ACTUAL NEWS Briefing | June 23rd, 2025

Olga Nesterova
Jun 23
12 min read

Lack of Clarity Around U.S. Strikes in Iran

In the early hours of June 22 local time, the U.S. military carried out Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—with B-2 stealth bombers and submarine-launched cruise missiles. This marked the first operational use of the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a weapon developed specifically to strike fortified underground targets.

President Trump declared the sites “totally obliterated,” while Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Dan Caine cautioned that “it would take some time” to fully assess the extent of the damage. Meanwhile, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog suggested Iran may have relocated some of its uranium stockpile before the attacks. U.S. intelligence officials have acknowledged uncertainty about the location of an estimated 400 kg of uranium enriched to 60% that was possibly moved from key sites ahead of the strikes.

Skepticism and Concerns

The strikes have sparked skepticism among lawmakers, with several questioning the intelligence assessments and the constitutionality of the president's unilateral military action. The absence of confirmed intelligence on the status of Iran’s nuclear materials has added to doubts about the effectiveness and purpose of the operation.

Iran’s Retaliation

In response, Iran reportedly launched six missiles targeting U.S. military assets in Qatar. None of the missiles struck the al Udeid airbase, which had been preemptively evacuated. U.S. and allied defense systems in Qatar and Iraq successfully intercepted all incoming missiles, according to U.S. officials.

President Trump responded, naturally, with a post on Truth Social:

Global Response

Condemnation from international actors was swift. China, Pakistan, and Russia declared the U.S. actions to be violations of international law. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused Washington of escalating the conflict, and President Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi to reaffirm Russia’s support for Iran, including its nuclear energy program. North Korea also condemned the strikes, labeling them a “grave violation” of Iran’s sovereignty.

Trump, on the other hand, used his social media platform to hint at regime change, posting: “If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”

Countries across the Middle East, including Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, voiced concern about rising tensions.

Western allies such as Canada, the UK, Germany, France, and others emphasized the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and commended Trump’s decisive action.

NATO Summit Preview

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte held a press conference ahead of the NATO Summit set to begin tomorrow in The Hague, offering insight into the Alliance’s priorities and the political calculations shaping the two-day gathering.

According to Rutte, leaders are expected to approve a major new defense investment plan that would raise the alliance-wide benchmark for military spending to 5% of national GDP. The proposal includes 3.5% allocated to core military expenditures and 1.5% to related areas, such as aid to Ukraine, infrastructure, cyber defense, and technological modernization.

However, not all allies are on board. Spain has already rejected the 5% benchmark outright. Other member states, while not opposing the principle, are calling for a phased approach that stretches into the early 2030s.

Key Themes and Strategic Approach:

Tightly Scripted Format: To avoid surprises or disruptions—particularly from U.S. President Trump—NATO leaders are planning a shortened, choreographed summit agenda. The goal is to showcase unity while minimizing the risk of derailment by off-script remarks or walkouts.
Focus on Defense Spending: Trump is expected to push hard for the 5% GDP defense pledge from allies. This is a significant jump from NATO’s current 2% target. European countries have expressed willingness to increase spending, but negotiations are ongoing over the pace and structure of these commitments.
European Autonomy: Amid uncertainty about future U.S. leadership and commitment, European leaders are emphasizing the need to strengthen NATO’s “European pillar”—increasing independent procurement, readiness, and defense manufacturing capacity.
Managing Trump: Behind the scenes, leaders are working to secure headline deliverables—such as the 5% pledge or vague unity statements—without provoking deeper conflicts. Contentious issues like Ukraine’s NATO membership or Trump’s proposed tariffs are being deliberately downplayed or avoided altogether.

In essence, the summit is more about navigating political sensitivities than forging new diplomatic breakthroughs.

The 5% GDP Defense Spending Debate

Despite advocating the 5% target for NATO allies, President Trump made headlines by stating the U.S. should not be held to the same standard. The U.S. currently spends around 3.4% of its GDP on defense, a figure lower than during much of the post-Cold War era.

