Israel Iran War Live Updates: Putin condemns US strikes on Iran; Israel targets Fordo nuclear site again

Israel Iran War Live Updates: Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly denounced the US airstrikes on Iran, labeling them 'unprovoked aggression' and 'unjustified,' while expressing Russia's commitment to aiding the Iranian people. Speaking to Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow, Putin reaffirmed Moscow's support amid escalating regional tensions. At the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Istanbul, Araghchi condemned the US strikes as a blatant breach, asserting that the attack crossed a critical red line and vowing that Iran would respond decisively to future aggression. He confirmed plans for high-level talks in Moscow for what he described as essential consultations. Meanwhile, Trump claimed the bombings caused massive underground damage, though US officials were still evaluating the full extent. Satellite imagery suggested Iran may have prepared for the strikes by sealing tunnel entrances at its Isfahan nuclear facility. Australia backed the US action, emphasizing non-proliferation while advocating diplomacy, though Araghchi dismissed renewed negotiations, accusing Washington of abandoning diplomatic efforts in favor of coercion.
20:05 (IST) Jun 23
Iran Israel War Live: Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon, Nato chief says
"When it comes to Nato's stance on Iran's nuclear programme, allies have long agreed that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon," said Nato secretary general Mark Rutte ahead of a Nato summit in The Hague. "Iranian drones are killing innocent Ukrainians every day in cities, in communities without any respect for life," said Rutte.
Iran warned that the US bombing could escalate regional conflict and lead to "serious, unpredictable consequences." Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned Israel's June 13 offensive as "a big mistake." According to official figures, Israeli strikes have killed over 400 people in Iran, while Iran's retaliation has resulted in 24 deaths in Israel.
20:02 (IST) Jun 23
Iran Israel War Live: 'No reason to criticise' US strikes in Iran, says Germany's Merz
"There is no reason to criticise what America did at the weekend. Yes, it is not without risk. But leaving things as they were was not an option either," AFP quoted Merz saying.
The US strikes followed Israel's massive June 13 assault on Iranian missile and nuclear sites, as well as key military and security figures. These actions came amid longstanding tensions over Iran's uranium enrichment program, which has raised alarm in the West and Israel over potential weapons development—an accusation Iran continues to deny.
20:00 (IST) Jun 23
Iran Israel War Live: Nuclear fears mount after US strikes, warns IAEA chief
In Vienna, Rafael Grossi, head of the UN's nuclear watchdog, stated that the Fordo nuclear facility likely suffered severe damage following the US airstrike using heavy bunker-buster bombs. He cited the explosive payload as the reason for expecting substantial destruction at the site.
'Given the explosive payload utilised ... very significant damage ... is expected to have occurred,' said Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The US strikes marked a significant escalation, directly involving Washington in the Israel-Iran conflict and raising concerns of a broader regional war. Iran accused the US of crossing a critical line, though Iranian officials, including the Atomic Energy Organization's spokesman, claimed sensitive nuclear materials were removed from the sites in advance. Grossi confirmed that Iran had warned the IAEA of protective measures on June 13.
19:58 (IST) Jun 23
Iran Israel War Live: Israel targets Iran's government, key Tehran prison as Iran launches more attacks on Israel
Israel launched a series of strikes on Iranian government targets in Tehran, following Iran's missile and drone attacks that came in response to US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities the previous day. Among the Israeli targets were Evin Prison and the Revolutionary Guards' security headquarters. Additionally, Israel confirmed hitting roads near Iran's Fordo enrichment facility to hinder access, one of the sites previously targeted by the US.
'The Iranian dictator will be punished with full force for attacking the Israeli home front,' the ministry said.
19:55 (IST) Jun 23
'Unprovoked aggression': Putin on US strikes on Iran
Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged Moscow's support to help de-escalate the Israel-Iran conflict, following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. He met with Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow, who arrived for urgent consultations and was expected to deliver a message from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Acknowledging the heightened tensions, Putin reaffirmed Russia's stance on the crisis, aligning with earlier statements from the Russian foreign ministry. 'This is an absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran, has no basis or justification,' he said. 'We have long-standing, good, and reliable relations with Iran. On our part, we are making efforts to help the Iranian people,' Putin told Araghchi.
A fresh round of aerial assaults broke out between Iran and Israel after US warplanes launched strikes over the weekend on three Iranian nuclear facilities using powerful bunker-buster bombs. Donald Trump claimed the attacks had 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear infrastructure, though American officials cautioned it was premature to assess the full extent of the damage. As hostilities intensified, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that Israel had committed 'a big mistake,' while both nations reported intercepting missiles, and oil prices surged amid growing global alarm.
In reaction to the escalating situation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on China to help deter Iran from shutting the vital Strait of Hormuz, as the State Department issued a global travel advisory. Anti-US and anti-Israel protests erupted in Tehran, with residents voicing outrage and unease. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian directly accused Washington of collaborating with Israel and vowed a response. Trump, meanwhile, took to social media to hint at regime change in Iran and touted the attacks' success. The Pentagon confirmed significant destruction at the targeted nuclear sites, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted the offensive would persist until Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities were fully dismantled.

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