Iranians Rally in Thousands, Opposing Israeli Airstrikes
Headline: Middle East Conflict Heats Up: Chaos in Tehran as Thousands Protest Against Israeli Attacks
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Thousands of Iranians take to the streets in Tehran and other Iranian cities, enraged by deadly Israeli attacks against their country. Protesters march carrying Iranian flags, chanting anti-Western slogans, and display images of slain military commanders while waving the flags of Iran-backed Hezbollah. State-controlled media outlets report on the chaos, stating that the protesters aim to denounce the ongoing violence and to demand an end to Israeli aggression.
13:33 Israel Defense Minister Gantz intensifies attacks on TehranDefense Minister Benny Gantz orders further attacks on strategic sites in Iran, aiming to target the Iranian regime's leadership. He highlights the necessity of disrupting mechanisms used to suppress the Iranian population, citing the radical Basij militia as a key example of destabilizing forces. The Israeli Defense Forces vow to neutralize Iran's powerbase, targeting the elite Revolutionary Guard Corps to isolate the ruling regime.
13:12 Macron promises comprehensive negotiating offer for IranFrench President Emmanuel Macron announced that France, in collaboration with Germany and the UK, will present a comprehensive negotiating offer to Iran on Friday, with the aim of addressing uranium enrichment, l limit Tehran's missile program, and end funding for terrorist groups in the region. Macron emphasized the urgent priority of resuming negotiations, maintaining that a nuclear Iran would pose a severe threat to global peace and stability.
12:55 Heusgen supports diplomacy effortFormer advisor to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Christoph Heusgen, praised the ongoing negotiations between Germany, France, the UK, the EU, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Heusgen underscored the importance of diplomacy in resolving the crisis and achieving a peaceful solution.
12:44 Fuchs: Israel uninterested in diplomacyMiddle East expert Simon Fuchs expressed skepticism regarding the chances of success for Europe's diplomatic initiative, stating that Israel currently has no appetite for negotiations. He asserted that Israel seeks to prevent Iran from accumulating military power and nuclear capabilities, arguing that the Israeli government is driven by a phase of military euphoria. If there is no fundamental shift in the mindset of both parties, the diplomatic talks are likely to fail.
12:17 Esmaili describes plight of the Iranian peopleGerman-Iranian journalist Bamdad Esmaili details the hardships faced by the Iranian population in the wake of the autocratic regime's attempts to suppress unrest and maintain control. He highlights the breakdown of internet connectivity, scarcity of cash, and the mass displacement of millions in Iran.
11:50 Unconfirmed reports of Israeli drone strikeUnverified reports suggest that Israel has launched another drone attack on a building in Tehran, reportedly targeting an Iranian nuclear scientist. Several Israeli media outlets have reported this development but are yet to confirm the information.
11:29 Wasinger discusses escalating conflict potentialAustrian colonel Matthias Wasinger emphasizes the conflict potential in the region, cautioning that any US intervention could lead to far-reaching consequences across the Middle East. Wasinger outlines the various flashpoints that threaten regional stability, warning of the increasingly volatile situation.
11:12 Iran rules out negotiations with USA amid continued attacksIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtchi dampens hopes for negotiations, stating, "There is no room for negotiations with us until Israeli aggression ceases," and asserting it would be impossible to negotiate while under Israeli attack. Araghtchi also rejected the possibility of talks with the USA, citing the US's alliance with Israel as the primary obstacle. The planned meeting between Iran and the foreign ministers of Germany, France, and the UK on Friday proceeds, but it remains uncertain whether these diplomatic efforts will yield any progress.
10:51 Munz: Russia's hand in conflict is tiedCorrespondent Rainer Munz reports on Russia's strategic interests in the region and how these tensions between Israel and Iran have constrained Moscow's actions.
10:30 Katz: "If there's terror, there will be no Hezbollah"Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz delivered a stern warning to Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, urging caution after Qassem declared that Hezbollah would "act as we see fit" in response to the conflict. Katz referenced the fate of Hezbollah's former leader Hassan Nasrallah, who had been killed in Israeli attacks the previous year. Katz warned that Israeli patience was at an end and that if terror continues, Hezbollah will vanish.
10:18 Netanyahu gives TV interview on conflict aims and US supportAs the war between Israel and Iran escalates, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu grants an interview to Israeli television to discuss the aims of the conflict and US support for Israel's actions.
10:06 Population in Be'er Sheva in a state of panicAn Iranian rocket once again strikes residential areas in the Israeli city of Be'er Sheva. The bombing of the already damaged Soroka Hospital leaves several people injured, causing panic among the population. Long-time CNN reporter Raschel Blufarb offers insights into the growing tension and the potential political risks faced by Netanyahu as the conflict drags on.
9:31 Israel targets Iranian rocket systemsThe Israeli military states that it has targeted more Iranian rocket systems in airstrikes, disrupting operations in Tehran and Isfahan. Israeli forces hope that these attacks will expand their strategic freedom in Iranian airspace as Prime Minister Netanyahu previously claimed to possess "full air superiority over Tehran."
