South Asia (Pakistan and Bangladesh if future spur routes integrate them), the Middle East, Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean (Turkey if included), and Central Asia (depending on future expansion). However, the proactive engagement of India with Cyprus is not solely driven by economic pragmatism; rather, it carries significant geopolitical implications. The integration of Cyprus into IMEC is a subtle but unequivocal recognition of the Republic of Cyprus's sovereignty and integrity. The alignment of responsible global powers, like India, being a proponent of a rule-based international order sends a powerful global message. The progress of IMEC will give prominence to Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean. Redrawing the Lines for Turkey In past years Turkey has deepened its military ties with Pakistan, being the second largest arms supplier to Pakistan after China. Turkey was also the only country among 39 members of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to support Pakistan's removal from the grey list. Turkey constantly supports Pakistan's position on Kashmir, and Pakistan reciprocates the same on Ankara's claims on Cyprus. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India initiated operation 'Dost' (friend) to aid and rescue victims of disaster, coupled with medical supplies in the wake of the solid earthquakes that jolted Turkey and Syria in 2023. Whereas Turkey called India's calculated, precise and measured response to the Pahalgam terror attack 'provocative' and supported Pakistan's call for an investigation into the April 22 terrorist attack, despite knowing India has rejected Pakistan's demand for a joint investigation, learning from the experience of the Pathankot Airbase attack. The posturing of Turkey has not been taken well by New Delhi. Brahma Chellaney, an Indian geostrategist and professor of strategic studies at the Centre for Policy Research, writes, 'Turkey is likely to view Modi's visit to gas-rich Cyprus as a signal of India deepening ties with Ankara's regional rivals, including Greece, Armenia and Egypt'. The prime minister's visit to Cyprus is a subtle signal to Turkey on its growing alignment with Pakistan and constant criticism of India on the issue of Kashmir. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has always dismissed IMEC, stating no major trade corridor can bypass Turkey. By bolstering IMEC through Cyprus, India is directly challenging Turkey's claim of indispensability in East-West connectivity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The strategic embrace of Cyprus allows India to counterbalance Turkey's growing regional influence. India, by strengthening its relations with Turkey's regional rivals, including Greece, Armenia, Egypt, and now Cyprus, is reshaping the geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean. India's proactive engagement with Cyprus underscores a clear intent to play a significant role in shaping IMEC and signals to Turkey its intent to recalibrate regional geopolitics. By deepening ties with Nicosia, Delhi bolsters IMEC's viability, subtly challenging Ankara's assertive posturing in the Eastern Mediterranean. The diplomatic gambit underscores India's role as a proactive architect in Eurasian connectivity. While Turkey calibrates its regional aspirations, Modi's Cyprus overture may well foreshadow a new phase of geopolitical realignment in the eastern Mediterranean. Suhasini is an Assistant Professor at Bennett University (Times of India Group) and Pranjal Chaturvedi is a Doctoral Research Fellow at Bennett University. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Time of India
15 minutes ago
- Time of India
All about GBU-57, the 30,000-pound U.S. beast that could help Israel neutralize Iran's deepest threat
Live Events Why Fordo Remains Intact Meet the GBU-57: America's Deepest Bunker Buster Will the U.S. Join the Fight? (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel As Israel intensifies its military campaign against Iran, attention is shifting to a powerful American weapon that may be key to ending Tehran's nuclear ambitions: the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a 30,000-pound "bunker buster" designed to destroy deeply buried targets like Iran's Fordo uranium enrichment days into its surprise offensive targeting Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure, Israel appears to be expanding operations. The Israeli military has ordered evacuations of over 330,000 civilians from central Tehran — a densely populated area home to around 10 million people — in what analysts see as preparation for further Israeli Air Force claims to have achieved full aerial dominance over Tehran's skies and reported the destruction of over 120 surface-to-surface missile launchers, as well as two Iranian F-14 fighter jets. The Israeli military also claimed it had eliminated Gen. Ali Shadmani, the newly appointed head of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters. Iran has yet to confirm the Israel struck 10 command centers belonging to Iran's Quds Force and issued evacuation warnings to areas housing government facilities, including state television and major Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel's strikes had set Iran's nuclear program back 'a very, very long time.' However, one critical target still eludes destruction: Iran's heavily fortified Fordo enrichment deep within a mountain near Qom, the Fordo facility is considered nearly impervious to conventional airstrikes. To take it out, Israel would need the GBU-57A/B — a bomb it neither possesses nor can by Boeing, the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator is the most powerful non-nuclear bomb in the U.S. arsenal for targeting underground facilities. Key specifications include-Weight: Over 13,600 kg (30,000 pounds)Length: 6.2 metersExplosives: Carries 2,500 kg of high explosivesPenetration Depth: Can burrow through 60 meters of reinforced concrete or rockDelivery Platform: Only deployable by the U.S. Air Force's B-2 Spirit stealth bomberThis bomb was specifically engineered to destroy hardened bunkers, tunnel networks, and nuclear facilities that conventional munitions can't suggest that former U.S. President Donald Trump cut short his appearance at the G7 summit, possibly to attend a National Security Council meeting on the Middle East crisis. This has fueled speculation that the U.S. might intervene — or at least authorize Israel to use or be supported with the GBU-57 in a joint military analysts believe multiple MOPs would be required to seal off Fordo completely — a move that would mark a turning point in the shadow war between Israel and any U.S. involvement could trigger broader regional escalation and domestic political fallout, especially among isolationist voices warning against abandoning the 'America First' doctrine.
