Chaos in the Middle East: An Unending War Ticker +++ 16:07 Trump Imposes "True Elimination" on Iranian Nuclear Program
Trump is adamant about achieving the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear capabilities
US President Trump demands a "true elimination" of Iran's nuclear program, as reported by journalists accompanying him on his early departure from the G7 summit in Canada: "No halfway solutions, a true elimination, not a truce, a true elimination." The UK's Express reports that Israel could require a special bunker-busting bomb, only available from the US, to destroy the highly concealed Iranian nuclear facility in Fordo.
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15:42 Israel: Iran Unleashes More Than 30 Rockets
Israel claims Iran has fired over 30 rockets at Israel since last night. Many of them were intercepted, yet there have been multiple house hits in the country. Themilitary spokesperson, Effie Defrin, reveals casualties and property damage. A city north of Tel Aviv experienced a bus fire on a parking lot from a rocket strike. The Times of Israel states five injuries were reported at the scene, based on emergency responders.
15:15 Wadephul Unexpectant of US Intervention
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas expresses doubt that the US will be actively engaging in the ongoing military conflict between Israel and Iran: "I don't believe the United States of America would directly participate in this war." The US government has consistently maintained they have no intention of engaging militarily in the conflict, though US involvement could be a possibility if US facilities are targeted. Maas adds that US self-defense measures would be implemented in such a scenario.
14:52 Many Arab States and Turkey Call for a Ceasefire
Countless Arab countries and Turkey have denounced Israel's aggression against Iran and urge a stop to "Israel's hostility towards Iran." They demand a "comprehensive ceasefire" and request the region to be free from nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, in accordance with relevant international resolutions. All states in the region should promptly join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
14:29 US Unable to Evacuate Citizens in Israel
The US embassy in Jerusalem admits they are incapable of evacuating or directly supporting American citizens leaving Israel. The embassy will be closed on Tuesday, and all US government employees and their families should remain indoors or in nearby areas until further notice.
14:03 Video Allegedly Shows Destruction of Iranian Fighter Jets
Footage from the Israeli military apparently shows the destruction of several Iranian fighter jets at a Tehran base. Concurrently, Israeli army spokesperson Effie Defrin announces the killing of the highest-ranking commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Ali Shadmani.
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Israel Claims Killing of Iran's General - Video Reportedly Shows Destruction of Iranian Fighter Jets
13:46 Israel: Iran's Supreme Leader Could Suffer the Same Fate as Saddam HusseinIsraeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, that he could face the same fate as former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. "I implore the Iranian dictator to stop committing war crimes and bombing Israeli civilians," Katz said in front of senior Israeli military officials, according to Sky News. Hussein was apprehended by US forces in 2003 and later executed via hanging following trial for crimes against humanity.
13:22 Jordan's King Warns of Escalation Beyond Middle EastJordan's King Abdullah II has cautioned about the escalation of tensions throughout the Middle East and beyond in a speech before the European Parliament. The attack on Israel by Iran carries the threat of "an escalation of tensions in my region and beyond," Abdullah II stated to MEPs in Strasbourg. "It is not known where the boundaries of this battlefield will end."
12:57 Trump Threatens Iran: "Gloves Are off!"US President Donald Trump threatens Iran that "the gloves are off." If Iran attacks US troops in the Middle East, the US will counterattack, he told reporters during his departure from the G7 summit in Canada. "We will respond with force if they harm our people," Trump claimed. He is considering sending Vice President Vance and Steve Witkoff to a meeting with the Iranians, but this depends on "what occurs when I return." Later, he expressed reluctance towards negotiations with Iran.
12:35 Iran Reacts Harshly to G7 StatementTehran strongly criticizes the G7 statement on the conflict between Israel and Iran. The statement dismisses Iran's provocative actions against Israel, as well as its violent attacks on peaceful nuclear infrastructure, and random targeting of residential areas, killing civilians. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai considers Israel to have initiated an unprovoked war of aggression against Iran, citing Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits attacks on another nation. Hundreds of civilian casualties have been reported, the spokesman added.
