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º£½ÇÖ±²¥ voices ‘great concern’ over US strikes on Iran, leads calls for restraint, de-escalation

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ voices ‘great concern’ over US strikes on Iran, leads calls for restraint, de-escalation
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said there “is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control.†(Reuters)
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Updated 23 June 2025

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ voices ‘great concern’ over US strikes on Iran, leads calls for restraint, de-escalation

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ voices ‘great concern’ over US strikes on Iran, leads calls for restraint, de-escalation
  • UN chief says US attacks a ‘direct threat to international peace and security’
  • Other countries began reacting Sunday with calls for diplomacy and words of caution

RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥ expressed on Sunday its “great concern†following US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, according to a statement by the foreign ministry on X.

The Saudi ministry statement “affirmed its condemnation and denunciation of violating the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressing the need to exert all efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate, and avoid escalation.â€

The Kingdom also called on the international community to boost efforts in such “highly sensitive circumstances†to reach a political solution to end the crisis.

UAE

The United Arab Emirates urged on Sunday an immediate halt to escalation to “avoid serious repercussions†in the region following strikes by the US on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

It warned that such actions could lead the region to “new levels of instability,†according to a statement from the foreign ministry.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed held phone calls with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as well as the leaders of Kuwait and QatarÌıto discuss the latest developmentsÌıfollowing the attacks on Iran.

The conversations focused on the need to de-escalate tensions and restore regional stability, with all sides urging restraint and a return to dialogue and diplomacy, Emirates News Agency reported.

Egypt

Egypt has expressed deep concern over the recent developments in Iran, warning of the risks posed by a rapidly escalating situation that could threaten the security and stability of the entire region.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt said the ongoing escalation could have serious consequences for both regional and international peace.

The statement stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty of states and adhering to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

Egypt called on all concerned parties to exercise restraint, prioritize dialogue, and pursue peaceful solutions, emphasizing that resorting to military options would only lead to greater instability.

Qatar

Qatar, host of the biggest US military base in the Middle East, on Sunday said it feared serious repercussions after US air strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran.

The foreign ministry “warns that the current dangerous escalation in the region may lead to catastrophic consequences at both the regional and international levelsâ€, a statement said.

“It calls on all parties to exercise wisdom, restraint, and to avoid further escalation.â€

Oman

Oman, which was mediating nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran, on Sunday strongly condemned US strikes on nuclear sites in Iran.

The Gulf sultanate “expresses deep concern, denunciation and condemnation of the escalation resulting from the direct air strikes launched by the United States on sites in the Islamic Republic of Iranâ€, the official Oman News Agency said.

Lebanon

Lebanese president Joseph Aoun, in statement released by the Lebanese Presidency on X, meanwhile said: “Lebanon, its leadership, parties, and people, are aware today, more than ever before, that it has paid a heavy price for the wars that erupted on its land and in the region. It is unwilling to pay more, and there is no national interest in doing so, especially since the cost of these wars was and will be greater than its ability to bear.â€

“The bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities raises fears of an escalation of tensions that could threaten security and stability in more than one region and country.

“The President of the Republic calls for restraint and the launch of constructive and serious negotiations to restore stability to the countries of the region and avoid further killing and destruction,†the statement added.

Iraq

Iraq warned on Sunday that the US attacks on its neighbor Iran’s nuclear facilities threaten peace and stability in the Middle East.

Iraq “expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation of the targeting of nuclear facilities†in Iran, government spokesperson Basim Alawadi said. “This military escalation constitutes a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East and poses serious risks to regional stability,†he added.

UN

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres meanwhile slammed US President Donald Trump’s decision to order US military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities as a “dangerous escalation.â€

“I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security,†he said in a statement.

“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,†he said.

READ:ÌıTranscript of Trump’s speech on US strikes on Iran

Guterres called on member states to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law.

“At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos. There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy.Ìı The only hope is peace,†he said.

The president of the UN General Assembly, Philemon Yang, also issued a statement, saying he was "deeply alarmed" by the attacks.

“I reiterate that we cannot afford further military escalation in the Middle East. I call on all parties to engage in diplomacy and pursue dialogue in order to settle any disputes in accordance with the UN Charter and international law,†he said.

“Military might does not bring durable peace, dialogue does. The people in the Middle East need peace and not more wars,†he added.

Other countries began reacting Sunday with calls for diplomacy and words of caution:

Turkiye

Turkiye warned Sunday the US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities risked escalating the Iran-Israel conflict to a global level that could have “catastrophic†consequences.

