Middle East Conflict: Live Updates (Uncensored Version)
Government Urges Germans to Enroll for Updates: Foreign Ministry's Appeal
By Chris Rogler, ntv.de, updated 13:28 CEST
German Foreign Office Urges Citizens to Register: It's a Potentially Explosive Situation
The German Foreign Office is urging all German citizens residing in Israel, Iran, and neighboring countries to register with the crisis preparedness list known as Elefand. This move will enable the German diplomatic missions to rapidly contact these citizens in case of an emergency. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office confirmed this, stating that around 4,000 Germans in Israel have already registered with Elefand, and the number is continually growing. Approximately 1,000 Germans are registered in Iran. At present, there are no plans for evacuations.
Iran Prepares to Withdraw from Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Iran is on the brink of withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. A spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that the parliament is working on a bill to this effect. Iran remains staunchly against weapons of mass destruction. Last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) accused Iran of breaching its commitments related to its nuclear program under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran vehemently denies allegations of pursuing nuclear weapons.
Residents of Tehran Flee in Droves due to Israeli Air Strikes
Tehran's residents are leaving the capital en masse due to Israeli air strikes. Eye-witness accounts describe congested highways in the metropolis with over 15 million inhabitants. Long queues are forming at fuel stations, with fuel running out in many places. Many Iranians are seeking refuge in the east of the country or in the north by the Caspian Sea.
No Further Damage to Iranian Nuclear Facilities Reported
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that there is no evidence of additional damage to the uranium enrichment facilities in Natans and Fordow. The IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed this. Inspections in Iran will resume as soon as conditions permit, according to Iran's commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Israel Defends Successfully Against Iranian Drones with German-Made Defense System
In a testament to transatlantic cooperation, a German-produced corvette aided Israel in defending against Iranian air attacks. Israel reportedly used the "Barak Magen" defense system, installed on a Saar-6 class corvette, for the first time. The system is capable of repelling various threats, including drones and cruise missiles. The corvette was built by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in Germany. Israel has received four ships of the Saar-6 class in recent years. The last of the approximately 90-meter-long and 13-meter-wide ships arrived in Haifa in 2021. Israel equips the corvettes with radar and weapon systems.
Missile Attack from Yemen Fails, but Houthi Rebels Continue to Support Hamas with Interventions
Israel reported another failed missile attack from Yemen. The missile fell short of Israeli territory, according to the military. The Houthi rebels in Yemen have aligned themselves with Iran and have intervened in the air war between Israel and Iran for the first time over the weekend, claiming to have launched several missiles at Israel in coordination with Tehran. The Iran-backed Islamist militia has attacked Israel with missiles several times in recent months, most of which have been intercepted.
German Foreign Minister Expects No US Involvement in the Conflict
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul does not foresee the US entering the conflict between Israel and Iran. In an interview with Deutschlandfunk, Wadephul highlighted that Washington already ruled out participation in its initial statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio: "This is crystal clear in all statements, actions, and deeds. I haven't seen any indication that the US is interested in participating."
US Aircraft Carrier "USS Nimitz" Heads Towards Middle East
Reports indicate that the US is sending the aircraft carrier "USS Nimitz" towards Iran. The warship departed the South China Sea in the morning and is now en route to the Middle East. A planned stop in the Vietnamese port city of Danang, including an official reception, was reportedly canceled for "an urgent operational requirement." No official announcement has been made.
Iran Executes Man for Spying for Israel
Iran's judiciary has carried out the execution of a suspected spy. The execution took place in the morning, according to the news agency Misan. Tehran claims that the man was a spy for Israel. This marks the third execution in recent months following espionage allegations. The man was apprehended at the end of 2023 and sentenced to death in accordance with Islamic law for "waging war against God" and "corruption on earth." This is the third execution in Iran in recent weeks, where the convicted have been charged with spying for Israel.
Crisis Mounts in the Middle East: A Summit of Dictators in Moscow Could Be Possible
Russia is temporarily closing its consulate in Tehran and encouraging its citizens to leave the country. "Due to the present circumstances, the consular services of the embassy are temporarily suspending their operations," the Russian embassy in Tehran announced via Telegram. Among those leaving is the Russian Ministry of Culture's Olga Lyubimova, who explained that the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra musicians have departed the country.
