News

EU and Canada deepen ties, announce new security and defense pact

2025/06/24 11:24

Now, let's take a look at some stories from around the world with our Choi Chi Hee. Good morning, Chi Hee. Good morning, Eunji. Let's begin with the EU and Canada deepening ties following a summit in Brussels. Sure. Canada and the European Union have signed a new security and defense pact, amid growing geopolitical threats and regional instability. On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa formalized the EU-Canada Security and Defense Partnership. The agreement, which is the first of its kind for the EU with a country from the Americas, aims to deepen collaboration in areas such as crisis management, cybersecurity, arms control, and support for Ukraine. A key component of the pact is Canada's potential participation in the EU's 172-billion-U.S.-dollar joint procurement program, SAFE, facilitating joint defense acquisitions and industrial cooperation. The Canadian Prime Minister emphasized that the partnership would enable Canada to deliver on "new capabilities more rapidly and more effectively." This reflects a strategic shift to diversify defense partnerships beyond traditional reliance on the United States. The summit also led to negotiations for a digital agreement to align standards on issues, including consumer protection, to make online platforms safer and more inclusive.

Trump says U.S. strikes caused 'monumental damage' to Iran's nuclear sites

2025/06/24 00:31

We begin in the Middle East. The Trump administration bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities under the mission dubbed "Operation Midnight Hammer." The U.S. says its strikes inflicted significant damage to the sites. Kim Jung-sil starts us off. U.S. President Donald Trump called the damage to Iran's nuclear sites 'monumental' in a Truth Social post on Sunday night, reiterating his earlier claim that they had been 'obliterated.' Satellite images show craters at Fordo and collapsed buildings at Isfahan and Natanz. The U.S. "Operation Midnight Hammer" involved over 125 aircraft, including B-2 bombers, as well as Tomahawk missiles launched from a U.S. submarine. President Trump confirmed the strikes on Saturday evening from the White House. "Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace." While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, Iranian officials have downplayed the impact, claiming the facilities were evacuated before the bombs hit. The strikes were carried out just days after President Trump's initial announcement of a two-week window to decide on military action. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the action, saying it "needed to be done." "I think the world today is safer and more stable than it was 24 hours ago. And a bunch of these countries putting out statements condemning us. Privately, they all agree with us that this needed to be done." Rubio echoed Trump's message, saying the door to negotiations remains open, but Iran must choose between peaceful nuclear energy or facing continued military pressure. He added that if Iran persists in becoming a nuclear power, it would put "the regime at risk." Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged restraint on Sunday, warning that the U.S. strikes could lead to further escalation and calling for diplomacy to avoid more violence. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

S. Korea bolsters cooperation with Indonesia, Malaysia during leaders' phone call

2025/06/24 00:27

President Lee Jae Myung spoke over the phone with Indonesian President Subianto Prabowo today for the first time since taking office. The two leaders appreciated the "strategic partnership" between the two countries, and agreed to strengthen such cooperation in trade, digital transition, and the defense industry. President Lee also held a phone call earlier in the day with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, where they discussed cooperation in trade and investment. They agreed to work to conclude their bilateral free trade agreement within this year. Both the foreign leaders congratulated Lee on his inauguration and agreed to expand communications at the APEC summit in Korea later this year.

Who is in President Lee's first Cabinet picks?

