Tensions Rise Between the U.S. and Iran Amid Strikes and Protests

The recent airstrikes by the United States on three Iranian nuclear sites sparked widespread protests throughout the country, particularly in major cities such as New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles. These demonstrations occurred on June 22, following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s dismissive stance on intelligence regarding the alleged weaponization of Iran’s nuclear capabilities, which he deemed “irrelevant.”

President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of regime change in Iran while addressing the situation on his social media platform. He remarked that if the current administration in Iran fails to make the country thrive, then a regime change should be contemplated, despite his team downplaying this notion, emphasizing that their military actions were not aimed at toppling the Iranian government. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth characterized the operations as precise actions targeting the nuclear program rather than an effort to instigate a governmental overhaul.

After more than 100 days in ICE detention, Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, alongside his wife, returned to Columbia University and expressed gratitude toward supporters for their fight for justice. In the wake of these tense events, Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani condemned the U.S. strikes as unjustified and reiterated Iran’s potential for a measured response.

On the international stage, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin criticized the U.S.-Israeli attacks while affirming Moscow’s intentions to support the Iranian populace. Following a temporary closure of Qatar's airspace, Iran retaliated by launching missiles towards U.S. bases in the region, leading to significant explosions heard from Doha. Meanwhile, NATO Chief Mark Rutte stated that the U.S. actions were within international law, insisting that the development of Iranian nuclear weapons must not be permitted. In a corresponding context, Israeli emergency services reported casualties following Iranian retaliatory strikes just before a ceasefire was anticipated.