## Russia would react 'very negatively' to Iran leader's assassination, Kremlin says

Authored by kyivindependent.com

Regime change in Iran is "unacceptable" and the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would "open Pandora's box," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Sky News in an interview published June 20.

Russia, which signed a strategic partnership with Iran in January, has reportedly grown increasingly alarmed as the United States weighs deeper involvement in Israel's military campaign against Tehran.

Russia has been a close regional ally of Iran, while Tehran supplied drones and ballistic missiles for Moscow's war against Ukraine.

Peskov also commented on Trump's dismissive response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's offer to mediate between Israel and Iran.

Tensions have risen between the U.S. and Iran following a wave of Israeli air strikes on Iranian territory, beginning June 13.

Russia has offered to mediate the crisis, with Putin reportedly reaching out to both Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Tel Aviv, according to the Kremlin, is reluctant to accept the proposal, while the EU leaders rejected it, citing Russia's aggression in Ukraine and its close military ties to Iran. »

### Embracer Group reduced its headcount by almost 2,000 employees last year

Authored by gamedeveloper.com

Swedish conglomerate Embracer Group reduced its headcount by 1,857 employees over the past year during an ongoing restructure that included layoffs and divestments.

Embracer Group has parted ways with thousands of workers in recent years—many of which have been laid off.

Embracer currently employees 743 people within the segment—a notable decline on the 1,081 employees it reported last year. »

### ICE agents covering their faces with masks should make all Americans afraid

Authored by msnbc.com

Not only have Americans been primed to expect to see police officers’ faces, we’ve also been told that we can demand an officer’s name and badge number.

Though Jessica Tarlov, the liberal co-host of Fox News’ “The Five,” is among those who’ve argued that some ICE agents are covering their faces because they know what they’re doing is shameful, Schrader said he rejects that argument.

And ICE’s defenders ought to feel foolish claiming that agents need to cover their faces before approaching people looking for work outside a Home Depot. »

### Alarm as White House Says Trump Has Not Ruled Out Dropping Nuclear Weapon on Iran

Authored by commondreams.org

The White House said Thursday that President Donald Trump has not ruled out dropping a nuclear weapon on Iran as he considers options for joining Israel's escalating and increasingly deadly war.

Trump denied a Wednesday Wall Street Journalstory suggesting that he had already approved a plan to attack Iran.

News that the White House has not ruled out a nuclear attack on Iran also drew the attention of Russia, which has the world's largest nuclear arsenal. »

### Zelenskyy on Russia and Iran: Aggressive regimes must not be allowed to unite

Authored by pravda.com.ua

Quote: "Right now, Russia is trying to save Iran's nuclear programme, there's no other way to interpret its public signals and behind-the-scenes activity.

When one of their accomplices loses the ability to export war, Russia suffers, and tries to intervene.

And this, time and again, proves that aggressive regimes must not be allowed to unite and become partners.". »

## In pictures

## Also in the news

#### Russia ‘On the Verge’ of Recession, Putin Minister Says

#### Zelenskyy leaves G7 with no Trump meeting or fresh arms support from US

#### Lithuanian hunters refuse a government request to shoot a wild bear in the capital

#### Security review launched after pro-Palestinian activists break into RAF Brize Norton

#### Stalking will now be a criminal offence in Switzerland