heated Tensions ignite the Middle East War Live Ticker ++ 16:16 Iran dangles propensity for dialogue with Israel
Iran indicates readiness for dialogue with Israel
Iran seems open to ending hostilities and eagerness to restore conversations regarding its nuclear program. Iranian authorities have conveyed corresponding messages via Arab intermediaries to Israel and the U.S., officials from the Middle East and Europe claim. Tehran is reportedly prepared to return to the negotiating table provided the U.S. abstains from participating in the attacks. Moreover, Iran has sent messages to Israel suggesting that it is beneficial for both parties to contain the violence.
16:11 Schwerdtner: Israel's aggression against international law criticized
Left party leader Ines Schwerdtner decries "Israel's violation of international law in attacking Iran." She issued a warning of an "escalation spiral" whose repercussions are unpredictable. She states that this move appears to be a "distraction tactic" by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to sidetrack attention from the suffering of the population in the Gaza Strip.
15:54 Israel strikes Tehran anew - Explosions echo throughout the city
Israeli air force targets sites in Iranian capital Tehran once more, with witnesses reporting deafening explosions in the western part of the bustling metropolis. Reports also surface of air attacks in the eastern section of the bustling city. The targets of the assaults are still unknown. The Israeli army orders the evacuation of a 30-square-kilometer area. This densely populated region encompasses embassies, shopping centers, and some of the city's most exclusive neighborhoods, where approximately 300,000 people reside. Similar controversial evacuation calls were also made during past conflicts. Many residents have attempted to vacate the metropolis due to fears of further escalation. Businesses are struggling to stay operational, and the supplies are dwindling.
15:44 Erdogan volunteers to mediate between Israel and Iran
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has offered his government as a mediator in the Israel-Iran conflict. "Turkey is prepared to play a mediation role for an immediate end to the conflict and a return to nuclear talks," Erdogan stated in a phone call with Iranian President Massud Peseschkian on Monday, according to his office. In a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Erdogan implicated Israel in endangering the entire region through its actions. "The violence spiral generated by Israel's attacks on Iran poses a threat to the security of the entire region," Erdogan's office quoted the Turkish president as saying. The "lawless behavior" of the Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu represents a clear threat to the international system.
15:28 Can a nuclear strike in the Middle East be anticipated?
With international conflicts looming, war scenarios worldwide are on the rise. The Israel-Iran standoff is intensifying, and the number of nuclear weapons might escalate for the first time in years. Does this also increase the risk of a nuclear attack? Political scientist Klemens Fischer gives an overview of the current state of nuclear weapons.
14:58 Israeli strike hits facility in western Iran
An Israeli airstrike in western Iran reportedly struck a facility. Iranian media outlets consistently reported that a hospital in the city of Kermanshah was hit. A video from the "Shargh" newspaper shows a damaged intensive care unit and a bloodstained bed. An Israeli military spokesperson stated that they are investigating the reports. Hospitals are afforded special protection under international humanitarian law, being considered civilian facilities that can only be targeted if clear military use is proven. Without such evidence, such an attack may breach international law.
14:35 Thiele: "The Iron Dome is Overrated"
The Iron Dome, designed to protect Israel from air attacks, is said to be ineffective in thwarting all missiles, as the Iranian attacks illustrate. ntv speaks with retired Colonel and military expert Ralph Thiele about the technology behind the Iron Dome and the Arrow 3 air defense system purchased by Germany.
14:16 Iranian drone headed for Netanyahu's residence intercepted
The Israeli Air Force shot down a hostile drone that hovered over northern Israel and was on course for the coastal city of Caesarea. Caesarea is the location of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's private abode. It remains unclear whether the drone was targeting Netanyahu. According to reports from the "Times of Israel" newspaper, a total of four drones coming from the east were intercepted over northern Israel. Netanyahu's dwelling was the target of a failed drone assault by the Iran-backed Shia militia Hezbollah from Lebanon last October. At that time, it was said that Netanyahu or his wife were not present, and there were no damages.
13:54 Berlin: No German refueling of Israeli fighter jets
The Federal Ministry of Defense denies rumors that German Air Force planes refueled Israeli fighter jets during attacks on Iran. "There was no refueling of Israeli combat aircraft by German Air Force aircraft," the ministry stated. This response comes in response to speculation that a German Airbus A400M was present in the region during the Israeli attacks.
13:28 Foreign Office encourages Germans in Israel, Iran, and neighboring countries to register
The Foreign Office requests that all Germans in Israel, Iran, and neighboring countries register with the crisis preparedness list "Elefand." This allows German diplomatic missions to quickly contact people in case of an emergency. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office stated that approximately 4,000 Germans in Israel and around 1,000 Germans in Iran have so far registered with Elefand, with the number increasing. There are no present contingency plans for evacuations.
