Live Updates: Middle East Conflict +++ 18:38 Katz slams new Iranian strikes: "Dual rockets threaten Israel"
"Missiles launched by Iran pose a threat to Israel's security"
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In the ongoing firefights, Iranian forces are now utilizing a kind of weapon that poses a challenge to the Israeli forces. Defense Minister Katz describes a new war objective in a statement. Our correspondent Rachel Blufarb reports from Holon.
Politics Blufarb shares insights on new strikes "Iran's dual rockets threaten Israel" 18:21 Second emergency flight for German Israelis arrives The Foreign Office has brought another group of Germans and close relatives stranded in Israel back through a special flight from Jordan. The plane landed in the evening in Berlin. There were 174 passengers on board, the Foreign Office announced. With the first special flight on Wednesday to Frankfurt, 345 people have thus been able to leave the region. Another flight from Amman is planned for Saturday. German citizens, spouses, and minor children can book the flight for a fee, the Foreign Office said. Various airlines also offer flights from Amman to Germany. Germans who want to leave Israel must get to Jordan on their own. Other European countries have organized convoys to Jordan for their nationals. The Foreign Office once again stated that it currently considers this not a safe option for security reasons, as additional risks could arise from waiting at collection points.
18:04 Iraq discusses potential nuclear crisis Amid heightened tensions in the region, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani has consulted with experts on the risks of a potential nuclear emergency. At a meeting with the Central Crisis Staff for Radiological and Nuclear Incidents, it was discussed how well Iraq was prepared for potential incidents, a statement from al-Sudani's office said. Existing precautionary measures and procedures in case of an emergency were also discussed. Al-Sudani was informed that a potential incident at Iranian nuclear facilities would have only minor effects on Iraq. No increased radiation levels have been measured yet.
17:48 Foreign Office advises diplomats' families to leave Due to the conflict between Israel and Iran, the Foreign Office has advised the families of German diplomatic missions to leave. "In view of the security of our foreign missions, the Foreign Office has taken further necessary measures, including the departure of all family members," the ministry said in Berlin. Details are not being disclosed for security reasons. It remains unclear what will happen to the German embassy staff in Israel and other countries in the region. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said last week: "Of course, we will ensure security, but we must also maintain basic consular services in the embassies."
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Conflict in the Middle East: Foreign Ministry Advises Diplomats' Families to Leave17:27 Laschet reins in hopes for Iran meeting of foreign ministers in GenevaCDU foreign policy expert Armin Laschet has dampened expectations for the meeting of three European foreign ministers with the Iranian chief diplomat on Friday in Geneva. "Crucial are the Americans, less the European foreign ministers," says the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Bundestag to Welt TV. "Much now depends on Washington." Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, his French colleague Jean-Noël Barrot, and British Foreign Minister David Lamy plan to meet with Iranian chief diplomat Abbas Araghtschi on Friday.
17:10 Iranian Deputy Minister: Vows to continue self-defenseIranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh has stated that Tehran will continue its defense. "We are in self-defense mode," Khatibzadeh told the BBC. "And we will continue this self-defense until the aggressor learns that they cannot simply attack another country." On the question of reports that Trump had approved a military plan and what Tehran expects, he said: Iran was "on the brink of an agreement" in nuclear talks with the USA before Israel launched its offensive to "sabotage the entire process."
16:55 Israeli Minister: "Iran's attack on the hospital is a war crime"Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has described the Iranian attack on a hospital as a war crime. Israel's operations against Tehran will continue "until the mission is accomplished," Saar said. "This is obviously a war crime," the politician explained about 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 unbearable 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.
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"Never Interested in Its Own People" Journalist: Iran's internet blackout is unbearable for relatives abroad 16:16 Iraqi Militant Leader Threatens Attacks on US CitizensAn Iraqi militant leader has threatened the USA with attacks on American citizens if Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Chamenei is attacked. "If you harm the guardian of the nation, Imam Chamenei, even a single hair, you, your allies, and your dirty agents will be the target of our hunt and our fire throughout the entire Islamic region," explains Akram al-Kaabi, chief of the Iran-supported Shia militia Harakat al-Nudjaba, on X. He further threatens that no American soldier or diplomat will 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 USA, is part of the so-called "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" - a coalition of various Iran-supported militias in the neighboring country. Trump had recently referred to Chamenei as an "easy target."
Politics After Trump's Statement, Iraqi Militia Threatens Attacks on US Citizens 15:59 German-Iranians "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's downfall is overshadowed by fears for family and relatives.
