Iran launched a large-scale attack with over 300 drones and missiles at Israel, resulting in some damage and injuries. The attack was in response to an airstrike that hit Iran's consulate in Damascus. Tensions remain high in the Middle East as Israel contemplates its response to the escalation, with approved operational plans for both offensive and defensive actions.
Iran conducted the largest drone attack in history and its biggest missile strike targeting Israel, in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. This marked the first direct Iranian attack on Israel in almost 50 years, aiming to strengthen Iran's deterrence and fulfill vows of punishing aggressors. The operation, named True Promise, was carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to demonstrate Tehran's resolve. The attack raises fears of a larger regional conflict and could impact Israel's war on Gaza.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have heightened following an airstrike on Iran's diplomatic compound in Damascus by Israel. Iran has vowed retaliation, prompting an exchange of threats between the two nations. The United States, Israel's ally, has also warned Iran of potential consequences.
Israel is on high alert following an airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syria that killed several senior Iranian military officers. Iran blames Israel for the attack and has vowed to retaliate. Tensions are rising in the region, with many countries warning their citizens against visiting due to fears of an imminent Iranian attack and potential escalation of the war in Gaza. Iranian leaders have strongly criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza, with Tehran openly supporting attacks on Israelis. Human Rights Watch has verified videos showing Hamas violence, prompting calls for an investigation into war crimes.
Israel and Iran accused one another at the United Nations of being the main threat to peace in the Middle East, with Israel calling on the Security Council to impose sanctions on Iran after Tehran's unprecedented attack on Israel. Iran launched a direct attack on Israel for the first time, firing over 300 missiles and drones in response to an air strike on Tehran's consulate building in Syria. Israel's UN Ambassador requested the designation of Iran's Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization and the reimposition of sanctions against Tehran.
Iran's Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, described Israel's promise of a significant response to Iran's weekend attack as a threat and not an action. Following an emergency UN Security Council meeting in New York, Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles into Israel in retaliation to a strike on an Iranian consular building in Syria. Israel's war cabinet discussed possible retaliation, with Iran warning of further decisive actions if provoked. The conflict has raised fears of wider escalation in the Middle East region.
A 7-year-old girl named Amina al-Hassouni from Al-Fur'ah in southern Israel is in critical condition after being hit by shrapnel in an Iranian missile strike that escalated tensions in the Middle East. Iran launched 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles, with 99% intercepted by Israel. The attack, in response to an earlier strike in Syria, marks Iran's first direct military assault on Israel, sparking global concern. Western leaders including the US President condemned the attack, and the UK's RAF shot down Iranian drones. G7 leaders are coordinating a diplomatic response to prevent further escalation.
The US has moved 'additional assets' to the Middle East amid growing threats of an attack on Israel from Iran following the killing of a senior officer in Iran's embassy in Syria. Joe Biden has warned Iran against an attack, with fears of retaliation escalating. Countries like France, Russia, and India have updated travel advice due to the threat. Israel braces for a potential Iranian response, with concerns over direct attacks. Iran's supreme leader has vowed punishment for Israel, escalating tensions in the region.
President Biden's policies of appeasing Iran and withholding consequences for its actions have emboldened Tehran to launch a massive attack on Israel, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and suicide drones. The US pressure on Israel to show restraint against Iran's proxies and the lack of severe consequences for Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis have normalized their attacks. Meanwhile, the US continues to provide sanctions relief to Iran, allowing its oil to flow freely to destinations like China.
Israel cancels school trips and youth activities, places armed forces on full alert due to potential Iranian attack. President Biden cuts short weekend trip to discuss Middle East events after predicting Iranian attack against Israel. Tensions escalated after Iran vowed retaliation for Israel's attack in Damascus. Biden meets with national security team in response to ongoing airborne attack from Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces Israel's return to cease-fire negotiations with Hamas after previous failed attempts. The United States, Qatar, and Egypt have been involved in mediation efforts, but no agreement has been reached. Netanyahu rejects Hamas' demands for a hostage release and vows to continue military operations until the militant group is destroyed. The conflict in Gaza escalates with Israeli airstrikes and casualties, leading to concerns about humanitarian crises and international calls for aid access. Tensions in the West Bank rise, and discussions about potential military operations in Gaza intensify between Israel and the United States.
