✍️ Headline: U.S. Strikes Iran — Russia Steps In as Potential Mediator

✍️ Headline: U.S. Strikes Iran — Russia Steps In as Potential Mediator


Lead: In a dramatic escalation of the Iran–U.S. crisis, Operation Midnight Hammer saw U.S. forces bomb Iran’s nuclear sites on June 22, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes and threats to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. Russia has condemned the attacks and quietly positioned itself as a diplomatic broker—accepting a mission from Tehran to discuss aid and mediation in Moscow.

📰 Latest Headlines

1. U.S. bombs three Iranian nuclear sites

On June 22, U.S. forces struck Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, launching a mix of submarine-launched Tomahawks and bunker-buster bombs. The operation, dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” inflicted heavy damage, according to the U.S., though Iran claims the strikes were “superficial”

2. Trump threatens regime change

President Trump publicly floated the idea of regime change in Tehran — tweeting provocatively: “If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!” 

3. Iran retaliates — missile attacks and Hormuz threats

Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel that handles roughly a quarter of global oil shipments 

4. U.S. officials say diplomacy still on the table

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the U.S. is “not at war” with Iran, maintaining that regime change isn’t the official goal 5. Global backlash and calls for de-escalation

• UN, EU, UK, France, Germany and others called for calm and urged Iran not to escalate further 

• Israel supported the U.S. actions and carried out its own strikes on Tehran, including targeting Evin Prison 

• 6. Russia condemns U.S. strikes — offers to mediate

• Moscow strongly criticized the U.S. strike. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called it “unprovoked aggression” and warned of a dangerous escalation 

• President Putin echoed these sentiments in a meeting with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, labeling the attacks “absolutely unprovoked” and signaling deep concern 

• Russia formally offered to mediate between the U.S. and Iran — positioning itself as a diplomatic intermediary, though specific support measures remain unclear .

7. Ayatollah Khamenei seeks more from Russia

Supreme Leader Khamenei has dispatched Araqchi to Moscow requesting enhanced Russian backing — likely diplomatic, but possibly military assistance, though the absence of a mutual defense clause in the January partnership treaty complicates expectations 

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🧩 What It Means

• Escalation risk remains high: Military responses from Iran and Israel, U.S. threats of further strikes, and global alarm signal serious tension.

• Oil markets rattled: Talks of a potential Hormuz blockade and regional unrest drove Brent crude above $80/barrel earlier today .

• Diplomacy being tested: Russia’s mediation offer may shift dynamics—be it soft-peace efforts or deeper involvement.

Date	Event
June 13	Mossad‑aided missile & drone strikes by Iran at Israel launch the regional conflict
June 20–21	U.S.–EU nuclear talks stall as Israel ramps up its strikes .
June 22	U.S. bombs Iranian nuclear sites; Trump teases regime change .
June 22–23	Iran launches missile strikes on Israel, threats made to shut Strait of Hormuz .
June 23	Russia condemns strikes, Putin meets Araqchi, offers mediation; Iran presses for Russian support .

