A two-year-old boy was killed by a Ukrainian drone strike in Russia’s southern Belgorod region and his grandmother and another adult were wounded, local governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said.
The Ukrainian military said it struck the Rezonit electronics factory in Russia’s Moscow region, resulting in explosions.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence said its forces had shot down 260 Ukrainian drones over the past day, the Interfax news agency reported on Thursday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for the rapid development and deployment of separate drone forces within Russia’s military. “We are currently creating unmanned systems troops as a separate branch of the military and we need to ensure their rapid and high-quality deployment and development,” Russian news agencies quoted Putin as saying.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukrainian forces are gradually pushing Russian forces out of the border Sumy region, where Moscow has established a foothold in order to create a buffer zone with Russia’s western Kursk region.
Ukraine and Russia have exchanged another group of ill and severely wounded prisoners of war. It was not immediately clear how many had been exchanged by each side. All of the Ukrainian soldiers need treatment, President Zelenskyy said on the Telegram messaging app.
Sanctions
A Group of Seven (G7) meeting in Canada from June 15-17 will be about the extent to which the European Union and United States can align on sanctions against Russia, an unnamed German government official told the Reuters news agency.
President Zelenskyy said he planned to attend the G7 summit and hoped to meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the meeting. Zelenskyy said he would discuss continued support for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and financing for Kyiv’s reconstruction efforts.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has said Russia’s approach to peace talks with Ukraine is not helpful. “The Russians are sending this historian now twice to these talks in Istanbul, trying to start with the history of 1,000 years ago and then explaining more or less that Ukraine is at fault here. I think that’s not helpful,” Rutte said.
At a meeting in Rome, foreign ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Britain said they were ready to step up pressure on Russia, “including through further sanctions” involving the energy and banking sector, to weaken Moscow in its war with Ukraine.
Military aid
Speaking during his fifth visit to Kyiv since the start of the war, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said his country’s military support for Ukraine has reached 7 billion euros ($8.12bn) this year. Pistorius said a further 1.9 billion euros are pending parliamentary approval.
Pistorius said Germany is not considering delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine despite Kyiv’s repeated requests for the weapons.
Diplomacy
US ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy will soon leave her post, her embassy confirmed, after serving through one of the most tense and difficult periods in relations between Moscow and Washington.
Israel has attacked several Iranian nuclear facilities and military sites, and carried out assassinations of top military officials and nuclear scientists.
The aggression has led to fears of a wider military conflict in the region, with Tehran promising a “harsh response”.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that Israel faces a “bitter and painful” fate following the attack.
“By God’s will, the powerful hand of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic will not let it [Israel] go unpunished,” he said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a prerecorded message that the strikes early on Friday were aimed at hurting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and ballistic missile factories.
What did Israel attack in Iran?
Strikes have been confirmed in the following locations:
The capital, Tehran, and military sites in the surrounding area.
The city of Natanz, where explosions were reported at the main uranium enrichment facility.
The city of Tabriz, where explosions have been reported near a nuclear research centre and two military bases.
The city of Isfahan, south of Tehran.
The city of Arak, southwest of Tehran.
The city of Kermanshah, west of Tehran.
Images posted on social media showed damaged structures, including residential buildings, across the Iranian capital.
Who did Israel kill?
According to Iranian media, Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of the Iranian military, were among those killed in the Israeli attack.
State-run news outlet Nour News said Khamenei adviser Ali Shamkhani was “critically injured”.
According to Tasnim, the commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, Major-General Gholamali Rashid, was killed.
Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi, who is reporting from the Iranian capital, Tehran, said that aside from military officials, two top nuclear scientists, Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Tehranchi, were also killed in targeted assassinations.
Abbasi was the former chief of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, while Tehranchi was the head of the Islamic Azad University.
What was the reaction in Iran?
People in Iran woke up to terrifying scenes of destruction in their neighbourhoods.
In a statement, Khamenei said Israel “opened its dirty and bloody hand to a crime” against Iran, revealing its evil nature more than ever by striking residential centres.
“The regime must expect severe punishment.”
