Middle East Conflict Updates +++ 21:40 Germany in the Hot Seat: Chancellor Merz's Controversial Statement Delivers Diplomatic Blow to Iran
"Deportation Demand": Iranian authorities decide to expel the German ambassador from the country.
Following Chancellor Friedrich Merz's controversial claim that Israel is "doing the dirty work" for others in Iran, Tehran has summoned the German ambassador for a meeting with the Foreign Ministry. In response to Merz's questionable defense of Tel Aviv's questionable actions against Iran, Iranian state television reported, "In light of the shameful remarks by the German Chancellor supporting Tel Aviv's aggression against our country, the ambassador of this country has been summoned to the Foreign Ministry." Markus Potzel, the German ambassador to Iran, has been called in to address the escalating situation.
In an exclusive, Merz made these remarks at the recent G7 summit in Canada. "That's the dirty work Israel is doing for us all," he told Reuters. "I can only say, greatest respect for the courage shown by the Israeli Army and Israeli leadership in doing this."
21:18 Drones over Rasht
In the Iranian city of Rasht, along the Caspian Sea, air defense has been activated, according to reports from Iranian media. Small flying objects and combat drones are being targeted after dark. Rasht, often referred to as the "City of Rain," is a popular tourist destination on the Caspian Sea, conveniently located about four hours from the capital, Tehran. With thousands of Iranians fleeing to this area to escape Israeli attacks, the ongoing military campaign in Iran continues to cause immense distress.
20:58 Iran Reporting Attacks Near Tehran Police Headquarters
Iranian state media has reported an attack near the police headquarters in Tehran, with sources citing a police statement from the state news agency IRNA. The police headquarters and nearby buildings in the Iranian capital have been targeted, according to the statement. Several officers have reportedly been injured in the attack, as Israeli military aircraft continue their offensive in the Middle East.
20:35 Doubting a Diplomatic Solution: Israeli Ex-Minister Gantz
Israeli former Defense Minister Benny Gantz questions the possibility of a diplomatic solution in the ongoing conflict. In an interview with ntv, Gantz shows his skepticism towards negotiations with Iran.
19:57 Senator Schumer Demands Classified Briefing from President Trump
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, has requested a classified briefing from President Donald Trump for all 100 senators regarding the Middle East conflict between Israel and Iran. As of the time of writing, Trump has yet to provide a statement on this matter.
19:33 Trump and Netanyahu "leading a deception campaign"
According to GIDS expert Marie-Theres Sommerfeld, the Israeli leadership and President Trump may be involved in a deceptive operation in the ongoing conflict with Iran. "The Israelis are tactically brilliant and have their backs against the wall," Sommerfeld says, proposing that the goals in the fight against Iran may be achievable through these deceptive means.
Meanwhile, the US seems to have a more significant role in the conflict than it previously indicated.
19:13 Internet Shutdown in Iran
Amidst the ongoing turmoil, the internet in Iran has been almost entirely shut down. Real-time data confirms a "near-total national internet blackout," reports Netblocks, an organization that specializes in monitoring internet shutdowns. Residents of Tehran have confirmed the internet outage via telephone. The Mehr news agency cites a statement from the Communications Ministry, attributing the restriction to "abuse of the national communications network by the enemy aggressor for military purposes and endangering the lives and property of innocent people." Communication within the country remains accessible, though international calls have been gradually restricted.
19:00 More Rocket Attacks from Iran
The Iranian military has reportedly launched additional rockets towards Israel, according to the Israeli military. "Defense systems are operational to intercept the threat," reads a statement from the Israeli military. Warning sirens have sounded in several areas of Israel, including the densely populated Tel Aviv metropolitan region. Residents in affected regions are advised to seek shelter.
18:42 Rajavi Demands Regime Change in Iran
Prominent Iranian opposition figure Marjam Rajavi has called for the overthrow of the Iranian government amidst the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict while emphasizing that Iranians must lead the change. "Regime change must come from the Iranian people and their resistance," says the chair of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which operates in exile. Rajavi warns against re-engaging in negotiations with Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, over its nuclear program. She argues that the Iranian government will never abandon its pursuit of nuclear enrichment.
18:14 Criticizing Erdogan: Israeli Minister Gideon Saar
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's statements "inciting speech," regarding Erdogan's belief that Iran has the right to defend itself against "state terrorism." According to Saar, Erdogan's statement is "particularly ironic" given his own history of imperialistic ambitions and illegal occupations in northern Syria and Cyprus.
Sources: ntv.de, mpa, mau, dpa, rts, AFP, DJ
- The ongoing Middle East conflict between Israel and Iran has sparked political cooperation and diplomatic tensions, as Chancellor Friedrich Merz's controversial statement supports Israel's actions against Iran, leading to Iran summoning the German ambassador.
- Meanwhile, Iran is facing internal troubles as well, with reports of rocket attacks towards Israel, air defense activation in Rasht, an attack near the police headquarters in Tehran, and a near-total national internet blackout, all adding to the peace and security concerns in the region.