2025/06/24 00:26

Following a round of vice ministerial appointments, President Lee Jae Myung on Monday named his first Cabinet picks. Our Presidential Office correspondent Song Yoo-jin breaks down the key nominations. In his third week in office, President Lee Jae Myung unveiled his first Cabinet lineup on Monday, nominating 11 ministers. Five-term lawmaker Ahn Gyu-back has been nominated to be Defense Minister. If confirmed, he would become the first civilian in over six decades to head South Korea's Defense Ministry. Cho Hyun, a veteran diplomat and former Vice Foreign Minister, has been nominated to head the Foreign Ministry. With his deep experience in multilateral diplomacy and trade, he's expected to navigate diplomatic hurdles with National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, an expert in bilateral ties and North Korea. Chung Dong-young, who previously served as Unification Minister under the late President Roh Moo-hyun, has been nominated once again, signaling the administration's emphasis on peace through dialogue with North Korea. "The nominees have been tasked with clear missions, including advancing national interest-driven diplomacy, easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, reforming the military, addressing the climate crisis, and developing the Arctic shipping route. They're expected to produce tangible outcomes." President Lee's pragmatic approach was also evident in his decision to retain Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung. "Minister Song is expected to ensure continuity in addressing agriculture's climate-related challenges and regional population decline. Her reappointment reflects the administration's merit-based approach, beyond ideological lines." Notably, some appointments came from the private sector. Bae Kyung-hoon, head of LG AI Research, has been nominated as Minister of Science and ICT, while Han Seong-sook, former CEO of NAVER, was named Minister of SMEs and Startups. Other nominees include heads for the Ministries of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Environment, Employment and Labor, Gender Equality and Family, as well as Oceans and Fisheries. Except for Minister Song, all 10 candidates will face confirmation hearings at the National Assembly. President Lee is calling for swift proceedings so that his Cabinet can quickly respond to growing challenges, such as the situation in the Middle East. Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.

Pres. Lee urges for emergency response system amid additional Middle East crisis

2025/06/24 00:25

And President Lee Jae Myung presided his first meeting with senior aides on Monday where he called for an emergency response system to deal with exacerbating crises in the Middle East. Our top office correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. Defining the crises in the Middle East as "urgent," the focus of President Lee's first meeting with his top aides at the start of the week was on these and their potential impact on the nation. "All ministries, including the presidential office, should form an emergency response system for corresponding actions. Safety measures must be ready for our people in the region." Also discussed were ways to tackle instability in the foreign exchange and financial markets. Noting that already high prices might further inflict pain on the people if coupled with higher oil prices, Lee asked for additional measures with regard to the government's recent supplementary budget proposal, if needed, now awaiting approval at the National Assembly. And as the president held this first meeting under a new government without a transition period, his message to them was specific. "We are still organizing our team at the presidential office, and it will be difficult for everyone due to the lack of manpower. Still, as I always say, an hour you spend is worth 52 million hours." On Sunday, President Lee Jae Myung decided not to attend the upcoming NATO Summit this week in the Hague, hours after the U.S. bombed nuclear sites in Iran over the weekend. He considered participating in the summit, but after long consideration, a final call was made at the last minute. Observers believe the latest incident could have complicated any possible talks between President Lee and his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, with the U.S. deadline for tariff negotiations looming. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac will be attending the meeting on behalf of the president. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

Iranian defense minister says, "This is nothing new"

2025/06/24 00:24

After sustaining direct attacks from the U.S., Iran is now reviewing its options. Iranian defense minister ordered his Army generals to be prepared to fight, while hinting at the closure of a key strait for global oil transportation. Our Kim Do-yeon reports. Iran, after the U.S. bombed key nuclear sites there with bunker busters, is on the verge of retaliating, with Defense Minister Amir Hatami calling for a fight. At a meeting with Army generals on Monday Hatami said this was nothing new, and that the U.S. has been committing crimes against Iran throughout history. "Each time they committed a crime, they received a decisive response, and this time will be no different We will fight for victory. We consider martyrdom a great blessing, but right now, we are fighting for victory." This comes against the backdrop of Iran's parliament endorsing a measure on Sunday to close the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil transit choke point. According to Iran's state-run broadcaster Press TV on Sunday, the country's legislature reached a consensus to close the strait the final decision resting with the Supreme National Security Council and the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Strait of Hormuz, which separates Iran and Oman, is a key gateway for oil shipments from Persian Gulf countries. It's estimated that around 25 percent of the global crude oil supply and 20 percent of the liquefied natural gas supply pass through the strait. While a final decision is yet to come, the market is already reacting. On Monday, Brent crude briefly passed 81 dollars per barrel, the highest since January. All in all, Brent has risen over 10 percent since the Israel-Iran conflict began on June 13, and over 20 percent in the past month. Meanwhile, on top of the U.S. direct involvement, missile exchanges between Israel and Iran continued, with both nations on the receiving end on Monday. Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News

