He added: “There is more to do, and we are doing it… we have effectively changed the face of the Middle East . Our enemies, Iran and the axis of evil, came to destroy us, and now they are simply fighting for their survival.”

Netanyahu was accompanied by Defence Minister Israel Katz, Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Northern Command head Major General Rafi Milo, according to reports.

The remarks come as the Lebanese presidency confirmed direct talks with Israel will begin on Tuesday at the US State Department in Washington, even as Israeli airstrikes continue despite a ceasefire agreed last week between the United States , Israel and Iran’s allies.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is pressing for an immediate and stable ceasefire amid a worsening humanitarian situation, while Israel is expected to demand the full disarmament of Hezbollah and tighter border security.

Separately, US Vice President JD Vance held 21 hours of talks with Iran ian officials in Islamabad, which ended on Sunday without agreement. Vance said the outcome was “bad news for Iran, much more than it's bad news for the United States."

“We want the war in the Middle East to end now. The world is tired of it,” Kainerugaba wrote. “But any talk of destroying or defeating Israel will bring us into the war. On the side of Israel.”

Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni and a key political figure as chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda, framed his stance in religious terms, citing Christian solidarity with Israel.

“We stand with Israel because we are Christians… Jesus Christ [is] the only One who can forgive sins,” he said, quoting a biblical passage to underscore his position.

The remarks come amid heightened global concern that the Middle East conflict could widen, with alliances and ideological ties potentially drawing in actors beyond the region. 

Kainerugaba’s statements signal that parts of Africa could be pulled into the crisis if hostilities escalate further, particularly if Israel faces direct threats.

In another post, he warned of broader geopolitical consequences, saying an attack on Cuba by “colonialists and imperialists” would mark “the beginning of World War 3,” amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to “take” the Latin American country. 

Kainerugaba also pointed to historical ties between Uganda and Israel, saying Kampala would be prepared to offer assistance if requested.

“Israel stood with us when we were nobodys in the 1980s and 1990s,” he said. “Why wouldn’t we defend her now that our GDP is $100 billion? One of the largest in Africa.”

While the Ugandan government has not issued a formal policy statement echoing his remarks, Kainerugaba’s position is closely watched given his senior military role and political influence.

Moscow described the mission as routine, saying the aircraft carried out scheduled patrols and training exercises, including aerial refuelling, in full compliance with international airspace rules. 

The flights took place outside Japanese territorial airspace, and no official response has yet been issued by Tokyo on whether assets were scrambled to monitor the activity.

What happened

According to the Russian defence ministry , MiG-31I aircraft equipped with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles conducted patrol flights over neutral waters in the Sea of Japan. Crews practised in-flight refuelling as part of the exercise. The ministry characterised the mission as a standard operation by the Aerospace Forces.

Why it matters

The patrols were disclosed publicly by Moscow — an unusual step — and occurred just ahead of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s visit to the United States. Analysts say the timing suggests the flights may have been intended to signal Russia’s military capabilities and presence in the region.

The capability

The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is an air-launched hypersonic missile, reportedly derived from the Iskander short-range ballistic missile. Russia says it can reach speeds of up to Mach 10 and strike targets at distances of around 2,000 kilometres, with the ability to carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. However, some Western experts have questioned the extent of its hypersonic performance, noting interceptions during the war in Ukraine.

Relationship under strain

Russian and Chinese military activity near Japan’s airspace regularly triggers monitoring operations by Japanese forces. Recent surveillance missions have included Japanese aircraft tracking foreign naval movements near the archipelago. Relations between Tokyo and Moscow remain strained, particularly over a long-running territorial dispute and Japan’s support for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.

The bigger picture

Some analysts view the flights as a demonstration that Russia can sustain a military presence in key maritime corridors linking Northeast Asia to the Pacific. The move also comes amid shifting global deployments, with the United States engaged in other conflicts, potentially altering regional security dynamics.

For years, Larijani was seen as a steady and pragmatic figure within Iran’s political system. He helped shape major decisions at home and abroad, including backing the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. With a background in mathematics and philosophy, and experience across government, parliament and security roles, he built a reputation for balancing ideology with practical decision-making.

That image shifted as the conflict escalated. After the strikes on Iran’s leadership, Larijani quickly stepped forward as one of the most senior remaining officials, helping steer the country through a moment of crisis. His tone became more forceful, mirroring Iran’s broader shift.

He ruled out talks with Washington, saying Iran would “not negotiate” with the United States, and warned of retaliation. In some of his strongest remarks, he said the attacks had “set the heart of the Iranian nation ablaze” and vowed that Iran would make its enemies “regret their actions”. He also warned that any bases used by US forces could become targets.