12:15 Weber: Israel Performing Dirty Work, US Providing the ThreatAccording to military expert Joachim Weber, Israel is executing the grimy work in Iran, while the US is responsible for creating the threat in the background. Nevertheless, a full-scale US involvement cannot be ruled out.
11:34 Iran Claims Striking Mossad Headquarters in HerzliaThe Iranian Revolutionary Guard alleges that they hit the Mossad intelligence agency's headquarters in Herzlia during an attack on Israel. This information comes from Iranian state television. Onlookers reported major explosions in the central Israeli city, with images revealing a large smoke plume rising from a building. The Israeli army has acknowledged being attacked by Iran but has not yet commented on attacks targeting strategic facilities. Alarms rang in various regions in Israel after drones from Iran were spotted approaching Israel, according to the Israeli army.
11:17 China Advises Citizens to Leave Israel via JordanAmid heightened tension between Israel and Iran, China's embassy advises its citizens to expedite their departure from Israel for safety reasons. Embassy officials recommend crossing into Jordan via land borders. Many civilian facilities have been damaged, and the number of civilian casualties is increasing, exacerbating the security situation, according to the embassy statement. The embassy expects the Israeli airspace to remain closed. However, border crossings to Jordan and Egypt remain open, the embassy reported.
10:45 Reporter: Trump Urges a "True Elimination" of Iran's Nuclear AmbitionsA reporter onboard Air Force One reports that US President Donald Trump wants "a true elimination" of Iran's nuclear ambitions. Trump clarified his position when referring to Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of a ceasefire: "I wasn't referring to a ceasefire, but a true elimination where Iran fully gives up its nuclear weapons." Trump also claimed that his National Security Council was asked to assemble in the situation room upon his return, in anticipation of further Israeli attacks in the coming days, as reported by NBC News.
10:25 Iran Reports Casualties after Attack in LorestanAccording to Iranian media, 21 individuals have been slain in an attack in western Iran's Lorestan province. An Iranian MP revealed the attack occurred in the city of Lorestan, implicating "intruders" for the incidents, while providing no further details on those responsible.
10:00 Iran Commences Dronone Attacks on Israel - Intensification ImminentFollowing its rocket attacks on Israel overnight, Iran has initiated a fresh wave of attacks using drones. The commander of the Iranian ground forces, Kiumars Heidari, announced that more severe attacks by the forces, employing new and advanced weapons, will begin and intensify in the coming hours, according to the state news agency Irna.
09:38 China Asks Citizens to Leave Israel via JordanIn response to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, China advises its citizens to promptly depart Israel for their safety. The Chinese embassy in Tel Aviv recommends crossing into Jordan via land borders. Many civilian facilities have been damaged, and the number of civilian casualties is increasing, worsening the security situation, according to the embassy statement. The embassy assumes that the Israeli airspace will continue to remain closed. However, border crossings to Jordan and Egypt remain open, the embassy confirmed.
09:18 Report: Three Dead After Israeli Air Strike on KashanIranian media reports that three people have lost their lives in an Israeli air strike on Kashan, a central Iranian city. The "Nour News" agency cites the deputy security official of the governor of Isfahan province, Akbar Salehi, who declared that a control point in Kashan was hit by a projectile. Four others were reportedly injured.
08:52 Israel Reports Killing of Key Commander of Revolutionary GuardsIsrael's military proclaims the death of a top commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. Major General Ali Shadmani was killed in an airstrike overnight on Tuesday, according to the Israeli military. There was initially no confirmation from Iran. The Israeli military referred to him as the "highest-ranking military commander." Shadmani succeeded Gholam-Ali Rashid, who was killed at the start of the war on Friday in an Israeli strike. They were commanders of the central headquarters of Hatam al-Anbiya. The headquarters is a powerful part of the Revolutionary Guards and a branch of the general staff responsible for planning and coordinating operations of various military units.
