The Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, declared that Operation Rising Lion, aimed at confronting a major threat to Israel’s existence, will be remembered as one of the country's boldest and most successful missions. In a video shared on the social media platform X, General Zamir explained that the IDF struck deep into Iranian territory during the operation, significantly hindering Iran’s military nuclear program and ballistic missile systems, while also eliminating key figures behind efforts to destroy Israel.

He maintained close coordination with American military officials throughout the operation and praised the U.S. for Operation Midnight Hammer, calling it a precise and powerful mission with major results. “We launched Operation Rising Lion to counter an existential threat to Israel. Within 12 days, we executed our plans with precision, achieving our objectives. While striking inside Iran, we were also active on six other fronts,” he said. Zamir reaffirmed Israel’s ongoing efforts to secure the release of 50 hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas and to dismantle the group entirely.

He honored the IDF personnel for their courage, calling the operation a historic turning point for Israel, the Jewish people, and the world, and emphasized the IDF's continued commitment to national security. The conflict escalated with Iran launching Operation True Promise 3, targeting Israeli infrastructure with drones and missiles. In response, the U.S. intervened with Operation Midnight Hammer, attacking Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting Iran to retaliate against American bases in Qatar and Iraq.

Hours after Iran’s counterattack, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Iran had reached a “complete and total ceasefire,” marking the end of the 12-day conflict. Posting on Truth Social on June 24, Trump stated the ceasefire would begin within six hours, leading to a formal end after 24 hours. He congratulated both nations, saying they showed strength and wisdom in halting a war that could have engulfed the entire Middle East. “This is a war that could have lasted years, but it won’t. God bless all nations involved,” Trump wrote.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

On Tuesday, just hours after announcing a ceasefire, U.S. President Donald Trump accused both Israel and Iran of breaching the agreement, directing sharp criticism particularly toward Israel for launching new airstrikes on Tehran. “Israel, stop dropping bombs. If you continue, it will be a major violation. Recall your pilots immediately!” Trump wrote on Truth Social shortly after departing the White House for a NATO summit in The Hague.

Before boarding his helicopter, he told reporters he was “not happy” with either nation for ignoring the truce, but emphasized his disappointment with Israel. “I need to get Israel to stand down,” Trump said. “Right after we reached the agreement, they carried out a massive bombing operation — the biggest I’ve ever seen.” He added bluntly that Iran and Israel had been fighting for so long that “they don’t know what the f*** they’re doing,” before turning away from the press.

Earlier that day, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz had ordered new strikes on Tehran, claiming Iran had fired missiles in a clear violation of the ceasefire. Iran denied launching any attacks and instead accused Israel of continuing to strike for 90 minutes after the truce was meant to begin. Despite the violations, there was a strong sense of relief in both countries and across the Middle East, as a fragile path to peace appeared to be forming. The conflict had begun 12 days earlier when Israel launched a surprise attack, followed by U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites two days ago.

Reza Sharifi, 38, speaking by phone as he returned to Tehran from Rasht, said, “We’re very happy. It doesn’t matter who mediated it or how — the war is over. It never should’ve happened.” In Tel Aviv, software engineer Arik Daimant shared his bittersweet reaction: “It’s too late for me and my family — our house was destroyed last Sunday. But still, better late than never. I hope this ceasefire marks a fresh start.” Trump had earlier posted on Truth Social: “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!”
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

On Tuesday, June 24, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran had taken effect, urging both nations to respect the truce. This statement came just hours after Iran launched multiple missile strikes that, according to Israel’s national ambulance service, killed four people in Beersheba. “The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Trump had previously declared a “complete ceasefire” on Monday to end a 12-day conflict, suggesting that both sides would have time to conclude their ongoing operations before the ceasefire fully took hold in a phased manner. Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv and Beersheba shortly before his announcement. Israel’s military confirmed that Iran had fired six waves of missiles, while Iran’s state-affiliated SNN reported that its last missile volley was launched before the ceasefire deadline.

A senior U.S. official said the ceasefire was brokered by Trump in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel reportedly agreed to the truce as long as Iran halted further aggression. “If everything goes according to plan — and it will — I want to commend both Israel and Iran for having the strength, wisdom, and resolve to end what I’d call ‘The 12-Day War,’” Trump added on Truth Social.

An Iranian official confirmed Tehran’s agreement to a truce, although Iran’s foreign minister said peace would only be possible if Israel ceased its attacks. Iranian diplomat Abbas Araqchi stated that if Israel ended its military aggression by 4 a.m. Tehran time, Iran would stop retaliating — but emphasized that the final decision on halting military operations would be made later. Over the weekend, the U.S. joined Israel in striking Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, claiming Iran was close to acquiring a nuclear weapon — a charge Tehran denies. Iran maintains it has never pursued nuclear arms, while Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that if Iran chose to build one, it would be unstoppable.