U.S. strikes Iran’s nuclear sites, Tehran hits back with missiles on Israel

2025/06/23 20:00

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. The Middle East is facing a dangerous escalation. On June 21st, the United States launched surprise airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities — Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan — in an operation President Trump said was aimed at crippling Iran's uranium enrichment program. Just a day later, Iran retaliated by launching missiles toward Israel, triggering air raid sirens and explosions over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Iran also issued a stark warning to the U.S., vowing "eternal consequences" and condemning the strikes as a violation of international law. With diplomatic talks in Geneva between Iran and European nations ending in failure, the crisis is deepening — and the potential for regional conflict is rising fast. For a closer look into the current situation, we're joined by Moamen Gouda, professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Welcome. Also joining us live is Seunghoon Paik, researcher at the Institute of Middle East Studies. Thank you for joining us. 1. (Paik) Let's begin with the latest developments — on the 21st, the U.S. carried out airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites. 2. (Gouda) And adding to that — U.S. defense officials revealed that this operation, dubbed "Midnight Hammer," had been months in the making. 3. (Gouda) Now, looking back — President Trump recently gave Iran a two-week deadline for final negotiations. 4. (Paik) Another key issue — there's a lot of debate about the actual impact of the latest strikes on Iran's nuclear program. 5. (Paik) Meanwhile — Iran's supreme leader, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, broke his silence after the strikes, warning on social media that Israel would be "punished." 6. (Gouda) Looking ahead — there are concerns that America's attack could backfire by pushing Iran to speed up its nuclear weapons development. 7. (Gouda) And politically — the U.S. has insisted that regime change isn't the goal. 8. (Paik) Turning to diplomacy — Germany, France and the UK recently held nuclear talks with Iran's foreign minister, but the talks yielded little. 9. (Gouda) Stepping back — many say it's too early to claim this marks the end of the Iran nuclear issue or the Israel-Iran conflict. 10. (Paik) And finally — the U.S. strike on Iran is raising questions about possible military action against North Korea's nuclear facilities.

Trump says U.S. strikes caused 'monumental damage' to Iran's nuclear sites

2025/06/23 17:00

The U.S. launched airstrikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities this past weekend and Donald Trump asserts the attacks caused substantial damage. Kim Jung-sil has the latest. U.S. President Donald Trump called the damage to Iran's nuclear sites 'monumental' in a Truth Social post on Sunday night, reiterating his earlier claim that they had been 'obliterated.' Satellite images show craters at Fordo and collapsed buildings at Isfahan and Natanz. The U.S. "Operation Midnight Hammer" involved over 125 aircraft, including B-2 bombers, as well as Tomahawk missiles launched from a U.S. submarine. President Trump confirmed the strikes on Saturday evening from the White House. "Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace." While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, Iranian officials have downplayed the impact, claiming the facilities were evacuated before the bombs hit. The strikes were carried out just days after President Trump's initial announcement of a two-week window to decide on military action. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the action, saying it "needed to be done." "I think the world today is safer and more stable than it was 24 hours ago. And a bunch of these countries putting out statements condemning us. Privately, they all agree with us that this needed to be done." Rubio echoed Trump's message, saying the door to negotiations remains open, but Iran must choose between peaceful nuclear energy or facing continued military pressure. He added that if Iran persists in becoming a nuclear power, it would put "the regime at risk." Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged restraint on Sunday, warning that the U.S. strikes could lead to further escalation and calling for diplomacy to avoid more violence. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

