Kim oversees launch of repaired North Korea warship
North Korea has repaired its damaged second destroyer and launched it into the water in the presence of leader Kim Jong-un.
North Korea's Korean Central News Agency said it launched the destroyer - the second it built in 2025 - off the east coast of the country on Thursday.
KCNA cited Kim as saying the country's two destroyers would play a big role in improving the North Korean navy's operational capabilities.
Kim reiterated previous claims that his naval build-up was a justified response to perceived threats posed by the United States and its allies in Asia, which in recent years have expanded their combined military exercises and updated their deterrence strategies to counter Kim's nuclear ambitions.
He said the North would respond to the threats by his rivals with "overwhelming military action" and vowed to build a navy with "long-range operational capabilities".
In May, North Korea said the ship was damaged in a failed launch, sparking fury from Kim, who has vowed to build a stronger navy to cope what he calls escalating US-led threats against his country.
Kim earlier said the failed launch was caused by criminal negligence.
North Korea's state media later said that authorities detained four officials including the vice director of the Workers' Party's munitions industry department over the botched launch.
North Korea's extremely secretive nature makes it virtually impossible to independently confirm its announcement on the ship's repair.
Outside experts earlier said it remained unclear how severely the 5000-tonne-class destroyer was damaged and questioned North Korea's announcement that it could repair the ship's damage at an early date.
The damaged warship was North Korea's second known destroyer and seen as a crucial asset toward Kim's goal of modernising its naval forces.
It was in the same class as the country's first destroyer unveiled in April, which experts assessed as the North's largest and most advanced warship to date.
Kim lavishly praised that ship, which was launched in the western port of Nampo, saying it advances his goal of expanding the military's operations range and nuclear strike capabilities.
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The Advertiser
8 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Calls for restraint as Israel and Iran trade blows
World leaders have reacted to Israel's large-scale strike on Iranian targets, with the UN secretary-general urging both sides to show maximum restraint. BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI, IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER: "The Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands. "That regime should anticipate a severe punishment. By God's grace, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces won't let them go unpunished." "With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see." MARCO RUBIO, US SECRETARY OF STATE: "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. "Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel." SPOKESPERSON FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES: "The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East. He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran's nuclear programme are underway. "The Secretary-General asks both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford." OMAN, WHICH IS MEDIATING IRAN-US NUCLEAR TALKS: "Oman considers this act a dangerous, reckless escalation, representing a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law. Such aggressive, persistent behaviour is unacceptable and further destabilizes the regional peace and security." "The Sultanate of Oman holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its consequences, and calls upon the international community to adopt a firm and unequivocal stance to halt this dangerous course of action." MARK RUTTE, NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL: "This was a unilateral action by Israel. So I think it is crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work as we speak to de-escalate." RAFAEL GROSSI, HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY: "I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. I reiterate that any military action that jeopardises the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond. "I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran." FRIEDRICH MERZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR: "We call on both sides to refrain from steps that could lead to further escalation and destabilise the entire region." JEAN-NOEL BARROT, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER: "We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could compromise regional stability. "We have repeatedly expressed our serious concerns regarding Iran's nuclear programme, notably in the resolution recently adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We reaffirm Israel's right to defend itself against any attack." LIN JIAN, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON: "China opposes the violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, opposes the intensification of contradictions, the expansion of conflicts, and the sudden rise in temperature of the regional situation. "China calls on all parties concerned to do more things that promote regional peace and stability and avoid further escalation of the tense situation. China is willing to play a constructive role in easing the situation." TURKEY Said Israel's provocation shows it "does not want issues to be resolved through diplomatic means" and urged it to halt "aggressive actions that could lead to greater conflicts". KEIR STARMER, UK PRIME MINISTER: "Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy." PENNY WONG, AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions. "We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy." TAKESHI IWAYA, JAPAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including talks between the United States and Iran, to achieve a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, the use of military force is deeply regrettable. "The government strongly condemns this action, which escalates the situation." JAN LIPAVSKY, CZECH FOREIGN MINISTER: "Iran has long failed to meet its obligations to the international community, and is building up its nuclear programme. But at the same time, it has rhetoric that is aimed at destroying the state in Israel. We've seen that twice it has conducted a large-scale state ballistic and drone attack in the last year-and-a-half against Israel along with Hamas and Hezbollah, and it seeks to destroy the state of Israel. "So I have a great deal of understanding for... military action to deter the production of a nuclear bomb in the region." SAUDI ARABIA: "Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms." World leaders have reacted to Israel's large-scale strike on Iranian targets, with the UN secretary-general urging both sides to show maximum restraint. BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI, IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER: "The Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands. "That regime should anticipate a severe punishment. By God's grace, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces won't let them go unpunished." "With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see." MARCO RUBIO, US SECRETARY OF STATE: "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. "Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel." SPOKESPERSON FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES: "The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East. He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran's nuclear programme are underway. "The Secretary-General asks both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford." OMAN, WHICH IS MEDIATING IRAN-US NUCLEAR TALKS: "Oman considers this act a dangerous, reckless escalation, representing a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law. Such aggressive, persistent behaviour is unacceptable and further destabilizes the regional peace and security." "The Sultanate of Oman holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its consequences, and calls upon the international community to adopt