In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the United States has conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, drawing sharp criticism from global powers Russia and China. The attacks, which occurred on Sunday, June 22, 2025, have raised fears of a broader international conflict [1][2].

Russian President Vladimir Putin, meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow on Monday, condemned the US actions as "absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran" [2]. Putin pledged efforts to support the Iranian people but did not specify the nature of this assistance [2][7].

China has also weighed in on the situation, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemning both the US bombardment of Iranian nuclear facilities and earlier Israeli strikes on Iran [1]. The Chinese government's stance aligns with Russia's in viewing the US actions as a potential catalyst for wider conflict.

The US strikes targeted three major Iranian nuclear sites, including facilities at Natanz and Isfahan [8]. While former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev claimed the attacks had failed to significantly damage Iran's nuclear infrastructure, this assertion has not been independently verified [5].

In response to the US strikes, Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway through which approximately one-fifth of global oil trade passes [4]. This move is expected to have significant implications for global oil prices and international trade.

The international community remains on high alert, with concerns about potential retaliatory actions from Iran. Hours before the Russian-Iranian talks in Moscow, Iran launched missiles at a US base in Qatar [1], signaling a rapid escalation of hostilities.

As tensions rise, the role of other nations in the conflict has come under scrutiny. Medvedev made controversial statements suggesting that some countries might be willing to supply Iran with nuclear warheads, a claim that drew criticism from US President Donald Trump [3][8].

The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts underway to prevent further escalation. Russia has indicated its willingness to mediate in the conflict [2], though the effectiveness of such efforts remains to be seen in the current volatile climate.

As the international community grapples with this unfolding crisis, the potential for a broader conflict looms large, with far-reaching implications for global security and stability.