A celebrity draft-dodging scandal lays bare problems with Taiwan's crucial reservist force

Taipei, Taiwan
CNN —
A draft-dodging scandal in Taiwan allegedly involving a number of actors, influencers, and musicians has cast an unflattering spotlight on the conscript and reservist forces which could one day stand between the island and a possible invasion by China.
Taiwan's military service regime, which runs alongside its conventional military, faces accusations of failing to prepare conscripts for an actual war – an alarming situation against a drumbeat of threats from its giant neighbor.
On Monday, authorities indicted 28 defendants. Prosecutors allege that, between 2016 and early this year, a four-person ring helped 24 healthy men dodge the draft by faking high blood pressure to gain a medical exemption, netting a total of 7.63 million Taiwanese dollars ($255,000).
At least 11 celebrities are now under investigation.
Among those indicted was the actor Darren Wang. The 34-year-old, launched to fame across the Chinese-speaking world a decade ago as a boyish heartthrob in teen romcom Our Times, was accused of paying 3.6 million Taiwanese dollars ($120,000) for a fake hypertension diagnosis.
He has since begun military service, which is mandatory for men aged 19 to 36. CNN has reached out to Wang's representatives for comment, but did not receive a response.
Taiwanese actor Darren Wang leaves the police department in Taipei, Taiwan, after being released on bail on February 18, 2025.
VCG/AP/File
Such organized efforts to evade conscription are largely seen as a sign of people's apathy towards service, rather than their fear of military rough-and-tumble.
'What puts off the conscripts is not exhaustion from training, but the sense of waste of time,' Chieh Chung, an associate research fellow at Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research (NDSR), told CNN.
'Most of the time during the service is dedicated to miscellaneous tasks, and not actually combat-related.'
A mundane duty
Back in 1949, as the Nationalist government lost a bloody civil war against the insurgent Chinese Communist Party and fled to Taiwan, it introduced mandatory military service to the island, where eligible men would serve two years in the army or three years in the navy, air force or marines. The system, in one form or another, has been in place ever since – as have Beijing's designs on the island, which the Communist Party claims as its own territory, to be taken by force if necessary.
But military service has long been seen as anything but heroic. Conscripts have described it as monotonous, disorganized and often irrelevant to modern warfare: a combination of indoor lectures, hours of waiting around, and outdated ceremonial drills.
'Not only are you not going to learn anything effective, you're going to fire a couple of bullets, sit through lectures, mow lawns, stand guard duty – all the things associated with a spit-and-polish military,' Mike Hunzeker, a former US Marine officer who has trained Taiwanese units, told CNN.
US officials, not authorized to speak openly, quietly warn that Taiwan's reserve forces remain the soft underbelly of its defense posture.
One official said millions of former conscripts exist 'on paper,' but years of truncated service and minimal refresher training have left them 'underprepared for modern warfare.'
Past CNN interviews with former conscripts paint a bleak picture: decades-old rifles shared between units, cannon and mortar training with little or no live ammunition, and conscripts left idle or tasked with meaningless chores.
While there are no official estimates for the number of illegal draft-dodgers, a tally by the Ministry of the Interior shows that, from 2021 to 2023, cases of suspected obstruction of military service have risen from 309 to 553.
'It is imperative to reform military service as quickly as possible,' said Wu Tzu-li, an associate research fellow at the INDSR. 'After all, the fight ultimately comes down to the people operating the weapons and not the weaponry itself, so having solid education and training is crucial.'
Taiwan's military conducts its first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live-fire test launch at the Jiupeng base in Pingtung, Taiwan May 12, 2025.
Ann Wang/Reuters
Attempts at reform
