Latest news with #DoomsdayClock
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Russia Issues New ‘Doomsday' Nuclear World War III Warning
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has issued a new warning that the nuclear "Doomsday Clock" is ticking closer to midnight, with "commonplace" talk of World War III. He claimed Russia was working to avoid such a nuclear catastrophe, and also praised the "common sense" of President Donald Trump. "Global security is perhaps the most critical issue today-especially as the infamous Doomsday Clock continues to tick toward midnight," Lavrov said in a speech at Turkmenistan's ministry of foreign affairs, according to Russia's state TASS news agency. "It is essential to prevent such a scenario, and we are actively engaged in efforts to avert a catastrophe." Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Ukraine's General Staff last week that Russian forces have sustained over 1,010,000 casualties-killed and wounded-since the start of the full-scale invasion. Lavrov continued: "It's become almost commonplace to talk about the possibility of World War III. That's especially alarming given the resurgence of aggressive, belligerent attitudes across Europe. As if two world wars-and countless smaller conflicts over the centuries-weren't enough for today's EU leaders." He highlighted some "positive trends," praising Trump and disparaging the Biden administration's "neoliberal, hegemonic agenda." "There are, however, some positive trends. One of them is the emphasis on realism and common sense expressed by the Trump administration, which bases its foreign policy on national interests-both of the United States and of other sovereign nations," he said. "That's a key difference from the previous Biden administration, which was entirely consumed by a neoliberal, hegemonic agenda." This is a breaking news story-more to follow. Related Articles Ukraine Destroys Russian Ship in Black Sea Fleet-VideoTrump Rejected Putin's Iran Offer: 'I Need Help With You'Putin Ally Doubles Down on Iran Nuclear Weapons Warning After Trump ReactsTrump Responds to Putin Ally's Iran Nuclear Threat 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsroom
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsroom
Iran's nuclear weapons dash hits a hurdle, but race far from over
It's a long time since we've been on the edge of our seats wondering if a full-blown nuclear war is about to happen. But many had that sensation when the US President said last weekend that Iran's nuclear facilities had been 'completely and totally obliterated'. Trump's bullseye claim is now in question but the bombing had many experts talking about the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 at the height of the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union. 'They were very real fears and there were some very close calls, in particular during the Cuban Missile Crisis we now know the world came incredibly close to nuclear conflict,' international law and nuclear weapons expert Anna Hood of Auckland University says. People feared then that the 'Cold War would turn hot'. Since then we have had volatile moments and right now the risk is heightened, she says. 'There were higher numbers of weapons during the Cold War. We have seen some level of disarmament since then but we haven't seen enough movement in the last few years. The numbers are still very high.' Not only have the numbers stayed high, but countries are trying to upgrade and enhance the weapons they do have, she says. 'I would like to hope that most states, all states, wouldn't go there [nuclear war] or even if they've got nuclear weapons that that's not what they'll use but I think there are very serious risks in terms of what happens in the heat of a conflict, in terms of accidents.' Hood focuses much of her time on the numerous nuclear issues afflicting the world today and how to work towards a nuclear-free world. 'We are a long way unfortunately from that,' she admits, pointing to the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists' annual Doomsday Clock showing we are closer than ever – 89 seconds to midnight, and catastrophe. Hood tells The Detail why the US strike on Iran is a violation of international law and the possible consequences. While the impact of the B2 stealth bomber attacks is still not clear, senior physics lecturer at Auckland University David Krofcheck says it does not end Iran's nuclear ambitions. 'Israel has had a go at assassinating their nuclear weapons scientists there but you can't destroy knowledge, and that's the critical thing. It can be rebuilt, you just start from scratch,' he says. Iran insists it is not developing weapons, but Krofcheck says he can't think of another reason it would need to enrich uranium to 60 percent, as confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency. But even with 60 percent enriched uranium, there's more to the process and it would have been months before it had a weapon ready. 'That nuclear device that's built might be gigantic, the size of a house. It's not something you can pick up and put on a missile and shoot at another country.' Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here. You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Russia Issues New 'Doomsday' Nuclear World War III Warning
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has issued a new warning that the nuclear "Doomsday Clock" is ticking closer to midnight, with "commonplace" talk of World War III. He claimed Russia was working to avoid such a nuclear catastrophe, and also praised the "common sense" of President Donald Trump. "Global security is perhaps the most critical issue today—especially as the infamous Doomsday Clock continues to tick toward midnight," Lavrov said in a speech at Turkmenistan's ministry of foreign affairs, according to Russia's state TASS news agency. "It is essential to prevent such a scenario, and we are actively engaged in efforts to avert a catastrophe." Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Ukraine's General Staff last week that Russian forces have sustained over 1,010,000 casualties—killed and wounded—since the start of the full-scale invasion. Lavrov continued: "It's become almost commonplace to talk about the possibility of World War III. That's especially alarming given the resurgence of aggressive, belligerent attitudes across Europe. As if two world wars—and countless smaller conflicts over the centuries—weren't enough for today's EU leaders." He highlighted some "positive trends," praising Trump and disparaging the Biden administration's "neoliberal, hegemonic agenda." "There are, however, some positive trends. One of them is the emphasis on realism and common sense expressed by the Trump administration, which bases its foreign policy on national interests—both of the United States and of other sovereign nations," he said. "That's a key difference from the previous Biden administration, which was entirely consumed by a neoliberal, hegemonic agenda." This is a breaking news story—more to follow.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
What is Israel Doomsday Clock and is it still running or destroyed? Here's when Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei predicted Israel would no longer exist
