🌏 POLITICA UK NEWS and 📰 COMMENTARY at the TTC: news

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News in Brief #breakfastbrief at Politica-UK

1) UK economy: GDP ekes out 0.1% growth in August

Monthly GDP +0.1% in Aug after a revised ‑0.1% in July; services flat, production +0.4%, construction ‑0.3%. Office for National Statistics+1
3‑month growth to Aug +0.3%; momentum remains weak ahead of the Autumn Budget. Office for National Statistics
Markets eye Reeves’ Budget as growth slows and trade deficit widens. The Guardian

2) UK tightens Russia energy sanctions

London targets Rosneft, Lukoil, and shadow fleet tankers; ~90 new listings announced 15 Oct. Reuters
Measures hit oil/LNG flows incl. China’s Beihai LNG terminal; aim to choke Kremlin revenue. Reuters
Government calls it its “strongest” package yet. GOV.UK

3) IFS turns the screws ahead of Budget

IFS Green Budget 2025 warns of tight fiscal space; slower growth, higher joblessness, inflation above target. Institute for Fiscal Studies
IFS analysis fuels debate on difficult choices for Reeves; thinktank commentary pushing tougher welfare/tax options made headlines today. The Guardian
Bond‑market credibility flagged as a key Budget test. Institute for Fiscal Studies

4) Schools: mandatory reading test at 13 confirmed (England)

Govt to introduce a Year 8 reading assessment (age 13) to catch gaps early. GOV.UK
Results shared with parents; data visible to Ofsted/government, but no school league‑table publication. GOV.UK
Part of a wider push incl. 90% phonics ambition and support via English Hubs. GOV.UK

5) YouTube: player redesign rolls out; Shorts editor news to note

New video‑player UI (from 13–15 Oct) with cleaner controls, smoother double‑tap seek, threaded comments; rollout ongoing. The Verge+1
Shorts: this week YouTube previewed a timeline‑style editor (separate audio/video tracks) to speed up cutting/remixing; help page now lists improved Shorts editing under “latest updates.” Social Media Today+1

6) Arts: Frieze London 2025 opens with brisk VIP‑day sales

280+ galleries in Regent’s Park; early reports cite strong sales across Frieze London & Frieze Masters. ArtNews+1
Mood described as more “grown‑up” but buzzy; London leans into its global art‑hub status. The Times
Fair anchors a city‑wide week of culture; public Frieze Sculpture runs to 2 Nov. The Standard

Creator‑economy extra (relevant & fresh): YouTube’s Europe Impact Report (15 Oct) claims its creative ecosystem added €7B to EU GDP in 2024 and supported 200k+ jobs—useful context for brand/creator deals. blog.youtube

✍️ Headline: U.S. Strikes Iran — Russia Steps In as Potential Mediator

✍️ Headline: U.S. Strikes Iran — Russia Steps In as Potential Mediator

Lead: In a dramatic escalation of the Iran–U.S. crisis, Operation Midnight Hammer saw U.S. forces bomb Iran’s nuclear sites on June 22, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes and threats to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. Russia has condemned the attacks and quietly positioned itself as a diplomatic broker—accepting a mission from Tehran to discuss aid and mediation in Moscow.

📰 Latest Headlines

1. U.S. bombs three Iranian nuclear sites

On June 22, U.S. forces struck Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, launching a mix of submarine-launched Tomahawks and bunker-buster bombs. The operation, dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” inflicted heavy damage, according to the U.S., though Iran claims the strikes were “superficial”

2. Trump threatens regime change

President Trump publicly floated the idea of regime change in Tehran — tweeting provocatively: “If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”

3. Iran retaliates — missile attacks and Hormuz threats

Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel that handles roughly a quarter of global oil shipments

4. U.S. officials say diplomacy still on the table

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the U.S. is “not at war” with Iran, maintaining that regime change isn’t the official goal 5. Global backlash and calls for de-escalation

UN, EU, UK, France, Germany and others called for calm and urged Iran not to escalate further
Israel supported the U.S. actions and carried out its own strikes on Tehran, including targeting Evin Prison
6. Russia condemns U.S. strikes — offers to mediate

Moscow strongly criticized the U.S. strike. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called it “unprovoked aggression” and warned of a dangerous escalation
President Putin echoed these sentiments in a meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, labeling the attacks “absolutely unprovoked” and signaling deep concern
Russia formally offered to mediate between the U.S. and Iran — positioning itself as a diplomatic intermediary, though specific support measures remain unclear .

