Iran-Israel conflict
France, UK, Germany to restore UN sanctions on Iran by August
The United Kingdom, France, and Germany have agreed to reimpose tough United Nations sanctions on Iran by the end of August if no tangible progress is made on reviving a nuclear deal, according to two European diplomats.
Ambassadors from the three countries met at Germany’s U.N. Mission on Tuesday to discuss the matter. The issue was also raised in a phone call Monday between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the foreign ministers of the three European nations, U.S. officials said.
Following the call, the State Department said the parties discussed “ensuring Iran does not develop or obtain a nuclear weapon.”
The U.K., France, and Germany are parties to the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran. The deal, from which U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew during his first term, offered sanctions relief in return for restrictions and monitoring of Iran’s nuclear program. The deal includes a “snapback” provision allowing the reimposition of U.N. sanctions if Iran fails to comply.
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French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told reporters in Brussels that the three nations would be justified in reapplying sanctions. “Without a firm, tangible, and verifiable commitment from Iran, we will do so by the end of August at the latest,” he said, according to Reuters.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would resume nuclear talks if there were guarantees against future attacks on its nuclear sites, citing Israeli and U.S. strikes. President Masoud Pezeshkian said recent U.S. airstrikes severely damaged facilities, leading Iran to suspend cooperation with the IAEA.
Iran’s U.N. Mission declined to comment.
4 months ago
Iran demands no more attacks before nuclear talks
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Saturday that Tehran is open to resuming nuclear talks with the United States — but only if firm assurances are given that no further attacks will be carried out against the country.
Speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran, Araghchi stated, “Iran has always been ready and will be ready in the future for talks about its nuclear program,” but emphasized that “assurance should be provided that in case of a resumption of talks; the trend will not lead to war.”
The comments come amid heightened tensions following a 12-day Israeli bombardment of Iran’s nuclear and military sites, and a U.S. airstrike on June 22. Referring to these incidents, Araghchi warned that “if the U.S. and others wish to resume talks with Iran, first of all, there should be a firm guarantee that such actions will not be repeated. The attack on Iran's nuclear facilities has made it more difficult and complicated to achieve a solution based on negotiations.”
In response to the strikes, Iran suspended its cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog, prompting inspectors to leave the country. Araghchi noted that under Iranian law, future cooperation would be considered “case by case,” based on national interests.
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He added that inspections must respect Iran's “security” concerns and the safety of international inspectors, citing risks from radioactive materials and unexploded ordnance at bombed sites.
Araghchi also reaffirmed Iran’s stance on enriching uranium within its own territory — a position rejected by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Israel has justified its actions by claiming Iran was nearing the capability to produce a nuclear weapon. However, U.S. intelligence agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency assess that Iran halted an organized nuclear weapons program in 2003, though the country has been enriching uranium to 60% — close to the 90% weapons-grade level.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in an interview published Monday that the U.S. airstrikes caused such extensive damage that Iranian authorities have still been unable to access the impacted nuclear sites to fully assess the destruction.
4 months ago
BRICS summit overshadowed by Middle East tensions, condemns tariffs
The BRICS group of developing nations on Sunday condemned rising global tariffs and military attacks on Iran but stopped short of naming US President Donald Trump or directly criticizing member states like Russia. The group’s joint declaration also condemned Israel's military actions in the Middle East while mentioning the ongoing war in Ukraine only once.
The two-day summit, hosted in Rio de Janeiro, was overshadowed by the absence of key leaders. Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped a BRICS summit for the first time since taking power in 2012. Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the meeting via videoconference, continuing to limit his international travel due to an arrest warrant related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In an apparent swipe at the US, the group expressed “serious concerns” over tariff hikes, stating they are “inconsistent with WTO (World Trade Organization) rules” and could “threaten reduce global trade, disrupt global supply chains, and introduce uncertainty.”
Responding on his social media platform, Trump warned of new tariffs, saying any nation aligning with “the Anti-American policies of BRICS” would face an additional 10% tariff.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, hosting the summit, criticized NATO's plan to raise military spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 — a position later reflected in the BRICS declaration.
“It is always easier to invest in war than in peace,” Lula said at the summit’s opening session, which continues Monday.
