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Iran shoots down another F-35 fighter jet belonging to Israel: Army

Press TV – June 14, 2025

Iran’s air defense forces have shot down another fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet belonging to the Zionist regime, amid the continued exchange of fire between Tehran and Tel Aviv.

The Iranian Army’s Public Relations Office said in a statement on Saturday that its air defense forces had successfully struck and destroyed another F-35 fighter jet belonging to the Israeli regime over the western part of the country.

It also noted that the fate of the pilot remains unknown and is currently under investigation.

Further information will be released in due course.

This comes a day after Iran’s air defense forces successfully brought down two F-35 fighter jets along with multiple drones belonging to the Israeli regime.

The regime deployed these advanced aircraft in its early Friday morning aggression against the Islamic Republic, which resulted in the assassination of several high-ranking Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, including women and children.

The F-35 fighters used by the Israeli regime are considered the most advanced in their class.

Israel acquired these jets primarily from the United States, with the F-35 Lightning II being produced by Lockheed Martin, an American aerospace manufacturer. Israel is one of the few countries authorized by the U.S. to operate this cutting-edge fifth-generation stealth fighter.

Delivered under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, the first jets arrived in the occupied territories around 2016.

The F-35I, Israel’s customized variant of the stealth fighter, is designed to evade radar detection, allowing the Israeli occupation military to conduct deep penetration missions with a lower risk of interception or tracking.

June 14, 2025 Posted by | Militarism | , , | Leave a comment

Iran-Israel Escalation: What’s Known So Far

Sputnik – 14.06.2025

Tensions continue to escalate after Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, prompting Tehran’s response under Operation True Promise III.

Casualties

🔸78 Iranians killed, 320 wounded — mostly civilians — in Israeli strikes, according to Iran’s UN envoy.
🔸At least 3 dead and 91 injured in Israel, per media reports.

Nuclear Sites & Scientists

🔸IDF claims it killed nine key Iranian nuclear scientists, including Ali Bakhouei Karimi, Mansour Asgari, and Saeed Barji.
🔸Israel’s strikes caused limited damage to Fordow and Isfahan nuclear sites.
🔸IAEA confirmed no radiation leaks.

Iran’s Retaliation

🔸Iran launched at least four waves and 200+ missiles.
🔸Tel Aviv suffered serious damage, IDF’s HQ hit.
🔸Iran struck Nevatim and Ovda airbases, key to Israel’s C2 and EW systems, per Tasnim.
🔸Israeli defenses failed to intercept ~25% of Iranian missiles, per Times of Israel.

Ongoing Israeli Strikes

🔸Explosions hit Tabriz; oil refinery was targeted, according to Press TV.
🔸Ballistic launch sites in Asadabad hit; blasts in Khorramabad and Kermanshah.
🔸Four Israeli drones downed near Khorramabad (IRIB).
🔸Three IRGC soldiers killed in Zanjan, Tasnim reports.
🔸Machinery plant hit in western Iran, per Nour News.
🔸Iran extends airspace closure until June 15.

Statements & Threats

🔸Iran’s UN envoy: Israeli strikes are “state terrorism” and a declaration of war.
🔸Tehran warns US, France, UK: their facilities in the Middle East will be targeted if they help Israel, per Mehr.
🔸Israel vows to expand operations, Israel Foreign Minister Gideon Saar says strikes could last “days or weeks”.
🔸Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatens to “burn Tehran” if Iran keeps retaliating.
🔸Iran’s Foreign Ministry said US actions had rendered nuclear talks with Tehran meaningless.

June 14, 2025 Posted by | Militarism | , | Leave a comment

Iran finalizes domestic readiness to resume op. on ‘Israel’: Official

Al Mayadeen | June 14, 2025

Iran has completed all necessary domestic preparedness measures to sustain its ongoing military campaign against “Israel”, according to a statement by the Secretariat of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council released on Saturday.

“Domestic preparedness issues have also been reviewed, and the necessary measures have been taken,” the state-run IRIB broadcaster quoted the secretariat as saying.

The announcement followed a high-level meeting of Iran’s security council on June 13, during which officials reviewed the evolving situation and discussed potential retaliatory actions in response to any future acts of aggression by “Israel”.

During the session, the council reportedly approved plans to continue Iran’s military operations, signaling Tehran’s commitment to respond forcefully to any further attacks on its territory.

This latest move underscores Tehran’s strategic approach to counter the ongoing Israeli aggression and reinforces Iran’s readiness to escalate its military response if provoked.

Iran resumes its defense 

Iran has launched an estimated seven missile salvos targeting “Israel” in retaliation for its aggression on numerous Iranian regions and sensitive military and nuclear sites.

