Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, Israel and Iran exchanged direct missile fire in a major regional escalation, while LA protests gripped the US. Political shifts shaped developments in Poland, South Korea, and Gibraltar, as a tragic India air crash captured global attention.

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Iran and Israel exchange missile fire in sharp regional escalation

Israel launched major airstrikes on Tehran late Thursday (Jun. 12) into Friday, targeting Iran’s nuclear programme and reportedly killing senior military officials and scientists, including IRGC chief Hossein Salami. The IAEA confirmed a strike on the Natanz uranium facility. 

Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes on Israel late Friday in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The Israeli military said under 100 missiles were fired, most intercepted with help from the U.S. Two people were critically injured, and dozens more sustained moderate or light injuries from shrapnel in the attacks.

Early Sunday, Iran and Israel traded overnight strikes in a sharp escalation. Iran launched drones and missiles at Israeli cities, killing at least eight and injuring over 140, with buildings hit in Bat Yam and Tamra. In response, Israel targeted key sites in Tehran, including the defence ministry and nuclear facilities, sparking major fires. Iran reports 78 deaths from recent Israeli strikes. Prime Minister Netanyahu pledged to continue until Iran’s nuclear threat is neutralised. Iran maintains its programme is peaceful and warned of further retaliation.

The U.S. has adjusted its naval presence in the Middle East, coinciding with the UK's deployment of fighter jets to the region, as Iran designates British, American, and French bases as potential targets if they were to support Israel. The escalation comes ahead of the G7 summit in Canada, where world leaders are expected to address the growing crisis.270 dead in India plane crash, cause under investigation

270 dead in India plane crash, cause under investigation

At least 270 people have been confirmed dead after an Air India flight crashed in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff. The London-bound Boeing 787 struck a medical college hostel, killing passengers and people on the ground, including students. One passenger survived and is recovering in hospital. 

The plane’s black box has been recovered, and India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has begun a full investigation, supported by US and UK teams. A final report is expected within three months. Potential causes include engine failure or flap misconfiguration. Air India’s parent company, Tata Group, has pledged £86,000 to each victim’s family and will cover medical costs and rebuild support for the affected college.

LA protests escalate amid immigration raids and troop deployment

Protests have erupted across Los Angeles following immigration raids ordered by President Trump, aimed at launching the “biggest deportation operation” in US history. Over 330 people have been arrested since Friday, with violent clashes reported in downtown LA, now under curfew. Protesters targeted sites like the Federal Building and a Home Depot in Paramount. 

Trump has deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines, bypassing state approval—a move criticised by California officials as escalating tensions. Demonstrations, mostly peaceful, have spread to cities including New York, San Francisco, Dallas, and Chicago. LA, home to a large immigrant population, has become a focal point amid rising tensions over federal immigration enforcement.

Tusk wins confidence vote amid presidential setback

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk won a parliamentary vote of confidence on Wednesday (Jun. 11), securing 243 votes to 210, following the presidential election defeat of his preferred candidate, Rafał Trzaskowski. Nationalist Karol Nawrocki, aligned with the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, will take office on 6 August. 

Tusk called the vote a step toward “clarity” amid concerns that Nawrocki’s veto powers may obstruct the government’s reform plans. He highlighted achievements in economic growth, defence spending, and migration control, while pledging to fight corruption and restore judicial independence. Opposition MPs, including PiS’s Janusz Kowalski, criticised Tusk’s leadership, accusing him of failing on healthcare, the environment, and transparency.

South Korea halts broadcasts to North in bid to ease tension.

South Korea has paused its loudspeaker broadcasts towards North Korea in an effort to ease tensions and “restore trust.” The broadcasts, which shared news, cultural content, and pro-democracy messages, were resumed in June 2024 after North Korea sent waste-filled balloons across the border. Pyongyang viewed the broadcasts as provocative.

The decision follows the election of President Lee Jae-myung, who supports engagement with the North, marking a shift from the previous administration’s confrontational stance. While border residents welcomed the suspension, rights groups warned it could further isolate North Koreans.Officials say the pause is a response to North Korea ceasing balloon launches. It remains a suspension, not a termination, allowing room for resumption if tensions rise again.

Ukraine and Russia continue prisoner swaps amid frontline clashes

Ukraine and Russia conducted their fourth prisoner swap in a week, following a recent agreement in Istanbul. President Zelenskyy confirmed the exchange, though neither side disclosed the number involved. Separately, Ukraine reported that Russia returned the bodies of 1,200 Ukrainian soldiers but has yet to receive its own fallen troops. 

On the frontline, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces are holding back Russian advances in the Sumy region, where around 53,000 Russian troops are positioned. He noted that Russian progress has been limited to 7 km. Moscow continues to apply pressure in Sumy and Kharkiv, aiming to establish a “buffer zone,” but Ukraine claims its defensive lines remain firm across a 1,000 km front.

UK and EU reach post-Brexit deal over Gibraltar

The UK and EU have reached a post-Brexit agreement on Gibraltar to ease border checks and improve movement between the territory and Spain. Announced on Wednesday (Jun. 11), the deal follows years of negotiation and was hailed as a “historic” step. It aims to streamline the flow of people and goods across the Gibraltar-Spain border. 

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the deal reflects a broader “reset” in UK-EU relations. Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located on Spain’s southern coast, has long been a source of diplomatic tension between the UK and Spain. The agreement is expected to bring practical benefits while reducing friction in the region.

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