en.wikipedia.org
United States strikes on Iranian nuclear sites
Today — On June 22, 2025,the United States Air Force and Navy attacked three nuclear facilities in Iran as part of the Iran-Israel war. The Fordow Uranium Enrichment Plant, the Natanz Nuclear Facility, and th...
en.wikipedia.org
Make Iran Great Again
Today — "Make Iran Great Again" (MIGA) is a political slogan, inspired by US President Donald Trump's campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again" (MAGA). The phrase was used by Trump in a statement regarding...
thetimes.co.uk
Iran threatens to block Strait of Hormuz as it vows revenge on US
Today — Iran has threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane, as the world braces for retaliation for President Trump's bombing of the regime's three key nuclear installations. The parlia...
foxnews.com
Iran attacks Israel despite US strikes on nuclear sites, Trump calls for 'peace'
Today — Israel fended off a barrage of missiles from Iran on Sunday after President Donald Trump ordered U.S. strikes on three nuclear sites within Iran, Fordow,...
theguardian.com
US-Iran crisis: what we know so far
Today — US president Donald Trump has brought up the possibility of regime change in Iran following US military strikes against three of its key nuclear enrichment sites over the weekend, even as top members...
greenwichtime.com
The Latest: Israel strikes Iranian government targets as Trump muses about regime change
Today — Israel's Defense Ministry says its forces hit Iranian government targets Monday in Tehran, including the notorious Evin Prison, as other strikes targeted...
reuters.com
Kremlin says Russia deeply regrets and condemns the US strikes on ...
Today — MOSCOW, June 23 (Reuters) - Russia deeply regrets and condemns the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, the Kremlin said on Monday.
reuters.com
Putin tells Iranian foreign minister there was no justification for US attack
Today — Russian President Vladimir Putin told Iran's foreign minister on Monday there was no justification for the U.S. bombing of his country and that Moscow was trying to help the Iranian people. Putin hos...
reuters.com
Iran's supreme leader asks Putin to do more after US strikes | Reuters
Today — Iran's supreme leader sent his foreign minister to Moscow on Monday to ask President Vladimir Putin for more help from Russia after the biggest ...
en.wikipedia.org
June 2025 Mossad operations in Iran
June 16, 2025 — In June 2025, Israel coordinated an intelligence and military campaign deep inside Iranian territory, combining covert drone sabotage by Mossad with large-scale Israeli Air Force (IAF) airstrikes on...
More
argusmedia.com
Russia condemns US strikes, offers Iran support
Today
washingtonpost.com
Israel-Iran live updates: IDF expands scope of attacks; Trump raises prospect of regime change in Iran
Today — Iran reiterated its right to self-defense as President Donald Trump repeated his claim that U.S. strikes caused “monumental damage” to Iranian nuclear...
hindustantimes.com
Did Donald Trump tell Vladimir Putin about Iran strikes in advance? Kremlin reveals | World News - Hindustan Times
Today — Russia signed a strategic partnership treaty with Iran in January, although it did not include a mutual defense clause. | World News.
kyivpost.com
Ukraine News Today: Breaking Updates & Live Coverage - June 23, 2025 from Kyiv Post
Today — Follow today's breaking news from Ukraine. Key updates, major headlines, and top stories — all in one place. Updated daily by KyivPost.
reuters.com
World reaction to US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites
Today — June 22 (Reuters) - U.S. forces struck three Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday, and reactions from around the world ranged from Israel lauding President...
alarabiya.net
Iran’s supreme leader asks Putin to do more after US strikes
Today — Iran's supreme leader sent his foreign minister to Moscow on Monday to ask President

Here are today’s top headlines on the U.S.–Iran airstrikes: 🗞️ Headline

U.S. Launches Operation “Midnight Hammer” on Iran
B-2 bombers and cruise missiles struck three heavily fortified nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—using 14 GBU‑57 bunker-busters and Tomahawks, reportedly “levels of destruction not seen since 9/11” 


Trump Calls It a “Spectacular Military Success”
Declaring Iran’s enrichment capabilities “completely obliterated,” Trump emphasized precision over regime change and claimed readiness for diplomatic engagement 


Iran Responds with Warnings and Missile Retaliation
Tehran vows “everlasting consequences,” reportedly launched missiles at Israel, and is weighing an oil-tank closure in the Strait of Hormuz—raising global oil and economic stability concerns 


Global Leaders Call for De-escalation
United Nations Secretary-General Guterres, EU’s von der Leyen, and UK’s PM Starmer urged diplomatic resolution; Japan and other nations echoed similar caution 


U.S. Faces Domestic Backlash
Congressional Democrats and anti-interventionist Republicans question legality and strategy; public support is low (~25%) 

🔍 What This Could Mean Going Forward

1. Regional Military Escalation
Iran may intensify attacks on U.S. bases, targets linked to Israel, and shipping in the Gulf. Proxy groups like Hezbollah or Houthis could open additional fronts. Gulf states may take measures to fortify U.S. installations .

