Tensions Rise as Iran Responds to US Airstrikes; International Reactions Follow

On July 22, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian joined thousands in Tehran to express outrage against the United States and Israel, following President Donald Trump's order for airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. He described these actions as "unprovoked aggression" that lacked any justification.

In a show of solidarity, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the strikes while hosting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow. Amid escalating tensions, Iran responded by launching six missiles at the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, reportedly targeting American bases in Iraq and Qatar as part of an operation labeled 'Annunciation of Victory'.

The NATO chief, Mark Rutte, addressed the legality of the US actions, stating they did not breach international law, and emphasized the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weaponry. As the conflict continued, casualties mounted, with Israeli emergency services reporting deaths and injuries from Iranian attacks just before a ceasefire was set to be enacted.

In the broader context of the violence, a stark human rights crisis was highlighted by reports of starvation in Gaza, where civilians, particularly children, faced severe malnutrition due to Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid. Additionally, Ireland took a stand by becoming the first European nation to advocate for criminalizing imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, a move seen as a response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Furthermore, during a NATO public forum, Rutte commended Türkiye's defense sector and championed stronger alliances between NATO members, particularly with Türkiye, in light of current geopolitical challenges.