Iranian presence and condemnation of Middle East violence
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expected to attend, stayed away following last month’s attacks on Iran. His foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, represented the country instead.
The BRICS declaration condemned the attacks on Iran but avoided mentioning the US or Israel, the countries believed to have carried them out.
In his address, Araghchi urged BRICS leaders to push for strong international condemnation of Israel. He also called for accountability from Israel and the US for alleged human rights violations.
“The aftermath of the war will not be limited to one country,” Araghchi warned. “The entire region and beyond will be damaged.”
BRICS leaders voiced “grave concern” over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, called for the release of hostages, and urged a return to negotiations in support of a two-state solution.
However, in a later statement on Telegram, Araghchi expressed Iran’s reservations about the two-state proposal, saying it “will not work, just as it has not worked in the past.”
Separately, Russia's foreign ministry used Telegram to name the US and Israel directly, condemning their “unprovoked military strikes” against Iran.
Russia spared criticism, Ukraine mentioned once
Despite Russia’s role in the Ukraine conflict, the BRICS declaration mentioned Ukraine only once, while condemning “in the strongest terms” recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.
“We recall our national positions concerning the conflict in Ukraine as expressed in the appropriate fora, including the U.N. Security Council and the U.N. General Assembly,” the declaration said.
João Alfredo Nyegray, an international business and geopolitics professor at the Pontifical Catholic University in Parana, said BRICS missed an opportunity to present itself as a unified alternative to global instability.
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“The withdrawal of Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and the uncertainty about the level of representation for countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are confirming the difficulty for the BRICS to establish themselves as a cohesive pole of global leadership,” Nyegray said. “This moment demands high-level articulation, but we are actually seeing dispersion.”
Trump tariffs loom as Brazil treads carefully
While Lula advocated for reform of global institutions, Brazil avoided provocative topics to shield its economy from Trump’s threats of higher tariffs.
Trump has already warned of 100% tariffs on BRICS nations if they attempt to undermine the US dollar. At last year’s BRICS summit hosted by Russia, the Kremlin pushed for alternatives to US-controlled payment systems to bypass sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Brazil deliberately steered the summit toward less controversial topics like boosting trade among members and global health cooperation, according to Ana Garcia, a professor at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro.
“Brazil wants the least amount of damage possible and to avoid drawing the attention of the Trump administration to prevent any type of risk to the Brazilian economy,” Garcia explained.
Expansion and divisions within BRICS
Founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS expanded last year to include Indonesia, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The group also created a new “strategic partner” category that includes Belarus, Cuba, and Vietnam.
Brazil placed institutional development on the summit agenda to integrate new members and strengthen internal unity.
Despite internal challenges, the summit remains significant for member states, particularly amid global tensions and Trump’s tariff policies, said Bruce Scheidl, a researcher with the University of Sao Paulo’s BRICS study group.
“The summit offers the best opportunity for emerging countries to respond, in the sense of seeking alternatives and diversifying their economic partnerships,” Scheidl said.
Protests and domestic backdrop
Earlier Sunday, a pro-Israel group staged a protest on Rio’s Ipanema beach by placing dozens of rainbow flags, criticizing Iran's policies toward LGBT+ individuals. On Saturday, Amnesty International protested Brazil’s plans for offshore oil exploration near the Amazon River’s mouth.
For Lula, the summit also provided a temporary respite from domestic political challenges, including declining popularity and tensions with Congress.
The event served as a platform to advance environmental protection commitments ahead of November’s COP 30 climate talks in the Amazonian city of Belém.
4 months ago
Khamenei makes first public appearance since Iran-Israel war
Iran’ s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday made his first public appearance since the 12-day war between Israel and Iran began, attending a mourning ceremony on the eve of Ashoura.
State television broadcast footage on Saturday showing Khamenei greeting worshippers at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Mosque during a ceremony held ahead of Ashura, the significant Shia religious observance.
Khamenei’s last appearance had been via pre-recorded speeches aired during the Iran-Israel conflict, which began on June 13 and saw the killing of several senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists.
The war began after Israel launched a surprise assault targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites. In retaliation, Iran carried out aerial strikes on Israel. The conflict lasted 12 days, during which Khamenei delivered three video messages, fueling speculation that he had gone into hiding in a secure bunker.