World News: Twenty killed in suicide bombing at Damascus church

2025/06/23 17:00

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. A devastating suicide bombing at an Orthodox Church in Damascus, Syria, killed at least 22 and wounded dozens more. On Sunday, local time, a lone attacker, believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State group, opened fire and then detonated an explosive vest, killing worshippers at the Mar Elias Church. According to Syria's Health Ministry, at least 63 others were wounded in the attack. It was the first suicide bombing targeting a church in Damascus since Bashar al-Assad's government fell. Reports suggest a second man may have been involved. Syrian authorities condemned the attack, calling it an act of terrorism. Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has repeatedly said he will protect minorities; however, Syria has already seen deadly sectarian violence in recent months. Spain has secured an exemption from NATO's new defense spending goal of 5 percent of GDP, ahead of a summit in The Hague. On Sunday, June 22, Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, announced that Spain and NATO finalized the opt-out after an exchange of letters with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Now, members, excluding Spain, will be subject to the 5 percent spending target. Last year, Spain spent 1.28 percent of its GDP on defense, the alliance's lowest. Sanchez pledged to raise that to 2.1 percent this year, affirming that this level is sufficient to meet its contribution to NATO without undermining Spain's welfare state commitments. Sanchez argued escalating to 5 percent by 2035 would be "disproportionate and unnecessary," potentially forcing deep cuts in social services or higher taxes. Pope Leo XIV issued a powerful appeal during Sunday's prayers in St. Peter's Square, saying, "Every member of the international community has a moral responsibility" to stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an "irreparable abyss." He spoke amid escalating U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, warning that no military victory can compensate for "the pain of mothers, the fear of children, the stolen future." Describing the situation in the Middle East as "alarming," the pope urged diplomacy to replace weapons and criticized how humanitarian suffering risked being overshadowed. Millions of people across the world celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga on Saturday, under this year's theme of "Yoga for One Earth, One Health." In India, crowds gathered nationwide, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading a massive session at a stretch of beach in the city of Visakhapatnam. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, sunrise yoga sessions brought hundreds to Arpoador Beach, uniting locals and tourists. Indonesia's Bali, Nusa Dua, hosted organized group practices, also drawing enthusiasts. The annual event was first celebrated in 2015, following a United Nations declaration, to highlight yoga's benefits. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

S. Korea, Malaysia to work towards concluding free trade agreement

2025/06/23 17:00

And earlier on this Monday morning President Lee Jae Myung spoke on the phone with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. According to Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, the two leaders did so to celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations and shared hopes of further advancing their Strategic Partnership which was upgraded last year. They agreed to bolster "mutually beneficial cooperation" in trade, investment and defense with renewed efforts to seal a free trade deal within this year. FTA negotiations resumed in March 2024 after a five-year hiatus.

Pres. Lee urges for emergency response system amid additional Middle East crisis

2025/06/23 17:00

Also in related news. President Lee Jae-myung presided over his first meeting with his senior aides and placed priority on preparations to respond to the broader potential fallout of the violence in the Middle East. Our top office correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. Defining the crises in the Middle East as "urgent," the focus of President Lee's first meeting with his top aides at the start of the week was on these and their potential impact on the nation. "All ministries, including the presidential office, should form an emergency response system for corresponding actions. Safety measures must be ready for our people in the region." Also discussed were ways to tackle instability in the foreign exchange and financial markets. Noting that already high prices might further inflict pain on the people if coupled with higher oil prices, Lee asked for additional measures with regard to the government's recent supplementary budget proposal, if needed, now awaiting approval at the National Assembly. And as the president held this first meeting under a new government without a transition period, his message to them was specific. "We are still organizing our team at the presidential office, and it will be difficult for everyone due to the lack of manpower. Still, as I always say, an hour you spend is worth 52 million hours." On Sunday, President Lee Jae Myung decided not to attend the upcoming NATO summit this week in the Hague, hours after the U.S. bombed nuclear sites in Iran over the weekend. He considered participating in the summit, but after long consideration, a final call was made at the last minute. Observers believe the latest incident could have complicated any possible talks between President Lee and his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, with the U.S. deadline for tariff negotiations looming. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

Iran's parliament votes to close Strait of Hormuz

2025/06/23 17:00

Now in response to the U.S. air assaults against its nuclear facilities the Iranian parliament has voted in support of closing the Strait of Hormuz a crucial shipping lane for the world's daily oil and gas supply. Lee Seung-jae reports. The United States over the weekend attacked three key Iranian nuclear sites, with B-2 stealth bombers dropping more than a dozen "bunker-buster" bombs. In response, Iran's parliament on Sunday endorsed a measure to close the Strait of Hormuz,.. a major global transit checkpoint. According to Iran's state-run broadcaster Press TV on Sunday, the country's legislature reached a consensus to close the strait, with the final decision resting on the Supreme National Security Council and the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Strait of Hormuz, which separates Iran and Oman, is a key gateway for oil shipments from Persian Gulf countries. It's estimated that around 25 percent of the global crude oil supply and 20 percent of the liquefied natural gas supply pass through the strait. South Korea, which is heavily reliant on crude from the Middle East, could be heavily impacted by the closure, as the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency analyzes that 99 percent of Middle Eastern crude oil coming to Korea passes through the strait. Meanwhile, in an interview with NBC News on Sunday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said it would be "suicidal" for Iran, if they blocked off the major trade route. Vance argued that Iran's entire economy runs through the strait, and such action would not only cause global disruption but also destroy their own economy. Despite the direct U.S. involvement in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, Vance says Washington wants peace with Iran "in the context of them not having a nuclear weapons program." Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