Abolfazl Shekarchi, the spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces, was quoted by Iranian media as saying that Israel will pay a “heavy price” for its attacks.
IRGC Commander-in-Chief Major-General Hossein Salami was reportedly killed in the attacks [File: Majid Asgaripour/WANA Reuters]
What was the reaction in Israel?
Israeli military chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, said Israel had reached a “point of no return” with the attack on Friday.
Describing the early morning strikes on Iran as a “fight to preserve our existence”, Zamir said Israel launched the attacks as it could not “wait for another moment to act”.
He also said: “Anyone who tries to challenge us will pay a heavy price.”
Israeli opposition politician Yair Lapid posted a message on X, formerly Twitter, congratulating the Israeli army for its attack.
This handout photo released by the IRGC’s official Sepah News Telegram channel shows smoke billowing from a site bombed by Israel in Tehran early on June 13, 2025 [Sepah News/AFP]
What was the response from the US?
Iran and the United States are currently involved in talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, aiming to reach an agreement that would limit the programme in return for sanctions relief for Iran.
In an interview with Fox News, US President Donald Trump said Washington was not involved in the Israeli strikes.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see,” Trump said, adding that the US will help defend Israel if Iran retaliates.
Trump is expected to convene a meeting of the National Security Council on Friday morning, the White House said.
In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US was not involved in the operation.
“Our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” Rubio said. “Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel.”
Opposition Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said the Israeli strikes are “clearly intended to scuttle” the Trump administration’s diplomacy with Iran.
People gather near damaged vehicles in the aftermath of Israeli strikes in Tehran early on Friday [Majid Asgaripour/WANA via Reuters]
What is the danger of hitting nuclear facilities?
Attacking nuclear facilities can cause several consequences of unpredictable scope, including radioactive leaks, explosions and long-term contamination.
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), says the UN body is closely monitoring the situation in Iran.
He said that the IAEA can confirm that the Natanz site was among the targets hit by Israel.
“The Agency is in contact with Iranian authorities regarding radiation levels. We are also in contact with our inspectors in the country.”
This satellite photo from Planet Labs PBC shows the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran on May 20, 2025 [Planet Labs PBC via AP]
What’s the global reaction to the attack?
In a statement, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for “maximum restraint” to avoid “descent into deeper conflict” following the Israeli strike.
“The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East,” his deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, said.
“He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran’s nuclear programme are underway.”
Oman, which is mediating nuclear talks between the US and Iran, called Israel’s action “a dangerous, reckless escalation, representing a flagrant violation” of the UN charter.
“Such aggressive, persistent behavior is unacceptable and further destabilizes the regional peace and security.
“The Sultanate of Oman holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its consequences, and calls upon the international community to adopt a firm and unequivocal stance to halt this dangerous course of action.”
Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Major-General Mohammad Bagheri, has also reportedly been killed by Israel [Iranian Army/WANA via Reuters]
With a squad including estate agents, students and teachers, part-timers Auckland City will go from tourists to facing Bayern Munich with nothing to lose at this month’s Club World Cup in the United States.
The New Zealand side, the winners of the Oceania Champions League in each of the past four years, are the only one of the 32 teams playing in America that are not full-time professionals.
“We’re all used to leaving the house in the morning, going to do the day job and then going and training football at night,” Auckland striker Angus Kilkolly told BBC World Service.
“I work for a power tool brand, a global brand, I manage a sales team there. We’ve got a few other boys who work in sales as well, real estate agents, teachers, a couple of the boys are uni students.
“It’s not easy but it’s something we have always done so we don’t really know any different. It’s no different to going to school and then going to play football after school.
Facing Bayern, Benfica & Boca ‘a dream for us’
Getty Images
While Kilkolly’s work colleagues will be attending what he calls a “big national sales event”, he will be on the other side of the world representing not only his club but, as Oceania’s only representatives, the country and continent too.
He might return with some great stories.
The tournament begins on Saturday, with Auckland in Group C and drawn alongside three legendary clubs.
They start against six-time European champions Bayern Munich on Sunday, then have a match against Portuguese giants Benfica five days later before taking on Argentina’s Boca Juniors, a side that has won the South American Copa Libertadores on six occasions.
