Good morning. All eyes are on Tehran as it weighs up options for retaliation after US airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Despite global calls for diplomacy and de-escalation, Israel is escalating its own bombing campaign against Iran.
It’s a terrifying wait for Australians with loved ones still trying to leave the Middle East, as the UN security council prepares to meet for talks over the crisis.
And, closer to home, there are warnings that Australia is doomed to lose its struggle against nicotine if officials push a prohibition-style approach instead of focusing on harm reduction.
Iran reaction |The Albanese government hascalled for “de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy”, but has been criticised for a “weak” response to US airstrikes on Iran – as almost 4,000 Australian citizens still wait to escape the Middle East.
‘Who knows if they’re safe?’| Australians with family in Iran areanxiously awaiting Tehran’s next moveafter it threatened retaliation over US airstrikes on its facilities.
Nicotine battle |Australia is waging a “de facto war on nicotine”that is doomed to failin the same way as previous prohibition-style policies, experts say, amid efforts to combat the illicit tobacco trade.
Missing out? |One of Australia’s most popular savings account operators, ING, has ignored regulatory advice to tell customers when they are about tolose bonus rates on promotional accounts.
In the name of science |Melbourne’s Dr Véronique Paris has a hands-on approach to her research on mosquito-borne diseases:letting hundreds of mosquitoes bite herbare arm inside a special cage.
Iran airstrikes |Iran’s president says the US “must receive a response” to its attack;Israel has bombed “dozens of targets” across Iranafter US claims thestrikes at nuclear siteswere an “overwhelming success”; “we weren’t expecting it yet”:US attack met with panic in Iran; the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities isTrump’s biggest gamble yet as president, Patrick Wintour writes; Iran moves toshut strait of Hormuz.
Gaza crisis |One man’s account of coming under fire duringa desperate attempt to gather food aidfor his family in Gaza; the Israeli military hasrecovered the remains of three hostagesheld by Hamas.
‘I saw panic’ |French police are questioning two people after Disneyland Paris was hired foran alleged fake marriage ceremonyinvolving a girl aged about nine being posed as the “bride”.
Islamic State threat |Asuicide bombing by Islamic Stateat a church in the old Christian quarter of Damascus has killed at least 20 people and wounded dozens more, Syrian authorities said.
Immigration raids |A 68-year-old Mexican-born man has becomethe first Ice detainee in at least a decade to die, while being transported from a local jail to a federal detention centre.
Salvaged vessel |The superyacht belonging to the late tech tycoon Mike Lynch has been moved to a town in Sicily where British and Italian investigatorswill examine its sinking.
Mushroomtrial comes to a close
The mushroom trial that intrigued the world is drawing to a close after weeks of evidence. Erin Patterson has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one of attempted murder, for allegedly and deliberately serving beef wellingtons laced with death cap mushrooms. Reged Ahmad speaks with Nino Bucci about the trial’s final argumentsas the jury prepares for deliberations.
Sorry your browser does not support audio - but you can download here and listen $https://audio.guim.co.uk/2025/06/20-20746-FS_MUSHROOM_CLOSINGS.mp3
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards has warned the US to “expect regrettable responses” to its airstrikes on the country’s nuclear sites. However, Iran’s proxy militias across the Middle East are sending mixed signals about their willingness to strike US targets. Their apparent reluctance or inability to come to Iran’s aidwill limit Tehran’s options if it opts to escalate the conflictwith the US, Jason Burke writes.
There are two kinds of readers: those who would choose death before dog-ears and those whose books bear the marks of a life well read. But a new generation of readers are finding a way to combine both approaches by reviving the art and romance of marginalia, by transforming their books and reading experiences into #aesthetic artefacts. Caitlin Welsh looks at how “annotating” bookswent from a big no-no to BookTok’s next trend.
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Tennis |Carlos Alcaraz has beat Jiri Lehecka to extend his winning streak andregain the crown as king of Queen’s; Nick Kyrgios says: “If I’d acted a bit differently,I would have had a Wimbledon title.”
AFL |Blues get bullied by Kangaroosin horror show for Michael Voss, Andrew Stafford writes.
Rugby union |TheBritish & Irish Lions land in Australiawith fitness concerns over Jamison Gibson-Park and Hugo Keenan.
Cricket |Harry Brook makes his mark with 99 for England butIndia steady the ship with the first Test in balance.
Rugby league |Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Haganopens up on mental health strugglesand hitting “rock bottom”.
Two giant boring machines are at a standstill after a bungle brought Sydney’slargest metro tunnel build to a grinding halt, theSydney Morning Heraldreports. There’sbacklash over a controversial waste-to-energy projectproposed for Geelong’s suburban fringe with direct links to the Chinese government,ABC Newsreports.
Victoria |A hearing is scheduled in Melbourne in a union case against Victoria police.
Business |The Metcash full-year results are due to be revealed.
NT |The World Archaeological Congress is being held in Darwin.
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And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
Quick crossword
Cryptic crossword