After meeting with President Vladimir Putin today, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Russia’s stance on Israeli and now on U.S. strikes targeting his country was “good and firm.”

Describing his meeting with Putin today as “very good,” Araghchi said the pair spoke in detail about the ongoing events. “On all international matters, we have worked closely together, collaborated, and supported each other’s positions,” he added.

Araghchi said he also discussed the possible “consequences” of the recent strikes on his country but did not provide further information on those discussions.

Putin over the weekend condemned the American attacks as “absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran.”

Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across Tehran early Monday, hitting what it called “regime targets and government repression bodies” in the heart of the Iranian capital, including Evin Prison, notorious for jailing political opponents. The military also said it struck the Fordo nuclear facility, already damaged by U.S. strikes over the weekend, to obstruct access routes to the site.

The Israeli military said its warplanes, guided by intelligence, hit command centers linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including the Basij headquarters and the Alborz Corps, which oversee internal security.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said the strikes were a response to Iranian missile fire and vowed to continue hitting “regime targets.”

The Iranian judiciary denied Israeli reports of unrest inside Evin Prison following the strikes, calling them “rumors from Mossad media,” referring to Israel’s spy agency, and said the situation was under control.

The IRGC said it responded with a new barrage of ballistic missiles and drones as part of what it called the “21st wave” of its counterattacks.

Meanwhile, in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and publicly condemned the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. Putin accused the U.S. of “unprovoked aggression” and pledged to support Iran. The meeting underscored growing alignment between Tehran and Moscow amid escalating regional tensions.

In a briefing with reporters, Israeli former Mossad official and Iran expert Sima Shine offered a mixed verdict on the U.S. airstrikes targeting three of Iran’s key nuclear sites, including Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan.

“It’s much better than what we thought it would be,” she said, but then added, “I don’t think it’s complete destruction of the project.”

Shine suggested Iran may be hiding enriched uranium and advanced centrifuges elsewhere, and could build a bomb in secret.

NPR’s Daniel Estrin contributed reporting from Tel Aviv.

14:10 (IST) Jun 23

Iran launched a salvo of missiles and drones at Israel on Monday, while warning the United States that its military now has a “free hand” to strike American targets following Washington’s substantial strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Israel’s defence systems were reported to be intercepting the threat, particularly over northern and central areas, and residents were urged to seek shelter. Iranian state television described the assault as part of Operation “True Promise 3”, with Haifa and Tel Aviv among the intended targets. No immediate damage has been reported.

This latest escalation follows the previous day’s US intervention, when American forces attacked three Iranian nuclear sites with missiles and 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, actions Iran characterised as crossing “a very big red line”. Iranian General Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of the joint staff of armed forces, accused the US of violating Iranian sovereignty and effectively “invading” the country, according to the IRNA news agency. He also warned that Iran now feels empowered to “act against US interests and its army”.

Amid growing international concern over possible regional spillover, the European Union’s High Representative Kaja Kallas reaffirmed the bloc’s focus on diplomacy. “The concerns of retaliation and this war escalating are huge,” she stated in Brussels. She also cautioned that an Iranian closure of the Strait of Hormuz would pose a grave threat to global oil trade. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was in Moscow meeting President Vladimir Putin, reinforcing ties with key ally Russia.

How will the Iran conflict affect the global balance of power? Answering this question may seem a fool’s errand given how fast events are moving now that US President Donald Trump has joined the war on Israel’s side. A lot depends on whether Tehran retaliates or sues for peace.

Still, it is possible to identify some factors that will help determine whether the United States, China, Russia and Europe emerge from the conflict with more or less power. Will Iran’s nuclear programme come to an end, will war topple its regime, will a new government be less hostile to the US, or will the country descend into anarchy?

Other key considerations are whether the US can limit its involvement to a short, sharp strike or gets sucked into a drawn-out conflict, and whether the rest of the world views it as a rogue power. If Israel kills more people in Gaza while the world’s attention is diverted to Iran, some may also blame the US for giving it cover.

The oil price is another critical factor: by last Friday, the cost of a barrel of Brent crude had risen about 11% since Israel first bombed Iran on June 13. Disruptions to shipping or pipelines could push it up further.

Yet another key factor is whether outsiders play a role in resolving the crisis and gain anything from doing so.