Even Taiwan's leaders have acknowledged the problem. Shortly after taking office in 2016, former President Tsai Ing-wen called for sweeping reform, as opposed to 'papering over problems, wasting human resources, and operating inefficiently in so many different ways.'
In response to growing security threats from Beijing, which conducted at least three large-scale military exercises around Taiwan last year, and sent warplanes, naval vessels and coast guards close to the island on a near-daily basis – Taiwan's government has extended training time for conscripts and introduced reforms such as more live-fire drills and an emphasis on modern tactics. As of January 2024, the minimum active-duty period was increased to one full year, up from just four months under the previous policy.
These changes seem to be gradually bearing fruit. Alex Chang, a recent conscript in his mid-20s who spoke to CNN, observed that training has intensified since the extension of mandatory military service. 'The sounds of bullets firing and grenades exploding have been going non-stop on the training ground,' he said.
The changes' effectiveness remains to be seen. Critics say that unless Taiwan revamps how – and what – soldiers are taught, young men will continue to view the draft as symbolic rather than strategic.
'The key is what kinds of training will be provided to the new conscripts,' said Chieh. 'It's important to not let them feel they've wasted one year.'
Another US official added that 'Taiwan is making good progress in enhancing the realism of training for reservists, but still has work to do in updating their equipment and reforming the organization of reserve units.'
'Retraining and equipping existing reservists to operate asymmetric platforms like drones and anti-air missiles will have an outsized impact on Taiwan's ability to deter conflict.'
In a statement to CNN, the Defense Ministry said: 'Military service is a civic duty prescribed in the constitution. Any attempt to evade conscription by any means should be condemned and subject to legal actions.'
It added that the new, extended one-year training period 'enables conscripts to undergo systematic and comprehensive military training, including enlistment, stationing, specialization, base training, and joint exercises – equipping them with essential combat skills and a firm resolve to defend the nation.'
K-pop band BTS members RM, left, and V salute after being discharged from a mandatory military service in Chuncheon, South Korea, Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Ahn Young-joon/AP
Korean contrast
In nearby South Korea – another place marked by long-running hostility with its nearest neighbor – military service is taken a lot more seriously, and counting down the days until major celebrities will park their careers to don military fatigues has become something of a national pastime.
Rather than damaging reputations, military service is often seen as a sign of integrity and patriotism in major stars – an impression that can enhance their careers after taking off the uniform.
Earlier this month, K-pop superstars RM and V, from the band BTS, became the latest high-profile conscripts discharged from national service. They each saluted upon their release from duty in Chuncheon city, after about 18 months of active service, to the cheers of about 200 gathered fans – some of whom traveled from Mexico, Turkey and Brazil.
The other five members of the massively popular group either have completed or will complete the mandatory service, and the band expects to reunite within the next 12 months.
Even soccer superstar Son Heung-min, who avoided conscription through an exemption after winning gold at the 2018 Asian Games with South Korea's national team, has taken four weeks of basic military training.
For Taiwan to restore faith in conscription, military analysts say, it will need to reduce loopholes, improve instruction, and modernize training to reflect real threats – particularly as tensions with Beijing intensify. It will also, they say, need a cultural shift: one that values service not as empty symbolism, but as preparation for a possible fight.
But it depends whether the recent reforms take root.
'The fear,' said one former conscript, 'is that the new system will look just like the old one – only longer.'

