Impact of Iran on resistance forces and people

The US-led Israeli aggression against Iran has imposed a complex landscape that will gradually become clearer. Iran has succeeded in preserving its sovereign gains, relying on a cohesive system of defensive strategies and indigenous capabilities that have exceeded the expectations of its enemies.

Despite the severe blows, and thanks to Iran’s military, security, diplomatic, and popular strength, Tehran has been able to show unprecedented deterrence that have inflicted unforeseen costs on its enemies.

This has been achieved through carefully considered operational performance that has efficiently confounded their calculations, while maintaining its constant readiness for any potential future surprise attack.

Tehran has avoided falling into the trap of depleting its strategic capabilities, which will establish more solid negotiating power in favor of the entire Axis of Resistance.

The legitimacy of the strategic vision of the Islamic Revolution, its institutions, and its alliances (not its arms, as the enemies promote) was strengthened, as it purified the Islamic popular consciousness and mood, which had been polluted by Western propaganda and fabricated nonsense.

The victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran compensated for the setbacks suffered by the peoples of West Asia, particularly after Egypt’s deviation from the resistance front and its subsequent normalization with the Zionist regime.

Over four decades since the blessed Islamic revolution, Iran has been able to shake the foundation of the illegitimate Zionist entity. Thus, the project of David Ben-Gurion, one of the colonial Israeli entity’s founders, has collapsed.

This imperialist project was based on forging strategic alliances with peripheral states (Iran and Turkey) in order to restrain the surrounding states (Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt). 

Since the 1990s, despite the heavy toll of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War, Tehran’s support for Hezbollah led to the May 2000 liberation, victory in the July 2006 war, and the successive victories of Gaza from 2008 to 2021, in addition to defeating the Takfiri project in 2017.

“A million Arabs are not worth a Jewish fingernail. We must stop the Iranian attack on Israel,” Jay Sullivan, the US senator and AIPAC member, wrote on X, making no distinction between Iranians and the Arabs, even though the imperialist project tried hard to present them as opposites. 

What Tehran has established as a firm principle is that accepting the so-called “peace” concessions, as proven by the experiences of Egypt, the PLO, Jordan, and some Persian Gulf sheikhdoms, only breeds more humiliation, submission, and degradation.

Despite the events that have followed the Al Aqsa Flood Operation - including the ongoing attacks on Gaza and Lebanon – and the fall of Damascus, Tehran demonstrated the cohesion and resilience of the resistance project, which some had imagined had collapsed irretrievably.

Most importantly, Iran has demonstrated its institutional depth, structural cohesion, and extremely solid foundation.

What our enemies dub as an Iranian “project” has been evident to the Iranian people and the peoples of the region. It has also been evident to the herds of colonial settlers as Tehran succeeded in undermining the trust between them and their fragile entity that failed to provide them with security throughout occupied Palestine.

In Lebanon, Italy took over command of UNIFIL from Spain in the presence of the head of the committee supervising the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, US General Michael Lenny, who attended despite the warning from the US spy den (the embassy) in Beirut to “take strict security measures” for fear of being targeted. 

Since assuming his position, succeeding General Jasper Jeffers, Lenny will chair a meeting of the committee (which has been suspended since March 11) to review the implementation of UN Resolution 1701.

Given the continued Israeli occupation of tens of thousands of meters of lands along the southern border, including the five points, UNIFIL’s most difficult challenge is whether and how its mandate will be renewed at the end of next August.

This is in addition to its military and civilian personnel and equipment, the value of the general budget, and, most importantly, the extent of its powers, which have not yet been decided. The Lebanese government has been preoccupied with condemning the legitimate Iranian response against the American air base in Qatar, rather than pursuing the renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese Army has arrested one of the most prominent ISIS leaders “following a series of security surveillance and monitoring operations”, seizing in his possession “a large quantity of weapons and ammunition, in addition to electronic devices and equipment for manufacturing drones.”

The Lebanese Army clarified in the statement that “the detainee had assumed leadership of the organization in Lebanon after the arrest of his predecessor (who was appointed as a Caliphate of Lebanon) along with a large number of terrorists.

Impact of Iran’s legendary resilience on the Resistance forces and people

 

 

Trump Calls Mamdani “Communist Lunatic”

Democratic socialist, Zohran Mamdani won New York City's Democratic mayoral primary on Tuesday by campaigning on issues including affordable housing, fare-free buses, no-cost childcare, green schools, and raising the minimum wage—a platform that has "terrified" oligarchs, including Republican US President Donald Trump, who weighed in Wednesday afternoon.

In a pair of posts on his Truth Social network, Trump—an erstwhile New Yorker—called Mamdani "a 100% Communist Lunatic," said "we've had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous," and attacked the winner's appearance, voice, intelligence, and supporters, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

"I have an idea for the Democrats to bring them back into 'play.' After years of being left out in the cold, including suffering one of the Greatest Losses in History, the 2024 Presidential Election, the Democrats should nominate Low IQ Candidate, Jasmine Crockett, for President," Trump wrote of a Democratic Texas congresswoman willing to call out him and his allies in Congress.

