Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that the US and Israel have crossed a major red line by attacking Iran's nuclear facilities, calling it a "grave crime". He is heading to Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin amid an ongoing Israeli bombing campaign targeting Iranian nuclear sites. The attacks, which include one at Fordow's underground uranium enrichment facility, have raised tensions between the US and Iran.
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3315396/us-israel-crossed-big-red-line-iran-fm-says-heads-moscow-putin-meeting?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionRussia strongly condemned US bombings of nuclear sites in Iran, calling them "irresponsible" and a "gross violation of international law". The strikes, which targeted Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities, were seen as a dangerous escalation of the conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the attacks as "outrageous" and "lawless", while US President Donald Trump stated that Iran must now make peace after the destruction of its facilities. Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with Araghchi in Moscow for talks following the attacks.
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/06/22/russia-condemns-irresponsible-us-strikes-on-iran-a89526President Trump's diplomatic engagement with Pakistan and India helped de-escalate a rapidly deteriorating situation following Indian aggression, securing a ceasefire and averting a broader conflict that could have had catastrophic consequences for millions in the region. The US president demonstrated great strategic foresight and stellar statesmanship through robust dialogue with Islamabad and New Delhi, showcasing his role as a genuine peacemaker and commitment to conflict resolution. Trump's efforts to resolve the longstanding dispute over Jammu and Kashmir are seen as a testament to his pragmatic diplomacy and effective peace-building, with Pakistan hopeful that his continued involvement will contribute to regional and global stability in the face of ongoing crises in the Middle East.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/06/21/pakistan-decides-to-formally-recommend-trump-for-2026-nobel-peace-prizeUS President Trump's attack on Iran has raised concerns that it may have made Iran more likely to develop nuclear weapons, with critics arguing that diplomacy was not working and Tehran had already taken precautions in anticipation of strikes. The attack comes at a time when Iran is considered weak, following the recent defeat of its ally Syria's Bashar al-Assad and the decimation of Lebanon's Hezbollah by Israel. Trump's decision to cut short his diplomatic efforts has also raised questions about Iran's willingness to trust US words, with some experts warning that it may hasten the country's downfall or entrench its authoritarian regime.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/06/22/trumps-iran-strikes-tactical-win-or-strategic-gamble/181262Pakistan and China reaffirmed their commitment to their "All-weather strategic cooperative partnership" during a meeting in Kunming, China. The engagement marked the first trilateral vice foreign minister/foreign secretary meeting between Bangladesh, Pakistan, and China. Pakistani Additional Secretary Imran Ahmed Siddiqui met Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, discussing regional and global developments. They emphasized the need for enhanced strategic communication to address challenges and tap opportunities for regional peace and prosperity, with a focus on the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1323393-pakistan-china-reaffirm-all-weather-ties-at-kunming-forumIndia plans to divert water from Pakistan via a canal for internal use, according to Home Minister Amit Shah. The decision comes after India put its participation in the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty into "abeyance" following the killing of 26 civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir. Pakistan has denied involvement in the incident and is exploring a legal challenge to India's decision, which would affect water access for 80% of Pakistan's farms through three rivers originating in India.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/610260-india-says-it-will-never-restore-indus-waters-treaty-with-pakistanIndia's announcement to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance has been condemned by Pakistan as a "reckless and dangerous precedent" that undermines credibility of international agreements. The treaty, which governs water sharing between India and Pakistan, is seen as a key point of contention. Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) has warned India against "weaponising water for political ends," urging it to rescind its stance. Pakistan remains committed to the treaty and will take necessary measures to protect its rights under it. The move by Indian Cabinet Minister Shah has dimmed hopes for negotiations on the treaty in the near term, with Islamabad exploring a legal challenge to India's decision under international law.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/610288-pakistan-slams-indias-iwt-stance-as-reckless-violation-of-international-lawRear Admiral Faisal Shah criticized India's operational miscalculations during the crisis, while commending Pakistan's strong response that adhered to strategic redlines. Dr Taimur Shamil emphasized the need for robust international partnerships to address transnational information conflicts. Journalists Umar Khalid Butt and Haitham Naser shared insights on narrative development, sparking debate among experts. IRS President Jauhar Saleem highlighted Pakistan's effective diplomatic response that countered misleading narratives and exposed India's domestic motivations.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1323616-experts-call-for-leveraging-renewed-international-interest-in-kashmir-disputeTulsi Gabbard, the US national intelligence director, stated that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon and its supreme leader had not reauthorized a dormant program despite enriching uranium to higher levels. However, President Trump disagreed, calling her assessment "wrong" after public pushback from both of them. Despite a two-month diplomatic effort with Iran, Trump has shifted military resources into the Middle East to protect Israel and US bases from Iranian attacks, while making explicit threats against Supreme Leader Khamenei and calling for Tehran's unconditional surrender.
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