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🔴LIVE UPDATES: Paris, Berlin, London urge Iran to refrain from 'action that could destabilise the region' - Region

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On 13 June, Israel torpedoed weeks-long US-Iran nuclear talks mediated by Oman by launching military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran retaliated by launching salvos of missiles against various targets in Israel. 14:40 China has issued a strong condemnation of the United States following its airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, warning that the attacks violate international law and risk further escalation in the Middle East. In a statement on Saturday, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry said the strikes targeted facilities under the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) safeguards. The spokesperson described the attacks as a breach of the UN Charter and the "purposes and principles of international law." "The actions of the US seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East," the spokesperson said. Beijing urged all parties involved in the conflict, "Israel in particular", to agree to an immediate ceasefire, ensure the safety of civilians, and pursue dialogue and negotiation. China reiterated its support for a diplomatic resolution and said it was prepared to work with the international community to "pool efforts together and uphold justice" in pursuit of peace and stability in the region. 14:30 Pope Leo XIV reacted to the news of the United States striking nuclear sites in Iran by saying that "humanity is crying out for peace" and calling for an end to wars. "Each member of the international community has the moral responsibility to end the tragedy of war, before it becomes an irrepairable chasm," Leo said during his weekly Angelus prayer at the Vatican, adding that he was reacting to the "alarming news coming from the Middle East." 14:20 Russia said that it "strongly condemned" the United States's bombings of nuclear sites in Iran, calling the attacks "irresponsible" and a "gross violation of international law." "It is already clear that a dangerous escalation has begun, fraught with further undermining of regional and global security," the Russian foreign ministry added. Moscow said Israel triggered the crisis through "unprovoked aggression against Iran – a sovereign member of the United Nations – in violation of the UN Charter and international law". It dismissed Western claims of non-proliferation concerns as "fictitious" and "a flagrant display of cynicism". The ministry said indirect US–Iran talks were underway in Muscat when the first strikes were launched on 13 June, with Tehran preparing proposals for a new round of negotiations. At the same time, the IAEA Board of Governors was meeting on the nuclear deal. "Israel's actions have deliberately sabotaged these diplomatic efforts," the ministry said. "Was this not precisely the objective pursued by Western Jerusalem?" Russia also accused European leaders of inciting the escalation through "anti-Iran hysteria" ahead of the IAEA session, while now demanding Iran return to talks. It warned that strikes on nuclear sites under IAEA safeguards posed an "unacceptable" risk, raising concern over the safety of the Bushehr plant, where Russian specialists are based. 14:15 The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the buildings targeted at Isfahan contained either no nuclear material or low levels of enriched uranium. 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Turkey was "deeply concerned about the possible consequences." 13:50 The United Arab Emirates has told all sides to stop escalating the conflict, or there would be a risk of more instability. The Foreign Ministry said countries should "avoid serious repercussions" in the region. It warned that such actions could lead the region to "new levels of instability." In a statement, the ministry said that a spread of the conflict into a wider global war must not be allowed, calling on all parties to act with responsibility and end attacks immediately. It repeated the sentiment from others that only negotiations could resolve the nuclear dispute between Tehran and Washington. 13:45 The Israeli army said it had "other goals" in Iran and intended to continue its military offensive. 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"The most dangerous one happened only last night," Araghchi said, vowing that Iran would defend itself "by all means necessary against, not just US military aggression, but also the reckless and unlawful actions of the Israeli regime". "The world must not forget that it was the United States which -- in the midst of a process to forge a diplomatic outcome -- betrayed diplomacy by supporting the genocidal Israeli regime's launch of an illegal war of aggression on the Iranian nation," he said. "So we were in diplomacy, but we were attacked. They gave a green light to Israelis, if not instructed them, to attack Iran's nuclear facilities. They have proved that they are not men of diplomacy, and they only understand the language of threat and force." "We no longer trust the Europeans after what happened recently." "I will visit Moscow today and meet with Putin tomorrow. Russia is a strategic partner and ally of Iran, and we will discuss recent developments with them." "We are consulting and coordinating with Russia and China and we are discussing the recent escalation." "Tehran did nothing wrong, and it is difficult to understand why we were attacked based on a false claim." "The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was unable to protect Iran," he noted. "The extent of the damage from the US attacks is being investigated." "The international community must condemn the US attacks," he stressed. 