“The ongoing developments could cause the regional conflict to escalate to a global level. We do not want this catastrophic scenario to come to life,†the foreign ministry indicating Turkiye was “deeply concerned about the possible consequences.â€

India

India’s prime minister Narendra Modi said on X that spoke with Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian: “We discussed in detail about the current situation.

“Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations. Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability.â€

Pakistan

Pakistan, in a statement, said it “condemns the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities which follow the series of attacks by Israel. We are gravely concerned at the possible further escalation of tensions in the region.â€

“We reiterate that these attacks violate all norms of international law and that Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter.

“The unprecedented escalation of tension and violence, owing to ongoing aggression against Iran is deeply disturbing. Any further escalation of tensions will have severely damaging implications for the region and beyond.â€

Russia

Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said on Sunday that US President Donald Trump had started a new war for the US by attacking Iran.

“Trump, who came in as a peacemaker president, has started a new war for the US,†Medvedev wrote on his Telegram channel.

UK

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Iran to “return to the negotiating table†over its nuclear ambitions after the US carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

“Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat,†Starmer said on X, adding that “stability in the region is a priorityâ€.

“We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.â€

Ìı

France

French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Sunday that France hadÌı“taken note with concern of the strikes carried out last night by the United States of America against three sites in Iran's nuclear program.â€

He also said that France was neither involved in these strikes nor in their planning.

“We urge the parties to exercise restraint in order to avoid any escalation that could lead to an extension of the conflict,†the statement said.

“In this context, our priority is to ensure the safety of our agents and nationals, as well as that of our interests and partners in the region,†it added.

France has repeatedly expressed its firm opposition to Iran gaining access to nuclear weapons.

“France is convinced that a lasting solution to this issue requires a negotiated solution within the framework of the Treaty of Non-Proliferation. We remain ready to contribute to this in conjunction with our partners,†the statement said.

“France has taken due note of the statement by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which confirms at this stage that no high level of radiation has been detected.â€

European Union

The European Union’s top diplomat said Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon but she urged those involved in the conflict to show restraint.

“I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation,†EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in a post on social media.

Kallas will chair a meeting of the 27-nation bloc’s foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday, with the Israel-Iran war high on the agenda.

New Zealand

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters urged “all parties to return to talks.â€

He wouldn’t tell reporters Sunday whether New Zealand supported President Trump’s actions, saying they had only just happened.

The three-time foreign minister said the crisis is “the most serious I’ve ever dealt with†and that “critical further escalation is avoided.â€

“Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action,†he said.

Italy

Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani, on state broadcaster RAI, said: “Now we hope that, after this attack, which caused massive damage to nuclear weapons production and posed a threat to the entire region, a de-escalation can begin and Iran can sit down at the negotiating table.â€

China

A flash commentary from China’s government-run media asked whether the US is repeating “its Iraq mistake in Iran.â€

The online piece by CGTN, the foreign-language arm of the state broadcaster, said the US strikes mark a dangerous turning point.

“History has repeatedly shown that military interventions in the Middle East often produce unintended consequences, including prolonged conflicts and regional destabilization,†it said, citing the American invasion of Iraq in 2003.

It said a measured, diplomatic approach that prioritizes dialogue over military confrontation offers the best hope for stability in the Middle East.

Japan

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters Sunday it was crucial to calm the situation as soon as possible, adding that the Iranian nuclear weapons development also must be prevented.

Ishiba, asked if he supports the US attacks on Iran, declined to comment. He was speaking to reporters after an emergency meeting with officials from key ministries over the US military action.

Ishiba said officials are still assessing details and doing their utmost to protect the safety of the Japanese nationals in Iran, Israel and elsewhere in the region.

While the US attacks on Iran do not affect Japan’s stable energy supply for the time being, Ishiba said, he has instructed officials to “watch the development with a sense of urgency and take every precaution†to prevent an increase in oil and utility costs ahead of the summer when energy demand rises.Ìı

South Korea

South Korea’s presidential office said it would hold an emergency meeting Sunday to discuss the security and economic ramifications of the US strikes and potential South Korean responses.

Australia

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday that Canberra supported the US strike on Iran and called for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.
“The world has long agreed that Iran cannot be allowed to get a nuclear weapon and we support action to prevent that,†Albanese told reporters in Canberra.
HeÌısaid “the information has been clear†that Iran had enriched uranium to 60 percent and “there is no other explanation for it to reach 60, other than engaging in a program that wasn’t about civilian nuclear power.â€
“Had Iran complied wth the very reasonable requests that were made, including by the IAEA, then circumstances would have been different,†said Albanese, referring to limitations on enrichment.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong made a similar call for for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy in a series of television and radio interviews later.

