News
Putin Condemns U.S. Strikes on Iran, Warns of Escalating Global Danger
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.
News
Court, Congress Pile Pressure on DHS Over Minnesota Operations
Court, Congress Pile Pressure on DHS Over Minnesota Operations
US House Democrats have threatened to begin impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem over her handling of the immigration crackdown in Minnesota, unless President Donald Trump removes her from office.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that Democrats could proceed “the easy way or the hard way,” describing the actions of Noem’s department as “disgusting.”
The crisis follows the fatal shooting of US citizen Alex Pretti by a federal agent, which has triggered backlash in Minneapolis and led to the planned departure of Border Patrol Chief Gregory Borvino and some agents from the city.
Trump has deployed his “border tsar,” Tom Homan, to take charge of on-the-ground operations, while a Minnesota judge has ordered acting ICE director Todd Lyons to appear in court over alleged violations of court orders.
Trump has distanced himself from claims by senior adviser Stephen Miller that Pretti was a “would-be assassin,” saying he did not believe the victim was acting as one.
Video footage shows Pretti holding a phone while filming agents, not a gun, although police say he was a legal firearm owner.
News
UN Raises Alarm Over ‘Spare No-One’ Rhetoric by South Sudan Army Chief
UN Raises Alarm Over ‘Spare No-One’ Rhetoric by South Sudan Army Chief
The United Nations has expressed concern after South Sudan’s Deputy Army Chief, Gen. Johnson Oluny, was heard urging troops to “spare no-one,” including children and the elderly, ahead of military operations in opposition-held areas of Jonglei State.
In a video posted on Facebook, Oluny, addressing members of his Agwelek militia, called for total destruction during the deployment.
The UN Mission in South Sudan condemned the remarks, describing them as “utterly abhorrent,” and warned that inflammatory rhetoric targeting civilians must stop immediately.
South Sudan’s government, however, said the statement did not amount to an official order, insisting it remains committed to protecting civilians.
Minister of Information Ateny Wek Ateny said civilians were being warned only to avoid being caught in crossfire.
The development comes amid escalating fighting in Jonglei, where forces loyal to suspended Vice-President Riek Machar have seized several areas.
The military has ordered civilians, UN personnel and aid workers to evacuate three counties—Nyirol, Uror and Akobo—ahead of an imminent operation.
The UN says more than 180,000 people have been displaced by the renewed violence.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high as opposition forces threaten to advance towards the capital, Juba, a claim dismissed by the army.
South Sudan has been unstable since a 2018 peace deal ended a five-year civil war that killed nearly 400,000 people, but lingering political rivalry and ethnic tensions continue to threaten fragile peace.
Diplomacy
Rwanda sues UK over scrapped migrant deal payments
Rwanda sues UK over scrapped migrant deal payments
The Rwandan government has initiated arbitration proceedings against the United Kingdom, seeking payments it says are owed under the now-abandoned asylum partnership agreement between both countries.
Rwanda has filed the case at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, arguing that the UK failed to honour financial commitments contained in the deal signed under the former Conservative government.
The agreement, designed to relocate some asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda, was scrapped in 2024 by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, with the Home Office saying about £220m in future payments would no longer be made.
UK authorities insist the policy was costly and ineffective, pledging to defend the case to protect taxpayers’ funds.
Rwanda, however, says the arbitration concerns unmet treaty obligations and is seeking a legal determination of both parties’ rights under international law.
The PCA lists the case as pending, with no timetable yet announced for hearings or a ruling.
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