Middle East Conflict Live Ticker +++ 14:47 Umbach: "Attacks do not eliminate Iran's nuclear dreams"
Iran's nuclear capabilities remain unscathed, despite the attacks, as stated by Umbach at 14:47.
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According to reports, the goal of the attacks on Iran is to obliterate its nuclear program. While these airstrikes could momentarily delay its nuclear ambitions, the knowledge of how to construct a nuclear bomb is deeply embedded within Iran's collective consciousness, claims security expert Frank Umbach.
Politics Umbach on Tehran's nuclear aspirations "Attacks do not eliminate Iran's nuclear dreams" 14:27 Kremlin fears for former Soviet states due to Middle East chaos The Russian government views the Middle East on the edge of an abyss of chaos and war. "The region is spiraling into a vortex of instability and conflict," says Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov. "This crisis holds the potential for geographic expansion and unforeseen consequences. This region borders us. That poses a potential danger to us and we are wary." Russia itself shares no borders with any Middle Eastern state, but in the North Caucasus it borders former Soviet republics that, in turn, share borders with Iran and Turkey. Russia has urged Israel's ally, the USA, to refrain from attacking Iran. Meanwhile, the government in Moscow, which maintains good relations with both Iran and Israel, has proposed mediation but has been rejected, among other reasons, because Russia itself is involved in the conflict against Ukraine and is using drones supplied by Iran there.
14:08 Thousands protest in Iran against Israeli attacks Thousands of Iranians take to the streets in Tehran and other cities to demonstrate against Israel. Many brandish their country's flag and chant anti-Western slogans, CNN reports, citing Iranian state television. The protesters also wave pictures of murdered military commanders as well as flags of the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
13:33 Israel orders intensified attacks on Tehran Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has reportedly ordered an intensification of attacks on the Iranian capital Tehran. Prominent targets associated with Iran's leadership are to be hit, Katz explains. He mentions "mechanisms for suppressing the populace" and cites the radical Basij militia as an example. He further emphasizes the need to destabilize Iran's leadership by attacking its power base. Specifically, he names the elite Revolutionary Guard unit as a prime target.
13:12 Macron: Europeans to present "comprehensive negotiating offer" to Iran Paris, Berlin, and London will present a "comprehensive negotiating offer" to Iran at a meeting in Geneva on Friday, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. "Returning to negotiations is absolutely a priority," Macron stresses. The negotiating offer aims to halt uranium enrichment, curb Iran's missile program, and terminate "the financing of all terrorist groups" in the region by Tehran, he explains. The Iranian nuclear program poses a threat. "There must be no complacency," Macron stresses. "But no one can seriously believe that this threat can be eliminated solely by the current operations."
12:55 Heusgen: "Anything is better than escalating the conflict" Former Merkel advisor Christoph Heusgen welcomes the negotiations between Germany, France, Britain, the EU, and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi. "Anything is better than escalating the conflict. We must do everything to reach a diplomatic solution. And that's why it's very good that Europe is now speaking with the Iranians in Geneva," Heusgen says on RTL and ntv.
12:44 Experts: Israel elated over its military might The chances of success for Europe's diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict between Israel and Iran rest upon a significant change in direction from both parties, according to Middle East expert Simon Fuchs. Israel, for its part, currently holds no fundamental interest in a settlement. "They aim to strip Iran of all military power and nuclear capabilities," says the professor of Islamic studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He adds, "We are witnessing a phase of extensive elation about its own military prowess." If there is no fundamental change of mind, the European-led talks are likely doomed to fail.
12:17 "Iran's regime is wobbly" - Iranians left to fend for themselves No internet connection, empty ATMs, and millions forced to flee: German-Iranian journalist Bamdad Esmaili describes the hardships faced by Iranians and how the autocratic regime attempts to shield them.
Politics No net, no alarm, no money "Iran's regime is wobbly" - Iranians left to fend for themselves 11:50 Israel reportedly conducts another drone strike against nuclear scientist in Tehran Unconfirmed reports from Iran suggest that Israel has attacked a civilian building in Tehran with a drone. The target was purported to be an Iranian nuclear scientist, according to several Israeli news outlets.
11:29 "Israel's seven-front war may heat up" A potential US military intervention could have far-reaching consequences for the entire Middle East, according to Matthias Wasinger, a colonel in the Austrian Armed Forces' General Staff. In an interview with ntv, he outlines the potential conflict zones in the region.