9:03 Fritz: Trump faces a difficult positionNTV correspondent Gordian Fritz articulates that achieving a halt of all uranium enrichment in Iran, even for peaceful purposes, may be unattainable within the US-set two-week deadline. Fritz raises the possibility that Iran may exploit this timeframe to step up its aggression.
8:51 IAEA: Heavy Water Reactor in Iran DamagedThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that the Iranian heavy water reactor, Khondab (formerly Arak), has sustained damage as a result of Israeli attacks. The IAEA initially detected no visible damage, but later findings revealed that "important buildings," including a distillation plant, had been affected.
8:31 Israel threatens Hezbollah with annihilationIsraeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issues a warning to the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, declaring that if they interfere in Iran's war against Israel, there will be "no Hezbollah." Israeli media reports a statement by Katz warning against Hezbollah leaders who attempt to threaten Israel.
8:07 CDU Politician calls for sanctions against Israeli MinistersGerman politician Michael Gahler, the foreign policy spokesman for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), opposes the German government's stance on EU sanctions against Israel. Gahler has called for sanctions against Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, asserting that their extreme statements support the radical settler movement and challenge the prospects for long-term Israeli interests.
7:42 Chief of Staff Frei discusses US intervention speculationGerman Chief of Staff Thorsten Frei speculates on the likelihood of US intervention, noting that although there are signs that suggest an escalation, the true direction of US involvement remains uncertain. Frei emphasizes the importance of diplomacy, particularly in light of the upcoming Iran talks led by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Geneva.
7:20 Rockets strike Beer Sheva againThe Israeli military reports a rocket attack on the Israeli city of Beer Sheva, causing damage to residential buildings and injuring at least six people. The IAF struggled to fend off a barrage of further attacks, using its advanced defense systems to intercept the incoming missiles.
7:16 Israeli attack on Nuclear Weapon Project Research FacilityThe Israeli Air Force launched a series of airstrikes against dozens of targets in Iran, including military facilities for producing rockets and the headquarters of Iran's nuclear weapons project. The air raids targeted industrial facilities for producing rockets in the Tehran area, severely impacting Iran's current war effort. The Israeli Defense Forces also claimed to have taken out a facility producing a key component for the Iranian nuclear weapons program.
7:11 Wadephul aims to "prevent escalation"German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul highlights the critical importance of the planned talks with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva, calling it a pivotal moment in preventing further escalation. Wadephul maintains a diplomatic stance, emphasizing that talks are the best possible course of action for avoiding a worsening conflict.
6:49 Laschet praises Merz's "dirty work" remarkGerman politician Armin Laschet defends Chancellor Friedrich Merz's remark about Israel doing "dirty work" for the benefit of Western nations, hailing it as a clear and truthful statement. Laschet also praises Merz for being more direct in his communication compared to the previous SPD chancellor, Olaf Scholz.
6:36 London insists on diplomatic solution for Iran nuclearAmid ongoing military actions, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy still holds out hope for a diplomatic solution to the Iran nuclear crisis. He told US special envoy Steve Witkoff that there remains a window of two weeks to achieve a diplomatic resolution, with Britain and the US united in their determination to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
6:11 Grenade hits Norwegian Ambassador's Residence in IsraelAn attack on the Norwegian Ambassador's residence in Tel Aviv leaves the buildings undamaged but intensifies tensions in the region. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the attack, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing the escalating conflict.
5:43 New wave of Iranian attacks on IsraelSirens blare across southern Israel as the region braces for a new wave of Iranian air strikes, with the Israeli military prepared to intercept and defend against incoming missiles.
4:50 Israeli Army: Drone attack from Iran repelledThe Israeli Air Defense forces successfully defended against a drone attack originating from Iran over the Dead Sea, shooting down three drones on consecutive attempts.
3:56 Israeli President defends Netanyahu amid international criticismIsraeli President Jitzchak Herzog defends Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions amid international criticism, stating that Israel is merely doing its duty to protect Europe and the US from the threat of a nuclear Iran. Herzog emphasizes the importance of Israel's role in eliminating the imminent threat posed by Iran before it can explode.
2:47 Hezbollah threatens "proportionate response"Lebanon-based Hezbollah, a major Iranian ally, issues a warning that they will respond proportionately to any Israeli aggressions, stating that they are not neutral in the conflict between Israel and Iran.
1:50 Iran appoints new Intelligence Chief for Revolutionary GuardsBrigadier General Majid Kadami is appointed by Mohammad Pakpur, the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, as the new head of the intelligence department following the assassination of his predecessor. ISNA reports the news, confirming the appointment of the new intelligence chief for the powerful Iranian military organization.
Sentence 1: The protests in Iran, ignited by deadly Israeli attacks, aim to denounce the ongoing violence and demand an end to Israeli aggression, as demonstrated by the demonstrators' anti-Western slogans and the display of Iranian flags and Hezbollah flags.
Sentence 2: Amid the mounting political cooperation among European nations, such as France and Germany, to negotiate with Iran on issues like uranium enrichment and missile programs, the conflict in the Middle East continues to pose a threat to peace and security, as evidenced by the escalating war-and-conflicts between Israel and Iran, including rocket strikes on Israeli cities and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets.