Larijani came from a powerful political family and held senior roles for decades, including as speaker of parliament. While he was not a candidate to become supreme leader, he was widely seen as a trusted figure capable of helping hold the system together during uncertainty.

In one of his remarks after the war broke out, Larijani said: “Americans should know that we will not leave them. You have left a pain in our hearts. We won't leave you. You must accept that you no longer have the right to violate Iran. Accept that you have been insolent.”

Larijani was last seen in public on March 13 during Quds Day rallies attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

While Iran has yet to confirm his death, Israel has said it will “continue hunting down” Iran’s leadership, signalling no let-up in the conflict as the war enters its third week.

Reports from the ground indicate that explosions were heard in the Afghan capital early in the day, with both sides offering sharply different accounts of the damage and casualties.

Pakistan’s information minister, Attaullah Tarar, said the strikes killed 133 Afghan Taliban officials and wounded more than 200 others. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the armed forces were capable of crushing aggressors, while Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif described the situation as “open war.”

Kabul, however, rejected Pakistan’s account. 

Afghanistan’s defence ministry said 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed in Thursday night’s border clashes and that 19 Pakistani posts and two bases were destroyed. It reported eight Afghan soldiers killed and 11 wounded.

After months of tension

This latest fighting follows months of tit-for-tat violence despite a Qatar-mediated ceasefire agreed in 2025. 

Border crossings have largely remained shut since deadly clashes in October that left more than 70 people dead on both sides. 

Residents near the Torkham crossing have again been evacuated, and local authorities reported civilian casualties, including women and children .

At the heart of the dispute is Pakistan’s accusation that Afghanistan is failing to curb militant groups operating from its soil, particularly Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). 

Islamabad said the group has intensified attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Afghan officials insist the TTP issue is an internal Pakistani matter.

Border factor

Tensions have deep historical roots, as the two countries share a 2,611-kilometre frontier known as the Durand Line, a colonial-era boundary that Kabul has never formally recognised. The line divides Pashtun communities and remains politically sensitive.

After the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021, many in Pakistan expected a friendly administration. During the insurgency against US-led forces, Taliban leaders had found sanctuary in Pakistani border regions. 

Yet relations have deteriorated as the Afghan Taliban have sought greater autonomy and resisted Pakistani pressure over militant groups.

Continued cross-border strikes risk deepening instability in a region already strained by militancy, economic fragility and diplomatic isolation. 

The United Nations has called for restraint, though it has so far failed to halt the slide towards a broader confrontation.

Prabowo emphasized Indonesia’s readiness to contribute significantly to the international stabilization effort. 

“There will be problems, but we will prevail. We will achieve our dream of peace in Palestine , a lasting and peaceful solution for the Palestinian problem and in Gaza,” he said. 

At the landmark meeting, Prabowo also reiterated that Indonesia is prepared to provide up to 8,000 troops to the International Stabilization Force, stating, “We are prepared to contribute the troops to take part actively … to make this peace work.”

The announcement aligns with statements from the Indonesian military, which said up to 8,000 personnel could be ready for deployment by June, with an advance team of roughly 1,000 prepared by April. 

The Indonesian National Armed Forces, known as TNI, have finalized the troop structure and a timeline, though actual deployment requires presidential approval and adherence to international mechanisms.

Indonesia’s participation would mark the first formal troop commitment to the U.S.-led Board of Peace stabilization effort in Gaza . The country has long supported Palestinian statehood, provided humanitarian aid, and participated in global peacekeeping.

Prabowo framed the move as both a humanitarian and strategic mission: “The achievements of the ceasefire are real, we commend this and therefore we reaffirm our commitment.” 

“Thailand’s reported air strikes along its disputed border with Cambodia sound alarming, and they are,” he said, noting that such confrontations between ASEAN neighbours are rare and increase the risk of miscalculation. He insisted, however, that “a full-scale regional war is still very unlikely.”

Contreras’ statement comes after Thailand confirmed on Monday that it had carried out air strikes on Cambodian positions after accusing Phnom Penh of breaching a ceasefire brokered earlier this year. 

One Thai soldier was killed and eight others wounded, prompting the Air Force to deploy aircraft “to deter and reduce Cambodia's military capabilities,” according to a Thai army statement.

Cambodia rejected the accusations and said Thailand launched dawn attacks at two locations following “provocative actions.” Its defence ministry insisted Cambodian forces had “not responded,” even as three civilians were reported seriously wounded. Former leader Hun Sen called Thailand the “aggressors” and urged Cambodian troops to exercise restraint.

Contreras stressed that the clashes remain geographically limited. “The conflict is localized,” he said, explaining that the fighting is confined to long-contested border areas with a history of flare-ups. “There is no sign of nationwide mobilization from either side.”

