US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made his first public appearance since a secret hospitalization on December 22, 2023. Attending the monthly meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group via video conference, Austin expressed optimism about the new year and reassured continued support for a free, secure, and sovereign Ukraine. Emphasizing a global coalition against Putin’s aggression, Austin affirmed the United States’ commitment to assisting Ukraine in its fight for freedom. Austin conveyed his well-being and eagerness to return to the Pentagon soon.
Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian warned that Israel would “regret” its attack on Iran, following massive Israeli airstrikes on key military and nuclear sites. “The Zionist regime will regret its action today,” Pezeshkian said, adding that a special cabinet meeting was immediately convened in response to the strikes.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi submitted a formal letter to the United Nations, condemning the attacks as violations of international law and describing them as “state-sponsored terrorism.” He stated, “Israel has now crossed all red lines,” calling the strikes war crimes under the Geneva Conventions.
Arakchi also emphasized the risk of a radiological disaster at the Natanz Nuclear Facility and demanded an emergency UN Security Council meeting, warning that Iran will respond in a “determined and proportionate” manner.
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