“When the draw got made we were all ecstatic, it’s a dream for us,” added Kilkolly. “These are teams we’re used to watching in the Champions League and European finals so to actually step foot on the same grass as them and compete and hopefully have a really good game.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to show our personalities, show we deserve to be here, and are good footballers.
‘We went to see the White House, which was cool’
Getty Images
With Auckland dominating club football in Oceania, this will be their 12th appearance at the Club World Cup, more than any other side.
They came third in 2014, but this year the format has been dramatically changed from previously only having seven sides to now having 32, with 12 from Europe, including Real Madrid, Paris St-Germain, Inter Milan, Manchester City and Chelsea.
But before they go head-to-head with reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern, whose squad includes England’s record goalscorer Harry Kane, Auckland have been keen to enjoy every moment while in the United States.
“We got to spend a few days in Washington and went to see the White House and a few of the monuments, which was cool,” added Kilkolly.
“A lot of us haven’t been to America before so to have a little bit of free time where we could go out and see a lot of the history in the city was awesome.
“The facilities, training grounds have been amazing, and it was also good to get out and see the White House and all these things that you only really see on TV or on the news.”
Kilkolly says his side could compete at the highest level and cause some shock results.
‘The Kiwi attitude is the underdog on the global stage’
Getty Images
Kilkolly, now 29, had a six-month spell playing in Lithuania when he was 19.
He has recently had some difficult times following the death of his brother three years ago and his father just over a year ago.
“Going through experiences like that doesn’t necessarily change your perspective but enhances your perspective of how valuable life is and how valuable opportunities are,” he said.
“If you get an opportunity and want to do something in life, you have to do it now. You don’t wait for anything.
“The memories [of his brother and father] never fade. I want to make them proud and have my own story. That’s what I’m doing, to live every day trying to do what would make them proud and I know they are watching.”
The world will be looking on as Auckland aim to shock the footballing community.
“We’ve had a lot of experience playing at Club World Cups before and Bayern Munich, Benfica and Boca will be another step,” said Kilkolly. “We’ve played in front of big crowds and against good players before.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, gave up public royal duties five years ago and much of what they have said and done since has shocked sources close to The Firm
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quit public life in 2020 and moved to the US(Image: AP)
A fresh indication Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could return to the public duties – the “biggest hint yet” – has reportedly left royal sources “utterly bewildered”.
Much of what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have said and done since they quit public duties five years ago is said to have astonished members of the Royal Household. These include their accusations of racism against unnamed members of the family and Meghan’s recent posting of a video which showed her “twerking” in the maternity ward before the birth of Lillibet.
Now sources close to the Sussexes have disclosed details about passport applications for both Prince Archie, six, and four-year-old Princess Lilibet. It is thought the applications include the titles HRH (His /Her Royal Highness) as well as the surname Sussex, and this is reportedly because Harry and Meghan want their kids to decide for themselves whether they want to become working royals, or stay out of public life when they get older.
This has been seen by some insiders as “the biggest hint” the Duke and Duchess may want to return to The Firm. Richard Eden, a royal reporter with the Daily Mail, writes in today’s edition: “The suggestion gives the biggest hint yet that they’re hoping to mend fences.
“And it raises the question: Could the Sussexes, who chose to give up boring old public duties to seek their fortune in the US, stage a return to the royal fold via their children?”
Article continues below
READ MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s single word that left late Queen fearing ‘disaster’
Harry and his wife have reportedly managed to spring a fresh surprise on royal relations(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
The original revelation was reported in The Guardian last week. The newspaper read: “The Guardian understands that Prince Harry wants to keep the HRH titles for his children so that when they grow older they can decide for themselves whether they want to become working royals, or stay out of public life.”
Insiders have reacted with shock and scepticism, following Harry and Meghan’s exploits and bombshells since moving to the US. Mr Eden writes: “‘I find this very hard to understand,’ one royal source told me this week… ‘Harry and Meghan apparently found official duties and life within the Royal Family unbearable, yet they want this for their children. It doesn’t make sense.’
