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The Star
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Trump says both Israel and Iran violated ceasefire
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump says Tuesday (June 24) that he believes that both Israel and Iran violated ceasefire terms with attacks that followed an early Tuesday deadline to cease hostilities. Israel accused Iran of launching missiles into its airspace after the ceasefire was supposed to take effect. Iran's state media said its military denied firing on Israel. Trump said Iran "violated it but Israel violated it too... I'm not happy with Israel." Israel and Iran had accepted a ceasefire plan proposed by President Trump to end their 12-day war that had roiled the Middle East, following Tehran's limited, retaliatory missile attack on a US military base in Qatar on Monday. A high-profile Iranian nuclear scientist was killed in an Israeli strike, making him the latest in a list of top atomic experts who are said to have been killed in Israeli attacks over the last 12 days. Mohammad Reza Sedighi Saber, who the US State Department had sanctioned last month, was killed at his father-in-law's residence in an early Tuesday morning strike in northern Iran, according to the report. It added that three projectiles had hit the residence, and an earlier round of strikes had killed his 17-year-old son on June 13. The Council on Foreign Relations on Monday said that Israeli strikes had killed at least 10 nuclear scientists since the Israel-Iran war broke out. The US State Department last month described Sedighi Saber as the head of Iran's Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research's Shahid Karimi Group, which works on explosives-related projects, adding that he was "linked to projects including research and testing applicable to the development of nuclear explosive devices." Turkey has welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran but also said it was closely monitoring statements indicating violations. In a statement issued Tuesday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry urged all parties to fully observe the ceasefire the "critical period ahead," saying the Middle East was in need of peace and stability. The ministry also called for the resolution of the Palestinian issue that it described as being at the "root of many problems in the Middle East." French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed concerns that the Israel-Iran war has increased the risk that Iranian leaders will continue work in secret to enrich uranium that can be used for nuclear weapons. "This risk has, it's true, increased with what has happened recently," Macron said. He was asked if Iranian uranium-enrichment work could continue in secret after nearly two weeks of Israeli airstrikes and the dropping of giant bunker-busting bombs by US stealth bombers on Iranian nuclear plants. He repeated France's desire for negotiations to address concerns about Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. "Our shared objective is that Iran doesn't equip itself with a nuclear weapon," he said. President Donald Trump says Israel and Iran violated ceasefire terms with attacks following an early Tuesday deadline to cease hostilities. Trump made the comments to reporters at the White House before departing for the Nato summit at The Hague. He expressed disappointment about the continued attacks. "They violated it but Israel violated it too," Trump said. He added, "I'm not happy with Israel." "Attacking Qatar is unacceptable… we were surprised by the attack on the military base," said Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, referring to Monday's attack on the Al Udeid Air Base. The base is a sprawling desert facility in Qatar that serves as a major regional military hub for American forces. He told reporters Tuesday that the Iranian attack had left a "scar" on his country's relationship with Tehran. Al Thani said Qatar will not resort to escalatory steps, but will rely on legal measures and diplomacy instead when responding to the attack. He added that Qatar intercepted all missiles except one that fell in a deserted area. An Israeli strike Monday on Iran's city of Karaj near Tehran killed seven members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, including two generals with the paramilitary force, the state-run IRNA news agency reported. A military plane evacuating 101 French nationals from Israel to Cyprus took off from Ben Gurion Airport on Tuesday, French authorities said. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said similar evacuation flights will follow. Priority is given to those with medical and humanitarian issues, the foreign ministry said in a statement. Those who can travel on their own can still cross to Jordan and Egypt to take commercial flights, it said. A deputy governor in Iran's northern Gilan province along the Caspian Sea said an Israeli strike before the ceasefire killed nine civilians, state media reported. Iran says it transferred all inmates out of its notorious Evin prison after an Israeli strike targeted the facility on Monday. Iran's Prisons Organization said all the inmates had been moved to other prisons around the capital, Tehran. It said the move was necessary for workers to repair damage there. Evin prison is known for holding both political prisoners and those with Western ties for negotiations with the wider world. It also has a specialized unit overseen by the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid told a group of British lawmakers he believes much – but not all – of Iran's enriched uranium was destroyed by Israeli and US strikes. "We think at least the majority of it might be, gone, but not everything," he said. He said Iran's nuclear ambitions "were hurt and they were taken backwards significantly. We just don't know exactly right now how much." Lapid told the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee that Iran likely smuggled some of the uranium out of the facilities that have been attacked. "There are only a limited number of places they can smuggle the uranium to," he said. "You don't take it in a suitcase and put it at home until the fire stops." Iran's military denied Tuesday it fired missiles at Israel hours after a ceasefire proposed by President Donald Trump began, Iranian state television reported. The report cited the general staff of Iran's armed forces, which includes its regular military and its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. Israel reported missile fire some two and a half hours after the ceasefire began. Israeli officials have ordered a strike on Iran in response, though there's no immediate report of an attack there. Iran's top security body has praised its military for its conduct in the 12-day war with Israel, likely signalling Tehran believes the ceasefire will hold. The statement from the Supreme National Security Council came as Israel said it would conduct immediate strikes on Iran for allegedly violating the terms of US President Donald Trump's proposed ceasefire in the war. The council said Iran's armed forces "will be ready to give a decisive and regretful response to any act of aggression by the enemy." Egypt said in a statement Tuesday morning that it welcomes US President Donald Trump's announcement of reaching a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. "It is a critical point into ending this conflict between both countries and restoring peace in the region," the statement read. Egypt called upon the countries to fully abide by the ceasefire and practice full restraint. Saudi Arabia on Tuesday also welcomed Trump's announcement of a ceasefire, though the hopeful statement came as the agreement was faltering. "The Kingdom looks forward to all parties committing to de-escalation in the coming period," Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry said. Less than three hours after the ceasefire came into effect, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said that Iran had "completely violated" the ceasefire by launching missiles. Qatar's Foreign Ministry said it summoned Iran's ambassador to the country and stressed that Monday's attack on a US military base there was a violation of international law and Qatar's sovereignty and airspace. Qatar's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday it affirmed that it "reserves the right to respond to this blatant violation in accordance with international law." Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Iran had "completely violated" the ceasefire between Israel and Iran by launching missiles more than two hours after the ceasefire came into effect. Katz said he instructed the Israeli military to resume targeting Iranian paramilitary and government targets in Tehran. According to Israel's emergency services, there were no injuries in the missiles launched towards Israel after the ceasefire started. Overnight, just before the ceasefire started, Israel launched more than 100 munitions targeting dozens of sites in Tehran, including missile launchers. Drones attacked military bases in Iraq overnight, including some housing US troops, the Iraqi army and a US military official said Tuesday. Iraqi army spokesperson Sabah Al-Naaman in a statement called the attacks a "treacherous and cowardly act of aggression" and said they had damaged radar systems at Camp Taji, north of Baghdad, and at Imam Ali Base in Dhi Qar province. Iraqi forces shot down drones at other locations, he said. A senior US military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, said American forces had shot down drones attacking Ain al-Assad in the desert of western Iraq and at a base next to the Baghdad airport, while another one crashed. No casualties were reported and no group claimed responsibility for the attacks. Some Iran-backed Iraqi militias had previously threatened to target American bases if the US attacked Iran. Sirens sounded across northern Israel after Israel said it had identified missiles launched from Iran, less than three hours after the ceasefire began. Explosions could be heard as Israeli air defenses fired. "Tehran will tremble," wrote Israeli firebrand Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich on X after the missiles were launched. The Awda hospital in Gaza's urban Nuseirat refugee camp said another 146 people were wounded when Israeli forces and drones opened fire toward hundreds of Palestinians waiting for aid trucks. Among them were 62 in critical condition, who were transferred to other hospitals in central Gaza, it said. In the central town of Deir al-Balah, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital said it received the bodies of six people who were killed in the same incident. The deaths were the latest in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza which killed about 56,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The ministry doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants but says more than a half of the dead were women and children. Israel launched its campaign in Gaza after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, in which militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took another 251 hostages. Most of the hostages were released by ceasefire agreements. "It was a massacre," said Ahmed Halawa. He said tanks and drones fired at people, "even as we were fleeing. Many people were