Washington, June 12: The United States has reportedly gone on high alert amid growing concerns of a potential Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, local media reported.

The Trump administration is fearing that Israel may act unilaterally without Washington’s consent if negotiations between the US and Iran collapse, according to the Washington Post.

President Donald Trump, addressing the situation on Wednesday, stated that US personnel are being moved out of certain Middle Eastern regions, particularly Iran, due to the escalating risk of conflict.

“They (US personnel) are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and we will see what happens… We have given notice to move out,” Trump told reporters.

The US State Department has also permitted some diplomatic staff to leave Iraq, while the Pentagon has authorised military families to voluntarily depart from American bases throughout the region.

This uptick in security measures comes as hopes for a nuclear agreement between Washington and Tehran continue to fade, raising the spectre of another military confrontation in the Middle East following the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.

Trump reiterated his uncompromising stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, asserting, “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can’t have a nuclear weapon. We’re not going to allow that,” when asked whether diplomatic solutions were still possible.

Last month, Axios reported that Israel was preparing for a rapid strike on Iran if the US-Iran talks failed.

Trump has previously threatened military action against Iran should nuclear negotiations stall, and in an interview with the New York Post earlier on Wednesday, admitted he was becoming “less confident” that Tehran would agree to halt uranium enrichment, one of the key conditions demanded by the US.

Recent months have seen rising concerns among US intelligence officials that Tel Aviv might move ahead with a strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure without notifying Washington.

In response, Iran has warned that any Israeli strike, given the US’ role as Israel’s key military and political backer, would have direct consequences for the United States.

In a post on X on Thursday, the Iranian government declared, “We are Ready.”

Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh issued a stern warning on Wednesday, stating that any attack on Iran would be met with retaliatory strikes on US bases stationed in the Middle East.

In anticipation of potential fallout, Washington has ordered US embassies located within Iran’s strike range — including those in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa — to activate emergency action committees.

These missions have been instructed to report back on security measures to mitigate potential risks. The State Department has reportedly also authorised voluntary departures from missions in Bahrain and Kuwait.

This precautionary approach led Secretary of State Marco Rubio to update the global travel advisory on Wednesday, stating, “On June 11, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency US government personnel due to heightened regional tensions.”

London/New Delhi, June 12: Several global leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on Thursday expressed shock and grief after an Air India flight bound for London, carrying over 240 passengers crashed shortly after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport, triggering a massive emergency response. The incident occurred near the Meghaninagar area of the city.

“The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time,” Starmer posted on X.

At least 169 Indians and 53 British nationals were travelling in Air India’s flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick airport.

British Defence Secretary David Lammy also expressed grief at the devastating plane crash and offered condolences to those affected.

“Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support,” Lammy posted on X.

British Conservative Party MP Priti Patel urged the UK government to work with the Indian authorities to support the affected British families.

“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the plane crash at Ahmedabad and with the emergency services at the scene. This will be a worrying time for the families of those on board. As further information comes forward, the Government needs to ensure it is working with Indian authorities to support British families affected,” said Patel.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also took to social media, offering his deepest condolences on the tragic accident.

“Horrible news of a passenger plane crash in India. My deepest condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the entire people of India on this tragic day. Our thoughts are with all victims’ relatives and close ones in India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada. We share your shock and grief on this tragic day. We all pray for as many lives to be saved as possible and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” Zelensky posted on X.

Russia’s Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov termed the accident as a major catastrophe.

“Heartbreaking news is coming from Ahmedabad. My heartfelt sympathy to the families and near ones of the victims and to all Indian people and the Government of India over this tragic major catastrophe!”, he said.

New Delhi, June 11: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday began his official visit to Sweden, aimed at reinforcing the existing robust economic relationship and identifying new opportunities for growth which are aligned with India’s long-term economic objectives and global partnerships.

The Union Minister’s Sweden visit comes after a successful two-day official visit to Switzerland, which focused on advancing India–Switzerland economic cooperation and operationalising the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) signed earlier this year between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

In the second leg of the official tour, the minister will co-chair the 21st Session of the Indo-Swedish Joint Commission for Economic, Industrial, and Scientific Cooperation (JCEISC) with Benjamin Dousa, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade.

Goyal is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Dousa and Hakan Jevrell, State Secretary to the Minister of Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade.

These deliberations are aimed at reinforcing the existing robust economic relationship and identifying new opportunities for growth, aligning with India’s long-term economic objectives and global partnerships, according to a statement from the Commerce Ministry.

During the visit, key engagements will involve an India-Sweden Business Leaders’ roundtable and one-on-one meetings with leading Swedish companies.

These discussions will cover a wide range of industries where Sweden excels, including advanced manufacturing, innovation, green technologies, and sustainable solutions. Companies like Ericsson, Volvo Group, IKEA, Sandvik, Alfa Laval, and SAAB are among those with a significant presence or interest in enhancing ties with India.

Minister Goyal will also engage with the Indian diaspora and address media interactions, further strengthening the people-to-people connections and communicating the vision for the India-Sweden partnership.

According to the official statement, the visit reflects the deepening alignment of strategic priorities between India and its European partners, aiming to translate high-level commitments into sustainable economic partnerships that foster innovation, resilience, and shared growth.

Earlier, the Minister engaged extensively with Swiss industry leaders across sectors, including biotech and pharma, healthcare, precision engineering, defence, and emerging technologies.

As India charts its journey toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, this visit has set the tone for accelerated collaboration with innovation-driven, trusted partners like Switzerland, said the ministry.