Chaotic Confrontation: The Ongoing War between Israel and Iran
Diplomatic efforts intensified among Europeans as they aim to find a peaceful resolution with Iran
Geneva (dpa) - A week into the war, high-level diplomats from Europe and Iran meet for the first time in Geneva, striving to find a peaceful resolution. Parallel to the relentless attacks between Israel and Iran, the German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, together with his French and British counterparts, grill Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghtchi, about Tehran's intentions concerning its nuclear program.
After three grueling hours of talks at the Hotel InterContinental, a resolution seemed elusive by early evening.
The tables Turn: Complicity or Condemnation?
Araghtchi slammed the international community in the UN Human Rights Council prior to the discussions with the Europeans, urging condemnation of Israel's assaults on his country. "Any justification of this unjust and criminal war would amount to complicity," he acclaimed. Accusing Israel of war crimes in Gaza, Araghtchi questioned the moral compass of those who supported such atrocities.
Wadephul Calls the Shots: Time for Concessions
Wadephul made it clear before the meeting that it was Iran's time to make the first move. Despite Araghtchi's insistence on ceasing Israeli attacks as a prerequisite for negotiations, Trump's administration threatened to intervene as Israel's significant ally within the next two weeks.
Heavy Blows, No Remorse
As diplomats struggled to find peaceful solutions, Israel and Iran continued their brutal attacks. At least 23 individuals were left injured, three severely, in an attack on Haifa after an Israeli mosque was hit. Iran's elite military force, the Revolutionary Guards, reported Israeli attacks on military targets, arms facilities, control centers, and bases in Nevatim and Hatzerim.
Hard-hitting Demands, Firm Stances
Prior to his Swiss journey, Wadephul emphasized his willingness to engage in talks with Iran but outlined tough prerequisites. "This necessitates the serious intention of Iran to forsake any nuclear material enrichment that could lead to nuclear armament," he asserted. He also stressed the importance of discussing Iran's rocket program.
Escalation or Peace: The French Perspective
Emmanuel Macron labeled Iran's nuclear program a major threat and acknowledged the existence of protected facilities in Iran. On the other hand, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed the urgent need for a return to negotiations to prevent further conflict intensification.
Israel's Defense Minister Bets on Instability
Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz called for expanding attacks, aiming at destabilizing Tehran's regime and for the comprehensive evacuation of Tehran's citizenry.
Closing Doors in Tehran
The UK and Switzerland closed their embassies in Tehran due to security concerns and the escalating military operations.
The UN Braces for Iranian Refugees
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is preparing for larger refugee groups from Iran. Unconfirmed reports suggest refugees are already arriving in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan.
Death tolls in Israel and Iran remain unsettlingly high since the war's inception. Official Israeli figures report 24 fatalities and over 800 injuries due to Iranian attacks, while the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports a staggering 650 deaths and over 2,000 injuries in Iran. Iranian government casualty figures have yet to be released.
Treading Water: Is Tehran Buying Time?
Iranian government loyalists gathered following Friday prayers in Tehran. Security expert Riad Kahwaji of the Dubai-based Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis (INEGMA) believes Iran is simply biding its time, stockpiling rockets and boosting domestic morale through propaganda.
- The German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, and his counterparts from France and Britain discussed politics related to war-and-conflicts, specifically focusing on Iran's nuclear program and its intentions during a meeting in Geneva.
- Amidst the ongoing war between Israel and Iran, the UN Human Rights Council witnessed a general news event as Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghtchi, accused Israel of war crimes in Gaza and called for international condemnation of these actions.