"AOC+3 should be, respectively, Vice President, and three High Level Members of the Cabinet," Trump continued, referring to progressive Reps. Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, and Rashida Tlaib. "Added together with our future Communist Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, and our Country is really screwed!"

Critics of Trump took the comments as a clear signal that the second-term president is scared of Mamdani and other progressive political leaders fighting for policies that would improve the lives of working people.

"Trump attacking Mamdani is basically an endorsement at this point," wrote a Bluesky user called The Vivlia.

Georgia state Rep. Ruwa Romman—known nationally as the Palestinian American barred from speaking at last year's Democratic National Convention—said: "...is Trump jealous of Zohran? The focus of his posts is... something."

In an opinion piece published by Common Dreams before Trump's afternoon comments, political organizer Corbin Trent wrote that Mamdani beat disgraced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo "by acknowledging what everyone already knows—life has become unaffordable—and saying we're going to build our way out of it. Housing that teachers can afford. Transit that actually works. Childcare centers so parents don't have to choose between working and raising their kids. And that the ultrawealthy are going to pay their fair share."

Trent argued that other Democrats, and especially the party leadership, have much to learn from Mamdani—both in style and substance—if they want to win back voters who have gravitated to Trump and his right-wing MAGA worldview.

"Mamdani hasn't even been elected yet," Trent noted. "But he's shown us how to stop lying about what needs fixing. He's shown that you can win by promising to build for everyone, not just donors."

 

 

 

 

China can continue to purchase Iranian oil

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that China can continue to purchase Iranian oil after Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire, a move that the White House clarified did not indicate a relaxation of US sanctions, reports Reuters.

"China can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran. Hopefully, they will be purchasing plenty from the US, also," Trump said in a post on Truth Social, just days after he ordered US bombings of three Iranian nuclear sites.

Trump was drawing attention to no attempts by Iran so far to close the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers, as a closure would have been hard for China, the world's top importer of Iranian oil, a senior White House official told Reuters.

"The president continues to call on China and all countries to import our state-of-the-art oil rather than import Iranian oil in violation of US sanctions," the official said.

After the ceasefire announcement, Trump's comments on China were another bearish signal for oil prices, which fell nearly 6%.

Any relaxation of sanctions enforcement on Iran would mark a US policy shift after Trump said in February he was re-imposing maximum pressure on Iran, aiming to drive its oil exports to zero, over its nuclear program and funding of militants across the Middle East.

Trump imposed waves of Iran-related sanctions on several of China's so-called independent "teapot" refineries and port terminal operators for purchases of Iranian oil.

"President Trump's green-light for China to keep buying Iranian oil reflects a return to lax enforcement standards," said Scott Modell, a former CIA officer, now CEO of Rapidan Energy Group.

In addition to not enforcing sanctions, Trump could suspend or waive sanctions imposed by executive order or under authorities a president is granted in laws passed by Congress.

Trump will likely not waive sanctions ahead of coming rounds of US-Iran nuclear talks, Modell said. The measures provide leverage given Tehran's demand that any deal includes lifting them permanently.

Jeremy Paner, a partner at Hughes Hubbard & Reed law firm, said if Trump chooses to suspend Iran oil-related sanctions, it would require lots of work between agencies.

 

Trump Blasts at Israel and Iran on Ceasefire Violations

What began as a high-profile diplomatic success is now unraveling, as US President Donald Trump openly criticized both Israel and Iran on Tuesday for violating the newly declared ceasefire. Speaking bluntly to the press, Trump said both countries have been fighting so long that “they don’t know what… they’re doing.”

The frustration comes after fresh violence erupted just hours into the ceasefire. Iran launched two missiles at northern Israel, prompting Defense Minister Israel Katz to authorize immediate retaliatory strikes on Tehran. In response, Trump expressed outrage over Israel’s rapid air assault, reportedly the most intense bombing campaign yet.

“I’m not happy with Israel,” Trump admitted. “You don’t go out in the first hour and drop everything you have on [them].” He added, “I gotta get Israel to calm down now,” before warning that the scale of the strikes exceeded anything previously witnessed.

While Trump insisted he was equally unhappy with Iran, his focus was on halting Israel’s response. He announced plans to travel to Israel to personally intervene and prevent the conflict from reigniting. “I’m gonna see if I can stop it,” he told reporters.

On social media, Trump doubled down, writing: “Israel is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly 'Plane Wave' to Iran. Nobody will be hurt, the Ceasefire is in effect.”

Despite his demands, Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly held firm during a phone call with Trump, insisting that a retaliatory strike was still “necessary.”

Ultimately, Israeli officials agreed to scale back their response to a single target in Tehran a compromise that maintains deterrence while keeping diplomatic lines open.

Trump’s remarks come at a critical juncture. With the ceasefire already showing signs of collapse, and international attention focused on Jerusalem and Tehran, Israel continues to act within its right to defend itself while weighing the diplomatic costs of continued escalation.