TRUMP’S HIGH-WIRE ACT

The US has much to gain or lose. Ending Iran’s nuclear programme would be a big win and would enhance the perception that the US is the world’s superpower. But despite Trump’s claim to have “totally obliterated” Tehran’s nuclear-enrichment facilities, some experts think its nuclear threat may be far from over.

Some of Trump’s most prominent Republican supporters, as well as allies in Gulf states and some European leaders, were worried that the US could cause chaos by joining the war. But if Trump manages to neutralise Iran’s nuclear threat and avoid a long conflict, those doubts will melt away.

The US might then be able to switch its attention from the Middle East to China, the only serious threat to its superpower status. Washington could focus its strike groups on the Indo-Pacific, says Richard Fontaine of the Center for a New American Security.

If the conflict also topples the regime led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the consequences are unclear. While a new government could be less antagonistic to Washington, it might be just as hostile. And if Iran became a failed state, American allies and enemies would blame it for wanton destruction and further destabilising the region.

If the US gets embroiled in a new “forever” war, it would suffer even more damage. “The United States used a big stick in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. All have diminished, not enhanced US power,” says Robin Niblett of Chatham House.

Trump would also suffer if the Iran conflict leads to a major oil price shock, for example if Iran stops crude being shipped through the Strait of Hormuz. Though American oil companies benefit from high prices, voters detest paying more for petrol.

AXIS OF UPHEAVAL

Iran is part of what Fontaine has called the “Axis of Upheaval”. The other countries are Russia, China and North Korea. Though this is not a formal alliance, Tehran, Beijing and Pyongyang have provided Moscow with significant support in its war with Ukraine.

Russia and China would be pleased if Iran stopped its nuclear programme. The two countries were signatories of the original 2015 deal that put limits on what Tehran could do. But they would not be happy if a new Iranian government distanced itself from their loose club.

That scenario would be particularly bad for Moscow, which agreed a 20-year strategic partnership with Iran in January. After failing to protect Bashar al-Assad, its Syrian ally, last year, the Kremlin would look weak if it now could not help Khamenei’s regime.

The most important factor for President Vladimir Putin will be how the Iran conflict impacts Russia’s Ukraine war. It might lose a useful source of drones. But if oil prices stay high, the Kremlin will have more cash to finance its war of attrition. And if the US gets bogged down in a long war in Iran, Washington may be even less willing to provide military equipment to Kyiv.

One wild card is whether Moscow can, even at this late stage, broker a pact between Washington and Tehran, as Trump suggested it might before he authorised the US airstrikes. In return, Russia might be able to get Trump to further cut back American support for Ukraine, says Michel Duclos of the Institut Montaigne.

For China, a higher oil price would be bad news as it imports hydrocarbons, while regime change in Tehran could cost it a key ally in the region. But the People’s Republic would benefit if the US got bogged down in a new Middle Eastern war. Following the American invasion of Iraq, Beijing built its economic and political power. China could also win over other countries by arguing that it is a responsible nation while the US is an aggressive hegemon – a narrative already fuelled by Trump’s trade wars.

EUROPE’S VULNERABILITY

Europe has much to lose if the conflict escalates from here. As a big oil importer, it too would suffer from a crude price shock. Meanwhile, if Iran descends into chaos, that could trigger a new influx of refugees, further fuelling far-right nationalism in Europe. Iran’s population of 92 million is four times bigger than Syria’s, whose refugee crisis in 2015 caused so much turmoil in European politics.

The biggest risk to Europe is that the Iran crisis helps Russia in its war in Ukraine. By contrast, Europe would benefit if it could broker a deal between the US and Iran, though Trump was dismissive of that shortly before the US launched its attacks.

So much for the known unknowns. There are also unknown unknowns – factors that are not currently on anybody’s radar. How both play out will determine whether the Iran crisis marks a turning point that tilts the global balance of power back towards the US, or further in favour of China.

Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.

Israel intensified its military campaign on Monday with a new wave of strikes on Tehran, including renewed attacks on the Fordow nuclear facility and a hit on the entrance of Evin Prison. The escalation follows U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend, drawing global concern over the potential for a broader regional war. As Iran retaliates with missile salvos, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has appealed directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin for support, signaling Tehran’s search for stronger backing amid mounting pressure. What to Know: Israeli strikes targeted Revolutionary Guard command centers and key infrastructure in Tehran.

Fordow nuclear site was struck again after U.S. bunker-buster bombs hit it Sunday.

