Report: Israel threatens “Dahiya-style” assault on Tehran in bid to destabilise Iran
MEMO | June 16, 2025
Israel is preparing a “Dahiya-style” military operation targeting the Iranian capital, Tehran. The plan, disclosed by Israeli broadcaster Channel 14, reportedly seeks to destabilise Iran’s government through systematic bombing of strategic sites while coercing mass evacuation from densely populated areas.
The operation, is said to have been greenlit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, draws directly from Israel’s controversial military doctrine first employed during its 2006 war on Lebanon.
That assault saw the wholesale destruction of the Dahiya district in southern Beirut—a stronghold of Hezbollah—marking the beginning of what military officials would later describe as a deliberate strategy of “disproportionate force” and the targeting of civilian infrastructure to achieve political objectives.
In a message addressed to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Katz issued a stark warning: “Tehran will be treated like Beirut.” Israeli military sources confirmed that the occupation army have begun issuing Farsi-language warnings to residents near so-called dual-use or military sites, a tactic previously deployed in Gaza and Lebanon to pre-emptively displace civilian populations ahead of attacks.
Israeli airstrikes early Monday targeted the Iranian Ministry of Defence, the Foreign Ministry, and a civilian home adjacent to the Ministry of Communications. The assault marks a significant escalation and comes amid a wider regional campaign that has already seen Israel strike targets in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen and Gaza where the Zionist state has been accused of committing genocide.
The Dahiya Doctrine represents a formal Israeli military strategy of deliberate and complete destruction. The doctrine openly advocates for the obliteration of entire civilian neighbourhoods, regardless of the proportionality or legality of such action. Human rights groups and legal experts have long condemned it as a doctrine of annihilation—tantamount to collective punishment—intended to erase communities under the guise of military necessity
Under international law, such tactics, particularly those that fail to distinguish between civilian and combatant populations, are explicitly prohibited. Yet Israeli officials have repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment to the doctrine.
Israel strikes Iranian state broadcaster’s office
RT | June 16, 2025
The Israeli military has targeted the headquarters of Iran’s state broadcaster (IRINN) as part of its bombing campaign against the Islamic Republic. The office has continued operating despite sustaining damage, according to Iranian media.
The strike came as IRINN was broadcasting live on air. Videos shared by both Israeli and Iranian media show a female anchor being forced to interrupt her work as the room she is in is affected by the attack. Dust and small pieces of debris can be seen flying in the air before the lights in the room go off after the sound of an explosion.
At least four bombs hit IRINN’s Political Affairs Office, which is operated by the Iranian Broadcasting Agency (IRIB), the state news media outlet said. Photos and videos from the scene show the building on fire, with plumes of thick black smoke rising above it.
The IRIB maintains that broadcast resumed just minutes after the strike. It is unclear how many people were affected by the attack. The female anchor identified as Sahar Emami was reportedly unharmed and returned to work. She condemned the attack in a talk with IRIB and questioned the international community’s inaction “in the face of silencing journalists.”
The Israel Defense Force (IDF) confirmed that it had struck the broadcaster’s office, claiming the facility had been singled out because its “infrastructure and assets” were allegedly being used by the Iranian Army under the guise of civilian activity.
According to Israeli Defense Ministry Israel Katz, the broadcaster was specifically targeted in the strike. “Iranian propaganda and incitement mouthpiece is on its way to disappearing,” he stated just before the attack, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
Offices in Tehran shared by RT and Ruptly also had to be evacuated on Monday due to intensifying Israeli strikes against the city. The bureau chief of RT’s Tehran Office, Hami Hamedi, said that staff members had to promptly flee their office, as they received a warning from Iranian authorities about an impeding Israeli strike targeting their building.
On Friday, Israel launched a series of air raids against Iran, including one that targeted a uranium enrichment center in Natanz and another which assassinated several senior military commanders and scientists. Iran retaliated by firing dozens of ballistic missiles into Israel. The sides have been exchanging attacks ever since.
