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Donald Trump Calls for Regime Change in Iran After US Airstrikes

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A day after the United States launched precision airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites under Operation Midnight Hammer, former President Donald Trump publicly called for regime change in Iran. The statement comes despite earlier assertions by several members of Trump’s cabinet that the military action was not aimed at toppling the Iranian leadership.

Trump posted on Truth Social, “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!” The post has reignited global discussions over Washington’s long-standing policy towards Tehran.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his office have not issued an official response. However, the comment has drawn criticism from diplomats and analysts who fear the escalation could derail any chances of reviving diplomatic engagement in the region.

According to Iran’s constitution, the Supreme Leader’s successor is chosen by the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body of elected clerics. A minimum of 45 votes is required to select the new leader. In case of an emergency, a provisional council comprising the president, chief justice, and a cleric from the Guardian Council temporarily assumes leadership responsibilities.

Amid speculation over Khamenei’s health and safety, attention has turned to several clerics reportedly pre-selected by the regime as potential successors:

  • Alireza Arafi: Deputy chairman of the Assembly of Experts and a key figure in Qom’s seminary system, Arafi’s conservative credentials and religious standing position him as a strong contender.
  • Hashem Hosseini Bushehri: Another senior cleric and ally of Khamenei, Bushehri heads the Qom Seminary Society and is considered a stabilizing figure.
  • Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei: Currently Iran’s Chief Justice, he brings judicial and intelligence experience from his time under former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
  • Mojtaba Khamenei: The Supreme Leader’s son, a mid-ranking cleric with longstanding ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While influential behind the scenes, his candidacy is controversial due to Iran’s anti-monarchy roots which frown upon hereditary succession.

As succession debates resurface, geopolitical analysts warn that Trump’s remarks could further destabilize a volatile region already on edge after the recent military escalation. Global leaders have urged restraint, while Iran continues to assess its response options following the destruction of critical parts of its nuclear infrastructure.

Avantel Limited Bags ₹24.73 Crore in Key Defence Contracts from DRDO and MDL

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Avantel Limited, a prominent Indian defense technology company, has secured two major contracts totaling ₹24.73 crore, marking a significant milestone in the country’s drive toward self-reliance in military communications and electronics.

The first contract, worth ₹13.67 crore, has been awarded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the development of Software Defined Radios (SDRs). These radios, which utilize software to dynamically manage frequency and signal parameters, are crucial for secure, reliable communication in modern warfare. They offer enhanced interoperability and adaptability—qualities especially valuable in the context of electronic warfare and mobile operations.

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The second contract, valued at ₹11.06 crore, comes from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), one of India’s premier defense shipyards. It focuses on the supply of high-end communication and electronic equipment for use in naval platforms. MDL is known for constructing advanced warships for the Indian Navy, including stealth frigates and guided-missile destroyers.

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Both contracts, highlight Avantel’s growing role in India’s defense ecosystem. The company has been a consistent contributor to aerospace and naval communication systems and has witnessed a 26.3% rise in market capitalization over the past year, indicating strong investor confidence.

These developments also reflect the broader success of the “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, which have fueled a dramatic rise in domestic defense production and exports. India’s defense exports have soared nearly 700% over the last decade, with homegrown firms like Avantel playing a pivotal role in supporting the armed forces and reducing import dependency.

Indian Army Boosts Combat Preparedness with High-Intensity Training in Tripura

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The Indian Army’s Red Shield Division, operating under the Spear Corps, has launched an advanced combat training initiative at a specialized facility in Tripura. Designed to prepare troops for terrain-specific and asymmetric warfare, the training aims to strengthen India’s operational readiness in the Northeast region.

Major General S.S. Kartikeya, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Red Shield Division, recently reviewed the multi-domain training program. Modules include jungle warfare, precision firing drills, drone deployment, obstacle navigation, and simulated special operations—all tailored to the complex terrain and evolving threats in the Northeast.