He also pointed out limitations of both Thailand's and Cambodia’s militaries and economies.

“Neither military is built for prolonged interstate war,” he said. Both armies are primarily oriented toward internal security and border defence, making extended conflict “neither feasible nor desirable.”

“Economies, especially Thailand’s, can’t afford escalation,” he added, noting that tourism is a vital component of Thailand’s economy and that reports of “air strikes” alone can alarm visitors.

Regional and international actors are also likely to act to prevent escalation. Contreras noted incentives for the United States , China, and neighbouring governments to pressure both sides into dialogue. ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim has already urged “maximum restraint.”

Contreras said urgent diplomatic intervention is needed, but the risk of a full-scale regional war remains low. 

“This is concerning and needs quick diplomatic intervention, but a debilitating Thailand–Cambodia war that destabilizes the region is still highly unlikely. Economic pressure, ASEAN dynamics, and political reality all point toward de-escalation rather than war,” he said.

The decision, revealed by Israel’s Army Radio and reported by The Jerusalem Post, marks a dramatic escalation in the military’s digital security efforts amid intensifying regional conflict.

The move is designed to reduce the risk of cyber intrusions on high-level military devices, the reports say.

Even before the ongoing conflict with Hamas and escalating clashes across the region, Israeli forces had faced repeated cyber-espionage attempts, including “honeypot” attacks targeting soldiers in order to steal sensitive information such as troop positions and strategic movements.

Just weeks ago, Google had launched a major campaign promoting Android security, celebrating the approval of Pixel phones for the U.S. Department of Defense ’s Information Network. 

Google called it a “significant milestone” and described Pixel devices as “mission-ready” and resilient for government users. Until recently, only Apple and Samsung appeared on that list.

However, the Israeli military clearly believes iPhones offer stronger protection. According to The Jerusalem Post, the new policy follows a series of efforts to harden digital discipline, including training programmes and staged cyberattack drills inspired by Hezbollah-linked tactics designed to trick soldiers into compromising their devices.

Israel National News reports that the decision comes alongside fresh intelligence warnings and increasing concerns about sophisticated phishing and espionage attempts targeting defence personnel.

Meanwhile, Ynet News says Israeli officials are currently facing a new Iranian cyber campaign aimed at high-level government and defence figures. The effort, linked to the IRGC, allegedly uses WhatsApp lures, impersonation and a PowerShell backdoor to infiltrate targets. 

As physical fighting continues on multiple fronts, a parallel digital war is accelerating.

For instance, Serbia is believed to have lost between 16% and 27.8% of its population during the war, placing it among the hardest-hit nations in proportional terms.

Meanwhile, Western European nations such as France lost around 4.3% to 4.4% of their populations.

These figures help explain why social and political life across Europe and beyond was permanently transformed: a generation of young men lost, entire communities disrupted, and the demographic shock rippling into post-war unrest and reconstruction.

For smaller states or those deeply entangled in fighting, the losses were especially devastating.

In today’s global context, the map also resonates with how we understand modern conflict and its ripple effects. As the world watches ongoing conflicts, whether in parts of Africa, Eurasia or the Middle East, the notion that war doesn’t just kill those who fight but also destabilises societies remains painfully relevant.

Furthermore, remembrance efforts continue to highlight the war’s legacy. In northern France, for example, dozens of remains of WWI soldiers are still being discovered each year, an enduring testament to how the conflict’s footprint remains in the landscape.

The remains of a World War I soldier unearthed during construction work in France were laid to rest on Wednesday, June 12, 2025. Serjeant Henry Ashton from Derbyshire, who lost his life at the age of 44 in 1917 during an operation near Lens, received a dignified burial more than a century after his passing.

"It has been a privilege to identify Sjt Ashton, and to be able to organise this burial service for him. When you consider the half a million men still missing from the First and Second World Wars, every one we can identify feels like an achievement," Alexia Clark, the UK's Ministry of Defence's War Detective, said.

“ America will just use these Christians as a scapegoat to attack Nigeria — not necessarily to salvage Christians but rather an attempt to harness the resources in Nigeria,” said Idris Salisu Rogo, a public affairs analyst and lecturer at Bayero University Kano.

Civil society voices also questioned Washington’s approach, insisting support should come through partnership, not force. “If they want to support Nigeria, it is not necessary to come through an invasion or through the American military,” argued activist Salisu Yusuf. “They could provide training to Nigerian security forces.”

Trump made the remarks at a rally in Florida , citing attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria’s northern and central regions.

His comments have drawn swift pushback from Nigerian officials and added fresh strain to already sensitive geopolitical relations, with many Nigerians insisting that internal challenges require domestic solutions — not foreign troops.