13:01 Iran considered withdrawing from Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Iran is reportedly taking steps to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry in Tehran said that Parliament is working on a bill to that effect. Iran maintains its opposition to weapons of mass destruction. Last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) accused Iran of violating its commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty with its nuclear program. Iran denies allegations that it is seeking nuclear weapons.
12:31 Iranians evacuate Tehran in droves due to Israeli airstrikes
Residents of Tehran are currently fleeing the Iranian capital en masse due to Israeli airstrikes. Eye-witnesses report clogged roads in the city with its over 15 million inhabitants. Long lines are forming at gas stations, with fuel becoming increasingly scarce. Many Iranians are vacating the city to the east of the country or to the Caspian Sea in the north.
12:08 Latest attacks cause no additional harm to Iranian nuclear facilities
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), there are no further signs of damage to the uranium enrichment facilities in Natanz and Fordow. The UN agency remains present in Iran, IAEA head Rafael Grossi said. Inspections in Iran will commence as soon as security conditions permit, as required by Iran's commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
11:42 Israel: One-third of Iranian ground-to-ground missile launchers destroyed
The Israeli military declares that they have destroyed one-third of Iran's ground-to-ground missile launchers overnight. More than 50 fighter jets and aircraft participated in the operation, Israeli army spokesperson Effie Defrin said. They have destroyed over 120 Iranian launchers. Missile depots and missile production facilities were also hit.
11:14 Rainer Munz: "Moscow could see a gathering of dictators"
Iran, although an ally of Russia, has failed Russia's support for the third time, explains ntv correspondent Rainer Munz. The Kremlin might only offer asylum to Iranian mullahs. This may lead to a "meeting of dictators" in Moscow.
10:47 German-built corvette intercepts Iranian drone with "Barak Magen" system
A German-built corvette has successfully supported Israel in defending against Iranian airstrikes. According to the Israeli navy, it has used the "Barak Magen" defense system installed on a Saar-6 class corvette for the first time. The system is capable of defending against a variety of threats, including drones and cruise missiles. The corvette was built by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in Germany. Israel has received four Saar-6 class ships in recent years, with the last one arriving in Haifa in 2021.
10:22 Israel reports failure of missile attack from Yemen
Israel reports another missile attack from Yemen, but the missile failed to reach Israeli territory, the military said. They had previously identified and intercepted the missile. The Houthi rebels in Yemen had entered the air war between Israel and Iran for the first time on the weekend, claiming to have fired several missiles at Israel in coordination with Tehran. The Iran-backed Islamist militia had already attacked Israel with missiles during the Gaza conflict on multiple occasions in recent months, most of which were intercepted.
9:57 Wadephul expects no US involvement in conflict
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul does not expect the U.S. to participate in the Israel-Iran conflict. During an interview with Deutschlandfunk, he stated that this is clearly indicated by all statements, including those by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as well as by all actions. According to Wadephul, there has been no indication that the U.S. has any interest in involvement.
9:29 US Aircraft Carrier "USS Nimitz" courses toward the Middle East
The U.S. is reportedly sending the aircraft carrier "USS Nimitz" toward Iran. The warship left the South China Sea earlier today and altered its course towards the Middle East, according to data from the online ship tracking service Marine Traffic. A scheduled stop in the Vietnamese port city of Danang, including an official welcome, was reportedly cancelled, due to an "urgent operational requirement," according to authorities. No official statement has been issued.
8:53 Iran executes man for spying for Israel
Iran's judiciary has executed a man accused of spying for Israel. The execution took place in the morning, according to the news agency Misan. According to reports from Tehran, the man was allegedly spying for Israel and was sentenced to death for "waging war against God" and "sedition on earth" under Islamic law. He was taken into custody at the end of 2023, and he is the third person to be executed in recent months on similar charges.
8:33 Raschel Blufarb: "Life on the Streets Has Stopped"
With no signs of a ceasefire, the fourth day of escalation between Israel and Iran continues. The Iron Dome cannot intercept all rockets, resulting in numerous injuries in Israel. The situation is chaotic, reports ntv reporter Raschel Blufarb. "There are no schools, no one can go to work."
Politics State of Emergency in Israel as Raschel Blufarb reports "Life on the Streets Has Stopped"
8:13 Russia evacuates citizens from Iran
Russia is temporarily closing its consulate in Tehran and urging its citizens to leave the country. "Due to the current situation, the consular services of the embassy are temporarily suspended," the Russian embassy in Tehran declared via Telegram. Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova stated that, among others, the musicians of the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra have been transported out of the country, "The musicians have crossed the border into Azerbaijan."
7:46 Israel's Defense Minister threatens Tehran residents
Following Iranian rocket strikes in Tel Aviv and Haifa, Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz threatens the residents of Tehran. "The residents of the Iranian capital will pay the price, and it will be soon," Katz declared.