7. Ayatollah Khamenei seeks more from Russia

Supreme Leader Khamenei has dispatched Araqchi to Moscow requesting enhanced Russian backing — likely diplomatic, but possibly military assistance, though the absence of a mutual defense clause in the January partnership treaty complicates expectations

🧩 What It Means

Escalation risk remains high: Military responses from Iran and Israel, U.S. threats of further strikes, and global alarm signal serious tension.
Oil markets rattled: Talks of a potential Hormuz blockade and regional unrest drove Brent crude above $80/barrel earlier today .
Diplomacy being tested: Russia’s mediation offer may shift dynamics—be it soft-peace efforts or deeper involvement.

Date	Event
June 13	Mossad‑aided missile & drone strikes by Iran at Israel launch the regional conflict
June 20–21	U.S.–EU nuclear talks stall as Israel ramps up its strikes .
June 22	U.S. bombs Iranian nuclear sites; Trump teases regime change .
June 22–23	Iran launches missile strikes on Israel, threats made to shut Strait of Hormuz .
June 23	Russia condemns strikes, Putin meets Araqchi, offers mediation; Iran presses for Russian support .

en.wikipedia.org
United States strikes on Iranian nuclear sites
Today — On June 22, 2025,the United States Air Force and Navy attacked three nuclear facilities in Iran as part of the Iran-Israel war. The Fordow Uranium Enrichment Plant, the Natanz Nuclear Facility, and th...

en.wikipedia.org
Make Iran Great Again
Today — "Make Iran Great Again" (MIGA) is a political slogan, inspired by US President Donald Trump's campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again" (MAGA). The phrase was used by Trump in a statement regarding...

thetimes.co.uk
Iran threatens to block Strait of Hormuz as it vows revenge on US
Today — Iran has threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane, as the world braces for retaliation for President Trump's bombing of the regime's three key nuclear installations. The parlia...

foxnews.com
Iran attacks Israel despite US strikes on nuclear sites, Trump calls for 'peace'
Today — Israel fended off a barrage of missiles from Iran on Sunday after President Donald Trump ordered U.S. strikes on three nuclear sites within Iran, Fordow,...

theguardian.com
US-Iran crisis: what we know so far
Today — US president Donald Trump has brought up the possibility of regime change in Iran following US military strikes against three of its key nuclear enrichment sites over the weekend, even as top members...

greenwichtime.com
The Latest: Israel strikes Iranian government targets as Trump muses about regime change
Today — Israel's Defense Ministry says its forces hit Iranian government targets Monday in Tehran, including the notorious Evin Prison, as other strikes targeted...

reuters.com
Kremlin says Russia deeply regrets and condemns the US strikes on ...
Today — MOSCOW, June 23 (Reuters) - Russia deeply regrets and condemns the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, the Kremlin said on Monday.

reuters.com
Putin tells Iranian foreign minister there was no justification for US attack
Today — Russian President Vladimir Putin told Iran's foreign minister on Monday there was no justification for the U.S. bombing of his country and that Moscow was trying to help the Iranian people. Putin hos...

reuters.com
Iran's supreme leader asks Putin to do more after US strikes | Reuters
Today — Iran's supreme leader sent his foreign minister to Moscow on Monday to ask President Vladimir Putin for more help from Russia after the biggest ...

en.wikipedia.org
June 2025 Mossad operations in Iran
June 16, 2025 — In June 2025, Israel coordinated an intelligence and military campaign deep inside Iranian territory, combining covert drone sabotage by Mossad with large-scale Israeli Air Force (IAF) airstrikes on...
More

argusmedia.com
Russia condemns US strikes, offers Iran support
Today

washingtonpost.com
Israel-Iran live updates: IDF expands scope of attacks; Trump raises prospect of regime change in Iran
Today — Iran reiterated its right to self-defense as President Donald Trump repeated his claim that U.S. strikes caused “monumental damage” to Iranian nuclear...