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The training facility is strategically located to reflect the region’s dense jungles and difficult topography, ensuring that troops develop situational awareness and adaptability for counter-insurgency scenarios. The initiative comes amid increased tensions and recurring insurgent activity in states like Manipur, where the Army has recently conducted successful weapon recovery missions.

Officials noted that this enhanced training complements the efforts of the Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School in Mizoram, which has trained thousands of soldiers and security personnel over the years. By integrating technology with tactical drills, the program aims to improve survivability and mission success in high-risk environments.

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With a focus on resilience, discipline, and real-world combat scenarios, the training underlines the Army’s proactive stance in securing peace and stability in the Northeast. It also aligns with the broader national objective of bolstering internal security through modernized, region-specific military preparedness.

Bharat Forge Wins Rs 2,000 Crore Army Tender for DRDO-Designed CQB Carbines

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Bharat Forge has secured the lowest bidder (L1) status in a major Indian Army tender to supply indigenously developed close-quarter battle (CQB) carbines, marking a significant milestone in India’s defence self-reliance efforts. The carbines were designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) of DRDO and will be produced by Bharat Forge’s defence arm, Kalyani Strategic Systems (KSS).

While the official value of the contract has not been disclosed, multiple reports estimate it at around ₹2,000 crore, potentially making it the single largest order for carbines in India since the induction of the INSAS rifles over two decades ago. The Indian Army is expected to procure over 400,000 units as part of this tender.

In a post on social media, DRDO stated, “Significantly boosting #atmanirbharta in critical technology, 5.56×45 mm CQB Carbine, designed and developed by ARDE, DRDO and produced by @BharatForgeLtd selected as L1 in #IndianArmy RFP.”

The CQB carbine is designed to meet the Army’s long-standing demand for a compact, modern weapon suitable for close combat operations. Its induction would significantly bolster the infantry’s urban and jungle warfare capabilities.

The news boosted investor confidence, with Bharat Forge shares rising over 1% despite a weak broader market. The development marks a major breakthrough for Kalyani Strategic Systems, which has so far generated most of its revenue through exports.

Bharat Forge, which holds a defence order book of nearly ₹9,500 crore, has projected a 15–20% order book growth for FY26. According to CFO Kedar Dixit, while FY25 was led by export orders, FY26 is expected to see major domestic defence deals, with new business worth ₹6,959 crore secured during the previous fiscal—₹5,000 crore of which came from the defence sector alone.

This tender win is a major step forward in India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, positioning Bharat Forge as a key partner in India’s modernisation and indigenisation of armed forces.

India Cuts Defence Import Dependency from 11% to 4% in 14 Years

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India has significantly reduced its reliance on foreign defence imports, bringing down its import dependency from 11% in 2011 to just 4% in 2025, according to a recent ANI report. This dramatic shift is being hailed as a major milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance, driven by flagship government programs such as “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

Since the fiscal year 2014–15, India’s domestic defence production has grown by an impressive 174%, reaching a historic high of ₹1.27 lakh crore ($16 billion) in FY 2023–24. In the same period, the Ministry of Defence signed 193 contracts worth over ₹2.09 lakh crore, with 92% of these deals going to Indian companies.

India’s defence export profile has also transformed remarkably. From negligible figures a decade ago, exports soared 30 times over to ₹21,083 crore in 2023–24. Indian defence products are now being exported to over 100 countries, demonstrating growing global trust in the quality and reliability of indigenous systems.

Crucial enablers of this transformation include the launch of the SRIJAN portal, which fosters industry participation by listing import-replacement opportunities, and the Positive Indigenisation Lists, which now feature over 14,000 items earmarked for domestic production.

Looking ahead, the government aims to scale defence production to ₹3 lakh crore and exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2029. Experts believe India is on course to become not only a self-reliant defence power but also a globally competitive defence exporter.

With robust policy reforms, increased private sector participation, and the emergence of defence corridors, India is entering a new era of strategic autonomy, technological innovation, and military-industrial strength.