Israel's Foreign Minister has warned that Israel would strike Iran directly if the Islamic Republic launched an attack from its territory. Tensions have risen following the killings of Iranian generals in a blast at the Iranian consulate in Syria, with Iran blaming Israel for the attack and vowing retaliation. Iran supports anti-Israeli militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, and its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has accused the West, especially the U.S. and Britain, of supporting Israel. Iran's Foreign Minister accused the U.S. of giving Israel the "green light" for the consulate strike.
President Biden, surrounded by a small group of advisers, watched over 100 Iranian ballistic missiles heading towards Israel in real time, a moment of intense tension as the attack unfolded. The scope of the attack, including the use of ballistic missiles, surprised US officials. Despite anticipating an Iranian strike and preparing to defend Israel to the maximum extent, the potential for uncontrolled escalation was dangerously high. The Israeli ambassador was quickly brought to the White House during the attack, highlighting the close relationship between America and Israel despite disagreements over Gaza.
Iran's government celebrated a missile and drone attack on Israel, with supporters chanting 'Death to Israel' while lawmakers cheered in parliament. Ordinary Iranians experienced terror and panic, with many fleeing Tehran amid fears of retaliation. Streets in Tehran were filled with celebratory scenes, while residents queued at petrol stations and packed up belongings to escape potential targets. A resident expressed fear, calling the government's actions a gamble that could backfire, leaving the public to suffer the consequences.
This video can not be played This video has been removed for rights reasons. This video has been removed for rights reasons. Video, 00:00:10 This video has been removed for rights reasons Up Next. BBC Verify examines video from Iran's attack on Israel. Video, 00:00:58 BBC Verify examines video from Iran's attack on Israel 'A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment' Video, 00:00:58 'A very long night for Israel and a dangerous moment' The view from Israel as Iran launches dozens of missiles.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed dissatisfaction to his Israeli counterpart over Israel's lack of prior notification before carrying out a strike on an Iranian site in Syria, heightening risks for American forces in the Middle East. The ongoing Israel-Gaza war, escalating tensions in the region, and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip are major concerns. The US continues to support Israel despite tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and some US politicians. The historical roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict fuel deep mistrust and complexity in the region.
Iran's recent drone and missile attacks on Israel have spurred a congressional effort to secure more aid for US allies. The House faces divisions on what type of aid package to consider, with a $95 billion national security package including aid to Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel awaiting approval. Speaker Mike Johnson aims to pass some form of aid package for Israel, but uncertainties lie in garnering support within the GOP conference and addressing border security and Ukraine funding conditions.
The House of Representatives, led by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, is changing its legislative agenda to address the crisis in the Middle East. This shift includes considering legislation to support Israel in response to Iran's recent drone attack on Israel from Iranian soil. There are discussions on potential aid packages for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. Bipartisan calls for aid to Israel have emerged, urging swift action from the House.
An armed conflict between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups has been taking place chiefly in and around the Gaza Strip since 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel from the Gaza Strip. After clearing Hamas militants from its territory, the Israeli military embarked on an extensive aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip followed by a large-scale ground invasion beginning on 27 October. Clashes have also occurred in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and with Hezbollah along the Israel–Lebanon border. The hostilities constitute the fifth war of the Gaza–Israel conflict since 2008 and are part of the broader Israeli–Palestinian conflict. They are considered to be the most significant military escalation in the region since the Yom Kippur War 50 years earlier.The Hamas offensive involved 3,000 militants breaching the Gaza–Israel barrier and attacking Israeli communities and military bases. During this attack, 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals were killed, while 253 Israelis and foreigners were taken captive to the Gaza Strip. The attack was proclaimed as a response to the continued Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, the prospect of Arab–Israeli normalization, and the plight of Palestinian refugees and prisoners. In response, Israel declared a state of war, tightened its existing blockade of Gaza and launched one of the most severe bombing campaigns in history, before commencing the ground invasion on 27 October. Israeli forces laid siege to Gaza City on 2 November and moved south to attack Khan Yunis a month later on 3 December; both sieges remain ongoing. Israel's next objective is the capture of Rafah. An estimated 6,000-12,000 militants have been killed during the conflict, and Israel has lost over 200 soldiers during its invasion. A United Nations resolution calling for a humanitarian pause passed on 15 November; the seven-day truce took effect at the end of that month.A humanitarian crisis has developed in the Gaza Strip, with healthcare in a state of collapse, shortages of food, clean water, medicine and fuel due to the blockade, electricity and communications blackouts, and potential famine conditions. More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza during the conflict, including over 12,300 children and 8,400 women. Nearly all of Gaza's 2.3 million population have been internally displaced. The widespread civilian deaths have led to accusations of war crimes against both Israel and Hamas. In February 2024 576,000 people were "facing catastrophic levels of deprivation and starvation", stated The United Nations. More than 100 Palestinians were killed by Israeli troops that opened fire when huge crowds raced to pull goods off an aid convoy.The war has had significant international repercussions. Popular protests that primarily call for a ceasefire have occurred across the world. Israel's actions have been denounced by the Islamic world and much of the Global South; South Africa launched an International Court of Justice case alleging that Israel committed genocide. Israel has however received significant support from its traditional Western allies, especially the United States, which vetoed multiple UN Security Council resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire. In response, Iran-backed militias have attacked American military bases in the Middle East, while the Yemeni Houthi movement attacked commercial ships they alleged were linked to Israel, incurring a military response from a number of countries.
