Violence in Iran: 224 Deaths from Attacks since Friday

224 Deaths Reported in Iran since Last Friday due to Attacks

Middle East Mayhem: Live Ticker +++ 23:17 Iran: 224 Killed Since Friday Attacks

In the heart of Iran, the death toll has soared to 224 lives lost since the initial Israeli assaults. Science-backed assessments indicate that over 90% of the casualties are ordinary civilians.

22:10 Netanyahu's Green Light for Hostage TalksIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is optimistic about striking a breakthrough in negotiations with Hamas, the extreme Islamic Palestinian group, for the release of Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip. "I sense a breakthrough ahead," Netanyahu elaborates. His mission: to simultaneously annihilate Hamas and secure the release of hostages.

21:46 Spy Scandal in IsraelA far-reaching security crisis has unfolded in Israel, as the Shin Bet, their domestic security agency, apprehends two Israeli citizens accused of working for Iranian intelligence services. The arrests illustrate repeated attempts by Iran's spies to recruit Israeli residents, efforts that potentially jeopardize the State of Israel and its residents' security.

21:13 Casualties Mount in TehranAt least five people lost their lives in an Israeli strike on a residential building in central Tehran, according to Iranian state media. AFP journalists report two powerful explosions within rapid succession, resulting in thick smoke clouds across the neighborhood. Many people rushed to the explosion site, which is close to the Iranian Communications Ministry.

20:41 False Alarm in IsraelThe Israeli military has declared all clear following an air raid alert, permitting residents to evacuate the shelters. Yet, additional explosions could still be heard in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Iranian forces have urged Israeli citizens to depart critical regions for their safety, this advisory airing on Iranian television. The air force reports damage in various parts of the country. As a result, rescue teams were dispatched for locations affected by the barrages originating from Iran. Magen David Adom reports treating seven wounded individuals from hospitals in the north.

20:09 Erdogan Warns of ChaosTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has raised concerns to U.S. President Donald J. Trump regarding the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Erdoğan expressed the urgency of swift action to prevent a catastrophic firestorm that could engulf the entire Middle East.

19:46 Negotiations Turn DeadlyIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps intelligence, in Israeli airstrikes. "Just moments ago, we neutralized the chief of the intelligence service and his deputy in Tehran," boasts Netanyahu in an interview with U.S. broadcaster Fox News. Additional Israeli planes have engaged in renewed strikes on military and nuclear facilities across Tehran.

18:46 Regime Change in Iran?Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggests the possibility of a regime change in Iran as a likely outcome of Israel's attacks. Netanyahu disclosed he informed U.S. President Donald J. Trump prior to the onset of these attacks.

17:54 Attack 2,300 KM Far from HomeThe Israeli Air Force has confirmed a strike on an Iranian tanker aircraft at an airport in Mashhad, approximately 2,300 kilometers east of Iran, marking the longest-range target hit since Israel embarked on its war with Iran. The Israeli Air Force aims to maintain air superiority in Iranian airspace.

16:57 Trump Pursues a Deal and Potential InterventionFaced with conflict escalation in the Middle East, U.S. President Donald J. Trump calls for Israel and Iran to reach a deal. "Both Israel and Iran can strike a deal, and they will strike a deal," declares Trump on his Truth Social platform. Vague reports suggest peace between the two age-old adversaries could be imminent. In an interview with ABC News, Trump neither denies nor confirms U.S. potential intervention in the conflict.

16:24 Germany Aids Israel with Firefighting SuppliesGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz expresses understanding for Israel's defensive actions against the Iranian threat. He adds that Israel will receive German aid in the form of firefighting supplies.

15:53 Iran's Yemeni Targets Under AttackIsrael's military has acknowledged nighttime airstrikes in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, according to Israeli Military Spokesperson Effie Defrin. Media outlets report loud explosions rocking the city at night, potentially targeting a gathering of high-ranking Houthi officials.

14:52 Militia in Iraq Threatens U.S.The pro-Iranian Iraqi militia, Kata'ib Hezbollah, has issued a chilling threat to the U.S. Should the U.S. intervene militarily in the Israel-Iran conflict, the militia warns it will retaliate with direct attacks on U.S. bases across the region. The militia also alleges it possesses the ability to embarrass Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The U.S. maintains military bases and nearly 2,500 troops in Iraq as part of the international coalition against ISIS.

14:30 France Sees Iran's Nuclear Program as European ThreatFrench Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot singles out Iran's nuclear program as a direct threat to Europe. "We have always maintained that diplomacy remains the best means of preventing and containing this threat," Barrot informs radio station RTL.