Politics Actress on Middle East Conflict German-Iranians "in absolute dilemma" 15:50 Israel reports 15 rocket attacks from Iran Iran's military has launched 15 rockets towards Israel, according to the military. Sirens are sounding across the country warning of the air attack. Earlier this morning, Tehran fired 20 rockets at Israel, one of which hit a hospital, causing significant damage.
15:40 Arrest Wave in Iran against Suspected Collaborators Amidst the conflict with Israel, Iranian security forces have begun a wave of arrests. Iranian media reports dozens of arrests in recent days, allegedly involving spies and collaborators with Israel. The news agency Tasnim, linked to the Revolutionary Guards, reports that at least 18 "illegal" foreigners have been arrested in the northeastern city of Mashhad for manufacturing and operating drones. They are believed to be Afghan and have been deported. Mashhad is located near the border with Afghanistan.
Politics Death Penalty Threatened Iran Reports Arrest Wave against Suspected Collaborators 15:19 Will the US be drawn into war? "It's All Prearranged" Israel and Iran are exchanging attacks. Speculation has been rife for days about whether Trump will decide to enter the US into the war. Military expert Ralph Thiele is certain that the events are following a plan long agreed upon, including in the US.
Politics Expert Believes There's No Pressure Will the US be drawn into war? "It's All Prearranged" 14:58 Israel: Iran Used Cluster Munitions in Rocket Attack The IDF's Home Front Command confirms that Iran fired at least one ballistic rocket with a cluster munition warhead at central Israel. The rocket's warhead split in mid-air at an altitude of about seven kilometers, scattering about 20 smaller munitions over an area of about eight kilometers. The munitions have no propulsion and simply fall randomly to the ground.
14:40 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 can only be reached "not by force, but exclusively by political and diplomatic means," said Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov after a roughly hour-long phone call between Putin and Xi. Xi said 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 stressed that both leaders "share the same approach."
14:18 Israel's Military: Did Not Attack Iranian Nuclear Facility in Bushehr After All Israel has clarified that it did not, in fact, attack the only active Iranian nuclear reactor in Bushehr, as previously stated. A spokesperson for the Israeli military has confirmed this, adding that the targets were actually the Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Arak. Following Israel's initial announcement, Russia stated that the Bushehr nuclear power plant was functioning normally, with no apparent safety risks, according to a statement from the Russian embassy in Iran. Located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, Bushehr is operated using Russian fuel, which Russia later recovers to reduce the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation.
Politics "Made a Mistake" Confusion Over Alleged Attack on Iranian Nuclear Facility 13:38 US Envoy Warns Hezbollah Against Involvement in War** US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack, has explicitly warned Hezbollah in Lebanon against intervening in the war between Israel and Iran. He described such an action as "a very bad decision" during a visit to the capital, Beirut. Hezbollah has strongly condemned Israel's attacks on Iran and the death threats against Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but has so far refrained from taking its own actions.
13:15 Jaeger: "Pay Attention to Who Trump is Talking To" Political scientist Thomas Jaeger suggests that Trump's fluctuating response to the question of US military involvement in the Middle East may be due to the president's own uncertainty on the matter, as well as the resurfacing of old regional conflicts.
Politics Mischief Looks to Draught US into War "Pay Attention to Who Trump is Talking To" 12:39 Israel's Defense Minister: Chamenei "Cannot Be Allowed to Continue to Exist"** Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated that Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, "cannot be allowed to continue to exist." Katz made these remarks in the city of Holon, where there were Iranian attacks during the night. Katz added that Chamenei "views the destruction of Israel as his goal," and that "such a man cannot be allowed to continue to exist." Katz emphasized that the Iranian spiritual leader openly states that he wants to "destroy Israel" and gives personal orders to attack hospitals.
Politics Politics The "modern Hitler" Israel's Minister Marks Chamenei as Target 12:23 Video shows "Sedjil" - that's Iran's new rocket In the renewed attack on Israel, Iran is reported to have used its most modern weapon for the first time. Videos show an unusual streak of light in the sky. One characteristic makes this modern weapon in the Iranian military's arsenal particularly dangerous.
Politics Politics Weapon Makes Rocket Dangerous Video shows "Sedjil" - that's Iran's new rocket 11:56 IAEA Confirms Hit on Heavy Water Reactor** The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that Israeli attacks have hit the Iranian heavy water research reactor in Arak. However, there are no radiological releases because the reactor was not operational and did not contain nuclear material, the UN agency stated on the online platform X.