Iranian media extensively covered Khamenei’s public appearance on Saturday, with state TV airing footage of jubilant supporters reacting to his presence. In the video, Khamenei is seen turning to senior cleric Mahmoud Karimi, urging him to perform the patriotic song "O Iran," which has gained renewed popularity amid the recent conflict.
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The event took place at the Imam Khomeini Mosque, named after the founder of the Islamic Republic. State television also invited citizens to submit videos sharing their reactions to Khamenei’s reappearance in public.
The supreme leader's appearance comes as Iran observes Muharram, a month of mourning in the Shia Muslim calendar. Ashura, which falls on July 6 this year, marks the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hossein, and is traditionally attended by the country’s top religious leaders.
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On June 26, in a previously recorded speech broadcast on state TV, Khamenei declared that Iran would not surrender to Israel, despite US President Donald Trump’s demands. The United States entered the conflict on June 22 by launching airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The American operation involved 125 military aircraft targeting key facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Iran’s judiciary later reported that the 12-day conflict resulted in over 900 deaths.
#With inputs from Agencies
4 months ago
Iran to suspend cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog IAEA
Iran’s president on Wednesday ordered the country to suspend its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency after American and Israeli airstrikes hit its most-important nuclear facilities, likely further limiting inspectors' ability to track Tehran's program that had been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels.
According to AP, the order by President Masoud Pezeshkian, however, included no timetables or details about what that suspension would entail. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signalled in a CBS News interview that Tehran still would be willing to continue negotiations with the United States.
“I don’t think negotiations will restart as quickly as that,” Araghchi said, referring to Trump's comments that talks could start as early as this week. However, he added: “The doors of diplomacy will never slam shut.”
Iran has limited IAEA inspections in the past as a pressure tactic in negotiating with the West — though as of right now Tehran has denied that there's any immediate plans to resume talks with the United States that had been upended by the 12-day Iran-Israel war.
Iranian state television announced Pezeshkian's order, which followed a law passed by Iran’s parliament to suspend that cooperation. The bill already received the approval of Iran's constitutional watchdog, the Guardian Council, on Thursday, and likely the support of the country's Supreme National Security Council, which Pezeshkian chairs.
“The government is mandated to immediately suspend all cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency under the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its related Safeguards Agreement,” state television quoted the bill as saying. "This suspension will remain in effect until certain conditions are met, including the guaranteed security of nuclear facilities and scientists.”
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It wasn’t immediately clear what that would mean for the Vienna-based IAEA, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog. The agency long has monitored Iran’s nuclear program and said that it was waiting for an official communication from Iran on what the suspension meant.
On the other hand, Iran's decision drew an immediate condemnation from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.
“Iran has just issued a scandalous announcement about suspending its cooperation with the IAEA,” he said in an X post. “This is a complete renunciation of all its international nuclear obligations and commitments.”
Saar urged European nations that were part of Iran's 2015 nuclear deal to implement its so-called snapback clause. That would reimpose all UN sanctions on it originally lifted by Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers, if one of its Western parties declares the Islamic Republic is out of compliance with it.
Israel is widely believed to be the only nuclear-armed state in the Middle East, and the IAEA doesn't have access to its weapons-related facilities.
5 months ago
Massive crowds mourn Iranian military leaders, scientists killed in Israeli strikes
Vast crowds gathered in downtown Tehran on Saturday for the funeral of Iran’s top Revolutionary Guard commanders and nuclear scientists killed during the recent 12-day conflict with Israel.
The funeral procession saw the coffins of Revolutionary Guard chief Gen. Hossein Salami, ballistic missile program head Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and other prominent figures transported along Azadi Street on trucks. The streets were filled with mourners chanting slogans such as “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”
Both Salami and Hajizadeh were killed on June 13, the first day of the fighting, when Israel launched a military campaign aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities by targeting senior military officials, scientists, and critical infrastructure.
According to state media, over one million people attended the funeral, though independent verification of the figure was not possible. Images showed a dense sea of people lining the 4.5-kilometer (nearly 3-mile) route through central Tehran.
There was no public appearance by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the ceremonies which were broadcast on state television.
