Latest news for 30 June 2025

IRAN

Back to square one?

The head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog has warned Iran could potentially be back enriching uranium “in a matter of months”, contrasting with White House assessments Iran’s program is done and dusted. Meanwhile, Iran’s regime has held state funerals for its top commanders killed in last week’s war with Israel. (CNN)

CANADA

Netflix tax averted?

Ottawa has announced it’s scrapping a digital-services tax targeting US tech firms ahead of renewed US trade talks. Canada’s tax, which President Trump cited in halting the talks just on Friday, would’ve come into effect today (Monday). (F24)

JAPAN

All ye can eat!

China has partially lifted a ban on seafood imports from Japan, amid a possible softening in ties. China halted the imports in 2023 in response to Japan releasing treated Fukushima wastewater into the sea (in line with UN guidelines). (BBC)

UKRAINE

F-16 lost in huge Russian attack.

Ukraine has lost an F-16 fighter jet and its pilot in what Kyiv is calling Russia’s biggest aerial assault of the war, featuring over 530 drones and missiles (which Ukraine says it mostly shot down). (Politico)

Comment: As Putin’s progress slows to a crawl along the frontline, he’s relying more on these stand-off attacks, presumably hoping to erode Ukraine’s will to fight. We suspect it’ll instead sharpen Ukraine’s focus on Russia’s industrial base, plus the debate around whether the US will resume sales of air defence kit to the Ukrainians.

TAIWAN

Party crasher.

Czech intelligence has revealed its assessment that China’s spooks planned to stage a car collision with Taiwan’s newly elected vice president during a visit to Prague back in March 2024. At the time, there were reports one of China’s local diplomats had run a red light while tailing the Taiwanese VIP’s vehicle. (Guardian)

INDONESIA

Battery-powered future.

The world’s biggest EV battery maker (CATL) has broken ground on a $6B plant in Indonesia, in line with Jakarta’s plans to vertically integrate its battery supply chain. (Business Times)

Comment: Add this to the list of Indonesia’s wins since it banned the export of raw nickel back in 2020 (ie, forcing end-buyers to invest locally if they want a slice).

MEXICO

No space junk!

President Sheinbaum has flagged Mexico could sue SpaceX over debris and alleged contamination caused by a failed rocket launch earlier this month. (Al Jazeera)

Comment: Cross-border damage is one of the more developed areas of international law, and a reminder of the limits to innovation’s ‘move fast and break things’ mantra.