12:00 The Iranian Revolutionary Guard said Iran has targeted Tel Aviv and Haifa with 40 ballistic missiles after the US attack on its nuclear facilities in the early hours of Sunday. The IRG said it used the Kheibar Shekan missile - a solid-fuel medium-range ballistic missile which carries multiple warheads - for the first time since the start of the Israeli aggression on the country on 13 June. The Israeli air defenses intercepted most of the Iranian missiles, but some rockets struck in Tel Aviv and Haifa, causing serious injuries and wounding 86 Israelis. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has said its attacks on Israel will continue, as it said it will respond to the US airstrikes overnight. In comments reported by Reuters, it said US bases in the Middle East are a "point of vulnerability." It said the US had placed itself directly "at the front line of aggression" by attacking nuclear facilities that Iran claims are peaceful. The IRGC said an attack cannot destroy the programme. The statement added the US cannot escape the consequences of its airstrikes, and said Iran would not be intimidated by Israel or the US, terming them "criminal gangs ruling the White House and Tel Aviv". The IRGC said its operations will be targeted against Israeli infrastructure, strategic centres, and interests. Israeli first responders and troops work in front of a building hit during an Iranian strike in the port city of Haifa on 22 June 2025. 11:50 UK Foreign Minister David Lammy says "the UK did not participate in these strikes," referring to the US bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites. "The US has taken action to alleviate the threat that would pose to the global community". He reiterated that Iran "must never have a nuclear weapon" as he urges the country to "show restraint and reach a diplomatic solution to end the crisis". Iranian Ambassador to the UK Seyed Ali Mousavi told the BBC that the US is "squandering" the United Nations Charter with its overnight attacks on Iran. He told Laura Kuenssberg that the US strikes are a "violation of international law" and a violation of Iranian "sovereignty and territorial integrity". Mousavi says Iran and the US are in the middle of nuclear talks before adding, "The Israeli regime attacked us." 11:45 Senior Iranian sources have told Reuters that most of the highly enriched uranium at the Fordow site had been moved away before the US attack. The news agency reported comments that the number of staff at the underground facility at Fordow had also been reduced to a minimum. Fordow, alongside Natanz, was the second enrichment site to be hit by the US. 11:40 The military escalation in the Middle East risks sparking warfare with irreversible consequences, the head of the ICRC said on Sunday, following US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. "The intensification and spread of major military operations in the Middle East risk engulfing the region -- and the world -- in a war with irreversible consequences," Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, said in a statement. 11:30 Bahrain, host of a significant US naval base, told most of its government employees to work from home until further notice after American air strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. "A remote working system will be activated across ministries and government agencies, with a 70 percent work-from-home capacity," the official Bahrain News Agency said, citing "regional circumstances and current developments". 11:20 Saudi Arabia has expressed "great concern" after US air strikes on nuclear facilities in its neighbour Iran. In a statement, the Kingdom reaffirmed its earlier declaration dated 13 June 2025, in which it condemned and strongly rejected the violation of Iran's sovereignty. Riyadh emphasized the urgent need for all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritize de-escalation efforts. The Kingdom also called on the international community to intensify its efforts amid these highly sensitive circumstances to reach a political solution that would end the crisis and open the door to a new chapter of security and stability in the region. Meanwhile, Oman said the US targeting of Iran threatened to "widen the war" and is a violation of international law, according to state media. Oman had been mediating nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran. Qatar said it "deplores deterioration" and "dangerous tensions" after the US bombing would lead to "catastrophic repercussions" on regional and international levels, its foreign ministry posted on X. Iraq warned that the US attacks on its neighbour Iran's nuclear facilities threaten peace and stability in the Middle East. Iraq "expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation of the targeting of nuclear facilities" in Iran, government spokesperson Basim Alawadi said. "This military escalation constitutes a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East and poses serious risks to regional stability," he added. 11:10 UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the US has taken action to "alleviate" the "grave threat" of Iran's nuclear programme. "Iran's nuclear program is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat," Starmer said in a statement. "The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis," he added. Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers are set to meet on Monday to discuss the US strikes on Iran. The EU's foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, posted on X that Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear bomb, and urged calm. Kallas said: "Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, as it would be a threat to international security." "I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table, and prevent further escalation. "EU foreign ministers will discuss the situation tomorrow." Protesters in support of Iran and Palestinians in Gaza hold flags and placards during a demonstration against the actions of Israel and the United States in Sydney on 22 June 2025. (AFP) 10:55 Iran has called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to condemn US airstrikes on its nuclear sites. In a letter to UN Secretary General António Guterres and the body's president, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Iran's ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, called for an urgent meeting of the Security Council. He said: "The United States, acting in full coordination with the Israeli regime, which at the time was already bombarding Iranian civilians and vital infrastructure, carried out deliberate, premeditated and unprovoked aerial strikes against three safeguarded Iranian nuclear sites and facilities." Iravani added: "In light of the grave and far-reaching consequences of the United States' savage and criminal actions for international peace and security, the Islamic Republic of Iran urgently requests the security council to convene an emergency meeting without delay to address this blatant and unlawful act of aggression, to condemn it in the strongest possible terms, and to take all necessary measures under its charter-mandated responsibilities that the perpetrator of such heinous crimes is held fully accountable and does not go unpunished." 10:30 Palestinian group Hamas condemned "blatant US aggression" against Iran. "The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) condemns in the strongest terms the blatant US aggression against the territory and sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran," the group said in a statement. "This brutal aggression is a dangerous escalation," the Hamas statement added, calling the attack "a flagrant violation of international law, and a direct threat to international peace and security". 10:25 Shortly after the US struck three Iranian facilities, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced concern at strikes carried out by the United States on Iranian nuclear sites, calling them a "dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge." UN Secretary-General António Guterres "At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos," Guterres stated. "There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace." 10:00 Israeli emergency services have said about 10 sites were hit by Iran's missiles, including in Tel Aviv, Carmel, and Haifa, after Iran launched two waves of missiles following the US bombing of its nuclear sites. Israeli security forces and first responders gather at the site of an Iranian strike that hit a residential neighbourhood in the Ramat Aviv area in Tel Aviv on 22 June 2025. AFP About 23 people are believed to have been injured, most not seriously, according to Israeli media outlets. Rescuers are continuing to search the impact sites. Haaretz reported that some buildings in Tel Aviv have been destroyed. Israeli security forces and rescue teams work at the scene of an Iranian strike that hit Ness Ziona in central Israel on 22 June 2025. AFP Public broadcaster KAN 11 showed images of a devastated building surrounded by mounds of rubble that it said was in central Israel. 09:50 More personnel from the United States diplomatic mission departed Iraq over the weekend as part of ongoing efforts to reduce embassy staffing amid "regional tensions," a US official said after Washington attacked Iranian nuclear sites. The embassy and the consulate remain operational. "As part of our ongoing effort to streamline operations, additional personnel departed Iraq on 21 and 22 June," the US official told AFP. 09:40 Iranian authorities said "no signs of contamination" after the US attacks on three of its nuclear facilities. "No signs of contamination have been recorded," according to the National Centre for the Nuclear Safety System, which operates under Iran's Atomic Energy Organization. "There is, therefore, no danger for the inhabitants living around the ... sites." The International Atomic Energy Agency also reported that there is currently no increase in off-site radiation levels at the three nuclear sites hit by US strikes. "IAEA will provide further assessments on situation in Iran as more information becomes available," it said. In a related statement, Saudi regulatory authorities confirmed that "no radioactive effects were detected" in the Gulf region after US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. "No radioactive effects were detected on the environment of the Kingdom and the Arab Gulf states as a result of the American military targeting of Iran's nuclear facilities," the Kingdom's Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission wrote in a post on X. 09:40 Iranian officials have disputed Trump's claim that their nuclear facilities were "obliterated". Mohammad Manan Raisi, a Qom lawmaker near Fordow, told the semi-official Fars news agency the facility had not been seriously damaged. Hassan Abedini, deputy political head of Iran's broadcaster, said Iran had evacuated the three sites some time ago. "The enriched uranium reserves had been transferred from the nuclear centres and there are no materials left there that, if targeted, would cause radiation and be harmful to our compatriots," he told the channel. 09:35 A Yemeni Houthi official said that the group's response to the US attack on Iran was "only a matter of time". Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi movement's political bureau, told Al Jazeera that its ceasefire deal with Washington was before the "war" on Iran. The group has been launching attacks on shipping lanes and Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza during the Israeli war. It agreed on a ceasefire deal with the United States in May to stop attacking US ships in exchange for an end to Washington's bombings of the group. 