Traditionally, Khamenei leads prayers over the coffins of high-ranking officials, although those moments are often aired separately. Khamenei has not been seen publicly since before the conflict began.
Among those present were Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Quds Force commander Gen. Esmail Qaani, and senior adviser Gen. Ali Shamkhani, who appeared leaning on a cane after being wounded in Israel's initial strike.
Established after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Revolutionary Guard has evolved from a domestic paramilitary force to a key regional player, backing Tehran’s allies across the Middle East, including in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq. The Guard also commands Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal, which has been used against Israel during the recent Gaza conflict.
Iran says chief military commander dies of injuries from Israeli attack
During the 12 days of fighting that ended with a ceasefire on Tuesday, Israel reported killing around 30 Iranian commanders and 11 nuclear scientists, as well as striking eight nuclear facilities and over 720 military targets. Human Rights Activists, a Washington-based group, reported more than 1,000 deaths, including at least 417 civilians.
In retaliation, Iran fired over 550 ballistic missiles at Israel. While most were intercepted, several managed to strike targets, causing casualties and damage, with 28 people confirmed dead.
Saturday’s funeral was the first for high-ranking officials since the ceasefire. State media said ceremonies were held for 60 victims in total, including four women and four children. Government offices were closed to allow employees to attend.
Many in the crowd voiced anger and a desire for revenge. “This is not a ceasefire, this is just a pause,” said Ahmad Mousapoor, 43, waving an Iranian flag. “Whatever they do, we will definitely give a crushing response.”
State television also showed the grave prepared at Tehran’s Behesht-e-Zahra cemetery for army chief of staff Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, who died on the first day of the conflict. He will be buried next to his brother, a Guards commander killed during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. Other fallen officials will be laid to rest in their hometowns.
Meanwhile, Iran's judiciary confirmed that Ali Ghanaatkar, the chief prosecutor at the notorious Evin prison, was killed in an Israeli strike earlier this week. Ghanaatkar, known for his role in prosecuting dissidents, had faced widespread criticism from human rights groups. He will be buried in Qom at a revered shrine.
Iran has repeatedly maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. However, Israel views Tehran’s nuclear ambitions as a direct threat and has justified its military campaign as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring atomic weapons.
Khamenei's last in-person appearance was on June 11, two days before the fighting began. He resurfaced Thursday in a pre-recorded video — his first public message since the ceasefire — in which he issued warnings to the U.S. and Israel and declared Iran victorious.
The 86-year-old leader dismissed the damage from U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, saying they failed to “achieve anything significant.” However, Rafael Grossi, head of the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog, described the damage to Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility — built deep inside a mountain — as “very, very, very considerable.”
5 months ago
Iran says US strikes on nuclear sites complicate prospects for talks
Iran’s foreign minister has said that the possibility of new negotiations with the United States over Tehran's nuclear program has been complicated by recent American military strikes that caused “serious damage” to Iranian nuclear sites.
The United States was among the original parties to the 2015 nuclear agreement, under which Iran agreed to curb its uranium enrichment activities in return for sanctions relief and other benefits. However, the deal collapsed after then-U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the agreement during his first term.
Trump, who has expressed interest in renewed talks with Iran, recently claimed that negotiations between the two sides would take place next week.
In an interview aired on Iranian state television late Thursday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran had not agreed to resume talks but did not rule out the possibility entirely.
“No agreement has been made for resuming the negotiations,” Araghchi said. “No time has been set, no promise has been made, and we haven't even talked about restarting the talks.”
Araghchi noted that the recent U.S. military intervention “made it more complicated and more difficult” to restart discussions on Iran’s nuclear program.
The development comes after a wave of Israeli strikes on Iran that began on June 13. Israel targeted nuclear facilities, air defense systems, senior military officials, and atomic scientists in an intense 12-day assault.
According to Israeli officials, the attacks killed approximately 30 Iranian commanders and struck eight nuclear-related sites and over 720 pieces of military infrastructure. The Washington-based Human Rights Activists group reported that more than 1,000 people were killed, including at least 417 civilians.
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In response, Iran fired over 550 ballistic missiles at Israel. Most were intercepted, but those that hit their targets caused widespread damage and left 28 people dead.
