AnewZ Morning Brief - June 15th, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 15th, covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. Tehran's Mehrabad Airport under evacuation following strike concerns

Iranian authorities are reportedly beginning the evacuation of Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran.

The area surrounding Mehrabad International Airport has reportedly been struck multiple times since the beginning of the ongoing escalation.

2. Türkiye’s Erdogan urges Syria to stay out of Israel-Iran conflict

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned that Israel’s attacks on Iran risk destabilising the region and urged Syria to stay out of the conflict during a phone call with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Erdogan stressed the importance of neutrality and vigilance against terrorist groups seeking to exploit the escalating tensions. The call came amid deadly exchanges between Israel and Iran, including Israeli strikes that killed over 100 people and Iranian missile retaliation.

3. Protest in Baghdad against Israel's attacks on Iran

On June 14, 2025, a group of protesters assembled outside the entrance to Baghdad's Green Zone, home to the US Embassy and key government institutions, to voice opposition to Israeli strikes on Iran.

Waving Iranian and Hezbollah flags, the demonstrators chanted anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans. Iraqi security forces intervened to stop the group from advancing further.

Protests erupted near Baghdad’s Suspension Bridge as demonstrators condemned Israeli airstrikes on Iran. A security source said they were also angry over claims that Iraqi airspace was used during the attacks.

Iraq has officially asked the United States to stop Israeli aircraft from flying through Iraqi airspace in any attacks against Iran, according to the Iraqi News Agency.

4. Trump leads military parade in Washington

President Donald Trump held a large military parade in Washington on Saturday to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and his 79th birthday.

The parade, which had been long desired by Trump, is one of the largest displays of military power in the U.S. since the 1991 Gulf War victory celebration. Officials estimate the cost at between $25 million and $45 million, covering logistics, equipment transport, and troop support.

Security was tightened across parts of the country following recent unrest linked to immigration enforcement. In Minnesota, a Democratic lawmaker was assassinated earlier in the day and another was wounded. Authorities have launched a manhunt and say the shooting appears politically motivated.

Despite growing international and domestic tensions, the parade went ahead as planned, drawing applause from supporters and criticism from opponents who questioned its cost and timing. 

5. Azerbaijan says it won’t allow its land to be used in attacks

Azerbaijan will not permit any country to use its territory to strike a third party, including Iran, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov tells his Iranian counterpart Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in a phone call on Saturday.

Bayramov expresses concern over rising regional tensions, particularly around nuclear sites, and stresses that all disputes must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy in line with international law, according to a statement from Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry.

With Iran’s airspace closed, the ministry notes that arrangements have been made for diplomatic transit through Azerbaijan’s land border.

The two ministers also discuss the Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory actions. Bayramov underscores the need to restore diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider conflict. He also offers condolences for the Iranian military chief of staff and others killed in the recent escalation.

6. Vietnam becomes 10th BRICS partner country

Vietnam officially joined BRICS as its 10th partner country, announced the Brazilian Foreign Ministry.

With nearly 100 million people and a fast-growing economy well integrated into global trade, Vietnam is seen as a key player in Asia.

The partner country status was created at the October 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, allowing nations like Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Nigeria to deepen ties with BRICS. Indonesia recently became a full BRICS member.

The next major event under Brazil’s presidency is the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, set for July 6-7, 2025.

7. Authorities continue investigation into deadly Air India plane crash

Indian authorities continued recovery and investigation efforts on Sunday (June 15) at the crash site of Air India Flight 171, which went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad three days earlier.

At least 270 bodies have been recovered, according to Dhaval Gameti, president of the Junior Doctors Association at B.J. Medical College. The London-bound Boeing 787, carrying 242 people, crashed into a hostel building at the medical college. Only one passenger survived, and several people on the ground were also killed.

India’s aviation minister announced on Saturday (June 14) that all Boeing 787 aircraft operated by domestic airlines would undergo inspections, as authorities continue to explore all potential causes of the crash.

8. Russia, Ukraine swap more prisoners of war under Istanbul deal

Russia and Ukraine carried out another prisoner exchange on Saturday, as part of an agreement reached during recent talks in Istanbul, Türkiye, the Russian Defence Ministry announced.

A group of Ukrainian prisoners of war was released and handed over to Kyiv, though the ministry did not specify the number of individuals involved.

Additionally, Russia returned the remains of 1,200 Ukrainian soldiers on Saturday. This followed the handover of 1,212 bodies on Wednesday and 1,200 on Friday, according to a member of Russia's negotiating team speaking to TASS news agency.

Following the June 2 Istanbul talks, Russia committed to repatriating the bodies of 6,000 fallen Ukrainian soldiers.

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