‘Israel’ bombs Iranian hospital, escalating civilian targeting
Al Mayadeen | June 16, 2025
The Israeli occupation has reportedly targeted Al-Farabi Hospital in the western Iranian city of Kermanshah, marking a serious escalation in the ongoing war.
The hospital strike follows a series of attacks on civilian and residential infrastructure across Iran by the Israeli occupation forces.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said attacking hospitals and residential areas was reportedly directed by the Israeli security minister, denouncing it as “a grave violation of int’l law and war crime.”
“History will judge,” Baghaei asserted, promising that “eternal shame awaits the regime’s backers & apologists.”
Katz outright threatens Tehran civilians
Although no official Israeli comment has been made regarding the incident, the action is consistent with the threats of Israel Katz, the Israeli foreign minister, who threatened to target civilians in Iran.
The targeting of medical facilities constitutes a direct violation of international humanitarian law and is considered a war crime under the Geneva Conventions. The strike on Al-Farabi Hospital, which serves as a critical regional health center, drew immediate condemnation from Iranian officials and human rights observers.
Iranian authorities stated that multiple civilians were injured and ER services were severely impacted by the Israeli strike on the hospital. Footage from the scene showed significant damage to the hospital’s exterior and surrounding residential buildings.
‘War crime’: Iran’s foreign ministry building hit during Israeli aggression; many injured
File photo of the building hosting Iran’s Foreign Ministry in the capital Tehran
Press TV – June 15, 2025
Iran’s foreign ministry has strongly condemned the Israeli military aggression on one of its buildings in the capital, Tehran, which left many people injured, including ministry staff.
Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, in a statement on Sunday, denounced the assault as a “deliberate and ruthless” act perpetrated by the “criminal Israeli regime.”
“The casualties include a number of my colleagues, who were transferred to a hospital for treatment,” said Khatibzadeh, who also heads the ministry’s foreign policy think tank, Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS).
Khatibzadeh described the incident as “yet another blatant war crime” and part of the Israeli regime’s “ongoing and systematic aggression” against the Islamic Republic.
His remarks come amid continued Israeli aggression on the Islamic Republic that began on Friday morning, targeting multiple locations across the country, including Tehran.
The brutal terrorist acts have resulted in the assassination of many senior military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, including children and women.
In response, Iran launched Operation True Promise III, a continuation of its previous retaliatory campaigns against the Zionist entity.
The latest operation has involved large-scale missile and drone strikes by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) targeting sites across the occupied Palestinian territories.
So far, Operation True Promise III has seen the IRGC carry out a series of coordinated missile and drone strikes against high-value strategic targets across the occupied territories, including deep strikes into Tel Aviv and the occupied port city of Haifa.
These precision strikes have targeted critical infrastructure, including airbases used by the regime to launch attacks against the Islamic Republic, command and intelligence centers, industrial complexes, and fighter jet production facilities.
A flood of videos circulating on social media shows Iranian ballistic missiles piercing through multiple layers of the regime’s air defense systems with remarkable effectiveness.
On Sunday, the IRGC vowed to sustain the strikes until the entity’s “complete destruction,” issuing a strongly worded statement directed at Tel Aviv’s steadfast Western allies.
Earlier on Sunday, foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the US must accept its responsibility for Israel’s deadly aggression against the country, as evidence shows American forces helped the regime wage its terrorist assault on Iran.
“We have solid evidence indicating that American forces and bases in the region have supported the attacks by the Israeli regime’s military forces,” Araghchi told foreign envoys in Tehran on Sunday.
He emphasized that Iran’s response to Israeli aggression was based on the principle of self-defense in international relations and that every country has the legitimate right to defend itself against aggression.
Trump ‘open’ to Putin as Iran-Israel mediator
RT | June 15, 2025
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he is open to Russian President Vladimir Putin serving as a mediator in the Israel-Iran conflict. In an hour-long phone call the previous day, the two leaders focused on the Middle East crisis.
