An Israeli strike has targeted Iran’s state broadcaster, coinciding with reports from the head of the UN nuclear watchdog about significant damage to Iran’s primary uranium enrichment facility. Amidst escalating tensions, Iran is urging the United States to push for a ceasefire in this ongoing aerial conflict.
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Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, denounced the attack on IRIB’s offices during a live broadcast, labeling it a “wicked act” and a “war crime.” He stated, “The UNSC must act now to stop the genocidal aggressor from committing further atrocities against our people.”
Israel confirmed its actions against Iran’s broadcasting authority, with footage capturing a newsreader swiftly evacuating her seat amid the explosion. In retaliation, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards pledged to continue their strikes against Israel “without interruption.” Ali Mohammad Naini, a spokesperson for the Guards, declared, “The ninth wave of combined drone and missile attacks has begun and will continue without interruption until dawn.”
Reportedly, Tehran has reached out to Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, requesting their assistance in persuading US President Donald Trump to influence Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu towards an immediate ceasefire. In exchange, Iran is willing to adopt a more flexible stance in nuclear negotiations, according to multiple sources.
Iran has appealed to President Trump, claiming that compelling Israel to cease its attacks is crucial for resolving the aerial conflict. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu affirmed that Israel is on the “path to victory,” insisting that “If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential.” Abbas Araqchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, echoed this sentiment through social media, emphasizing, “Absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue.”
In an unsettling turn, Netanyahu hinted at the possibility of targeting Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, claiming that this could bring an end to the conflict. He asserted, “We are doing what we need to do,” and emphasized Israel’s mission to “defang” Iran’s military capabilities.
On the ground, the situation remains dire. Reports indicate that Iran has suffered significant civilian casualties, with over 224 reported dead, many being women and children. Iranian media has broadcast harrowing images of destruction, leading residents to express feelings of fear and desperation. One individual, Gholamreza Mohammadi, a civil servant from Tehran, remarked, “My two children are scared and cannot sleep at night because of the sound of air defence and attacks.”
Meanwhile, the repercussions of the conflict are palpable in Israel as well, with Israeli civilians also experiencing the trauma of missile strikes. Reports indicate that at least 24 civilians in Israel have lost their lives due to Iran’s missile attacks.
In terms of broader diplomatic repercussions, the possibility of resuming negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program remains tenuous. Notably, any engagement had been abruptly canceled, with Iranian officials declaring that talks could not proceed amidst ongoing attacks.
The unfolding conflict presents an unprecedented challenge for both nations, with potential geopolitical implications that may reshape the region. Former President Trump has urged Iran to return to negotiations, cautioning, “It’s painful for both parties… Iran is not winning this war, and they should talk immediately, before it’s too late.”
As the tension escalates, analysts are closely monitoring developments, given that the recent military actions could define the course of Iranian leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