a firm and unequivocal stance to halt this dangerous course of action." MARK RUTTE, NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL: "This was a unilateral action by Israel. So I think it is crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work as we speak to de-escalate." RAFAEL GROSSI, HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY: "I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. I reiterate that any military action that jeopardises the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond. "I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran." FRIEDRICH MERZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR: "We call on both sides to refrain from steps that could lead to further escalation and destabilise the entire region." JEAN-NOEL BARROT, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER: "We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could compromise regional stability. "We have repeatedly expressed our serious concerns regarding Iran's nuclear programme, notably in the resolution recently adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We reaffirm Israel's right to defend itself against any attack." LIN JIAN, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON: "China opposes the violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, opposes the intensification of contradictions, the expansion of conflicts, and the sudden rise in temperature of the regional situation. "China calls on all parties concerned to do more things that promote regional peace and stability and avoid further escalation of the tense situation. China is willing to play a constructive role in easing the situation." TURKEY Said Israel's provocation shows it "does not want issues to be resolved through diplomatic means" and urged it to halt "aggressive actions that could lead to greater conflicts". KEIR STARMER, UK PRIME MINISTER: "Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy." PENNY WONG, AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions. "We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy." TAKESHI IWAYA, JAPAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including talks between the United States and Iran, to achieve a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, the use of military force is deeply regrettable. "The government strongly condemns this action, which escalates the situation." JAN LIPAVSKY, CZECH FOREIGN MINISTER: "Iran has long failed to meet its obligations to the international community, and is building up its nuclear programme. But at the same time, it has rhetoric that is aimed at destroying the state in Israel. We've seen that twice it has conducted a large-scale state ballistic and drone attack in the last year-and-a-half against Israel along with Hamas and Hezbollah, and it seeks to destroy the state of Israel. "So I have a great deal of understanding for... military action to deter the production of a nuclear bomb in the region." SAUDI ARABIA: "Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms." World leaders have reacted to Israel's large-scale strike on Iranian targets, with the UN secretary-general urging both sides to show maximum restraint. BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI, IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER: "The Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands. "That regime should anticipate a severe punishment. By God's grace, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces won't let them go unpunished." "With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see." MARCO RUBIO, US SECRETARY OF STATE: "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. "Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel." SPOKESPERSON FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES: "The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East. He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran's nuclear programme are underway. "The Secretary-General asks both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford." OMAN, WHICH IS MEDIATING IRAN-US NUCLEAR TALKS: "Oman considers this act a dangerous, reckless escalation, representing a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law. Such aggressive, persistent behaviour is unacceptable and further destabilizes the regional peace and security." "The Sultanate of Oman holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its consequences, and calls upon the international community to adopt a firm and unequivocal stance to halt this dangerous course of action." MARK RUTTE, NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL: "This was a unilateral action by Israel. So I think it is crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work as we speak to de-escalate." RAFAEL GROSSI, HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY: "I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. I reiterate that any military action that jeopardises the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond. "I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran." FRIEDRICH MERZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR: "We call on both sides to refrain from steps that could lead to further escalation and destabilise the entire region." JEAN-NOEL BARROT, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER: "We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could compromise regional stability. "We have repeatedly expressed our serious concerns regarding Iran's nuclear programme, notably in the resolution recently adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We reaffirm Israel's right to defend itself against any attack." LIN JIAN, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON: "China opposes the violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, opposes the intensification of contradictions, the expansion of conflicts, and the sudden rise in temperature of the regional situation. "China calls on all parties concerned to do more things that promote regional peace and stability and avoid further escalation of the tense situation. China is willing to play a constructive role in easing the situation." TURKEY Said Israel's provocation shows it "does not want issues to be resolved through diplomatic means" and urged it to halt "aggressive actions that could lead to greater conflicts". KEIR STARMER, UK PRIME MINISTER: "Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy." PENNY WONG, AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions. "We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy." TAKESHI IWAYA, JAPAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including talks between the United States and Iran, to achieve a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, the use of military force is deeply regrettable. "The government strongly condemns this action, which escalates the situation." JAN LIPAVSKY, CZECH FOREIGN MINISTER: "Iran has long failed to meet its obligations to the international community, and is building up its nuclear programme. But at the same time, it has rhetoric that is aimed at destroying the state in Israel. We've seen that twice it has conducted a large-scale state ballistic and drone attack in the last year-and-a-half against Israel along with Hamas and Hezbollah, and it seeks to destroy the state of Israel. "So I have a great deal of understanding for... military action to deter the production of a nuclear bomb in the region." SAUDI ARABIA: "Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms." World leaders have reacted to Israel's large-scale strike on Iranian targets, with the UN secretary-general urging both sides to show maximum restraint. BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI, IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER: "The Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands. "That regime should anticipate a severe punishment. By God's grace, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces won't let them go unpunished." "With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see." MARCO RUBIO, US SECRETARY OF STATE: "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. "Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel." SPOKESPERSON FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES: "The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East. He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran's nuclear programme are underway. "The Secretary-General asks both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford." OMAN, WHICH IS MEDIATING IRAN-US NUCLEAR TALKS: "Oman considers this act a dangerous, reckless escalation, representing a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law. Such aggressive, persistent behaviour is unacceptable and further destabilizes the regional peace and security." "The Sultanate of Oman holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its consequences, and calls upon the international community to adopt a firm and unequivocal stance to halt this dangerous course of action." MARK RUTTE, NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL: "This was a unilateral action by Israel. So I think it is crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work as we speak to de-escalate." RAFAEL GROSSI, HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY: "I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. I reiterate that any military action that jeopardises the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond. "I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran." FRIEDRICH MERZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR: "We call on both sides to refrain from steps that could lead to further escalation and destabilise the entire region." JEAN-NOEL BARROT, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER: "We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could compromise regional stability. "We have repeatedly expressed our serious concerns regarding Iran's nuclear programme, notably in the resolution recently adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We reaffirm Israel's right to defend itself against any attack." LIN JIAN, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON: "China opposes the violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, opposes the intensification of contradictions, the expansion of conflicts, and the sudden rise in temperature of the regional situation. "China calls on all parties concerned to do more things that promote regional peace and stability and avoid further escalation of the tense situation. China is willing to play a constructive role in easing the situation." TURKEY Said Israel's provocation shows it "does not want issues to be resolved through diplomatic means" and urged it to halt "aggressive actions that could lead to greater conflicts". KEIR STARMER, UK PRIME MINISTER: "Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy." PENNY WONG, AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions. "We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy." TAKESHI IWAYA, JAPAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including talks between the United States and Iran, to achieve a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, the use of military force is deeply regrettable. "The government strongly condemns this action, which escalates the situation." JAN LIPAVSKY, CZECH FOREIGN MINISTER: "Iran has long failed to meet its obligations to the international community, and is building up its nuclear programme. But at the same time, it has rhetoric that is aimed at destroying the state in Israel. We've seen that twice it has conducted a large-scale state ballistic and drone attack in the last year-and-a-half against Israel along with Hamas and Hezbollah, and it seeks to destroy the state of Israel. "So I have a great deal of understanding for... military action to deter the production of a nuclear bomb in the region." SAUDI ARABIA: "Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms."
Perth Now
11 hours ago
- Perth Now
Calls for restraint as Israel and Iran trade blows
World leaders have reacted to Israel's large-scale strike on Iranian targets, with the UN secretary-general urging both sides to show maximum restraint. BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI, IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER: "The Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands. "That regime should anticipate a severe punishment. By God's grace, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces won't let them go unpunished." "With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see." MARCO RUBIO, US SECRETARY OF STATE: "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. "Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel." SPOKESPERSON FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES: "The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East. He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran's nuclear programme are underway. "The Secretary-General asks both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford." OMAN, WHICH IS MEDIATING IRAN-US NUCLEAR TALKS: "Oman considers this act a dangerous, reckless escalation, representing a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law. Such aggressive, persistent behaviour is unacceptable and further destabilizes the regional peace and security." "The Sultanate of Oman holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its consequences, and calls upon the international community to adopt a firm and unequivocal stance to halt this dangerous course of action." MARK RUTTE, NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL: "This was a unilateral action by Israel. So I think it is crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work as we speak to de-escalate." RAFAEL GROSSI, HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY: "I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. I reiterate that any military action that jeopardises the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond. "I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran." FRIEDRICH MERZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR: "We call on both sides to refrain from steps that could lead to further escalation and destabilise the entire region." JEAN-NOEL BARROT, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER: "We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could compromise regional stability. "We have repeatedly expressed our serious concerns regarding Iran's nuclear programme, notably in the resolution recently adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We reaffirm Israel's right to defend itself against any attack." LIN JIAN, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON: "China opposes the violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, opposes the intensification of contradictions, the expansion of conflicts, and the sudden rise in temperature of the regional situation. "China calls on all parties concerned to do more things that promote regional peace and stability and avoid further escalation of the tense situation. China is willing to play a constructive role in easing the situation." TURKEY Said Israel's provocation shows it "does not want issues to be resolved through diplomatic means" and urged it to halt "aggressive actions that could lead to greater conflicts". KEIR STARMER, UK PRIME MINISTER: "Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy." PENNY WONG, AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions. "We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy." TAKESHI IWAYA, JAPAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including talks between the United States and Iran, to achieve a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, the use of military force is deeply regrettable. "The government strongly condemns this action, which escalates the situation." JAN LIPAVSKY, CZECH FOREIGN MINISTER: "Iran has long failed to meet its obligations to the international community, and is building up its nuclear programme. But at the same time, it has rhetoric that is aimed at destroying the state in Israel. We've seen that twice it has conducted a large-scale state ballistic and drone attack in the last year-and-a-half against Israel along with Hamas and Hezbollah, and it seeks to destroy the state of Israel. "So I have a great deal of understanding for... military action to deter the production of a nuclear bomb in the region." SAUDI ARABIA: "Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms."