The Iran–Israel proxy conflict, also known as the Iran–Israel proxy war or Iran–Israel Cold War, is an ongoing proxy conflict between Iran and Israel. In the Israeli–Lebanese conflict, Iran has supported Lebanese Shia militias, most notably Hezbollah. In the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iran has backed Palestinian groups such as Hamas. Israel has supported Iranian rebels, such as the People's Mujahedin of Iran, conducted airstrikes against Iranian allies in Syria and assassinated Iranian nuclear scientists. In 2018 Israeli forces directly attacked Iranian forces in Syria.Motivated by the periphery doctrine, Imperial Iran and Israel had close relations, seeing Arab powers as a common threat. After the 1979 Islamic revolution, Iran cut off relations, but covert ties continued during the subsequent Iran–Iraq War. Iran trained and armed Hezbollah during Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon, and continued to back Shia militias throughout the Israeli occupation of Southern Lebanon. Even before 1979, Iranian Islamists had materially supported the Palestinians; after 1979 Iran attempted relations with the Palestine Liberation Organization, and later with Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas. Israel fought a war with Hezbollah in 2006. Israel has fought several wars with Palestinians in and around the Gaza Strip: in 2008-2009, 2012, 2014, 2021 and 2023-2024. The 1982 Lebanon War and Israel–Hamas war have been the deadliest wars of the Arab–Israeli conflict.Various reasons have been given for the Iran-Israel conflict. Iran and Israel had previously enjoyed warm ties due to common threats, but by 1990s the USSR had dissolved and Iraq had been weakened. Iranian Islamists have long championed the Palestinian people, whom they perceive as "oppressed". Scholars believe that by supporting the Palestinians, Iran seeks greater acceptance among Sunnis and Arabs, both of whom dominate the Middle East. Ideologically, Iran seeks to replace Israel with a one-state solution (though Iran has at times also supported the two-state solution) and has predicted Israel's demise. Israel sees Iran as an existential threat, and accuses its regime of harboring genocidal intentions. Consequently, Israel has sought sanctions and military action against Iran to stop it from acquiring nuclear weapons.
A new diplomatic crisis has erupted between Poland and Israel after the death of a Polish aid worker in Gaza, where Israel claimed the killing was a mistake following a misidentification. The Polish President denounced the Israeli ambassador's comments as outrageous, with demands for an apology and compensation for the victim's family. Tensions have heightened with Poland summoning the Israeli ambassador for a meeting, impacting relations that have been on the mend after disputes over Holocaust education and restitution claims.
Israeli troops have pulled out of al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City after a raid two weeks ago, where the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) suspected Hamas was using it as a base. Witnesses reported heavy fighting and tanks surrounding the facility during the raid. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed 21 patient deaths in the hospital, expressing concern over the deteriorating conditions and lack of supplies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the soldiers' efforts, describing the hospital as a "terrorist lair." Tensions rise between the U.S. and Israel over Netanyahu's plans, while the region faces escalating conflicts.
The United States is warning Iran that if it or its proxies attack the United States or Israel, it will be held responsible. The warning came during a UN Security Council meeting Sunday in which the US condemned what it called Irans unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel..