Iran retaliated with missile barrages on Israeli cities; shelters were activated across Israel.

Khamenei’s letter to Putin, delivered by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, seeks deeper Russian support.

Putin condemned the U.S. and Israeli strikes as “unjustified” and pledged assistance to the Iranian people.

U.S. officials say Iran’s nuclear stockpile status remains unclear; inspections have been halted since June 10.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warned of “unimaginable” consequences if diplomacy fails.

Asian markets dipped amid fears of oil supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.

Russia-Iran ties have deepened since 2022, but Moscow has not offered military aid in this conflict. Stay with Newsweek for live updates.

10:26 AM EDT Iran expands missile strikes across Israel in new IRGC wave Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has broadened its missile campaign against Israel, targeting a wider range of territory from north to south, according to Fars news agency. In what it called the 21st wave of operations, the IRGC launched a coordinated strike early Monday, hitting multiple locations beyond the previously targeted cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa. The assault reportedly involved a mix of solid- and liquid-fuel missiles as well as drones, signaling a tactical shift in Iran’s military approach. The IRGC said the strikes were part of Operation True Promise-3, which has recently intensified amid escalating regional conflict.

10:13 AM EDT Iran says Putin meeting was positive, Russia calls for regional calm Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as “good,” according to Russia’s RIA news agency, following high-level talks in Moscow on Monday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the two leaders discussed the escalating conflict in the Middle East, with a shared focus on finding a peaceful resolution. During the meeting, Putin condemned the recent military strikes on Iran as “unprovoked aggression” and said they had “no basis and no justification.” He reaffirmed that Russia is working to assist the Iranian people, though no specific support measures were announced.

09:59 AM EDT Israel says Iran campaign nearing completion, eyes negotiations Israel could achieve the majority of its military objectives in Iran “within days,” according to a source familiar with the operation. The source said Israel is focused on completing its strike targets before shifting toward diplomatic efforts. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed that assessment, telling Army Radio that Israel is “very close to completing” its three core goals: dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile capabilities, and regional proxy networks. In a televised address Sunday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would not allow the conflict to become a prolonged “war of attrition,” but also emphasized that the campaign would not end until all objectives are met.

09:50 AM EDT Trump calls Rep. Thomas Massie a ‘bum’ after longwinded post Trump launched a blistering attack on Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) in a Truth Social post yesterday, accusing the congressman of being a “grandstander” and “not MAGA” after Massie criticized the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. This morning, however, Trump followed up the post with another by saying, “GET THIS ‘BUM’ OUT OF OFFICE, ASAP!!!” Trump defended the strikes as a “spectacular military success” and accused Massie of siding with Iran by opposing the operation. “He is a negative force who almost always votes ‘NO,’ no matter how good something may be,” Trump wrote, adding that Massie is “weak, ineffective,” and “disrespectful to our great military.”

09:45 AM EDT Republican support flips for US involvement in Israel-Iran conflict Republicans have shifted their position on the U.S.’s involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict following President Donald Trump’s decision to conduct strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. According to a YouGov poll conducted over the weekend, 68 percent of Republicans approved of the U.S. bombing nuclear sites in Iran, with 13 percent opposed and 18 percent undecided. In a survey days earlier, however, 53 percent said the U.S. should not get involved in the conflict, with 23 percent in support and 24 percent unsure of their position. The U.S.’s dramatic entry into the conflict between Israel and Iran has marked a major shift in Trump’s foreign policy. The strikes not only raise the possibility of retaliation by Iran, which has dubbed them an act of “blatant aggression,” but have also fueled calls for expanded military action and regime change. However, the strikes and possibility of further American involvement in the conflict have caused a division in Trump’s party, with a handful of Republican lawmakers criticizing the president’s unilateral action as escalating tensions and laying the groundwork for another protracted military engagement in the Middle East. Read the full story by Hugh Cameron on Newsweek.

09:32 AM EDT NATO chief urges Iran to meet nuclear obligations under NPT NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addresses a press conference a day prior to a meeting of The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in The Hague, on June 23, 2025. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addresses a press conference a day prior to a meeting of The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in The Hague, on June 23, 2025. John Thys/Getty Images Speaking ahead of the upcoming NATO summit, Secretary General Mark Rutte reaffirmed the alliance’s unified stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Addressing reporters, Rutte said that NATO allies have long agreed that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon, emphasizing the importance of upholding international agreements. “Allies have repeatedly urged Iran to meet its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT),” Rutte said, referencing the global pact aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.

