Middle East Conflict Live Updates - The Intense Battle Between Israel and Iran
Warning for Israelis and Tehran Citizens
Israel Suggests Iran's Religious Leader May Face Similar Destiny as Saddam Hussein
Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has issued a stern warning to Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, likening him to former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Khamenei should be aware of the potential consequences of continued war crimes and attacks on civilians, Katz tells senior Israeli military officials, according to "Sky News." Hussein was captured by US forces in 2003 and later executed for crimes against humanity.
Meanwhile, Jordanian King Abdullah II has expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East, stating that an escalation carries the risk of spreading beyond the region. "It is not foreseeable where the limits of this battlefield will end," Abdullah II warns Members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
In response to the mounting crisis, US President Donald Trump has threatened Iran, saying, "The gloves are off." If Iran attacks US troops in the region, be prepared for a tough response from the US. Trump considers sending Vice President Vance and Steve Witkoff for talks with the Iranians, pending the situation's development. However, Trump stresses he is not open to negotiation with Iran.
Iran's Anger Over G7 Statement
Iran has expressed outrage over the G7 statement on the war between Israel and Iran. Tehran argues that the statement ignores the "aggression of Israel" against Iran and the "illegal attacks on our peaceful nuclear infrastructure, as well as the indiscriminate targeting of residential areas and the killing of our civilians," according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai. Israel has initiated an unprovoked war of aggression against Iran, Baghai claims, echoing Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which forbids attacks on another country.
Military Expert Joachim Weber's Analysis
German military expert Joachim Weber estimates that Israel is doing the dirty work in Iran, while the US is in the background, providing the threat. Weber notes that, although a US intervention in the conflict can't be ruled out, it's unlikely for now.
Attacks on Civilian Facilities and Rocket Fires
In the wake of these geopolitical developments, Iranian media reports of at least 21 civilian deaths following attacks in Lorestan, Iran, with "intruders" being blamed for the incident. Israel has launched drone attacks on strategic positions in Tel Aviv and Haifa, according to Iranian General Kiumars Heidari, causing massive explosions and collateral damage to civilian facilities. Air raid sirens have sounded in several Israeli regions as drones headed towards Israel, the Israeli army stating.
China cautions its citizens to evacuate Israel as soon as possible, entering Jordan via land borders for safety, as the number of civilian casualties and damaged facilities continues to rise. Reports indicate that Iranian state broadcaster Irib has suffered significant damage and loss of life following an Israeli air strike, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi labeling the attack as "cowardly."
Israel's Strike on Revolutionary Guards
Israel's military announces the death of a top commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, General Major Ali Shadmani, following an air strike overnight on Tuesday. Iran has yet to confirm this report. Israel's army describes Shadmani as the highest-ranking military commander and the successor of Gholam-Ali Rashid, who was also killed in an Israeli strike at the beginning of the conflict.
Iranian Rocket Fires on Israel
In retaliation, Iran has reportedly launched a new wave of rocket attacks on Israel, aiming for strategic targets across the country. "The population should return to shelters and remain there for the time being," Israel's army warns its citizens, as air defense intercepts and countermeasures are deployed to protect against the incoming missiles. There are still no reported impacts or injuries, but explosions have been heard in the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv areas.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Middle East conflict continues to escalate.
Politics Weber on Iran conflict "Israel does the dirty work, USA provides the threat" 11:57 Trump: "I haven't contacted Iran in any way" 11:34 Iran Claims to Have Hit Mossad Headquarters
11:17 China After Trump's Iran Post: Don't Pour Oil on the Fire
10:45 Reporter: Trump Wants 'Real End' to Iran Nuclear Issue
10:25 Iranian MP: 21 Dead After Attack in Lorestan
10:00 After Rocket Wave: Iran Launches Drone Attacks on Israel
09:38 China Advises Citizens to Leave Israel via Jordan
09:18 Report: Three Dead After Israeli Strike on Kashan
08:52 Israel: Top Commander of Revolutionary Guards Killed
08:22 Iran Fires 'Rain of Rockets' at Israel - Explosions in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
08:05 Iranian Broadcaster Irib: Three Employees Killed in Israeli Strike
07:40 Trump Hits Back at Macron: Departure has nothing to do with ceasefire
07:22 Israel Escalates Attacks in Iran - "dozens" of military targets hit
06:42 Nouripour Warns of Nuclear War by Iran and Holds German Government Accountable
06:20 Report: Washington Proposes Talks with Iran on Nuclear Deal and Ceasefire
05:58 Grossi: Uran Enrichment Facilities in Natanz Severely Damaged
05:40 G7: Iran as Source of Instability - Support for Israel
04:18 Macron Offers Trump Support for Middle East Initiative
Potential Implications for the Middle East and Beyond
- Continuing military engagement increases the risk of further escalation, including potential retaliatory actions by Iran against Israel or its allies, such as Gulf states or US military assets in the region.
- The conflict has the potential to intensify proxy wars in countries like Syria, Lebanon (via Hezbollah), and Yemen, further destabilizing the region.
- Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons may be accelerated due to Israeli attacks on its nuclear facilities.
- Diplomatic relations between regional powers could strain, complicating US diplomacy and ongoing nuclear negotiation efforts.
Global Geopolitical Implications
- The conflict has already led to a spike in oil prices, reflecting heightened risk perceptions. If Iran targets Gulf oil infrastructure or disrupts the Strait of Hormuz, the consequences could include a sharp rise in energy prices and an increased risk of global recession.
- The United States and other global powers may be drawn deeper into the conflict, either to protect allies or to prevent further escalation, potentially leading to a broader international crisis.
- The breakdown of deterrence and the risk of nuclear proliferation could destabilize global security architecture and prompt renewed arms races in the region.
Sources: ntv.de, ino/dpa/AFP/rts
- The European Union, committed to establishing a European Defence Agency, is closely monitoring the tense Middle East conflict between Israel and Iran, as the potential consequences of continued war-and-conflicts in the region carry the risk of spreading beyond the Middle East and having general-news implications for Europe.
- As Iran retaliates against Israeli attacks with a new wave of rocket attacks and drone attacks, US President Donald Trump's threat, "The gloves are off," signifies a significant political stance, potentially increasing the likelihood of war-and-conflicts and contributing to the tension that overshadows ongoing politics in general-news.