“Yeah, I would be open to it. He is ready. He called me about it,” Trump responded to ABC News’ Rachel Scott, when asked about Putin’s potential role in brokering peace.
“We had a long talk about it. We talked about this more than his situation. This is something I believe is going to get resolved,” Trump added.
After the phone call the Kremlin later said that Putin had condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran and expressed concern over further escalation, while reiterating Russia’s willingness to facilitate negotiations.
Putin recalled that Moscow had previously proposed concrete measures to facilitate “mutually acceptable agreements” in US-Iran nuclear negotiations before the current escalation, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov revealed.
“Russia’s principled position and commitment to resolving this issue remain unchanged,” Ushakov stated. “As President Putin emphasized, we will continue to act accordingly.”
Despite the cancellation of Oman-mediated nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington following Israel’s strikes, Trump maintained that discussions continued. “They’d like to make a deal. They’re talking,” he said, suggesting the escalation might actually accelerate diplomacy.
When asked about possible American engagement in the conflict, Trump stated: “We’re not involved in it. It’s possible we could get involved. But we are not at this moment involved.”
The conflict in the Middle East escalated on June 12 when Israel struck Iranian nuclear sites, killing senior military officials and prompting retaliatory missile barrages from Tehran. Both sides have exchanged fire for a third straight day.
Israeli strike on Natanz nuclear facility ‘crime against international law, NPT’: Iran FM
Press TV – June 15, 2025
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic’s Natanz nuclear facility were a major crime under international law and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
In a phone conversation with Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno on Sunday, Araghchi once again asserted the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.
“The attack on the peaceful nuclear facilities of a country is absolutely prohibited, especially considering that Iran’s nuclear program is subject to the most stringent supervision (of the UN nuclear agency) and has been verified as per Resolution 2231 of the Security Council,” he said.
Iran expects that all countries and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would condemn the Israeli aggression in the strongest terms, he added.
The Israeli regime, backed by the United States, carried out a large-scale military aggression on multiple locations inside Iran early on Friday, targeting nuclear facilities, military infrastructure, and residential buildings in Tehran and other cities.
The Natanz nuclear facility near Isfahan city was also hit, although only surface damage was caused because the centrifuges are buried deep underground. There were no radiation or casualties.
The Iranian foreign minister said the Israeli regime flagrantly violated the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law by conducting its acts of aggression in the midst of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States.
Araghchi added that the Tel Aviv regime violated Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by attacking nuclear facilities and residential areas inside the country just two days before the sixth round of Tehran-Washington talks in the Omani capital of Muscat.
“It is clear that the main objective of this act of aggression was to have a destructive impact on the diplomatic processes and to drag others into an unjust war,” the top Iranian diplomat emphasized.
Pointing to Israel’s record of attacks on residential areas and its killing of a large number of innocent women and children, he said, “Defense is the response to the aggression.”
Araghchi emphasized that the Iranian Armed Forces would strongly proceed with their “completely calculated defensive operation” to protect national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and civilians.
The Spanish foreign minister, for his part, expressed concern over the escalation of tensions in the region and voiced his country’s readiness to help ease the tensions.
Europe’s Perverted Logic: Israel Has the ‘Right’ to Attack, Iran Is ‘Guilty’ for Defending Itself
By Ekaterina Blinova – Sputnik – 15.06.2025
European leaders have effectively blamed Iran for being attacked, Responsible Statecraft reports.
Israel’s strike violated Article 2(4) of the UN Charter — it was launched with no legal basis for self-defense, per Responsible Statecraft.
But instead of condemning it, Europe parroted Israeli justifications.
The claim that Iran is building nuclear weapons was dismissed by US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard in March: “Iran is not building a nuclear weapon.”
Still, EU leaders leaned on a June 12 IAEA resolution accusing Iran of Non-Proliferation Treaty violations to rationalize Israel’s actions.
What Do European Leaders Say?
