Morning Brief: Trump Orders Personnel Withdrawal from Middle East as Iran Tensions Escalate, Air India Flight Crashes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad

Start your Thursday informed with SOFREP’s Morning Brief, bringing you key updates on defense and global affairs for June 12, 2025. At a glance: California Gov. Newsom sued Trump for deploying the National Guard to LA without state consent, escalating their political feud. Trump is pulling US personnel from parts of the Middle East as Iran tensions rise, with nuclear deal hopes fading. The UN declared Iran in violation of nuclear obligations; Iran responded by boosting enrichment. In Gaza, over 55,000 are dead as aid chaos and civilian casualties mount. Turkey signed a $10B deal to sell 48 fighter jets to Indonesia. Russia ramped up drone attacks on Ukraine despite ceasefire talks. Japan and China traded blame over dangerous jet encounters near the Pacific. Australia reaffirmed the AUKUS submarine deal amid a US review. An Air India 787 crashed after takeoff in Ahmedabad, killing or injuring many.

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Newsom Sues Trump Over National Guard Deployment, Escalating High-Stakes Political Feud

California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration this week after President Donald Trump ordered the National Guard into Los Angeles over the governor’s objections, accusing Trump of abusing power and taking an “unmistakable step toward authoritarianism.”

The deployment aims to support immigration raids, a central pillar of Trump’s agenda.

The legal clash marks a dramatic escalation in tensions between the Democratic governor and the Republican president, as both men position themselves for future political battles—Newsom as a likely 2028 presidential contender and Trump amid his third White House term.

The once-cooperative relationship between the two, seen during past wildfire crises and COVID pandemic aid efforts, has sharply deteriorated. Newsom, who previously praised Trump’s support, is now publicly denouncing his actions as a threat to democracy. He claims Trump’s troop orders risk setting a precedent for future federal overreach in other states.

Trump, who has long attacked California over homelessness, immigration, and crime, has retaliated by targeting state projects and policy autonomy. His administration recently signaled plans to defund California’s high-speed rail project, challenge transgender athlete protections, and override state vehicle emissions standards.

Donald Trump, without consulting with California’s law enforcement leaders, commandeered 2,000 of our state’s National Guard members to deploy on our streets.

Illegally, and for no reason.

This brazen abuse of power by a sitting President inflamed a combustible situation… pic.twitter.com/Xy8JHMq3cV

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 11, 2025

Newsom’s lawsuit follows earlier legal action challenging Trump’s tariff authority. The feud has provided Newsom with national visibility, energizing Democrats and drawing fire from conservatives who view his moves as politically motivated.

Both sides continue using the standoff to rally their bases ahead of likely future campaigns.

Trump Orders Personnel Withdrawal from Middle East as Iran Tensions Escalate

President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that US personnel are being moved out of parts of the Middle East due to growing threats linked to stalled nuclear talks with Iran and fears of regional conflict.

The move comes amid reports of staff reductions at the US embassy in Iraq and possible relocations from bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Trump reiterated his stance that Iran would not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and admitted he is “less confident” about reaching a new deal, despite five rounds of talks since April. He also revealed he asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay any potential strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, though warned military action remains on the table.

In response, Iran threatened to target all US bases in the region if hostilities erupt.

Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned the US would “suffer more losses” if it chooses conflict.

President Trump said US personnel were being moved out of the Middle East because ‘it could be a dangerous place,’ adding that the United States would not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon https://t.co/hRxpk6mCez pic.twitter.com/vJiOFbbkVr

— Reuters (@Reuters) June 12, 2025

The US maintains multiple military installations across the Middle East, including its largest in Qatar.

Tensions remain high as Iran continues enriching uranium to 60%, nearing weapons-grade levels, while Washington demands limits and Tehran insists its nuclear program is non-negotiable.

Maritime authorities also warned vessels in the Gulf to proceed with caution amid the rising threat level.

UN Watchdog Finds Iran in Violation of Nuclear Obligations, Tehran Responds with Threats and New Enrichment Site

The UN nuclear watchdog’s board of governors on Thursday officially declared Iran in non-compliance with its nuclear obligations for the first time in two decades, escalating tensions and opening the door for potential UN sanctions later this year.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) cited Iran’s failure to explain uranium traces at undeclared sites and its lack of cooperation since 2019.

The resolution—backed by 19 countries, including the US, UK, France, and Germany—calls on Iran to immediately clarify its nuclear activities. Russia, China, and Burkina Faso opposed the move, while 11 members abstained.