11:29 Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson Square Off Over Iran in Heated Interview A heated exchange between US Senator Ted Cruz and talk show host Tucker Carlson highlights the rift within the Trump camp over attacks on Iran. Carlson accuses Cruz of knowing nothing about Iran, saying, "You're a senator calling for the government’s downfall, and you know nothing about the country!" Earlier, Cruz couldn't answer questions about Iran’s population. Cruz, in turn, accuses Carlson of being "obsessed with Israel."
11:07 "USA Indirectly Supports Israel - Through Psychological Games" Many people in Tel Aviv hope for military support from the US, as reported by ntv's Alexandra Callenius on the ground. There's no information from the government side about reports that Israel has launched "Arrow" intercept missiles.
Politics USA's Indirect Support for Israel Indirectly Supports Israel with Psychological Games 10:50 Hezbollah Calls Threats Against Khamenei 'Foolhardy' Hezbollah in Lebanon describes threats against Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as "foolhardy and reckless." They originate from Israel and the US, according to a Hezbollah statement, and could have catastrophic consequences. Such threats are an insult to hundreds of millions of believing Muslims and supporters of the so-called resistance (against Israel). The Iran-backed militia in Lebanon is "more determined than ever" to stand by Khamenei's leadership and is united behind his stance in the conflict with the US and Israel. So far, Hezbollah has held back in the war between Israel and Iran. It has been significantly weakened since the war with Israel.
10:34 Iran's Foreign Minister Expected in Turkey on Saturday Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtchi is expected to attend a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul on Saturday, according to Turkish diplomatic sources. A special session of the 51st Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC will deal with the armed conflicts between Israel and Iran.
10:15 Hamas Authorities: Israel Kills 15 People at Aid Distribution Point The Israeli army's attacks in the Gaza Strip have killed at least 18 people, according to the Hamas-controlled Civil Defense. 15 of them died while waiting for the distribution of aid, the Civil Defense authority reports. Three more deaths occurred near the city of Gaza. Hamas authorities in the Gaza Strip have previously accused the Israeli army of killing people gathered near aid distribution centers.
Politics Peace Only with Palestinians - Netanyahu's Promise of Security is an Illusion 09:53 Japan to Evacuate Citizens from Israel and Iran** The Japanese government is preparing for the evacuation of Japanese citizens in Israel and Iran to safety, amid the increasingly tense situation in the Middle East. Military aircraft have been deployed to Djibouti, according to Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi. The Japanese embassies in Israel and Iran are preparing to transport citizens by bus to neighboring countries. Aircraft will be kept on standby to respond immediately if the evacuation of Japanese citizens becomes necessary, Hayashi said. According to estimates by the Japanese Foreign Ministry, there are about 1000 Japanese people in Israel and about 280 in Iran.
09:28 Plan for Attack on Iran Still in Place Should the USA intervene in the escalating conflict in the Middle East? ntv correspondent Gordian Fritz emphasizes that, unlike usual, many Republicans are currently opposing Trump. Even one of his biggest supporters is now attacking him.
Politics Criticism Erupts in MAGA Camp Fritz: Trump has approved attack plan on Iran 09:15 Israel: "Hisbollah" Commander in Lebanon "Eliminated" The Israeli army reports killing a Hisbollah commander in southern Lebanon. According to the military, Yassin Abdel Menam Ezz al-Din was "eliminated." His actions were a "flagrant violation" of agreements between Israel and Lebanon. Israel also announces further attacks: "The Israeli military continues to monitor and thwart attempts by the terrorist organization Hisbollah to exploit the war with Iran to promote readiness to harm the State of Israel, and will continue to work to eliminate any threat to the citizens of the State of Israel."
08:52 Israel: Iranian nuclear plant also targeted** The Israeli army reports bombing the nuclear plant in Natans overnight. In Natans, the Iranian government enriches uranium. The Israeli army had already bombed the plant at the start of its major attack on Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said on Sunday that the most important uranium enrichment facility in the plant had been destroyed.
08:33 Iran Offline for Over 12 Hours** People in Iran are largely cut off from global communication due to the shutdown of the internet. The organization Netblocks, known for monitoring internet blockages, reports that Iran has been offline for more than 12 hours. "The measure continues to hinder citizens' access to information at a critical time," the non-governmental organization says. The Mehr news agency cited a statement from the Communications Ministry on Wednesday, saying the restriction was "due to the misuse of the national communications network by the hostile aggressor for military purposes and endangering the lives and property of innocent people."
08:12 At Least 32 Injured in Rocket Attack on Israeli Hospital** Israel's Foreign Ministry confirms a "direct hit" on the Soroka Hospital in southern Israel. A hospital spokesman says the attack caused "heavy damage in several areas." The hospital treats many soldiers wounded in Israel's military operation in Gaza. At least 32 people were injured in the attack in Beersheba, rescue services say.