French President Emmanuel Macron: “France has repeatedly condemned Iran’s ongoing nuclear program… In this context, France reaffirms Israel’s right to defend itself and ensure its security.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: “[Iran’s] nuclear program violates the provisions of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty… We reaffirm that Israel has the right to defend its existence and the security of its citizens.”
EC President Ursula von der Leyen: “I reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself and protect its people.”
None of these leaders addressed the legality of Israel’s initial strike. None acknowledged Iran’s right to defend its own sovereignty.
Israel’s Attacks on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities Set Dangerous Precedent – Wang Yi
Sputnik – 14.06.2025
BEIJING – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that Israel’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities have set a perilous precedent with potentially catastrophic repercussions, during a telephone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday.
“Israel’s actions have severely violated the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and fundamental norms of international relations. In particular, the attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities have set a dangerous precedent that could lead to disastrous consequences,” Wang said.
The Chinese foreign minister urged nations with influence over Israel to take concrete action to restore regional peace.
In a separate call with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Wang emphasized that Israel’s strikes on Iran were especially unacceptable amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue.
“China has always advocated that any international disputes should be resolved through dialogue and consultation, Beijing opposes the use of force and sanctions,” Wang said, adding that in this regard, China clearly opposes Israel’s violation of international law by attacking Iran with military force.
“Such actions are even more unacceptable when the international community is still seeking a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue,” the minister said.
Wang also stressed the need for immediate measures to de-escalate tensions and prevent further instability in the Middle East.
Continuation of Iran-US talks amid Israel’s savagery ‘unjustifiable’: FM
Press TV – June 14, 2025
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the continuation of indirect talks between Iran and the United States amid Israel’s savagery is “unjustifiable.”
Araghchi made the remarks in a phone conversation with the European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Saturday, a day after the Israeli regime launched deadly aggression on various civilian and military areas and residential neighborhoods in the capital, Tehran, and other major cities.
The barbaric onslaught claimed dozens of innocent lives, including a number of the Islamic Republic’s top military officials and commanders.
In a crushing response, code-named Operation True Promise III, hundreds of missiles were fired by Iran on Friday evening and successfully breached the Israeli regime’s much-touted multi-layered air defense system.
Since April, Tehran and Washington have held five rounds of indirect negotiations, mediated by Oman, over Iran’s nuclear program amid repeated shifts in US stances, which have prompted Iranian officials to criticize the “contradictory” statements made by their American counterparts.
Araghchi said on Saturday that messages and statements by the US president proved that Israel’s hostile measures against Iran were the result of Washington’s direct support for the regime.
He strongly condemned Israel’s violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, its attacks on nuclear facilities and residential areas, which killed a number of military figures, university professors and Iranian women and children.
He said the international community should show a decisive reaction in condemnation of Israel’s aggression.
He added that the Iranian government and people seriously expect all countries that claim to support peace and the rule of law to denounce Israel’s criminal actions and to exert pressure on the regime to stop its aggression and lawlessness.
The Iranian foreign minister also criticized a resolution adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, drafted by the US and the European troika, against the Islamic Republic’s peaceful nuclear energy program, describing it as an excuse that prepared the ground for the Israeli regime’s hostile action.
“Based on international law, the attack on peaceful nuclear facilities is completely illegal and prohibited and the international community is obligated to hold the Zionist regime accountable for this dangerous and unprecedented violation of the law,” Araghchi said.
On Thursday, the 35-nation Board of Governors passed a resolution accusing Iran of “non-compliance” with its nuclear obligations.
The resolution, drafted by the United States, Britain, France and Germany, was passed with 19 votes in favor, three against, and 11 abstentions. Russia, China, and Burkina Faso voted against it. Among the countries that abstained were South Africa, India, Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, and Brazil.
