Trump Declares U.S. Control Over Iran’s Skies, Urges Iran’s Surrender amid Escalating Conflict – 6/18/2025, 12:23:04 PM

Major World News as of June 18, 2025

Israel-Iran Conflict Intensifies
– The Israel-Iran air war has entered its sixth day, with both sides continuing to exchange airstrikes. Air raid sirens were reported in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as Iran launched fresh missile attacks toward southern Israel[3][5].
– Israel responded with F-15 fighter jet strikes targeting military sites inside Iran. The Israeli military released footage of these attacks[3].
– U.S. President Donald Trump cut short his G7 trip and returned to Washington to oversee the crisis. He declared that the U.S. now has “complete and total control of the skies over Iran” and publicly called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.” He also stated that the U.S. knows the whereabouts of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei but has chosen not to strike him for now[2][3][4].
– The conflict has sparked international calls for restraint, with Russia urging Israel to immediately stop attacks on nuclear installations and sites under international safeguards[1].

Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
– Palestinians continue to gather for urgently needed aid in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, as the regional conflict further strains humanitarian relief efforts[2].

U.S. Domestic and Economic Developments
– A new report by the U.S. Congressional Budget Office estimates that President Trump’s recent tax and budget bill will increase the U.S. deficit by $2.8 trillion over the next decade[5].
– The U.S. role in supporting Israel and potentially joining direct military action against Iran is causing division among American lawmakers[3][4].

European and Global Affairs
– The European Commission has proposed legislation to phase out all Russian natural gas and oil imports by the end of 2027, intensifying efforts to reduce dependency on Russian energy[5].
– Hungary has voiced strong criticism of the EU’s proposal to phase out Russian energy and reaffirmed support for Montenegro’s accession to the EU[5].

Asia-Pacific Updates
– Indonesia faces ongoing volcanic eruptions from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, causing evacuations and widespread flight cancellations[5].
– Indonesia is also accelerating efforts to become malaria-free by 2030, focusing on Papua[5].
– Laos is experiencing continued heavy rainfall, raising risks of floods and landslides[5].

Other Notable Headlines
– Qatar has pledged $20 million to support UNRWA for Palestine refugees[5].
– Venezuela received another group of 135 deported migrants from the United States[5].
– Belarus reported a 2.5% GDP growth for the first five months of 2025[5].
– Tanzanian Prime Minister urged citizens to maintain peace ahead of the October general elections[5].
– The chief of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has called for a new world currency order amid ongoing economic uncertainty[4].

These headlines reflect a rapidly evolving global landscape marked by escalating military conflict, shifting economic policies, and ongoing humanitarian crises.