Iran attack strategy already established
Should the USA intervene in the heated conflict in the Middle East? Our correspondent, Gordie, highlights that unlike usual, many Republicans are now opposing Trump. Even one of his biggest fans is criticizing him.
Politics and Conflict
Trump Faces Backlash from an Unusual Direction
09:15 Israel: "Hisbollah" Commander in Lebanon EliminatedThe Israeli army reports killing a Hisbollah commander in southern Lebanon. According to the military, Yassin Abdel Menam Ezz al-Din was eliminated, and Israel has announced further attacks: "The Israeli military continues to monitor and thwart attempts by the terrorist organization Hisbollah to exploit the war with Iran to harm the State of Israel, and will continue to work to eliminate any threat to its citizens."
08:52 Israel: Also Nuclear Plant in Natans AttackedThe Israeli army reports bombing the nuclear plant in Natans overnight. In Natans, the Iranian government enriches uranium. The Israeli army had already bombed the plant during their major attack on Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on Sunday that the most important uranium enrichment facility in the nuclear plant had been destroyed.
08:33 Iran Offline for Over 12 HoursCommunication between Iran and the global community is largely cut off due to a shutdown of the internet. Netblocks, a notable non-governmental organization that monitors internet blockades, reports that Iran has been offline for over 12 hours. "The measure continues to hinder citizens' access to information at a critical time," the organization asserts. The Mehr news agency cited a statement from the Communications Ministry on Wednesday, stating that the restriction was "due to the misuse of the national communications network by the hostile aggressor for military purposes and to endanger the lives and property of innocent people."
08:12 At Least 32 Injured in Rocket Attack on Israeli HospitalIsrael's Foreign Ministry confirms a "direct hit" on the Soroka Hospital in southern Israel. A hospital spokesperson reports heavy damage in several areas. The attack caused at least 32 injuries in Beersheba, according to rescue services.
07:51 US Embassy in Qatar Calls for Heightened VigilanceThe US Embassy in Qatar restricts access to the large American military base in the Middle East for its staff due to security concerns. This is the Al Udeid Air Base in the desert near Doha. The embassy calls on its employees and US citizens in Qatar to be more vigilant in light of ongoing regional hostilities.
07:29 Iranian Rocket Hits Hospital in Southern IsraelIn a significant Iranian rocket attack on Israel, a hospital in the southern part of the country has also been hit, according to several reports. A rocket struck the Soroka Clinic in Beersheba, with other impacts reported in various locations across Israel, including the Tel Aviv area. At least 25 people have been injured, with two critical injuries after being rescued from the rubble.
Perilous Politics
07:12 Iran announces an attack near the heavy water research reactorIsrael has reportedly targeted an area near the heavy water research reactor in Arak, which is part of Iran's nuclear program. The facility was evacuated before the attack, and there's no radiation risk, according to the Insa news agency citing official statements. The reactor was partially completed and was previously known as Arak. Iran had informed the UN atomic watchdog that the facility would begin operation next year.
07:04 Air raid sirens in several parts of IsraelAir raid sirens have sounded in several parts of Israel early in the morning due to "rockets from Iran" fired towards Israel, as reported by Telegram. Explosions have been heard in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, according to reporters.
06:43 Bolton sees a 50-50 chance of Trump interventionDonald Trump's former national security advisor, John Bolton, doubts that the US president was involved in Israel's plans to go to war with Iran. "He wanted to negotiate with Iran. He told the Israelis that he didn't want them to attack. And then they did it anyway," Bolton tells Der Spiegel. Currently, Trump is contemplating positioning himself as an actor, Bolton believes, with a 50-50 chance that he will now intervene in the conflict. "Maybe Trump will try again to connect his special envoy, Steve Bannon, with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. But he is also aware that if this ends with the regime in Iran falling – which is at least possible – that would be a turning point in the Middle East. And all that without Donald Trump having anything to do with it? Benjamin Netanyahu on the cover of 'Time Magazine'? Such thoughts are unbearable for Trump."
06:15 Criticism of "dirty work" comment – Israel's ambassador defends MerzIsrael's ambassador, Ron Prosor, welcomes the support expressed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for Israel's attack on Iranian nuclear facilities and defends the CDU leader against criticism of his choice of words. "German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has clearly described the realities in the Middle East with his words," says Prosor. Merz said on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada on ZDF: "This is the dirty work that Israel is doing for us all." Merz was severely criticized for this by politicians from the opposition and the SPD.
Controversy and Consequences
05:44 Insider: USA Planning Iran Strike This WeekendThe US is reportedly preparing for a possible attack on Iran in the coming days, according to a Bloomberg report citing insiders. The situation is evolving, and it could change, with some insiders pointing to potential plans for a weekend strike. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump ducked questions about a possible U.S. military attack on Iran, saying, "Nobody knows what I'm going to do."
04:42 Chief of Staff Calls Iran's Leadership a "Terror Regime"Chancellor's Chief of Staff Thorsten Frei supports Chancellor Friedrich Merz's support for Israel's attacks on Iran. "What the Chancellor expressed in his words was that it's not in our interest for a terror regime like Iran's to possess nuclear weapons," Frei says. But, it's not just about nuclear weapons. "Iran's rocket technology is such that medium-range missiles can reach far-reaching targets, even in Europe. And we can't just sit back and do nothing," Frei adds.
03:47 Netanyahu Thanks Trump for "Support"Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanks US President Donald Trump for his "support" in protecting Israel against Iran. Trump is a "great friend of the State of Israel," Netanyahu tells a televised address. Netanyahu thanks Trump for his backing Israeli airspace, stating that "the United States has given us invaluable assistance in defending our citizens." Israel is "gradually moving toward eliminating Iran's nuclear threat and its ballistic missiles," Netanyahu explains, adding that the Israeli army hits the "Ayatollah regime" in Iran with "enormous force," attacking its nuclear program, rockets, headquarters, and symbols of power. However, Netanyahu concedes that Israel has sustained "heavy and painful losses."
- Track all previous developments here.
Source: ntv.de, gho/mau/dpa/rts/AFP/DJ
- Middle East Conflict
- Israel War
- Israel
- Iran
- Iran Conflict
- Iran Nuclear Program
- Middle East
- Wars and Conflicts
The escalating Middle East conflict has brought forth a surprising political shift, as many Republicans oppose Trump's approach in the heated situation between Israel and Iran, with even one of his biggest advocates criticizing him.
Meanwhile, the volatile politics have led to a series of critical events, including war-and-conflicts such as numerous rocket attacks on Israel and a nuclear plant bombing in Natans. The current tensions could potentially lead to further conflicts, highlighting the need for peace and security in the region.