hindustantimes.com
Did Donald Trump tell Vladimir Putin about Iran strikes in advance? Kremlin reveals | World News - Hindustan Times
Today — Russia signed a strategic partnership treaty with Iran in January, although it did not include a mutual defense clause. | World News.

kyivpost.com
Ukraine News Today: Breaking Updates & Live Coverage - June 23, 2025 from Kyiv Post
Today — Follow today's breaking news from Ukraine. Key updates, major headlines, and top stories — all in one place. Updated daily by KyivPost.

reuters.com
World reaction to US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites
Today — June 22 (Reuters) - U.S. forces struck three Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday, and reactions from around the world ranged from Israel lauding President...

alarabiya.net
Iran’s supreme leader asks Putin to do more after US strikes
Today — Iran's supreme leader sent his foreign minister to Moscow on Monday to ask President

Here are today’s top headlines on the U.S.–Iran airstrikes: 🗞️ Headline

U.S. Launches Operation “Midnight Hammer” on Iran
B-2 bombers and cruise missiles struck three heavily fortified nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—using 14 GBU‑57 bunker-busters and Tomahawks, reportedly “levels of destruction not seen since 9/11”

Trump Calls It a “Spectacular Military Success”
Declaring Iran’s enrichment capabilities “completely obliterated,” Trump emphasized precision over regime change and claimed readiness for diplomatic engagement

Iran Responds with Warnings and Missile Retaliation
Tehran vows “everlasting consequences,” reportedly launched missiles at Israel, and is weighing an oil-tank closure in the Strait of Hormuz—raising global oil and economic stability concerns

Global Leaders Call for De-escalation
United Nations Secretary-General Guterres, EU’s von der Leyen, and UK’s PM Starmer urged diplomatic resolution; Japan and other nations echoed similar caution

U.S. Faces Domestic Backlash
Congressional Democrats and anti-interventionist Republicans question legality and strategy; public support is low (~25%)

🔍 What This Could Mean Going Forward

1. Regional Military Escalation
Iran may intensify attacks on U.S. bases, targets linked to Israel, and shipping in the Gulf. Proxy groups like Hezbollah or Houthis could open additional fronts. Gulf states may take measures to fortify U.S. installations .

2. Energy Market Volatility
Threats to close the Strait of Hormuz could sharply spike oil prices and disrupt global markets

3. Diplomatic Deadlock
Alarm among allies and international bodies could isolate the U.S. diplomatically. Iran has halted nuclear talks, meaning any chance to revive the JCPOA is now far off

4. Long-Term Nuclear Proliferation Risk
Rather than deterring Iran’s nuclear efforts, the strikes may harden Tehran’s resolve to accelerate its program underground and seek nuclear weapons as a deterrent .

5. U.S. Credibility & Domestic Politics
Trump positions himself as decisive, but faces legal scrutiny and congressional pushback. A misstep could deepen U.S. involvement and erode the “peace through strength” claim .

6. Global Power Shift Dynamics
Beijing and Moscow may recalibrate: China will likely push for diplomacy but won’t militarily back Iran; Russia faces difficult balancing with Ukraine and Middle East ties

🧭 Bottom Line

The U.S. airstrikes are a dramatic escalation with immediate military gains—but they come with substantial risks: escalating conflict, economic ripples, diplomatic fallout, and unintended empowerment of Iran’s nuclear intentions. The world now watches closely for Tehran’s next move.

news.com.au
'Gone': US move stopped world in its tracks
Today — ‘Gone’: US move stopped world in its tracks Date: Sun Jun 22 02:07:00 2025 UTC The three sites that were hit included Iran's mountain facility at Fordo, the heavily fortified underground facility in...

businessinsider.com
US warplanes bombed Iran's most protected nuclear site. Trump says it was 'totally obliterated.'
Today — A January 24, 2025 image of Natanz. Gen. Dan Caine, the top US general, said Sunday morning that B-2 stealth bombers struck Iranian nuclear sites with over a dozen powerful bunker-busters in a "high-...

reuters.com
World awaits Iran's response after Trump says US 'obliterates ...
Today — With the damage visible from space after 30,000-pound U.S. bunker-buster bombs ... Israel, which started the war with a surprise attack on Iran on ...

time.com
World Leaders React After U.S. Strikes Iran: Gravely Alarmed | TIME
Today — Von der Leyen maintained that “Iran must never acquire the bomb,” and said the Middle Eastern country should now “engage in a credible ...

