Qingdao, June 26: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for united and decisive action against terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in the possession of non-state actors and terrorist groups during his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in China’s Qingdao.

He underlined that peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terror and highlighted radicalisation, extremism and a growing trust deficit as the foremost challenges facing the region.

“I believe that the biggest challenges that we are facing in our region are related to peace, security and trust deficit. And the root cause of these problems is increasing radicalisation, extremism and terrorism,” Singh said.

“Peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism and proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) in the hands of non-state actors and terror groups,” he said, stressing that only a collective and resolute stand can ensure safety and security for all.

The Defence Minister said that it is “imperative that those who sponsor, nurture and utilise terrorism for their narrow and selfish ends must bear the consequences.”

The Defence Minister warned that nations using cross-border terrorism as a tool of state policy must face consequences.

“Some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy and provide shelter to terrorists. There should be no place for such double standards. SCO should not hesitate to criticise such nations,” he asserted.

Reiterating India’s zero tolerance towards terrorism, Singh said, “India’s zero tolerance for terrorism is manifest today through its actions. This includes our right to defend ourselves against terrorism. We have shown that epicentres of terrorism are no longer safe, and we will not hesitate to target them.”

Highlighting the need for global action to prevent the radicalisation of youth, Singh said the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) has played a key role in coordinating counter-radicalisation efforts.

He added that the joint statement issued during India’s chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State on ‘Countering Radicalisation leading to Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism’ reflects the organisation’s shared commitment.

Singh urged member states to act against the use of modern technology by terrorists, particularly the use of drones for smuggling weapons and narcotics.

“In our interconnected world, traditional borders are no longer the sole barriers against threats. Instead, we face an intricate web of challenges that range from transnational terrorism and cyber-attacks to hybrid warfare,” he said.

“These threats do not respect national boundaries, and they demand a unified response rooted in transparency, mutual trust, and collaboration.”

Recalling the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were killed by ‘The Resistance Front’, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based UN-designated terror group, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Rajnath Singh said the pattern of the attack mirrored previous strikes by LeT in India.

“In exercising its right to defend against terrorism and pre-empt as well as deter further cross-border terrorist attacks, India on May 7, 2025, successfully launched Op Sindoor to dismantle cross-border terrorist infrastructure,” he said.

Singh called for accountability for those behind terrorist acts.

“We reiterate the need to hold the perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of reprehensible acts of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, accountable and bring them to justice. Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomever committed. SCO members must condemn this evil unequivocally,” he said.

The Defence Minister underscored the importance of multilateralism, emphasising India’s belief in dialogue and cooperation to prevent conflicts.

“India believes that reformed multilateralism can help build cooperation to prevent conflict between countries by creating mechanisms for dialogue and collaboration. No country, however large and powerful, can manage alone,” he said, invoking the ancient Indian ethos of ‘Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu’ (May all people be happy).

He reiterated India’s consistent support for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

“Our immediate priorities in Afghanistan include providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and contributing to Afghanistan’s overall developmental needs. As Afghanistan’s largest regional development partner, India continues to implement capacity-building initiatives for the Afghan people,” Singh said.

He concluded with a call for greater cooperation among SCO members, stating that India supports “greater cooperation and mutual trust among SCO members. We should collectively aspire to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of our people as well as tackle today’s challenges. We must all be in lockstep in our endeavour to strengthen stability and security in our neighbourhood.”

Tel Aviv, June 26: David Barnea, chief of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, said the organisation will continue its activities in Iran, according to a video released by Mossad.

The video shows Barnea addressing operatives at the agency’s operational headquarters on Tuesday, just hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Iran took effect.

“We will continue to keep a close eye on all of Iran’s projects that we already know in the most in-depth way. We will be there as we have been there until now,” he said on Wednesday.

He noted that with “accurate intelligence, advanced technologies, and unimaginable operational capabilities, we helped the Air Force disrupt the Iranian nuclear program, establish air superiority over Iran, and reduce the missile threat, thereby ensuring the security of the citizens of Israel.”

In the video, Barnea also thanked the US Central Intelligence Agency “for the joint activity.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the Israel Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC) said that US airstrikes on Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility destroyed key infrastructure, rendering the uranium enrichment plant inoperable.

In a statement issued by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Office, the IAEC said Sunday’s US strikes, coupled with Israeli attacks on other components of Iran’s nuclear program, have set back Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years.

“The achievement can continue indefinitely if Iran does not get access to nuclear material,” the statement read.

At a cabinet meeting earlier on Wednesday, Netanyahu declared victory in the war against Iran, claiming Israel had removed an immediate existential threat, reports Xinhua news agency.

Israel has defended its strikes as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, an accusation Iran denies.

Also on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed the attacks had caused substantial damage. “Our nuclear installations have been badly damaged, that’s for sure,” he said during an interview with Al Jazeera.

However, US media, citing a classified intelligence assessment, reported that the damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure may delay its program by only several months, a finding that contrasts with US President Donald Trump’s claim that the facilities were “completely and fully obliterated.”

On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on different areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing several senior commanders, nuclear scientists and many civilians.

Iran responded by launching several waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel, inflicting casualties and heavy damage.

The ceasefire between the two countries was declared on Tuesday.

New Delhi, Jun 25: Iran’s parliament on Wednesday voted to suspend cooperation with the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), according to a report by state broadcaster IRIB, cited by CNN. The move comes amid heightened tensions following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities earlier this month.

The legislation passed by Iran’s Majles (parliament) will now require approval from the Supreme National Security Council, chaired by newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian. However, as CNN notes, such parliamentary votes, particularly on foreign policy matters, are largely symbolic unless endorsed by this more powerful body, which is closely aligned with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In a sign of escalating rhetoric, Iran’s parliamentary national security and foreign policy committee had earlier this week called for the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz in response to U.S. airstrikes. That decision, too, would ultimately lie with the Supreme National Security Council. CNN reported that the IAEA has repeatedly called for renewed access to Iran’s nuclear facilities, stressing its inspectors remained in the country throughout the 12-day conflict that began with Israeli strikes on June 13. In a statement released, the agency said it was ready to resume verification work “as soon as possible,” including monitoring over 400 kg of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, just below weapons-grade. IAEA is yet to comment on the development. The suspension, if ratified, would mark a major setback for diplomatic efforts to restore transparency over Iran’s nuclear programme, which Western governments fear could be rapidly weaponised.