Key developments include:

Internal Division: Trump’s position conflicts with many congressional Republicans, who back a full 5% U.S. commitment. If enacted, this would expand the Pentagon’s budget to roughly $1.4 trillion annually.
Limited Support: Only a handful of NATO countries—Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have signaled support for the 5% goal. Most allies are still struggling to meet the existing 2% threshold. Spain has explicitly rejected the new proposal.
Strategic Implications: Critics argue Trump’s push undermines allied unity while diminishing Washington’s credibility on shared burden-sharing. Others see the 5% as a negotiation tactic more than a genuine policy goal.

Japan and South Korea Skipping the NATO Summit

In a notable shift, the leaders of Japan and South Korea—key partners in NATO’s Indo-Pacific Four (IP4)—have opted out of attending the summit in The Hague.

Both countries reportedly grew frustrated with recent tariff disputes and a new expectation from Washington that they spend 5% of GDP on defense. These developments, coupled with the summit’s heavy focus on the Middle East, have left Tokyo and Seoul feeling sidelined.

According to the Asia Society Policy Institute, the absences reflect both countries’ skepticism about the value of engaging with Trump-led diplomacy on the margins of a summit where Indo-Pacific concerns are no longer front and center. With little room to influence outcomes, and preexisting tensions with the Trump administration, the two capitals are sitting this one out.

In past years, the IP4 had been integral to NATO conversations about the interconnected security dynamics of Europe and the Asia-Pacific. This year, their absence signals how fractured those linkages have become.

Observations from the Field

Based on insights from a Council on Foreign Relations briefing, it appears likely that Iran strategically relocated sensitive materials in anticipation of the strikes.

I would dare to suggest the operation may have been as much about optics—positioning Trump as a decisive leader—as about dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Russia, having moved Shahed drone production to its territory, seems unimpacted and may leverage the strike to justify its support for Iran’s nuclear activities as “self-defense.”

Iran was reportedly targeting strategic U.S. locations in Qatar right at the time President Trump had prescheduled his National Security meeting at the White House. Meanwhile, Trump is being celebrated at the G7 and NATO, with Ukraine seemingly sidelined. Zelenskyy has only been invited to the NATO opening dinner, and the Ukraine session was removed from the summit agenda to accommodate Trump’s abbreviated attendance.

Despite the dramatic headlines, oil prices remain stable, and the Strait of Hormuz remains open, reinforcing the idea that this operation’s primary impact may be political rather than strategic.

Ukraine Developments

President Zelenskyy met with the Prime Minister of Norway, securing a $400 million investment in Ukraine’s defense industry, including joint drone and missile production.

Ukraine’s military maintains control of a 35-square-mile area in Russia’s Kursk region, countering previous claims by Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Ukrainian soldiers undergoing training in the UK under Operation Interflex, a multinational program launched in June 2022 that now includes 13 partner countries. Zelenskyy expressed deep gratitude to the UK and all participating nations for their ongoing support in strengthening Ukraine’s defense. Starmer praised the professionalism of the trainees and noted that 58,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained under the program so far.
The two leaders discussed how to enhance the training's effectiveness and expand its reach. Troops are currently participating in both basic military training and squad commander courses, preparing them for frontline deployment upon completion.

Canada-EU Summit

Brussels, June 23, 2025 — Canada and the European Union have reaffirmed their longstanding partnership with a comprehensive joint declaration aimed at addressing today’s global challenges through a renewed, ambitious agenda. Signed in Brussels, the agreement lays out a roadmap for deeper collaboration in trade, defense, climate action, digital innovation, and global security.

A Stronger Strategic Alliance

Rooted in shared democratic values, the Canada-EU partnership now enters a new phase focused on defending the rules-based international order, promoting prosperity, and ensuring peace and stability. A new Security and Defence Partnership was officially announced to coordinate responses to modern threats, including cyberattacks, disinformation, and geopolitical instability.

Support for Ukraine and Global Peace

The two sides reaffirmed their unified stance against Russia’s war in Ukraine, pledging continued political, financial, and military support "for as long as it takes." They also called for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire and condemned the deportation of Ukrainian children. Additional sanctions and plans for a special tribunal on war crimes were also discussed.

Middle East and Indo-Pacific Commitments

The joint statement calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, denounces illegal settlements, and urges a diplomatic resolution to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The leaders stressed the importance of stability in the Indo-Pacific and the Taiwan Strait and condemned North Korea’s weapons program and its military cooperation with Russia.

