"This is the 13th consecutive night of strikes aimed to hold Iran accountable and diminish threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to commercial shipping," CENTCOM said in a post on X.

The exact time and location of the footage could not be independently verified.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was close to deciding whether to launch what he described as a "massive attack" on Iran, saying it would be larger than any strike carried out during the months-long conflict.

"I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," Trump said.

His remarks came after Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and a fresh rise in oil prices above $100 per barrel, Viory reports.

The latest strikes come after the collapse of a Pakistan-brokered interim agreement signed in June, which had sought to halt the conflict that began on 28 February.

"The Great Satan has once again unveiled its true, unmasked face, so that this dark experience of crime and bad faith serves as yet another strong document of America's mendacity, irrationality, unreliability and vileness," he said.

Khamenei also warned the United States against what he described as "warmongering," saying it would only bring "heavier costs and greater disgrace" to Washington.

"The dear nation of Iran and the Resistance Front have unforgettable lessons for [the US], lessons of which the valor of Islamic fighters and the zeal of the brave people along the southern front have shown examples in recent days," he said.

He also called for unity within Iran, urging the public to avoid political disputes and divisions.

Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17, opening a 60-day period for negotiations toward a final agreement.

Responding to questions about the use of Italian military bases, Meloni said the government's position had remained unchanged.

"As far as the bases are concerned, it is not that we made decisions or choices in such a way, one day doing one thing and another day doing something else. We have had a very clear line from the beginning of the conflict in Iran, and we maintain that line," she said.

Her remarks came after US President Donald Trump criticised Italy's refusal to support US military action against Iran.

On Tuesday, Trump described Meloni as "a nice person" but said her decision not to become involved had affected their relationship.

"She refused to get involved, so it soured my relationship with her a little bit...I think she made a mistake," Trump told reporters in Turkey. Meloni also voiced concern over the worsening security situation in the Middle East, warning that further escalation could destabilise the wider region.

"I am obviously very concerned about what is happening in Iran," she said. "We cannot rule out that this might also spread to other areas of this delicate region." The Italian prime minister argued that military action had failed to produce lasting results and said diplomacy remained the best path toward resolving the crisis.

On NATO, Meloni said discussions with allies had not included any plans to reduce US troop deployments in Europe. She added, however, that Washington had long called on European allies to assume a greater share of the alliance's defence responsibilities.

"We are breaking the Iranian terror axis here, but we are also breaking the Iranian political axis. We managed to reach these understandings for a simple reason: because we hit Hezbollah hard. Hezbollah, which relied on assistance from Iran, did not receive that assistance because we hit Iran hard," he said.

The agreement, signed in Washington after five rounds of direct talks, outlines a phased process under which the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) will assume control of designated areas in southern Lebanon, replacing Hezbollah as Israeli troops withdraw in stages.

Netanyahu said Israel was not a party to the separate negotiations between the United States and Iran but stressed that Israeli security interests would remain a priority.

"From the start, we said we were not a party to the agreement between the United States and Iran, but that does not mean we do not have interests. We have interests, and we will make them clear. On the main issue, which is the nuclear issue, I intend to send a delegation to Washington to present Israel's interests. I insist on Israel's interests at our border. We will not leave the security zone," he said.

The deal places significant responsibility on the Lebanese government, which is expected to deploy additional troops to the south, dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure and prevent the group's return. The United States has pledged continued military assistance to the LAF.

“Iran is trying to force us to withdraw by force from southern Lebanon, and basically Israel, Lebanon, and the United States are telling them, ‘It is none of your business .’ You have no role in Lebanon, neither you, nor Hezbollah, nor any terrorist organisation,” he said.

Netanyahu said the 14-point framework allows Israeli troops to remain in southern Lebanon for as long as Hezbollah remains armed and continues to pose a threat to Israel.

“We have been conducting negotiations in Washington between representatives of Israel, Lebanon, and the United States, a prolonged negotiation, and today it has borne fruit. The most important thing is, first of all, that Israel remains in the security zone in southern Lebanon. This is a great achievement,” he added.