08:22 Iran Fires "Rain of Rockets" at Israel - Explosions in Jerusalem and Tel AvivIran has launched additional rockets at Israel, with state radio referring to it as a "rain of rockets" on Israeli targets. Israel's air defense system is activated to intercept the threat. The public is advised to take shelter at this time, according to a statement from the Israeli military. According to "Times of Israel", explosions were heard in the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv area. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported a hit in central Israel, citing Israeli emergency services.
08:05 Iranian Broadcaster Irib: Three Employees Killed in Israeli Air StrikeThe state-run Iranian broadcaster Irib reports that three staff members were killed in an Israeli air strike. Several others were injured, Irib states. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi condemned the attack as "cowardly." "The attack on the Iranian broadcaster illustrates the desperation of the Israelis," he asserted. Despite the Israeli army's denials, Israel's air attacks appear to target civilian facilities.
07:40 Trump Insists on Publicity: Departure Unrelated to Ceasefire NegotiationsUS President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Calgary airport, leaving the G7 summit early. On his online platform "Truth Social", he wrote that French President Emmanuel Macron was "wrong" in implying that his early departure was related to ceasefire negotiations. "He has no clue about the reasons for my early exit," Trump remarked. Trump further attacked Macron, describing him as "obsessed with publicity" and added, "Whether deliberately or not, Macron always gets it wrong. Stay tuned!"
07:22 Israel Escalates Strikes on Iran - "Dozens" of Military Targets DestroyedIsrael has intensified its attacks on Iran overnight, obliterating "dozens of storage facilities and launch sites for surface-to-surface missiles and surface-to-air missile launchers" in western Iran, according to the Israeli military's statements. Explosions were reported in Tehran. According to Iranian news outlets, three locations in the northeastern part of Tehran were hit, while the air defense was activated in Natans city, home to important nuclear facilities. Iran's counter-attacks with single rockets did not have a significant impact, according to Israeli media.
07:02 German Government Understands Trump's Early DepartureThe German government sympathizes with US President Donald Trump's early departure from the G7 summit due to developments in the Middle East. "Following intensive and fruitful discussions on global economy, trade, and energy security, the German government understands President Trump's early departure from the G7 forum," a spokeswoman said in Kananaskis, Canada. The heads of state and government extensively deliberated on the Middle East crisis and generally shared hope for a swift resolution. "No country should possess nuclear weapons," he added. The Middle East crisis resolution should herald a broad de-escalation. The G7 summit will continue as planned tomorrow, with discussions including the war in Ukraine.
06:42 Bundesverbandsteilpolitiker Omid Nouripour Calls for DiplomacyThe Vice President of the German Bundestag, Omid Nouripour, called for a diplomatic approach to de-escalate the Middle East crisis. In an interview with the Funke media group's newspapers, Nouripour said, "Now it's crucial to exercise maximum restraint by all parties to protect the civilian population in Israel and Iran, promote diplomatic solutions, and prevent further escalation." Nouripour emphasized the real dangers posed by an armed Iran and called on Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock to employ all diplomatic tools at her disposal to avoid further escalation.
06:20 White House Proposes Talks with Iran on Nuclear Deal and CeasefireAccording to Axios news agency sources, the White House has proposed talks with Iran for this week. The talks would focus on the nuclear deal and a ceasefire. A meeting between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abba Araghchi has been proposed.
05:58 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director Rafael Grossi: Natanz Enrichment Facility Severely DamagedThe International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Director Rafael Grossi reported that the uranium enrichment facility in Natanz, central Iran, has been severely damaged by Israeli strikes. He stated that approximately 15,000 centrifuges were destroyed. However, Iran's main enrichment facility at Fordow remains largely intact.
05:40 G7: Iran, Iranian Nuclear ProgramDenuclearization, and IsraelThe Group of Seven (G7) leading industrial nations issued a statement late Monday night, expressing their support for Israel and describing Iran as a source of instability in the Middle East.