09:16 AM EDT Netanyahu says Israel close to goals in Iran, rules out drawn-out war Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel is “very, very close” to achieving its objectives in the ongoing conflict with Iran, following U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites. In a televised address, Netanyahu said the campaign, launched on June 13, aims to eliminate Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile threats. “We are advancing, step by step, to achieve these goals,” he said, while declining to offer a timeline for ending the offensive. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not be drawn into a prolonged “war of attrition,” but also would not halt operations prematurely. The conflict has disrupted daily life in Israel, with missile attacks from Iran forcing school closures and grounding flights. Despite the strain, Netanyahu’s approach has drawn support across the political spectrum, including from opposition leader Yair Lapid. Netanyahu also suggested that weakening Iran could help undermine Hamas in Gaza, hinting at potential progress in hostage negotiations and a broader resolution to the 20-month war there.

09:03 AM EDT Iran accelerates succession planning as Khamenei retreats from public view Iran’s clerical leadership has intensified efforts to identify a successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, amid fears of further instability following Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian targets, Reuters reports. A three-member committee, appointed by Khamenei two years ago, has reportedly stepped up its work recently as the 86-year-old leader remains in hiding under heavy guard. Two frontrunners have emerged: Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader’s son and a hardline continuity candidate, and Hassan Khomeini, the reformist-leaning grandson of the Islamic Republic’s founder. While Mojtaba is ideologically aligned with his father, Khomeini is viewed as a more moderate figure who could appeal to a discontented public and ease international tensions. Sources close to the succession talks say Khamenei is being briefed regularly but has not publicly endorsed a successor. The urgency of the process has grown following threats to Khamenei’s life and the deaths of several senior Revolutionary Guards commanders in recent Israeli strikes. The final decision lies with the Assembly of Experts, a clerical body constitutionally tasked with selecting the next Supreme Leader. However, insiders caution that the ongoing conflict could complicate any transition, especially if the Revolutionary Guards seek to assert greater control over the process

08:49 AM EDT White House: Iranians should decide regime’s fate if diplomacy fails Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday that if Iran’s leadership continues to reject diplomatic solutions, it is up to the Iranian people to determine the future of their government. “If the Iranian regime refuses to come to a diplomatic solution, why shouldn’t the Iranian people take away the power of this incredibly violent regime?” the spokesperson said, signaling growing frustration with Tehran’s stance amid escalating conflict. Despite the sharp rhetoric, the press secretary emphasized that the U.S. military posture remains unchanged, suggesting that Washington is not currently planning further strikes or troop deployments. .@PressSec on regime change in Iran:”If the Iranian regime refuses to come to a diplomatic solution, why shouldn’t the Iranian people take away the power of this incredibly violent regime?”

Says for now, US military posture hasn’t changed — Alayna Treene (@alaynatreene) June 23, 2025

08:46 AM EDT Israeli strikes knock out power in northern Tehran Israeli airstrikes on Tehran have damaged major power lines in the city’s northern districts, causing widespread outages, according to Iran’s Mehr news agency. The national electric company, Tavanir, confirmed that the disruption affected parts of Districts 2 and 3, home to over 1 million residents. The strikes reportedly hit infrastructure near key government and military sites, though the full extent of the damage remains unclear. Local authorities have begun emergency repairs, and some power has since been restored

08:32 AM EDT Iran’s exiled crown prince urges West to back people’s call for change At a press conference in Paris on Monday, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran, fielded pre-selected questions about the escalating conflict and the future of Iran’s leadership. When asked whether regime change should be a formal objective of the United States or Israel, Pahlavi responded that it is “not any foreign government’s job” to define such a goal. Instead, he urged the international community to “recognize that this is the ask of the Iranian people.” “Where do Western democracies stand?” he asked. “Are they going to continue throwing the regime a lifeline, or recognize that this is a golden opportunity?” Pahlavi has positioned himself as a transitional figure for a post-Islamic Republic Iran, calling for a democratic future and greater international support for Iranian dissidents.