Under the framework, the Lebanese Armed Forces are expected to “restore effective sovereignty over all Lebanese territory,” while non-state armed groups would be disarmed and their military infrastructure dismantled.

Netanyahu said the agreement would allow the Lebanese army to begin organising its deployment in selected areas.

“We are allowing the Lebanese army to begin organising to take up territory. We are establishing two pilot areas, both recommended by the IDF; one is completely outside the security zone and south of the Litani, and the other is north of the Litani,” he said.

The agreement was signed at the US State Department in Washington on Friday, following four days of talks mediated by the Trump administration. As part of the agreement, Washington pledged $100 million in humanitarian assistance, as well as more than $30 million in support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, Viory reports.

Developments dominating regional attention include a breakthrough in negotiations between the United States and Iran, which concluded high-level talks at the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock with an agreement to pursue a final settlement within 60 days. The negotiations were conducted under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, with mediation from Qatar and Pakistan. US Vice President JD Vance led the American delegation, while senior Iranian officials represented Tehran. According to the joint statement issued after the talks, both sides agreed on a roadmap covering nuclear issues, regional security, sanctions relief, and confidence-building measures. Mediators described the discussions as “positive and constructive”, although officials acknowledged that substantial differences remain. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later described the negotiations as having made “major progress”, particularly regarding oil exports, financial restrictions, and future economic cooperation. For Syria, the talks are significant because any broader US-Iran understanding could directly affect regional conflict dynamics, sanctions regimes, and the balance of power involving Iran-backed groups operating across the Levant.

Washington and Tehran establish a direct Hormuz communication channel

One of the most important outcomes of the Swiss negotiations was the establishment of a direct communication mechanism between the United States and Iran to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz , one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints. Mediators said the hotline was designed to avoid “incidents and miscommunication” as maritime traffic gradually resumes following months of disruption. The agreement comes after prolonged instability in the waterway, through which roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies normally pass. Qatar and Pakistan argued that direct communication is essential to prevent accidental escalation, false alarms, or interference by non-state actors. The move reflects growing recognition that maritime security has become inseparable from broader diplomatic negotiations. For Syria and the wider Middle East, uninterrupted shipping through Hormuz remains critical because energy prices, trade flows, and regional economic stability are heavily influenced by developments in the Gulf.

Massive explosion at Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas hub raises energy security concerns

Regional energy markets were shaken by a major explosion at Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, home to the world's largest liquefied natural gas processing and export facilities. The blast occurred on 21 June 2026 during restart operations at the Barzan gas facility, one of Qatar’s most strategically important energy sites. Qatari authorities reported that at least 13 people were killed, 66 were injured, and 18 were missing after the explosion. Emergency crews launched extensive rescue operations while investigators worked to determine the cause of the incident. QatarEnergy stated that exports continued, but the accident nevertheless sparked concern across global energy markets because of Ras Laffan’s central role in international LNG supply chains. The incident highlights the vulnerability of regional energy infrastructure at a time when Middle Eastern stability remains closely linked to global energy security. Any disruption to Gulf gas exports has the potential to affect energy prices, industrial supply chains, and economic recovery efforts across multiple continents.

Lebanon ceasefire and Hormuz reopening dominate first round of Swiss talks

Beyond the nuclear file, discussions in Switzerland focused heavily on regional security issues, particularly the situation in Lebanon and the future status of the Strait of Hormuz . According to reports from the negotiations, both sides explored mechanisms to reduce tensions involving Iran-backed groups and prevent the expansion of regional conflict. Negotiators reportedly discussed ceasefire arrangements linked to Lebanon, maritime security guarantees, and measures intended to prevent future confrontations between regional actors. The talks reflected a growing understanding that any durable agreement between Washington and Tehran must address interconnected regional conflicts rather than focusing solely on nuclear issues. For Syria, these discussions are particularly relevant because developments in Lebanon, Iran, and the Gulf often have direct implications for regional military alignments, refugee movements, border security, and economic conditions.