At dawn, Iran launched a fresh wave of missiles targeting Tel Aviv and vast areas across northern “Israel” amid a state of high alert in occupied territories, Israeli media reported during the early hours of Saturday.

The Israeli occupation then acknowledged the deaths of two settlers and injuries of 40 others in the bombardment of Rishon LeZion in central “Israel”, as reports relay concerns for casualties stuck beneath the rubble. Israeli media additionally reported that around 10 firefighting and rescue teams are operating in the area.

Israeli media further emphasized that the destruction in the central district has been unprecedented, with larger devastation inflicted in Iran’s latest retaliation.

The casualties have risen to three killed and over 170 injured across “Israel”, some of whom are in critical condition, as per Israeli army reports.

June 14, 2025 Posted by | Militarism | , , | Leave a comment

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.

June 14, 2025 Posted by | War Crimes | , , , , | Leave a comment

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:

Statement by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia at a UNSC Briefing following Israel’s strikes on Iran

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.

June 14, 2025 Posted by | War Crimes | , , , , | 1 Comment

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.”

June 14, 2025 Posted by | Militarism, War Crimes | , , , , , | Leave a comment

Operation True Promise 3: Iran’s ballistic missiles strike Tel Aviv

Al Mayadeen | June 13, 2025

Iran has launched three missile salvos targeting “Israel” in retaliation for its aggression on numerous Iranian regions and sensitive military and nuclear sites, with estimates of more than 200 missiles being launched.

Israeli media reported that close to 150 missiles were fired from Esfahan, Iran, toward “Israel”. It was later reported that a fire broke out in Tel Aviv near the Israeli Security Ministry after a missile achieved a direct hit, as the IRGC announced that the retaliatory strikes were conducted under Operation True Promise III. At the same time, Israeli media reported that “massive explosions” were heard above a sensitive location in “Israel”, and that several Israeli troops were wounded in the Nevatim military air base in the al-Naqab desert.

Al Mayadeen’s sources reported that the missiles were fired from multiple bases across several cities and provinces, including Fars in the country’s southeast.

Israeli Channel 12 reported that 200 to 300 missiles were launched in the Iranian attack, with impacts recorded in roughly nine locations across “Israel”. Israeli media lamented that the entirety of “Israel” was under attack.

Two Israeli F-35s downed

The Iranian missiles triggered sirens and air raid warnings across the occupied territories, with reports of missiles achieving direct hits on Haifa. Meanwhile, Israeli media reported several impacts in central occupied Palestine.

The Israeli Military Censor issued a directive not to take pictures and videos of the impact sites across the entity, while Israeli media described the situation as “unusual”.

Israeli reports also highlighted that numerous areas in the occupied territories faced a power blackout as a direct result of the Iranian missiles.

The spokesperson for the IOF doubled down on the media blackout imposed by “Israel”, calling on media channels to stop broadcasting footage of missile impact sites, while Israeli Channel 14 cited a security official as saying Iran was using this footage to assess the accuracy of its missiles.

Following the start of the operation, the IRGC released a statement saying, “Under the directives of the Revolution’s leader, a crushing and highly accurate response was carried out, striking dozens of military sites, strategic centers, and airbases in retaliation.”

Simultaneously, the Iranian Army announced that air defense forces successfully shot down two Israeli F-35 fighter jets, noting, however, that the fate of the jets’ two pilots remains unknown.

IRGC confirms attack on ‘Israel’

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that its missile strikes targeted key Israeli military installations in response to the recent Israeli aggression on Iranian territory, emphasizing that the attacks were precise and effective.

In a series of statements released by its Public Relations Department, the IRGC confirmed that it had struck Israeli military centers and air bases directly involved in attacks on Iran. Additionally, the IRGC stated that missile production facilities used by the Israeli army were among the designated targets.

“Testimonies and satellite imagery show that dozens of missiles hit their targets accurately,” the IRGC said, adding that “the enemy failed to withstand the waves of missile attacks launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Reaffirming Iran’s defensive posture, the IRGC stressed, “The security of the Islamic Republic of Iran is the red line for the armed forces,” the statement read, signaling Iran’s readiness to respond to any future threats with equal or greater force.

June 13, 2025 Posted by | Ethnic Cleansing, Racism, Zionism | , | Leave a comment

Iran becomes first country to shoot down fifth-gen F-35 fighter jets belonging to Israel

Press TV – June 13, 2025

Iran has earned the distinction of being the first country in the world to successfully shoot down fifth-generation fighter jets by targeting two stealth F-35 fighters belonging to the Zionist regime.