Israel, though not a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, is believed to be the only nuclear-armed nation in the Middle East. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani reportedly played a key role in convincing Iran to agree to the ceasefire, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff, were also in direct and indirect talks with Iranian counterparts.

Requests for comment from Iran’s UN mission and the Israeli embassy in Washington went unanswered. Earlier, Israeli officials hinted that the country was preparing to wind down its offensive in Iran and conveyed this to the U.S. Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed his ministers to avoid public statements about the matter. The ceasefire news was welcomed by financial markets. S&P 500 futures rose 0.4%, and U.S. crude oil prices dropped to their lowest in over a week, easing fears of disruption to regional oil supplies.

Earlier on Monday, Trump indicated a desire for Israel to pursue peace and downplayed Iran’s strike on a U.S. air base, which caused no injuries. He thanked Iran for providing advance warning, calling the response “very weak” and expected. Iran’s measured missile response suggested an effort to retaliate symbolically while avoiding broader escalation. The strike followed U.S. bomber attacks on Iranian underground nuclear sites, carried out alongside Israel. As bombing continued, large numbers of Tehran residents reportedly fled the city. The Trump administration has insisted its objective was only to eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat, not to start a broader war.

Vice President Vance claimed Iran had been close to producing a nuclear weapon but was now incapable of doing so after the strikes. However, U.S. intelligence agencies previously stated that Iran was not actively building a nuclear weapon — and this assessment had not changed, according to a source familiar with U.S. intelligence reports. In a separate post, Trump also hinted at bringing down Iran’s hardline clerical leadership, which has been in conflict with Washington since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Israel, for its part, appeared to target not just military installations but the core of Iran’s ruling structure — including Evin prison, known for holding political detainees.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

On Monday (June 23), Iran declared that the recent U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities have broadened the scope of legitimate military targets for its forces. The country also slammed U.S. President Donald Trump as a “gambler” for backing Israel’s ongoing military offensive against Iran. Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central military command, warned the United States of severe repercussions. "Mr. Trump, the gambler, you might start this war—but we will be the ones to finish it," Zolfaqari said in English at the close of a video statement.

The warning comes amid ongoing hostilities between Iran and Israel, who have exchanged missile and air strikes. The international community is closely watching Iran’s response to the weekend U.S. air raids, which Trump claimed could potentially lead to regime change in Tehran. Satellite imagery suggests that the Fordow nuclear facility, buried deep underground, suffered serious damage or destruction in the U.S. assault, though experts have yet to confirm the full extent of the impact.

Trump boasted on his Truth Social platform that the strikes inflicted “monumental damage” on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, adding: “The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!” He also urged Iran not to retaliate, warning that any future attacks would be “much larger and far easier,” raising fears of further escalation in the region. According to U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine, the military launched 75 precision-guided munitions, including bunker-buster bombs and over two dozen Tomahawk missiles, targeting three nuclear facilities in Iran.

Despite the intensity of the strikes, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no unusual radiation levels near the affected sites. Director General Rafael Grossi told CNN it was still too early to evaluate the extent of underground damage. An unnamed Iranian source told Reuters that most of the highly enriched uranium at the Fordow facility had already been relocated before the attack, although this could not be independently verified.

In response to the U.S. strikes, Iran launched missile attacks on Israel, injuring dozens and causing destruction in Tel Aviv. However, Iran has so far refrained from attacking U.S. military bases or blocking the Strait of Hormuz—a critical route for nearly 20% of global oil shipments. A blockade of the strait could trigger a global energy crisis, spike oil prices, and provoke a direct confrontation with the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet stationed in Bahrain. Following the weekend’s events, global oil markets reacted swiftly. On Monday, Brent crude rose by $1.11 (1.44%) to $78.12 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate climbed $1.08 (1.45%) to reach $74.87.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

A ceasefire between Israel and Iran seems to be holding, despite some early breaches from both sides. However, a preliminary U.S. intelligence report suggests that recent American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites may have only delayed Tehran’s nuclear program by a few months. This raises questions about the likelihood of further violations and how U.S. President Donald Trump might respond. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman speak with Professor Lawrence Rubin from the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Technology to explore the situation.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Following the recent acquisition of an international firm, the company has appointed a key team member to lead the training of the incoming staff. The focus now shifts to ensuring a smooth transition, with a strong emphasis on cultural sensitivity, clear communication, and inclusive onboarding practices. The initiative aims to bridge operational and cultural gaps, helping new employees integrate seamlessly into the existing corporate environment.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Farewell to Wala Wala and Crystal Jade—two more iconic spots in Holland Village are set to close this year. As new places emerge, do long-time establishments naturally disappear? Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin discuss the trend with Vairavan Shanmugam, Data Insights Specialist at Ohmyhome.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Millions globally followed Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad as she shared her experiences online while living under Israeli attacks after 7 October 2023. She has now published a memoir—a compilation of diary entries reflecting on life under siege and her deep connection to her homeland. In a conversation with Nour Haydar, she discusses her life during the conflict and after escaping the war.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.