Latest news with #SeyedAbbasAraghchi


Roya News
a day ago
- Politics
- Roya News
'Hospital damage was superficial; we struck military targets only": Iran's Foreign Minister
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that Iranian armed forces successfully struck an 'Israeli' Military Command, Control, and Intelligence headquarters along with another vital target earlier today. Earlier today, our powerful Armed Forces accurately eliminated an Israeli Military Command, Control & Intelligence HQ and another vital target. The blast wave caused superficial damage to a small section of the nearby, and largely evacuated, Soroka Military Hospital. The… — Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 19, 2025 He stated that the resulting blast caused only superficial damage to a small, largely evacuated part of the nearby Soroka Military Hospital, which primarily treats Israeli soldiers involved in the conflict in Gaza, where 'Israel' has reportedly destroyed or damaged 94 percent of Palestinian hospitals. Araghchi condemned Israel as the initiator of the ongoing violence, accusing it of targeting hospitals and civilians, and noted that hundreds of innocent Iranians have been killed since 'Israel' launched what he called an 'illegal war' against Iran last week. He called on 'Israelis' to comply with Iranian evacuation orders before strikes and to avoid military and intelligence sites, warning that Iran's armed forces will continue to target those responsible until they end their aggression.


The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Japan calls for "utmost restraint" amid Israel-Iran conflict
A drone flies beside a damaged building following a strike by an Iranian missile in the Israeli city of Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, early on June 15, 2025. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said any action that could further escalate the situation should be refrained from. - AFP TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya on Monday (June 16) told his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi that all parties must exercise "utmost restraint" amid an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. During their phone talks, Iwaya said any action that could further escalate the situation should be refrained from, adding he is "deeply concerned about the current exchange of attacks spreading throughout the Middle East region," according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry. Highly dependent on crude oil imports from the Middle East, Japan has traditionally maintained friendly relations with Iran, Kyodo News reported. Israel has since early Friday launched airstrikes on the Iranian capital Tehran and other areas across the country, killing a number of Iran's top military commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians. In response, Iran has since Friday night launched a series of missile and drone strikes on different targets in Israel, inflicting casualties and heavy damage. - Xinhua


Hans India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
EAM Jaishankar dials UAE, Armenian counterparts amid Mideast tensions
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held telephonic conversations with his counterparts in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Armenia amid escalating tensions in the Middle East while reinforcing India's active engagement in regional affairs. In back-to-back telephonic calls, EAM Jaishankar discussed the fast-evolving situation and emphasised the importance of dialogue and cooperation. In a post on X, the EAM shared details of his conversation with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, stating: "Spoke with FM @AraratMirzoyan of Armenia. Discussed ongoing developments in the region and our close cooperation." The reference to 'ongoing developments' suggests concern over regional security and potential spillover effects from broader Middle Eastern tensions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Armenia following Tuesday's G7 Summit in Canada. Shortly afterwards, Jaishankar also held a telephone conversation with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Highlighting the significance of diplomacy, he wrote on X: "Had a telecon with DPM & FM @ABZayed of UAE on the current situation in West Asia and the role of diplomacy. Agreed to remain in touch." Earlier on Saturday, Jaishankar also spoke with Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. The Indian Embassy in Iran posted on X: "External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a phone conversation with FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi this evening. EAM conveyed the deep concern of the international community at the turn of events. He urged avoidance of any escalatory steps and an early return to diplomacy." The Ministry of External Affairs issued a formal statement expressing concern over rising hostilities between Iran and Israel. Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, 'We are deeply concerned at the recent developments between Iran and Israel. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites.'


