All articles tagged with #nuclear tensions
Widespread protests in Iran over economic hardship, currency collapse, and political grievances are escalating amid high regional tensions, weakened alliances, and concerns over Iran's nuclear program, with the government facing significant internal and external pressures.
Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has registered as a candidate for the upcoming presidential election, seeking to return to power after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Ahmadinejad's candidacy puts pressure on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, given their past conflicts. His return comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the West over nuclear issues and regional conflicts. The Guardian Council will finalize the list of candidates within 10 days, and the election is set for June 28.
Russia and China are sending government delegations to North Korea to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, signaling North Korea's desire to showcase its partnerships with authoritarian neighbors amid escalating nuclear tensions with the US, South Korea, and Japan. The visits come as North Korea fires short-range ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, conducts military parades, and commemorates Chinese troops who fought alongside them during the war. The delegations' visits mark a rare instance of foreign government officials entering North Korea since the start of the pandemic, suggesting a gradual reopening of the country's borders.
Former Russian President and ally of Putin, Dmitry Medvedev, has warned that the world is on the verge of a new world war due to rising nuclear tensions and concerns about climate change. Medvedev has reinvented himself as a hawk since Russia invaded Ukraine last year and has been making statements almost daily about the war or Russia’s perceived enemies. Putin has also warned that Russia will use all available means to protect itself and announced that Russia would station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, which borders NATO countries and Ukraine.