Middle East Conflict: LIVE UPDATES +++ 20:14 European Foreign Ministers Urge Iran to Talk with USA
European foreign ministers pressure Iran for dialogue with the United States
In a surprising move, European foreign ministers have urged Iran to hold talks with the USA, following their meeting with Iranian chief diplomat Abbas Araghtchi in Geneva. British Foreign Minister David Lammy stated, "We want to continue the ongoing talks and negotiations with Iran and push Iran to continue its discussions with the USA." This statement was made at a joint press conference with his German and French counterparts, as well as EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
Insider: Trump Discusses Iran with Security Council
Intriguing news has emerged that US President Donald Trump met with the National Security Council to discuss Iranian matters, according to government sources. Moreover, a special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is said to maintain regular contact with Iran, both directly and indirectly through the mediator Qatar.
19:23 Wadephul Meets with Iran: Considerable Talks Held
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the talks he, along with his British and French counterparts, had with Iran in Geneva as "significant." Iran is ready to continue discussions on all fundamental issues, said Wadephul after the three-hour talks in Geneva. Germany particularly insists on ensuring Israel's security interests, and the USA's involvement in further negotiations is deemed essential.
19:09 German Government Tries to Manage Expectations
The German government has expressed reluctance to fuel speculation regarding a US attack on Iran prior to the NATO summit, saying, "I don't think the summit and international situation need to be linked now." The spokesman did, however, acknowledge that the Middle East situation would be discussed at the summit.
18:56 Professor Questions Merz's "Dirty Work" Remark
International law expert Björn Schiffbauer from Rostock has raised questions about German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's remark about Israel doing the "dirty work" in Iran. The comments' interpretation is unclear, with possible meanings implying that Merz considers the attacks justified yet unpleasant, or that he questions the attacks' legality despite their perceived necessity. Schiffbauer emphasized his hope that Merz did not mean the latter, given the potential implications for Germany's stance on international law under the current government.
18:29 USA Gives Iran a Chance to Avoid Escalation
The US administration offers some hope for averting further escalation of the Iran conflict and a possible military intervention by the USA. "It is not too late for the Iranian government to do the right thing," says acting US ambassador Dorothy Shea before the United Nations Security Council. "President Trump has made it clear in recent days that the Iranian leadership must completely abandon its nuclear enrichment program and all efforts to acquire an atomic weapon."
17:49 IAEA Reports Radioactive and Chemical Risks in Natanz Facility
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports radioactive and chemical hazards in the Iranian nuclear facility Natans. Although the radiation in the external area of the building complex is in the normal range, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi states that both radiological and chemical contamination is occurring inside the Natans facility. He further mentions that uranium isotopes might be distributed within the facility, cautioning against the inhalation or ingestion of alpha particles, which pose a significant risk.
17:37 IAEA Warns Against Attacks on Nuclear Facilities
The United Nations nuclear watchdog, IAEA, strongly discourages attacks on nuclear facilities, stating, "Armed attacks on nuclear facilities should never happen, and they could lead to radioactive releases with major consequences within and outside the borders of the attacked state." This warning comes as the Iran nuclear facility Natans faces attacks and contamination risks.
17:22 Iran Arrests European on Espionage Charges
Iran's intelligence service has arrested a European citizen in the southwest of the country. The person was accused of collecting information about sensitive infrastructure "under the guise of tourism." Currently, details about the nationality and identity of the individual are unknown.
Politics: Death Penalty Threatens Iran, Wave of Arrests Reported Against Suspected Collaborators
17:09 Iran's Foreign Minister Accuses Israel of "Treachery" in US Diplomatic Efforts
A week after Israel launched attacks against Iran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtchi accused Israel of "treachery" in U.S. diplomatic efforts. "It was a betrayal of diplomacy and an unprecedented attack on the foundations of international law," Araghtchi claimed in a speech before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
16:54 US Imposes New Sanctions Related to Iran
The US government imposed new sanctions related to Iran and counter-terrorism efforts, targeting at least 20 companies, five individuals, and three ships. Two companies based in Hong Kong are among the affected parties.