There are around 2,900 Australians in Iran and 1,300 in Iraq who are seeking to leave.

Australia closed its embassy in Tehran on Friday, after Wong spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Australia has suspended bus evacuations from Israel after the US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, but is making preparations for potential evacuations if air space in Israel re-opens, Wong said.

High praises for Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was predictably all praises for Trump’s decision.

“Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities, with the awesome and righteous might of the United States, will change history,†he said in a video message directed at the American president.

Netanyahu said the US “has done what no other country on earth could do.â€

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon also thanked Trump for his “historic decision to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Today, President Trump proved that ‘Never Again’ is not just a slogan — it’s a policy.â€

In Washington, Congressional Republicans — and at least one Democrat — immediately praised Trump after he announced his fateful attack order.

“Well done, President Trump,†Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina posted on X. Texas Sen. John Cornyn called it a “courageous and correct decision.†Alabama Sen. Katie Britt called the bombings “strong and surgical.â€

Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin posted: “America first, always.â€

The Senate Armed Services Committee chairman, Roger Wicker of Mississippi, said Trump “has made a deliberate — and correct — decision to eliminate the existential threat posed by the Iranian regime.â€

Wicker posted on X that “we now have very serious choices ahead to provide security for our citizens and our allies.â€

The quick endorsements of stepped up US involvement in Iran came after Trump had publicly mulled the strikes for days and many congressional Republicans had cautiously said they thought he would make the right decision. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Saturday evening that “as we take action tonight to ensure a nuclear weapon remains out of reach for Iran, I stand with President Trump and pray for the American troops and personnel in harm’s way.â€

Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, were briefed ahead of the strikes on Saturday, according to people familiar with the situation and granted anonymity to discuss it.

Johnson said in a statement that the military operations “should serve as a clear reminder to our adversaries and allies that President Trump means what he says.â€

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford, R-Arkansas, said he had also been in touch with the White House and “I am grateful to the US servicemembers who carried out these precise and successful strikes.â€

Breaking from many of his Democratic colleagues, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, an outspoken supporter of Israel, also praised the attacks on Iran. “As I’ve long maintained, this was the correct move by @POTUS,†he posted. “Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities.â€

Both parties have seen splits in recent days over the prospect of striking Iran. Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican and a longtime opponent of US involvement in foreign wars, posted on X after Trump announced the attacks that “This is not Constitutional.â€

Many Democrats have maintained that Congress should have a say. The Senate was scheduled to vote as soon as this week on a resolution by Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine requiring congressional approval before the US declared war on Iran or took specific military action.

Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House intelligence panel, posted on X after Trump’s announcement: “According to the Constitution we are both sworn to defend, my attention to this matter comes BEFORE bombs fall. Full stop.â€


Legendary Saudi actor Hamad Al-Muzaini dies

Legendary Saudi actor Hamad Al-Muzaini dies
Updated 55 min 18 sec ago

Legendary Saudi actor Hamad Al-Muzaini dies

Legendary Saudi actor Hamad Al-Muzaini dies
  • Actor, 80, leaves behind deep-rooted cultural, artistic legacyÌıÌı

RIYADH: Saudi actor Hamad Al-Muzaini died on Sunday at the age of 80 after a long illness.

He leaves behind a deep-rooted cultural and artistic legacy that helped shape º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s cultural landscape.

Al-Muzaini had a presence in countless Saudi households. He was renowned for his roles in a wide array of television series, including the iconic “Tash ma Tash.â€

He also contributed to other popular shows such as “Ailat Abu Ruwaishid,†“Ghashamsham,†the youth-oriented “Shabab Al-Bomb,†and “Al-Asouf.â€

He played a central figure who helped shape traditions, storytelling, and family bonds for a generation of viewers.

Born in 1945 in Unaizah in the Al-Qassim Province, Al-Muzaini began a career at the Ministry of Education before embarking on his artistic journey in the mid-1980s. He also possessed a remarkable gift for poetry.

A true champion of local content and stories, Al-Muzaini was a vocal critic of writers and producers who ignored traditional narratives, believing they saw the tales as conventional and superficial. His dedication to authentic storytelling earned him a special place in the hearts of many across the Arab world.

Thousands of fans and admirers took to social media to express their condolences and reflect on his profound impact following his death.

Faiz Al-Malki, a public figure and ambassador for the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, said on X: “I ask almighty God to grant him paradise. May God magnify the reward of his family and loved ones. And praise be to God for everything.†

Fans and fellow supporters of Saudi film and the arts also expressed their sorrow on X.

Osamah Shehri wrote: “A heartbreaking, painful, and shocking piece of news at the same time. I’m trying as much as possible to comprehend it, with no objection to God’s decree.