President Lee meets with leaders of two major parties on Sunday

2025/06/23 10:00

President Lee Jae Myung hosted a luncheon with leaders of the ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party at the presidential residence on Sunday. According to the top office, President Lee shared his experience at the recent G7 Summit in Canada and emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation on foreign affairs. On the domestic front, he acknowledged differing views on the proposed supplementary budget but underscored the need to build consensus to swiftly tackle economic challenges. The two parties each presented proposals on real estate policy and personnel appointments. All sides described the gathering as a meaningful step toward candid dialogue and agreed to meet regularly.

Seoul "hopes for swift de-escalation," resolution of Iran's nuclear issue

2025/06/23 10:00

The South Korean government says it hopes for a prompt de-escalation and the resolution of Iran's nuclear issue,.. following the United States' bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities. The foreign ministry told reporters Sunday that Seoul places great importance on resolving the Iranian nuclear issue "from the perspective of nuclear non-proliferation." It hopes regional tensions will lower quickly, and will continue to participate in international efforts toward this end. Meanwhile, officials held a meeting led by Vice Minister Kim Jina to review safety measures for Koreans in the Middle East. So far, the ministry has supported the evacuation of 56 Korean nationals and their family members from Iran to Turkmenistan. Over two dozen have been evacuated from Israel to Jordan.

[On-point] U.S. intervention in Israel's war against Iran raises Middle East concerns

2025/06/23 10:00

The U.S. has now entered Israel's war with Iran by dropping bombs on key nuclear sites in Iran --further raising tensions in the region. For more on how the situation in the Middle East will unfold, we're joined by Professor Kim Kangsuk, Professor at the Department of Arabic at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Professor Kim, thanks for joining us this morning. 1. The U.S. carried out an attack on Iran's nuclear sites, after Trump said he would decide within two weeks on a move by the U.S. What's behind Trump's decision to engage in the conflict between Israel and Iran directly? 2. What will Iran's next move be? How might the country retaliate in response to the latest U.S. attack on its nuclear facilities? 3. Iran's parliament has now voted to shut the Strait of Hormuz. If the country's government makes the final decision to close the strait, how will that affect the rest of the world? 4. What does U.S. intervention mean for the wider region? Will the conflict escalate into a full-scale war, or even spread to become a wider war? 5. Surely, the fighting can't go on forever. How might this conflict end — and when? Alright Professor Kim. Thank you so much for your insight. We appreciate it.

Difficult to predict if grace period for reciprocal tariffs will be extended: S. Korea's trade minister

2025/06/23 10:00

South Korea's Minister of Trade Yeo Han-koo arrived in the United States on Sunday, to hold talks with Washington on trade. Speaking to reporters upon arriving at Dulles International Airport, Yeo Han-koo said that it's difficult to predict whether the U.S. will extend the grace period for the reciprocal tariffs. However, ahead of a meeting with U.S. trade officials set for Monday, he said he's "keeping all possibilities open." Before departing for the U.S., Yeo said he would pursue a "national interest-based and pragmatic" approach in trade negotiations. The grace period for reciprocal tariffs is set to end on July 8th.