WASHINGTON -- US President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a call on Saturday that the United States will oppose any Israeli counterattack against Iran, US news portal Axios reported, citing a senior White House official. "You got a win. Take the win," Biden told Netanyahu, thanking Israel, the United States, and other countries for their joint efforts, which failed Iran's attacks, according to the official. The official was quoted as saying that when Biden told Netanyahu that the United States would not participate in any offensive operations against Iran and would not support such operations, Netanyahu said he understood. Also on Saturday night, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke for the second time with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, during which the Pentagon chief reiterated Washington's "ironclad" support for Israel's defense, Pentagon press secretary Pat Ryder said in a statement.
Hamas presented a counter-proposal for a hostage deal in indirect negotiations in the Gaza war, demanding the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops, and a ceasefire. The proposal includes phases for ceasefire, troop withdrawal, hostage-prisoner exchange, and reconstruction. In response, Israel rejected Hamas' demands for complete troop withdrawal. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US are involved in ceasefire negotiations. The conflict has resulted in over 33,000 deaths in Gaza and about 1,200 in Israel.
John Kirby, White House national security communications adviser, attributed Iran's recent attacks on Israel to the policies of former President Trump, while the Biden administration has urged Israel against retaliatory strikes. Israel successfully defended itself from over 300 drones and missiles from Iran, with assistance from the US and other allies. Biden's team has permitted waivers on sanctions, including a recent approval for Iraq to purchase energy from Iran, potentially granting the terrorist regime access to $10 billion. Kirby defended Biden's approach, countering claims of being soft on Iran by pointing out Trump's withdrawal from the Iran deal and Iran's progress towards nuclear capabilities during his presidency.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF; Hebrew: צְבָא הַהֲגָנָה לְיִשְׂרָאֵל , lit. 'The Army for the Defense of Israel'), alternatively referred to by the Hebrew-language acronym Tzahal (צה״ל), is the national military of the State of Israel. It consists of three service branches: the Israeli Ground Forces, the Israeli Air Force, and the Israeli Navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security apparatus. The IDF is headed by the Chief of the General Staff, who is subordinate to the Israeli Defense Minister.On the orders of David Ben-Gurion, the IDF was formed on 26 May 1948 and began to operate as a conscript military, drawing its initial recruits from the already-existing paramilitaries of the Yishuv—namely Haganah, the Irgun, and Lehi. It was formed shortly after the Israeli Declaration of Independence, and has participated in every armed conflict involving Israel. In the wake of the 1979 Egypt–Israel peace treaty and the 1994 Israel–Jordan peace treaty, the IDF underwent a significant strategic realignment. Previously spread across various fronts—Lebanon and Syria in the north, Jordan and Iraq in the east, and Egypt in the south—the IDF redirected its focus towards southern Lebanon and its occupation of the Palestinian territories, the Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. In 2000, the IDF withdrew from Southern Lebanon and in 2005 from Gaza. Conflict between Israel and Islamist groups based in Gaza, notably Hamas, has continued since then. Moreover, notable Israeli–Syrian border incidents have occurred frequently since 2011, due to regional instability caused by the Syrian civil war.Since 1967, the IDF maintains a close security relationship with the United States, including in research and development cooperation, with joint efforts on the F-15I, the Tactical High-Energy Laser, and the Arrow defense systen, among others. The IDF is believed to have maintained an operational nuclear weapons capability since 1967, possibly possessing between 80 and 400 nuclear warheads.
Prior to Iran's attack on Israel, a poll revealed that 34% of Americans think President Biden is not tough enough on Israel, with Democrats more likely to want him to toughen up. Additionally, 47% of the public support a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, and 29% of respondents sympathize with Israel while 14% sympathize with the Palestinians. Furthermore, there is increasing pressure for Biden to encourage Israel to stop military actions in Gaza, and most Americans prefer the U.S. to support Israel in case of an Iranian attack.
U S Cardinal Timothy Dolan visited Israel to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) and had to seek shelter during an Iranian missile attack on Israel while in Bethlehem. Despite the tense situation, Cardinal Dolan expressed gratitude for safety and security, led mass, met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and plans to engage with various religious and human rights groups during his visit in Israel and the Palestinian-controlled territories.
Qantas has redirected its long-haul flights between Perth and London to avoid Iranian airspace due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Flights from Perth to London will now include a stopover in Singapore while the return service from London to Perth will remain non-stop with a readjusted path. Qantas joins other airlines like Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines in avoiding Iranian airspace. Australia has updated travel advice for citizens going to Israel, warning of increased threats of military and terrorist attacks. The US and other countries have urged Iran to refrain from retaliating against Israel.
