June 22, Tehran: No panic, calm streets, Iranian media lists Iran's "retaliatory" targets against Israel and US military bases. After the US attack, even former opposition figures have united. Author: Irina Mishina [Image: https://p3-sign.toutiaoimg.com/tos-cn-i-axegupay5k/41894529656945b19aca43c3a5080a51~tplv-tt-origin-web:gif.jpeg?_iz=58558&from=article.pc_detail&lk3s=953192f4&x-expires=1751246286&x-signature=Uyacap0pZxwBP9bwhsUx4cpBlLw%3D] Commenting Guests: - Dmitri Bridge - Mees Kurbanov Following the US night attack on Iran's nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Fordow, and Natanz, the situation in Iran remains complex. Fortunately, the US attack did not reach the area of Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. The US attack was not only aimed at Iran's military targets and facilities but also directly threatened civilians in Iran and neighboring countries, potentially causing radioactive contamination. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran stated that Iran will continue to attack Israel. What is the current situation in Iran? What information do local media convey? How do the people react? To answer these questions, we interviewed Iranian political scientist Mees Kurbanov, who has long tracked Iran's dynamics through its media. "Local TV stations reported that Iran is preparing new rocket attacks against Israel, targeting not only Tel Aviv but also other cities." "Regarding the threat of radioactive contamination, Iranian TV stated that the US 'missed the mark' and was clearly eager to spread information about their attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. All of Iran's nuclear infrastructure has been moved and hidden in inaccessible places. Iranian officials assure that all of Iran's nuclear infrastructure and components are safe and cannot be attacked, ensuring that this region will not face the threat of radioactive contamination." "Siberian Newspaper": Will Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's planned visit to Moscow on June 23 and his meeting with President Putin mean that Iran still has not given up the possibility of a diplomatic approach? "Iran has always tried to avoid being forced into its current situation. Iranians once hoped to peacefully resolve all disputes, even conducting secret negotiations with the US during Israel's bombing. But it is now obvious: the plans of the US and Israel have never considered peaceful resolution. The US originally plotted the war through its ally Israel. Currently, Iranian TV broadcasts the official statement of Iran's leadership: 'After the US night attack, Iran was left with no negotiation opportunities. Negotiation with aggressors and terrorists is impossible.' The Islamic Republic of Iran will not compromise on sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Iran will firmly use all possible and necessary means and measures to defend its homeland, sovereignty, and people." "Siberian Newspaper": Does Iran expect support from the international community? "At present, TV is broadcasting statements by Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. He stated that the US military attack on Iran's civilian nuclear facilities directly violates Article II of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and also contravenes United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, constituting an act of aggression. In this context, the US actions seriously undermine international order and law. Iran's foreign minister called for corresponding responses from the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, and the International Atomic Energy Agency." "Siberian Newspaper": What countermeasures does Iran plan to take against Israel and the US?" [Image: https://p26-sign.toutiaoimg.com/tos-cn-i-6w9my0ksvp/1915f6a293524aa4ad28717e67211821~tplv-tt-origin-web:gif.jpeg?_iz=58558&from=article.pc_detail&lk3s=953192f4&x-expires=1751246286&x-signature=vFIoAYtNMPufnVAxLUtUulpEFZk%3D] Picture: Iranian Foreign Minister Zaid Abbas Araghi "Al Jazeera reported that a senior Iranian official made a statement: 'We possess more advanced rockets than those used so far, and we will definitely use them.' Iranian TV is currently broadcasting normal programming, showing footage provided by the military intelligence department. Rockets heading towards Iran partly come from US military bases in Iraq. Iran has listed all Middle Eastern US military bases and hundreds of Israeli cities as strike targets. Iranian TV also reported that Iran is preparing to block the Strait of Hormuz and send its navy to the Persian Gulf (Moscow time 16:10 update: The Iranian parliament has voted to block the Strait of Hormuz, and the final decision will be made by the National Security Council - Siberian Newspaper note). The US underestimated Iran's strength when initiating the war against Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran is not only the Iranian army but also includes nearly 20 million soldiers from global Islamic countries, which has already declared mobilization. It should be noted that according to information from Iranian TV and my sources from the country, the domestic situation in Iran remains calm, without panic. Iran has never desired war, but it will not tolerate humiliation. Iran was well-prepared for the US attack," emphasized political scientist Mees Kurbanov. How are various religious and political factions in Iran reacting under the current circumstances? How are the situations in different Iranian cities? To answer these questions, we interviewed political scientist Dmitri Bridge, who has just returned from Iran and maintains direct contact with friends in the country. "In Iran's political discourse, the current power centers have reached a consensus. Both the government and the Revolutionary Guards have expressed readiness to give 'wise, restrained but firm' responses to the aggression of the US and its ally, Israel. Iran's strategy is to avoid panic and direct war while strengthening its position in the international community. Siberian Newspaper: It is known that in recent years, discontent among young Iranians has gradually accumulated, calling for change: the people of Iran are tired of years of sanctions and international isolation. How is the opposition in Iran currently performing?" "Now, even those dissatisfied have stood on the side of the government. Contrary to Western, American, and Israeli expectations, the attacks on Iran have triggered an unprecedented wave of domestic unity. Thousands of people took to the streets, not to protest, but to support the nation. Especially symbolically, some of these people were women who participated in anti-government protests in 2021. Today, it is precisely the young people and the Iranian intellectual community - these groups that were previously disappointed in Iran's internal affairs - that have become the flesh-and-blood wall against external aggression. This shatters the main argument of overseas propaganda manipulation: that Iranian society completely rejects national sovereignty and expects external intervention. The opposition realizes that nothing is more important than defending the nation when it is invaded. A notable fact: women who stood at the forefront of the protest movement and spoke out for personal rights are now the first to declare that they will not allow the US and Israel to destroy their country. This is a turning point - personal grievances yield to national dignity. Counting on street protests and internal dissatisfaction no longer works. Despite differences, the Iranian people remain united on issues involving independence and autonomous decision-making." Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7518939092693123596/ Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's views. Please express your attitude by clicking the [Like/Dislike] buttons below.