Article continues below
“It’s true that the Sussexes have devoted much time and energy to publicising their unhappiness with royal life. It’s hard to forget Harry’s grin on a video as he described their ‘freedom flight’ to Los Angeles when they began their American adventure in 2020.”
Today’s horoscope for Friday, June 13 will see Libra take on the role of team leader, while Leo embarks on a home improvement project
Find out what’s written in the stars with our astrologer Russell Grant(Image: Daily Record/GettyImages)
It’s Friday, and one star sign should communicate with kindness today, while another could discover an amazing job opportunity.
There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.
These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.
Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Sharing too many details of a situation to someone who isn’t ready to hear them can make them tense and nervous. If you get the impression a friend or relative doesn’t want to talk, back off. Communicate with love and kindness. Avoid words that might make other people feel guilty.
Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)
If you wake up feeling under the weather, don’t force yourself to continue with arrangements you don’t feel up to. If you suspect you are coming down with a summer cold, take some vitamin C and soak up some sunshine. A friend might introduce you to the health benefits of herbal teas.
Gemini (May 22 – June 21)
It would be better not to ignore problems in a close relationship. Be ready to address any lingering issues in your home. Tension is high due to conflict and disagreements. Gather your family together to discuss the root cause of the problem and then work towards finding a resolution.
Article continues below
Cancer (June 22 – July 23)
Even if you weren’t looking to make any changes, you could discover an amazing job opportunity. To take this up will mean having to relocate. This isn’t something you can decide on alone. Reach out to your family and friends; they will offer valuable guidance.
Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)
A home improvement project is set underway. Your aim is to create a sense of tranquillity in your living space. Think about adding a gentle waterfall feature and some greenery with houseplants. If you feel you have outgrown your living space, renting, buying or selling property are some considerations.
Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)
If you’re working from home, noise and other activity happening around you could be a big distraction so be sure to get started as early as possible. Put in your best effort as there are people monitoring your productivity in the background.
Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)
You have a remarkable ability to unite people. This is a unique gift your ruling planet, Venus, has bestowed on you. Today, this skill will be put to the test as you take on the role of team leader. Your team will be tasked with creating new procedures and together you will come up with some great ideas.
Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)
Go with the mood of the moment. Ignore what anyone else might say and follow your own inclinations. It doesn’t matter if it is buying a new cologne or indulging in a fancy takeout dinner, the important thing is to abandon yourself to the joy of sensory experiences.
Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)
A sudden longing for recognition and status will lead you to being more sociable than usual. You will seize every chance you get to pursue greater and more rewarding opportunities. Don’t hesitate to apply for a position that offers more responsibility as this will bring a touch more professional respect.
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)
Exploring different forms of healing such as homeopathic remedies and sound therapy could help improve your well-being. A practical friend will share their experiences and the benefits they have found from such treatments. Set up a virtual appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your ideas.
Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)
There is conflict between your home life and your career. This isn’t the first time this has happened. Your family is feeling the strain of the long hours and time you spend away from them. There is no easy solution but it will be important to make some thoughtful choices.
Article continues below
Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
Your main focus will be on paperwork, commerce and business. A job assignment could grow quite intriguing and you will be glad you were around to be able to join in with this experience. Just be sure to thoroughly review any contracts before signing them.
READ MORE: Where to shop all of Maya Jama’s Love Island outfits – including Kim K-inspired corset dress
Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy – the world’s top two – found Oakmont Country Club a bruising challenge on a first day at the US Open when only 10 of the 156 players ended under par.
Masters champion McIlroy had started well and was two under after nine holes, but then unravelled with four bogeys and a double bogey as he posted a four-over 74.
Scheffler, who came into the third major of the year as overwhelming favourite on the back of winning three of his past four tournaments, is three over par after an uncharacteristically ragged round that featured five bogeys.
“I made some silly mistakes and I just need to be a little sharper,” said the American who won last month’s US PGA Championship to add to his two Masters victories.
Out in front on four under is JJ Spaun, who McIlroy beat in a play-off to win The Players Championship in March. The American had four birdies in his opening eight holes and his was the only bogey-free round despite the benign conditions.
He was briefly overhauled by Im Sung-jae, only for the South Korean to bogey three of his final seven holes and drop back.