7:21 Iran's President Persuades: We Are Not Developing Nuclear Weapons
Iran's President Massud Peseschkian maintains that Iran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons. Iran will continue to uphold its right to nuclear energy and nuclear research, he said, citing the religious decree of Ayatollah Ali Chamenei, Iran's spiritual leader, against weapons of mass destruction.
6:42 Kiesewetter: Weak Iran is to Germany's Advantage
CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter sees the weakening of Iran as a favorable development for Germany: "Germany should clearly align itself with Israel, as restraining Iran's ballistic and nuclear capabilities also protects us," he said in the "Süddeutsche Zeitung." Additionally, Iran supports Russia's aggression in Ukraine: A weakening of the Iranian regime, therefore, is advantageous for Germany. Kiesewetter demands that the federal government commit itself: "Germany should clearly communicate that it supports Israel's actions against military targets and not portray the situation as 'both sides.'"
6:17 Rescue Service: Three dead, 74 injured in Iranian rocket attacks on Israel
At least three people have died in Israel as a result of Iranian air strikes during the night. The Israeli rescue service Magen David Adom reports 74 injured (X). The deceased are two women and one man. Iran launched a new rocket attack on Israel in the early hours. One target was Haifa: Unconfirmed reports suggest that two hypersonic rockets hit the port city.
5:28 von der Leyen: Netanyahu Promises More Humanitarian Aid for Gaza Strip
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised more humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip, according to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. "I insisted and urged that humanitarian aid that is not reaching Gaza must be brought to Gaza. He promised me that this will be the case," von der Leyen said after a phone conversation with Netanyahu to journalists in Canada.
5:20 Israelis allegedly spied for Iran
Israel's internal security service Shin Bet has detained two Israelis who were reportedly spying for Iran. They are accused of committing "security offenses" on behalf of Iranian intelligence services, Shin Bet announced in an evening statement. The security service states that since the onset of the war,Shin Bet and the Israeli police have thwarted 22 similar cases, indicating repeated attempts by Iranian intelligence services to enlist Israeli citizens for missions that jeopardize the security of the State of Israel and its residents.
4:30 Explosions and casualties in Israel once more
The Israeli rescue service Magen David Adom reports several impacts in the center of Israel. Multiple individuals are injured. The population can now leave the protective spaces again, the military says via Telegram. Search and rescue units are active at various sites throughout the country, the army says. During the Iranian attack, explosions were heard in the center of the bustling metropolis of Tel Aviv, followed by the sirens of several ambulances.
3:30 Israel military targets Iranian missile sites
Israel is attacking sites with Iranian missiles (SSM) in central Iran, according to its own statements.
Politics Army targets dangerous Iranian ballistic missiles
2:45 Iranian Army Spokesman: "Israel will no longer be inhabitable"
Iran threatens Israel once more with massive retaliation. The "devastating response of the valiant Iranian fighters" to Israel's attacks will affect all of Israel, states army spokesman Resa Sajjad in a televised speech. He calls on people to evacuate Israel, as it will "certainly not be inhabitable in the future." Even shelters no longer offer security.
2:17 Iran reports 224 deaths since Friday's attacks
According to Iranian reports, 224 people have lost their lives since the beginning of Israel's attacks on Friday, with 90% of the fatalities being civilians, according to state media reports.
2:00 Netanyahu "expects breakthrough" in hostage negotiations
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu anticipates a breakthrough in negotiations with the radical Islamic Palestinian organization Hamas regarding the release of Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip. "I have ordered negotiations to continue yesterday because I anticipate a breakthrough," Netanyahu explained. Israel will achieve both objectives while destroying Hamas and releasing hostages.
1:45 Iranian media reports deaths after attack in Tehran
At least five individuals are reportedly dead in an Israeli attack on a residential structure in the center of Tehran, according to reports from Iranian state media. State television reports that the number of deaths may rise as the attack targeted a densely populated residential area in the city center. A journalist from AFP at the scene reports that the area was rocked by at least two powerful explosions in rapid succession. Thick smoke rose above the neighborhood. Many people fled towards the site of the explosion near the Iranian Communications Ministry.
Incorporating Enrichment Data
Recent developments in the Israel-Iran conflict are escalating, with the likelihood of further escalation remaining high. The direct state-on-state military confrontation signifies a shift from covert operations and proxy conflicts. Potential consequences could include regional instability, harm to humanitarian efforts, economic disruption, threats to international law, and the destabilization of global energy markets.
- The Commission, in addition to its proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, should also consider the political realities of the ongoing Middle East war and its impact on the nuclear talks between Iran and the international community.
- As the Israel-Iran conflict continues to escalate, the potential for increased global nuclear proliferation becomes a significant concern, especially given the war's connection to broader geopolitical issues such as the ongoing war-and-conflicts and the complex landscape of Middle East politics.
