Iran stands alone against Trump and Israel, stripped of allies
Iran's leaders are discovering they're on their own against the U.S. and Israel, without the network of proxies and allies that allowed them to project power in the Middle East and beyond.
As the Islamic Republic confronts its most perilous moment in decades following the bombing of its nuclear facilities ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump, Russia and China are sitting on the sidelines and offering only rhetorical support. Militia groups Iran has armed and funded for years are refusing or unable to enter the fight in support of their patron.
After decades of being stuck in a game of fragile detente, the entire geopolitical order of the Middle East is being redone. The Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel was only the beginning. It led to multiple conflicts and tested decadeslong alliances. It offered Trump, on his return to power this year, a chance to do what no president before him had dared by attacking Iran so aggressively and directly.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yomiuri Shimbun
an hour ago
- Yomiuri Shimbun
U.S. Strikes on Iran: Concerns Grow over War Spreading, Becoming Quagmire
The United States, Israel's supporter, has taken steps to intervene militarily in the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran. The situation in the Middle East has entered a new phase. It is feared that the fighting will spin out of control and turn into a quagmire. One can only be deeply concerned over the situation. The United States has announced it attacked three nuclear-related facilities in central Iran. The latest model of GBU-57 bunker-buster bomb, which is capable of burying itself underground before detonating, was reportedly used on the uranium enrichment facility in Fordo. This is believed to be the first time this type of bomb has been used in actual military operations. U.S. President Donald Trump declared the strikes 'a spectacular military success.' He asserted that the objective was the destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and putting a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the country, adding that the United States 'will go after those other targets,' depending on how Iran responds. Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in mid-June and requested U.S. intervention. Trump was initially against military intervention. However, as soon as the view that Israel's strikes had achieved something began gaining traction, he quickly shifted gears toward attacking Iran. There were no prospects of a ceasefire in Ukraine or the Palestinian territory of Gaza, and nuclear negotiations with Iran have reached an impasse. With little in the way of diplomatic achievements, Trump may have hastily decided to attack Iran out of a desire for quick results. The United States proceeded with a war on terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq following the 2001 terrorist attacks, but the battles turned into a quagmire, leaving the United States with bitter experiences. The war continued through 2021, when the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan, costing the United States many lives and a heavy financial burden. Trump has long maintained the stance that the United States should not intervene in other countries' conflicts and has been regarded as cautious about the use of military force. However, this time, he recognized Israel's right to self-defense and has himself become involved. He should avoid getting embroiled in wars in the Middle East like previous administrations. Iran's Foreign Ministry has issued a statement that condemned the United States, saying it 'has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter [and] international law,' hinting at retaliation. However, if that happens, further attacks will be inevitable. Retaliation should be avoided, and a solution through dialogue should be sought. Over 100 Japanese nationals and their family members left Israel and Iran by bus for neighboring countries. Many of them are reportedly heading to Japan by commercial aircraft. The government dispatched two large C-2 transport aircraft of the Air Self-Defense Force to Djibouti in eastern Africa, where the Self-Defense Forces have a base, in case commercial aircraft become unavailable. It is hoped that the government will smoothly carry out its duties. (From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 23, 2025)
Tokyo Weekender
2 hours ago
- Tokyo Weekender
Japan Reacts to US Attacks on Iran
Speaking to reporters from his official residence on Sunday, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said it is crucial that there is a quick de-escalation of the situation in Iran. He refrained, though, from making a statement on whether Japan supports the US attacks there. List of Contents: Japan Refrains From Expressing Immediate Support for US Attacks on Iran Trump Describes Attack as a 'Spectacular Military Success' Japanese Nationals Evacuate Iran and Israel Related Posts Japan Refrains From Expressing Immediate Support for US Attacks on Iran 'We are gathering and analyzing information and closely monitoring developments with grave concern,' said Ishiba. 'It's paramount to calm down the situation soon.' He added, 'Iran's nuclear development must be blocked.' When asked if Japan backed the US attacks on Iran, Ishiba responded, 'I will answer the question when appropriate.' Earlier this morning, Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya released a statement , emphasizing the importance of US-Iran talks. He added, 'the attacks on Iran by Israel on June 13th, and the subsequent attacks by Iran on Israel, resulting in an exchange of retaliatory attacks, are extremely regrettable… Japan believes that the most important thing, above all, is to de-escalate the situation as soon as possible.' Trump Describes Attacks as a 'Spectacular Military Success' On Saturday evening, President Donald Trump announced via social media that US forces had struck three key nuclear sites in Iran. Addressing the nation from the White House later that night, he described the attacks as a 'spectacular military success.' He also warned of 'far greater' attacks if Iran fails to 'make peace.' Trump claimed the US air strikes completely 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear sites. However, a senior US official told The New York Times that the attack on the secretive Fordo nuclear facility — believed to be deeper underground than the Channel Tunnel — did not destroy the heavily fortified facility but severely damaged it. Israeli officials said likewise, adding that Iran had moved equipment, including uranium from the site. Japanese Nationals Evacuated From Iran and Israel With the situation becoming more precarious in Iran, Ishiba has instructed relevant ministries to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals there and in Israel. According to Kyodo News , there are around 200 Japanese nationals in Iran and approximately 1,000 in Israel. At the end of last week, 87 were evacuated from the two countries. On Sunday, another batch of 21 Japanese nationals departed Iran, arriving in Azerbaijan by bus. Related Posts Trump Meets Akie Abe, Says Meeting With Ishiba Possible Before Inauguration Japan Reacts to Trump and Zelenskyy's Heated Exchange Japanese Yen Strengthens to 148 Against the Dollar
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D780%26fit%3Dcover%26gravity%3Dfaces%26dpr%3D2%26quality%3Dmedium%26source%3Dnar-cms%26format%3Dauto&w=3840&q=100)
Nikkei Asia
4 hours ago
- Nikkei Asia
Iran tensions push up energy, defense stocks in Japan while yen falls
Markets Similar moves seen in Hong Kong and South Korea; oil futures climb Inpex's gas project off the coast of Australia: the company's shares went up around 2% at one point on Monday. (Inpex) JADA NAGUMO TOKYO -- Shares in energy and defense companies shot up in Tokyo and other Asian markets Monday morning as Israel-Iran tensions escalate in a conflict that the U.S. has now entered after striking key Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. President Donald Trump has described the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as "a spectacular military success." Washington's involvement follows an air war between Iran and Israel.