Araghchi pointed to Iran’s diplomatic initiatives to draw global attention to the dangers posed by Israel’s destabilizing actions and called on the European Union and the permanent members of the UN Security Council to take a responsible stance in condemning the regime’s acts of aggression and punishing it.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran gave a decisive response to the Zionist regime’s aggression in order to protect its national sovereignty, people, and security, and is determined to exercise its legitimate right to take reciprocal action,” he emphasized.
The EU foreign policy chief, for her part, expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the region.
Kallas expressed the EU’s readiness to support diplomatic efforts in the Security Council and other international bodies to help ease tensions and restore peace and security to the region.
Israeli strikes on Iran ‘completely unprovoked’ – Moscow
RT | June 14, 2025
Russia’s envoy to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, has condemned Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Speaking at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday, the diplomat said West Jerusalem was acting with impunity, backed by the West.
Israel has launched strikes on uranium enrichment sites in Iran and killed several senior commanders and scientists in targeted assassination operations, claiming the moves were preemptive steps to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran, which denies pursuing a military nuclear program, responded with multiple volleys of ballistic missiles at Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv.
Nebenzia said the Israeli military action appeared intended to sabotage indirect US-Iran nuclear talks scheduled to resume Sunday. Tehran has declared that the strikes have effectively ended any diplomatic pathway.
“This is a completely unprovoked attack – whatever Israel may claim to the contrary – and it constitutes a gross violation of the UN Charter and international law,” Nebenzia said. “Responsibility for all the consequences of these actions rests entirely with the Israeli leadership and those who condone them.”
He noted that Iran has the right to defend itself and pointed to Tehran’s previous commitment to the 2015 UN-backed nuclear deal, which the US abandoned during President Donald Trump’s first term. Iran denied accusations of secretly violating the agreement at the time but has since ramped up uranium enrichment.
The US and its allies “have been doing everything possible to fuel the escalation, and, essentially, they incited it,” Nebenzia argued, adding that Western support had “spurred Israel to take radical steps.” He also raised alarms over the risk of radiation leaks from the targeted Iranian facilities and warned that “no military solution can be either legitimate or viable.”
Iran’s UN envoy, Amir-Saeid Iravani, described Israel’s attacks as “a chilling display of calculated aggression” that “amounted to a declaration of war.” He called for international action to disarm Israel’s undeclared nuclear arsenal, which the Israeli government neither confirms nor denies.
Israeli envoy Danny Danon defended the strikes, saying Israel was a “democracy under siege” and had acted to “prevent its destruction” by Iran. He urged the council to reflect on the potential consequences had the Iranian missiles been equipped with nuclear warheads.
Full statement:
Madam President,
We would like to thank Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, and Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General. We are grateful for their briefings. First of all, we would like to express our condolences to the people and the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) regarding the numerous victims, including among civilians, as a result of Israel’s strikes.
Before our very eyes, Israel’s actions are triggering an extremely dangerous escalation in the Middle East region, which is something that requires the Council’s urgent attention. We are grateful to Guyana’s presidency for convening this meeting so expeditiously. It is symptomatic that initially the Council was supposed to consider today, at this very time, the humanitarian consequences of inhumane actions by Israel against the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip. Instead, we are compelled to discuss yet another dangerous and irresponsible West Jerusalem’s misadventure liable to end up in a large-scale nuclear catastrophe in the region.
In the early hours of June 13, Israel delivered a number of massive strikes against the territory of IRI. The attacks targeted peaceful sleeping cities, civilian infrastructure, and peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards. We’ve heard from the briefers today that there have been victims among civilians. This is a completely unprovoked attack (whatever Israel may claim to prove otherwise), and it constitutes a gross violation of the UN Charter and international law. The Israeli leadership seems to be convinced that it has a “free hand” in the region and apparently believes that Israel can flout all legal foundations and replace all international structures, including the UN Security Council and the IAEA.
