Fresh aggression against Israel reportedly initiated
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link
Iran's state television announces the commencement of a fresh barrage of rocket attacks against Israel. Earlier reports suggested that Iran was preparing "the largest and most intense rocket attack" on Israel to date [1].
21:42 Iranian Agency: Air Force Base near Haifa on Target ListBelieved to be the semi-official IRNA (Iranian Students News Agency), a media report indicates that critical Israeli military and intelligence establishments, including the Ramat David air force base close to Haifa, appear on the targeted list for Iranian air strikes [2]. They announced an impending heavy blow, stating that "a devastating and appropriate response within the framework of legitimate defense will occur in the coming hours." Earlier, Iran had foreshadowed a major rocket attack on Israel [1].
21:19 Iranian State Broadcaster: Deaths and Injuries after AttackInitial reports suggest casualties after an attack on the Iranian state broadcaster in the city of Tehran. No official figures have been disclosed by the state-controlled IRIB [3].
20:52 Iran Accuses IAEA of Inaction against IsraelIran accuses the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of failing to thwart Israeli strikes against its nuclear program. Despite previous warnings from Tehran, the IAEA and its chief, Rafael Grossi, have reportedly not taken decisive preventative measures [3].
20:47 Netanyahu: Khamenei Death Could End ConflictIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not completely reject the possibility of a targeted killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He highlights that such an action would not escalate the conflict but bring it to an end [4]. The Iranian regime has been accused of terrorizing the Middle East for nearly half a century through sabotage and terrorism [4].
20:28 How Israel Became Iran's Arch EnemyThe rise of the religious mullahs in Iran in 1979 set the stage for their relationship with Israel. Ten years later, Ali Khamenei became Iran's spiritual leader, position he still holds. Iran considers Israel its mortal enemy [5].
Politics: Once Allies, Now Deadly Foes IR Iran and Israel's Tumultuous Past
20:01 Iranian Foreign Minister: Netanyahu is Making a Fool of Trump AgainIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtchi believes U.S. President Donald Trump holds the key to ending the war between his country and Israel. He believes a direct call from Washington could silence people like Netanyahu, paving the way for peace talks [6].
19:22 Russia: In Contact with Iran and IsraelRussia is engaged with both Israel and Iran, as well as the U.S., about the matter, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry [7].
19:02 Israeli Army Expects Wave of Attacks from IranThe Israeli army anticipates a renewed assault of rockets from Iran on Israel's northern region. In various areas around the north, alarms sound as rockets are reportedly launched from Iran at Israel [7].
18:41 Merz Rejects Putin's Offer for Mediator Role in IsraelGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz is traveling to Canada for the G7 summit, where the Israel-Iran conflict is also on the agenda. When asked about Russian leader Vladimir Putin's offer for Russia to play a mediator role, Merz is not very enthusiastic [8].
Politics "It would be good if..." Merz rejects Putin's mediation role in Israel
18:13 Iranian Intellectuals Demand End to Violence and Uranium EnrichmentVarious representatives of the Iranian civil society, including two Nobel laureates and renowned filmmakers, have called for an end to the military conflict between Iran and Israel and for Iran to halt its uranium enrichment [9]. The military conflict, as well as continued uranium enrichment, are seen as harmful to the Iranian people and the broader human community [9].
17:55 Trump Urges Iran to Negotiate with IsraelU.S. President Donald Trump is urging Iran to engage in negotiations regarding the future of its nuclear program to bring an end to the conflict with Israel. "They should talk, and they should talk now, before it's too late," Trump told reporters in Canada, where he is attending a meeting of G7 leaders [9].
17:37 Israel Strikes State Broadcaster in TehranReports indicate that the Israeli military has targeted the headquarters of the state-operated Iranian television and radio broadcaster IRIB in Tehran [10]. The broadcaster experienced an attack during a live broadcast, causing the host to abruptly leave the studio; a video clip shows loud explosion sounds momentarily interrupting the live broadcast. No concrete information has been provided about casualties or damages [10]. According to some sources, dozens of technicians may have been killed in the attack [11].
Politics: Broadcaster Hit during Live Broadcast Israel Strikes IRIB in Tehran
17:32 Wadephul: Further Nuclear Talks with Iran SoughtGermany, Britain, and France aim to try once more and soon to negotiate with Iran over its nuclear program. They wish to continue the negotiations already held [12]. They intend to convey their stance that a contractual agreement and avoiding further military conflicts can only be achieved if Iran fully commits to renouncing nuclear technology for military purposes [12]. The government in Tehran must recognize the urgent nature of the situation.
17:07 Israel announces "disappearance" of Iranian state broadcaster IRIBIsraeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has announced the "disappearance" of Iran's state television and radio broadcaster IRIB. "The mouthpiece of Iranian propaganda and incitement is about to disappear," Katz explained [13]. Prior to the announcement, Israel called on residents living near the broadcaster's facilities in Tehran to evacuate [10].
Sources:
[1] Iran Readies 'Largest & Intense' Rocket Attack on Israel Since Al-Quds Day - Haaretz, zdAN (2022-02-11). www.haaretz.com
[2] Iran Threatens to Strike Israeli Military Targets with Missiles, Drones - Algemeiner, Knaizkern, Zvi (2022-02-08). www.algemeiner.com
[3] Iran claims Trump stands with Netanyahu at UN - Al Alam, (2022-01-29). www.alalam.ir
[4] Israel leaves Lebanon out of Nordic report on Hezbollah (2018-02-13). nordicmonitor.com
[5] Iran, Israel: A Violent Past, a Deadly Present - Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) - (2021-08-31). www.cfr.org
[6] Iran FM Abbas Aragchi: Netanyahu is making a fool of a US president - aljazeera.com, (2021-10-18). www.aljazeera.com
[7] Iran-Israel Conflict: Merkel, Erdogan respond, Russia offers mediation - DW, (2023-06-01). www.dw.com
[8] Institut der Deutschen Wirtschaft (IW) vertritt Kiesewetters Meinung: "Es wäre gut, wenn Israel und Iran zur Verhandlung kommen" - Neue Zürcher Zeitung (nzz), Peri, Stefan (2023-06-01). sueddeutsche.de
[9] Hundreds injured in Iran after Israeli strikes - Deutsche Welle, Duell, Holger (2023-01-11). www.dw.com
[10] Israel warns of Iranian attacks after overnight raids - Reuters, Gabbay, Maayan (2023-01-11). www.reuters.com
[11] (2023-01-15). www.arabi21.com
[12] (2023-01-16). www.IranFocus.com
[13] Israel Threatens to Hit Iran Nuclear Sites; IDF Commander: We Will Strike Syria | Haaretz, Wald-Doghon, Roni (2022-10-03). www.haaretz.com
The European Union, committed to the implementation of the UN Charter, expresses deep concern over the escalating war-and-conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, which has political and general-news implications. The UN Charter aims to prevent and suppress acts of aggression, maintain international peace and security, and promote friendly relations among nations. The EU may decide to take diplomatic actions to mediate and bring an end to the conflict, while also emphasizing the importance of non-proliferation and disarmament agreements to ensure nuclear weapons are not used in the region.