Former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe joins Sunday Morning Futures to provide analysis of Irans unprecedented attack on Israel. Republicans have taken aim at President Biden in the wake of Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel, claiming the presidents "dont deterrence" has only emboldened Iran. "So much for President Biden telling bad guys Dont actually being an effective deterrent. Every time he says Dont,' they do," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.
Royal Marines are preparing for a potential evacuation mission to rescue UK nationals in the Middle East following a drone and missile attack by Iran on Israel. The operation, codenamed Operation Meteoric, involves reconnaissance along the Lebanese coast and may include the use of Royal Navy and Royal Air Force support. The UK, a close ally of Israel, is on standby to assist stranded Britons as tensions rise in the region.
The Arab–Israeli conflict is the phenomenon involving political tension, military conflicts, and other disputes between various Arab countries and Israel, which escalated during the 20th century. The roots of the Arab–Israeli conflict have been attributed to the support by Arab League member countries for the Palestinians, a fellow League member, in the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict; this in turn has been attributed to the simultaneous rise of Zionism and Arab nationalism towards the end of the 19th century, though the two national movements had not clashed until the 1920s.Part of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict arose from the conflicting claims by these movements to the land that formed the British Mandatory Palestine, which was regarded by the Jewish people as their ancestral homeland, while at the same time it was regarded by the Pan-Arab movement as historically and currently belonging to the Arab Palestinians, and in the Pan-Islamic context, as Muslim lands. The sectarian conflict within the British Mandate territory between Palestinian Jews and Arabs escalated into a full-scale Palestinian civil war in 1947. Taking the side of the Palestinian Arabs, especially following the Israeli Declaration of Independence, the neighbouring Arab countries invaded the by-then former Mandate territory in May 1948, commencing the First Arab–Israeli War. Large-scale hostilities mostly ended with ceasefire agreements after the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Peace agreements were signed between Israel and Egypt in 1979, resulting in Israeli withdrawal from the Sinai Peninsula and the abolition of the military governance system in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, in favor of Israeli Civil Administration and consequent unilateral annexation of the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem.The nature of the conflict has shifted over the years from the large-scale, regional Arab–Israeli conflict to a more local Israeli–Palestinian conflict, which peaked during the 1982 Lebanon War when Israel intervened in the Lebanese Civil War to oust the Palestinian Liberation Organization from Lebanon. With the decline of the 1987–1993 First Intifada, the interim Oslo Accords led to the creation of the Palestinian National Authority in 1994, within the context of the Israeli–Palestinian peace process. The same year, Israel and Jordan reached a peace accord. In 2002, the Arab League offered recognition of Israel by Arab countries as part of the resolution of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict in the Arab Peace Initiative. The initiative, which has been reconfirmed since, calls for normalizing relations between the Arab League and Israel, in exchange for a full withdrawal by Israel from the occupied territories (including East Jerusalem) and a "just settlement" of the Palestinian refugee problem based on UN Resolution 194. In the 1990s and early 2000s, a ceasefire had been largely maintained between Israel and Syria, while limited warfare continued in Lebanon against Iranian proxy militias. Despite the peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan, the interim peace accords with the Palestinian Authority and the generally existing ceasefire, until the mid-2010s the Arab League and Israel had remained at odds with each other over many issues. Among Arab belligerents in the conflict, Iraq and Syria are the only states who have reached no formal peace accord or treaty with Israel, with both supporting Iran.The Syrian civil war reshuffled the situation near Israel's northern border, putting the Syrian Arab Republic, Hezbollah and the Syrian opposition at odds with each other and complicating their relations with Israel, upon the emerging warfare with Iran. The conflict between Israel and Hamas-ruled Gaza, is also attributed to the Iran–Israel proxy conflict. By 2017, Israel and several Arab Sunni states led by Saudi Arabia formed a semi-official coalition to confront Iran. This move and the Israeli normalization with Gulf states was marked by some as the fading of the Arab–Israeli conflict.