Indian Army Places Order for 450 More Nagastra-1R Loitering Munitions

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The Indian Army has placed an additional order for 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions from Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited, signaling growing trust in homegrown defense technologies. This procurement comes just a year after the initial delivery of 480 units in June 2024 under the Army’s Emergency Procurement Powers, indicating the operational effectiveness of these systems in real-world conditions.

Developed by Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries, the Nagastra-1R loitering munition—often dubbed a “suicide drone”—is designed for precise strikes with minimal collateral damage. It boasts GPS-enabled guidance with a circular error probable (CEP) of just 2 meters, allowing it to accurately neutralize enemy targets such as bunkers, vehicles, and radar systems.

The system features a 360-degree gimbal camera, enabling full situational awareness and reconnaissance, and offers thermal imaging capabilities for effective night operations. Uniquely, the drone can abort missions mid-flight and be recovered using a parachute system, ensuring resource conservation when necessary.

Over 80% of the components in the Nagastra-1R are indigenously sourced, aligning with India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. It was tested extensively in challenging terrains, including Ladakh and Babina, and passed all operational evaluations, including pre-delivery inspections.

With this new order, the Indian Army aims to bolster its tactical strike capabilities, reduce dependence on foreign systems, and modernize its drone warfare strategy. The continued induction of Nagastra-1R marks a significant step in India’s journey toward becoming a global hub for advanced, self-reliant defense manufacturing.

India Debunks Claims of U.S. Using Its Airspace for Operation Midnight Hammer

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The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit has officially denied claims that the United States used Indian airspace to carry out airstrikes on Iran during its June 21 assault, codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer. The operation, aimed at targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, has sparked a wave of misinformation online, including allegations of Indian complicity.

According to General Dan Caine, Chair of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, the mission involved 125 aircraft and executed decoy maneuvers over the Pacific Ocean. Pentagon briefings confirm that the B-2 bombers and support aircraft were launched from bases within the continental United States.

Social media posts and unverified outlets had claimed that the U.S. aircraft passed through Indian airspace, accusing New Delhi of “silent support” for the operation. However, Indian authorities clarified that such a route is geographically implausible. India does not border Iran and any trajectory would require overflight of Pakistan, an adversarial nation that the U.S. routinely avoids in high-risk military operations.

Experts believe the false narrative may have originated from misinformation networks tied to regional rivalries. “It appears to be an attempt to drag India into a volatile situation unnecessarily,” said a senior geopolitical analyst.

India’s airspace is divided into four Flight Information Regions (FIRs) – Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata – none of which were involved in or alerted for any such overflight activity.

The PIB has called on the public to remain vigilant and avoid spreading unverified claims, especially amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. While the government has not yet announced action against those behind the disinformation, calls for accountability are growing among cyber and national security experts.

With no official reaction from Tehran regarding the debunked claim, India continues to monitor regional developments closely, prioritizing verified communication and geopolitical stability.

Operation Midnight Hammer: The Largest US Strike on Iran’s Nuclear Sites

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In a historic military operation, the United States launched a powerful and meticulously coordinated airstrike named Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting Iran’s most sensitive nuclear facilities. The overnight strikes, ordered by President Donald Trump, hit three critical sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—with unprecedented precision and firepower, marking a pivotal moment in US-Iran tensions.

The Strike

Operation Midnight Hammer was led by seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, which dropped fourteen GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators—30,000-pound bombs designed to destroy fortified underground facilities—on Fordow and Natanz. These facilities, buried deep within mountains, were central to Iran’s uranium enrichment program.

Complementing the aerial assault, US Navy submarines launched Tomahawk cruise missiles on the Isfahan site, reportedly targeting highly enriched uranium stockpiles. The entire operation mobilized over 125 aircraft, including support units like in-air refueling tankers and surveillance aircraft, making it the largest B-2 bomber deployment in US history and the second-largest globally.