Politics Colonel: US intervention would escalate "Israel's seven-front war may heat up" 11:12 Iran refuses negotiations with the US during Israeli attacks Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi has dampened expectations leading up to talks with his European counterparts in Geneva. "There is no room for negotiations with us until Israeli aggression ceases," Araghtschi tells state television. The minister categorically refuses talks with the US, citing the country's alliance with Israel. Araghtschi is set to meet with the foreign ministers of Germany, France, and the UK on Friday, with the talks coordinated with the US.
10:51 Munz: Regime change in Iran "would be a PR loss for Russia" Russia also stands to lose in the conflict between Israel and Iran. Correspondent Rainer Munz summarizes the stakes Russia holds in the region and why its hands are tied for ntv.
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Munz: Intervention impossible; Regime change in Iran would be a PR loss for Russia 10:30 Katz: "If there are attacks, there will be no Hezbollah" Defense Minister Israel Katz warns Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem to be cautious after he declared yesterday that his terror group would respond "as we see fit" in response to the war between Israel and Iran. "The Hezbollah leader has not learned from his predecessors and threatens to act against Israel," Katz says, referring to former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in Israeli attacks last year. "I advise the Lebanese representative to be careful and understand that Israel has grown tired of the terrorists threatening it," Katz adds. "If there are attacks, there will be no Hezbollah."
10:18 Netanyahu speaks on TV about war aims and US aid As mutual attacks between Israel and Iran continue, Netanyahu grants an interview to an Israeli TV station. In the conversation, Israel's prime minister also discusses war aims and the role of the US.
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"Trump Says: Keep Going!" Netanyahu Speaks on TV about War Goals and US Aid 10:06 Population in Be'er Sheva "In Quite a Panic" A rocket from Iran strikes Be'er Sheva again, this time destroying a residential area near the already damaged Soroka hospital. NTV reporter Raschel Blufarb reports on the latest attacks, the tension among the Israeli population, and Netanyahu's political risk.
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Iranian Rocket Hits Area Again; Population in Be'er Sheva "In Quite a Panic" 09:31 Israeli Army Strikes More Iranian Rocket Systems The Israeli military has carried out additional attacks in Iran, taking out rocket systems. The targets in the Tehran and Isfahan areas were intended to disrupt the operations of Israeli Air Force planes, the military said. With these attacks, the air force aimed to expand its operational range in Iranian airspace. "Israeli fighter jets and other aircraft of the Israeli Air Force continue to operate freely in Iranian airspace and carry out strikes against military targets of the Iranian regime in western and central Iran," the military added. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously spoke of "full air superiority in the sky over Tehran" for the air force.
09:03 Fritz: "Trump has put himself in a difficult position" A potential US entry into the Middle East conflict is partially linked to the demand for the complete halt of all uranium enrichment in Iran, even for civilian purposes. Achieving this within a scheduled two-week period may be "impossible," according to NTV correspondent Gordian Fritz.
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Goal bar too high for Iran; Trump has put himself in a difficult position 08:51 IAEA: Heavy Water Reactor in Iran damaged The International Atomic Energy Organization reports that Iran's heavy water reactor Khondab (formerly: Arak) has been damaged in Israeli attacks. The damage was initially not visible, the IAEA said on Friday. However, it was later discovered that "important buildings" had been destroyed—including a distillation plant. The Israeli army confirmed the attack on the Arak facility on Thursday and dubbed it a "deactivated atomic reactor."
08:31 Israel threats Iran's Hezbollah Israel's Defense Minister Yitzhak Katz has threatened the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, warning that if they attack Israel to support Iran, "there will be no Hezbollah." This was reported by the Israeli newspaper "Haaretz," citing a tweet from Katz. Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem had previously stated that the group would not remain neutral in the conflict and would act as it deems necessary. Katz responded by saying, "I advise Lebanon's representative to be cautious and to understand that Israel has worn out its patience with terrorists threatening it."