Israel Threatens Tehran Residents: "You Will Pay the Price, and Soon"
Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz threatens Tehran's residents following Iranian rocket strikes in Tel Aviv and Haifa. Katz warns that the residents of Tehran "will pay the price, and soon."
Iran Vows: "We Are Not Developing Nuclear Weapons"
Iran's President Massud Peseschkian asserts that his country has no intention of developing nuclear weapons. Iran will continue to uphold its right to nuclear energy and nuclear research, Peseschkian stated. He referred to the religious edict of Ayatollah Ali Chamenei, Iran's spiritual leader, which prohibits weapons of mass destruction.
Israeli Army Targets Command Centers of the Revolutionary Guards in Tehran
The Israeli army strikes several command centers of Iran's Revolutionary Guard in Tehran. The Israeli military reports that it targeted the Quds brigades' command centers and military command centers of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in Tehran. Additional details are not available.
Germany's Position: A Weakened Iran Serves Our Interests
German Foreign Policy Expert Roderich Kiesewetter sees a weakened Iran as a positive development. Kiesewetter maintains that Germany should firmly support Israel, as a restriction of ballistic and nuclear capabilities by Iran also safeguards Germany. Moreover, Iran supports the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. A weakening of the Iranian regime is thus in Germany's interest. Kiesewetter calls for a clear statement from the German government: "Germany should unequivocally express its support for Israel's actions against military targets and not be seen as taking a neutral stance."
Casualties in Israel: Three Dead and 74 Injured in Iranian Rocket Attacks
At least three people were killed in Israel in the night of Iranian air attacks. The Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom also reports 74 injuries. The deceased include two women and one man. Iran launched a new rocket attack on Israel in the early hours of the morning, with a target being Haifa. Unconfirmed reports suggest that two hypersonic rockets hit the port city.
EU Foreign Minister to Hold Crisis Meeting on Middle East Conflict
In light of the escalation in the Middle East, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has called for a video conference of foreign ministers on Tuesday. The meeting will afford an opportunity for an exchange of views and coordination of diplomatic efforts towards Israel and Iran. Possible next steps will also be discussed.
Keep track of all previous updates here.
Source: ntv.de, chrrog/dpa/AFP/rts
Enrichment Data:
Overall:Since June 2023, a conflict has erupted between Israel and Iran, with both nations engaging in military actions. This intensification of tensions has garnered international attention and concern.
Recent Military Actions:
- Israel has conducted wide-ranging strikes against Iran, targeting critical infrastructure such as the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), which was involved in Iran's nuclear weapons research program until 2003. Other targets included Iran's state television and "nuclear weapons development laboratories" and a "chemical materials research and development site" in Tehran[1]. The attacks have also extended to command centers of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards in Tehran[6].
- Iran has retaliated by launching exploding drones and missile attacks on Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa[5], which have reportedly resulted in significant casualties, with at least 24 people killed in Israel and 224 in Iran[5].
Diplomatic Efforts:
- Scheduled U.S.-Iran nuclear talks were canceled due to the ongoing conflict, but Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi expressed a continued desire for a deal[5].
- Unnamed U.S. officials have reported that President Trump rejected an Israeli plan to target Iran's top leader, though Prime Minister Netanyahu declined to comment on this[5].
International Impact and Reactions:
- The Middle East conflict has resulted in the closure of airspace in several Middle Eastern countries, impacting regional travel and trade[3].
- The Carnegie Endowment notes that the military adventurism by both Israel and Iran has put the Middle East in a precarious position, with regional stability at risk[4].
- The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has called for an independent investigation into the human rights violations and abuses reported in both Israel and Iran as a result of the conflict[7].
[1] The frontlines of the Israeli-Iran conflict: Israel intensifies strikes against Iran[2] Iran: Israel has intensified its attacks across the country[3] Middle Eastern airspace closures due to conflict between Israel and Iran[4] What's at Stake in Israel's War with Iran[5] Live Updates: Israel and Iran Up the Ante in Deadly Conflict[6] Israel's army targets command centers of the Revolutionary Guards in Tehran[7] UN human rights council calls for urgent investigation into the situation in Israel and Iran
- The German Foreign Office has urged all registered German citizens in Israel, Iran, and neighboring countries to adhere to the community policy of registering with Elefand, highlighting the tense political situation in the Middle East.
- As the Middle East conflict escalates, German Foreign Policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter believes a weakened Iran serves Germany's interests, advocating for a clear statement of support for Israel's actions against military targets.
