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In the heart of the ongoing conflict, Iran and Israel engage in another round of skirmishes, with both nations trading blows early on June 22. The attacks intensified a day after Tehran declared its unwillingness to negotiate over its nuclear program while under threat.
At approximately 2.30am Israel time (7.30pm Malaysia time), Iranian missiles Barrage civil air raid sirens throughout central Israel and the West Bank, triggering Israel's air defense systems into action. The ensuing explosions echoed across Tel Aviv, with visible interceptions visible in the sky over Tel Aviv. In response, Israel launched a barrage of counterattacks targeting Iran's missile storage and launch sites. Sirens also sounded in southern Israel.
Israeli military officials reported five ballistic missiles launched by Iran, with no immediate indications of missile impacts. Initial reports revealed no casualties, but footage from local media showed a fire on a residential building's roof in central Israel, caused by debris from an intercepted missile.
To add context, Iran has a history of targeting Tel Aviv, a bustling metropolitan area of around four million people, and Israel's economic hub, where some critical military assets are also located. Israel's initial attacks on June 21 targeted numerous military facilities, including missile production sites, a research body linked to nuclear weapons development in Tehran, and military bases in western and central Iran.
Amidst the hostilities, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the tension show glimmers of progress. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, expressed reluctance to negotiate with the US until Israeli aggression subsides. However, he arrived in Geneva on June 23 for talks with European foreign ministers. This meeting offers a path back to diplomacy, as the EU seeks to establish a peaceful resolution.
Donald Trump reiterated his willingness to wait up to two weeks before deciding whether the US will enter the conflict on Israel's side, citing the need for both sides to pause and assess the situation. However, he is unlikely to pressure Israel to scale back its attacks for fear of derailing ongoing negotiations.
The Geneva talks yielded little concrete progress, as President Trump voiced doubts about the possibility of securing a ceasefire. "Iran doesn't want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us. Europe is not going to be able to help in this one," Trump stated.
Russia and China called for an immediate de-escalation of the situation, while a senior Iranian official hinted at openness to discuss limitations on uranium enrichment, provided that Iran is still allowed to enrich uranium in its entirety. The situation remains precarious as both nations navigate the volatile landscape of war and diplomacy.
- Malaysia, as a distant observer, has been keeping track of the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, a general news item that has caught global attention.
- The recent news about the infrastructure in Israel, particularly the civil air raid sirens that sounded due to the Iranian missile attack, is a matter of concern in the broader context of the ongoing war-and-conflicts.
- The political implications of the conflict, as seen in the diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the tension, have led to high-level meetings, such as the one between Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and European foreign ministers in Geneva, which is crucial in addressing human rights and the peace process.
- Despite the tension, businesses in both countries may be affected, particularly those in Israel, given that Tel Aviv, a significant economic hub, has been a target in past conflicts. This creates uncertainly in the business sector, a concern that necessitates close monitoring.