Regional foreign ministers meet in Cairo as diplomacy intensifies

Diplomatic activity continued with a quadrilateral foreign ministers’ meeting in Cairo, where regional leaders discussed security coordination, conflict de-escalation , and the evolving diplomatic landscape following the US-Iran negotiations. The gathering reflected increasing efforts by Middle Eastern governments to shape outcomes through diplomacy rather than military confrontation. The meeting comes at a pivotal moment as governments across the region seek to stabilise trade routes, protect energy infrastructure, and prevent further escalation after months of heightened tensions. Officials focused on strengthening regional dialogue mechanisms and supporting initiatives aimed at reducing conflict risks. For Syria, the Cairo consultations underscore how regional diplomacy is becoming increasingly interconnected. Negotiations involving Iran, the Gulf states, Lebanon, Egypt, and international powers are likely to influence the broader political environment in which Syria's future security and reconstruction challenges will be addressed.

Among the speakers was former Israeli Air Force fighter pilot and technology entrepreneur Jacob "Kobi" Richter, who delivered a scathing criticism of the prime minister's leadership.

Richter accused Netanyahu of leading Israel through "a thousand days of fighting, fraught with cost and dead, with absolute failure at their end."

"Your decisive contribution to the country you were elected to lead amounts to the incitement in Zion Square and the Ra'anana intersection," Richter said. "The October 7 massacre. Abandoning the hostages and returning their bodies instead of their living bodies. The abandonment and liquidation of the north of the country."

He also accused the government of neglecting Arab communities and weakening public institutions. "Abandoning the Arab society , a fifth of your citizens, to murderous crime. The destruction of the public sector and the appointment of your ass-kissers instead of professionals," Richter continued.

He further criticised the recent US-Iran agreement, claiming it had undermined Israel's position internationally.

"The US-Iran agreement that threw you and us with you under the wheels of the bus. Turning Israel into a leper in the eyes of the enlightened nations," he said.

Similar anti-government demonstrations were reported in other Israeli cities, including Jerusalem. The protests come as Israel moves closer to a national election, with the next Knesset vote currently required to be held no later than October 27.

“In principle, I held a different view, but because of the commitment the honourable president, as the head of the Supreme National Security Council, gave me on his own behalf and on behalf of other members to safeguard the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front, and because he explicitly accepted responsibility for it, I granted permission for it,” the statement said.

Khamenei added that Pezeshkian had assured him Iran “will not submit” if the United States makes what he described as excessive demands during the next stage of negotiations.

He stressed that engaging in direct talks with Washington did not amount to “accepting the enemy's views.”

The supreme leader also praised Iranian officials for their efforts in advancing the negotiations and claimed that US President Donald Trump had used “various levers” in an attempt to secure the agreement.

The agreement follows months of fighting that disrupted regional security, shipping routes and energy markets .

“We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran, and we're going to be subject to finalisation of documents,” Trump said. “We should get done over the next few days. Probably have a signing maybe in Europe.”

The announcement came after Trump said he had cancelled planned military strikes against Iran following an exchange of attacks between the two sides. Tensions had also escalated earlier in the week after the crash of a US Apache helicopter, which Washington blamed on an Iranian drone.

Iran has carried out strikes against US military assets in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait during the conflict. Trump said the agreement would ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon, describing it as the central objective of the negotiations.

“Most importantly, we have a deal that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, which was the whole purpose of what we had to go through to get this,” he said.

The president also said he had spoken with leaders across the Middle East, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as officials from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Turkey.

Trump claimed regional leaders welcomed the breakthrough and said the agreement could pave the way for improved relations across the region.

“The whole Middle East is happy,” he said. Iran had not publicly commented on Trump's announcement at the time of publication.

“The Security Council will make determinations with effective mediation, and ultimately of humanity,” Petro said. “Finding ways for a quick resolution to the wars and conflicts occurring throughout the Middle East region.”

The Colombian leader also criticised Israel's actions in the region, accusing it of seeking to “nullify” Palestine and Lebanon, and called on the United States to help mediate efforts aimed at restoring Lebanon's sovereignty.