2. Energy Market Volatility
Threats to close the Strait of Hormuz could sharply spike oil prices and disrupt global markets 

3. Diplomatic Deadlock
Alarm among allies and international bodies could isolate the U.S. diplomatically. Iran has halted nuclear talks, meaning any chance to revive the JCPOA is now far off 

4. Long-Term Nuclear Proliferation Risk
Rather than deterring Iran’s nuclear efforts, the strikes may harden Tehran’s resolve to accelerate its program underground and seek nuclear weapons as a deterrent .

5. U.S. Credibility & Domestic Politics
Trump positions himself as decisive, but faces legal scrutiny and congressional pushback. A misstep could deepen U.S. involvement and erode the “peace through strength” claim .

6. Global Power Shift Dynamics
Beijing and Moscow may recalibrate: China will likely push for diplomacy but won’t militarily back Iran; Russia faces difficult balancing with Ukraine and Middle East ties 

🧭 Bottom Line

The U.S. airstrikes are a dramatic escalation with immediate military gains—but they come with substantial risks: escalating conflict, economic ripples, diplomatic fallout, and unintended empowerment of Iran’s nuclear intentions. The world now watches closely for Tehran’s next move.

news.com.au
'Gone': US move stopped world in its tracks
Today — ‘Gone’: US move stopped world in its tracks Date: Sun Jun 22 02:07:00 2025 UTC The three sites that were hit included Iran's mountain facility at Fordo, the heavily fortified underground facility in...
businessinsider.com
US warplanes bombed Iran's most protected nuclear site. Trump says it was 'totally obliterated.'
Today — A January 24, 2025 image of Natanz. Gen. Dan Caine, the top US general, said Sunday morning that B-2 stealth bombers struck Iranian nuclear sites with over a dozen powerful bunker-busters in a "high-...
reuters.com
World awaits Iran's response after Trump says US 'obliterates ...
Today — With the damage visible from space after 30,000-pound U.S. bunker-buster bombs ... Israel, which started the war with a surprise attack on Iran on ...
time.com
World Leaders React After U.S. Strikes Iran: Gravely Alarmed | TIME
Today — Von der Leyen maintained that “Iran must never acquire the bomb,” and said the Middle Eastern country should now “engage in a credible ...
apnews.com
Nations react to US strikes on Iran with many calling for diplomacy
Today
ft.com
The perils of war with Iran
Today — Going to war is always a gamble. Iran, Israel and now the US have all rolled the dice. In the short term, it looks as if Israel's gamble has succeeded. The government of Benjamin Netanyahu has manage...
reuters.com
Strikes on Iran mark Trump's biggest, and riskiest, foreign policy gamble
Today — With his unprecedented decision to bomb Iran's nuclear sites, directly joining Israel's air attack on its regional arch foe, U.S. President Donald Trump has done something he had long vowed to avoid...
en.wikipedia.org
American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites
Today — INTERNATIONAL * : A government spokesperson called for de-escalation while stating that "Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programme has been a threat to international peace and security. We note...
atlanticcouncil.org
Experts react: The United States just bombed Iran's nuclear sites ...
Today — After today's attacks, Moscow is certainly worried about the ... The US attack on Iran sends a strong deterrent message to Beijing ...
More
washingtonpost.com
‘Severe damage’ at nuclear sites, Pentagon says; Iran warns U.S. to expect a response
Today
pbs.org
Nations around the world react to U.S. strikes on Iran, with ... - PBS
Today — He didn't specify which countries, but said the U.S. attack caused minimal damage and would not stop Tehran from pursuing nuclear weapons.
cbsnews.com
U.S. launches strikes on 3 Iranian nuclear facilities, Trump says
Today — Prior to his address, the president wrote on his Truth Social platform that a "full payload of BOMBS" was dropped on the "primary site" Fordo.
theguardian.com
How effective was the US attack on Iran's nuclear sites? A visual guide
Today — The bunker busting bombs ... The attack – codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer – was carried out by seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers flying from ...
aljazeera.com
US bombs Iran's nuclear sites: What we know so far - Al Jazeera
Today — US bombs Iran's nuclear sites: What we know so far. Trump has warned of more attacks on Iran after bombing some of its key nuclear energy sites, ...
aljazeera.com
LIVE: Iran says US strikes betrayed diplomacy, warns of ... - Al Jazeera
Today — Opinion: By bombing Iran, the US continues to make the world safe for war; Watch: US lawmakers condemn Trump for 'unconstitutional' attack on ...