16:32 Israeli Foreign Minister: "I Don't Believe Much in Diplomacy with Iran"
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed skepticism about the prospects of diplomatic efforts to resolve the military conflict between Israel and Iran. "I don't believe much in diplomacy with Iran," Saar told Bild newspaper. "All diplomatic efforts so far have not been successful." Arrogantly, Iran typically uses talks for deception, buying time, and making progress, Saar believed. He demanded that Iran abandon its uranium enrichment program and questioned its willingness to address the concerns and expectations of the international community.
16:00 Iran's Internet Shut Down for 48 Hours
As the conflict with Israel continues, Iran's internet has been largely inaccessible for two days, leaving citizens in the dark about the status of the conflict. Metrics indicate that the nation has been offline for over 48 hours, causing widespread concern among Iranian expatriates and their families.
15:51 17 Injured in Israel After Renewed Rocket Attack
In Israel, 17 people have been injured during a renewed rocket attack from Iran. Three people were severely injured by shrapnel, while the remaining 14 sustained light injuries.
15:32 Two Seriously Injured After Iranian Attack
At least two people have been seriously injured in Iranian attacks on Israeli cities. A 40-year-old and a 16-year-old were severely wounded in a rocket strike in Haifa, Israeli rescue services reported. There are also reports of several light injuries. A total of 25 rockets were fired from Iran toward Israel.
14:57 Rockets hit Tel Aviv and Haifa
Iran launched a barrage of rockets against Israel, striking Tel Aviv and Haifa. The explosions in Beersheba, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa have been reported, along with injuries in both Haifa and near Tel Aviv.
14:47 Umbach: "Attacks do not eliminate Iran's nuclear capabilities"
Although the Israeli military aims to destroy Iran's nuclear program with its attacks, Frank Umbach, a security expert, argues that these actions can only delay the program. The knowledge of how to build a nuclear bomb cannot be taken from Iran.
Politics: Ex-Merkel Advisor Believes Israel Euphoric over Military Strength
14:27 Kremlin Fears for Former Soviet States Due to Middle East War
The Russian government fears the war in the Middle East could lead to instability and dangerous consequences for neighboring former Soviet states. "The region is plunging into an abyss of instability and war," says Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov. "This war carries the risk of geographical expansion and unforeseen consequences. This region is on our borders. It's potentially dangerous for us and causes us concern."
14:08 Thousands Protest in Iran against Israeli Attacks
Thousands of Iranians protested in Tehran and other cities, demonstrating against Israel and chanting anti-Western slogans. Protesters displayed images of killed military commanders and flags of the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
13:33 Israel Orders Intensified Attacks on Tehran
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered intensified attacks on the Iranian capital, Tehran. Remarkable targets of the Iranian leadership are to be struck, with symbolic buildings and the radical Basij militia mentioned as some examples. The Iranian leadership is also expected to be destabilized by targeting its power base, including the Elite Revolutionary Guard Corps.
13:12 Macron: Europeans to Present Iran with "Comprehensive Negotiating Offer"
Paris, Berlin, and London plan to present Iran with a "comprehensive negotiating offer" during a meeting in Geneva on Friday, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. "Returning to negotiations is absolutely a priority," Macron stressed. The negotiating offer aims to halt uranium enrichment, limit Iran's missile program, and stop "the funding of all terrorist groups" in the region by Tehran, Macron explained.
12:55 Heusgen: "Anything is Better Than Continuing the War"
Former Merkel advisor Christoph Heusgen welcomed the negotiations between Germany, France, Britain, the EU, and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi. "Anything is better than continuing the war. We must do everything to achieve a diplomatic solution. And that's why it's very good that Europe is now speaking with the Iranians in Geneva," Heusgen said on RTL and ntv.
Politics: Ex-Merkel Advisor Disregards Regime Change in Iran
12:44 Expert: Israel Overconfident in Military Strength
According to Middle East expert Simon Fuchs, the success of Europe's efforts to achieve a diplomatic solution to the conflict between Israel and Iran depends on a significant change in direction from both parties. Israel is currently uninterested in reaching an agreement, as it seeks to remove any military power and nuclear capabilities from Iran. Fuchs does not see any signs of a change in this mindset, suggesting that the Europe-led talks are doomed to fail.