Israeli airstrikes hit several government and military-related targets in Tehran on Monday. The strikes focused on facilities tied to Iran's internal security, military infrastructure and an Israel Doomsday clock counting down to the nation's end. Targets Linked to Iran's Internal Forces The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said fighter jets attacked headquarters and other facilities used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran's internal security forces. The targeted forces work under the Iranian regime's military. Their duties include internal defense, controlling threats and maintaining government stability. These forces have been involved in controlling unrest and protests within Iran. Also Read: Strait of Hormuz Closure: What is Iran's next move as regime takes final call to close Strait of Hormuz with Yemen joining Iran in war against US and Israel? See if Russia may come to Iran's aid in war by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Chi phí cấy ghép răng là bao nhiêu vào năm 2025 (kiểm tra giá) Cấy ghép răng | Quảng cáo tìm kiếm Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Evin Prison and Israel Doomsday Clock The airstrikes also hit Evin Prison, known for housing political detainees. Israeli officials said the prison represents the government's control over dissent. A digital clock in Palestine Square was also targeted. This clock was unveiled in 2017. It displayed a countdown to 2040, the year when Iran's Supreme Leader predicted that Israel would no longer exist. Iran Releases Footage Denying Damage After Israel said the countdown clock was destroyed, Iran's Mehr news outlet published a video. It showed the clock still active. The outlet said the footage was taken after the Israeli attack. However, the timing of the video could not be verified. Iran has tight control over images showing effects of Israeli strikes, making confirmation difficult. Live Events Also Read: Which country can give nuclear warheads to Iran? Russia's Dmitriy Medvedev says US strikes may backfire as Iran may now begin nuclear weapons production and procure nuclear warheads from other nations Large-Scale Strikes in Tehran Area In a separate action, more than 50 Israeli fighter jets carried out another wave of strikes. These attacks hit missile factories, radar systems, military headquarters and missile storage locations. The IDF said this operation aimed to damage Iran's ability to build and store missiles. The military added that it intended to reduce the operational power of Iran's armed forces. FAQs Why did Israel target the Doomsday clock in Tehran? Israel targeted the clock because it symbolized Iran's desire to see Israel gone by 2040, as stated by Iran's leader. What sites were hit by Israel in the latest airstrikes? Israel targeted IRGC bases, internal security offices, Evin Prison, missile facilities, radar systems, and Israel Doomsday Clock in central Tehran.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Science
- IOL News
89 seconds to midnight: Understanding the threats nuclear weapons pose
Nuclear weapons explained: History, power, nations involved, and war risk. Image: Pixabay It is 89 seconds to midnight. This is according to the Doomsday Clock, a symbolic clock maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. The clock represents how close humanity is to global catastrophe, 'midnight' symbolises apocalypse, usually nuclear war, climate disaster, or other existential threats. With the US getting involved by bombing Iran, alarms are going off over the possibility of a larger conflict with nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapons remain the most destructive armaments ever created, capable of annihilating cities in seconds and threatening the survival of humanity. Developed in the 20th century, their design, spread, and potential for use continue to dominate global security discussions. How a nuclear bomb works A nuclear bomb releases massive energy through either nuclear fission or a combination of fission and nuclear fusion. In fission bombs, heavy atoms such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239 are split into smaller atoms, releasing energy and neutrons that trigger a chain reaction. In thermonuclear or hydrogen bombs, fusion reactions, where light atoms such as hydrogen isotopes combine produce far greater explosive power. These reactions release energy in the form of intense heat, shockwaves, radiation, and electromagnetic pulses. The result is catastrophic: a single nuclear bomb can flatten a city, incinerate thousands instantly, and leave long-term radiation effects. Who created the first nuclear weapon? The first nuclear bomb was developed during the Second World War under the Manhattan Project, a top-secret programme led by the United States with support from the United Kingdom and Canada. The scientific team was headed by physicist Julius Robert Oppenheimer, and the first successful test, codenamed Trinity, occurred on July 16, 1945, in New Mexico. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Countries with nuclear weapons As of 2025, nine countries officially possess nuclear weapons: Russia - approximately 5,889 warheads (the front part of a bomb or missile that contains explosives). US - around 5,244 warheads China - 500 warheads France - around 290 warheads The United Kingdom - an estimated 225 warheads; all deployed on submarines. Pakistan - around 170 warheads India - 170 warheads Israel is widely believed to possess around 90 nuclear weapons, although it has never officially confirmed this, maintaining a policy of ambiguity. North Korea is estimated to have produced between 40 and 50 warheads and continues to conduct missile tests and develop its programme in defiance of international sanctions. Power and impact The explosive power of nuclear bombs is measured in kilotons or megatons of TNT. For comparison: The bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945 had a yield of about 15 kilotons. Modern thermonuclear weapons can exceed 1,000 kilotons (1 megaton), making them dozens to hundreds of times more powerful. The human, environmental, and geopolitical impacts of even a single modern nuclear detonation are almost incalculable. Use of nuclear weapons in war: Nuclear weapons have only been used twice in conflict, both by the US against Japan in August 1945. On August 6, a uranium bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, killing approximately 140,000 people by the end of the year. Three days later, on August 9, a plutonium bomb devastated Nagasaki, resulting in around 70,000 additional deaths. Many victims died from burns, radiation sickness, and injuries, while survivors have lived with long-term health consequences and trauma. Probability of nuclear war The risk of nuclear war remains low but not negligible. Tensions between nuclear-armed states such as those involving Russia and NATO, China and the US, or India and Pakistan pose serious concerns. Accidental launches, miscalculations, or the breakdown of communication systems could spark unintended escalation. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists currently places the Doomsday Clock the closest it has ever been to 'midnight'. This symbolic measure reflects the heightened risk of nuclear conflict, especially amid rising geopolitical instability, modernisation of arsenals, and arms control breakdowns. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