09:20 Iran's armed forces said they targeted multiple sites in Israel, including Ben Gurion airport, after US attacks on key nuclear sites in the Islamic Republic. "The twentieth wave of Operation Honest Promise 3 began using a combination of long-range liquid and solid fuel missiles with devastating warhead power," the armed forces said in a statement that Fars news agency quoted. It added that the targets included the airport, a "biological research centre," logistics bases, and various layers of command and control centres. Israel's military said it had detected two waves of missiles fired from Iran, as air raid sirens rang out in Tel Aviv and explosions rocked Jerusalem. "At this time, the (Israeli Air Force) is operating to intercept and strike where necessary to eliminate the threat," the military said in a statement. A similar statement about another wave of missiles was issued 30 minutes later, before the alert was lifted at around 8:10 a.m. (0510 GMT). 09:00 The Israeli military said it launched a fresh series of strikes targeting military targets, including missile launchers, in western Iran after the United States attacked the country's nuclear sites. The air force began "a series of strikes toward military targets in western Iran," a military statement said, adding it had "struck missile launchers ready to launch toward Israeli territory, soldiers in the Iranian Armed Forces, and swiftly neutralised the launchers that launched missiles toward Israeli territory a short while ago." 08:30 Iran's atomic agency said that the country will carry on with its nuclear activities despite the US attacks on key facilities. "The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran assures the great nation of Iran that despite the evil plots of its enemies ... it will not let the path of development of this national industry (nuclear), which is the result of the blood of nuclear martyrs, be stopped," the organisation said in a statement published by state media. 08:20 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US attacks as "lawless and criminal," stressing that his country has the right to defend its sovereignty. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, speaks to journalists ahead of the family photo during the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul. AFP "The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences," he posted on X. "Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people." Tehran said Sunday there were "no signs of contamination" after the US attacks, and Saudi regulators said "no radioactive effects were detected" in the Gulf region. Iranian media confirmed that part of the Fordow plant, as well as the Isfahan and Natanz nuclear sites, were attacked. 08:05 Israel has closed its airspace until further notice "due to recent developments", the Israel Airports Authority announced on Sunday morning following the US bombing of Iran. Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv The authority stated, "The airspace of the State of Israel is closed to entry and exit due to recent developments," specifying that "land crossing points (with Egypt) and Jordan are operating normally." Israel had initially closed its airspace on 13 June after launching the bombing campaign against Iran, but reopened it on Friday for flights repatriating Israeli citizens stranded abroad. 08:00 Trump said the US military carried out a "very successful attack" on three Iranian nuclear sites, including the underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordow. US President Donald Trump (C) arrives to address the nation, alongside US Vice President JD Vance (L), US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (2nd L), and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (C), from the White House in Washington, DC on 21 June 2025. AFP "We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran," including Fordo, Natanz, and Esfahan, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. "A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site," Fordow, he said, adding that the planes were safely out of Iranian airspace and on the way home. The president said that after the strikes, Iran "must now agree to end this war," insisting that under no circumstances should Iran possess a nuclear weapon. Iranian media said part of the Fordow uranium enrichment facility, as well as the Isfahan and Natanz nuclear sites, were attacked. Israel raised its alert level after the strikes, permitting only essential activities until further notice, the Israeli military announced. In a televised address to the nation from the White House, Trump warned that the United States would go after more targets if Iran did not make peace quickly. "Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success," said Trump, adding that they targeted the crucial underground nuclear enrichment plant of Fordo along with facilities at Natanz and Isfahan. "Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran the bully of the Middle East must now make peace," said Trump. Trump said that future attacks would be "far greater" unless Iran reached a diplomatic solution. "Remember, there are many targets left," he said. Trump said earlier on his Truth Social site that a "full payload of BOMBS" was dropped on Fordo and noted that "all planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors." The raid on the Iranian nuclear sites was carried out by B-2 stealth bombers that dropped so-called "bunker buster bombs," along with submarine-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles, US media reported. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump on the strikes, saying, "with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history." Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:

