Iran’s Foreign Minister to Hold Talks with Putin in Moscow
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to visit Moscow on Sunday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This diplomatic move follows recent US air strikes that Tehran claims have severely disrupted ongoing nuclear negotiations.
US Air Strikes Escalate Tensions Over Iran’s Nuclear Program
The visit comes in the aftermath of US President Donald Trump’s announcement that the strikes had “totally obliterated” key Iranian nuclear facilities. These military actions represent the first significant US offensive against Iran in this escalating conflict, drawing swift condemnation from Tehran. Iranian officials accused Washington of “blowing up” delicate talks aimed at reaching a nuclear deal.
Regional Fallout and Retaliation
In response to the US strikes, Iran launched two rounds of missile attacks targeting Israel, its long-standing regional adversary, mere hours after Trump warned of further military action unless Iran agreed to peaceful terms.
This development marks a sharp escalation, as Israel recently initiated a widespread bombing campaign against Iranian targets. Tehran has vowed to retaliate if Washington intensifies its involvement.
Accusations and Political Reactions
Araghchi openly blamed the United States for undermining diplomatic efforts following talks with European powers, stating on social media platform X that “the US decided to blow up that diplomacy.” Speaking to reporters in Istanbul, he emphasized that both the US and Israel had “crossed a very big red line”, asserting Iran’s commitment to self-defense “by all means necessary.”
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the US strikes, declaring Trump’s decision to target Iran’s nuclear sites with “the awesome and righteous might of the United States” as a historic turning point.
Iran Targets Israeli Infrastructure
Following the US attack, Iran’s armed forces reported strikes on several sites in Israel, including Ben Gurion Airport—the country’s main international gateway near Tel Aviv.
What Lies Ahead?
This cycle of military actions and retaliations raises serious concerns about the widening of conflict in the Middle East. Diplomatic channels appear strained, with key international players caught in a complex, high-stakes showdown over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.