ABC News
12 hours ago
- ABC News
Soldiers and scientists the faces of the dead in aftermath of Israel's strike on Iran
Days before Iran was due to enter more talks over its nuclear program, Israel spurned diplomacy for lethal air strikes against its most powerful nemesis. Friday dawned with dozens of Israeli jets dropping bombs from the sky over the capital Tehran and elsewhere across Iran. Israel characterised the bombings as an urgent strike to head off an existential threat from a regime just months away from producing nuclear weapons — the ultimate big stick in modern statecraft. That would make Iran the second nuclear-armed nation in the Middle East after Israel itself, which was thought by the CIA to have the bomb more than half a century ago. The Israeli government launched the strikes having lost some diplomatic cover over its siege on Gaza, with allies including Australia imposing sanctions on two members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet over calls for violence against Palestinians. But Iran this week thumbed its nose at "serious concerns" of the UN nuclear watchdog, vowing to ramp-up production of "near-weapons-grade uranium". Israel, flying solo without its key ally the US, was ready to make good on its threat to avenge direct attacks from Iran including a barrage of ballistic missiles last October. The Israel Defense Forces said it was both a "pre-emptive, precise, combined offensive … on Iran's nuclear program" and a "response to the Iranian regime's ongoing aggression against Israel". Targets included the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Tehran, a nuclear enrichment site at Natanz to the south, and two military bases and a nuclear research centre in Tabriz to the north-west. Iranian television also showed attacks on a residential complex in uptown Tehran, and in Kermanshah province to the west near the Iraqi border. Israeli bombs killed civilians including children, according to Iranian state media. But the faces of the dead known so far — those who have been named — are top Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists. Mohammad Bagheri was chief of staff of the armed forces of Iran. He oversaw a military machine with less than half of Israel's budget but more than three times the active personnel, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Bagheri was sanctioned by the UK in 2022 for supplying Russia with drones in its war on Ukraine. The US and Canada sanctioned him a month earlier over the harsh crackdowns on protests in Iran after the death in custody of a woman accused of breaking dress standards. Hossein Salami was commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which oversees Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs. A one-time mechanical engineering student and veteran of the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, Salami took over the role in 2019 weeks after the Trump administration in the US designated the IRGC a terrorist organisation. Salami reportedly said he and the IRGC were proud to be branded as such by Washington. Major General Gholam Ali Rashid was commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which coordinates joint Iranian military operations. He was sanctioned by the US, UK, Canada and others in April last year for his role in Iran's first direct attack on Israel in the form of missiles and drones, in coordination with Houthi forces in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon and militias in Iraq. Fereydoon Abbasi-Davani was a nuclear physicist and reported longtime member of the Revolutionary Guard who once ran the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. He was sanctioned by the UN Security Council in 2007 for his role in developing nuclear weapon delivery systems, and later by countries including Australia. He survived an assassination attempt driving to work in 2010 when a man on a motorbike attached a bomb to the window of his car — an attack Tehran blamed on Israeli intelligence. Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi was a theoretical physicist and president of the Islamic Azad University. According to a US government-funded NGO, Iran Watch, Tehranchi once supervised an Iranian program to develop nuclear weapons which included explosive testing, and continued to work for the regime. He was involved in a charity overseen by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, to whom he delivered a speech on nuclear and science policy in 2018. Tehranchi was sanctioned by the US in 2020 with heightened export licence requirements over national security concerns because of his involvement in nuclear proliferation activities.
