Damage reported at Iranian heavy water reactor, according to IAEA

🔥 Live Ticker: Middle East Conflict )

In a chaos-filled, fast-paced world, here's the latest on the unfolding Middle East conflict:

08:51 🇮🇱🇮🇱 Israel Strikes Khondab Reactor in Iran - IAEA Confirm DamageThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports the aftermath of an Israeli strike on Iran's Khondab heavy water reactor. The damage has been confirmed, with "critical" buildings, such as a distillation plant, sustaining damage[1][2]. Although the initial impact wasn't visible, the IAEA has now confirmed the extent of the damage. The Israeli army admitted to the attack on Thursday, describing Khondab as a "decommissioned nuclear reactor."

08:31 🇮🇱🇱🇧 Israel Threatens Hezbollah - "No Hezbollah" if They Attack IsraelIsrael Defense Minister Israel Katz has threatened Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, warning that if they support Iran and attack Israel, "there will be no Hezbollah." Hezbollah chief Naim Kassem had previously announced that Hezbollah is "not neutral" in the conflict, signaling they will act as they see fit[1]. Katz advises the Lebanese representative to be cautious, stating that Israel has lost patience with terrorists who threaten it.

08:07 🇩🇪 Germany Calls for Sanctions Against Israeli MinistersGerman CDU MEP Michael Gahler, the foreign policy spokesman and rapporteur of the EPP group in the Security and Defense Committee, has called for sanctions against Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir[3]. Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have a history of extreme statements, supporting the radical settler movement in the West Bank and opposing a two-state solution[3]. Potential measures could include travel bans or freezing their assets.

07:42 🇩🇪 Uncertainty on U.S. Intervention - Frei Urges Importance of DiplomacyGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Chief of Staff Thorsten Frei indicated that U.S. intervention remains uncertain. Despite signs of potential consolidation, Frei stressed that predicting the U.S.'s behavior is still speculation[1]. Frei emphasized the importance of diplomacy ahead of the Iran talks, including those led by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Geneva[1].

07:20 🇮🇱 Iran Strikes Beersheba - Israeli Military Confirms HitIran has launched a rocket attack on Israel this morning, targeting the city of Beersheba. At least one projectile struck near residential and commercial buildings, tearing off a residential complex's facade and causing at least six light injuries[1]. Kan and CNN have shared footage of burning cars, smoke, and broken windows on residential buildings. Beersheba has been targeted frequently by Iranian attacks in recent days.

07:16 🇮🇱 Israel Attacks Research Facility of "Nuclear Weapon Project" in IranThe Israeli Air Force has once again attacked dozens of targets in Iran. Among the targets were military facilities for rocket production, the headquarters of a research institute of the Iranian "nuclear weapons project," and facilities for producing an essential component for the Iranian nuclear weapons program[1].

07:11 🇩🇪 Wadephul Wants to Avoid Escalation - Israel Can Rely on GermanyGerman Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul acknowledged that the Iran meeting scheduled for today is significant, citing the tense situation and potential unpredictability[1]. Wadephul is working to prevent escalation, stressing that talks are crucial in this complex diplomatic landscape. When asked about potential assistance for Israel if Iranian attacks continue and casualties rise, Wadephul confirmed that Israel can always rely on Germany.

06:49 🇩🇪 Laschet Defends Merz - Praise for "Dirty Work" RemarkCDU foreign policy expert Armin Laschet defends Chancellor Friedrich Merz after criticism of his "dirty work" remark. Laschet commends Merz's clarity and considers his explanations more straightforward compared to the previous SPD chancellor, Olaf Scholz[1].

Politics: War Tensions Escalate - Will Iran and Israel Clash Heads?

Source: ntv.de, gut/gho/mau/dpa/rts/AFP/DJ

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[1] https://www.ntv.de/panorama/welt/merz-drecksarbeit-kommentar-nicht-auf-goldwaage-legen,36688766,00.html[2] https://www.ntv.de/panorama/iran-nuklearanlagen-israelische-angriffe-kontrolliert-krisenstrom,36617935,00.html[3] https://www.ntv.de/panorama/welt/merz-israel-kaempft-fuer-uns-allen-drecksarbeiten,36688766,00.html

The escalating tension between Iran and Israel raises questions about the future of political cooperation in the Middle East, with both nations acting aggressively in response to each other's actions, posing a threat to peace and security.
As Germany works to prevent escalation in the Middle East conflict, domestic political discussions centered on sanctions against Israeli ministers and Germany's potential support for Israel in case of continued attacks reiterate the complex relationships and conflicting interests involved in maintaining regional peace and security.