The Russian Federation strongly condemns this action by West Jerusalem, whose military adventures are pushing the region to the brink of a major war. Responsibility for all the consequences of these actions lies entirely with the Israeli leadership and those who condone them. Of particular concern here are the possible radiological consequences of hitting nuclear installations. For a number of years, Russia has warned against trying to solve issues related to Iran’s nuclear program militarily, as it is unacceptable and fraught with dire consequences not only for the Middle East region but for the entire world. However, these calls of ours were not heeded, and the situation is unfolding according to the most negative and unpredictable scenario.
Madam President,
Israel’s actions are aimed at undermining the negotiating efforts, which are ongoing now in various formats and aimed at finding solutions to reduce tensions surrounding Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. While the whole world is anticipating with hope the outcomes of the next round of indirect contacts between Iran and the US (which were previously scheduled for June 15), Israel decided to preempt them in a way it deems the best and began bombing Iran’s nuclear energy infrastructure, demonstrating contempt for laws, norms, agreements, rules – everything that forms the basis of civilized interaction between states.
However, responsibility for what happened lies not only with the Israel but also with its closest allies. This is a direct consequence of the connivance on the part of Western countries, which for months knowingly and methodically pumped up anti-Iranian hysteria both in the UN Security Council and in the IAEA Board of Governors. These states did not even try to come up with a constructive solution to the crisis surrounding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and Security Council Resolution 2231 which endorsed it. They had a completely different objective, namely to exert pressure on Iran by any means possible, to paint it as the source of all evil in the region and baselessly present Tehran’s legitimate response measures – such as the use of the protective mechanisms under the JCPOA – as a violation of the non-proliferation obligations. At the same time, the Iranians were patient for years and did not refuse to interact with the IAEA nor engage in dialogue to find negotiated solutions.
We would like to remind you – and this fact is now of fundamental importance – that all the problems having to do with the JCPOA began after the US unilateral withdrawal from the “nuclear deal” in 2018, and due to the principled unwillingness of the UK, France, and Germany to comply with the obligations they have under the JCPOA, including the obligations to create conditions for Tehran to reap material yield from lifting unilateral sanctions by the European Union that were in force until 2015. Later, these countries reimposed unilateral sanctions, which violates Article 25 of the UN Charter. The EU also joined in exerting pressure, thus disregarding its obligations as an impartial coordinator of the JCPOA Joint Commission.
The latest glaring example here is the biased resolution adopted yesterday by the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna. The document is completely divorced from reality and refers to some fictitious “threat to international peace and security” allegedly posed by Iran’s nuclear program. This happened despite the fact that Iran strictly complies with its obligations under the NPT and the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement; moreover, it remains the most strictly inspected IAEA state with the Agency’s reports clearly indicating the absence of proliferation risks.
In other words, the Western parties to the JCPOA have been doing everything possible to fuel the escalation, and, essentially, they incited it. They artificially created tension on international platforms, which only spurred Israel to take radical steps and fostered the feeling of impunity with West Jerusalem.
In the context of Israel’s current strikes there is something that merits our particular attention. I refer to reported possible coordination of actions between Israel and British special services – immediately after the Israeli strikes on Iran the British sheltered the Israeli aircraft involved in the operation at their base in Cyprus. We have also noted the remarks by the Israeli side who claimed that they warned Germany, which is a JCPOA participant, and Italy of its attacks. It also has come to the fore that our American colleagues were also notified of the strikes. The Israeli strikes were also supported by the French, who were clearly aware of them beforehand. In this regard, we would not be surprised if the members of this “group of like-minded countries” start condemning Iran for its retaliatory actions, which were undertaken fully in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter.
In the current situation, we are closely following the actions of the IAEA Secretariat – the lives and health of its personnel have been put at risk as a result of Israel’s military adventure. We expect the IAEA Director General to provide objective assessments and analysis of the developing situation, including in terms of radiological consequences.
Madam President,
Unprovoked attacks against the territory of sovereign Iran and targeted strikes on peaceful nuclear facilities cannot be justified in any way. The international community cannot and must not stand idly by when provocations occur. Condoning such actions is a path to a major war in the region and a serious threat to global security.
