Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, urged the Israeli government to immediately stop its attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites during a press conference at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
She expressed concern over the safety of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, where Russian experts are working.
Zakharova stated that tensions in the Middle East have reached a dangerous level, primarily caused by Israel’s aggressive actions against Iran, which violate the UN Charter and international law. She condemned Israel’s strikes, warning that they could have serious regional and global security consequences, and called attempts to justify the attacks based on false concerns “shameful.”
Highlighting the large number of civilian casualties caused by the attacks, Zakharova described the situation as deeply troubling. She stressed that Israel’s strikes on peaceful nuclear facilities are unacceptable, illegal under international law, pose an unacceptable threat to global security, and could lead the world toward nuclear disaster. She warned that the consequences would be felt everywhere, including Israel itself.
Zakharova called on Israel to cease attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and reiterated concerns about the safety of the Bushehr plant staffed by Russian specialists.
She emphasized the urgent need to stop the violence, establish a ceasefire, return to the negotiation table, and stated that Russia is ready to support these efforts.
Additionally, Zakharova warned the United States against becoming directly involved in the Israel-Iran conflict.
Russia-Ukraine Negotiations and Regional Tensions
Zakharova noted that agreements reached during talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on June 2 are being implemented. She confirmed that 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers’ bodies have been returned, with another 2,239 ready to be handed over. The exchange of severely ill and wounded soldiers, as well as prisoners under 25 years old, is ongoing.
She added that the Russian delegation is prepared to return to Istanbul for a new round of negotiations after June 22, with the exact dates to be announced soon. The sides will discuss draft memorandums exchanged between them.
Zakharova also accused Ukraine of intensifying military activities in Africa, supporting terrorist groups, and planning to open a second front.
Risks of Nuclear Weapons Deployment in Denmark
Zakharova highlighted Denmark’s recent parliamentary approval of a defense agreement with the U.S., allowing American forces to be stationed on Danish soil. She stated this move violates Denmark’s obligations and increases the risk of nuclear weapons deployment, raising tensions in the Baltic region and northern Europe.
European stock markets ended the day in negative territory following interest rate decisions by major central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) and the Bank of England (BoE).
The first side event of the Global South NGO Platform was held in Bonn, Germany.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his assassination threat against Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that he has instructed the military that “no one is untouchable in Iran."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MFA), along with our embassy in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the consulate general in Tabriz, continues the process of evacuating Azerbaijani citizens and foreigners from Iranian territory.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has strongly rejected allegations that the IAEA Board of Governors’ June 12 report provided Israel with justification to attack Iran. Grossi emphasized that the agency’s role and reports can never be used to legitimize
European stock markets ended the day in negative territory following interest rate decisions by major central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) and the Bank of England (BoE).
The first side event of the Global South NGO Platform was held in Bonn, Germany.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his assassination threat against Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that he has instructed the military that “no one is untouchable in Iran."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MFA), along with our embassy in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the consulate general in Tabriz, continues the process of evacuating Azerbaijani citizens and foreigners from Iranian territory.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has strongly rejected allegations that the IAEA Board of Governors’ June 12 report provided Israel with justification to attack Iran. Grossi emphasized that the agency’s role and reports can never be used to legitimize
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The 19th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) is underway in St. Petersburg, Russia. The gathering, which brings together 41 news agencies from 33 countries, is being hosted by the TASS news agency as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his assassination threat against Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that he has instructed the military that “no one is untouchable in Iran."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MFA), along with our embassy in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the consulate general in Tabriz, continues the process of evacuating Azerbaijani citizens and foreigners from Iranian territory.
On June 19, the official opening ceremony of the “Azerbaijan” residential complex, constructed by Azerbaijan in the Turkish city of Kahramanmaraş, was held. The event was attended by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
European stock markets ended the day in negative territory following interest rate decisions by major central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) and the Bank of England (BoE).
The first side event of the Global South NGO Platform was held in Bonn, Germany.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his assassination threat against Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that he has instructed the military that “no one is untouchable in Iran."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MFA), along with our embassy in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the consulate general in Tabriz, continues the process of evacuating Azerbaijani citizens and foreigners from Iranian territory.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has strongly rejected allegations that the IAEA Board of Governors’ June 12 report provided Israel with justification to attack Iran. Grossi emphasized that the agency’s role and reports can never be used to legitimize
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