either martyred or wounded." Hossam Abu Shahada, another eyewitness, said drones were flying over the area, watching the crowds first, then there was gunfire from tanks and drones as people were moving eastward. He described a "chaotic and bloody" scene as people were attempting to escape. He said he saw at least three people lying on the ground motionless and many others wounded as he fled the site. Israeli forces and drones opened fire toward hundreds of Palestinians waiting for aid trucks in central Gaza early Tuesday, killing at least 25 people, Palestinian witnesses and hospitals said. The Israeli military did not immediately comment. The Awda hospital in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp, which received the victims, said the Palestinians were waiting for the trucks on the Salah al-Din Road south of Wadi Gaza. Witnesses told The Associated Press that Israeli forces opened fire as people were advancing eastward to be close to the approaching trucks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel has agreed to the bilateral ceasefire with Iran in coordination with President Donald Trump. Netanyahu said that he had reported to Israel's security cabinet Monday night that Israel had achieved all of its war goals in the 12-day operation against Iran, including removing the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Israel also damaged Iran's military leadership and several government sites and achieved control over Tehran's skies, Netanyahu said. "Israel will respond forcefully to any violation of the ceasefire," Netanyahu said. Israel police said the barrage damaged at least three densely packed residential buildings in Beersheba. Outside, the shells of burned out cars littered the streets. Broken glass and rubble covered the area. Hundreds of emergency workers gathered to search for anyone else trapped in the buildings. Israel police said the impact of the hit was so great that some people were injured even while inside their reinforced safe rooms in each apartment. The safe rooms are meant to withstand rockets and shrapnel but not direct hits from ballistic missiles. Residents evacuated damaged building with their suitcases Tuesday morning in Beersheba. Some said they were sceptical of the ceasefire announced by Trump. "I don't believe the Iranians," said Ortal Avilevich, a resident who lives five minutes away from the blast. "I'm happy with Donald Trump and I think Iran is afraid of him, but I hope there is quiet right now." Israel's Airports Authority said the country's airspace has reopened for emergency flights after closing earlier due to an hours-long barrage of missiles from Iran. Israeli firefighters said they retrieved four bodies from a building hit by an Iranian missile in the city of Beersheba. The direct hit in the largest city in southern Israel comes just days after the city's hospital sustained significant damage in a missile strike. The search and rescue team said they retrieved four bodies from one building in Beersheba and were searching for more. The Israel Airports Authority said the barrages from Iran forced them to close the skies to all passenger planes, including emergency flights that were expected to land and depart on Tuesday. Some flights were forced to circle over the Mediterranean Sea, according to Israeli media. Israel's airports have been closed since the war with Iran began, but a handful of emergency flights had started arriving and departing over the past few days. Israeli firefighters said they rescued at least three people, including children trapped in the rubble of an apartment building after an Iranian missile barrage struck southern Israel. In Beersheba, first responders cordoned off blocks as they tried to assess how many people had been killed and injured. The streets around the impact site were littered with glass and debris, windows were blown out of buildings as anxious neighbors stood outside their damaged houses. Iranian state television reported Tuesday that a ceasefire had begun in its war with Israel, even as Israel warned the public of a new missile barrage launched from Iran. It wasn't immediately possible to reconcile the messages from Iran and Israel on the 12th day of their war. Iranian state television announced the ceasefire in a graphic on screen, not immediately acknowledging the new missile barrage coming after the deadline set by President Donald Trump in his earlier ceasefire announcement. Israel warned of another wave of incoming missiles 20 minutes after the ceasefire was supposed to come into effect. Israel's Magen David Adom rescue services said at least three people were killed and eight injured in the early morning barrage. A residential building in Israel's south sustained heavy damage, emergency responders said. Waves of missiles sent Israelis across the country to bomb shelters for almost two hours Tuesday morning. – AP
Al-Ahram Weekly
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Iran launches fresh salvo of missiles on Friday as US to move third aircraft carrier closer to Mideast conflict - as it happened - Region
Ahram Online provides live coverage of the unfolding military confrontation between Israel and Iran as the two sides waged deadly strikes against one another for the eighth day in a row. Related Trump says will decide whether to attack Iran 'within two weeks' - as it happened Israel expands assassination policy with threat to target Khamenei Israeli army says struck inactive nuclear reactor in Iran's Arak The face-off between Israel and Iran has continued to intensify overnight and into this morning. Overnight, the Israeli military reported carrying out dozens of strikes on military targets across Iran, including a significant attack on the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND) headquarters in Tehran, which Israel claims is involved in Iran's nuclear weapons development project. Other targets included missile production sites in Tehran and the northern city of Rasht. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also confirmed that Israel's rockets had damaged Iran's Khondab Heavy Water Production Plant. In retaliation, Iran launched fresh barrages of missiles towards Israel. These missiles struck southern Israel, particularly the city of Beersheba for the second consecutive day, causing damage to residential buildings, including a six-story structure. Sirens were activated across southern Israel as missiles were detected, and while most were reportedly intercepted, some impacted areas. Casualty figures remain high, with an Iranian human rights group stating that Israeli strikes have now killed at least 657 people and wounded over 2,000 in Iran since the conflict began. Iran's retaliatory strikes have resulted in 24 deaths in Israel. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with the Iranian Foreign Minister expected to meet with top European diplomats in Geneva today, although Iran continues to reject direct negotiations with the US as long as Israeli attacks persist. Concerns are also rising regarding potential cyberattacks, with reports of Iranian hackers targeting Israeli home security cameras. 21:15 At least 19 people were injured in the northern Israeli port city of Haifa as Iran fired a fresh barrage of missiles on Friday afternoon, authorities said. Iran has been launching daily missile salvos at Israel for the past week since a wide-ranging Israeli attack on its nuclear and military facilities triggered war. One projectile slammed into an area by the docks in Haifa on Friday afternoon where it damaged a building and blew out windows, littering the ground with rubble, AFP images showed. The locations of missile strikes in Israel are subject to strict military censorship rules and are not always provided in detail to the public. A spokesman for Haifa's Rambam hospital said 19 people had been injured in the city, with one in a serious condition. A military official said that "approximately 20 missiles were launched towards Israel" in the latest Iranian salvo. 20:45 The USS Gerald R. Ford will depart for Europe next week, a Navy official said Friday, placing a third American aircraft carrier in closer proximity to the Middle East. "The Gerald Ford carrier strike group will depart Norfolk (Virginia) the morning of June 24 for a regularly scheduled deployment to the US European Command area of responsibility," the Navy official said. The US Carl Vinson carrier strike group has been operating in the Middle East since earlier this year, taking part in an air campaign against Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels. And a US defense official has confirmed that Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth ordered the Nimitz carrier strike group to the Middle East, saying it was "to sustain our defensive posture and safeguard American personnel." 20:00 The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is currently holding an emergency meeting on the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, convened at Iran's request. This marks the second time the Council has met to discuss the conflict since Israel launched its initial attacks a week ago. During the session, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a grave warning, stating that the world is "racing toward" a major crisis and that the "expansion of this conflict could ignite a fire that no one can control." He urged both sides to "Give peace a chance" and for the Council to act with "unity and urgency for dialogue," emphasizing that diplomacy grounded in international law is the "sole path" to lasting peace. Guterres also specifically addressed the nuclear issue, acknowledging a "trust gap" regarding Iran's nuclear program and reiterating that it must be for peaceful purposes with full access for IAEA inspectors. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), also briefed the Council, providing updates on the damage to Iranian nuclear facilities. He confirmed that while there was no immediate awareness of damage at Fordow, four buildings were impacted at the Isfahan nuclear site, and the Khondab heavy water research reactor was hit. Crucially, Grossi issued a dire warning about the Bushehr nuclear power plant, stating that a direct hit could result in a "very high release of radioactivity to the environment" and necessitate evacuations. He strongly reiterated that "Armed attack on nuclear facilities should never take place." Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon used his address to the Security Council to strongly defend Israel's actions and criticize the international community's approach to Iran. Danon emphasized that Israel is seeking a "genuine effort" to dismantle Iran's nuclear capabilities, not merely "another session and debates." He asserted, "We have seen diplomatic talks for the last few decades, and look at the results. If there will be genuine effort to dismantle the capabilities of Iran, then that's something we can consider, but if it is going to be like another session and debates, that's not going to work." The UNSC meeting is ongoing, with members weighing the immediate threat of escalation against the long-term implications of the conflict. 