07:51 US Embassy in Qatar Calls for Heightened Vigilance** The US Embassy in Qatar is restricting access to the large American military base in the region due to security concerns. This is the Al Udeid Air Base in the desert near Doha. The embassy is urging its staff and US citizens in Qatar to be more vigilant due to ongoing regional hostilities.
07:29 Iranian Rocket Hits Hospital in Southern Israel** In a major Iranian rocket attack on Israel, a hospital in the southern part of the country is also reported to have been hit. A rocket struck the Soroka Clinic in the desert city of Beersheba, according to several media outlets. There are also reports of impacts in other parts of Israel, including the Tel Aviv area. At least 25 people have been injured, with two in critical condition after being rescued from the rubble.
Politics Children Treated for Cancer Killed by Iranian Rockets - Father Fights on the Front 07:12 Iran reports attack near heavy water research reactor** Iran has attacked an area near the heavy water research reactor in Arak, which is part of Iran's nuclear program, according to Iranian reports. The facility was evacuated before the attack, and there is no radiation risk, the news agency Insa reports, citing official statements. The reactor, previously known as Arak, was partially completed and was due to become operational next year, according to Iran's announcement to the UN atomic watchdog.
07:04 Air raid sirens heard in several parts of Israel** Air raid sirens have been heard in several parts of Israel early in the morning, according to several media outlets. The Israeli army attributes this to "rockets from Iran" fired towards Israel, according to Telegram. Explosions have been heard in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, according to reporters.
06:43 Bolton sees 50-50 chance of Trump intervening** According to John Bolton, Trump's former national security advisor, Trump did not participate in Israel's plans to wage war on Iran. "He wanted to negotiate with Iran. He would have told the Israelis that he didn't want them to attack. And then they did it anyway," Bolton told Speigel. Trump now wants to position himself as an actor. Bolton believes there is a 50-50 chance that Trump will now intervene in the conflict. "Perhaps Trump will try once more to connect his special envoy Steve Biegun with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif," Bolton said.
06:15 Criticism of "dirty work" remark - Israeli ambassador defends Merz** Israel's ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, welcomes the support expressed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for Israel's attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities and defends the CDU chairman against criticism of his choice of words. "German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has clearly described the realities in the Middle East with his words," says Prosor. Merz had said on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada on ZDF: "That's the dirty work that Israel is doing for us all." He was sharply criticized for this by politicians from the opposition and the SPD.
Politics "Scandal, Hypocrisy, Choice of Words" - Merz's Remarks on Israel's "Dirty Work" Spark Sharp Criticism 05:44 Insider: USA Planning Iran Attack This Weekend** According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, citing three people familiar with the plans, the USA is preparing for a possible attack on Iran in the coming days. The situation could change, with some insiders pointing to potential plans for an attack over the weekend. Trump did not comment on the report when asked by reporters.
04:42 Chief of Staff Calls Iran's Leadership a "Terror Regime"** Chief of Staff Thorsten Frei defends Chancellor Merz's expressed support for Israel's attacks on Iran. "What the Chancellor expressed with his words was that it is also in our interest that a terror regime like the Iranian mullah regime does not have nuclear weapons," says the CDU politician. However, nuclear weapons are not the only concern. "Even the rocket technology in Iran is such that medium-range rockets can reach very distant targets, even in Europe. And so, we cannot act as if this doesn't concern us," says Frei.
03:47 Netanyahu Thanks Trump for "Support"** Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanks US President Donald Trump for his "support" in defending his country against Iran. Trump is a "great friend of the State of Israel," says Netanyahu in an interview. "I thank him for standing by us, and I thank him for the support that the United States is providing for the defense of the Israeli airspace," said Netanyahu. Israel is "step by step" moving towards eliminating the nuclear threat from Iran and its ballistic missiles, says Netanyahu. "We are hitting the Ayatollah regime in Iran with enormous force:" destroying "their nuclear program, their rockets, their headquarters, their symbols of power." Meanwhile, Netanyahu acknowledges that there are "heavy and painful losses" for Israel to mourn.
Politics US President Keeping Cards Close to Chest Netanyahu Thanks Trump for His Support 02:47 Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Warns US Against Military Intervention** Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi threatens the USA with retaliation if it intervenes militarily alongside Israel. "If the Americans decide to intervene militarily, we have no choice but to exercise revenge, wherever we find targets that we must respond to," says Takht-Ravanchi in an interview with CNN. Iran would then defend itself, Takht-Ravanchi emphasizes. If the Americans intervene directly, Iran's hands are not tied. "We will do everything necessary to protect our people and our interests,” emphasizes the deputy foreign minister.