The regime deployed these advanced aircraft in its early Friday morning aggression against the Islamic Republic on Friday, which resulted in the assassination of several high-ranking Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, including women and children.

In an official statement, the Iranian Army’s Public Relations Office announced that its air defense forces had successfully struck and destroyed two F-35 fighter jets along with multiple drones belonging to the Zionist regime.

The report noted that the fate of the pilots remains unknown and is currently under investigation. Further information will be released in due course.

The F-35 fighters used by the Zionist regime are considered the most advanced in their class.

Israel acquired these jets primarily from the United States, with the F-35 Lightning II being produced by Lockheed Martin, an American aerospace manufacturer. Israel is one of the few countries authorized by the U.S. to operate this cutting-edge fifth-generation stealth fighter.

Delivered under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, the first jets arrived in the occupied territories around 2016.

The F-35I, Israel’s customized variant of the stealth fighter, is designed to evade radar detection, allowing the Israeli occupation military to conduct deep penetration missions with a lower risk of interception or tracking.

However, in a significant setback for the Tel Aviv regime and its American backers, the Iranian Army managed to down two of these advanced jets during Friday’s confrontation.

June 13, 2025 Posted by | Militarism | , , , | 1 Comment

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.”

June 13, 2025 Posted by | War Crimes, Wars for Israel | , , , | Leave a comment

Putin holds phone conversations with Israeli PM and Iranian president

RT | June 13, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin has held phone conversations with his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the escalation in the Middle East following the Israeli strike against Iran.

Israel launched a major attack on Iran overnight targeting nuclear facilities and various military installations. The strikes continued into the day, inflicting considerable material damage and casualties on Iran’s top military leadership and, reportedly, high-profile nuclear scientists.

“The Russian president expressed his condolences to the leadership and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran in connection with the numerous human casualties, including civilians, resulting from the Israeli strikes,” the Kremlin press service said in a statement on Friday.

Russia “condemns Israel’s actions, which violate the UN Charter and international law,” Putin stressed, according to the statement. At the same time, the Russian leader expressed a readiness to mediate and to “continue to contribute to the de-escalation of the conflict between Iran and Israel.”

Putin also underscored the importance of “returning to the negotiation process and resolving all issues related to the Iranian nuclear program exclusively through political and diplomatic means.” The ongoing escalation “is fraught with the most disastrous consequences for the entire region,” he warned.

The Israeli attack comes after five rounds of US-Iranian talks about Tehran’s nuclear program that effectively stalled and failed to produce any tangible result. The sixth round of negotiations was expected to take place in Oman on Sunday.

Iran has vowed to retaliate for the attack, insisting that it “cannot have been carried out without the coordination and authorization of the United States.” US President Donald Trump claimed he knew about the impending strikes beforehand, describing them as “very successful.” Trump also suggested Tehran brought the attack upon itself through its alleged reluctance to strike a nuclear deal.

“We gave them a chance and they didn’t take it. They got hit hard, very hard. They got hit about as hard as you’re going to get hit. And there’s more to come. A lot more,” he said, commenting on the attack.

June 13, 2025 Posted by | Ethnic Cleansing, Racism, Zionism, Militarism, War Crimes | , , , , | 1 Comment

Western hypocrisy: ‘Israel’ bombs Iran, Tehran told not to retaliate

Al Mayadeen | June 13, 2025

Top Western leaders have called for restraint in the wake of the ongoing Israeli aggression on Iranian territory. Brutal strikes targeted military, nuclear, and civilian infrastructure and led to multiple casualties. Yet, while urging de-escalation, these leaders have largely avoided condemning “Israel’s” violation of international law, choosing instead to direct their diplomatic pressure on Tehran not to retaliate.

The double standard is stark: while Iran has consistently operated within the framework of international law and the UN Charter, the Israeli entity has carried out cross-border aggression with impunity. Under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Iran has a recognized legal right to self-defense, a point conspicuously absent from most Western statements.

Europe avoids accountability for ‘Israel’

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the situation, not Israeli attacks, “dangerous” and appealed for restraint from “all sides”, despite Iran being the target of the aggression. Kallas, who reportedly spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar shortly after the attack, did not denounce the strikes or the violations of Iranian sovereignty.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed the vague language, urging parties to “exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate immediately, and refrain from retaliation.” The call placed the burden on Iran to avoid a response, while the Israeli entity’s unlawful actions were met with silence.