08:14 AM EDT China evacuates over 3,000 citizens from Iran amid conflict China has successfully evacuated more than 3,000 of its citizens from Iran, the country’s foreign ministry confirmed Monday, as Israeli airstrikes continue to target Iranian territory. An additional 500 Chinese nationals have also departed from Israel, which is facing retaliatory missile attacks from Iran. According to the ministry, all Chinese citizens who requested evacuation left safely, with operations coordinated through embassies and consulates in both countries. The evacuations come amid growing regional instability and widespread airspace closures across the Middle East.

07:54 AM EDT UN nuclear chief warns of catastrophic risk without diplomacy At an emergency meeting in Vienna on Monday, Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), warned that the escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States could lead to “violence and destruction at unimaginable levels” if diplomacy fails. Grossi urged all parties to return to negotiations and allow IAEA inspectors access to Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, which were recently struck by U.S. forces. He emphasized the need to verify Iran’s 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, warning that continued hostilities could undermine the global nonproliferation regime. While Iran has claimed no radiation leaks occurred, Grossi said the IAEA has not yet been able to fully assess the damage. He stressed that diplomacy remains the only viable path to prevent further escalation and ensure nuclear safety.

07:40 AM EDT Putin reaffirms support for Iran amid US, Israeli strikes Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow on Monday, condemning recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran as “unprovoked aggression” and pledging continued Russian support. The meeting came as Israeli forces intensified their campaign against Tehran. Putin, joined by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and senior aide Yury Ushakov, told Araghchi that Russia values its “long-standing, reliable relationship” with Iran and is actively working to assist the Iranian people. He also said he had spoken with leaders from the U.S., Israel, UAE, and Iran, though the Kremlin later clarified no call with President Trump was scheduled after the strikes. Araghchi thanked Putin for standing by Iran and described Russia as being “on the right side of history.” He praised Moscow’s role in Iran’s nuclear development and diplomacy, highlighting Russia’s involvement in the Bushehr nuclear power plant, where around 200 Russian experts are currently stationed. The meeting underscored the deepening Iran-Russia alliance, which has grown stronger since Iran began supplying Russia with drones and missiles during the war in Ukraine.

07:27 AM EDT Putin condemns U.S. strikes, reaffirms support for Iran In this image released by the Roscongress Foundation, Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at a plenary session of the Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, Friday, June 20, 2025. In this image released by the Roscongress Foundation, Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at a plenary session of the Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, Friday, June 20, 2025. Vyacheslav Viktorov/ Roscongress Foundation vía AP Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in the Kremlin on Monday, denouncing recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran as “absolutely unprovoked aggression.” He emphasized Russia’s commitment to supporting the Iranian people and highlighted the countries’ long-standing partnership. “We are making efforts to provide assistance to the Iranian people,” Putin said, reaffirming Moscow’s ties with Tehran amid rising regional tensions. Araghchi thanked Russia for its vocal condemnation of the U.S. and Israeli actions, calling the strikes “completely illegitimate” and a violation of international norms. He also praised Russia’s role in Iran’s peaceful nuclear development, noting its involvement in building the Bushehr nuclear power plant.

07:14 AM EDT US Embassy in Qatar urges Americans to shelter in place The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has reportedly issued a shelter-in-place advisory for American citizens, citing unspecified security concerns. U.S. Embassy in Qatar issues message to U.S. citizens recommending they shelter in place until further notice. @Reuters — Tala Ramadan (@TalaRamadan) June 23, 2025

07:01 AM EDT Iran says Evin Prison under control after Israeli strike Iran’s judiciary announced Friday that the situation at Evin Prison in Tehran is “under control” following an Israeli airstrike that damaged parts of the facility. The statement, issued through the Mizan news agency, said authorities had taken “all necessary measures” to manage the prison complex, though it did not specify the extent of the damage. Video footage circulating online showed the prison’s main gate blasted open, raising concerns about the safety of detainees. The strike was part of a broader Israeli offensive targeting government and military sites in Tehran, including facilities linked to the Revolutionary Guards.

06:43 AM EDT Map shows US military presence in Middle East as Iran makes threats The map below from Newsweek’s John Feng shows bases in the Middle East with an American presence—and so potential targets for Iranian retaliation. Iran has said the U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities broaden the scope of what it sees as legitimate targets, a clear threat to Americans in the region. The U.S. has warned Iran not to retaliate against its troops in the Middle East, or any other American assets or personnel, saying its strikes were targeted and limited. It is urging Iran to pursue diplomacy from here.