Escalating Middle East conflict: Trumpissues provocative declaration - Wadephul pursues talks with Iranian official
Frontpage politics
Byline: Paula Völkner, Simon Schröder, Nils Thomas Hinsberger, Christian Stör, Nail Akkoyun, Bedrettin Bölükbasi, Felix Busjaeger
The Latest Headlines
- Israel's Defensive Line Fading: Due to continuous rocket attacks from Iran, Israel might exhaust its missile defense systems as early as next week.
- Iran Preparing Strikes on US Bases: Iran is potentially readying offensive moves against American military bases in the Middle East.
- The Crux of Israel-Iran War: Is the U.S. likely to intervene? U.S. media speculate a shift in Trump's stance.
- Iran Test-Fires Hypersonic Missile: Middle East escalation: Tehran targets Israel with a Fattah 3 missile.
11:28 PM Update: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is planning a diplomatic meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi on Friday, following negotiations with his French and British counterparts, as well as the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. Araghtschi must promptly enact confidence-building measures and publicly demonstrate that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons.
Wadephul had reconvened his planned trip to Lebanon, Syria, and Israel due to the Israeli offensive on Iran. He also planned to coordinate diplomatic efforts with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman to achieve joint action among the E3 (Germany, France, and the UK) and Arab states for a peaceful resolution.
10:57 PM Update: Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Madjid Tacht-Rawantschi has warned the U.S. of repercussions if they intervene militarily on Israel's side. If the U.S. chooses to engage directly, Iran will respond decisively wherever necessary to protect its people and interests.
My News
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Israel-Iran Conflict: Trump Strives for "Total Victory"
10:22 PM Update: Donald Trump has yet to make a definitive decision regarding U.S. military intervention in the Israel-Iran conflict. Speaking in the Oval Office, CNN reports that a team meeting in the "Situation Room" will take place soon to discuss options. Trump indicated he often waits until the last moment to make major decisions and maintains he has ideas on what to do but hasn't finalized his plan.
Trump also hinted again at Iran wanting to visit the White House, but Iranian officials have denied this emphatically. Later, Trump is said to have added that "the door to a meeting with them is not closed." However, the U.S. does not aim for a ceasefire; rather, they seek a comprehensive, decisive victory.
France Plans Diplomatic initiative for Israel-Iran Conflict Resolution
8:50 PM Update: France intends to initiate a diplomatic initiative to resolve the raging Israel-Iran conflict, President Emmanuel Macron revealed after a meeting of the French National Security Council. Macron delegated Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to lead the initiative in the coming days alongside close European partners, proposing a demanding negotiation solution. Macron did not offer details on the initiative but emphasized the urgency to halt ongoing military actions.
Oil Refinery Operations Restart in Israel
8:35 PM Update: Israel's largest oil refinery could resume operations within a month in the wake of the Iranian attack, Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated, according to the Times of Israel. Nearly a month ago, the Haifa plant—responsible for producing a significant portion of Israel's civilian and military oil products, including jet fuel for fighter planes—was shut down following a strike that also claimed three workers' lives.
Iran Deploys Most Advanced Missile Against Israel: "Sejil" Rocket with Extensive Range
8:11 PM Update: Iran's Revolutionary Guards have reportedly employed a highly advanced missile from their arsenal in the latest attacks on Israel, according to a statement by the Revolutionary Guards circulated via Iranian media. The elite force fired the Sejil rockets, boasting a range of at least 2,000 kilometers, for the first time. These rockets, characterized by their solid-fuel propulsion, are rapidly deployable, harder to detect, and can carry warheads weighing up to one ton.
19:51 Update: Iran has launched another attack on Israel, this time utilizing hypersonic missiles according to Iranian state TV. The missiles, of the Fattah type, are reported to have bypassed Israel's defense systems, causing sirens to sound in the country's center and triggering an evacuation alert. No confirmed Israeli responses have been reported yet.
Rubio Warns of Iran's Nuclear Program threat: "90% of the way there"
19:23 Update: U.S. Senator Marco Rubio stated in an interview on US News Channel Fox News that Iran has already enriched uranium to 60%. Rubio warned that once levels reach 60%, Iran is 90% of the way towards a nuclear weapon. Israeli and US intelligence agencies estimate that Iran is nearing the threshold for nuclear weapons.
Potential Talks between US and Iran? Flight Track Data Points to a Possibility
16:05 Update: Current flight trackers, such as FlightRadar24 and ADSB-Exchange, indicate two Iranian government aircraft on a route towards Oman. If the data is accurate, it hints at possible negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. Sources close to the U.S. government revealed earlier this week that Donald Trump would offer Iran a "final chance" for diplomatic talks.
Threat to Israel: Israel's "Arrow" system faces Exhaustion
14:32 Update: According to US media reports, Israel's Arrow missile defense system might soon run out of interceptors. The U.S. has been aware of capacity issues for some time, a US official informed the Wall Street Journal. Consequently, the U.S. has provided Israel with additional ground, sea, and air defense systems and sent more missile defense systems to the region since June.
Iran Mulling Potential Attacks on US Bases: U.S. Troops on High Alert
10:11 AM Update: The U.S. military has reportedly placed its troops on high alert following intelligence suggesting that Iran is preparing military equipment and rockets for possible attacks on American bases in the Middle East. If the U.S. intervenes in the Israel-Iran conflict, Iran has threatened to retaliate aggressively.
Key Question: Will the U.S. Enter the Israel-Iran Conflict?
Update, 9:32 AM: As tensions in the Middle East escalate, a crucial question hanging over the Israel-Iran conflict is whether the U.S. will militarily engage. U.S. media speculate on the moral value and potential consequences of limited U.S. strikes against Iran, which could set back the country's nuclear program by years, sending a strong signal about global security. However, a Brown-University researcher voices concern about repeating past mistakes and questions whether U.S. military actions will make matters worse.
Also of Interest
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- The latest headlines in general news show a escalating series of war-and-conflicts, particularly the Israel-Iran war, causing political tension in the Middle East.
- Amidst the Israel-Iran war, Trump is contemplating US military intervention, which could significantly impact the politics and general news of the region.