Beyond the Middle East, Petro urged an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba and condemned anti-immigration policies , describing them as discriminatory measures used for political gain.

Colombia's presidency of the Security Council will oversee a month-long agenda that includes a high-level debate on the Middle East titled “Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East: Mediation and Dialogue for Lasting Peace .”

As council president, Colombia will be responsible for directing the body's programme of work and chairing both formal and informal meetings throughout June.

The country has also scheduled high-level discussions on Women, Peace and Security and Children and Armed Conflict as part of its presidency programme.

Spain's iconic Sagrada Família is the world's tallest church, surpassing centuries-old European landmarks and reshaping the global ranking of religious architecture.

According to data compiled from Britannica , the basilica's planned central tower will reach 172.5 metres, placing it ahead of Germany's Ulm Minster (161.5m) and Côte d'Ivoire's Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (158m).

The milestone marks the latest chapter in a project that has been under construction for more than 140 years and remains one of the most recognisable symbols of Barcelona and modern religious architecture.

Designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, the Sagrada Família has been under construction since 1882. The basilica's central tower, dedicated to Jesus Christ, is expected to elevate the structure to 172.5 metres, making it the tallest church building ever constructed.

The Sagrada Família Foundation has stated that the final height was intentionally designed to remain slightly lower than Barcelona's Montjuïc hill, reflecting Gaudí's belief that human creations should not surpass God's natural work.

The project received a major boost following the completion of the Tower of the Virgin Mary in 2021 and continues toward its final stages, despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Europe dominates the rankings

Europe remains home to most of the world's tallest churches, highlighting the continent's centuries-long influence on Christian architecture.

The current top ten includes:

Germany alone accounts for three of the ten tallest churches on the list.

Although surpassed in height by several structures, St. Peter's Basilica remains one of Christianity's most important sites.

Located in Vatican City, the Renaissance masterpiece was designed by architects including Michelangelo and serves as the spiritual centre of the Roman Catholic Church. Vatican News describes it as one of the most visited religious sites in the world, attracting millions of pilgrims annually.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump was asked directly whether the United States was restarting military strikes.

"You're resuming bombing?" a reporter asked.

"Yeah, well, we are. Based on the helicopter, I guess we have the right to do that. You know, they shot down a very, very incredible, actually an incredible machine," Trump replied.

His comments came after the United States carried out fresh airstrikes on Iranian targets overnight.

Earlier in the day, Trump defended the military action in a social media post, accusing Tehran of delaying negotiations.

Iran had "taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price!" Trump wrote.

The latest strikes followed an incident near the Strait of Hormuz involving a US Apache helicopter. Washington said the aircraft was brought down after colliding with an Iranian drone, while Trump stated that Iran had "shot down" the helicopter.

According to US military officials, the strikes targeted Iranian air defence systems, ground-control stations and surveillance radar sites. The Pentagon described the operation as a response to the helicopter incident and what it called recent attacks on US personnel and commercial vessels in the region.

Tehran condemned the strikes and signalled that its position on negotiations could change.

Iran said it would "need to assess the situation" following the attacks.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later announced retaliatory strikes against several US air and naval facilities across the Middle East, describing them as a response to American aggression.

The exchange marked another escalation in a conflict that has intensified since the US-Israeli military operation against Iran earlier this year, with both sides trading strikes and threats despite repeated calls for de-escalation.

Speaking at the "Amin Iran " ceremony in Tehran on Wednesday, Pezeshkian said Iran would not bow to threats or bombing campaigns.

"The enemy has based all its plans on fueling discord, because it is impossible to force a country to surrender with aeroplanes and bombing," he told attendees.

"They will not be able to force Iran to surrender with these threats, and we certainly will not surrender," he added.

His remarks came hours after the United States confirmed strikes on Iranian air defence systems, ground-control stations and surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz.

Washington said the operation was a self-defence measure following the reported downing of a US Apache helicopter and what it described as recent attacks on American personnel and commercial vessels in the region.

Pezeshkian said Iran wanted to move beyond a prolonged state of tension but would not compromise on its sovereignty.