“We ask God to have mercy on him, forgive him, and pardon him. And to make him dwell in the spacious gardens of paradise and the bliss of His good pleasure.â€

Saudi journalist Ahmed Balhareth said: “The artistic scene has lost one of its pillars with the passing of the artist Hamad Al-Muzaini who immortalized his name through prominent dramatic works such as ‘Tash ma Tash,’ ‘Ghashamsham,’ ‘Bayni wa Baynak,’ and others.

“Sincere condolences to the artistic community and the honorable Al-Muzaini family. â€He participated in most of the famous Saudi works.â€

Many people spoke of their grief, and many wrote that a part of the Kingdom’s rich cultural and artistic heritage had been lost with the death of the actor, adding that his memory would live on through his timeless work.


A new life for Riyadh’s clothesÌı

A new life for Riyadh’s clothesÌı
Updated 21 September 2025

A new life for Riyadh’s clothesÌı

A new life for Riyadh’s clothesÌı
  • Designer Rakan Faris, 25, shows how creativity and reuse are reshaping wardrobes

RIYADH: In Riyadh, old clothes are finding new life. Across workshops and wardrobes, repair is becoming routine, rework is turning into style, and closets are raw material for creativity and community. At the heart of this shift is Taqia House, a label built on reuse and reimagining fashion. 

Rakan Faris, 25, told Arab News, “I fell in love with fashion and art from an early age, growing up in the Y2K era, shaped by my family, surroundings, music, and lifestyle.â€

Faris — with Paris training in one hand, Riyadh roots in the other — launched Taqia House under the slogan “Turning nothing to everything.†He began with hats before expanding into garments as more people embraced the concept. 

The Sakhaa Program is also pushing the shift forward, having recently signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a used clothing recycling plant in Riyadh.

The program will reduce textile waste, raise awareness, create jobs, and provide clothing at little or no cost through a scalable model.

Faris said, “Riyadh’s youth, spirit, culture, and future aspirations all merge together in the identity of Taqia House.â€

Inside the studio, a worn cuff or frayed edge is a starting point, not a stop sign. Pieces are redesigned so their past use guides the next version.

“Storytelling is one of our favorite parts of reworking garments. Each piece already carries a story, and by reworking it, we rewrite that story and change its path,†said Faris. 

With steady intake, makers can route items to their next best use: repair sturdy garments, redesign high-potential pieces, pass along intact clothes, or turn scraps into new material. 

“The process is not always easy. The volume of overlooked garments is overwhelming, and often the filtration takes longer than the actual creation,†he said.

At Taqia House, curation is deliberate. “We carefully assess whether a garment has potential for the current theme or capsule, if it should be reserved for a future drop, or if it’s best passed along — either donated or reused as fabric scraps,†Faris explained.

Attitudes are shifting with these systems. “The stigma still exists, but it’s gradually fading,†he said.

More customers now look for durability, creativity, and meaning in their clothes. 

“Customers in the Kingdom are becoming more conscious. They want to be stylish while also protecting the environment,†he added. 

The future depends on skills. “We need educational programs, courses, and degrees focused on sustainable fashion and upcycling,†Faris said.

Training in repair, fiber identification, pattern-cutting, and sustainable design can turn a flexible plant model into local jobs and better outcomes for donated items.

For him, impact is measured in changed perspectives as much as sales. “We measure success not just in sales, but in how a collection shifts perceptions.â€

From donation points to sorting lines to studios and storefronts, Riyadh is building a practical loop for clothing.

The Sakhaa Program provides structure and access, independent labels give it momentum, and more residents are choosing to wear reimagined garments.


Saudi FM receives call from US counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call on Sunday from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (AFP)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call on Sunday from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (AFP)
Updated 21 September 2025

Saudi FM receives call from US counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call on Sunday from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (AFP)
  • During the call, they discussed regional and international developments and efforts being made with regard to them

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call on Sunday from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, they discussed regional and international developments and efforts being made with regard to them. Saudi-US relations were also discussed.


º£½ÇÖ±²¥ launches digital health link with Syria

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ launches digital health link with Syria
Updated 21 September 2025

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ launches digital health link with Syria

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ launches digital health link with Syria
  • Initiative allows Syrian medical staff to access Saudi expertise, receive special consultations, and improve response times
  • Saudi and Syrian health ministers sign an MoU that addresses strategic areas in the health sector

LONDON: º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and the Syrian Arab Republic on Sunday launched a digital link between the Saudi Seha Virtual Hospital and the Syrian Ministry of Health and agreed to strengthen their healthcare partnership.

