US tells UN: strikes degraded Iran's capacity to build nuclear weapon

U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities "effectively fulfilled our narrow objective: to degrade Iran's capacity to produce a nuclear weapon," acting U.S. envoy to the U.N. Dorothy Shea told the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, Reuters reported.

"These strikes – in accordance with the inherent right to collective self-defense, consistent with the U.N. Charter – aimed to mitigate the threat posed by Iran to Israel, the region and to, more broadly, international peace and security," Shea told the 15-member council.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said the strikes over the weekend "completely and totally obliterated"Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities. Earlier on Tuesday he announced that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel had started, according to Reuters.

"I think it's still early to assess all the strikes. We know we were able to push back the (nuclear) program. We were able to remove the imminent threat that we had," Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon told reporters on Tuesday.

US strikes may have set back Iran nuclear program only months, sources say

A preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment has determined that U.S. strikes over the weekend on Iranian nuclear facilities have set back Tehran's program by only a matter of months, three sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The initial report was prepared by the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Pentagon's main intelligence arm and one of 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, said two of the sources, who requested anonymity to discuss classified matters.

The classified assessment is at odds with the statements of President Donald Trump and high-ranking U.S. officials - including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. They have said the weekend strikes, which used a combination of bunker-busting bombs and more conventional weapons, essentially eliminated Iran's nuclear program, according to Reuters.

Trump's administration on Tuesday told the U.N Security Council that its weekend strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities had "degraded" Iran's nuclear program, short of Trump's earlier assertion that the facilities had been "obliterated."

Khadka gains recognition as a versatile director

Madan Khadka is emerging as a notable figure in Nepal’s music video scene, with his direction in the song ‘Phool Maya Ma Nabhool’ receiving widespread attention on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Other music videos under his direction, such as ‘Timi Marchau Thaha Cha’, ‘Mat Pradeshi’, and ‘Ekauana Bauna’, have also been well-received in the Nepali market.

Having entered the industry more than a decade ago, Khadka has directed nearly a thousand music videos and acted in over four dozen of them. Originally from Butwal, he is now based in Kathmandu and is active in various aspects of video production including direction, choreography, editing, and photography.

Known for his on-screen presence, Khadka has earned the nickname “chocolate model” among fans. He emphasizes the often-overlooked role of directors in shaping a music video's presentation and success.

In addition to his work in music, Khadka has also acted in the feature film ‘Raini’ and is making his directorial debut in cinema with the upcoming movie ‘Mahakabya’. He has worked across multiple genres, from folk and pop to awareness campaigns on topics such as Covid-19, HIV/AIDS, and sanitation.

Despite over a decade of experience, Khadka notes that talents from rural areas still face challenges in gaining recognition. He remains committed to supporting both new and established artists and hopes ‘Mahakabya’ will serve as an important milestone in his career. He has been nominated for more than 15 awards and has won several, acknowledging his contributions to the industry.

 

China plans to show off new equipment at parade marking 80th anniversary of Japan’s WWII surrender

China plans to hold a military parade Sept. 3 marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender and featuring the People’s Liberation Army’s newest weaponry, Associated Press reported.

President and head of the military Xi Jinping will deliver a speech on the occasion, which will feature “new-type combat capabilities,” including hypersonic weapons and a range of electronic gear, said Wu Zeke, identified as a senor officer of the PLA, the ruling Communist Party’s military wing. 

The force is the world’s largest standing military with more than 2 million members and an increasingly sophisticated arsenal of missiles, aircraft carriers and fighter aircraft.

Military parades are a favorite of Xi’s, held primarily to mark the anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949, Japan’s surrender and the anniversary of the PLA’s founding. Relentlessly drilled marching units, armored columns and aerial units all feature on such occasions, according to Associated Press.

Israel says Iran violates ceasefire, orders strikes on Tehran

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday he had ordered the military to strike Tehran after Iran fired missiles in violation of a ceasefire, opens new tab after 12 days of war, Reuters reported.

"In light of Iran’s blatant violation of the ceasefire declared by the President of the United States — through the launch of missiles toward Israel — and in accordance with the Israeli government's policy to respond forcefully to any breach, I have instructed the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)... to continue high-intensity operations targeting regime assets and terror infrastructure in Tehran," he said.

The Israeli military said it was working to shoot down Iranian missiles after detecting a launch.

Israel had said on Tuesday a ceasefire was in effect after it had achieved all the goals of the bombing campaign against Iran that it launched on June 13. Iran had confirmed that it would halt retaliation if Israel's bombing stopped, according to Reuters.

Israel-Iran conflict disrupts Middle East flights

Airlines have cancelled or rerouted flights to and from the Middle East, as the conflict between Israel and Iran raged, BBC reported.

Qatar's Doha airport, a critical hub in the region, halted operations on Monday, after Iran fired missiles at a US military base in the country, in what it said was retaliation for American strikes against its nuclear sites over the weekend.

Flights were temporarily paused at Dubai airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the world's busiest air terminal, as passengers were told to expect further delays and cancellations.

More than a dozen airlines have cancelled flights to parts of the region after tension mounted in recent days, according to BBC.

 

PSG beat Seattle to reach Club World Cup last 16

Paris St-Germain beat Seattle Sounders to seal their place in the Fifa Club World Cup knockout stages, BBC reported.

The European champions win Group B and will play the runners-up of Group A - which is likely to be Palmeiras or Inter Miami.

Their opening goal had a hint of fortune to it with Vitinha's 20-yard first-time drive heading off target before hitting Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the back and going in.

They added a second on the counter with Achraf Hakimi slamming in from Bradley Barcola's pass.

PSG deserved their victory in Seattle with Desire Doue forcing three stops from Sounders keeper Stefan Frei, according to BBC.

Man Utd make improved £60m bid for striker Mbeumo

Manchester United have submitted an improved bid of more than £60m for Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo, BBC reported.

This month United had a bid rejected for the 25-year-old of £45m plus up to £10m in add-ons.

Talks over the Cameroon forward, who would become the club's second signing of the summer, are due to continue this week.

Following the £62.5m capture of Matheus Cunha from Wolves, United are keen to further strengthen Ruben Amorim's squad before they return for pre-season training on 7 July, according to BBC.

New Tottenham manager Thomas Frank was keen to be reunited with Mbeumo, while there has also been interest in the forward from other Champions League clubs.