19:00 Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, issued a forceful condemnation of Israel's ongoing actions against Iran. He notably delivered his message not only in Arabic and English but, for the first time, in Persian on social media. This unprecedented outreach directly targets Iranian audiences as tensions escalate, signaling a significant pan-Islamic appeal from Sunni Islam's highest seat of learning. In his tweet, El-Tayeb stated, "I strongly condemn the ongoing aggression by the occupying entity against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the systematic attacks and continued recklessness committed by this usurping aggressor and its backers, acts that risk dragging the region to the brink of explosion and igniting a full-scale war, from which only arms dealers and profiteers of bloodshed would benefit." El-Tayeb further criticized the international community's inaction, arguing that "The international community's silence in the face of this tyranny, and its failure to put an end to it, amounts to complicity in the crime. Such inaction yields nothing but a growing threat to global security. War cannot create peace!" 18:00 Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it targeted Israeli Channel 14's field broadcasting headquarters in Haifa on Friday with Sejil-3 long-range missiles, describing the strike as part of a wider operation involving 'long-range and very heavy missiles.' According to Nour News, which is affiliated with Iran's Supreme National Security Council, the strike formed part of 'Wave 17' of Operation True Promise 3. The news outlet said the attack followed a prior warning issued by the Guard. 17:00 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned that the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel is nearing 'the point of no return', as the United States weighs the possibility of direct military involvement. 'Unfortunately, the genocide in Gaza and the conflict with Iran are quickly reaching the point of no return. This madness must end as soon as possible,' he said, according to AFP. Erdoğan cautioned that the consequences of the war could extend far beyond the Middle East, affecting Europe and Asia 'for many years'. He made the comments during an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) youth forum in Istanbul, ahead of a meeting of OIC foreign ministers scheduled for the weekend. In a separate phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Erdoğan warned the war could trigger a surge in migration and the risk of nuclear contamination. "The spiral of violence triggered by Israel's attacks could harm the region and Europe in terms of migration and the possibility of nuclear leakage," he said, adding that the conflict had "raised the threat to regional security to the highest level". 16:30 Qatar held crisis talks with energy firms this week after Israeli strikes hit Iran's South Pars gas field, which it shares with Qatar, a regional diplomat and an industry source told Reuters. The South Pars/North Dome field, jointly owned by the two countries, is the world's largest known natural gas reserve. Iranian media reported a 'massive explosion' and fire on Saturday following an Israeli drone strike on one of the South Pars facilities. Qatar urged companies to raise the alarm with US, UK and European governments over mounting risks to global gas supplies, the source said. 16:00 Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel, triggering air raid sirens across the north and south, according to Israel's Home Front Command. Al Jazeera initially reported that the salvo involved around 30 projectiles. Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. Channel 12 confirmed a direct hit in Haifa that caused significant damage and injured 21 people, some seriously. Army radio cited strikes at multiple sites, while Channel 7 later said around 20 missiles were involved. Iran's Nour News said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Channel 14's field broadcast centre in Haifa with Sejil-3 long-range missiles after a prior warning. The IRGC called the barrage 'Wave 17' of Operation True Promise 3, describing it as a coordinated strike involving 'long-range and very heavy missiles'. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said: 'The Zionist enemy is now receiving its punishment.' The attack marks one of the largest direct missile strikes by Iran since the war began on 13 June. The Israeli army later lifted nationwide shelter orders and confirmed impacts in Haifa, as well as central and southern regions. Earlier, Israeli forces said their air force was conducting renewed strikes on targets in western and central Iran. 15:15 Iran will not accept a demand for zero uranium enrichment, a senior Iranian official told Reuters, calling it unacceptable while Israeli strikes continue. However, the official said Tehran was open to negotiating limits on enrichment levels, provided its right to peaceful nuclear development is recognised. The remarks come ahead of talks in Geneva with the UK, France, and Germany, where efforts are underway to restore diplomatic engagement over Iran's nuclear programme. 14:45 Veteran investigative journalist Seymour Hersh warned that the United States is preparing for heavy bombing of Iran, possibly as early as this weekend, citing long-standing Israeli and American sources. Hersh said the Trump administration is fully backing Israel's campaign to dismantle Iran's nuclear programme, while hoping for the collapse of the government in Tehran. In a Substack post published Thursday, titled 'What I Have Been Told Is Coming in Iran – The Initial Battle Plan for a New War,' Hersh wrote: 'It will entail heavy American bombing,' based on information confirmed by a senior US official. The official reportedly said the situation would remain 'under control' if Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 'departs.' 'Just how that might happen, short of his assassination, is not known,' Hersh added. He criticised the lack of a coherent US strategy: 'There has been a great deal of talk about American firepower and targets inside Iran, but little practical thinking… about how to remove a revered religious leader with an enormous following.' Hersh also warned of wider consequences: 'The most important unanswered question… will be the response of the world, including that of Vladimir Putin, the Russian president who has been an ally of Iran's leaders.' On continued US support for Israel, Hersh wrote: 'The United States remains Israel's most important ally, although many here and around the world abhor Israel's continuing murderous war in Gaza.' 14:30 Brent crude fell over 2 percent, dragging energy stocks lower, as fears of imminent US strikes on Iran eased. European markets rebounded, while Asian indices closed mixed and the dollar slipped. The shift followed President Donald Trump's comments that he would delay a decision on joining Israeli attacks for up to two weeks. His remarks came ahead of talks in Geneva between Iranian and European diplomats. 'Brent crude has dropped... as traders price out the worst-case scenario for geopolitics,' said Kathleen Brooks of trading firm XTB. Earlier concerns that the conflict could disrupt oil supplies had driven prices higher and global equities lower. 'While the immediate prospect of a US intervention may have diminished, it remains a live issue for markets,' said Dan Coatsworth of investment platform AJ Bell. The main US oil benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), edged up on low post-holiday trading and a drop in US crude stockpiles. Markets are also watching Trump's trade war, as a 90-day pause on new tariffs nears its end. 'Until then... headlines could have an outsized impact,' said David Sekera of Morningstar. 14:00 Russia warned against any attempt to assassinate Iran's supreme leader, saying it would be 'unacceptable' and risk triggering uncontrollable escalation, Sky News reported. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia would react 'very negatively' if Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were killed, describing the situation as 'extremely tense and dangerous not only for the region but globally.' Speaking in Saint Petersburg, Peskov said regime change in Iran would 'open the Pandora's box' and warned that further escalation would only deepen the regional confrontation. He did not specify how Russia would respond, but said any such act would provoke a strong reaction 'from inside Iran.' 'It would lead to the birth of extremist moods inside Iran and those who are speaking about [killing Khamenei], they should keep it in mind. They will open the Pandora's box.' 13:30 European foreign ministers meeting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva are expected to relay that the US remains open to direct talks, Reuters reported, citing diplomats. Two diplomats said Araghchi would be urged to send a 'clear signal' by accepting tough restrictions on Iran's nuclear programme. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly signalled willingness to engage directly with Tehran, though Washington has not formally confirmed this. CNN quoted a US official saying President Donald Trump supports European-led diplomacy aimed at reviving talks. The UK, France and Germany and the EU's foreign policy chief met in Geneva ahead of their meeting with Araghchi. The Swiss city hosted the early stages of talks that led to the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. Trump withdrew the US from that agreement on 8 May 2018, reimposing sanctions and triggering the collapse of follow-up negotiations. An EU diplomat said: 'The Iranians can't sit down with the Americans whereas we can. We'll urge them to return to the table before the worst-case scenario.' Iran has repeatedly said it will not engage with the US while Israeli attacks continue. 'There is no room for negotiations with the US until Israeli aggression stops,' Araghchi said on state television. 13:15 Thousands of supporters of powerful Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr rallied in Baghdad and other cities against Israel's war with Iran, AFP correspondents said. "No to Israel! No to America!" chanted demonstrators gathered after Friday prayers in the Sadr City district of Baghdad, Moqtada Sadr's stronghold in the capital, holding umbrellas to shield themselves from Iraq's scorching summer sun. "It is an unjust war... Israel has no right" to hit Iran, said protester Abu Hussein. "Israel is not in it for the (Iranian) nuclear (program). What Israel and the Americans want is to dominate the Middle East," added the 54-year-old taxi driver. He said he hoped Iran would come out of the war victorious, and that Iraq should support its neighbour "with money, weapons and protests". In Iraq's southern city of Basra, around 2,000 people demonstrated after the prayers, according to an AFP correspondent. Cleric Qusai al-Assadi, 43, denounced Israel's use of Iraqi airspace to bomb Iran. "It is a violation of Iraq's sovereignty," he said, warning against "a third world war against Islam." Echoing the views of Sadr, Assadi said that Iraq should not be dragged into the conflict. Iraq has long attempted to balance ties between Iran and the US, and has only recently emerged from decades of instability following the 2003 US invasion. 