Fahad Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel, the Saudi minister of health, and his Syrian counterpart, Musab Al-Ali, attended the launch of the initiative in Riyadh after signing a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in the health sector.

This digital link is a significant advance in health cooperation between º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and Syria, facilitating direct communication between their health platforms for constant access to services, remote consultations, diagnoses, and treatments, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

It also allows Syrian medical staff to access Saudi expertise, receive specialized consultations, and improve response times for critical cases, the SPA added.

Al-Jalajel said that the MoU with their Syrian counterparts aims to establish a robust health system in Syria, improve access to efficient health services and virtual healthcare solutions.

The agreement addresses strategic areas in the health sector, including emergency management, e-health, preventive medicine, therapeutic health, and health investment.

It includes training, expert visits, and the organization of conferences, seminars, and workshops. It is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance regional and international health cooperation, solidifying its position as a premier center for virtual medicine and digital transformation, the SPA added.

Since the regime change in December in Damascus, Saudi charities and ministries have increased humanitarian, health, and energy support for Syria to assist the country during its political transformation following a decade of civil strife.


º£½ÇÖ±²¥ to host second edition of new song contest Intervision in 2026

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ to host second edition of new song contest Intervision in 2026
Updated 21 September 2025

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ to host second edition of new song contest Intervision in 2026

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ to host second edition of new song contest Intervision in 2026
  • 2026 edition expected to attract record participation, more than the 23 countries at the inaugural edition in Moscow
  • Topping the first edition was Vietnam’s Duc Phuc, who won a grand prize of 30 million rubles (about $360,000)

RIYADH: º£½ÇÖ±²¥ will host the second edition of the new song contest Intervision, whose inaugural version was concluded early Sunday in Moscow, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

This was also announced by organizers of Intervision, Russia's answer to the Eurovision song contest. 

Artists from more than 20 countries — including º£½ÇÖ±²¥ — competed in the inaugural edition in the Russian capital, which was won by Vietnamese singer Duc Phuc.

According to SPA, the Kingdom’s delegation, organized by the Saudi Music Commission, featured Saudi singer and songwriter Zeina Emad, who performed a specially commissioned piece titled “Just a Concern.†

“I wanted to give voice to that feeling when someone finally says, ‘I am concerned about you,’ even if everyone else isn’t. This is one of the most personal songs I have ever performed,†Emad told the Intervision online site www.intervision.world

Saudi singer and songwriter Zeina Emad sang the specially commissioned piece titled “Just a Concern.† (X: @intervisionwld)

In its report, SPA said the 2026 edition in º£½ÇÖ±²¥ "is expected to attract record participation, with innovative performances that highlight cultural heritage and creativity."

"The contest provides a global stage for artistic diversity, bringing together nations through live musical performances that highlight creativity and cultural exchange," the report added.

Revival of Soviet-era contest

Intervision 2025 has been hailed by some as a revival of the Soviet-era contest hosted in Czechoslovakia between 1965 and 1968, and Poland between 1977 and 1980. 

During Saturday’s contest in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to participants in a video address, hailing its main theme of “respecting traditional values and different cultures.â€

“Today, Intervision is gathering a second wind, while remaining faithful to its traditions,†Putin added.

Spectators watch a video address of Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Intervision International Music Contest 2025 in Moscow on September 20, 2025. (REUTERS)

Participating in Intervision 2025 were contestants from Belarus, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Qatar, Russia, º£½ÇÖ±²¥, Serbia, South Africa, Tajikistan, the UAE, Uzbekistan, Venezuela and Vietnam.

The US also took part but moments before its entrant, Australian-born Vassy, was due to take to the stage, the show’s presenters announced that she would not be able to perform because of “political pressure†from the Australian government. 

Another act, singer-songwriter Brandon Howard, had been slated to perform for the US until three days before the final show. He ultimately dropped out due to “unforeseen family circumstances.â€

In a show overflowing with thundering vocals and pyrotechnics, Vietnam’s Duc Phuc’s song “Phu Dong Thien Vuong,†a heady mix of pop, rap and dubstep, saw off second-place Kyrgyzstan to take home the grand prize of 30 million rubles (about $360,000).

Other acts included Cuban singer Zulema Iglesias Salazar with a joyful rumba, Qatar’s Dana Al Meer, who sang at the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony, and Serbia’s Slobodan Trkulja, who dedicated his song “Three Roses†to his three daughters.

Russia’s entrant, Shaman, a singer known for his patriotic concerts, presented a lyrical song before asking the international jury not to consider Russia’s performance.

“Russia has already won by inviting so many countries to join us,†he said. 

(With Agencies)