Pres. Lee decides not to attend NATO summit

2025/06/23 10:00

Meanwhile, Seoul has also been closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East. Just hours after the U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung decided not to attend the upcoming NATO summit in the Netherlands. Our Presidential Office Correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports. At the last moment, South Korea's president decided on Sunday not to attend the NATO summit slated for this week in the Hague. President Lee Jae Myung considered participating in the multilateral summit despite "piles of" pending issues at home, but after long consideration, decided not to attend, citing various domestic issues and growing uncertainty in the Middle East. It was a call made hours after the U.S. bombed nuclear sites in Iran amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Observers believe the latest incidents could have complicated any possible talks between President Lee and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump with the U.S. deadline for tariff negotiations looming. Coordination will be made with NATO as to who will be attending the meeting on behalf of Lee. Also on Sunday, South Korea's top office held an emergency meeting presided over by National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac following the U.S. attack on Iran to check on its potential impact on the nation's security and the economy. Particular emphasis was placed on the lives and safety of the public. "Wi called for close coordination among relevant ministries to minimize any fallout on the security of the Korean Peninsula and the economy." Seoul is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and its impact on oil and financial markets. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

Iran's parliament votes to close Strait of Hormuz

2025/06/23 10:00

In response to the United States attack on Iran's nuclear sites, Iran's parliament voted to close off the Strait of Hormuz, a global crude oil transport route and 'bottleneck' of global trade. However, U.S. Vice President JD Vance warns closing the strait would be "suicidal" for Iran. Lee Seung-jae has more. The United States over the weekend attacked three key Iranian nuclear sites, with B-2 stealth bombers dropping more than a dozen "bunker-buster" bombs. In response, Iran's parliament on Sunday endorsed a measure to close the Strait of Hormuz,.. a major global transit checkpoint. According to Iran's state-run broadcaster Press TV on Sunday, the country's legislature reached a consensus to close the strait, with the final decision resting on the Supreme National Security Council and the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Strait of Hormuz, which separates Iran and Oman, is a key gateway for oil shipments from Persian Gulf countries. It's estimated that around 25 percent of the global crude oil supply and 20 percent of the liquefied natural gas supply pass through the strait. South Korea, which is heavily reliant on crude from the Middle East, could be heavily impacted by the closure, as the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency analyzes that 99 percent of Middle Eastern crude oil coming to Korea passes through the strait. Meanwhile, in an interview with NBC News on Sunday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said it would be "suicidal" for Iran, if they blocked off the major trade route. Vance argued that Iran's entire economy runs through the strait, and such action would not only cause global disruption but also destroy their own economy. Despite the direct U.S. involvement in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, Vance says Washington wants peace with Iran "in the context of them not having a nuclear weapons program." Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

U.S. bombs Iranian nuclear sites in 'Operation Midnight Hammer'

2025/06/23 10:00

The United States has bombed key Iranian nuclear sites, escalating tensions in the Middle East. President Trump confirmed the mission as a success, declaring that Iran's nuclear capabilities have been "obliterated." Our Kim Jung-sil starts us off. In an operation codenamed 'Midnight Hammer', the U.S. targeted three nuclear facilities in Iran: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. Satellite images show significant damage, with craters at Fordo and collapsed buildings at both Isfahan and Natanz. The operation involved over 125 aircraft, including B-2 bombers, as well as Tomahawk missiles launched from a U.S. submarine. President Trump confirmed the strikes on Saturday evening at the White House. "Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace." While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, Iranian officials have downplayed the impact, claiming the facilities had been evacuated before the bombs hit. Although President Trump had last Thursday announced a two-week window to decide on a strike, the operation was carried out just three days later. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the action, saying it "needed to be done." "I think the world today is safer and more stable than it was 24 hours ago. And a bunch of these countries putting out statements condemning us. Privately, they all agree with us that this needed to be done." Rubio echoed Trump's message, saying the door to negotiations remains open, but Iran must choose between peaceful nuclear energy or facing continued military pressure. He added that pursuing nuclear weapons would put "the regime at risk." Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned Sunday that the U.S. strikes could escalate tensions, urging diplomacy to prevent further retaliation. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

'Stop the war before it becomes an irreparable abyss,' Pope Leo says during Sunday prayer

2025/06/23 10:00

Pope Leo XIV issued a powerful appeal during Sunday's prayers in St. Peter's Square, saying, "Every member of the international community has a moral responsibility" to stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an "irreparable abyss." He spoke amid escalating U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, warning that no military victory can compensate for "the pain of mothers, the fear of children, the stolen future." Describing the situation in the Middle East as "alarming," the pope urged diplomacy to replace weapons and criticized how humanitarian suffering risked being overshadowed.