Russian and Chinese officials condemned recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, warning that the attacks risk escalating into a wider regional crisis. The strikes, ordered by President Donald Trump, targeted Iran’s Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan sites on Saturday, June 21, using heavy bunker-buster bombs and Tomahawk missiles.
How did Russia respond to the US attacks?
Russian President Vladimir Putin called the strikes an “unprovoked aggression against Iran” during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to state media. Putin said Moscow is taking steps to assist Iran and reaffirmed Russia’s support in talks with Iranian leaders.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov added that Moscow has offered to mediate, and remains open to providing additional forms of assistance depending on Tehran’s requests.
At a United Nations Security Council session, Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused the U.S. of endangering global security by launching the strikes, describing the situation as a “Pandora’s box” with unpredictable consequences.
Dmitry Medvedev, a close Putin ally and deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, went further, suggesting that multiple countries are prepared to supply Iran with nuclear warheads directly.
However, when Trump challenged Medvedev’s claim, the former Russian president denied that Moscow would participate, writing, “Russia has no intention of supplying nuclear weapons to Iran because, unlike Israel, we are parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.” Medvedev went on to clarify, “But other countries might –– and that’s what was said.”
What has China said about the situation?
China also condemned the U.S. strikes, citing violations of the U.N. Charter. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the attacks will exacerbate instability in the Middle East and urged all parties to avoid further escalation.
China, alongside Russia and Pakistan, submitted a draft U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Lin warned that potential Iranian retaliation, such as closing the Strait of Hormuz, could have a severe impact on global energy markets. Nearly half of China’s oil imports pass through the strait. Globally, about 20% of oil and gas shipments rely on this key route. Beijing emphasized the need to prevent disruptions to the critical shipping route, noting the risks to international trade and economic growth.
What is the US position after the operation?
Trump described the operation, dubbed “Midnight Hammer,” as a major success, claiming that the targeted enrichment facilities were “completely and totally obliterated.” Senior U.S. military officials reported heavy damage to the sites, though some independent analysts cautioned it is too early to fully assess the condition of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles.
Trump has warned that further Iranian attacks on U.S. forces or allies could trigger additional American military action.
Iran did attack a U.S. military base in Qatar Monday, June 23. However, no casualties were reported. Shortly after, Trump thanked Iran for providing America with early notice and said he hopes Iran can now move toward peace and harmony in the region.
What comes next amid rising tensions?
The prospect of Iran attempting to close the Strait of Hormuz remains a key concern. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged China to dissuade Iran from such a move, calling it “economic suicide” for Tehran and a major threat to global markets. Rubio said any attempt to block the strait would warrant a strong international response.
Meanwhile, lawmakers in Washington remain divided. Several Democrats and libertarian-leaning Republicans have introduced a War Powers Resolution seeking to limit Trump’s authority to expand military operations in the Middle East, though it faces long odds in the Republican-led Congress.