Military planners executed a complex strategy of deception, sending decoy aircraft westward into the Pacific, while the real strike force flew east, evading Iranian detection systems. All aircraft returned safely, with no engagement from Iranian air defense systems, underscoring the mission’s precision and surprise.

Iran’s Reaction

Iran confirmed the strikes but sought to downplay their impact. State broadcaster official Hassan Abedini claimed key nuclear materials had already been moved. Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization condemned the operation as a “barbaric violation of international law.”

Within hours of the strikes, Iran launched missiles at Tel Aviv and Haifa, injuring over 80 people. While seen as a swift show of force, many analysts believe a more calculated Iranian retaliation is likely in the days ahead. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned of serious consequences and accused the US of dragging the region into conflict after failing in diplomacy.

Diplomatic Collapse and Road to the Strike

Before resorting to military action, Washington made several attempts to revive diplomacy, including five rounds of talks led by US envoy Steve Witkoff. But with Iran’s nuclear program accelerating and no agreement in sight, the Pentagon prepared the surgical operation to reset the regional balance.

President Trump, addressing the nation following the strikes, warned Tehran that the US has many more targets and would not hesitate to act again. “Nuclear ambiguity is unacceptable,” he said, adding that the mission was a message to both allies and adversaries of America’s resolve.

Global Reaction and Strategic Fallout

The strike drew swift and diverse reactions. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres labeled it a “dangerous escalation,” while Russia blamed the US for instigating a new war. India, Saudi Arabia, and Oman called for restraint, emphasizing the need to avoid further destabilization in the Middle East.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while acknowledging the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stressed the need for de-escalation and diplomacy. Many experts warned that even if infrastructure is destroyed, Iran’s scientific knowledge remains, and such operations can only delay—not eliminate—nuclear capability.

What Lies Ahead

With Iran vowing retaliation and the global community bracing for the consequences, Operation Midnight Hammer could become a defining moment in the US-Iran standoff. It showcases America’s unmatched ability to project power, but also reopens questions about the limits of military deterrence in stopping nuclear proliferation.

As the world watches, all eyes are now on Tehran’s next move—and whether diplomacy can still salvage what remains of regional stability.

How the Closure of the Strait of Hormuz Could Impact India’s Energy and Economy?

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Following U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, Iran’s Parliament has approved a proposal to close the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic oil transit chokepoint. The decision marks a dangerous escalation in the already tense West Asian geopolitical landscape. For India—heavily reliant on energy imports from the Gulf—the potential blockade of this maritime corridor raises pressing concerns around economic stability, energy security, and regional strategy.

Also Read: Iranian Parliament Approves Measure to Close Strait of Hormuz After U.S. Strikes

What Is the Strait of Hormuz and Why It Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage between Iran and Oman, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea. It is one of the world’s most vital energy corridors, with roughly 20-30% of global oil exports and over one-third of liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments flowing through it. Any disruption here directly affects energy-hungry economies, especially in Asia.

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India’s Energy Dependence on the Gulf

India imports over 80% of its crude oil, and nearly two-thirds of this comes from the Gulf region—including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Iran. A significant portion of this supply transits via the Strait of Hormuz. For example, Qatar supplies about 39% of India’s LNG imports through long-term contracts. Additionally, petrochemicals, fertilizers like urea, and other energy-linked goods also flow through this route, tying India’s industrial ecosystem closely to Gulf supply chains.

The Economic Fallout

A closure of the Strait would likely send global crude oil prices soaring, putting India under immediate inflationary pressure. The impact would ripple across key sectors—fuel, transport, manufacturing, aviation, and agriculture—raising input costs and straining the fiscal deficit and current account balance. Although India has recently benefited from lower oil prices and built up strategic reserves, a prolonged disruption would test its economic resilience, especially in the wake of post-COVID recovery and global trade uncertainties.

