Iranian Deputy Official Affirms Persistence of Defense Measures
Headline: Middle East Conflict Live Ticker +++ 17:10 Iranian Deputy Minister: We'll Keep Defending Ourselves
Social Media Shoutouts:Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Print Copy Link Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh has stated that Tehran will continue its self-defense. "We are in self-defense mode," Khatibzadeh told the BBC. "And we will continue this self-defense until the aggressor learns the lesson that they cannot simply attack another country." When asked about reports that Donald Trump had approved a military plan and what Tehran expects, he said: "Iran was on the verge of a deal in the nuclear talks with the US before Israel launched its offensive to sabotage the entire process."
16:55 Israeli Minister: "This is a War Crime" Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has described the Iranian attack on a hospital as a war crime. His country will continue the operation against Tehran "until the mission is accomplished," Saar said. "This is obviously a war crime," the politician said of the rocket attack on a medical facility in Beersheba in the morning, which injured dozens of people.
16:33 Journalist: Iran's Internet Blackout is a War Crime The disabled internet in Iran is barely tolerable for relatives abroad, according to journalist Bamdad Esmaili, who has family there. The forced evacuation from Tehran also presents locals with an almost insurmountable problem.
Political Insights:
Iran seems intent on defending itself against what it sees as an unprovoked attack from Israel. This defensive posture may lead to a prolonged conflict as both sides dig in their heels. Furthermore, the internet shutdown in Iran is indicative of a broader digital warfare strategy aimed at cutting off communication and weakening the enemy.
The war crime accusationsfrom Israel and Iran highlight the disregard for international law and humanitarian norms that mark this conflict. This disregard is particularly concerning as it could escalate the conflict and potentially drag in other actors, such as the US.
Other Conflict Developments:
Iraqi Militant Leader Threatens Attacks on US Citizens An Iraqi militant leader has threatened the US with attacks on American citizens if Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is attacked. "If you harm the Guardian of the Nation, Imam Khamenei, even a single hair, you, your allies, and your dirty agents will be the target of our hunt and our fire throughout the Islamic region," said Akram al-Kaabi, chief of the Iran-backed Shia militia Harakat al-Nujaba, on X. He further threatened that no American soldier or diplomat would be safe. "In fact, anyone who carries your citizenship and every one of your direct or indirect interests in our region will be a legitimate target for us," al-Kaabi said to US President Donald Trump. The group, designated as a terrorist organization by the US, is part of the so-called "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" - a coalition of various Iran-backed militias in the neighboring country. Trump had recently referred to Khamenei as an "easy target."
German-Iranian "in absolute dilemma" Actress and entrepreneur Elmira Rafizadeh, born in Tehran, describes to ntv how German-Iranians currently perceive the situation in their country: Hope for the regime to fall is overshadowed by fears for family and relatives.
Updates on Prior Actions:
Israel Launches New Rocket Attack on Iran Iran has launched a new rocket attack on Israel. According to the military, the Iranian military launched 15 rockets towards Israel. Sirens are sounding throughout the country warning of the air raid. Earlier this morning, Tehran fired 20 rockets at Israel. One of the projectiles hit a hospital, causing significant damage.
Arrest Wave in Iran against Suspected Collaborators In the midst of the conflict with Israel, Iranian security authorities have initiated a wave of arrests. Iranian media reports dozens of arrests in recent days, allegedly involving spies and collaborators with Israel, the archenemy. At least 18 "illegal" foreigners were arrested in the northeastern metropolis and pilgrimage city of Mashhad, reportedly involved in producing and operating drones. They are believed to be Afghan and have been deported. Mashhad is located near the border with Afghanistan.
US Envoy Warns Hezbollah Against Involvement in War The US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack, explicitly warns Hezbollah in Lebanon against intervening in the war between Israel and Iran. It would be a "very bad decision" if Hezbollah enters the war, says Barrack during a visit to the capital Beirut. The Shiite organization has sharply condemned Israel's attacks on Iran and also the death threats against Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. So far, however, it has refrained from its own actions.
Chamenei "Must Not Exist Any Longer" The Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declares that Iran's spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "must not exist any longer." Chamenei "considers the destruction of Israel as his goal," says Katz in the city of Holon, where there were Iranian attacks during the night. "Such a man must not exist any longer," Katz added. The Iranian spiritual leader openly says he wants to destroy Israel, Katz emphasized. "He personally gives the order to attack hospitals."
** Regional Powers' Stances:**
Putin and Xi condemn Israel's attacks Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping have sharply condemned Israel's attacks on Iran and called for a diplomatic solution to the conflict. Both Moscow and Beijing believe that a solution to the conflict "cannot be achieved through violence, but only through political and diplomatic means," says Putin's advisor Yuri Ushakov after a roughly hour-long telephone conversation between Putin and Xi to journalists. Xi said in the phone call that violence "is not the right way to resolve international conflicts" and that a ceasefire is "the top priority," reported the Chinese news agency Xinhua. Ushakov emphasizes that both heads of state "share the same approach."
US Intervention in Middle East? Jäger: "Need to Pay Attention to Who Trump is Talking To" Political scientist Thomas Jäger believes that Trump may be uncertain about a potential US military intervention in the Middle East, leading to unclear messages and shifting positions. Old conflicts in the region are moving back into focus.
Key Individuals:
Saeed Khatibzadeh - Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, emphasizing self-defense as Iran's stance.
Gideon Saar - Israeli Foreign Minister, accuses Iran of a war crime for attacking a hospital in Beersheba.
Akram al-Kaabi - Chief of the Iran-backed Shia militia Harakat al-Nujaba, threatening the US if Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is attacked.
Elmira Rafizadeh - German-Iranian actress and entrepreneur, expresses concerns for loved ones in Iran.
- The ongoing Middle East conflict, characterized by instances of war crimes, peace and security, and political cooperation, is showing no signs of resolution as both Iran and Israel remain steadfast in their defensive postures, possibly extending the conflict.
- Amidst the conflict, regional powers like Russia and China, along with political scientists, are expressing concerns over potential US intervention, emphasizing that diplomatic solutions should replace military action for ensuring peace and security.