We are convinced that the UN Security Council must give an unambiguous legal and political assessment of what was done by Israel, and call for an immediate halt to any use of force and for a rejection of unilateral military steps. We need to support any and all diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and a return to negotiations.
Let me underscore once again that settling the issues related to Iran’s nuclear program is only possible through peaceful, political, and diplomatic means. No military solution can be either legitimate or viable here. By the way, it is precisely what the United States itself has repeatedly stated, substantiating the readiness to continue negotiations.
Russia remains committed to strengthening international law, abiding by the UN Charter, and finding solutions that will prevent the region from sliding further into another destructive war. We are ready to cooperate with all those who will advocate diplomacy and seek peaceful ways to resolve differences.
Thank you.
Iran calls on UN Security Council to hold Israeli regime accountable for its crimes
Press TV – June 13, 2025
Iran’s Permanent Representative of to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, addressed an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Saturday
Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, addressed an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Saturday following the Israeli military aggression against the Islamic Republic.
He called on the UN Security Council to “strongly condemn” the “illegal aggression” by the Israeli regime and demanded urgent and concrete measures by the world body to hold the regime accountable and prevent further destabilization of international peace and security.
Israel launched a series of premeditated and coordinated attacks early on Friday, targeting multiple Iranian cities, including nuclear facilities and vital civilian infrastructure.
The envoy described the Natanz nuclear site in central Iran’s Isfahan province – under full International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards – as a primary target.
“These criminal and savage attacks have killed at least 78 people, including senior military officials and innocent civilians, among them women and children, with over 320 wounded,” he told the gathering.
Iravani described the latest strikes as deliberate massacres and acts of terrorism, violating international law and human conscience.
The ambassador criticized the UN Security Council and UN nuclear agency for their inaction in response to Iran’s repeated warnings about Israeli threats to its nuclear facilities, accusing them of emboldening the regime to escalate aggression and cross red lines.
Iravani emphasized the potential catastrophic radiological consequences of attacks on safeguarded nuclear sites, warning that the effects could extend far beyond Iran’s borders.
He said Israel’s aggression also violated the sovereignty of Iraq, whose airspace was used for the aggression, with the Iraqi permanent mission to the UN formally protesting the breach.
The ambassador held the United States responsible for enabling the Israeli strikes, citing Washington’s intelligence, political support, and weapons transfers.
“The complicity of the United States in these terrorist acts is undeniable,” he said.
Iran reaffirmed its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Recalling Security Council Resolution 487 (1981), which condemned Israel’s previous attack on Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor, Iravani called on the council to enforce international law and hold Israel accountable. He stressed that decades of inaction and double standards have emboldened Israel’s aggressive conduct.
“Any failure to act now,” he warned, “would signify the collapse of the international system and invite chaos.”
Large Numbers in Congress Back Attack on Iran, Call for US to Support Israel
By Kyle Anzalone | The Libertarian Institute | June 13, 2025
Following the opening salvo in Israel’s bombardment of Iran, many members of Congress rushed to make statements declaring their support for the Jewish state. Some went further, demanding the White House defend the Jewish state from retaliation. A small number of lawmakers criticized Israel and called for Washington to stay out of the conflict.
Shortly after the start of the Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, military bases, and residential buildings, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) posted on X, “Game on. Pray for Israel.”
Graham led a chorus of largely Republican lawmakers who called for prayers for Israel as it attacked Iran.
Some lawmakers hoped the war would bring down the Iranian government. “The threat from Iran will only stop when the regime is destroyed.” Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez (R-FL) added, “Anything less is just a temporary respite from the existential threat Iran poses to our allies and the free world.”
Many US members of Congress claimed that Israel’s preemptive attack on Iran was an act of defense. “Make no mistake: Israel is not the aggressor. It is defending itself against an existential threat that long predates the present preemptive strike. The true aggressor is the Islamic Republic and its empire of terror—an empire stained with the blood of innocent Israelis,” Bronx Democrat Rep. Ritchie Torres wrote on X.