Strategic and Naval Concerns

India maintains a strong naval presence in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden, including mission-based deployments to safeguard energy lanes. The Indian Navy, through operations like Operation Sankalp, ensures maritime security and can evacuate Indian nationals if required. A Strait closure would escalate the complexity of such operations, endanger India’s seaborne trade, and put pressure on naval and diplomatic resources.

Impact on Indian Diaspora and Trade

With over 9 million Indians residing in the Gulf and annual remittances exceeding $40 billion, any instability in the region could affect both economic and humanitarian dimensions. India’s bilateral trade with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries exceeds $150 billion. Disruptions in maritime logistics would hinder trade flows, affect small and medium exporters, and impact the well-being of Indian expatriates.

India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act

India has traditionally walked a fine line between its ties with Iran, the U.S., Israel, and the Arab world, guided by a policy of strategic autonomy. In past regional conflicts—such as after the 2020 assassination of General Qasem Soleimani—India maintained a neutral position. A similar approach is likely now, with India focusing on silent diplomacy, urging restraint, and working to safeguard its strategic and economic interests without taking sides.

Oil Alternatives and Strategic Buffers

India has made strides in diversifying its oil sources, including increasing imports from West Africa, the U.S., and Russia. Its strategic petroleum reserves (SPR), maintained under the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd. (ISPRL), can sustain the country for several weeks during short-term crises. While the long-term transition to renewables is progressing, fossil fuel dependency remains high, particularly for industrial and transport sectors.

Global Domino Effects and Indo-Pacific Fallout

The Strait of Hormuz’s closure won’t just affect India—it will rattle global markets. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, which also rely heavily on Gulf energy, would face supply shocks. Rising maritime insurance premiums, shipping delays, and higher logistics costs would compound problems, affecting global supply chains and posing broader risks across the Indo-Pacific strategic architecture.

Conclusion

India may not be directly involved in the US-Iran conflict, but a closure of the Strait of Hormuz would severely impact its energy lifelines, economic stability, and strategic calculus. This moment reinforces the urgency for India to:

  • Strengthen its strategic petroleum reserves
  • Accelerate its energy diversification and green transition
  • Deepen regional cooperation on maritime security
  • Uphold balanced diplomacy amid intensifying global rivalries

Also Read: India Assures Fuel Supply Stability Amid Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Closure Threat

As the Gulf simmers, India must prepare not just for today’s crisis, but for long-term resilience in a world where energy and geopolitics are increasingly intertwined.

Pakistan and Muslim Nations Condemn US Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities

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Pakistan has strongly condemned the recent United States military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, labeling them as violations of international law and norms. The attacks, which targeted Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz, were reportedly aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear program. In a statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the government expressed deep concern about the potential for regional escalation and emphasized Iran’s legitimate right to self-defense under the United Nations Charter.

The statement also called for the protection of civilian lives and infrastructure, urging all parties involved to adhere to the principles of international humanitarian law. Pakistan underscored the need for diplomacy and dialogue as the only sustainable paths to resolving such crises.

This condemnation came shortly after Pakistan had announced its backing of US President Donald Trump’s nomination for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his mediation efforts during the recent India-Pakistan conflict. The timing of the condemnation has drawn attention, reflecting the complex and evolving nature of Pakistan’s foreign policy in the region.

Pakistan’s opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), also issued a separate statement denouncing the US action. The PTI accused the United States of breaching Iranian sovereignty and alleged that Israel had influenced Washington’s decision to launch the strikes, despite what it called a lack of conclusive evidence regarding Iran’s nuclear weapons capability. PTI leaders pointed fingers at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, blaming him for escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Several other Muslim-majority nations echoed Pakistan’s concerns. Saudi Arabia reiterated its rejection of violations against Iranian sovereignty, while Qatar warned of grave regional and international consequences if the situation deteriorates further. Iraq and Oman also joined the chorus of countries calling for restraint and a return to diplomatic solutions.

The broad condemnation from across the Islamic world highlights growing unease over the potential fallout of renewed US-Iran hostilities and signals a unified call for restraint and respect for international norms in an already volatile region.