Putin Condemns US-Israel Strikes as Iran Launches Missiles in Response

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed strong disapproval of the US-Israel military strikes on Iran, labeling them as completely unjustified and without any legitimate reasoning. During a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow on June 23, he highlighted Russia's intention to assist the Iranian populace amid escalating hostilities.

In a significant escalation, Iran retaliated shortly after Qatar suspended its airspace, launching six missiles aimed at the US Al Udeid Air Base, with loud explosions reported near Doha. According to Iran's Tasnim news agency, this military operation was named 'Annunciation of Victory' and was intended to target American military installations in both Iraq and Qatar.

NATO chief Mark Rutte stated on June 23 that the recent American strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities were not in breach of international law, insisting that it is crucial for Iran to refrain from pursuing nuclear armament. In the wake of these tensions, Israeli emergency services reported that at least three people died and eight were injured from the latest Iranian missile attacks on southern Israel, which occurred just before a ceasefire was expected to take effect.

Amid these developments, reports from Gaza depict a dire humanitarian situation, with children suffering from severe hunger due to Israeli restrictions on aid, forcing displaced families to survive in tents. In a related political context, Ireland has emerged as the first European nation to propose legislation aimed at criminalizing imports from Israeli settlements located in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, a move sparked by Israel’s military actions in Gaza.