US-Israel strikes on Iran draw global condemnation
What's the story
The United States and Israel have launched military strikes on Iran, escalating tensions in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump has vowed to eliminate Tehran's missile capabilities and stop its nuclear ambitions. The international community has reacted strongly to these developments, with Russia's Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev calling the negotiations with Iran a "cover operation" for the strikes.
Russian perspective
All negotiations with Iran are a cover operation: Medvedev
Medvedev, who is also a former Russian president, questioned the sincerity of US-Iran negotiations. He said, "The peacemaker once again showed his face," referring to the US. He added that all negotiations with Iran are a cover operation, and no one really wanted to negotiate anything. Medvedev also compared the longevity of the United States and the Persian Empire, saying, "the USA is only 249 years old."
Lebanese stance
Lebanese PM warns against dragging Lebanon into conflict
Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has also reacted to the attacks. Speaking shortly after the strikes, he said, "I reiterate that we will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity." This statement comes amid fears of a wider conflict in the region due to these strikes.
Norwegian view
Norwegian foreign minister says Israel's preventive strike doesn't comply
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has also weighed in on the matter. He said, "The attack is described by Israel as a preventive strike, but it is not in line with international law. Eide emphasized that preventive attacks require an immediately imminent threat, which he believes was not present in this case.