The United States later intervened, launching a wave of cruise missiles and bunker-buster bombs from B-2 bombers on Sunday. The attacks focused on three of Iran's most critical sites, using weapons designed to penetrate heavily fortified underground facilities.
Following the strikes, Iran retaliated by firing missiles at a U.S. military base in Qatar on Monday, though no casualties were reported.
Trump has claimed the U.S. attacks “completely and fully obliterated” Iran's nuclear program. However, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the claim as an exaggeration, stating the strikes did not “achieve anything significant.”
There is also speculation that Iran relocated much of its stockpile of highly-enriched uranium ahead of the strikes. Iran had previously informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of plans to move the material.
Despite this, IAEA Director Rafael Grossi told Radio France International that the damage to Iran’s Fordo nuclear site, which is built deep into a mountain, was “very, very, very considerable.”
Grossi said that centrifuges used for uranium enrichment are delicate and that “it’s not possible” for them to remain undamaged after multiple 30,000-pound bombs struck the facility.
“These centrifuges are no longer operational,” Grossi stated.
Araghchi acknowledged the severity of the damage. “The level of damage is high, and it’s serious damage,” he said.
He added that Iran had not yet decided whether to allow IAEA inspectors to visit the damaged sites, saying they would be barred “for the time being.”
5 months ago
Operation Rising Lion: The 12-day war that shook the Middle East
Missiles streaking across the sky, cities on edge, and families fleeing their homes. On June 13, 2025, this became reality as Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a bold airstrike campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities and military leadership.
For 12 days, the Middle East held its breath as Iran fired back with missile barrages, and the conflict threatened to spiral into a regional catastrophe. It was a moment that tested the resilience of not only those in the region, but around the world.
This war didn’t come out of nowhere. Its roots trace back decades, fueled by Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Israel’s resolve to stop them. The tension skyrocketed after the US pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, a move that left Israel feeling exposed and vulnerable.
On that fateful June morning, Israel decided to act, launching strikes to cripple Iran’s nuclear program. Iran, defiant and unyielding, responded with missile barrages that shook Israeli cities.
The US entered the fray on June 22, targeting Iranian nuclear sites, while the Houthis’ missile strikes on Israel added another layer of chaos. It was a powder keg, and for 12 days, it seemed the entire region might ignite.
The ceasefire on June 23 offered a glimmer of hope, but for those who lived through the terror, parents shielding children, communities under siege, the scars remain raw—a stark reminder of war’s human toll
The Human Cost: Lives and Homes Lost
The toll of those 12 days is heartbreaking. In Israel, 29 people, mostly civilians, lost their lives, and over 3,200 were injured as Iranian missiles rained down. Over 8,000 Israelis were left homeless, their lives upended by the sudden violence.
In Iran, the devastation was even more staggering. Official reports cite 610 deaths, but human rights groups like Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimate up to 974, with over 4,700 wounded. Tens of thousands of Iranians were displaced, their homes reduced to rubble.
The war’s ripple effects touched neighboring regions. A Syrian woman was killed by a suspected Iranian drone, seven Jordanians were injured, and five Palestinians, including three children, were wounded by a Houthi missile.
Iran’s military took a beating, losing 950 drones, over 200 ballistic missile launchers, eight helicopters, and several fighter jets. Israel lost two drones but maintained air superiority, a testament to its military edge. Yet, the civilian suffering on both sides underscores the war’s brutal cost.
Who Came Out Ahead?
Pinpointing a victor in this conflict is like trying to call a draw in a storm. Israel’s strikes hit hard, damaging Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan and killing key figures, including IRGC commanders.
Social media buzzed with claims of Israel’s dominance, with posts on X noting air superiority over Tehran and crippled Iranian defenses. Israel declared its objectives met, but according to The New York Times, US intelligence paints a different picture: Iran’s nuclear program was only set back by a few months, with much of its enriched uranium enough for nine nuclear weapons, per some estimates, likely moved to safety before the strikes.
Iran, meanwhile, showed resilience. Its missile barrages struck Israeli targets, and a retaliatory attack on a US airbase in Qatar, though intercepted, signaled defiance. Yet, Iran’s heavy losses of hundreds of drones, launchers, and aircraft left it vulnerable.