12:17 Iranians Suffer as Regime Shows No Concern
Iranian citizens are suffering due to the regime's disregard for their wellbeing, as the country struggles with internet outages, cash shortages, and mass evacuations. German-Iranian journalist Bamdad Esmaili reports on the hardships faced by ordinary people.
Politics: Israeli Army Strikes Iranian Rocket Systems
11:50 Israel Reportedly Attacks Nuclear Scientist in Tehran
Allegations of an Israeli drone attack on a civilian building in Tehran, targeting an Iranian nuclear scientist, remain unconfirmed. The scientist's identity and the fate of the attack remain unknown.
11:29 Conflict Potential in Middle East Explained by Colonel
The conflict potential in the Middle East is significant, with the region poseing the threat of a wider regional war and unforeseen consequences, according to Matthias Wasinger, a colonel in the Austrian Armed Forces' General Staff. Wasinger further emphasized the importance of diplomacy, given the sophisticated technology involved and the willingness to use it in the region.
11:12 Iran Rules Out Negotiations with US During Israeli Attacks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi has ruled out negotiations with the US during Israeli attacks, claiming, "There is no room for negotiations with us until the Israeli aggression stops." The attitude seems to indicate a lack of willingness by Iran to enter into diplomatic talks during periods of escalating violence.
10:30 Katz: "If There's Terror - There Will Be No Hezbollah"
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem against interfering in the war between Israel and Iran, stating, "If there's terror - there will be no Hezbollah." Katz claimed Israeli patience had run out and responded to Hezbollah's declaration of its intentions to act "as we see fit" in response to the Israeli-Iranian conflict.
10:18 Netanyahu Speaks on TV About War Aims and US Aid
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu addresses the Israeli public in a television interview, discussing the aims of the ongoing military operation against Iran and the role of the US in providing support.
Politics:
Munz: No Military Aid Possible Regime Change in Iran "Would Be Image Loss for Russia"
10:06 Be'er Sheva Population Reports High Anxiety
Residents of Be'er Sheva in southern Israel express profound anxiety following another Iranian rocket attack on the city. Raschel Blufarb, ntv reporter, covers the daily life of the population in a conflict zone.
Politics:
Iranian Rocket Hits Populated Area Again Population in Be'er Sheva "In Quite a Panic"
09:31 Israeli Army Strikes More Iranian Rocket Systems
The Israeli army announces it has conducted further attacks on Iranian rocket systems, including buildings in the areas of Tehran and Isfahan. These strikes aim to disrupt the operation of Israeli Air Force aircraft and expand its freedom of action in Iranian airspace.
09:03 Fritz: "Trump Has Put Himself in a Difficult Position"
According to ntv correspondent Gordian Fritz, US President Donald Trump has placed himself in a challenging position due to the time pressure he has imposed on Iran to halt all uranium enrichment within two weeks, which Fritz considers unachievable.
Politics:
Bar Set Too High for Iran "Trump Has Put Himself in a Difficult Position"
08:51 IAEA: Iranian Heavy Water Reactor Damaged
The International Atomic Energy Organization (IAEA) reports that the Iranian heavy water reactor Khondab (formerly Arak) has been damaged in Israeli attacks. The damages include important buildings such as a distillation plant.
08:31 Israel Threatens Annihilation of Hezbollah
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatens the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, stating that if they attack Israel to support Iran, "there will be no Hezbollah." This statement is made in response to Hezbollah chief Naim Kassem's declaration that the group is "not neutral" in the conflict with Israel.
08:07 CDU Politician Calls for Sanctions Against Israeli Ministers
CDU MEP Michael Gahler, the foreign policy spokesman and rapporteur of the EPP group in the Security and Defense Committee, calls for sanctions against Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who are known for their extreme statements regarding Gaza, the West Bank, and the radical settler movement. Potential sanctions include travel bans and freezing assets.
07:42 Chancellor's Chief of Staff Frei: US Intervention Speculation
Thorsten Frei, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Chief of Staff, has expressed ambiguity on the likelihood of US intervention in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Although various indications seem to be consolidating, Frei states that it remains speculation how the US will act.