Politics Gerlach on Middle East Powder Keg: "War would destroy business model of Gulf states" 01:46 Wadephul to meet Iranian Foreign Minister* German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and his counterparts from France and the UK plan to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtchi on Friday. A meeting in Geneva is planned, according to diplomatic sources in Berlin. Wadephul aims to achieve a coordinated action of the so-called E3 countries - Germany, France, and the UK, which have been negotiating with Tehran on its nuclear program for years, along with Iran's Arab neighbors, to reach a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
Politics "If the Chancellor seeks contact" Putin offers Merz a conversation 00:57 Putin would allow Iran peaceful nuclear use** According to President Vladimir Putin, Russia is ready to ensure the peaceful use of nuclear power in Iran to reassure Israel about Iran's nuclear ambitions. He stated this to representatives of major news agencies in St. Petersburg. He has proposed this to Israel and the US, stating it is a "possible way out." However, the decision ultimately lies with Israel and Iran. Putin does not expect the Iranian leadership to fall as a result of Israeli airstrikes. "Society rallies around the political leadership," he said during a meeting on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). Russia is an ally of Iran.
Follow all previous developments [here].
Source: ntv.de, gut/gho/mau/dpa/rts/AFP/DJ / Enrichment Data: "Overall," "Responses from other countries:"
Summary of the Situation:The current situation in the Middle East is marked by a continuous escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran, with Israel aggressively targeting Iranian nuclear, missile, and military infrastructures. Iran has responded with missile attacks, causing injuries in various parts of Israel. The conflict is mainly driven by Israel's efforts to eliminate the nuclear threats posed by Iran and its ballistic missiles. Australia, Germany, and other countries are primarily focusing on diplomatic solutions and managing the broader implications of the conflict on regional stability and international security. Meanwhile, Russia is taking a cautious approach and has voiced concerns over the escalating hostilities.
Some Key Players and their Stances:
- Germany: Advocates for diplomatic avenues and managing the broader ramifications of the Israel-Iran conflict on regional stability and international security.
- Russia: Balances its regional partnerships while managing the risks of broader conflict; has expressed cautious concern over escalating hostilities but has not significantly shifted its stance.
Key Military Operations and Actions:
- Israel: Continuously launching airstrikes against Iranian nuclear, missile, and military facilities, including uranium-centrifuge production facilities, missile storage, and factories in multiple provinces.
- Iran: Firing 15 rockets towards Israel, one of which penetrated Israeli defenses and caused injuries near Beer Sheva; responding with arrest waves against suspected collaborators and suspected spies.
Significant Developments:
- German-Iranians are in a state of absolute dilemma, with hope for the regime's downfall overshadowed by fears for family and relatives.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech thanking Donald Trump for his "support" in defending Israel against Iran, emphasizing the elimination of nuclear threats and ballistic missiles.
- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi threatened the USA with retaliation if it intervened militarily alongside Israel.
- US presidential envoy Thomas Barrack warned Hezbollah against intervening in the war between Israel and Iran, describing such action as "a very bad decision."
- Iran's internet blackout continues to hinder citizens' access to information.
- Israel confirmed the use of cluster munitions in a rocket attack on central Israel, scattering smaller munitions across an area of about eight kilometers.
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that Israeli attacks have hit the Iranian heavy water research reactor in Arak, causing no radiological releases.
Summary:The Middle East is experiencing a violent escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran, with Israel intensifying airstrikes to cripple Iran's military and nuclear capabilities, and Iran suffering considerable operational and strategic setbacks. The conflict remains highly active and lethal as Israel commands an advantage in firepower. Other countries, like Germany, are inclined towards diplomatic solutions, while Russia continues its balancing act amidst escalating tensions.
Politics Questioning US Support for Israel Amidst Escalating Conflict As speculation grows about potential US military involvement in the Middle East, political analyst Thomas Jaeger raises concerns about the relationship between Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson, suggesting their differing stances may reflect a rift within the Trump camp and underline the need for careful consideration when it comes to supporting Israel.
General News Internet Blackout Causes Unbearable Dilemma for Iranians Abroad With ongoing tensions and an internet blackout in Iran, journalist Bamdad Esmaili shares the heartfelt struggles of relatives living abroad who long to support their families in the face of uncertainty and near-impossible circumstances.