On his part, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani both stressed the need for “diplomacy”, but neither condemned the unilateral Israeli aggression. Tajani stated, “There is no solution but a diplomatic one. Actions and reactions are dangerous,” drawing false parity between attacker and victim.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron convened a special defense meeting but offered no criticism of “Israel’s” blatant breach of international norms.

Australia and NATO echo the US line

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking from Fiji, framed the issue around Iran’s nuclear program rather than the illegal nature of the Israeli strike. “We are very conscious of the threat that Iran becoming a nuclear state would represent,” he said, further aligning with Washington’s narrative. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs updated travel advisories, urging Australians to leave “Israel” and the occupied Palestinian territories.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, while warning of escalation, also avoided assigning blame, waving the “de-escalation” card for vague purposes.

“De-escalation is now the first order of the day,” he said, reflecting a Western consensus that implicitly tolerates Israeli militarism while expecting Iranian restraint.

Walking a delicate line

Former US President Donald Trump confirmed that he had been briefed ahead of the strikes and stated, “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb. We are hoping to get back to the negotiating table,” again shifting the narrative away from Israeli accountability.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that the United States had no involvement in the strikes but issued a warning to Tehran, “Israel took unilateral action against Iran,” and any retaliation must not target US interests.

“We are not involved in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” Rubio said in an official statement. “Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense, Rubio added, although it was “Israel” that always initiated attacks against the Islamic Republic.

“Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel,” Rubio said, without addressing whether Washington would defend “Israel” in the event of Iranian retaliation, departing from traditional US messaging that often emphasizes unwavering support for the Israeli regime. This support came directly from the US president himself, who rushed to “Israel’s” rescue.

‘Both sides’ should avoid further destabilization

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the attacks “concerning” but urged all sides to reduce tensions, stopping short of condemning the aggression.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who received a direct call from Netanyahu, affirmed “Israel’s” so-called right to “self-defense” and echoed longstanding Western concerns over Iran’s nuclear program. He, too, urged both sides to avoid further destabilization, without acknowledging who initiated the escalation.

Tehran maintains right to self-defense

Iranian officials have underscored that the Islamic Republic has not initiated the war and that its actions have consistently adhered to international law. Tehran has emphasized that its right to respond is enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter, asserting that “Israel’s” continued violations of international law, coupled with Western silence, further undermine the credibility of global institutions.

The widespread Western calls for restraint, directed almost exclusively at Iran, highlight a longstanding hypocrisy: that Israeli violations of international law are tolerated, while Iranian sovereignty and legal rights are dismissed or ignored.

It is worth noting that this is happening as Oman was planning to host the sixth round of US‑Iran nuclear talks this Sunday in Muscat.

Tehran and Washington have held five rounds of talks since April to carve a new nuclear deal to replace the 2015 accord that Trump unilaterally withdrew from during his first term in 2018.

Iran has always reiterated its commitment to diplomacy while upholding its commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, while the West has manipulated the agency to serve geopolitical goals.

It is worth noting that Iranian media outlets on Thursday published a series of documents that reveal covert coordination between IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and “Israel”, a collaboration Iranian officials say was designed to politicize the agency’s oversight of Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.

June 13, 2025 Posted by | Militarism, Progressive Hypocrite, War Crimes | , , , , , , | Leave a comment

‘Israel’ crossed the line, aggression is war declaration: Araghchi

Al Mayadeen | June 13, 2025

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that “Israel has crossed every red line” in its hostilities against Iran, calling the Israeli attacks on Iran this Friday “a declaration of war.”

In a letter to the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary-General, Araghchi urged an emergency meeting to address “Israel’s” military actions against Iran, insisting that “the matter must be dealt with immediately.” Araghchi urged the UN Security Council to fulfill its obligations under the UN Charter, demanding that it condemn the attack and take swift, decisive action to hold “Israel” accountable.

The Iranian Foreign Minister also reaffirmed his country’s determination to defend itself in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, stating that “Israel’s attacks on Iran constitute a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as an independent UN member state.”

Earlier on Friday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated in a televised address, “The Iranian people and the nation’s officials will never remain silent in the face of this brazen aggression,” emphasizing that “the enemy will receive a legitimate, forceful, and decisive response that will make it regret its foolish act.”

Pezeshkian vows devastating response to ‘Israel’s’ aggression

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed on Friday that the Islamic Republic of Iran would deliver a powerful and legitimate response to “Israel’s” act of aggression, warning that the enemy will deeply regret its actions.

“Israel” launched a major attack on Iran in the early hours of Friday, targeting residential buildings, nuclear facilities, and military infrastructure across Iran.

June 13, 2025 Posted by | War Crimes | , , , | Leave a comment

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