13:00 Thousands of people joined a protest against Israel in the Iranian capital after weekly prayers, chanting slogans in support of their leaders, images on state television showed, AFP reported. "This is the Friday of the Iranian nation's solidarity and resistance across the country," the news anchor said. Footage showed protesters in Tehran holding up photographs of commanders killed since the start of the war with Israel, while others waved the flags of Iran and the Lebanese Shia group Hezbollah. "I will sacrifice my life for my leader," read a protester's banner, a reference to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to state television, protests took place in other cities around the country, including in Tabriz in northwestern Iran and Shiraz in the south. 12:45 French President Emmanuel Macron said European powers will present Iran with a 'comprehensive diplomatic and technical offer' to end the escalating conflict with Israel. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is expected to meet Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Geneva later Friday, alongside UK and German officials. Macron said the proposal includes four points: full IAEA access and zero uranium enrichment; limits on ballistic capabilities; restrictions on financing regional proxies; and the release of foreign detainees. He warned that a nuclear-armed Iran poses an 'existential risk' to Israel, but criticised Israeli strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure, saying 'nothing justifies this'. He added that military action alone cannot eliminate Iran's nuclear programme. "No one seriously thinks that this risk (posed by the Iranian atomic drive) can be responded to only through the operations that are currently underway," he said. "There are facilities that are extremely well protected we do not know exactly where the uranium enriched to 60 percent is." 12:00 Several major US airlines have suspended flights to the Middle East, AP reported. United Airlines said it has indefinitely paused flights between Newark, New Jersey, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. American Airlines announced it is suspending service between Philadelphia and Doha, Qatar, at least through Sunday, and will make 'additional adjustments as needed'. Both airlines said they are monitoring the situation and working to rebook affected passengers. Last week, Delta Air Lines suspended flights to Tel Aviv, where Ben Gurion Airport remains closed to regular scheduled passenger traffic. 11:30 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi ruled out any negotiations with the United States, calling it a 'partner to Israeli crime against Iran'. 'There is no room for negotiations with us until Israeli aggression stops,' Araqchi told Iranian state television, according to Reuters. 11:15 French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, according to the Guardian, held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of the planned Geneva meeting with his UK, German, and Iranian counterparts. A French diplomatic source said Rubio conveyed that the United States is 'ready for direct contact with the Iranians at any moment.' 11:00 Seven people were injured during Iran's missile attack on the southern Israeli city of Beersheba earlier this morning. According to a spokesperson for Soroka Medical Centre, quoted by The Jerusalem Post, the individuals sustained minor injuries while rushing to shelters during the barrage. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
🔴 LIVE UPDATES: Iran launches fresh salvo of missiles on Friday as US to move third aircraft carrier closer to Mideast conflict - Region
Ahram Online provides live coverage of the unfolding military confrontation between Israel and Iran as the two sides waged deadly strikes against one another for the eighth day in a row. Related Trump says will decide whether to attack Iran 'within two weeks' - as it happened Israel expands assassination policy with threat to target Khamenei Israeli army says struck inactive nuclear reactor in Iran's Arak The face-off between Israel and Iran has continued to intensify overnight and into this morning. Overnight, the Israeli military reported carrying out dozens of strikes on military targets across Iran, including a significant attack on the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND) headquarters in Tehran, which Israel claims is involved in Iran's nuclear weapons development project. Other targets included missile production sites in Tehran and the northern city of Rasht. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also confirmed that Israel's rockets had damaged Iran's Khondab Heavy Water Production Plant. In retaliation, Iran launched fresh barrages of missiles towards Israel. These missiles struck southern Israel, particularly the city of Beersheba for the second consecutive day, causing damage to residential buildings, including a six-story structure. Sirens were activated across southern Israel as missiles were detected, and while most were reportedly intercepted, some impacted areas. Casualty figures remain high, with an Iranian human rights group stating that Israeli strikes have now killed at least 657 people and wounded over 2,000 in Iran since the conflict began. Iran's retaliatory strikes have resulted in 24 deaths in Israel. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with the Iranian Foreign Minister expected to meet with top European diplomats in Geneva today, although Iran continues to reject direct negotiations with the US as long as Israeli attacks persist. Concerns are also rising regarding potential cyberattacks, with reports of Iranian hackers targeting Israeli home security cameras. 21:15 At least 19 people were injured in the northern Israeli port city of Haifa as Iran fired a fresh barrage of missiles on Friday afternoon, authorities said. Iran has been launching daily missile salvos at Israel for the past week since a wide-ranging Israeli attack on its nuclear and military facilities triggered war. One projectile slammed into an area by the docks in Haifa on Friday afternoon where it damaged a building and blew out windows, littering the ground with rubble, AFP images showed. The locations of missile strikes in Israel are subject to strict military censorship rules and are not always provided in detail to the public. A spokesman for Haifa's Rambam hospital said 19 people had been injured in the city, with one in a serious condition. A military official said that "approximately 20 missiles were launched towards Israel" in the latest Iranian salvo. 20:45 The USS Gerald R. Ford will depart for Europe next week, a Navy official said Friday, placing a third American aircraft carrier in closer proximity to the Middle East. "The Gerald Ford carrier strike group will depart Norfolk (Virginia) the morning of June 24 for a regularly scheduled deployment to the US European Command area of responsibility," the Navy official said. The US Carl Vinson carrier strike group has been operating in the Middle East since earlier this year, taking part in an air campaign against Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels. And a US defense official has confirmed that Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth ordered the Nimitz carrier strike group to the Middle East, saying it was "to sustain our defensive posture and safeguard American personnel." 20:00 The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is currently holding an emergency meeting on the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, convened at Iran's request. This marks the second time the Council has met to discuss the conflict since Israel launched its initial attacks a week ago. During the session, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a grave warning, stating that the world is "racing toward" a major crisis and that the "expansion of this conflict could ignite a fire that no one can control." He urged both sides to "Give peace a chance" and for the Council to act with "unity and urgency for dialogue," emphasizing that diplomacy grounded in international law is the "sole path" to lasting peace. Guterres also specifically addressed the nuclear issue, acknowledging a "trust gap" regarding Iran's nuclear program and reiterating that it must be for peaceful purposes with full access for IAEA inspectors. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), also briefed the Council, providing updates on the damage to Iranian nuclear facilities. He confirmed that while there was no immediate awareness of damage at Fordow, four buildings were impacted at the Isfahan nuclear site, and the Khondab heavy water research reactor was hit. Crucially, Grossi issued a dire warning about the Bushehr nuclear power plant, stating that a direct hit could result in a "very high release of radioactivity to the environment" and necessitate evacuations. He strongly reiterated that "Armed attack on nuclear facilities should never take place." Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon used his address to the Security Council to strongly defend Israel's actions and criticize the international community's approach to Iran. Danon emphasized that Israel is seeking a "genuine effort" to dismantle Iran's nuclear capabilities, not merely "another session and debates." He asserted, "We have seen diplomatic talks for the last few decades, and look at the results. If there will be genuine effort to dismantle the capabilities of Iran, then that's something we can consider, but if it is going to be like another session and debates, that's not going to work." The UNSC meeting is ongoing, with members weighing the immediate threat of escalation against the long-term implications of the conflict. 19:00 Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, issued a forceful condemnation of Israel's ongoing actions against Iran. He notably delivered his message not only in Arabic and English but, for the first time, in Persian on social media. This unprecedented outreach directly targets Iranian audiences as tensions escalate, signaling a significant pan-Islamic appeal from Sunni Islam's highest seat of learning. In his tweet, El-Tayeb stated, "I strongly condemn the ongoing aggression by the occupying entity against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the systematic attacks and continued recklessness committed by this usurping aggressor and its backers, acts that risk dragging the region to the brink of explosion and igniting a full-scale war, from which only arms dealers and profiteers of bloodshed would benefit." El-Tayeb further criticized the international community's inaction, arguing that "The international community's silence in the face of this tyranny, and its failure to put an end to it, amounts to complicity in the crime. Such inaction yields nothing but a growing threat to global security. War cannot create peace!" 18:00 Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it targeted Israeli Channel 14's field broadcasting headquarters in Haifa on Friday with Sejil-3 long-range missiles, describing the strike as part of a wider operation involving 'long-range and very heavy missiles.' According to Nour News, which is affiliated with Iran's Supreme National Security Council, the strike formed part of 'Wave 17' of Operation True Promise 3. The news outlet said the attack followed a prior warning issued by the Guard. 17:00 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned that the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel is nearing 'the point of no return', as the United States weighs the possibility of direct military involvement. 