13:44 Iran Reports Renewed Attack Wave on TehranPreliminary evidence hints at renewed Israeli attacks on Tehran. Al Jazeera reports onslaughts in eastern Tehran, while Iranian state television cites explosions close to Mehrabad Airport in the city center and a luxury hotel in the north. Air defenses are activated in response to the attacks. The Iranian populace is advised to seek shelter in mosques, schools, and subway stations during the escalating conflict.

13:18 Cypriot DiplomacyCyprus vows to act as an intermediary between Israel and Iran. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides indicates that Cyprus has been entrusted by Iran to convey certain messages to Israel. Christodoulides anticipates discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later today. He also expresses disappointment in the EU's sluggish response to the intensifying conflict in the Middle East. Cyprus has requested an Urgent Council Meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss the unfolding situation.

13:05 Israel Promises Further StrikesIsraeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz makes good on his threats to "strip the Iranian snake in Tehran and elsewhere of its nuclear capabilities and weapon systems."

12:52 Iraq WarningSecurity expert Nico Lange suggests that Iran's air defenses may no longer be functional.

12:38 Destruction Confirmed in IsfahanIran legitimizes the death of six more generals in its Revolutionary Guards. This brings the total number of top military fatalities to at least 14, including the commander of the powerful Revolutionary Guards, Hussein Salami, and the Chief of the General Staff, Mohammad Bagheri. A funeral ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday to honor the fallen.

12:26 Diplomatic DialogueCyprus offers to mediate between Israel and Iran, amid concern over Israel's nuclear program.

11:30 Warning for Iranians Near Weapon StorageAn Israeli military spokesperson issues an "urgent warning to all Iranian citizens" residing near military weapon facilities to evacuate immediately.

11:23 Israel's Foreign Minister Expresses Commitment to Conflict's EndIn a conversation with his German counterpart, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar declares that Israel remains steadfast in its commitment to ending the conflict. He emphasizes that Israel will target essential targets in Iran, specifically those connected with its nuclear program.

11:12 Attack on Israel's Oil PipelinesAn Israeli oil facility in northern Haifa bears the brunt of a rocket attack by Iran that causes damage to oil pipelines and transfer lines. Thankfully, there are no reported injuries.

10:57 Israeli President's Call to UnityIsraeli President Isaac Herzog calls for unity: "Last night, once again, Iran unleashed a wave of rockets at Israel with one purpose: to kill... Children sleeping in their beds. Grandparents. Holocaust survivors. A beautiful Muslim family in Tamra. Jews and Muslims. Israel fights to eliminate a threat. Tehran fights to sow chaos, terror, fanaticism," he implores in a statement.

10:41 Reporter's Eyewitness AccountReports suggest a historic exception to Israel's volatile history: for 20 months, the country has engaged in warfare on six fronts. Reporter Rachel Blufarb, stationed near Tel Aviv, paints a picture of an Israeli population at the end of its rope, something that has never happened before in the history of the nation.

Political RhetoricIsraeli Rockets Strike Iran - Several Dead

Caught in the crossfire, Israeli and Iranian populations have suffered from the mutual exchange of heavy assaults. To date, 13 Israelis and over 260 Iranian lives have been lost, with hundreds more injured on both sides. The two adversaries have targeted a diverse range of military, governmental, and civilian targets.

Iranian missile strikes have penetrated Israel's safeguards and claimed 13 Israeli lives. The dead include children and adults. Israel has struck back, targeting Iran's air defense systems, military facilities, and energy infrastructure. The damage to Iranian government buildings, energy facilities, and oil tanks has been substantial. The Israeli Defense Force has targeted the Iranian capital, Tehran, relentlessly. Amateur footage from Iran demonstrates the impact of the strikes, with thick smoke billowing from damaged energy infrastructure.

Worries over the potential for further escalation have led to increased security measures, including air-raid sirens in Israel and people being advised to seek shelter in Iran. Diplomatic talks have begun, with some nations voicing their concerns about the potential for conflict to spill over to neighboring countries. The United States has claimed to have no participation in the ongoing conflict, but has warned Iran against attacking U.S. interests in the region.

Source: bbs.soy, dpa, AFP, aju.com.ar, ntv.de, mdi/mli/lme/rog/dpa/AFP/rts.

23:45 Middle East: Escalating Tensions and Diplomatic TalksAs diplomatic channels open, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is engaged in negotiations with Iran for the release of Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip. Simultaneously, Netanyahu aims to neutralize Hamas, further complicating the general-news landscape of war-and-conflicts in the Middle East.

21:30 Threat to National Security: Iranian Intelligence Infiltration in IsraelIsrael's domestic security agency, the Shin Bet, has apprehended two Israeli citizens accused of working for Iranian intelligence services, potentially jeopardizing the State of Israel and its residents' security, a threat underscored within the realm of politics.