Here’s today’s UK headline roundup—served with a healthy side of satire #ttcnews #politicauk

🚧 “Reeves Plans to Fix Bridges (Again)”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a “10‑year infrastructure plan” to fix every collapsed bridge, rickety flyover, and tunnel heading toward collapse—including an extra £590 m for the Lower Thames Crossing. Because nothing says political promise like finally admitting infrastructure is falling apart… half a decade too late 

🕵️ “Grooming Inquiry—This Time It’s Personal”

Keir Starmer has green‑lit a national inquiry into historic grooming‑gang scandals—just as the Tories accused him of “jumping on the far‑right bandwagon.” Now he’s firmly planting his flag: “Yes, we were slow. But hey—we noticed!”

📈 “FTSE Tops Itself While We Cheer (Slightly)”

The FTSE 100 hit a record-high—prompting financial markets to pull a face like they’ve just bitten mint‑flavoured gum. Thanks to strong earnings from Entain, BT, Vodafone, and a Metro Bank takeover tease—Brazilian carnival vibes in the City Club 

✈️ “Air India Crash: Awful, and Somehow Still Political”

Tragedy struck as an Air India Dreamliner carrying 53 Brits crashed near Ahmedabad. With only one British survivor, the nation's mourning is mingled with renewed Boeing scrutiny—because nothing brings UK‑India relations closer than collective grief and aircraft investigations 

🎶 “Franz Ferdinand to Tour UK in 2026 (Because WHY NOT?)”

On the lighter side: indie rock revival! Franz Ferdinand confirmed a UK/Europe tour for spring 2026—just enough time to rebuild all those bridges and roads they’ll be flying over 

In summary: A perfect storm of Mr. Fix‑it policies, delayed political epiphanies, market mysticism, tragic headlines, and a rock ‘n’ roll cameo—no better way to mark Monday in Blighty.
Today’s UK news highlights

ft.com
Rachel Reeves to set out 10-year UK infrastructure plan
Today

theguardian.com
No 10 says Starmer stands by claim Tories were jumping on far-right bandwagon when they first demanded abuse inquiry - UK politics live
Today

thetimes.co.uk
Business live: FTSE 100 heads for record despite Israel-Iran conflict
Today

theguardian.com
Monday briefing: How the Air India ​crash ​happened​ and why ​it ​raises ​questions ​about ​aviation ​safety
Today

🗞️ Headlines #UCLA #eastlondon #murder #knifecrime #SNP

Here are some of the latest headlines from around the world:

1. US Campus Protests: In Dallas and New York, officers have moved against demonstrators, resulting in at least 17 arrests in a Dallas encampment clearance. The NYPD has also arrested several individuals. The University of Texas in Dallas is reportedly involved in these protests¹.

2. Murder in East London: A 36-year-old man has been charged with murder after a 14-year-old boy was killed in a samurai sword attack in east London. The incident has shocked the community and raised concerns about violence².

3. John Swinney’s Leadership Bid: John Swinney, a prominent figure in Scottish politics, has confirmed that he is running for the SNP’s leadership and the position of First Minister of Scotland. His announcement comes after speculation about his candidacy³.

For more detailed news coverage, you can check out reliable sources like BBC News, NBC News, or ABC News. Stay informed! 😊🌐

🗞️ News Headlines Today #60secondnews #sarnia

 Here are some of today’s headlines in the UK:

1. Wordle: A new Wordle answer for today, 29th April, is available¹.
2. Football: Tottenham and Arsenal are set to face off in the north London derby. Pedro Porro and Richarlison are back in the Tottenham squad, but Destiny Udogie is ruled out due to a leg muscle injury². On the other hand, Arsenal has a near fully-fit squad with Jurrien Timber being the only doubt³.
3. Scotland’s First Minister: There are claims that a Holyrood election could be called, as a vote of no confidence looms for Humza Yousaf⁴.
4. Health: A man has died and eight others have been treated in hospital after using unusually strong heroin⁴.
5. Politics: Conservative MP Dan Poulter has defected to Labour⁵.