CairoScene

7 hours ago

• CairoScene

Chinese Animated Blockbuster 'Ne Zha 2' to Screen in Saudi Cinemas

After breaking USD 2 billion globally, Chinese animation blockbuster 'Ne Zha 2' is landing in Saudi cinemas starting June 23rd — distributed by CineWaves Films in Chinese, English, and Arabic. Animated blockbuster 'Ne Zha 2' is hitting Saudi cinemas on June 23rd, bringing one of China's biggest box office phenomena to the region. The film smashed records earlier this year, crossing USD 2 billion globally to become the highest-grossing Chinese animation of all time - and the first non-Hollywood film to reach that milestone. Directed by Yu Yang, 'Ne Zha 2' continues the story of the rebellious demon child from Chinese mythology, this time following him on a quest to save a lightning-struck friend by seeking out a powerful elixir. The film is packed with martial arts action, humour, and mythological world-building - just make sure to control the kids when they do pretend-kung fu out of the theatres. The film will be released across the Middle East and North Africa in Mandarin Chinese, English, and Arabic. The Arabic dub was overseen by Saudi animator Malik Nejer, best known for his work on 'Masameer County'. 'This film reflects our commitment to meaningful cultural exchange,' Faisal Baltyuor, chairman of CineWaves Films, tells SceneNowSaudi. 'After bringing Saudi films to China through events like Saudi Film Nights, we're proud to now introduce one of China's most successful films to Arab audiences. 'Ne Zha 2' is a visually rich adventure that we believe will resonate across the region.' The film is being brought to cinemas by CineWaves Films, the Saudi distributor that opened the first Arab cultural office in China and holds the largest library of Saudi films.

Egypt Today

8 hours ago

• Egypt Today

WATCH IT Partners with iQiyi: Chinese and Korean Dramas Hit Arab Screens for the First Time

In a strategic content-sharing deal signed on May 11, 2025, streaming platform WATCH IT joins forces with China's entertainment giant iQiyi to introduce top-rated Chinese and Korean dramas to Arab audiences for the first time. This exciting collaboration promises a richer, more diverse viewing experience while expanding both platforms' digital libraries. Kicking things off, WATCH IT is now airing several hit series that captivated millions in their home countries: 🎖 My Dear Guardian Genre: Romance, Action, Drama Starring: Johnny Huang, Li Qin, Ji Tian Yi Streaming: Sundays to Tuesdays In a military thriller filled with danger and emotion, a disciplined special forces officer and a sharp army doctor clash, connect, and fall in love amid a deadly terrorist threat. 👁 The Golden Eyes Genre: Action, Crime, Fantasy, Mystery Starring: Lay Zhang, Feng Chuanzhou Streaming: Thursdays to Saturdays When an ordinary young man gains supernatural vision, his life spirals into a world of ancient treasures, dark conspiracies, and deadly secrets. 👑 Strange Legend of the Tang Dynasty Genre: Action, Historical Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller Starring: Yang Xuwen, Zhang Yujian Streaming: All episodes available since June 5, 2025 Set in the glory days of the Tang Empire, a series of bizarre crimes force a commander and a clever investigator to confront political intrigue and mythical forces in a gripping historical mystery. Since its launch in 2019, WATCH IT has been committed to delivering high-quality, culturally resonant entertainment. This latest move underlines its mission to offer a global, family-friendly streaming experience—bridging Arab audiences with the vibrant worlds of Asian storytelling.