Conflict intensifies in Tehran
The feud between Israel and Iran is heating up like never before. This regional rivalry has taken a dangerous turn with a series of air strikes targeting Iran's nuclear program.
Just recently, the skies over Tehran thundered with the sound of explosions, according to media reports. The blasts echoed near the city's airport and a luxury hotel. Israel's Defense Minister took to a social media platform to declare, "Tehran is burning."
Experts predict that the Israeli military operation against Iran will span "weeks, not days." The White House and Israeli officials have hinted at this.
The fallout from these air strikes has been devastating. In Israel, countless lives have been lost, and injuries are mounting, as reported by media outlets. Iran, too, has faced a grim toll, with numerous casualties and injuries.
Eyewitnesses report explosions across various districts of the mega-city of Tehran. Social media is flooded with videos of thick smoke blanketing the metropolis, and some neighborhoods have even lost their water supply. Residents have also recounted air strikes targeting government buildings and infrastructure, including a hotel.
Israeli President Izchak Herzog describes the battle against Iran as not just a defense of his country but also of the Middle East, humanity itself, and world peace.
The Long List of Targets
According to a military representative, Israel has a lengthy list of targets still left in Iran. In a single night, the military allegedly attacked close to 80 targets.
The list includes the headquarters of the Iranian Defense Ministry and a state-owned nuclear research organization. Reports also suggest attacks on the command of the Defense Ministry. Flames engulfed parts of an oil depot in northwest Tehran, and Israel has also reported damage to one of its own refineries due to an Iranian counter-attack.
Six More Generals Fall
Iran's Revolutionary Guards have announced the death of six more generals. This grim tally increase the number of high-ranking military casualties to at least 14. Among the dead were the commander of the powerful Revolutionary Guards, Hussein Salami, and the chief of staff, Mohammed Bagheri.
Undeterred, Israel has relentlessly pursued its goal of dismantling Iran's nuclear program with air strikes against nuclear facilities, defense installations, and urban targets, along with attacks on oil and gas fields.
The Need for Special US Bombs
With time running out on its mission to "eliminate" Iran's nuclear program, Israel has turned to its ally, the United States, for assistance. With the US possessing the necessary heavy bunker-buster bombs and large bombers, they could potentially aid in the destruction of Iran's uranium enrichment facility in Fordo, according to a US news outlet. However, even if this facility remains operational after the attacks, Israel's goal may be elusive.
Urging a Nuclear Deal
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged Iran to reach a deal on its nuclear program, stating that he believes an agreement between Iran and Israel is possible, and that such an agreement could bring an end to the bloody conflict. Ongoing talks in Oman between Iran and the U.S. regarding Iran's nuclear program have, however, been postponed due to the military escalation.
Germany's Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul (CDU), has spoken on the phone with Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, discussing the continuation of the military operation in Iran and remaining targets. The details of their conversation remain undisclosed.
Iran and the IAEA
Iran apparently intends to reevaluate its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. Deputy Foreign Minister Kasem Gharibabadi stated that it is irrational for the agency to remain silent in the face of attacks on peaceful facilities, while still expecting inspectors to regularly be present in Iran. The IAEA, for its part, has remained silent on this matter.
The UN body has so far been monitoring Iran's nuclear program, and according to its findings, the attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities have not resulted in increased radiation levels outside the respective sites.
The war-and-conflicts continue to escalate as Israel has a lengthy list of targets still left in Iran, including the headquarters of the Iranian Defense Ministry and a state-owned nuclear research organization.
In politics, discussions about a nuclear deal between Iran and the United States have been postponed due to the military escalation, with Germany's Foreign Minister and Israel's Foreign Minister discussing the ongoing operation and remaining targets.
