Australia was not involved in or informed about the recent Israeli-United States operation in Iran that resulted in the deaths of its leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed Australia’s non-participation and urged a return to dialogue, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed concern over regional escalation and hope for the Iranian people’s self-determination. The government is also taking steps to assist Australians in the region, with travel advice updated to warn against travel to several Middle Eastern countries. Observers suggest this operation may be setting conditions for regime change, though direct intervention by foreign powers is considered unlikely.
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Following a joint US-Israeli military offensive against Iran and subsequent Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, the Iran-backed group called for the region to unite against these actions. While condemning the “American-Israeli hostilities,” Hezbollah stopped short of pledging retaliation, recalling its non-involvement in a prior conflict. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reiterated Lebanon’s refusal to be drawn into war and stressed national interests above all else, with the Lebanese President also prioritizing the nation’s safety from external conflicts. UN and US officials urged all parties to protect Lebanon from regional developments, even as Beirut’s airport remained open amidst flight cancellations.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada supports the United States’ efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, viewing the Iranian regime as a principal source of regional instability and terror. While backing the U.S. objective regarding Iran’s nuclear program, Carney clarified that Canada is not militarily involved in the ongoing actions. Following strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iran, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand condemned Iran’s retaliatory attacks against partners in the Middle East, calling for them to cease. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre expressed support for the Iranian people and allies defending their sovereignty, while Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet voiced concerns over the U.S. using military force without congressional approval, advocating for diplomacy and sanctions.
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Following a US and Israeli announcement of a “major combat operation” against Iran, X became inundated with disinformation. Numerous posts, many from verified accounts, shared misleading claims about the attack’s scale and locations, often using old or AI-generated footage. This rapid spread of false narratives highlights X’s ongoing struggle with disinformation during significant global events, with corrections proving insufficient against viral, inaccurate content.
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According to Iranian media reports, former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was killed in recent Israeli and U.S. strikes, along with his bodyguards. Ahmadinejad, who served from 2005 to 2013, was a prominent figure in Iran’s nuclear program and known for his anti-Israel rhetoric and Holocaust denial. Despite leaving office in 2013, he remained popular with some Iranians and continued to be outspoken, even criticizing government corruption.
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The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has declared that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s death, attributed to “terrorists,” serves as irrefutable evidence of his righteousness. The statement further asserts that his legacy and the path he forged will endure with unwavering strength and honor. This declaration underscores the Guard’s commitment to continuing his mission in the face of perceived threats.
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The article reports that Donald Trump has claimed to be aware of a growing sentiment among members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, military, and security forces. These individuals are reportedly seeking to cease hostilities and are looking for immunity from the United States. Trump further articulated this on Truth Social, identifying this period as a pivotal opportunity for the Iranian people to reclaim their nation and encouraging these forces to disarm.
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Šibensko-kninska županija, like the rest of Croatia, is now officially free of landmines, a significant achievement announced by Interior Minister Davor Božinović. After a thirty-one-year effort following the Homeland War, all known minefields have been cleared, marking a critical step towards national safety. This extensive demining operation, which claimed the lives of 208 individuals including 41 deminers and cost approximately 1.2 billion euros, has removed nearly 107,000 mines and 407,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance. The successful completion of this task not only fulfills a moral obligation but also paves the way for safer communities, enhanced rural development, and increased opportunities for tourism.
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As part of its retaliatory response, Iran launched ballistic missiles that struck a U.S. naval base in Bahrain, the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, with footage indicating heavy smoke. Qatar intercepted two Iranian missiles over its territory, demonstrating the reach of Iran’s strikes into other Gulf states hosting U.S. facilities. Explosions were also reported in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, while sirens sounded across Jordan and Bahrain following the missile launches.
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Following a cross-border attack from Afghanistan, Pakistan launched airstrikes on military installations, declaring an “open war” with its neighbor. Afghanistan claimed retaliation for earlier Pakistani strikes and targeted Pakistani army posts, while Pakistan accused Afghanistan of “exporting terrorism” and harboring militant groups allied with its rival, India. Both nations presented conflicting casualty figures, and international bodies have urged for diplomatic resolution. This escalation follows months of high tensions and previous border clashes.
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John Q. Hosedrinker