'Unfortunately, the genocide in Gaza and the conflict with Iran are quickly reaching the point of no return. This madness must end as soon as possible,' he said, according to AFP. Erdoğan cautioned that the consequences of the war could extend far beyond the Middle East, affecting Europe and Asia 'for many years'. He made the comments during an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) youth forum in Istanbul, ahead of a meeting of OIC foreign ministers scheduled for the weekend. In a separate phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Erdoğan warned the war could trigger a surge in migration and the risk of nuclear contamination. "The spiral of violence triggered by Israel's attacks could harm the region and Europe in terms of migration and the possibility of nuclear leakage," he said, adding that the conflict had "raised the threat to regional security to the highest level". 16:30 Qatar held crisis talks with energy firms this week after Israeli strikes hit Iran's South Pars gas field, which it shares with Qatar, a regional diplomat and an industry source told Reuters. The South Pars/North Dome field, jointly owned by the two countries, is the world's largest known natural gas reserve. Iranian media reported a 'massive explosion' and fire on Saturday following an Israeli drone strike on one of the South Pars facilities. Qatar urged companies to raise the alarm with US, UK and European governments over mounting risks to global gas supplies, the source said. 16:00 Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel, triggering air raid sirens across the north and south, according to Israel's Home Front Command. Al Jazeera initially reported that the salvo involved around 30 projectiles. Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. Channel 12 confirmed a direct hit in Haifa that caused significant damage and injured 21 people, some seriously. Army radio cited strikes at multiple sites, while Channel 7 later said around 20 missiles were involved. Iran's Nour News said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Channel 14's field broadcast centre in Haifa with Sejil-3 long-range missiles after a prior warning. The IRGC called the barrage 'Wave 17' of Operation True Promise 3, describing it as a coordinated strike involving 'long-range and very heavy missiles'. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said: 'The Zionist enemy is now receiving its punishment.' The attack marks one of the largest direct missile strikes by Iran since the war began on 13 June. The Israeli army later lifted nationwide shelter orders and confirmed impacts in Haifa, as well as central and southern regions. Earlier, Israeli forces said their air force was conducting renewed strikes on targets in western and central Iran. 15:15 Iran will not accept a demand for zero uranium enrichment, a senior Iranian official told Reuters, calling it unacceptable while Israeli strikes continue. However, the official said Tehran was open to negotiating limits on enrichment levels, provided its right to peaceful nuclear development is recognised. The remarks come ahead of talks in Geneva with the UK, France, and Germany, where efforts are underway to restore diplomatic engagement over Iran's nuclear programme. 14:45 Veteran investigative journalist Seymour Hersh warned that the United States is preparing for heavy bombing of Iran, possibly as early as this weekend, citing long-standing Israeli and American sources. Hersh said the Trump administration is fully backing Israel's campaign to dismantle Iran's nuclear programme, while hoping for the collapse of the government in Tehran. In a Substack post published Thursday, titled 'What I Have Been Told Is Coming in Iran – The Initial Battle Plan for a New War,' Hersh wrote: 'It will entail heavy American bombing,' based on information confirmed by a senior US official. The official reportedly said the situation would remain 'under control' if Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 'departs.' 'Just how that might happen, short of his assassination, is not known,' Hersh added. He criticised the lack of a coherent US strategy: 'There has been a great deal of talk about American firepower and targets inside Iran, but little practical thinking… about how to remove a revered religious leader with an enormous following.' Hersh also warned of wider consequences: 'The most important unanswered question… will be the response of the world, including that of Vladimir Putin, the Russian president who has been an ally of Iran's leaders.' On continued US support for Israel, Hersh wrote: 'The United States remains Israel's most important ally, although many here and around the world abhor Israel's continuing murderous war in Gaza.' 14:30 Brent crude fell over 2 percent, dragging energy stocks lower, as fears of imminent US strikes on Iran eased. European markets rebounded, while Asian indices closed mixed and the dollar slipped. The shift followed President Donald Trump's comments that he would delay a decision on joining Israeli attacks for up to two weeks. His remarks came ahead of talks in Geneva between Iranian and European diplomats. 'Brent crude has dropped... as traders price out the worst-case scenario for geopolitics,' said Kathleen Brooks of trading firm XTB. Earlier concerns that the conflict could disrupt oil supplies had driven prices higher and global equities lower. 'While the immediate prospect of a US intervention may have diminished, it remains a live issue for markets,' said Dan Coatsworth of investment platform AJ Bell. The main US oil benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), edged up on low post-holiday trading and a drop in US crude stockpiles. Markets are also watching Trump's trade war, as a 90-day pause on new tariffs nears its end. 'Until then... headlines could have an outsized impact,' said David Sekera of Morningstar. 14:00 Russia warned against any attempt to assassinate Iran's supreme leader, saying it would be 'unacceptable' and risk triggering uncontrollable escalation, Sky News reported. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia would react 'very negatively' if Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were killed, describing the situation as 'extremely tense and dangerous not only for the region but globally.' Speaking in Saint Petersburg, Peskov said regime change in Iran would 'open the Pandora's box' and warned that further escalation would only deepen the regional confrontation. He did not specify how Russia would respond, but said any such act would provoke a strong reaction 'from inside Iran.' 'It would lead to the birth of extremist moods inside Iran and those who are speaking about [killing Khamenei], they should keep it in mind. They will open the Pandora's box.' 13:30 European foreign ministers meeting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva are expected to relay that the US remains open to direct talks, Reuters reported, citing diplomats. Two diplomats said Araghchi would be urged to send a 'clear signal' by accepting tough restrictions on Iran's nuclear programme. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly signalled willingness to engage directly with Tehran, though Washington has not formally confirmed this. CNN quoted a US official saying President Donald Trump supports European-led diplomacy aimed at reviving talks. The UK, France and Germany and the EU's foreign policy chief met in Geneva ahead of their meeting with Araghchi. The Swiss city hosted the early stages of talks that led to the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. Trump withdrew the US from that agreement on 8 May 2018, reimposing sanctions and triggering the collapse of follow-up negotiations. An EU diplomat said: 'The Iranians can't sit down with the Americans whereas we can. We'll urge them to return to the table before the worst-case scenario.' Iran has repeatedly said it will not engage with the US while Israeli attacks continue. 'There is no room for negotiations with the US until Israeli aggression stops,' Araghchi said on state television. 13:15 Thousands of supporters of powerful Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr rallied in Baghdad and other cities against Israel's war with Iran, AFP correspondents said. "No to Israel! No to America!" chanted demonstrators gathered after Friday prayers in the Sadr City district of Baghdad, Moqtada Sadr's stronghold in the capital, holding umbrellas to shield themselves from Iraq's scorching summer sun. "It is an unjust war... Israel has no right" to hit Iran, said protester Abu Hussein. "Israel is not in it for the (Iranian) nuclear (program). What Israel and the Americans want is to dominate the Middle East," added the 54-year-old taxi driver. He said he hoped Iran would come out of the war victorious, and that Iraq should support its neighbour "with money, weapons and protests". In Iraq's southern city of Basra, around 2,000 people demonstrated after the prayers, according to an AFP correspondent. Cleric Qusai al-Assadi, 43, denounced Israel's use of Iraqi airspace to bomb Iran. "It is a violation of Iraq's sovereignty," he said, warning against "a third world war against Islam." Echoing the views of Sadr, Assadi said that Iraq should not be dragged into the conflict. Iraq has long attempted to balance ties between Iran and the US, and has only recently emerged from decades of instability following the 2003 US invasion. 13:00 Thousands of people joined a protest against Israel in the Iranian capital after weekly prayers, chanting slogans in support of their leaders, images on state television showed, AFP reported. "This is the Friday of the Iranian nation's solidarity and resistance across the country," the news anchor said. Footage showed protesters in Tehran holding up photographs of commanders killed since the start of the war with Israel, while others waved the flags of Iran and the Lebanese Shia group Hezbollah. "I will sacrifice my life for my leader," read a protester's banner, a reference to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to state television, protests took place in other cities around the country, including in Tabriz in northwestern Iran and Shiraz in the south. 12:45 French President Emmanuel Macron said European powers will present Iran with a 'comprehensive diplomatic and technical offer' to end the escalating conflict with Israel. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is expected to meet Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Geneva later Friday, alongside UK and German officials. Macron said the proposal includes four points: full IAEA access and zero uranium enrichment; limits on ballistic capabilities; restrictions on financing regional proxies; and the release of foreign detainees. He warned that a nuclear-armed Iran poses an 'existential risk' to Israel, but criticised Israeli strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure, saying 'nothing justifies this'. He added that military action alone cannot eliminate Iran's nuclear programme. "No one seriously thinks that this risk (posed by the Iranian atomic drive) can be responded to only through the operations that are currently underway," he said. "There are facilities that are extremely well protected we do not know exactly where the uranium enriched to 60 percent is." 12:00 Several major US airlines have suspended flights to the Middle East, AP reported. United Airlines said it has indefinitely paused flights between Newark, New Jersey, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. American Airlines announced it is suspending service between Philadelphia and Doha, Qatar, at least through Sunday, and will make 'additional adjustments as needed'. Both airlines said they are monitoring the situation and working to rebook affected passengers. Last week, Delta Air Lines suspended flights to Tel Aviv, where Ben Gurion Airport remains closed to regular scheduled passenger traffic. 11:30 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi ruled out any negotiations with the United States, calling it a 'partner to Israeli crime against Iran'. 'There is no room for negotiations with us until Israeli aggression stops,' Araqchi told Iranian state television, according to Reuters. 11:15 French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, according to the Guardian, held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of the planned Geneva meeting with his UK, German, and Iranian counterparts. A French diplomatic source said Rubio conveyed that the United States is 'ready for direct contact with the Iranians at any moment.' 11:00 Seven people were injured during Iran's missile attack on the southern Israeli city of Beersheba earlier this morning. According to a spokesperson for Soroka Medical Centre, quoted by The Jerusalem Post, the individuals sustained minor injuries while rushing to shelters during the barrage. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
