MOSCOW, June 16. /TASS/. Iran and Israel have exchanged heavy strikes since June 13 in a new wave of escalation; a surge in violence and anti-Trump protests is further polarizing American society; and Russia plans to demand that Ukraine dismantle Western-supplied weapons as a precondition for new peace talks. These stories topped Monday’s newspaper headlines across Russia.
Media: Iran-Israel conflict deepens with hundreds killed, Russia proposing mediation as global powers respond
The unprecedented exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran, which began on the morning of June 13, has already resulted in numerous casualties and extensive destruction on both sides. In response to the initial wave of Israeli airstrikes, Iran, following several hours of hesitation, launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel. The mutual aerial assaults have continued for three consecutive days. Since June 13, Israel has attacked more than 720 Iranian military sites. Civilian infrastructure has also been hit - for example, one of the buildings of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, according to statements by Iran’s diplomatic service.
The conflict between Iran and Israel is steadily escalating, though both sides appear to be leaving room for potential negotiations, according to experts interviewed by Izvestia. Tehran and Tel Aviv continue to exchange strikes, and the hostilities have now drawn in Yemen’s Houthi movement. Russia has proposed its mediation services, with officials in the Federation Council telling Izvestia that Moscow is doing everything possible to bring an end to the hostilities in the Middle East.