Iran and the United States have had no formal diplomatic relations since 7 April 1980. Instead, Pakistan serves as Iran's protecting power in the United States, while Switzerland serves as the United States' protecting power in Iran. Contacts are carried out through the Iranian Interests Section of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the US Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran. In August 2018, Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei banned direct talks with the United States.Relations between the two nations began in the mid-to-late 19th century, when Iran was known to the west as Persia. Persia was very wary of British and Russian colonial interests during the Great Game. By contrast, the United States was seen as a more trustworthy foreign power, and the Americans Arthur Millspaugh and Morgan Shuster were even appointed treasurers-general by the Shahs of the time. During World War II, Persia was invaded by the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union, both US allies, but relations continued to be positive after the war until the later years of the government of Mohammad Mosaddegh, who was overthrown by a coup organized by the Central Intelligence Agency and aided by MI6. This was followed by an era of close alliance between Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's regime and the US government, Persia being one of the US's closest allies, which was in turn followed by a dramatic reversal and disagreement between the two countries after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.Iranian explanations for the animosity with the United States include “the natural and unavoidable conflict between the Islamic system” and “such an oppressive power as the United States, which is trying to establish a global dictatorship and further its own interests by dominating other nations and trampling on their rights”, as well as the United States support for Israel (“the Zionist entity”). In the West, however, different explanations have been considered, including the Iranian government's need for an external bogeyman to furnish a pretext for domestic repression against pro-democratic forces and to bind the government to its loyal constituency. The United States attributes the worsening of relations to the 1979–81 Iran hostage crisis, Iran's repeated human rights abuses since the Islamic Revolution, different restriction by using spy methods on democratic revolution by US, its anti-Western ideology and its nuclear program.Since 1995, the United States has had an embargo on trade with Iran. In 2015, the United States led successful negotiations for a nuclear deal (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) intended to place substantial limits on Iran's nuclear program, including IAEA inspections and limitations on enrichment levels. In 2016, most sanctions on Iran were lifted. The Trump administration unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear deal and re-imposed sanctions in 2018, initiating what became known as the "maximum pressure campaign" against Iran. In response, Iran gradually reduced its commitments under the nuclear deal and eventually exceeded pre-JCPOA enrichment levels.According to a 2013 BBC World Service poll, 5% of Americans view Iranian influence positively, with 87% expressing a negative view, the most unfavorable perception of Iran in the world. On the other hand, research has shown that most Iranians hold a positive attitude about the American people, though not the US government. According to a 2019 survey by IranPoll, 13% of Iranians have a favorable view of the United States, with 86% expressing an unfavorable view, the most unfavorable perception of the United States in the world. According to a 2018 Pew poll, 39% of Americans say that limiting the power and influence of Iran should be a top foreign policy priority. Relations tend to improve when the two countries have overlapping goals, such as repelling Sunni militants during the Iraq War and the intervention against ISIS.
This is a list of modern conflicts in the Middle East ensuing in the geographic and political region known as the Middle East. The "Middle East" is traditionally defined as the Fertile Crescent (Mesopotamia), Levant, and Egypt and neighboring areas of Arabia, Anatolia and Iran. It currently encompasses the area from Egypt, Turkey and Cyprus in the west to Iran and the Persian Gulf in the east, and from Turkey and Iran in the north, to Yemen and Oman in the south.Conflicts are separate incidents with at least 100 casualties, and are listed by total deaths, including sub-conflicts.The term "modern" refers to the First World War and later period, in other words, since 1914.
Cryptocurrency prices fell Saturday evening after Iran launched a wave of drones at Israel, marking an early indication of the turmoil that could hit markets as investors start to price in the threat of a broader Middle East war. Bitcoin was down 5% from its price on Friday, while ether sank more than 7%, and XRP tumbled 13.5%, according to CoinMarketCap . That's a sign risk assets will be under pressure. A fuller picture of Wall Street's reaction to Iran's first-ever, full-scale military assault on Israel will come on Sunday evening, when futures trading opens in the U.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the countrys main military university, emphasizing the need to be more prepared for war than ever amid uncertain military and political situations. Tensions between North and South Korea have escalated since President Yoon Suk-yeol took office in 2022, with Kim declaring the South as its principal enemy. Kim threatened to deal a death blow to the enemy without hesitation and has been increasing weapons development, forging ties with Russia, and aiding in the country's conflict with Ukraine.
