Kremlin says Estonia's readiness to host nuclear-capable NATO jets threatens Russia
Pevkur said Estonia was ready to host nuclear-capable jets if necessaryPeskov said such a move would be an obvious threat to RussiaMOSCOW: The Kremlin said on Friday that Estonia's stated readiness to host NATO allies' U.S.-made F-35A stealth jets, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, posed a direct threat to Moscow.Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur told the Postimees news outlet on Thursday that Estonia - which borders Russia and is a rotating base for NATO jets tasked with protecting Baltic airspace - was ready to host nuclear-capable jets if necessary."If some of them, regardless of their country of origin, have a dual-use capability to carry nuclear weapons it doesn't affect our position on hosting F-35s in any way," the outlet cited him as saying."Of course we are ready to host our allies."Pevkur was speaking after Britain, a NATO member, announced it would buy at least 12 F-35A jets capable of carrying nuclear warheads and that they would join NATO's airborne nuclear mission.Asked about Pevkur's comments, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said such a move would be an obvious threat to Russia."Of course it would be an immediate danger," Peskov told a journalist from Russia's Life news outlet. He said the statement was one of many "absurd thoughts" voiced by politicians in the Baltic region, which comprises Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania."We have practically no relations with the Baltic republics because it is very difficult to make them worse," he said.
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Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Israel's aggression against Iran and the end of its impunity
While the Islamic Republic of Iran had chosen the path of indirect negotiations with the US, on the eve of the sixth round, on June 13, 2025, it faced an illegal armed attack by the Israeli regime. Iran had been prepared to reach an agreement within the framework of its commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and the legitimate right to a peaceful nuclear program. In response to Israel's unlawful act of aggression, Iran exercised its inherent and lawful right to self-defense as stipulated in Article 51 of the UN Charter. Let us not forget that even amidst the 'imposed war' by the Israeli regime, Iran remained steadfastly committed to the path of diplomacy. Also, at the very moment when Iran's foreign minister was engaged in negotiations in Geneva with the European Troika and the EU high representative for foreign affairs, and consulting with regional states in Istanbul, the nation fell victim to military strike by the US. This was a blatant betrayal of diplomacy and a grave threat to regional and global security. 'The Israeli regime's attack was not just against Iran, it was a calculated and deliberate strike against regional stability, integrity, progress and development.' The targeting of Iran's fully transparent and safeguarded nuclear facilities, subject to the UN's monitoring and verification — by a rogue regime that flouts international law, evades Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty obligations, and hides its nuclear arsenal — reveals the hypocrisy of the so-called rules-based order. The Israeli regime, as an illegal occupying entity, has consistently violated international law through prolonged occupation, genocide, and illegitimate aggression against Iran. These acts aim to destabilize the region, halt its progress and prosperity, and impose its bullying agenda. But the era of impunity has come to an end. Iran has always made its position clear that it has never ignited war in the region, nor will it ever do so. We have long warned that Israel threatens regional security, with dire implications for the entire region. The Israeli regime's aggression was not just against Iran, it was a calculated and deliberate strike against regional stability, integrity, progress, and development. It is aimed at forcibly reshaping the region according to its destructive agenda. In the face of the Israeli attack, Iran deeply appreciates the principled positions and valuable solidarity of neighboring countries, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. They have, in these critical times, stood in unity and solidarity alongside Iran, firmly condemning the hostile act against Iran. The great nation of Iran will never forget the full support of the Kingdom, under the special directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to provide Iranian pilgrims with comprehensive services, and to help facilitate their safe return home. The wise positions of regional countries during Israel's aggression against Iran demonstrate their collective wisdom. They have shown their responsibility to safeguard the region against the Israeli threat, which is the primary disruptor of its peace, stability, and security. At this critical juncture, the region is in greater need than ever to foster cooperation and ensure shared stability. Iran continues to extend its hand of friendship to neighboring states. A fundamental pillar of Iran's foreign policy is the principle of good neighborly relations and regional cooperation. • Ali Reza Enayati is the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Time for Trump to revive his Middle East alliance
