Intercepted Iranian communications downplay U.S. strike damage, raising questions over nuclear impact

Intercepted Iranian communications suggest officials in Tehran are minimizing the extent of the damage inflicted by recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear program, The Washington Post reported Sunday, citing four individuals familiar with classified U.S. intelligence.

Apple's 'F1: The Movie' speeds to top of North American box office with $55.6 million debut

Apple’s Formula 1-themed drama F1: The Movie surged to the top of the U.S. and Canadian box office the weekend, collecting $55.6 million in ticket sales and marking the company’s most successful cinematic opening to date, according to data from Comscore.

Ukraine, Spain discuss joint defence production and EU accession in Madrid talks

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal held talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Madrid on Sunday, focusing on enhanced military cooperation, joint defence production, and Ukraine’s bid to begin European Union accession talks.

Explainer: What China’s 2025 ‘Two sessions’ reveal about climate policy priorities

China’s annual “Two Sessions” meetings, held from March 4 to 11, offered fresh insight into the country's climate and energy outlook for 2025.

China to hold military parade on Sept. 3 for 80th anniversary of WWII end

China announced on Tuesday that it will host a large-scale military parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on September 3, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. President Xi Jinping is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech during the commemorative events.

MINEX Central Asia 2025 Forum highlights critical minerals and regional cooperation

The 11th MINEX Central Asia Forum took place in Tashkent under the theme “Forging Central Asia's Role in Global Critical Minerals Security”, gathering stakeholders from across the region to explore collaboration and investment opportunities in the mining and critical minerals sector.

Tajikistan and Qatar Discuss Prospects for Expanding Bilateral Ties

Tajikistan and Qatar are exploring ways to strengthen their bilateral relationship, focusing on expanding cooperation in economics, trade, and investment.

Iran’s President signals readiness to resolve U.S. issues in call with Saudi crown prince

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed Tehran’s willingness to resolve its disputes with the United States "based on international frameworks" during a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported on Tuesday.

Uzbekistan revises small nuclear power plant project, explores larger facility with Russia

Uzbekistan and Russia have signed a new agreement to explore the construction of a large-capacity nuclear power plant, while also revising plans for a previously announced small modular nuclear power plant (SMR).

China doubles 2025 naphtha import quotas amid rising demand, U.S. supply disruptions

China has nearly doubled its naphtha import quotas for 2025, issuing a second batch of allocations to chemical companies as demand surges and cheaper alternatives like propane and ethane face supply disruptions, according to six trade sources.

Summary: Asia in the Iran-Israel conflict — China, energy, and global South geopolitics

Kazakhstan and Russia discuss moving Soyuz-5 rocket production to Baikonur

Kazakhstan is in discussions with Russia to relocate the production of the Soyuz-5 (Irtysh) launch vehicle from Russia to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, according to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.

Baku to host international conference on Guadeloupe’s decolonization struggle

An international conference titled “Towards the Decolonization of Guadeloupe: Challenges and Perspectives” will be held in Baku on June 25, highlighting the island's long-standing struggle against colonial rule.

Azerbaijan urges restraint, expresses concern over U.S. strikes on Iran

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday voiced deep concern over the escalating tensions following the United States’ military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling on all sides to prioritize diplomacy over confrontation.

Pentagon: Iran nuclear strikes achieved objectives, diplomacy still open

The Pentagon concluded a high-stakes press briefing Saturday afternoon following the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, outlining the scale and success of the mission while stressing the door remains open to diplomacy.

Türkiye warns U.S. strike on Iran risks global escalation

Türkiye has voiced strong concern following the United States’ strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, warning that the action could dangerously escalate the conflict and trigger a global crisis.

U.S. strike on Iran rattles markets; Investors brace for oil price spike and volatility

Global investors are bracing for significant market turmoil when trading reopens, with analysts predicting a sharp spike in oil prices and a flight to safe-haven assets following the United States' announcement of military strikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities.

Iran condemns U.S. strikes on nuclear sites, declares "Red Line" crossed

Iran’s top diplomat on Sunday issued a stark condemnation of the United States following overnight military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, declaring that Washington had crossed a "very big red line" and would be held "fully responsible" for the consequences.

Latin American leaders condemn U.S. airstrikes on Iran, citing violation of international law

A chorus of condemnation emerged from Latin America on Sunday as leaders from Chile, Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, and Bolivia denounced the United States for its recent airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities.

U.S. strike on Iran divides world leaders, sparking praise and condemnation

The United States' military strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities Sunday triggered sharply divided reactions from the international community, with Israel lauding the move as a historic decision while Iran, the United Nations, and numerous other nations condemned the attack.

AnewZ Morning Brief - June 22nd, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 22nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.

Tajikistan and China to form joint working group on artificial intelligence

Tajikistan and China have agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on Artificial Intelligence, following high-level talks between President Emomali Rahmon and President Xi Jinping in Astana earlier this week.

Hungary temporarily relocates embassy from Iran to Baku over security concerns

Hungary has temporarily relocated its embassy from Tehran to Baku, citing rising security risks, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced in a video statement posted on social media.