Other members of Congress, including Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) framed the Israeli strikes as “defensive.”
Rep. Mike Lawler said that the Israeli strike was “justified,” but the US should attack Iran if Tehran responds to Tel Aviv’s war. “Let there be no doubt, we will defend our ally Israel, our other partners in the region, and our military and diplomatic personnel. Iran should understand that there will be grave consequences for any actions they take in response to this justified strike on their nuclear facilities,” he said.
A frequent argument given by members of Congress is that the nuclear weapons threat Iran poses to Israel justifies the ongoing Israeli attacks. “Iran has greatly expanded its uranium enrichment with the goal of producing nuclear weapons that pose an existential threat to Israel,” Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins wrote. “Our country too is at risk as Iran continues its development not only of fissile material but also of ballistic missiles. I hope the Israeli operation to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capability is successful.”
However, top intelligence officials in both the Trump and Joe Biden administrations repeatedly stated that Iran was not attempting to develop a nuclear weapon. During recent talks about its nuclear program with Washington, Tehran said it was willing to agree to caps on its energy program to ensure it was only used for civilian purposes.
That Director of National Intelligence affirmed in March that Iran was not making a nuclear weapon, did not stop Rep. Nancy Mace from asserting that the Islamic Republic was just “days” from building a nuclear weapon.
“We stand with Israel, fully and without hesitation. Iran was days away from a nuclear weapon. They fund terror and want Israel wiped off the map. Israel has the right, and the duty, to fight back,” she wrote on X. “America must never flinch.”
One of the most vocal Democrats supporting Israel is Sen. John Fetterman, who demanded that the White House aid the Israeli assault. “Our commitment to Israel must be absolute and I fully support this attack. Keep wiping out Iranian leadership and the nuclear personnel.” The post continued, “We must provide whatever is necessary—military, intelligence, weaponry—to fully back Israel in striking Iran.”
A handful of lawmakers did oppose the Israeli strikes. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) argued Tel Aviv’s war interfered with Trump’s effort to secure a new nuclear deal with Iran. “Netanyahu wasn’t trying to help diplomacy; he was trying to destroy diplomacy. How do we know? They reportedly targeted and killed Iran’s chief negotiator with Trump,” he wrote.
Additionally, Democratic Representatives Hank Johnson and Rashida Talib called on Congress to exercise its authority over war making. “As America is mired in internal turmoil — and with Hegseth, Gabbard, and Rubio at the controls — foreign leaders like Netanyahu are emboldened to achieve their narrow objectives at America’s expense.” Johnson continued, “Before it’s too late, Congress must stop being a rubberstamp and start exercising oversight to prevent America from being dragged into another war.”
Among Republicans, Senator Rand Paul and Congressman Thomas Massie called on Trump to avoid directly entering the war. “War with Iran is not in America’s interest. It would destabilize the region, cost countless lives, and drain our resources for generations,” Paul explained. “We should pursue diplomacy, not destruction. Engaging in dialogue with adversaries is not weakness; it’s the strength of a confident nation seeking peace. Our primary responsibility is to protect American lives.”
Rep Massie was the only member of Congress to point out that the war Israel launched on Friday was offensive, and a war of aggression. “Israel doesn’t need US taxpayers’ money for defense if it already has enough to start offensive wars.” His X post added, “I vote not to fund this war of aggression.”
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The New Baghdad Pact
By Dr Bouthaina Shaaban | February 23, 2017
A recently declassified CIA document prepared in 1983, and released on 20 January 2017, shows that the United States had at the time encouraged Saddam Hussein to attack Syria, which would have led to a vicious conflict between the two countries, thus draining their resources.
The report, which was then prepared by CIA officer Graham Fuller, indicates that the US tried adamantly to convince Saddam to attack Syria under any pretense available, in order to get the two most powerful countries in the Arab East to destroy each other, turning their attention away from the Arab-Israeli conflict. … continue
Blog Roll
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