"We must get out of this 'no war , no peace' situation. War is certainly not in the country's interest, but if they want to infringe upon our dignity, our soil, and our land, we will not surrender or back down. Let them dream of such a thing; it is not something we will ever retreat from," Pezeshkian noted.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later announced retaliatory strikes against several US air and naval bases in the region, describing the attacks as a response to American aggression.

The latest exchange marks another escalation in tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, with all sides exchanging threats and military action in recent days.

After a decade dominated by legends such as Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams, the French Open Roland-Garros is increasingly being shaped by a younger generation eager to leave its mark on the Paris clay.

The latest chapter came in 2026 when Germany's Alexander Zverev captured his maiden Roland-Garros title, while Russia's Mirra Andreeva, aged just 19, claimed her first Grand Slam crown. Their victories extended a period of transition that has transformed one of tennis' most prestigious tournaments.

Few players have dominated a Grand Slam like Rafael Nadal at Roland-Garros.

Between 2017 and 2022, Nadal won five French Open titles, adding to the legacy that earned him a record 14 crowns in Paris. His reign established Roland-Garros as one of the most remarkable success stories in sporting history .

The torch has since passed to fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who won back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025. His 2025 triumph was particularly memorable, as he rallied from two sets down and saved three championship points to defeat Italy's Jannik Sinner in the longest French Open final on record.

Alcaraz's success has positioned him as the leading figure of the sport's next generation, drawing inevitable comparisons with Nadal while forging a rivalry with Sinner that many believe will define men's tennis for years to come.

While younger stars have emerged, Novak Djokovic remains a significant figure in Roland-Garros history.

The Serbian captured titles in 2016, 2021 and 2023, becoming one of the few players capable of interrupting Nadal's dominance on clay. His 2023 victory also helped cement his record-breaking Grand Slam legacy.

Together, Nadal, Djokovic and now Alcaraz have defined the men's competition over the past decade.

The women's draw has been shaped largely by Iga Świątek, whose dominance on clay has echoed Nadal's success.

The Polish star won Roland-Garros titles in 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024, establishing herself as the leading force on the surface and one of the sport's most consistent performers. Her aggressive baseline game and movement have made her the player to beat in Paris for much of the decade.

Before Świątek's rise, champions included Garbiñe Muguruza, Jelena Ostapenko, Simona Halep and Ashleigh Barty, each contributing to a highly competitive era in women's tennis.

The last two editions have produced first-time champions.

In 2025, American star Coco Gauff defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to win her first Roland-Garros title and become the first American woman to lift the trophy since Serena Williams in 2015.

A year later, Mirra Andreeva went one step further by becoming the youngest French Open women's champion in more than three decades. Her victory highlighted the arrival of another major talent capable of challenging for Grand Slam titles across all surfaces.

Speaking during a television interview on Monday, Azizi accused Washington of refusing to acknowledge what he described as a defeat and claimed the United States was encouraging Israeli actions to advance its own interests.

"The Americans must accept that they have been defeated, that they are the losers in this arena," Azizi said.

He added that the United States had not yet recognised that reality.

"They have not yet come to this understanding. It seems they are supporting and inciting the Zionist regime to take actions that would serve America ’s own goals."

Azizi also warned that Iran would respond to any action it viewed as threatening its national security or that of its regional allies.

"We will deal with the Americans in such a way and in such a form, regarding any action that is contrary to the interests of our national security and our allied front, the Resistance Front, that they will receive continuous and definitive regret from us," the top official added.

His comments come as military tensions between Iran and Israel have resurfaced despite a ceasefire that took effect in April.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it carried out targeted attacks on "Ramat David" in response to Israeli operations in Lebanon.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said missiles launched from Iran were detected and intercepted by air defence systems after warning sirens sounded in several areas.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump called on both Iran and Israel to immediately halt the escalation.

Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya central headquarters later announced a temporary suspension of military operations but warned that any further Israeli attacks in Lebanon would trigger a response.

The latest developments follow the escalation that began after the US-Israeli joint military operation against Iran on February 28, which was followed by exchanges of missile strikes between the two sides.