CNN
4 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Analysis: China ‘condemns' Israel as it looks to show itself as a potential peace broker
As an unprecedented Israeli attack on Iran last week sparks a spiraling conflict between the two enemy states, China has seen an opportunity to cast itself as potential peace broker – and an alternative voice to the United States. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi took up this mission over the weekend, speaking with both his Iranian and Israeli counterparts in separate phone calls, where Wang decried the attack that sparked latest conflict and telegraphed China's offer to 'play a constructive role' in its resolution. 'China explicitly condemns Israel's violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity … (and) supports Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty, defending its legitimate rights and interests,' Wang said in a call Saturday with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, according to Beijing's official readout. China's self-described 'explicit' opposition to Israel's attack stands in sharp contrast to the country's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine – which Beijing refused to condemn as it ramped up its close ties with Moscow. It also underscores the hardening of geopolitical lines that have placed China in opposition to the US across a host of global issues. Israel launched its aerial attack targeting Iran's nuclear, missile and military complex early Friday in what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said was an operation to 'roll back' the Iranian threat to his country's survival. Multiple waves of deadly assaults launched by both sides in the days since have seen mounting casualties and raised the risk of a broader regional conflagration that could involve the United States, which has so far only assisted in Israel's defense against an onslaught on Iranian missiles and drones. In Beijing's eyes, all this gives ample reason to be outspoken on a conflict playing out in a part of the world where it has steadily worked to increase its own economic and diplomatic sway, but where experts say its heft as a powerbroker remains limited. For one, as the Trump administration's 'America First' policy has shaken up the US' traditional position on the international stage, Beijing sees an opportunity to further expand its clout. That's especially true in the context of countries across the Global South, where Israel has received stark condemnation over its ongoing assault on Gaza. Beijing is also a key diplomatic and economic backer of Iran and has moved to further deepen collaboration in recent years, including holding joint naval drills, even as it's sought to balance those ties with its growing relations with countries like Saudi Arabia. Chinese officials long voiced opposition to US sanctions on Iran and criticized the US withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, while accusing Washington of being a source of instability and tensions in the region. Wang took veiled aim at the US in his call with his Iranian counterpart Saturday, according to the Chinese readout of the call, saying that 'China also urges the countries that have influence over Israel to make concrete efforts to restore peace.' 'China is ready to maintain communication with Iran and other relevant parties to continue playing a constructive role in de-escalating the situation,' he added. Speaking to Israeli Foreign Minsiter Gideon Sa'ar on Saturday, Wang said China 'urged both Israel and Iran to resolve differences through dialogue' and added 'that China is willing to play a constructive role in supporting these efforts,' a Chinese readout said. Beijing is unlikely to see benefits from the deepening of tensions in the region, which it relies on for energy and where it has looked to show itself as an emerging powerbroker. For example, it took on a surprise role in facilitating a diplomatic rapprochement between archrivals Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023. It's unclear what role Beijing could play in the resolution of the current conflict, including how much leverage Beijing has over Tehran, even as lawmakers in Washington have warned of a deepening 'axis' between China, Iran, Russia and North Korea. China remains by far Iran's largest energy buyer, though it has not reported purchases of Iranian oil in its official customs data since 2022, according to analysts. This year, the US sanctioned a handful of Chinese entities for their alleged role in trading Iranian oil, and Chinese-made chemicals needed to produce missile fuel have been delivered to Iran in recent months, CNN reporting shows. But when it comes to managing the direction of this escalation of an entrenched regional conflict, chances are that players both within the Middle East and the US – which plays a key role in regional security – will ultimately drive that effort. Trump on Sunday posted on social media that Iran and Israel 'will make a deal,' adding that 'many calls and meetings' were 'now taking place,' without providing details. But the US president had also suggested another potential leader could have a role to play brokering peace: Vladimir Putin, with whom Trump said he discussed the escalating situation on Saturday. In an interview with ABC News, Trump said he was open to the Russian leader, whose forces invaded Ukraine and who has resisted a US-brokered ceasefire in that conflict, serving as a mediator – another sign of the warming ties between Washington and Moscow, which maintains close relations with Tehran and has condemned Israel's attack. 'I would be open to it,' Trump said. Putin 'is ready.'