apnews.com
Nations react to US strikes on Iran with many calling for diplomacy
Today

ft.com
The perils of war with Iran
Today — Going to war is always a gamble. Iran, Israel and now the US have all rolled the dice. In the short term, it looks as if Israel's gamble has succeeded. The government of Benjamin Netanyahu has manage...

reuters.com
Strikes on Iran mark Trump's biggest, and riskiest, foreign policy gamble
Today — With his unprecedented decision to bomb Iran's nuclear sites, directly joining Israel's air attack on its regional arch foe, U.S. President Donald Trump has done something he had long vowed to avoid...

en.wikipedia.org
American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites
Today — INTERNATIONAL * : A government spokesperson called for de-escalation while stating that "Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programme has been a threat to international peace and security. We note...

atlanticcouncil.org
Experts react: The United States just bombed Iran's nuclear sites ...
Today — After today's attacks, Moscow is certainly worried about the ... The US attack on Iran sends a strong deterrent message to Beijing ...
More

washingtonpost.com
‘Severe damage’ at nuclear sites, Pentagon says; Iran warns U.S. to expect a response
Today

pbs.org
Nations around the world react to U.S. strikes on Iran, with ... - PBS
Today — He didn't specify which countries, but said the U.S. attack caused minimal damage and would not stop Tehran from pursuing nuclear weapons.

cbsnews.com
U.S. launches strikes on 3 Iranian nuclear facilities, Trump says
Today — Prior to his address, the president wrote on his Truth Social platform that a "full payload of BOMBS" was dropped on the "primary site" Fordo.

theguardian.com
How effective was the US attack on Iran's nuclear sites? A visual guide
Today — The bunker busting bombs ... The attack – codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer – was carried out by seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers flying from ...

aljazeera.com
US bombs Iran's nuclear sites: What we know so far - Al Jazeera
Today — US bombs Iran's nuclear sites: What we know so far. Trump has warned of more attacks on Iran after bombing some of its key nuclear energy sites, ...

aljazeera.com
LIVE: Iran says US strikes betrayed diplomacy, warns of ... - Al Jazeera
Today — Opinion: By bombing Iran, the US continues to make the world safe for war; Watch: US lawmakers condemn Trump for 'unconstitutional' attack on ...

Here’s today’s UK headline roundup—served with a healthy side of satire #ttcnews #politicauk

🚧 “Reeves Plans to Fix Bridges (Again)”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a “10‑year infrastructure plan” to fix every collapsed bridge, rickety flyover, and tunnel heading toward collapse—including an extra £590 m for the Lower Thames Crossing. Because nothing says political promise like finally admitting infrastructure is falling apart… half a decade too late

🕵️ “Grooming Inquiry—This Time It’s Personal”

Keir Starmer has green‑lit a national inquiry into historic grooming‑gang scandals—just as the Tories accused him of “jumping on the far‑right bandwagon.” Now he’s firmly planting his flag: “Yes, we were slow. But hey—we noticed!”

📈 “FTSE Tops Itself While We Cheer (Slightly)”

The FTSE 100 hit a record-high—prompting financial markets to pull a face like they’ve just bitten mint‑flavoured gum. Thanks to strong earnings from Entain, BT, Vodafone, and a Metro Bank takeover tease—Brazilian carnival vibes in the City Club

✈️ “Air India Crash: Awful, and Somehow Still Political”

Tragedy struck as an Air India Dreamliner carrying 53 Brits crashed near Ahmedabad. With only one British survivor, the nation's mourning is mingled with renewed Boeing scrutiny—because nothing brings UK‑India relations closer than collective grief and aircraft investigations

🎶 “Franz Ferdinand to Tour UK in 2026 (Because WHY NOT?)”

On the lighter side: indie rock revival! Franz Ferdinand confirmed a UK/Europe tour for spring 2026—just enough time to rebuild all those bridges and roads they’ll be flying over

In summary: A perfect storm of Mr. Fix‑it policies, delayed political epiphanies, market mysticism, tragic headlines, and a rock ‘n’ roll cameo—no better way to mark Monday in Blighty.
Today’s UK news highlights

ft.com
Rachel Reeves to set out 10-year UK infrastructure plan
Today