Latest headlines from the UK

Latest headlines from the UK:

Serious Violence Down Sharply in England and Wales: Figures for 2023 show that the level of violence is at its lowest since the Covid lockdowns of 2020.


Thames Water Makes Bid to Lift Bills by Up to 44%: The troubled water firm pledges to invest more in the environment ahead of a key meeting with Ofwat.


Woman Jailed for Murder of Schoolgirl in 1996: Donna Marie Brand is the third person to be sentenced for killing Caroline Glachan almost 30 years ago.


Smart Motorway Tech Failing on a Regular Basis in Glasgow & West Scotland: Figures obtained by the BBC reveal worries about the reliability of the technology behind smart motorways.


Emily Maitlis to Host Channel 4 Election Coverage: The former BBC Newsnight presenter will co-host alongside Channel 4 News anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy.


‘UK Less Ambitious on Climate Than Before’ Says Watchdog: Chris Stark, head of the Climate Change Committee (CCC), told the BBC that the prime minister had not prioritized the issue.

Explore more details on these topics by visiting reliable news sources such as the BBC, The Guardian, Sky News, or Metro. 📰

🗞️ News Watch Headlines under 60 seconds with Sarnia de la Maré FRSA

 

UK Headlines

Here are some of today’s UK headlines:

Millions of People Invited to Switch to Electronic Visa:The Home Office has invited millions of people with physical immigration documents to switch to electronic visas. This move comes after immigration database errors led to the mix-up of people’s identities.


Urgent Appeal for Missing 15-Year-Old Boy:Police have issued an urgent appeal to find Joshua Goodman, a 15-year-old boy who has been missing for five days. He was last seen on Meadow Street in Blackburn around 11:30 AM.


Social Inequalities Impacting Children in Care:New analysis reveals that one in every 52 children in Blackpool is in care, compared to one in 140 across England. Researchers highlight deeply rooted social inequalities as a contributing factor.

Stay informed with these important updates!

Latest business news from the UK and USA in Brief

UK Business News:

1. Tesla Layoffs: Tesla has laid off more than 10% of its workforce.
2. Flights Cancelled: EasyJet has suspended planes travelling to Tel Aviv until 21 April following Tehran’s attack.
3. Oil Prices: Oil prices have dipped after Iran’s attack on Israel.
4. Thames Water: Thames Water has six weeks to agree on a survival plan with Ofwat to stave off insolvency.
5. Italian Restaurants in London: Italian restaurants in London are struggling to find staff post-Brexit.

USA Business News:

1. Dr Martens CEO: The CEO of Dr Martens is set to leave following the latest profit warning.
2. US Inflation: US inflation jumped 0.4% in March.
3. Oil Prices: Oil prices have risen after Israel vowed to respond to Iran’s unprecedented attack at the weekend.
4. Tesla Senior Executives: Some senior executives at Tesla have left amidst global job cuts.
5. GM’s Move: GM plans to move to Dan Gilbert’s Hudson’s Tower in Detroit.

Women's Roundup UK

Period Poverty: One in four women and girls struggle to afford period products, leading some to cut back on food, use toilet paper, and miss school

Gender Care Secrecy: Health Secretary Victoria Atkins criticizes the “culture of secrecy” in gender support and treatment for children.

Equality Concerns: Half of women in the UK fear that equality is regressing to the 1970s, especially due to the unequal impact of the pandemic on women.

Women’s Sport Growth: In 2023, there was impressive growth in interest around women’s sport in the UK. The Women’s Sport Trust reported increased viewership across television, social media, and in-person attendance.

Almost one million more people tuned in to watch a minute or more of women’s sport compared to the previous record set in 20191.

Period Poverty: One in four women and girls struggle to afford period products, leading some to cut back on food, use toilet paper, and miss school3.

Gender Care Review: A recent review of the NHS’s gender services for children proposes a shift towards holistic assessments and considering wider mental health needs alongside gender identity. Waiting times for gender-affirming care remain a challenge.