After weeks of armed conflict between Israel and Iran, and in the aftermath of America's direct attack on Iran's nuclear weapons program, a fragile ceasefire appears to be taking hold. US President Donald Trump has made clear he has no interest in broadening the conflict. His objectives remain narrowly focused: preventing Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon and making the region more stable. There is even talk in Washington of a possible diplomatic overture toward Iran and restarting negotiations. Whether that materializes remains to be seen. But in the wake of this short, intense conflict, a new opportunity has emerged for deeper US engagement in the region, particularly with the Gulf states. Trump has brought back decisive American leadership on the global stage, so countries in the region may be more willing to work more closely with the US. The president should seize this diplomatic momentum to revive one of the most creative initiatives from his first term: the Middle East Strategic Alliance. Originally proposed in 2017, the alliance reflected a strategic vision for a more integrated and secure Middle East. At the time, the Gulf states were interested but lacked a common understanding of what such an alliance should be. The Trump administration also did not clearly articulate its scope, leaving it vulnerable to diverging interpretations. Some Gulf countries saw it as a purely security-focused pact aimed at countering Iran. Others, seeking to balance their regional relations, were more hesitant to commit to a militarized posture. Still others envisioned the alliance as a platform to boost regional trade and US economic engagement. This time, Trump and his administration should remove any ambiguity. A revived alliance should have a clear mandate, starting with a robust security component. Without singling out any one threat, the US can lead efforts to improve defense coordination and enhance the capabilities of regional militaries. Second, the alliance should include an economic and trade dimension. Trump's emphasis on trade and tariffs aligns well with this. Only two Gulf countries, Bahrain and Oman, have free trade agreements with the US. Building on these could help formalize deeper economic cooperation and offer a framework for expanding US commercial ties across the Gulf. The administration should focus first on 'low-hanging fruit'— areas where consensus already exists and progress can be made quickly. Improving regional air and missile defense is one such area. The wars in Ukraine and between Iran and Israel have both illustrated the strategic importance of air defense systems in modern warfare. They have also exposed the economic imbalance in such conflicts: Shahed-class drones used by Iran can cost as little as $20,000, while the interceptors required to destroy them can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The US and its Gulf partners must work together to increase regional air and missile defense capabilities. This includes coordinating technology development, operational procedures, and joint investments to improve system effectiveness while reducing costs. Air defense cooperation is not politically controversial — its defensive nature makes it an easier sell domestically for governments in the region. Citizens expect their governments to provide security from missile and drone attacks, which are growing more common and more lethal. Qatar offers a case study. It experienced a major ballistic missile attack by Iran that was intercepted by US air defense systems. The attack was a wake-up call for the entire region. Investments in missile defense should be seen as both a strategic necessity and a politically viable starting point for a new alliance. A focus on air defense could also have benefits beyond the Gulf. It could boost cooperation with Israel, which already has some of the most advanced missile defense systems in the world. These lessons could also be shared across Abraham Accords partners, enhancing both interoperability and trust. Gen. Erik Kurilla, head of US Central Command, testified before Congress recently as part of his annual posture review. He emphasized the growing missile and drone threats in the Middle East. These threats are not hypothetical — they are shaping real-world policy and defense spending. A renewed alliance should be built around this reality. Now is the time for the Trump administration to act. The dust is settling after the Iran-Israel war. Diplomacy is once again being discussed. Regional states are looking to Washington for leadership and reassurance. A clearly defined, strategically sound alliance could be the foundation for a new era of regional cooperation that goes beyond security and includes trade, economic cooperation, and normalization. Reviving the Middle East Strategic Alliance will not be easy, but it is achievable. The geopolitical landscape has shifted in the region's favor. Shared concerns about air threats, increased interest in normalization, and a willingness to engage economically all create the right conditions for success. But this time, the US must lead with clarity and purpose. Trump and regional leaders should not let this moment pass. With smart leadership and clear objectives, a revived alliance could be the key to making the Middle East a safer, more secure, and more prosperous region for years to come. • Luke Coffey is a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. X: @LukeDCoffey.
Al Arabiya
4 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Trump could order Iran strikes an if intel concludes uranium enrichment possible
US President Donald Trump says he would consider bombing Iran again if intelligence reports conclude that Tehran could enrich uranium to a level that concerns him. Trump also responded to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's recent comments that Iran was victorious in the 12-day war with Israel. Iran 'got beat to hell,' as did Israel, according to Trump. 'It was a great time to end it.' After his comments to reporters at the White House, Trump took to Truth Social to slam Khamenei. 'During the last few days, I was working on the possible removal of sanctions, and other things, which would have given a much better chance to Iran at a full, fast, and complete recovery - The sanctions are BITING! But no, instead I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust, and immediately dropped all work on sanction relief, and more,' Trump said. He also said he did not allow Israel or the US military to kill the Iranian supreme leader and suggested that he forced Israeli fighter jets to return from a mission in Tehran following his announcement of a ceasefire between the two as well. 'I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH, and he does not have to say, 'THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!'