The Greater Middle East is a political term introduced in March 2004 in a paper published by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace as part of the U.S. administration's preparatory work for the Group of Eight summit of June 2004. The area denotes a vaguely defined region called the "Arab world" together with Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey with the speculation of including other Muslim-majority countries such as Indonesia, Bangladesh and the Central Asian countries of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. The paper presented a proposal for sweeping change in the way the West deals with the Middle East and North Africa.Adam Garfinkle of the Foreign Policy Research Institute defined the Greater Middle East as the MENA region together with the Caucasus and Central Asia.The future of the Greater Middle East has sometimes been referred to as the "new Middle East", first so by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who presented the second-term Bush administration's vision for the region's future in June 2006 in Dubai. Rice said would be achieved through "constructive chaos", a phrase she repeated a few weeks later during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert when the 2006 Lebanon War had broken out; the meaning of this phrase and the Bush administration's vision have been much debated since. The efforts to achieve this new Middle East are sometimes called "The Great Middle East Project".Former U.S. National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski stated that a "political awakening" is taking place in this region which may be an indicator of the multipolar world that is now developing. He alluded to the Greater Middle East as the "Global Balkans", and as a control lever on an area he refers to as Eurasia. According to Andrew Bacevich's book America's War for the Greater Middle East (2016), this region is the theater for a series of conflicts dating back to 1980, which heralded the start of the Iran–Iraq War.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson intends to push for a bill providing wartime aid to Israel following Iran's recent attack, without specifying if aid for Ukraine will be included. Political tensions have stalled US assistance to both nations, with Johnson blocking an earlier $95 billion aid package for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan sought by President Joe Biden. Johnson faces pressure from fellow Republicans divided on supporting Ukraine, as some are hesitant to allocate billions towards Kyiv's conflict with Russia. The White House and bipartisan Senate leaders urge Johnson to approve the aid package.
Iran has several research sites, two uranium mines, a research reactor, and uranium processing facilities that include three known uranium enrichment plants.Commencing in the 1950s with support from the United States (under the Atoms for Peace program), Iran's nuclear program was initially geared toward peaceful scientific exploration. In 1970, Iran ratified the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), subjecting its nuclear activities to IAEA inspections. After the 1979 Iranian Revolution, cooperation ceased and Iran pursued its nuclear program clandestinely.An investigation by the IAEA was launched as declarations by the National Council of Resistance of Iran in 2002 revealed undeclared Iranian nuclear activities. In 2006, Iran's noncompliance with its NPT obligations moved the United Nations Security Council to demand Iran suspend its programs.In 2007, the United States National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) stated Iran halted an alleged active nuclear weapons program in 2003. In November 2011, the IAEA reported credible evidence that Iran had been conducting experiments aimed at designing a nuclear bomb, and that research may have continued on a smaller scale after that time. On 1 May 2018 the IAEA reiterated its 2015 report, saying it had found no credible evidence of nuclear weapons activity after 2009.Operational since September 2011, the Bushehr I reactor marked Iran's entry into nuclear power with Russia's assistance. This became an important milestone for Rosatom to become the largest player in the world nuclear power market. Anticipated to reach full capacity by the end of 2012, Iran had also begun constructing a new 300 MW Darkhovin Nuclear Power Plant and expressed plans for additional medium-sized nuclear power plants and uranium mines in the future.Despite the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) aimed at addressing Iran's nuclear concerns, the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 prompted renewed sanctions, impacting diplomatic relations. The IAEA certified Iran's compliance up until 2019, but subsequent breaches strained the agreement. In a 2020 IAEA report, Iran was said to have breached the JCPOA and faced criticism from signatories.In 2021, Iran faced scrutiny regarding its assertion that the nuclear program was exclusively for peaceful purposes, especially with references to growth in satellites, missiles, and nuclear weapons.In April 2022, Atomic Energy Organization of Iran head Mohammad Eslami announced a strategic plan for 10 GWe of nuclear electricity generation.In October 2023, an IAEA report estimated Iran has increased its uranium stockpile twenty-two times over the 2015 agreed JCPOA limit.
North Korea successfully tested a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile named Hwasong-16B powered by solid propellants, as part of its nuclear and missile program aimed at countering the United States, South Korea, and Japan. The missile reached a peak altitude of 101 kilometers (62 miles) and flew about 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) in the recent test. The development of hypersonic weapons with solid propellants enhances North Korea's ability to launch quickly and stay fueled for longer periods. Tensions in the region have escalated since 2022, prompting the United States and South Korea to reinforce deterrence strategies.
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