In response, Iran announced it will build a third underground enrichment site in a “secure location” and boost production with advanced centrifuges. Iranian officials warned that the vote left Tehran with “no choice but to respond,” signaling further steps to expand nuclear activity.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors has concluded, with overwhelming international support (19 in favor, 3 against), that Iran is non-complying with its safeguards obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Iran has engaged in a… pic.twitter.com/rQjCZkKIsJ

— Oren Marmorstein (@OrenMarmorstein) June 12, 2025

The IAEA said it remains unable to verify that Iran’s program is peaceful, referring the matter to the UN Security Council if no progress is made. Western diplomats warned that further escalation could trigger another board meeting this summer and possibly revive sanctions suspended under the 2015 nuclear deal.

A sixth round of US-Iran talks is scheduled for Sunday in Oman, though officials emphasize time is running out before the West loses the legal authority to reimpose sanctions after October.

Gaza War Death Toll Tops 55,000 Amid Aid Chaos and Rising Civilian Casualties

The Palestinian death toll in the 20-month Israel-Hamas war has surpassed 55,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Hospitals reported at least 21 civilians killed Wednesday en route to aid distribution sites.

The Israeli military claimed it fired warning shots at “suspects” in central Gaza but offered no comment on southern Gaza casualties.

Gaza health officials said 14 were killed near Rafah and seven near Al-Awda Hospital. One victim, a 16-year-old girl, was reportedly shot while seeking food.

🚨BREAKING: Over 200 casualties reported from Israeli fire on Palestinians seeking GHF aid in Gaza, as the Israeli-controlled foundation blames Hamas for a new deadly attack on its staff

A source at Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat reported that at least 13 Palestinians were killed… https://t.co/7EdFpar3xj pic.twitter.com/VZpdZHxdCG

— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) June 12, 2025

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which oversees the aid sites, blamed Hamas for attacking a bus of its local aid workers, killing at least five.

Israel said it recovered the remains of two more hostages in Khan Younis, identifying one as Yair Yaakov, kidnapped during the October 7 Hamas attack. Militants still hold 53 captives; fewer than half are believed to be alive.

The new Israeli-controlled aid system has been marred by violence and confusion, replacing the long-standing UN-led model. Aid groups and human rights organizations warn that restricted access and displacement are worsening hunger, with the population of 2 million Palestinians at risk of famine.

Israel defends the system as a safeguard against Hamas siphoning aid, a claim aid agencies dispute.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu has rejected Hamas’s ceasefire and prisoner swap terms, vowing to continue military operations and asserting long-term control over Gaza.

The international community has condemned these plans as potential violations of international law.

Turkey Signs $10 Billion Deal to Export 48 Kaan Fighter Jets to Indonesia

Turkey will export 48 Kaan fifth-generation fighter jets to Indonesia under a $10 billion agreement, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Wednesday.

The jets, produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), will be delivered over the next 10 years.

The deal includes technology transfer and partial production involvement from Indonesia, according to Turkish state media.

Erdogan emphasized the partnership as a step toward deeper defense ties between the two nations.

Millî muharip uçağımız KAAN ile ilgili çok önemli ve güzel bir gelişmeyi milletimle paylaşmak istiyorum…

Dost ve kardeş Endonezya ile imzaladığımız anlaşma çerçevesinde 48 adet KAAN, Türkiye’de üretilerek Endonezya’ya ihraç edilecek.… pic.twitter.com/D9wZ33wzgz

— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) June 11, 2025

The Kaan fighter jet, which completed its first flight in February 2024, currently uses F-16-type engines but will eventually transition to a domestically developed powerplant.

Turkey’s defense exports, including its Bayraktar drones, continue to rise. In 2024, the sector generated $7.1 billion—up $1.6 billion from the previous year.

Russia Escalates Drone Attacks on Ukraine, Killing Civilians Despite Ceasefire Talks

Russian forces launched another wave of drone and missile attacks across Ukraine, killing three people and injuring dozens, Ukrainian officials said Thursday.

The Ukrainian air force reported intercepting 28 drones and jamming 21 others out of 63 launched overnight.

Two people died and six were injured in Donetsk, while one civilian was killed and 14 wounded in Kherson. In Kharkiv, 15 people—including four children—were injured as drones struck homes, schools, and kindergartens. Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed that civilian infrastructure was targeted.

The assault followed Russia’s record-setting air campaign earlier this week, which included nearly 500 drones on Monday and over 300 drones plus missiles on Tuesday. Frontline regions continue to suffer daily bombardments.

Ukraine retaliated with drone strikes, with Russia’s Defense Ministry claiming to have downed 52 Ukrainian drones, including 41 over Belgorod. Regional officials said three people were injured.

