Middle East Conflict Live Ticker +++ 21:40 "Shameful Remarks": Tehran Summons German Ambassador
"Deportation Ordered": Tehran mandates the expulsion of the German ambassador
Following German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's inflammatory comments supporting Israel's aggression against Iran, Tehran has summoned the German ambassador. "In response to the disgraceful remarks from the German Chancellor, the ambassador of that country has been called to the Foreign Ministry," Iranian state television reported. The German ambassador to Iran is Markus Potzel. Merz made these remarks during a heated discussion at the G7 summit in Canada, stating, "Israel is doing the dirty work for us all."
In the dark hours of Rasht, air defense systems are active, as reported by Iranian media outlets. Small flying objects and combat drones are being targeted in the city on the Caspian Sea, known as the "City of Rain." Rasht, a popular tourist destination, is only about four hours from the capital, Tehran. Thousands of Iranians have sought refuge in the region to escape the relentless Israeli attacks.
As the clock strikes 20:58, Iran reports an Israeli attack near the police headquarters in Tehran. Buildings near the police headquarters in the Iranian capital have been targeted, according to a police statement. Several officers were injured in the attack. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have reportedly renewed attacks on rocket launch sites and rocket silos in western Iran. Israeli fighter jets were in operation over the sites. Workers attempting to restart previously damaged sites were also targeted.
Former Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz believes it is possible for Israel to achieve its goals in the war against Iran without military aid from the United States. In an interview with ntv, Gantz expressed doubts about a possible diplomatic solution. "Iran has buried many of its nuclear facilities deep underground," Gantz said. "Yet, we believe we can still achieve our objectives without the military backing of the US."
Iran: Modern Sedjil Missiles Used for the First Time
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have utilized one of the most modern types of missiles from their arsenal in their latest attack on Israel. Popularly known as the Sedjil missiles, these long-range ballistic missiles belong to the most advanced generation of Iran's missile arsenal. Due to their solid fuel propulsion, they are faster to deploy and harder to detect than liquid-fueled systems. They can carry warheads weighing up to one ton.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has requested a classified briefing from President Trump for all 100 senators regarding the conflict between Iran and Israel. Trump has not yet responded to this request. Politicians and experts believe the US could be more actively engaged in the conflict than it appears.
Internet Blackout in Iran
Almost the entire internet in Iran has been shut down in the midst of the war. Real-time data confirms a "near-total national internet blackout," according to Netblocks, an organization that monitors internet shutdowns. Iranian residents of the capital Tehran have confirmed the internet outage via phone. In a statement, the Communications Ministry cited "the misuse of the national communications network by the enemy aggressor for military purposes and to endanger the lives and property of innocent people" as the reason for the restriction. Access to communication within the country remains open.
New Rocket Attack from Iran
Israel has reported a new rocket attack from Iran, according to an Israeli army statement. "Defense systems are operational to intercept the threat," it says. Iran has confirmed the attack. Warning sirens have sounded in several areas of Israel, including the densely populated Greater Tel Aviv area, as residents were urged to seek shelter immediately. This is the latest in a series of rocket attacks from Iran in the ongoing conflict.
Call for Regime Change in Iran
Prominent Iranian government opponent Marjam Rajavi has called for the overthrow of the Tehran leadership in light of the escalating conflict with Israel, stressing that the change must come from the Iranian people. "Iran's regime must be changed by the Iranian people and their resistance," Rajavi notes. She cautions against entering into new negotiations with Ayatollah Khamenei regarding the nuclear program, arguing that he will never abandon Iran's uranium enrichment program and continues to push the Iranian people into war and uncertainty to preserve his fragile and failing regime.
Inciting Speech by Erdogan
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has described Iran's right to self-defense as "legitimate, natural," and a "right" given the situation. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has critiqued Erdogan's comments as "inciting speech."
Special Flight Brings 171 People from Jordan to Germany
A special flight is bringing Germans and family members who were stranded in Israel from the Jordanian capital Amman to Frankfurt. 171 people were able to leave the region, the Foreign Office announced. Another flight is planned for Thursday. Germans who wish to leave Israel must independently reach neighboring Jordan.
Defense Secretary Hegseth Refuses to Testify About Possible Iran Options Before Senate
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that he will not reveal whether he presented President Trump with options for an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. "I will not reveal this information in a public forum," Hegseth said. The US military is prepared to carry out Trump's decisions, he added.
Trump Spoke to Putin and Discussed Mediation
US President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the conflict between Israel and Iran and discussed potential mediation. "He offered to mediate," Trump reported. "Do me a favor, mediate in your own [war] first." Note that this placement is somewhat skewed to fit the new structure.
Trump Demands Iranian Surrender and Threatens
Israelis and Iranians must endure another night of tension as the mutual shelling between Israeli and Iranian forces continues. US President Trump issues a threat, stating, "Iran must surrender immediately. If they do not, they will face consequences they have never seen before." Trump's warning is particularly concerning, as it hints at potential direct military intervention.
Israel Could Gain Air Superiority
Israel has reportedly gained air superiority over Iran, thanks to its superior military capabilities. This means that the Israeli forces have effectively dominated the skies of Iran, posing a severe threat to Iran's air defense and any retaliatory operations.
Russia Warns Against Military Aid to Israel
Russia has warned the US against providing direct military aid to Israel in the conflict, as it could result in a radical destabilization of the Middle East. Moscow advises against military intervention, cautioning that such actions could have unforeseen consequences.
Increased Iranian Attacks on Israel
Statistics provided by the Israeli military indicate that, since the start of its offensive, Israel has attacked over 1100 targets in Iran. In response, Iran has fired multiple waves of rockets towards Israel every day. On the previous night, there were about 30 ballistic rockets in two salvos. Most of the projectiles were intercepted, and there were no casualties. Since the beginning of the war, according to Israeli reports, 24 people have died and over 800 have been injured.
Unique Bomb Can Burrow Dozens of Meters Underground
A weapon known as the GBU-57 is uniquely capable of destroying Iran's underground nuclear facilities, should the US decide to intervene militarily. This bunker-busting bomb can penetrate up to 61 meters deep into rock and concrete, making it the most powerful weapon against Iran's clandestine nuclear program. Unlike many rockets and bombs, bunker-busting bombs do not explode upon impact. Instead, they burrow into the earth before detonating when they reach the underground facility.
[1] The Times of Israel: IDF helicopter shoots down Iranian drone over eastern Galilee – reports
[2] Jerusalem Post: Mossad to encourage Iranians to leave their country amid war
[3] The Guardian: Israel launches huge air strikes against targets in Iran in aggressive offensive
[4] Sputnik: Russia Condemns Israel's Attacks on Iranian Nuclear Sites as Illegal – Diplomat
[5] Bloomberg: Russia Urges US to Avoid 'Dangerous' Military Aid to Israel – State Department
- The Iranian conflict has forced discussions on political cooperation to address peace and security, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer requesting a classified briefing from President Trump for all 100 senators.
- As the war between Iran and Israel intensifies, there are concerns about the potential for a radical destabilization of the Middle East, with Russia issuing a warning against providing direct military aid to Israel.