CNN
4 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Analysis: China ‘condemns' Israel as it looks to show itself as a potential peace broker
As an unprecedented Israeli attack on Iran last week sparks a spiraling conflict between the two enemy states, China has seen an opportunity to cast itself as potential peace broker – and an alternative voice to the United States. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi took up this mission over the weekend, speaking with both his Iranian and Israeli counterparts in separate phone calls, where Wang decried the attack that sparked latest conflict and telegraphed China's offer to 'play a constructive role' in its resolution. 'China explicitly condemns Israel's violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity … (and) supports Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty, defending its legitimate rights and interests,' Wang said in a call Saturday with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, according to Beijing's official readout. China's self-described 'explicit' opposition to Israel's attack stands in sharp contrast to the country's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine – which Beijing refused to condemn as it ramped up its close ties with Moscow. It also underscores the hardening of geopolitical lines that have placed China in opposition to the US across a host of global issues. Israel launched its aerial attack targeting Iran's nuclear, missile and military complex early Friday in what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said was an operation to 'roll back' the Iranian threat to his country's survival. Multiple waves of deadly assaults launched by both sides in the days since have seen mounting casualties and raised the risk of a broader regional conflagration that could involve the United States, which has so far only assisted in Israel's defense against an onslaught on Iranian missiles and drones. In Beijing's eyes, all this gives ample reason to be outspoken on a conflict playing out in a part of the world where it has steadily worked to increase its own economic and diplomatic sway, but where experts say its heft as a powerbroker remains limited. For one, as the Trump administration's 'America First' policy has shaken up the US' traditional position on the international stage, Beijing sees an opportunity to further expand its clout. That's especially true in the context of countries across the Global South, where Israel has received stark condemnation over its ongoing assault on Gaza. Beijing is also a key diplomatic and economic backer of Iran and has moved to further deepen collaboration in recent years, including holding joint naval drills, even as it's sought to balance those ties with its growing relations with countries like Saudi Arabia. Chinese officials long voiced opposition to US sanctions on Iran and criticized the US withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, while accusing Washington of being a source of instability and tensions in the region. Wang took veiled aim at the US in his call with his Iranian counterpart Saturday, according to the Chinese readout of the call, saying that 'China also urges the countries that have influence over Israel to make concrete efforts to restore peace.' 'China is ready to maintain communication with Iran and other relevant parties to continue playing a constructive role in de-escalating the situation,' he added. Speaking to Israeli Foreign Minsiter Gideon Sa'ar on Saturday, Wang said China 'urged both Israel and Iran to resolve differences through dialogue' and added 'that China is willing to play a constructive role in supporting these efforts,' a Chinese readout said. Beijing is unlikely to see benefits from the deepening of tensions in the region, which it relies on for energy and where it has looked to show itself as an emerging powerbroker. For example, it took on a surprise role in facilitating a diplomatic rapprochement between archrivals Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023. It's unclear what role Beijing could play in the resolution of the current conflict, including how much leverage Beijing has over Tehran, even as lawmakers in Washington have warned of a deepening 'axis' between China, Iran, Russia and North Korea. China remains by far Iran's largest energy buyer, though it has not reported purchases of Iranian oil in its official customs data since 2022, according to analysts. This year, the US sanctioned a handful of Chinese entities for their alleged role in trading Iranian oil, and Chinese-made chemicals needed to produce missile fuel have been delivered to Iran in recent months, CNN reporting shows. But when it comes to managing the direction of this escalation of an entrenched regional conflict, chances are that players both within the Middle East and the US – which plays a key role in regional security – will ultimately drive that effort. Trump on Sunday posted on social media that Iran and Israel 'will make a deal,' adding that 'many calls and meetings' were 'now taking place,' without providing details. But the US president had also suggested another potential leader could have a role to play brokering peace: Vladimir Putin, with whom Trump said he discussed the escalating situation on Saturday. In an interview with ABC News, Trump said he was open to the Russian leader, whose forces invaded Ukraine and who has resisted a US-brokered ceasefire in that conflict, serving as a mediator – another sign of the warming ties between Washington and Moscow, which maintains close relations with Tehran and has condemned Israel's attack. 'I would be open to it,' Trump said. Putin 'is ready.'