Climate and Clean Energy Cooperation

The EU-Canada Green Alliance will expand efforts on carbon pricing, biodiversity, and industrial decarbonization. Canada and the EU will jointly promote the Global Methane Pledge and prepare for high-impact announcements at COP30, especially on clean transportation and sustainable infrastructure.

Boosting Trade and Supply Chain Resilience

Building on CETA, bilateral trade has increased by 65% since its implementation. The agreement outlines plans to further remove trade barriers, diversify energy supplies, and enhance industrial cooperation—especially in critical minerals, semiconductors, and clean technologies. Canada’s strategic nickel project under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act is a key highlight.

Digital Transformation and AI

Through the Canada-EU Digital Partnership, both parties will cooperate on cybersecurity, AI standards, data governance, and secure communications. Canada will host the first Digital Partnership Council later this year, and the two sides aim to link their high-performance computing and AI infrastructure.

Defense, Crisis Response, and Security

Canada will deepen participation in EU security missions and may collaborate on PESCO projects. A defense attaché will be posted to the EU. Both parties are pursuing increased interoperability and collaboration in crisis response, disaster relief, and humanitarian coordination, including on wildfire and flood response technologies.

Human Rights, Gender Equality, and Academic Exchange

The joint declaration emphasizes gender equality, youth participation in peacebuilding, and protections for LGBTI rights. It also expands educational cooperation through Erasmus+, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions, and supports freedom of academic research.

Bottom Line:

The EU and Canada are redefining transatlantic cooperation for the 21st century—with a firm eye on security, sustainability, and shared democratic principles. As global tensions rise, this partnership signals not just mutual support, but a united front in defense of peace, prosperity, and multilateral cooperation.

Tech and Defense Integration

Executives from Palantir, Meta, and OpenAI have been appointed as lieutenant colonels in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Mark Zuckerberg is pursuing partnerships with emerging AI startups, including Safe Superintelligence, Thinking Machines Lab, and Perplexity.
Meta acquired a 49% stake in Scale AI for $14 billion and named founder Alexandr Wang to lead its AI operations.
OpenAI secured a $200 million defense contract with the U.S. government.

NATIONAL NEWS

U.S. President Donald Trump and his Senate allies are facing a political showdown over the passage of his sweeping tax-cut and spending package. Republican congressional leaders are pushing to enact the legislation within days, despite mounting resistance from various factions within the party.
Speaker Johnson and other Republicans maintain that Trump had the authority to unilaterally strike Iran in order to neutralize a potential nuclear threat to the U.S. and its allies. "The President made an evaluation that the danger was imminent enough to act under his authority as commander in chief," the Speaker stated.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a long-time vaccine skeptic, is expected to speak this week at a fundraising event for Gavi, a public-private partnership that funds vaccine access for the world’s poorest children, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
On Sunday, a U.S. judge ordered the release on bail of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a migrant who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador in early June and recently returned to the U.S. He is awaiting trial on migrant smuggling charges.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued an advisory on Sunday warning of a "heightened threat environment" across the country following overnight military strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.
On Monday, the U.S. government announced a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the location and release of Mahmoud Habibi, an Afghan-American businessman detained by the Taliban’s intelligence service on August 10, 2022.
Pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a U.S. green card holder and former Columbia University student, was released on bail Friday after more than three months in detention. The State Department contends that his presence undermines U.S. foreign policy, while Khalil argues he was exercising his free speech rights. The judge who ordered his release noted it would be “highly, highly unusual” to continue detaining someone who is not accused of violence and is unlikely to flee, though the Trump administration still seeks his deportation.
Chicago Federal Reserve Bank President Austan Goolsbee said Monday that the recent surge in tariffs has so far had a milder impact on the economy than expected.
Also on Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case brought by a Rastafarian man seeking to sue Louisiana prison officials who forcibly shaved his head in violation of his religious beliefs.
In a separate decision, the Court declined to hear Virginia’s appeal to dismiss a lawsuit challenging a provision in its 1869 constitution that imposes a lifetime voting ban on convicted felons—one of the harshest such laws in the country.
FedEx Corporation announced the death of its founder and former CEO Frederick Smith, who launched the global shipping giant in the 1970s with just over a dozen planes. The news was shared in a company memo from current CEO Raj Subramaniam.
Tesla informed U.S. regulators that its responses to questions regarding the safety of its robotaxi program in Texas contain confidential business information and should not be made public, according to a letter released Monday.
Meanwhile, Meta Platforms’ WhatsApp has been banned from all U.S. House of Representatives devices. A memo sent to House staff on Monday cited “a high risk to users due to the lack of transparency in how it protects user data, absence of stored data encryption, and potential security vulnerabilities.”