🔴 LIVE UPDATES: Egypt's Al-Azhar Grand Imam condemns Israeli 'rampage' in unprecedented Persian tweet - Region
Ahram Online provides live coverage of the unfolding military confrontation between Israel and Iran as the two sides waged deadly strikes against one another for the eighth day in a row. Related Trump says will decide whether to attack Iran 'within two weeks' - as it happened Israel expands assassination policy with threat to target Khamenei Israeli army says struck inactive nuclear reactor in Iran's Arak The face-off between Israel and Iran has continued to intensify overnight and into this morning. Overnight, the Israeli military reported carrying out dozens of strikes on military targets across Iran, including a significant attack on the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND) headquarters in Tehran, which Israel claims is involved in Iran's nuclear weapons development project. Other targets included missile production sites in Tehran and the northern city of Rasht. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also confirmed that Israel's rockets had damaged Iran's Khondab Heavy Water Production Plant. In retaliation, Iran launched fresh barrages of missiles towards Israel. These missiles struck southern Israel, particularly the city of Beersheba for the second consecutive day, causing damage to residential buildings, including a six-story structure. Sirens were activated across southern Israel as missiles were detected, and while most were reportedly intercepted, some impacted areas. Casualty figures remain high, with an Iranian human rights group stating that Israeli strikes have now killed at least 657 people and wounded over 2,000 in Iran since the conflict began. Iran's retaliatory strikes have resulted in 24 deaths in Israel. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with the Iranian Foreign Minister expected to meet with top European diplomats in Geneva today, although Iran continues to reject direct negotiations with the US as long as Israeli attacks persist. Concerns are also rising regarding potential cyberattacks, with reports of Iranian hackers targeting Israeli home security cameras. 19:00 Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, issued a forceful condemnation of Israel's ongoing actions against Iran. He notably delivered his message not only in Arabic and English but, for the first time, in Persian on social media. This unprecedented outreach directly targets Iranian audiences as tensions escalate, signaling a significant pan-Islamic appeal from Sunni Islam's highest seat of learning. In his tweet, El-Tayeb stated, "I strongly condemn the ongoing aggression by the occupying entity against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the systematic attacks and continued recklessness committed by this usurping aggressor and its backers, acts that risk dragging the region to the brink of explosion and igniting a full-scale war, from which only arms dealers and profiteers of bloodshed would benefit." El-Tayeb further criticized the international community's inaction, arguing that "The international community's silence in the face of this tyranny, and its failure to put an end to it, amounts to complicity in the crime. Such inaction yields nothing but a growing threat to global security. War cannot create peace!" 18:00 Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it targeted Israeli Channel 14's field broadcasting headquarters in Haifa on Friday with Sejil-3 long-range missiles, describing the strike as part of a wider operation involving 'long-range and very heavy missiles.' According to Nour News, which is affiliated with Iran's Supreme National Security Council, the strike formed part of 'Wave 17' of Operation True Promise 3. The news outlet said the attack followed a prior warning issued by the Guard. 17:00 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned that the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel is nearing 'the point of no return', as the United States weighs the possibility of direct military involvement. 'Unfortunately, the genocide in Gaza and the conflict with Iran are quickly reaching the point of no return. This madness must end as soon as possible,' he said, according to AFP. Erdoğan cautioned that the consequences of the war could extend far beyond the Middle East, affecting Europe and Asia 'for many years'. He made the comments during an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) youth forum in Istanbul, ahead of a meeting of OIC foreign ministers scheduled for the weekend. In a separate phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Erdoğan warned the war could trigger a surge in migration and the risk of nuclear contamination. "The spiral of violence triggered by Israel's attacks could harm the region and Europe in terms of migration and the possibility of nuclear leakage," he said, adding that the conflict had "raised the threat to regional security to the highest level". 16:30 Qatar held crisis talks with energy firms this week after Israeli strikes hit Iran's South Pars gas field, which it shares with Qatar, a regional diplomat and an industry source told Reuters. The South Pars/North Dome field, jointly owned by the two countries, is the world's largest known natural gas reserve. Iranian media reported a 'massive explosion' and fire on Saturday following an Israeli drone strike on one of the South Pars facilities. Qatar urged companies to raise the alarm with US, UK and European governments over mounting risks to global gas supplies, the source said. 16:00 Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel, triggering air raid sirens across the north and south, according to Israel's Home Front Command. Al Jazeera initially reported that the salvo involved around 30 projectiles. Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. Channel 12 confirmed a direct hit in Haifa that caused significant damage and injured 21 people, some seriously. Army radio cited strikes at multiple sites, while Channel 7 later said around 20 missiles were involved. Iran's Nour News said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Channel 14's field broadcast centre in Haifa with Sejil-3 long-range missiles after a prior warning. The IRGC called the barrage 'Wave 17' of Operation True Promise 3, describing it as a coordinated strike involving 'long-range and very heavy missiles'. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said: 'The Zionist enemy is now receiving its punishment.' The attack marks one of the largest direct missile strikes by Iran since the war began on 13 June. The Israeli army later lifted nationwide shelter orders and confirmed impacts in Haifa, as well as central and southern regions. Earlier, Israeli forces said their air force was conducting renewed strikes on targets in western and central Iran. 15:15 Iran will not accept a demand for zero uranium enrichment, a senior Iranian official told Reuters, calling it unacceptable while Israeli strikes continue. However, the official said Tehran was open to negotiating limits on enrichment levels, provided its right to peaceful nuclear development is recognised. The remarks come ahead of talks in Geneva with the UK, France, and Germany, where efforts are underway to restore diplomatic engagement over Iran's nuclear programme. 14:45 Veteran investigative journalist Seymour Hersh warned that the United States is preparing for heavy bombing of Iran, possibly as early as this weekend, citing long-standing Israeli and American sources. Hersh said the Trump administration is fully backing Israel's campaign to dismantle Iran's nuclear programme, while hoping for the collapse of the government in Tehran. In a Substack post published Thursday, titled 'What I Have Been Told Is Coming in Iran – The Initial Battle Plan for a New War,' Hersh wrote: 'It will entail heavy American bombing,' based on information confirmed by a senior US official. The official reportedly said the situation would remain 'under control' if Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 'departs.' 'Just how that might happen, short of his assassination, is not known,' Hersh added. He criticised the lack of a coherent US strategy: 'There has been a great deal of talk about American firepower and targets inside Iran, but little practical thinking… about how to remove a revered religious leader with an enormous following.' Hersh also warned of wider consequences: 'The most important unanswered question… will be the response of the world, including that of Vladimir Putin, the Russian president who has been an ally of Iran's leaders.' On continued US support for Israel, Hersh wrote: 'The United States remains Israel's most important ally, although many here and around the world abhor Israel's continuing murderous war in Gaza.' 14:30 Brent crude fell over 2 percent, dragging energy stocks lower, as fears of imminent US strikes on Iran eased. European markets rebounded, while Asian indices closed mixed and the dollar slipped. The shift followed President Donald Trump's comments that he would delay a decision on joining Israeli attacks for up to two weeks. His remarks came ahead of talks in Geneva between Iranian and European diplomats. 'Brent crude has dropped... as traders price out the worst-case scenario for geopolitics,' said Kathleen Brooks of trading firm XTB. Earlier concerns that the conflict could disrupt oil supplies had driven prices higher and global equities lower. 'While the immediate prospect of a US intervention may have diminished, it remains a live issue for markets,' said Dan Coatsworth of investment platform AJ Bell. The main US oil benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), edged up on low post-holiday trading and a drop in US crude stockpiles. Markets are also watching Trump's trade war, as a 90-day pause on new tariffs nears its end. 'Until then... headlines could have an outsized impact,' said David Sekera of Morningstar. 