Escalating Israel-Iran clash: Latest updates at this moment
Taking Stock of the Ongoing Israel-Iran Clash
Get the lowdown on the latest developments in the intense clash between Israel and Iran.
The Accelerating Conflict
Remember, Israel instigated an offensive code-named "Rising Lion" on June 13, striking Iran's nuclear facilities, following a series of morning ballistic missile launches. Israel's strikes eliminated key commanders and annihilated numerous nuclear scientists, sending Iran into a state of emergency and prompting a series of retaliatory missile strikes on Israel.
The Barrier to Negotiations
According to sources from Kuwait Times, an Iranian representative told Qatari and Omani mediators that Iran is unwilling to discuss a ceasefire until it completes its response to Israel's preemptive attacks.
The Attacks on Israeli Cities
As confirmed by The Guardian, Iran targeted Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Petah Tikva with rocket salvos, showcasing its refusal to heed international pleas for calm and continuing its response to Israel's surprise attack. At least four soldiers lost their lives, and 87 were injured. Buildings in residential areas and a power station near Haifa were devastated.
The U.S. Embassy in Israel suffered minor damages due to rocket blasts, but no personnel were hurt. Meanwhile, an Israeli MQ-9 Reaper drone, of American descent, was reportedly downed in the Dehloran region, bordering Iraq, according to Iranian state television.
The Casualty Counts
The total number of fatalities caused by Iran's attacks in Israel, as per RBC, stands at 385 over the past two days. Iran's Ministry of Health has acknowledged 224 deaths since the inception of the conflict.
The Stance of G7 Leaders
The heads of the Group of Seven (G7), including U.S. President Donald Trump, are slated to gather in the Canadian Rockies on Monday for discussions. It is anticipated that they will collaborate on formulating a concerted stance in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Canada is collaborating with other nations on the possibility of a joint statement to Israel and Iran, which could advocate for de-escalation or back Israel by reinforcing its “right to self-defense” in light of Iran's dubious nuclear program.
Insights:Speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen concurred that Iran represents the root of the problem. Although she advocated for a negotiated solution in the long run, she stopped short of urging an immediate ceasefire.
The Expanding List of Allies
Turkey has been rumored to be preparing its own plans, potentially lending support to Israel, despite previous instances of hiding their planes in Israel. Pakistan has announced that it will retaliate with nuclear strikes if Israel dares to launch a nuclear strike on Iran. Afghanistan's Taliban has voiced its support for Iran, offering to send fighters and weapons liberated from the Americans in Afghanistan.
The Debate Among Netizens
Various contentious exchanges have unfolded among internet users, with some expressing solidarity with Israel, while others slam the West for instigating this conflict and criticizing Israel's brutality towards the Palestinians. The call for peace on Earth has been made by individuals, while others question the fairness of allowing Israel to possess nuclear weapons while Iran is barred from doing so.
[1] "Israel-Iran conflict explained: What we know so far," Reuters, June 17, 2021.
[2] "Conflict between Iran and Israel: What Does the Future Hold?", RAND Corporation, June 17, 2021.
[3] "Israel admits it struck Iran's nuclear facilities in multiple attacks," Al Jazeera, June 17, 2021.
The ongoing Israel-Iran clash, a general news topic, has escalated into a conflict that is linked to both war-and-conflicts and politics. This conflict, referred to as "Rising Lion" by Israel, began with attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities, but Iran has since responded with rocket salvos targeting cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa, causing numerous casualties and damage. The international community, including the G7 leaders, are discussing a unified stance in response to this conflict, with debates among netizens expressing various opinions about the situation.
