Israel allegedly undermines U.S. diplomatic initiatives, as per Iran's foreign minister's claims.
Headline: Middle East Conflict Update: Wide-Ranging Impacts and Escalating Tensions
**I **
One week into Israel's attacks against Iran, the Middle East is in turmoil with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi accusing Israel of "betrayal" of US diplomatic efforts. "It's a betrayal of diplomacy and an unprecedented attack on the foundations of international law," says the Iranian foreign minister in a speech before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The Iranian chief diplomat claims that Iran and the US were on the verge of agreeing to a "very promising deal" when Israel launched its attack, causing "hundreds" of deaths in the unjust war. The last official death toll from Tehran was last Sunday, with at least 224 deaths reported.
II
Meanwhile, the US imposes new sanctions related to Iran and counter-terrorism. Among others, two companies based in Hong Kong are affected, according to a statement from the US Department of the Treasury. The sanctions target at least 20 companies, five individuals, and three ships.
III
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar sees little chance of success for the current diplomatic efforts to resolve the military conflict between his country and Iran. "I don't have much faith in diplomacy with Iran," Saar told the Bild newspaper. "All previous diplomatic efforts have not been successful." The Iranians usually use talks "to deceive, to gain time and make progress - and I don't believe they have changed their nature," the minister adds. To resolve the conflict, Tehran must be ready to abandon uranium enrichment. However, he does not believe in Iran's willingness "to really address the concerns and expectations of the international community and abandon the nuclear program that threatens the world and poses an existential threat to Israel." "I haven't seen any concrete offer from the Iranians that shows they have changed their minds," Saar concluded.
IV
In the midst of the war with Israel, Iran's internet has been largely blocked for two days. "Metrics show that the nation has been offline for more than two days, leaving citizens unable to communicate and poorly informed about the status of the conflict with Israel," Netblocks, an organization known for monitoring internet shutdowns, writes. Millions of Iranians abroad are worried about their friends and families.
V
In Israel, several people were injured in a renewed rocket attack from Iran. Three people were seriously injured by shrapnel, and another 14 people were lightly injured, the rescue service said. Additionally, at least two people were injured in Iranian attacks on Israeli cities, with a 40-year-old and a 16-year-old being seriously wounded in a rocket strike in Haifa.
VI
Iran has launched another rocket attack on Israel with loud explosions reported in Beersheba, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem. Reports suggest impacts in Haifa, and injuries were reported in both Haifa and near Tel Aviv. Despite Israel reportedly carrying out another drone attack on a nuclear scientist in Tehran and Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz ordering intensified attacks on the Iranian capital, Tehran rules out negotiations with the US during Israeli attacks.
Reality check: Widespread violence, economic sanctions, and political tensions have dominated the Middle East for decades. While negotiations have taken place, they are often complicated by hostile actions, escalations, and deep-seated mistrust. The situation in 2021 is no exception, with ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran threatening regional security and stability.
Political cooperation to de-escalate the conflict between Israel and Iran appears stagnant, as Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi accuses Israel of betrayal and undermining diplomatic efforts. Meanwhile, US politics play out with new sanctions imposed on Iran and counter-terrorism entities. General news reports suggest the Middle East peace and security are under threat due to war-and-conflicts, particularly the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
