Putin Condemns U.S. Strikes on Iran, Warns of Escalating Global Danger

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday condemned the recent United States airstrikes on Iran’s underground nuclear sites, describing them as “unjustified” and warning that such actions were dragging the world closer to a major international conflict. Putin also pledged to assist the Iranian people but stopped short of providing concrete details on what form that support might take.

The Russian leader’s remarks came during a high-level meeting at the Kremlin with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Also present were Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, and Igor Kostyukov, head of Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency — a signal of the gravity with which Moscow views the unfolding crisis.

“The absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran has no basis and no justification,” Putin told Araqchi. “These attacks are dangerous and destabilizing. They push the world towards a greater danger than many currently realize.”

Putin’s comments were made in reference to a new wave of U.S. airstrikes carried out in coordination with Israel, targeting suspected Iranian nuclear facilities. According to Pentagon sources, the operation involved the deployment of 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs aimed at neutralizing Iran’s fortified nuclear infrastructure. The attacks were launched days after Iran vowed to retaliate for earlier Israeli strikes on its territory, further intensifying an already volatile conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who has remained defiant in the face of international criticism, has repeatedly signaled a hardline stance on Iran. Both he and Israeli officials have made provocative comments in recent days, including suggestions that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could be targeted. They have also raised the possibility of supporting regime change in Iran — moves which Moscow views as extremely dangerous.

“The idea of targeting Iran’s leadership or pushing for regime change will only deepen instability in the Middle East,” Putin warned. “It risks plunging the entire region into an abyss of conflict, with consequences that will stretch far beyond the region.”

During the Kremlin meeting, Putin emphasized Russia’s desire to pursue diplomatic solutions and prevent further escalation. “We want to talk about ways to de-escalate tensions and avoid catastrophe,” he said. “For our part, we are making efforts to assist the Iranian people in these challenging times.”

While Putin did not elaborate on what specific measures Russia might take, analysts suggest that Moscow could provide Tehran with enhanced intelligence support, economic aid, or military advisory assistance. Russia has long maintained close ties with Iran, particularly in military and strategic cooperation in Syria and other areas.

The Kremlin’s sharp criticism of Washington’s actions underscores the broader geopolitical rift that continues to grow between the United States and its rivals. With tensions rising across the Middle East and nuclear risks increasing, the international community is watching closely to see whether diplomatic efforts can gain any traction before the conflict spirals further out of control.

Israel Bombs Iran’s Evin Prison as U.S. Joins Conflict: Tensions Soar in Middle East

In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Israeli warplanes struck Iran’s notorious Evin prison in northern Tehran on Monday, delivering what Israeli officials described as the most intense bombing campaign yet on the Iranian capital. The attack, which comes just a day after the United States formally entered the conflict, is seen as a symbolic blow against one of the pillars of Iran’s domestic security apparatus.

Evin prison has long been associated with Iran’s political repression, housing political dissidents, journalists, dual nationals, and activists. Bombing such a facility marks a significant shift in the nature of Israeli military targets, suggesting an attempt to not only degrade Iran’s military infrastructure but also undermine its internal control mechanisms.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the airstrike, noting it was part of a broader campaign to dismantle Iran’s ability to support proxy militias and continue its regional aggression. “Evin was not just a prison. It was a fortress of fear used by the regime to suppress its people and silence dissent,” an Israeli spokesperson stated. “Its destruction sends a clear message — the regime’s tools of tyranny are not immune.”

The strike on Evin followed the U.S. military’s own intervention in the conflict. On Sunday, U.S. strategic bombers launched a powerful assault on Iran’s underground nuclear facilities, deploying massive 30,000-pound “bunker-buster” bombs in what was seen as a direct attempt to cripple Iran’s nuclear program. The Pentagon said the strikes were carefully calculated to target key enrichment and command centers without provoking mass civilian casualties.

U.S. President Donald Trump, addressing reporters at the White House, doubled down on his administration’s aggressive stance toward Tehran. “The Iranian regime has crossed every red line. It sponsors terror, threatens our allies, and now it must face the consequences. The days of appeasement are over,” Trump said. He went further, musing openly about the possibility of regime change, saying, “The people of Iran deserve better. Maybe it’s time they had a new government.”

In response, Iran’s leadership repeated familiar threats to retaliate, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warning of “severe consequences” for what he called an act of war. However, more than 24 hours after the joint Israeli-U.S. assaults, no significant Iranian military retaliation had materialized. Observers say this uncharacteristic delay may indicate internal deliberations about how best to respond without triggering a wider regional conflict.

Iranian state media confirmed damage to Evin prison but offered few details. There are concerns that some prisoners may have been injured or killed in the attack, but official casualty figures have not been released. Families of detainees reportedly gathered outside the ruins of the prison, demanding information and accountability.

International reactions have been swift. Russia and China have condemned the attacks, urging de-escalation and warning of the risk of full-scale war in the Middle East. The United Nations has called for an emergency session of the Security Council to address the spiraling crisis.

The United States has significantly reduced its aid to Africa, with a proposed $49.1 billion cut in foreign aid for 2026, targeting global health, education, and agriculture.

The African Development Fund faces a $555 million cut, while UN peacekeeping missions have been defunded.

This move comes as the Trump administration pushes for “burden sharing” with African armies, asking them to take on more defence responsibilities.

The cuts will severely impact humanitarian efforts, particularly in countries struggling with conflict, hunger, and natural disasters.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the US spent $910 million on food, water, sanitation, and shelter for over seven million displaced persons. Without this aid, 7.8 million people may lose food aid, and 2.3 million children risk facing deadly malnutrition.

The Sahel region, described as the “epicentre of terrorism” by US Africa Command chief Gen Michael Langley, faces significant security threats from jihadist groups.

These groups aim to gain access to West African coasts, finance operations through smuggling and human trafficking, and pose a risk to both African nations and US shores.

Langley has admitted that the current upsurge in militant attacks is “deeply concerning”.

The US is reining in its sub-Saharan military operations, with plans to reduce its 6,500-strong personnel deployment in Africa.

Some military installations, including the drone base in Agadez, Niger, have already been shut down.

Gen Langley emphasizes building African nations’ self-reliance to confront terrorism and insurgencies independently.

Data modelling suggests that the USAID cuts could push 5.7 million Africans into extreme poverty next year and reduce economic growth by $4.6 billion by 2030.

The cuts may also drive African nations closer to rival powers like China and Russia.

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