08:07 CDU Politician Calls for Sanctions Against Israeli Ministers So far, the German government has maintained a neutral stance on EU sanctions against Israel. However, CDU Member of the European Parliament Michael Gahler, the EPP group's coordinator for security and defense, is now calling for sanctions against Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. "Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have gained notoriety for their extreme statements not only about the future of Gaza, but also for actively supporting the radical settler movement in the West Bank and opposing a two-state solution," Gahler told Der Spiegel. He suggested possible sanctions could include travel bans or asset freezes.
07:42 Chief of Staff Frei: US Intervention Speculation In an assessment by Chancellor's Office Chief Thorsten Frei, US intervention remains uncertain. While there are various signs that seem to suggest it might become more intense, Frei told ARD that it is still mere speculation how the US will act. Frei emphasized the importance of diplomacy before upcoming Iran talks, including those led by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Geneva. "It is incredibly important to try to actually take up and further develop every diplomatic thread that exists," he said.
07:20 Israel Reports Rocket Strike in Beersheba The Israeli military reports that the city of Beersheba in southern Israel was hit by a rocket in a morning Iranian attack, targeting residential, commercial, and industrial areas. At least one residential complex was left uninhabitable following a direct hit, and six people were lightly injured, according to medics. The Israeli broadcaster Kan showed footage of burning cars, thick smoke, and broken windows on residential buildings. CNN reported fires in office buildings, including a Microsoft office. Beersheba had been repeatedly targeted by Iranian attacks in recent days.
Politics Injured in Be'er Sheva: Rocket strike damages residential building 07:16 Israel Reports Attack on Nuclear Weapons Research Facility The Israeli Air Force reports that multiple targets in Iran, including military facilities for rocket production and the headquarters of a research institute involved in Iran's nuclear weapons project, have been hit. The attack also targeted industrial facilities for producing rockets in the Tehran area. The facilities provided a key center for Iran's Defense Ministry's operations, and a facility producing a vital component for Iran's nuclear weapons program was also among the targets.
07:11 Wadephul will "escalation prevent" - Israel can rely on Germany According to Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, today's meeting with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi is taking place at a critical juncture. "The situation is very tense, it is hardly possible to predict how the next few days will unfold," the CDU politician told Der Spiegel. "Hope is not a category of diplomacy, talks are," says Wadephul. "I'm trying to prevent an escalation." Wadephul and his counterparts from France and the UK will meet Araghchi in Geneva. Asked if Germany would help Israel if Iranian attacks continue and the number of casualties grows, Wadephul replied: "I warn Tehran not to breach international agreements and escalate the conflict. But you can't exclude it. Israel can always rely on Germany."
06:49 Laschet praises Merz's "dirty work" remark CDU foreign policy expert Armin Laschet defends Chancellor Friedrich Merz against criticism of his "dirty work" remark. "I must commend him - if he speaks more bluntly and possibly even changes course, that's good," says Laschet in ZDF's Maybrit Illner show on Thursday evening. "That's a different language than with Olaf Scholz," praised the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Bundestag, referring to the previous SPD chancellor. Merz's statement, saying that Israel is doing "dirty work" for the West with its military operations against Iran, was reported by the Chancellor.
Politics Middle East Talk at Illner Wolffsohn: Iran awaits help, but does not receive it 06:36 London insists on diplomatic solution Despite the escalating military conflict between Iran and Israel, the British Foreign Secretary David Lammy still considers a diplomatic solution to the nuclear dispute with Iran possible. "We have discussed how Iran needs to make a deal to avoid an escalation of the conflict," said Lammy in a statement from the British Embassy in Washington after talks with his US counterpart Marco Rubio and US special envoy Steve Witkoff. There remains a "window of about two weeks to reach a diplomatic solution." Britain and the US are "determined that Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon."
Politics US intervention in Iran conflict Trump to decide on military involvement within two weeks 06:11 Grenade hits residence of Norwegian ambassador in Israel In Israel, the residence of the Norwegian ambassador has been struck by a grenade. "There was an explosion in front of the Norwegian residence in Tel Aviv last night," explains the head of the communications department of the Norwegian Foreign Ministry, Tuva Bogsnes. The grenade was tossed into the courtyard of the residence. No embassy staff were injured, and Israeli police were on the scene. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on the online service X that he was in contact with Norwegian Ambassador Per Egil Selvaag. Selvaag's residence was hit by a "shrapnel grenade," he added. "I condemn this serious and dangerous crime in the strongest terms."
