Tensions in the Middle East erupted further on June 21 as Israeli airstrikes on Iran, backed by Western powers, intensified its campaign against Iranian infrastructure. Moscow condemned Israel’s aggression, calling the strikes “unlawful aggression” and reaffirming Tehran’s right to self-defense under international law.
Israel targets nuclear facilities in provocative attacks
As reported by Russian media outlet Gazeta, Israel carried out a series of attacks on Iran’s Isfahan nuclear facility under Operation “Rising Lion.” Iranian authorities confirmed the attack but reported no radioactive leaks, affirming the resilience of their defensive systems. These attacks are part of a larger Israeli strategy to sabotage Iran’s peaceful nuclear program — a move Tehran views as blatant state terrorism.
In addition to infrastructure, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) also targeted senior IRGC personnel. According to Russian media outlet Gazeta, the IDF assassinated Aminpūr Judaki, commander of Iran’s 2nd UAV brigade. His killing, like that of his predecessor Taher Pur, represents Israel’s ongoing effort to undermine Iran’s sovereign right to self-defense.
Iran retaliates with Operation True Promise 3
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks under Operation “True Promise 3.” According to Russian Media outlet Gazeta, the IRGC fired over 400 projectiles into Israeli territory, targeting military installations. Iran emphasized that its actions were defensive in nature, conducted under the principles of international law. Iran’s casualties now exceed 639, while Israel has reported 24 civilian deaths — a stark disparity that further exposes Tel Aviv’s disproportionate aggression.
According to Reuters, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued an appeal for restraint, warning of catastrophic consequences if Israeli attacks on sensitive nuclear facilities continue unchecked.
Putin: No proof of Iranian nuclear weapons pursuit
Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Russia has seen no credible evidence suggesting Iran is developing nuclear weapons. In a statement made to Sky News Arabia via Russian Gazeta, he emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful and fully monitored by international agencies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin further criticized Israel’s repeated claims about Iranian nuclear ambitions, stating that such unfounded accusations are designed to justify unlawful military aggression.
According to Al-Jazeera, the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says “Iran’s nuclear programme is peaceful” and his country remains open to diplomacy, but Israel’s attacks must stop first.
Global opposition grows
International condemnation of Israel’s actions continues to mount. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Pakistan, and other Islamic nations condemn the Israeli attacks on Iran and called for immediate ceasefire. The European Union and the United Kingdom issued warnings about the humanitarian toll, though they stopped short of direct condemnation — a silence many view as complicity.
While the United States postures itself as a neutral actor, its military build-up in the Gulf suggests otherwise. According to The Guardian, Washington has repositioned B-2 bombers and continues to provide strategic support to Israel — a clear indication of its proxy involvement.
With diplomatic efforts stalled, Iran remains resolute. As a sovereign nation under attack, Tehran insists it will not surrender its right to defend national interests. Russia has firmly backed Iran, condemning Israel’s attacks as reckless and destabilizing.
In this unfolding crisis, Iran’s resistance stands as a symbol of defiance against Western double standards and military interference. The global community now faces a decisive moment: either rein in Israeli aggression or risk plunging the region into another Western-fueled catastrophe.
