Following the recent attacks on Iranian nuclear sites by the US and Israel, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the nation, claiming the US had “gained nothing” from its involvement in the conflict. The comments came after the US attacked three Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting a retaliatory missile strike on a US base in Qatar. Meanwhile, Iran’s Guardian Council ratified a bill to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. Both sides are assessing the damage, with conflicting reports on the extent of the destruction, and talks regarding a potential ceasefire are planned between the US and Iran.
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Following air attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow and pledged support to Iran. Putin did not specify the nature of this support, while the Kremlin suggested it would depend on Iran’s needs. Highlighting the established alliance between the two nations, Putin condemned the attacks as unprovoked aggression and affirmed Russia’s commitment to supporting the Iranian people. Furthermore, Putin also discussed the Middle East crisis with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani.
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Following Iran’s retaliatory strike on a US military base in Qatar, French President Emmanuel Macron urged all parties to de-escalate and return to negotiations. Macron, during a press conference in Norway, stated that US strikes on Iran were not legal, while also supporting the objective of preventing Iran from developing nuclear arms. He opposed any military-led regime change, emphasizing the need for diplomatic and technical solutions. Furthermore, Macron warned of the potential global economic consequences if Iran were to close the Strait of Hormuz.
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Following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced an urgent trip to Moscow for talks with President Putin, highlighting the strong strategic partnership between the two nations. This partnership includes Iran supplying Russia with military drones for use in Ukraine in exchange for Russian assistance with Iran’s civilian nuclear program. The visit comes amidst ongoing efforts to negotiate a settlement regarding Iran’s nuclear program and following months of Israeli lobbying for U.S. intervention. Russia, while maintaining warm relations with Israel, has firmly opposed any regime change in Iran.
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Following Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military facilities and reportedly killing civilians, including women and children, Iranian Armed Forces spokesperson Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi vowed a retaliatory response. Shekarchi declared that both Israel and the United States would “pay dearly” for the attacks, regardless of US denials of involvement. The strikes, described by Israel as preemptive, reportedly killed Major General Hossein Salami, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran’s armed forces are reportedly on high alert.
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Amid reports of a potential Israeli attack on Iran, a Houthi source warned both Israel and the United States of severe consequences. The source cited heightened Houthi readiness due to ongoing conflict with Israel and the dire situation in Gaza, vowing escalation against Israel. Furthermore, the source explicitly threatened the U.S. with retaliation for any actions against the Houthis or Iran, emphasizing the risk of wider regional war. The warnings follow U.S. evacuations of non-essential personnel from several Middle Eastern countries, adding to the escalating tensions. This comes against the backdrop of ongoing, yet uncertain, nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
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The US and Argentina are reportedly launching a new global health organization, touted as an “alternative” to the World Health Organization (WHO). This initiative immediately raises questions about its necessity and potential effectiveness. The sheer idea of creating a duplicate organization, essentially recreating the wheel at significant expense, seems counterintuitive, especially given the already existing infrastructure and expertise within the WHO. The financial implications alone are staggering, particularly considering Argentina’s current economic struggles and its reliance on IMF bailouts. One wonders how diverting resources towards this new entity will contribute to its economic recovery and its ability to repay its debts.… Continue reading
A newly signed minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine grants the U.S. preferential access to Ukrainian minerals and funds Ukrainian reconstruction. Russian officials, including Dmitry Medvedev, interpret this as Ukraine paying for U.S. military aid, characterizing it as a forced transaction leveraging Ukraine’s national wealth. This deal coincides with ongoing tensions regarding peace talks, with Russia expressing readiness but Ukraine demanding an immediate ceasefire. Critics suggest the agreement hinders Russia’s peace negotiation goals by justifying increased U.S. military spending in Ukraine.
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Following Russia’s nuclear threats and deployment of atomic weapons to Belarus, Polish President Andrzej Duda urged the U.S. to deploy nuclear weapons in Poland, citing NATO’s eastward expansion in 1999. Duda suggested that relocating U.S. warheads from Western Europe to Poland would enhance regional security and counter Russia’s actions. He also proposed reviving a nuclear-sharing program and supported France’s offer of an extended nuclear umbrella, while rejecting the idea of Poland developing its own nuclear arsenal. This proposal, while potentially provocative to Moscow, reflects growing NATO concern over Russia’s nuclear posture.
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Following US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia, a proposed 30-day ceasefire was agreed upon, contingent on Russia’s acceptance. President Zelenskyy anticipates strong US action, potentially sanctions, if Russia refuses. While initial messages from the US were positive, the situation remains critical, with the potential for escalation. Russia, however, expressed skepticism and insisted on a settlement on its terms, while Ukraine seeks security guarantees for a lasting peace.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood