Demonstrations Boil Over in Iran: Thousands Take to Streets in Disapproval of Israeli Actions
Live Ticker: Middle East Crisis intensifies +++ 14:08 Protests erupt in Iran against Israeli attacks
Screams and chants echo across Tehran and other Iranian cities as thousands take to the streets, protesting the ongoing Israeli attacks. Flags of Iran wave high, while chants of anti-Western slogans ring out, according to CNN's reports based on Iranian state television. Shocking images display Iranians showcasing photos of slain military commanders and flags of the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
13:33 Israel orders intensified attacks on TehranDefense Minister Benny Gantz issues a command to escalate attacks on Tehran, targeting symbols of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leaders. Gantz categorizes these targets as "means of suppressing the population," citing the radical Basij militia as an illustration. His end goal is to destabilize the Iranian regime by targeting their power base, including the IRGC.
13:12 Macron: Europe to present comprehensive negotiating offer to TehranFrench President Emmanuel Macron announces that Paris, Berlin, and London will extend a "comprehensive negotiating offer" to Iran in Geneva on Friday. Macron stresses the critical need to resume negotiations, stating, "Returning to negotiations is absolutely essential." The offer aims to halt uranium enrichment, limit Iran's missile program, and terminate "all funding of terror groups" in the region by Tehran. He reiterates that the Iranian nuclear program poses a significant threat and that there is no room for complacency.
12:55 Heusgen: "Anything is better than continuing the war"Christoph Heusgen, a former advisor to Angela Merkel, welcomes the upcoming negotiations between Germany, France, Britain, the EU, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. "Anything is better than continuing the war," he declares. He emphasizes the importance of achieving a peaceful resolution through diplomacy.
12:44 Expert: Israel euphoric over military powerAccording to Middle East expert Simon Fuchs, success of Europe's efforts to achieve a diplomatic solution to the conflict between Israel and Iran depends on a major change in perspective from both sides. Fuchs notes that Israel currently has no intention of reaching an agreement, as it aims to prevent Iran from possessing any military power or nuclear capabilities. Fuchs observes an euphoric phase over its own military might. If no fundamental change occurs, the European-led talks are likely to fail.
12:17 Iranians grapple with internet blackouts, resource shortagesA grim account reveals the devastating effect of the prolonged conflict on the Iranian population. Unfavorable conditions, including limited internet access, sparse ATM cash withdrawals, and millions fleeing, paint a daunting picture of life in Iran as the autocratic regime struggles to mask the chaos.
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- Political cooperation among European powers, particularly France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, is essential to present a comprehensive negotiating offer to Iran, perceived as crucial to ending the ongoing Middle East crisis and preventing the Iranian nuclear program from posing a threat.
- In the face of escalating war-and-conflicts, such as the Israeli attacks on Iran, General News highlights the urgent need for peace and security in the region, as demonstrated by ongoing protests and the calls for diplomatic solutions from experts like Christoph Heusgen.