2/ Ukrainian forces advanced near Borova.

Russian forces advanced near Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlivka.

Read more in the June 11, 2025 Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment: https://t.co/opYFmnLWed pic.twitter.com/B70129S0Ry

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) June 12, 2025

Despite ongoing international pressure for a ceasefire, both sides remain deadlocked after exchanging incompatible proposals in recent talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the European Union to lower its price cap on Russian oil to $30 per barrel, arguing it would hit Moscow economically and shift Kremlin policy.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visited Kyiv Thursday, affirming continued support from Berlin and emphasizing that Moscow’s intensifying attacks show a lack of interest in peace negotiations.

Japan, China Trade Accusations Over Dangerous Jet Intercepts Near Pacific Carriers

Japan and China exchanged blame Thursday after Tokyo reported that a Chinese fighter jet dangerously intercepted Japanese reconnaissance aircraft during operations near the Pacific.

Japan’s Defense Ministry said a Chinese J-15 jet launched from the Shandong aircraft carrier on Saturday and came within 45 meters of a Japanese P-3C, tailing it for about 40 minutes. Another J-15 crossed directly in front of a P-3C on Sunday, closing to within 900 meters for 80 minutes.

The incidents occurred as Chinese carriers Shandong and Liaoning operated together for the first time near southern Japanese islands. Both carriers were sighted near Iwo Jima, with the Liaoning entering Japan’s exclusive economic zone near Minamitorishima. Japan confirmed no territorial waters were breached.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Japan raised “serious concern” over the risk of midair collisions. China’s Foreign Ministry rejected the criticism, accusing Japan of conducting close-in reconnaissance and defended its military’s actions as lawful.

#FMsays The close-range reconnaissance activities Japanese vessels and aircraft conduct against #China‘s normal military activities is the root cause for maritime and airspace security risks, FM spokesman Lin Jian said, urging Japan to stop such dangerous behavior. Lin’s remarks… pic.twitter.com/u5z1hKAqim

— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) June 12, 2025

The confrontations reflect growing military tension in the region as China extends its reach across the Western Pacific, now operating as far as Guam, home to key US bases.

Australia Stands Firm on AUKUS Sub Deal Despite Trump-Era Review

Australia reaffirmed its commitment to the AUKUS pact on Thursday, expressing strong confidence in receiving nuclear-powered submarines from the US, despite confirmation that the Trump administration is reviewing the agreement.

The 2021 trilateral pact between Australia, the US, and the UK aims to counter China’s military rise by equipping Canberra with advanced submarines and defense technologies.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the review is routine for a new administration and not unexpected. He emphasized continued collaboration with the US to boost Virginia-class submarine production and stuck to the government’s long-term plan to acquire at least three subs within 15 years, with eventual domestic production.

FT Exclusive: The Pentagon has launched a review of the 2021 Aukus submarine deal with the UK and Australia to determine if the US should scrap the project. ​Ending the deal would be a blow to the security alliance with the countries https://t.co/vlyCeh9gSs pic.twitter.com/jsF7Af83KQ

— Financial Times (@FT) June 11, 2025

Criticism of the pact persists.

Former prime ministers Malcolm Turnbull and Paul Keating questioned Australia’s lack of its own review and its strategic independence. Turnbull cited a lack of parliamentary scrutiny, while Keating called the deal a blind alignment with a “fading Atlantic empire.”

The AUKUS submarine program could cost Australia up to $235 billion over three decades.

Despite political backlash and American concerns over US submarine inventory, defense analysts argue the pact remains a vital, mutual strategic investment.

Air India Flight Crashes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad, Multiple Nationalities Among Victims

An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London’s Gatwick Airport crashed Thursday just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing or injuring an unknown number of passengers and crew.

The aircraft, carrying 242 people—including 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian—went down in the Meghani Nagar residential area at 1:43 p.m. local time.

Visuals showed smoke rising from the crash site in the densely populated city of over 5 million. Indian Civil Aviation officials confirmed the crash and stated rescue operations are underway, with emergency services providing medical aid and relief.

BREAKING:

The London-bound Air India Flight that crashed in Ahmedabad, India hit a hostel building for doctors.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 passengers and crew when it crashed in a densely populated area 5 minutes after take off pic.twitter.com/BSLyFoKgpr

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) June 12, 2025

This marks the first-ever crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft since its introduction in 2009.

Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran announced the activation of an emergency response center and pledged support to victims’ families. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said the government remains on high alert and is closely monitoring the situation.

Sources: News Agencies, The Associated Press