05:43 New Iranian Rocket Wave on Israel - Air Raid Sirens in the South Air raid sirens have sounded again in southern Israel following a new wave of Iranian rocket attacks, according to the Israeli military, which is attempting to intercept the rockets.
04:50 Israeli Army Repels Repeated Drone Attacks from Iran The Israeli air defense has reportedly repelled repeated drone attacks from Iran overnight. Three drones were intercepted one after the other in the Dead Sea area, according to the army's statement on Telegram. Warning sirens were re-sounded earlier.
03:56 Israeli President Herzog Defends PM Netanyahu's Actions Israeli President Herzog defends Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions, dismissing criticism: "The entire Israeli policy backs the government in this decision, and so do I," Herzog tells Bild. Israel knows that Iran has reached the brink and was on the verge of acquiring a nuclear bomb. Tehran has enriched uranium to 60 percent, a move, according to Herzog, with no other purpose than towards weaponization. Israel is now taking action to eliminate this threat before it explodes.
02:47 Hezbollah Swears "Proportionate Response" The pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia swears a "proportionate response" to Israel's military operations against Iran. It has declared itself "neutral" in the conflict between the two enemy states. US special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, previously warned Hezbollah against getting involved in the war between its main patron and Israel. "In the name of President (Donald) Trump, I can say that that would be a very, very, very bad decision," Barrack, who is also US Ambassador to Turkey, said during his first visit to Beirut, the Lebanese capital.
01:50 Iran Appoints New Revolutionary Guards Intelligence Chief Iran has appointed a new intelligence chief for the Revolutionary Guards. The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad Pakpur, has appointed Brigadier General Majid Kadami as the chief of the intelligence department, according to the state news agency Irna. Kadami is replacing Mohammad Kasemi, who was killed along with two intelligence officers, Hassan Mohaghegh and Mohsen Bagheri, in an Israeli airstrike on Sunday. Pakpur himself was recently named as the new chief of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards after his predecessor, Hussein Salami, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on June 13. Pakpur issued threats of massive retaliation after his appointment.
00:44 Iranian Military: Removed Enriched Uranium to Safety Iranian military confirms it moved its enriched uranium to safety prior to Israeli attacks. "We had moved all the materials away," former commander and Major General Mohsen Rezai says in a TV interview. "All the materials are in our hands now," he emphasizes. "Secondly: The scientists are in our hands. Thirdly: The factories where nuclear equipment was produced - these factories still exist." According to Rezai's account, Iran's leadership anticipated this conflict in March.
23:24 USA Evacuates Air Support Base in Qatar: 40 Military Jets Withdrawn In anticipation of potential US involvement in the war between Israel and Iran, the US has reportedly evacuated an air support base in Qatar within two weeks. Nearly 40 military aircraft have been withdrawn from the Al-Udeid base between June 5 and 19, according to a Planet Labs PBC analysis of satellite imagery. Only three transport planes remain.
22:12 Satellite Photos Confirm Strikes on Chondab Reactor Satellite imagery reveals significant damage to the concrete shell of the heavy water reactor at the Chondab nuclear site following an Israeli airstrike. High-resolution images clearly depict impact marks on the reactor's dome. Comparison images taken hours before and after the attack show that nearby buildings remained intact.
21:47 Israeli President Praises Merz for "Dirty Work" Comment Israeli President Isaac Herzog praises German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. "I commend Friedrich Merz for his moral clarity and clear voice - he speaks the truth. We are defending Europe, we are defending the United States," Herzog tells Bild newspaper. Herzog is reportedly referring to Merz's statement that Israel is doing the "dirty work" for the West with its military operations against Iran.
Early Start SPD Politician Wiese on Merz's "Dirty Work" Comment: "Not to Be Weighted on a Gold Scale" *Follow all previous developments [here](https://www.ntv.de/ntv/Nachrichten/International/Israel-Iran-Konflikt,0,Index,1,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
Politics War-and-conflicts in Middle East: Expert Umbach says Iran's nuclear dreams not eliminated by attacks
General-news Umbach on Tehran's nuclear aspirations: Attacks do not eliminate Iran's nuclear dreams Despite airstrikes, Iran's knowledge of nuclear bomb construction remains deeply embedded, claims security expert Frank Umbach. Attacks on Iran aim to obliterate its nuclear program but may only temporarily delay its nuclear ambitions.