05:21 Surprise G7 Agreement on Iran CrisisUS President Trump and the other G7 leaders unexpectedly reached a consensus on a joint statement regarding the crisis between Israel and Iran. The statement emphasizes Israel's right to defend itself and stresses that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon.
04:48 Iran Scouts Diplomatic Support from Arab CountriesIran has allegedly asked Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to influence US President Donald Trump to press Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for an immediate ceasefire in exchange for flexibility in nuclear talks, according to sources. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi writes on Tasnim that Israel must halt its aggression. "If President Trump genuinely wants diplomacy and an end to this war, the next steps are crucial," Araqchi writes.
04:18 Macron Offers Support for Trump's Middle East InitiativeFrench President Macron provided support for US efforts to resolve the conflict between Israel and Iran. If the US can achieve a ceasefire, Macron stated, it would be an excellent outcome. France will back this initiative, according to Macron, though he provided no details on specific US endeavors. Macron stated that Trump indicated that negotiations were underway and proposed a ceasefire and meetings and talks, after which it remains to be seen whether the parties involved comply.
03:50 Iran Fires More Rockets at IsraelIran has launched additional rockets at Israel, reports the Israeli military. Warning sirens blared in the center of Israel and the south of the Jewish state, and air defense was activated to intercept the projectiles. The population can now leave the shelters. Currently, there is no information on impacts in populated areas or injuries. The Times of Israel mentions that one rocket fell in open terrain in the south.
03:13 Pentagon Dismisses Rumors of US Attacks on Iran as FalseThe US government has flatly denied allegations of US military attacks on Iran as "false." US troops in the Middle East maintain their readiness to defend themselves, according to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell. "We will preserve American troops' safety," he insisted.
02:34 Trump Bolsters US Military Presence in the Middle EastUS Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has announced plans to escalate the US military presence in the Middle East. Hegseth has ordered the deployment of additional resources to the US Central Command, which covers the Middle East, to bolster the US's defensive position in the region. The safety of US forces is the top priority. Earlier, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier had already been positioned in the region.
02:13 Iran Warns Two Israeli Channels to EvacuateAfter the reported attack on an Iranian state broadcaster during live programming, Iran has issued an evacuation notice to two Israeli channels. Two Israel channels, government-owned Channel 14 and popular Channel 12, are impacted by the Iranian warning, according to Tasnim news agency, which is affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. Earlier in the afternoon, Israel recommended the evacuation of a Tehran district with approximately 300,000 inhabitants. Shortly after the primary broadcaster building was targeted, the broadcaster reported deaths and injuries. The Iranian leadership-controlled IRIB initially declined to provide more information. Israel's army declared that the airstrike targeted a "communications center of the Iranian regime."
Potential Implications for the Middle East:
- De-escalation and Diplomacy: If successful, diplomatic negotiations could result in a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, reducing regional tensions and potentially averting a broader conflict.
- Military Pressure: The threat of military action if diplomatic efforts prove futile could either compel Iran to negotiate or escalate hostilities if talks fail, increasing the risk of conflict.
- Regional Alliances: A US-led deal might reshape regional alliances, potentially strengthening cooperation between Israel and Gulf states, while further isolating Iran if it refuses to comply.
- Uncertainty and Risk: Trump's brinkmanship strategy introduces uncertainty, as Iran may perceive pressure as excessive or terms as unacceptable, choosing to resist and thereby raising the risk of conflict.
- Nuclear Nonproliferation: The demand for the complete elimination of Iran's nuclear program may trigger stricter controls and oversight, possibly setting a new standard for nonproliferation efforts in the region.
Community policy should address the potential escalation of war-and-conflicts in the Middle East, including the economic and monetary union's role in stabilizing the region's economy amid such crises. The politics surrounding the conflict between Israel and Iran must also consider crime-and-justice implications, such as the accountability for civilian casualties and attacks on strategic facilities like the Mossad headquarters. General news outlets should continue to provide updates on the ongoing developments in this region, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive ceasefire and the prevention of further nuclear proliferation, in accordance with international resolutions.
