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Newsweek
a day ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Iranian Minister Contradicts Supreme Leader Khamenei on Nuclear Damage
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has publicly stated that recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes inflicted serious damage on Iran's nuclear sites, a sharp contrast to the downplaying by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and one early U.S. intelligence assessment that was leaked to media. Araghchi said key nuclear facilities suffered significant harm and that Tehran is assessing the extent of the destruction. This admission comes amid escalating tensions and a fragile ceasefire following deadly clashes between Iran and Israel. Newsweek has reached out to the State Department and Iran's foreign ministry for comment. Why It Matters The report of severe damage to Iran's nuclear infrastructure indicates rare discord within Tehran's leadership, revealing competing narratives on the impact of Western military actions. It also bolsters statements by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration of severe damage to the nuclear facilities in the face of the leaked intelligence assessment. Iran foreign minister Abbas Araghchi talks on his mobile phone during the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, on June 21, 2025. Iran foreign minister Abbas Araghchi talks on his mobile phone during the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, on June 21, 2025. Photo by YASIN AKGUL/AFP via Getty Images What to Know Last week, U.S. forces targeted Iran's nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. While U.S. President Donald Trump said the strikes had "completely obliterated" Iran's nuclear capabilities, one early leaked intelligence assessment said the setbacks might delay Iran's program by months rather than years. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed notable damage, particularly at the Fordow site, but warned that full reconstruction could take years. Diverging Views Within Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei publicly dismissed the strikes' effectiveness, asserting they "did not achieve anything" and accused Trump of exaggerating their impact. This position contrasts sharply with Araghchi's admission, signaling a potential rift between the supreme leader and the foreign ministry on how to manage public perception and diplomatic strategy. In an interview on Iranian state TV, Araghchi said that the U.S. strikes inflicted "serious harm" on its nuclear facilities. "This damage has not been minor—serious harm has been done to our facilities," he said, noting that Iran's Atomic Energy Agency is conducting a thorough assessment of the destruction. What People Are Saying Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: "This damage has not been minor — serious harm has been done to our facilities. They are currently conducting a thorough assessment of the damage." Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: "The strikes did not achieve anything. Claims about their success are exaggerated." U.S. President Donald Trump: "Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated." What Happens Next Iran's apparently contradictory messaging on the nuclear site damages reflects internal power dynamics and may influence its diplomatic engagement with the West and regional players. As Tehran resists international inspections, tensions are likely to persist, complicating efforts to revive nuclear agreements and maintain regional stability. The international community will closely monitor Iran's reconstruction efforts and its nuclear activities amid these developments.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Truce draws swift Pakistan welcome
Listen to article Pakistan on Tuesday welcomed the announcement of ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel and called on the relevant parties to uphold the truce, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with the Iranian president as well as the Saudi crown prince to discuss the evolving regional situation. After Iran launched missile strikes on the US military base in Qatar last night, there were fears that Israel-Iran war could engulf the entire Gulf region. But hours later, US President Donald Trump, as he did during the Pakistan-India conflict, sprang a major surprise when he broke the news of a ceasefire. Although, the two sides, particularly Israel, initially violated the truce but later Trump's telephone call to the Israeli prime minister made sure the ceasefire remained in intact. The news of ceasefire was seen as major relief for countries like Pakistan, which shares the border with Iran and any further hostilities would have far reaching implications for the country. That was the reason Pakistan was quick to welcome the truce deal. "We also welcome and support the efforts aimed at reviving dialogue and diplomacy in the region," read a statement issued by the Foreign Office. "Pakistan believes that peace and stability in the region can only be achieved through strict adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and by refraining from the use of force," it added. The statement further said Pakistan would continue to support all efforts in this regard. Hours after the ceasefire deal, the prime minister held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian. He said that Pakistan was closely following the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East. He emphasised the importance of restoring peace through dialogue and diplomacy. The prime minister reiterated Pakistan's support for Iran at all diplomatic forums, including at the UN Security Council and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), while calling for adhering to the international law and the UN Charter principles, by all sides. President Pezeshkian thanked the prime minister for the telephone call and appreciated Pakistan's consistent and principled support to Iran, throughout the crisis. He also acknowledged Pakistan's constructive role in promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The two leaders agreed to the importance of unity among the Ummah during this most challenging time. They agreed to remain in touch. Separately, the prime minister also spoke Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and discussed the Middle East situation. According to the official handout, during their "most warm and cordial conversation", the prime minister conveyed his "warm regards and profound respects to the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud". "He also warmly felicitated His Royal Highness on the successful completion of Hajj this year and thanked the Kingdom for the gracious hospitality extended to the Pakistani pilgrims," read a statement issued by the Prime Minister House. The prime minister reiterated profound gratitude for the Kingdom's steadfast support to Pakistan during the recent standoff with India. He stated that Pakistan was ready to engage in a meaningful dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir, water, trade and terrorism. The two leaders also exchanged views on the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East. In this regard, the prime minister said that Pakistan fully supported the immediate de-escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict, as well as its peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. While referring to last night's attacks, he called for adherence to international law and the UN Charter principles by all sides. In this context, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the Kingdom's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The prime minister conveyed "deep appreciation to His Royal Highness for his sagacious leadership and commendable efforts to restore peace" in the region. This, he said, was reflective of the Kingdom's remarkable status as a peacemaker at the international stage, as well as its leadership of the Ummah. The Saudi crown prince thanked the prime minister for the telephone call and appreciated Pakistan's expression of solidarity and support for the kingdom. He acknowledged Pakistan's constructive role in promoting a peaceful resolution to the Iran-Israel conflict. Crown Prince Mohammed said that Saudi Arabia was fully committed to efforts aimed at fostering lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. Earlier, Pakistan expressed its deep concern and alarm at the serious escalation in the security situation in the region as a result of attacks against the Al Udeid Airbase in Qatar. "We strongly condemn the recent violations of the principle of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries," the Foreign Office said. "We urge adherence to fundamental principles of international law and call for exercise of restraint by all sides," according to the statement. Pakistan reiterated its call for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve all conflicts, and urged immediate steps for de-escalation. The prime minister met the Qatari ambassador to Islamabad and expressed solidarity with Doha. He also held a telephonic conversation with the Saudi envoy and discussed the evolving situation.
Iraqi News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraq's diplomatic offensive: how Baghdad led the charge to de-escalate a regional war
Baghdad ( – As the Middle East teetered on the brink of a wider conflagration following Israeli and US strikes on Iran, Iraq shifted its historical role from a theater of conflict to a proactive diplomatic leader. Through a swift and calculated initiative, Baghdad successfully unified Arab and Islamic ranks to de-escalate tensions, a move analysts are calling a hallmark of a new, 'productive diplomacy' for the nation. This diplomatic offensive was formalized in Istanbul during an emergency meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers—held at Iraq's request—and the subsequent 51st Session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers from June 20-22, 2025. There, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein tabled a specific, actionable proposal: the formation of a joint, open-membership 'Ministerial Contact Committee' to open channels of communication and manage the crisis collectively. In a significant diplomatic victory for Baghdad, the proposal was adopted first by the Arab League and then by the OIC. The Iraqi initiative was framed as both a moral and strategic necessity. MP Alia Nassif stated the move was crucial to highlight what she termed Israel's disregard for international law, stripping its 'brazen aggression' of any international legitimacy. Fellow MP Ruqayya Rahim Al-Nouri described the initiative as more than a typical diplomatic gesture, calling it the 'nucleus of a sustainable Islamic coordination front' that revives the concept of collective deterrence and sends a clear message that an attack on one Muslim state will be met with a unified position. Political analysts noted that this successful maneuver was not an isolated event. Political researcher Saadoun Al-Saadi explained that the initiative is a continuation of Iraq's concerted policy over the last two years to reposition itself as a 'center for diplomacy' in the region. Analyst Ghalib Al-Da'ami added that the positive reception from other nations was a direct result of the 'significant improvement in relations between Iraq and other Arab and Islamic countries,' which allowed Baghdad's call for unity to be embraced. This approach was based on a dual principle, according to analyst Ahmed Al-Wandi. 'Iraq started from the principle of rejecting aggression against Iran, while at the same time, it sent out calls for calm, believing that dialogue and diplomacy are the only ways to preserve the region's stability,' he said. Al-Wandi asserts that this clear, early stance from Baghdad influenced other nations and created the political pressure that was instrumental in pushing the parties toward an eventual ceasefire. In a moment of profound regional crisis, Baghdad chose not to remain on the sidelines. Instead, it moved to shape the response, unify the message, and lead a charge for de-escalation, marking a significant evolution in its role as a key player in Middle Eastern stability.
See - Sada Elbalad
4 days ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
OIC Welcomes U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire Between Iran, Israel
Mohamed Mandour The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomed the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a ceasefire agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel, following recent military confrontations in the region. In a statement, the OIC commended the efforts that led to the agreement and urged all parties to fully respect and implement its terms. The organization expressed hope that the ceasefire would contribute to de-escalation, help calm tensions, and pave the way for enhanced security, peace, and stability throughout the region. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
India.com
4 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
‘Salute People Of Iran…': Mehbooba Mufti Welcomes Israel-Iran Ceasefire
Israel-Iran Conflict: Welcoming the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Mehbooba Mufti, president of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), stated that the ceasefire is a significant development, calling it good news for the entire world. Mufti said the war has propelled Iran to the leadership role of the Muslim world. Mufti praised the resilience of Iran's leadership, military, and people, asserting that their determination in the face of limited advanced weaponry forced the United States and Israel to negotiate. She added, 'I salute the people of Iran for the sentiment with which they fought this war and brought the US and Israel to their knees.' Mufti's remarks included sharp criticism of US President Donald Trump, whom she accused of hypocrisy and creating global chaos. She claimed that Trump's announcement of the ceasefire was undermined by his unpredictable behavior. She further accused the US of historically instigating conflicts, including between India and Pakistan, and she labeled Israel a 'villain country' for its actions in Palestine, reflecting her long-standing criticism of Israel's policies. She also mocked Pakistan's nomination of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, calling it ironic given his role in escalating tensions. Mufti referenced India's historical support for Palestine, expressing disappointment in what she described as India's recent shift away from its moral stance and its growing alignment with Israel, which she linked to weakened ties with Iran. Mufti said that Iran conditioned the ceasefire, asked Israel to halt its attacks, and then the US had to engage Qatar as a mediator to facilitate the agreement, which shows the power of Iran. But she criticised the silence of other Muslim-majority countries, particularly the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), for failing to support Iran during the conflict. In contrast, she praised Russia and China for backing Iran, suggesting their support strengthened Iran's position. The ceasefire followed a period of intense hostilities, with Israel launching strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites and Iran retaliating with missile attacks.