14:00 Russia warned against any attempt to assassinate Iran's supreme leader, saying it would be 'unacceptable' and risk triggering uncontrollable escalation, Sky News reported. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia would react 'very negatively' if Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were killed, describing the situation as 'extremely tense and dangerous not only for the region but globally.' Speaking in Saint Petersburg, Peskov said regime change in Iran would 'open the Pandora's box' and warned that further escalation would only deepen the regional confrontation. He did not specify how Russia would respond, but said any such act would provoke a strong reaction 'from inside Iran.' 'It would lead to the birth of extremist moods inside Iran and those who are speaking about [killing Khamenei], they should keep it in mind. They will open the Pandora's box.' 13:30 European foreign ministers meeting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva are expected to relay that the US remains open to direct talks, Reuters reported, citing diplomats. Two diplomats said Araghchi would be urged to send a 'clear signal' by accepting tough restrictions on Iran's nuclear programme. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly signalled willingness to engage directly with Tehran, though Washington has not formally confirmed this. CNN quoted a US official saying President Donald Trump supports European-led diplomacy aimed at reviving talks. The UK, France and Germany and the EU's foreign policy chief met in Geneva ahead of their meeting with Araghchi. The Swiss city hosted the early stages of talks that led to the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. Trump withdrew the US from that agreement on 8 May 2018, reimposing sanctions and triggering the collapse of follow-up negotiations. An EU diplomat said: 'The Iranians can't sit down with the Americans whereas we can. We'll urge them to return to the table before the worst-case scenario.' Iran has repeatedly said it will not engage with the US while Israeli attacks continue. 'There is no room for negotiations with the US until Israeli aggression stops,' Araghchi said on state television. 13:15 Thousands of supporters of powerful Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr rallied in Baghdad and other cities against Israel's war with Iran, AFP correspondents said. "No to Israel! No to America!" chanted demonstrators gathered after Friday prayers in the Sadr City district of Baghdad, Moqtada Sadr's stronghold in the capital, holding umbrellas to shield themselves from Iraq's scorching summer sun. "It is an unjust war... Israel has no right" to hit Iran, said protester Abu Hussein. "Israel is not in it for the (Iranian) nuclear (program). What Israel and the Americans want is to dominate the Middle East," added the 54-year-old taxi driver. He said he hoped Iran would come out of the war victorious, and that Iraq should support its neighbour "with money, weapons and protests". In Iraq's southern city of Basra, around 2,000 people demonstrated after the prayers, according to an AFP correspondent. Cleric Qusai al-Assadi, 43, denounced Israel's use of Iraqi airspace to bomb Iran. "It is a violation of Iraq's sovereignty," he said, warning against "a third world war against Islam." Echoing the views of Sadr, Assadi said that Iraq should not be dragged into the conflict. Iraq has long attempted to balance ties between Iran and the US, and has only recently emerged from decades of instability following the 2003 US invasion. 13:00 Thousands of people joined a protest against Israel in the Iranian capital after weekly prayers, chanting slogans in support of their leaders, images on state television showed, AFP reported. "This is the Friday of the Iranian nation's solidarity and resistance across the country," the news anchor said. Footage showed protesters in Tehran holding up photographs of commanders killed since the start of the war with Israel, while others waved the flags of Iran and the Lebanese Shia group Hezbollah. "I will sacrifice my life for my leader," read a protester's banner, a reference to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to state television, protests took place in other cities around the country, including in Tabriz in northwestern Iran and Shiraz in the south. 12:45 French President Emmanuel Macron said European powers will present Iran with a 'comprehensive diplomatic and technical offer' to end the escalating conflict with Israel. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is expected to meet Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Geneva later Friday, alongside UK and German officials. Macron said the proposal includes four points: full IAEA access and zero uranium enrichment; limits on ballistic capabilities; restrictions on financing regional proxies; and the release of foreign detainees. He warned that a nuclear-armed Iran poses an 'existential risk' to Israel, but criticised Israeli strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure, saying 'nothing justifies this'. He added that military action alone cannot eliminate Iran's nuclear programme. "No one seriously thinks that this risk (posed by the Iranian atomic drive) can be responded to only through the operations that are currently underway," he said. "There are facilities that are extremely well protected we do not know exactly where the uranium enriched to 60 percent is." 12:00 Several major US airlines have suspended flights to the Middle East, AP reported. United Airlines said it has indefinitely paused flights between Newark, New Jersey, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. American Airlines announced it is suspending service between Philadelphia and Doha, Qatar, at least through Sunday, and will make 'additional adjustments as needed'. Both airlines said they are monitoring the situation and working to rebook affected passengers. Last week, Delta Air Lines suspended flights to Tel Aviv, where Ben Gurion Airport remains closed to regular scheduled passenger traffic. 11:30 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi ruled out any negotiations with the United States, calling it a 'partner to Israeli crime against Iran'. 'There is no room for negotiations with us until Israeli aggression stops,' Araqchi told Iranian state television, according to Reuters. 11:15 French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, according to the Guardian, held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of the planned Geneva meeting with his UK, German, and Iranian counterparts. A French diplomatic source said Rubio conveyed that the United States is 'ready for direct contact with the Iranians at any moment.' 11:00 Seven people were injured during Iran's missile attack on the southern Israeli city of Beersheba earlier this morning. According to a spokesperson for Soroka Medical Centre, quoted by The Jerusalem Post, the individuals sustained minor injuries while rushing to shelters during the barrage. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
🔴 LIVE UPDATES: Iran targets Israeli Channel 14 field broadcasting headquarters in Haifa: Revolutionary Guard
Ahram Online provides live coverage of the unfolding military confrontation between Israel and Iran as the two sides waged deadly strikes against one another for the eighth day in a row. Related Trump says will decide whether to attack Iran 'within two weeks' - as it happened Israel expands assassination policy with threat to target Khamenei Israeli army says struck inactive nuclear reactor in Iran's Arak The face-off between Israel and Iran has continued to intensify overnight and into this morning. Overnight, the Israeli military reported carrying out dozens of strikes on military targets across Iran, including a significant attack on the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND) headquarters in Tehran, which Israel claims is involved in Iran's nuclear weapons development project. Other targets included missile production sites in Tehran and the northern city of Rasht. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also confirmed that Israel's rockets had damaged Iran's Khondab Heavy Water Production Plant. In retaliation, Iran launched fresh barrages of missiles towards Israel. These missiles struck southern Israel, particularly the city of Beersheba for the second consecutive day, causing damage to residential buildings, including a six-story structure. Sirens were activated across southern Israel as missiles were detected, and while most were reportedly intercepted, some impacted areas. Casualty figures remain high, with an Iranian human rights group stating that Israeli strikes have now killed at least 657 people and wounded over 2,000 in Iran since the conflict began. Iran's retaliatory strikes have resulted in 24 deaths in Israel. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with the Iranian Foreign Minister expected to meet with top European diplomats in Geneva today, although Iran continues to reject direct negotiations with the US as long as Israeli attacks persist. Concerns are also rising regarding potential cyberattacks, with reports of Iranian hackers targeting Israeli home security cameras. 18:00 Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it targeted Israeli Channel 14's field broadcasting headquarters in Haifa on Friday with Sejil-3 long-range missiles, describing the strike as part of a wider operation involving 'long-range and very heavy missiles.' According to Nour News, which is affiliated with Iran's Supreme National Security Council, the strike formed part of 'Wave 17' of Operation True Promise 3. The news outlet said the attack followed a prior warning issued by the Guard. 17:00 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned that the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel is nearing 'the point of no return', as the United States weighs the possibility of direct military involvement. 'Unfortunately, the genocide in Gaza and the conflict with Iran are quickly reaching the point of no return. This madness must end as soon as possible,' he said, according to AFP. Erdoğan cautioned that the consequences of the war could extend far beyond the Middle East, affecting Europe and Asia 'for many years'. He made the comments during an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) youth forum in Istanbul, ahead of a meeting of OIC foreign ministers scheduled for the weekend. In a separate phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Erdoğan warned the war could trigger a surge in migration and the risk of nuclear contamination. "The spiral of violence triggered by Israel's attacks could harm the region and Europe in terms of migration and the possibility of nuclear leakage," he said, adding that the conflict had "raised the threat to regional security to the highest level". 16:30 Qatar held crisis talks with energy firms this week after Israeli strikes hit Iran's South Pars gas field, which it shares with Qatar, a regional diplomat and an industry source told Reuters. The South Pars/North Dome field, jointly owned by the two countries, is the world's largest known natural gas reserve. Iranian media reported a 'massive explosion' and fire on Saturday following an Israeli drone strike on one of the South Pars facilities. Qatar urged companies to raise the alarm with US, UK and European governments over mounting risks to global gas supplies, the source said. 16:00 Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel, triggering air raid sirens across the north and south, according to Israel's Home Front Command. Al Jazeera initially reported that the salvo involved around 30 projectiles. Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. Channel 12 confirmed a direct hit in Haifa that caused significant damage and injured 21 people, some seriously. Army radio cited strikes at multiple sites, while Channel 7 later said around 20 missiles were involved. Iran's Nour News said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted Channel 14's field broadcast centre in Haifa with Sejil-3 long-range missiles after a prior warning. The IRGC called the barrage 'Wave 17' of Operation True Promise 3, describing it as a coordinated strike involving 'long-range and very heavy missiles'. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said: 'The Zionist enemy is now receiving its punishment.' The attack marks one of the largest direct missile strikes by Iran since the war began on 13 June. The Israeli army later lifted nationwide shelter orders and confirmed impacts in Haifa, as well as central and southern regions. Earlier, Israeli forces said their air force was conducting renewed strikes on targets in western and central Iran. 15:15 Iran will not accept a demand for zero uranium enrichment, a senior Iranian official told Reuters, calling it unacceptable while Israeli strikes continue. However, the official said Tehran was open to negotiating limits on enrichment levels, provided its right to peaceful nuclear development is recognised. The remarks come ahead of talks in Geneva with the UK, France, and Germany, where efforts are underway to restore diplomatic engagement over Iran's nuclear programme. 14:45 Veteran investigative journalist Seymour Hersh warned that the United States is preparing for heavy bombing of Iran, possibly as early as this weekend, citing long-standing Israeli and American sources. Hersh said the Trump administration is fully backing Israel's campaign to dismantle Iran's nuclear programme, while hoping for the collapse of the government in Tehran. In a Substack post published Thursday, titled 'What I Have Been Told Is Coming in Iran – The Initial Battle Plan for a New War,' Hersh wrote: 'It will entail heavy American bombing,' based on information confirmed by a senior US official. The official reportedly said the situation would remain 'under control' if Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 'departs.' 'Just how that might happen, short of his assassination, is not known,' Hersh added. He criticised the lack of a coherent US strategy: 'There has been a great deal of talk about American firepower and targets inside Iran, but little practical thinking… about how to remove a revered religious leader with an enormous following.' Hersh also warned of wider consequences: 'The most important unanswered question… will be the response of the world, including that of Vladimir Putin, the Russian president who has been an ally of Iran's leaders.' On continued US support for Israel, Hersh wrote: 'The United States remains Israel's most important ally, although many here and around the world abhor Israel's continuing murderous war in Gaza.' 14:30 Brent crude fell over 2 percent, dragging energy stocks lower, as fears of imminent US strikes on Iran eased. European markets rebounded, while Asian indices closed mixed and the dollar slipped. The shift followed President Donald Trump's comments that he would delay a decision on joining Israeli attacks for up to two weeks. His remarks came ahead of talks in Geneva between Iranian and European diplomats. 'Brent crude has dropped... as traders price out the worst-case scenario for geopolitics,' said Kathleen Brooks of trading firm XTB. Earlier concerns that the conflict could disrupt oil supplies had driven prices higher and global equities lower. 'While the immediate prospect of a US intervention may have diminished, it remains a live issue for markets,' said Dan Coatsworth of investment platform AJ Bell. The main US oil benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), edged up on low post-holiday trading and a drop in US crude stockpiles. Markets are also watching Trump's trade war, as a 90-day pause on new tariffs nears its end. 'Until then... headlines could have an outsized impact,' said David Sekera of Morningstar. 14:00 Russia warned against any attempt to assassinate Iran's supreme leader, saying it would be 'unacceptable' and risk triggering uncontrollable escalation, Sky News reported. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia would react 'very negatively' if Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were killed, describing the situation as 'extremely tense and dangerous not only for the region but globally.' Speaking in Saint Petersburg, Peskov said regime change in Iran would 'open the Pandora's box' and warned that further escalation would only deepen the regional confrontation. He did not specify how Russia would respond, but said any such act would provoke a strong reaction 'from inside Iran.' 'It would lead to the birth of extremist moods inside Iran and those who are speaking about [killing Khamenei], they should keep it in mind. They will open the Pandora's box.' 13:30 European foreign ministers meeting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva are expected to relay that the US remains open to direct talks, Reuters reported, citing diplomats. Two diplomats said Araghchi would be urged to send a 'clear signal' by accepting tough restrictions on Iran's nuclear programme. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly signalled willingness to engage directly with Tehran, though Washington has not formally confirmed this. CNN quoted a US official saying President Donald Trump supports European-led diplomacy aimed at reviving talks. The UK, France and Germany and the EU's foreign policy chief met in Geneva ahead of their meeting with Araghchi. The Swiss city hosted the early stages of talks that led to the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. Trump withdrew the US from that agreement on 8 May 2018, reimposing sanctions and triggering the collapse of follow-up negotiations. An EU diplomat said: 'The Iranians can't sit down with the Americans whereas we can. We'll urge them to return to the table before the worst-case scenario.' Iran has repeatedly said it will not engage with the US while Israeli attacks continue. 'There is no room for negotiations with the US until Israeli aggression stops,' Araghchi said on state television. 13:15 Thousands of supporters of powerful Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr rallied in Baghdad and other cities against Israel's war with Iran, AFP correspondents said. "No to Israel! No to America!" chanted demonstrators gathered after Friday prayers in the Sadr City district of Baghdad, Moqtada Sadr's stronghold in the capital, holding umbrellas to shield themselves from Iraq's scorching summer sun. "It is an unjust war... Israel has no right" to hit Iran, said protester Abu Hussein. "Israel is not in it for the (Iranian) nuclear (program). What Israel and the Americans want is to dominate the Middle East," added the 54-year-old taxi driver. He said he hoped Iran would come out of the war victorious, and that Iraq should support its neighbour "with money, weapons and protests". In Iraq's southern city of Basra, around 2,000 people demonstrated after the prayers, according to an AFP correspondent. Cleric Qusai al-Assadi, 43, denounced Israel's use of Iraqi airspace to bomb Iran. "It is a violation of Iraq's sovereignty," he said, warning against "a third world war against Islam." Echoing the views of Sadr, Assadi said that Iraq should not be dragged into the conflict. Iraq has long attempted to balance ties between Iran and the US, and has only recently emerged from decades of instability following the 2003 US invasion. 13:00 Thousands of people joined a protest against Israel in the Iranian capital after weekly prayers, chanting slogans in support of their leaders, images on state television showed, AFP reported. "This is the Friday of the Iranian nation's solidarity and resistance across the country," the news anchor said. Footage showed protesters in Tehran holding up photographs of commanders killed since the start of the war with Israel, while others waved the flags of Iran and the Lebanese Shia group Hezbollah. "I will sacrifice my life for my leader," read a protester's banner, a reference to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to state television, protests took place in other cities around the country, including in Tabriz in northwestern Iran and Shiraz in the south. 12:45 French President Emmanuel Macron said European powers will present Iran with a 'comprehensive diplomatic and technical offer' to end the escalating conflict with Israel. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is expected to meet Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Geneva later Friday, alongside UK and German officials. Macron said the proposal includes four points: full IAEA access and zero uranium enrichment; limits on ballistic capabilities; restrictions on financing regional proxies; and the release of foreign detainees. He warned that a nuclear-armed Iran poses an 'existential risk' to Israel, but criticised Israeli strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure, saying 'nothing justifies this'. He added that military action alone cannot eliminate Iran's nuclear programme. "No one seriously thinks that this risk (posed by the Iranian atomic drive) can be responded to only through the operations that are currently underway," he said. "There are facilities that are extremely well protected we do not know exactly where the uranium enriched to 60 percent is." 12:00 Several major US airlines have suspended flights to the Middle East, AP reported. United Airlines said it has indefinitely paused flights between Newark, New Jersey, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. American Airlines announced it is suspending service between Philadelphia and Doha, Qatar, at least through Sunday, and will make 'additional adjustments as needed'. Both airlines said they are monitoring the situation and working to rebook affected passengers. Last week, Delta Air Lines suspended flights to Tel Aviv, where Ben Gurion Airport remains closed to regular scheduled passenger traffic. 11:30 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi ruled out any negotiations with the United States, calling it a 'partner to Israeli crime against Iran'. 'There is no room for negotiations with us until Israeli aggression stops,' Araqchi told Iranian state television, according to Reuters. 11:15 French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, according to the Guardian, held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of the planned Geneva meeting with his UK, German, and Iranian counterparts. A French diplomatic source said Rubio conveyed that the United States is 'ready for direct contact with the Iranians at any moment.' 11:00 Seven people were injured during Iran's missile attack on the southern Israeli city of Beersheba earlier this morning. According to a spokesperson for Soroka Medical Centre, quoted by The Jerusalem Post, the individuals sustained minor injuries while rushing to shelters during the barrage. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