DEFENSE

The U.S. Space Force is collaborating with SpaceX to develop a new constellation of communications satellites in low Earth orbit. The goal is to enhance connectivity and provide resilient, alternate communication options for joint forces during wartime, according to a Space Force official.

President Donald Trump has nominated Marine Lt. Gen. Gregory Masiello to lead the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Masiello currently heads the Defense Contract Management Agency and previously oversaw the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor program.

With military recruitment on the rise, the Pentagon has launched a new task force aimed at sustaining and expanding that momentum.

A recent Pentagon briefing highlighted contrasting strategic approaches among Trump’s senior military leaders, reflecting what insiders describe as a core difference in philosophies.

Additionally, Army Lt. Gen. Richard Angle has been nominated to serve as the next director of the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command.

GLOBAL NEWS

Iran

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council will make the final decision on whether to close the Strait of Hormuz, following recent U.S. bombing raids. Iran’s parliament has reportedly supported the measure, but a formal decision remains pending, according to state-run Press TV.

Syria

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in a Damascus church that killed over 20 people, Syria’s interior ministry confirmed. This is believed to be the group’s first major attack since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December. The group is reportedly seeking to rebuild amid Syria’s post-Assad instability.

India–Pakistan

India has ruled out restoring a suspended water treaty with Pakistan, according to Home Minister Amit Shah. The treaty, which allowed cross-border river water sharing, was suspended following recent hostilities. Shah said India will divert the water for domestic use, while Pakistan has labeled the move “an act of war.”

Belarus

Belarus released 14 political prisoners—including the spouse of opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya—following the first direct U.S. talks with President Alexander Lukashenko in five years. The visit by U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg marks a tentative thaw; Belarus remains closely aligned with Russia.

South Korea

President Lee Jae-myung has nominated Ahn Gyu-back as South Korea’s first civilian defense minister in more than six decades. The move comes amid public demands for increased oversight of the military following last December’s martial law declaration and subsequent ousting of the previous president.

Japan

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party suffered its worst-ever performance in Tokyo’s metropolitan assembly elections, falling to second place with an estimated 22 seats. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba acknowledged the setback, stating the party must reassess how its message is reaching voters ahead of upcoming upper house elections.

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TODAY IN HISTORY

1885: John Ware highlighted in Canadian press
The Macleod Gazette recognized John Ware, a formerly enslaved American who became a renowned rancher and cowboy in Western Canada—a symbol of resilience and Canadian heritage.
1931: Wiley Post and Harold Gatty's world flight begins
Their single-engine aircraft departed Roosevelt Field, US, starting an eight-day around-the-world journey that shattered previous distance records.
1961: Antarctic Treaty enters into force
The treaty established Antarctica as a demilitarized zone dedicated to peaceful, scientific purposes, marking the first Cold War–era arms-control agreement.
1972: Title IX signed into U.S. law
President Nixon enacted the Education Amendments, including Title IX, prohibiting sex-based discrimination in federally funded education—transforming opportunities for women and girls.
2016: U.K. votes for Brexit
In a close referendum, 51.9% voted to leave the EU. The result led to the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and a prolonged period of negotiation.
National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism in Canada
Observed annually on June 23 since 2005, this day honors victims of terrorist acts, including Canada’s own Air India Flight 182 tragedy in 1985.

International Olympic Day
Celebrated on June 23, this day commemorates the founding of the modern Olympics in 1894, promoting fitness, friendship, and global unity through events worldwide.

COMING UP

Tuesday: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank convenes in Beijing to select its next president, amid growing geopolitical and development finance challenges.
Tuesday and Wednesday: The Netherlands will host the NATO Summit, focusing on defense spending, alliance cohesion, and global security.