07:20 Israel Reports Rocket Strike in Beersheba
Regrettably, Iranian rockets have struck Beersheba in southern Israel, causing damage to a residential building, injuring several civilians, and reigniting anxiety among the population.
Politics:
Injured in Be'er Sheva: Rocket Over Israel Damages Residential Building
07:16 Israel Reports Attack on Nuclear Weapons Research Facility
The Israeli Air Force claims to have attacked dozens of targets in Iran, focusing on military facilities for producing rockets and the headquarters of a research institute for the Iranian nuclear weapons project. The attacks reportedly took place in the Tehran area, where several industrial facilities were targeted, including a facility for producing a crucial component for the Iranian nuclear weapons program.
07:11 Wadephul to "Prevent Escalation" - Israel Can Rely on Germany, says Foreign Minister
In a significant development, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul contends that diplomacy is essential in preventing an escalation of the conflict and ensuring the wellbeing of the Israeli citizens. If Iran continues to violate international agreements and widen the conflict, Germany will provide support to Israel.
06:49 Laschet Praises Merz's "Dirty Work" Remark
CDU chairman Armin Laschet supports German chancellor Friedrich Merz's remarks regarding Israel's military actions against Iran. Laschet highlights Merz's clarity and directness, indicating a looser approach toward Israel's tactics in the conflict compared to Olaf Scholz's previous stance.
Politics:
Middle East Talk at Illner Wolffsohn: Iran Awaits Help, but It's Not Coming
06:36 London Insists on Diplomatic Solution
Despite the escalating military tensions, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy remains adamant that diplomacy offers the best chance of resolving the Iranian nuclear issue. "We've discussed how Iran needs to make a deal to avoid an escalation of the conflict," Lammy said after a meeting with his US counterpart Marco Rubio and US special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Politics:
US Intervention in Iran Conflict Trump to Decide on Military Involvement within Two Weeks
06:11 Grenade Hits Norwegian Ambassador's Residence in Israel
In an alarming incident, the Norwegian ambassador's residence was targeted by a grenade in Tel Aviv. The attack resulted in injuries to no embassy staff, raising concerns about Iran-backed militia or Iranian reprisals in the region.
05:43 New Iranian Attack Wave on Israel - Air Raid Sirens in the South
Due to a new wave of Iranian rocket attacks, air raid sirens have been activated in southern Israel. The Israeli authorities are working to intercept these incoming rockets.
04:50 Israeli Army: Repeated Drone Attacks from Iran Defeated
The Israeli air defense has successfully intercepted multiple drone attacks originating from Iran, managing to bring down three drones in quick succession near the Dead Sea area.
03:56 Israeli President Herzog Rejects Criticism of Prime Minister Netanyahu
Amid growing international criticism aimed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli President Isaac Herzog expresses his support for Netanyahu, stating that Israel is acting to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions to protect Europe and the United States from a potential threat.
02:47 Hezbollah Vows "Proportionate Response"
The pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia threatens to respond proportionately to any actions taken against Iran, hinting at potential intervention in the Israel-Iran conflict.
01:50 Iran Appoints New Intelligence Chief for Revolutionary Guards
In response to the assassination of its former intelligence chief by Israel, Iran has appointed a new intelligence chief for the Revolutionary Guards. The choice of Majid Kadami as the new head of the intelligence department is said to underline the Iranian leadership's commitment to exploring new avenues for intelligence gathering and counterintelligence.
00:44 Iranian Military: Moved Highly Enriched Uranium to Safety
A commander of the powerful Revolutionary Guards reports that Iran has moved its highly enriched uranium to safety before the Israeli attack. Although details remain vague, Iranian officials insist that facilities for producing nuclear equipment still exist.
- European foreign ministers have urged Iran to hold talks with the USA, encouraging continued negotiations amidst ongoing tensions (Politics).
- The US administration offers a glimmer of hope for averting further escalation of the Iran conflict, as tensions rise and the potential for military intervention looms (War-and-conflicts, Politics).