South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence is one behind Spaun on the notoriously difficult Pennsylvania course, which is hosting a record-extending 10th US Open.
Brooks Koepka, the 2017 and 2018 champion, is alongside Im and Kim Si-woo at two under after birdieing his final two holes to post a 68.
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre was delighted with his level-par round of 70 as he ranked it “in the top 10 that I’ve played”.
Talking to BBC Sport, he added: “I’ve never played a golf course as hard. Every shot is on a knife edge.”
Former winners Jon Rahm, on one under, and Jordan Spieth, on level par, also impressed while defending champion Bryson DeChambeau described it as a “brutal test” after posting a three-over 73.
Also at three over is Patrick Reed, who made only the fourth albatross in US Open history when he holed his second shot, from 286 yards, at the par-five fourth to pick up three shots.
Sadly for the American, a triple-bogey seven at the last left him three over par for the tournament.
Top two toil at Oakmont
To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
Last time the US Open was held here in 2016, only four players broke par and in 2007, the winning score by Angel Cabrera was at five over.
While not that brutal yet, this tournament does look like living up to its self-proclaimed billing as “the toughest test in golf”.
There were more than double the number of bogeys to birdies on day one and, with the course drying out, greens getting faster and the wind yet to bare its teeth, it should get harder.
The world’s top two won 2025’s first two majors but entered this in contrasting form – McIlroy having missed the cut spectacularly in Canada last week, while Scheffler has been imperious.
McIlroy, who missed the cut in 2016, initially looked good, with two birdies in his first three holes, including striking the longest drive of his season, 392 yards at the 12th (his third).
But Oakmont bit back on his second nine.
Driving the ball into the five-inch deep rough off the par-five fourth fairway, he needed three shots to escape and only a remarkable 30-foot putt limited the damage to a bogey.
Further shots went at his 15th and 16th holes before a first taste of the enormous par-three eighth – playing at 276 yards – cost him a double bogey.
Equally, last month’s US PGA Championship winner Scheffler was far from his metronomic best, turning at two over par and then bogeying 13 and 15 on the way home.
Winner in 2011, McIlroy has finished runner-up in the past two US Opens – in heartbreaking fashion last year after missing two short putts when leading in the closing stages – and has made the top 10 in the past six championships.
Spaun maintains upward progress
To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
Beyond threatening the biggest win of his career at TPC Sawgrass in the PGA Tour’s flagship tournament earlier this year, world number 25 Spaun has three other top-10 finishes so far this season.
Starting with a 20-foot chip-in from out of the rough at the 10th tee, he excelled on the greens, making three clutch par putts from more than 10 feet to keep his card clean down the back nine.
“I’m trying to feel like I have nothing to lose,” said Spaun, whose best finish at a major is joint 23rd at the 2022 Masters.
“That was my mantra at the Players, so I’m going to roll with that again this week, and hopefully it’ll turn out more in my favour.”
Of the later starters, Oakmont initially appeared to have been tamed by Im, who raced to five under after 12 holes.
However, a miscued tee shot into the 110-yard long ‘Church Pews’ bunker at the fourth (his 13th) cost him a first dropped shot and an ugly three-putt at his next hole coughed up another.
A further bogey left him two off the lead and he ended on the same score as Koepka who looked close to his old unflappable self as he carded an eagle and two birdies.
Mixed fortunes for Europeans
Jordan Smith, who came through qualifying in May at Walton Heath, Surrey, put together a solid round although bogeys on his final two holes meant he posted a 72.
Fellow Englishmen Aaron Rai, Matt Wallace and Laurie Canter are also at that mark, alongside Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg who had a rocky finish with four bogeys in his closing five holes.
Tyrrell Hatton had two double bogeys in his 73 to sit one ahead of Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick who battled to four over, while 20-year-old amateur Tyler Weaver faded with three bogeys in his final four holes as he posted a creditable 75.
Fellow Englishman and 2013 champion Justin Rose closed with a double bogey in his 77.
The much-fancied Sepp Straka had a day to forget with no birdies, four bogeys and two double bogeys in his 78.