Experts argue Israel gained a tactical edge but failed to eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat long-term. Posts on social media reflected this split, with some calling it a “major victory” for Israel, while others saw Iran’s restraint as strategic, avoiding a wider war.
The ceasefire, brokered by Trump and Qatar, suggests neither side wanted to risk further escalation. Both nations faced mounting losses and international pressure, with some condemning Israel’s strikes as illegal and others defending them as self-defense. It’s less about a clear winner and more about both sides stepping back from the brink.
A Fragile Peace: Is the War Truly Over?
As of June 25, 2025, the ceasefire holds, with Israel and Iran publicly committing to peace unless provoked. Reports confirm the truce took effect on June 23, with Iran halting attacks first, followed by Israel.
Yet, the calm feels uneasy. Israel’s military chief hinted that operations against Iran aren’t fully concluded, raising fears of renewed conflict. On X, some speculate about a “pre-planned conclusion” tied to regional deals, while others warn of Iran’s potential retaliation.
The world watches anxiously. Families in Tehran and Tel Aviv long for stability, but the unresolved nuclear issue and deep-seated rivalries loom large.
Experts like David Albright note that Iran’s nuclear program, though damaged, remains under scrutiny, with risks of further strikes if rebuilding begins. The ceasefire is a reprieve, but it’s a fragile thread in a region frayed by conflict.
Looking Ahead: Hope Amid Uncertainty
For those who lived through these 12 days, whether huddling in shelters or mourning loved ones, the war’s end brings cautious relief. The ceasefire offers a chance to rebuild, but the path forward is murky. Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Israel’s security fears, and the region’s volatile dynamics mean peace is no guarantee.
As one X post put it, the conflict may have paused, but it’s left a “newly negotiated order” that could reshape the Middle East.
5 months ago
Hundreds Arrested in Iran for Alleged Links to Israeli ‘Spy Network’: Reports
Iranian intelligence and security forces have arrested more than 700 individuals suspected of being part of Israel’s “spy network” within the country, according to reports from local media.
Iran’s Fars news agency and the state-affiliated Nournews reported that the arrests took place during Israel’s recent 12-day war with Iran. The operation, according to the reports, targeted individuals allegedly connected to Israeli intelligence activities.
The conflict, described as one of the most intense in recent years, included what Iranian sources have called an unprecedented Israeli intelligence campaign. This reportedly involved the targeted killings of high-ranking Iranian military officials and prominent nuclear scientists.
“Israel’s military assault on Iran also involved what has been described as an unprecedented Israeli intelligence operation that included the targeted killings of high-ranking military officials and prominent nuclear scientists,” the reports noted.
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The arrests come amid heightened tensions between the two countries and growing concerns about regional stability. However, previous mass detentions by Iranian authorities have drawn criticism from international human rights organizations, which have raised concerns about the lack of due process.
“Previous mass arrests by the Iranian government have been criticised by human rights groups for lack of due process.”
Authorities have not released the identities of those detained, and no further details have been made public regarding charges or legal proceedings.
5 months ago
News of Iran Ceasefire Spreads as Israel Continues Strikes in Gaza
While reports of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel have begun to circulate widely, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with no sign of relief from ongoing violence.
“But here in Gaza, not only are we seeing very overcrowded hospitals, but this morning felt heavier,” a report from inside Gaza reads. “The silence is much heavier than before. Not because it is peaceful, but because nothing has changed, and the bombs have not stopped falling, and the killing continues”, as reported by Aljazeera.
At the emergency ward of al-Shifa Hospital, the toll of continued Israeli air strikes is becoming increasingly apparent. The facility, which was already overwhelmed, is now reaching the point of collapse.
“This place was already overwhelmed and now, it is on the verge of collapse,” the report continues. “Israeli air strikes hit multiple areas across Gaza City, and the result is dozens of injured – most of them are children.”
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Health workers and reporters on the ground describe dire conditions inside the hospital. “As we walked between the corridors of the emergency wards, we couldn’t help but notice that this place does not have enough space.
And what is going on right now is that there is no medical equipment or medical supplies and everything seems to be collapsing.”
Despite the news of a broader regional ceasefire, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza shows no signs of abating, with hospitals pushed to the brink and civilians, particularly children, continuing to bear the brunt of the conflict.
5 months ago