 

Trump announces ceasefire between Israel and Iran

According to Reuters, US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Israel and Iran have agreed to a complete and total ceasefire, bringing an end to what he called “The 12 Day War.” The truce will last for 12 hours, after which the conflict will be officially declared over.

In a statement posted on his social media platform, Trump said the ceasefire would begin in approximately six hours, following the completion of final military operations by both sides.

“Iran will start the ceasefire, and upon the 12th hour, Israel will follow suit,” Trump said, adding that an “official end” to the hostilities will be marked at the 24th hour.

He praised both nations for showing “stamina, courage, and intelligence” in choosing to end the conflict.

The announcement follows days of escalating military exchanges between Israel and Iran that raised fears of a broader regional war. Trump hailed the ceasefire as a moment the world would salute, urging all parties to remain “peaceful and respectful.”

“This is a war that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t—and never will,” Trump stated.

Iran attacks US Air Force base in Qatar

Various news outlets have reported Iran has launched an attack on the Al Udeid US Air Force base in Qatar. Iranian state TV reported on Monday that Iran has begun operations against the US base outside Doha. The Hill reported Iran launched 10 missiles at the base.

The Trump administration is monitoring the situation, a senior White House official told The Hill, as President Trump is set to meet with his national security team following the US attack in Iran.

“The White House and the Department of Defense are aware of, and closely monitoring, potential threats to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar,” the official said.

According to Reuters, explosions were heard over Qatar's capital Doha on Monday, shortly after a Western diplomat said there had been a credible Iranian threat against the US-run al Udeid air base.

Soon after Qatar announced it had closed its air space temporarily to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

Earlier, the US. embassy in Qatar had advised Americans to shelter in place, out of what it said was "an abundance of caution".

Iran had issued threats to retaliate against the United States after US bombers dropped 30,000-pound bunker-busters on the country's underground nuclear installations over the weekend.

Earlier on Monday, Israel struck a jail for political prisoners in Tehran in a potent demonstration that it was expanding its targets beyond military and nuclear sites to aim squarely at the pillars of Iran's ruling system.

Two US officials said Washington assessed that Iran could carry out attacks targeting American forces in the Middle East soon.

Despite Iran's threats to challenge oil shipments from the Gulf, oil prices largely held steady, suggesting traders doubted the Islamic Republic would follow through on any action that would disrupt global supplies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as Tehran sought backing from one of its last major power friends for its next steps.

 

 

"We cannot let history repeat itself", Sanders

Senator Bernie Sanders on Sunday drew similarities between the US air strikes on Iran this weekend and the invasion of Iraq in 2003. He said, “We cannot let history repeat itself” reports CNN.

Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, told the Texas crowd, “Brothers and sisters, we cannot let history repeat itself. The United States faces enormous problems here at home. We should be spending our money and our manpower rebuilding America, not going into a war against Iran.”

The progressive Vermont senator, speaking at a town hall in Fort Worth as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, highlighted how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump used similar language around the strikes on Iran to what Netanyahu and then-President George Bush said surrounding the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Sanders quoted a Netanyahu congressional testimony from 2002, in which the Israeli leader said, “There is no question that Saddam Hussein is seeking nuclear weapons.”

Sanders then emphasized how “George Bush said, ‘Saddam’s regime is seeking a nuclear bomb,’ and he argued for a preemptive attack,” referencing an analogy by the then-president that the United States could not afford to wait for “the smoking gun which could come in the form of a mushroom cloud.”

“No weapons of mass destruction were ever found,” Sanders continued. “That war was based on a lie. A lie that cost US 4,500 young Americans, 32,000 wounded and trillions of dollars.”

Bush in 2003 announced the invasion of Iraq under the pretext of disarming it from weapons of mass destruction, a claim that was later debunked.

Netanyahu and Trump have both cited the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program, with the US president saying Saturday from the White House, “Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s No. 1 state sponsor of terror.”

US attack on Iran condemned around the world

A growing wave of international condemnation has followed the recent US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The countries across West Asia and beyond denounce the move as a dangerous violation of international law that threatens regional and global security.

The strikes, which targeted nuclear sites in Natanz and Fordow in the early hours of Sunday, were publicly confirmed by US President Donald Trump via social media.

The unprovoked attack has triggered strong reactions from both regional governments and major global powers.

In Baghdad, a spokesperson for the Iraqi government called the strikes a “serious threat to peace and stability in the region,” warning that any attack on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities risks triggering wider conflict in West Asia.

Pakistan issued an even stronger rebuke. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the assault as a breach of international norms, affirming that Iran has the legitimate right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. Senator Mushahid Hussain, Chairman of Pakistan’s Senate Defense Committee, labeled the strike a “war crime” and a case of “deliberate aggression,” criticizing the dominance of Israeli lobbying interests in US foreign policy and accusing President Trump of breaking his promises not to launch new military conflicts.

Foreign Ministry of Saudi Arabia condemned the US action, calling it a clear violation of Iran’s sovereignty. Riyadh urged the international community to intensify efforts toward a peaceful resolution and warned against further escalation.

Egypt joined the growing chorus of voices, with the Foreign Ministry in Cairo describing the strike as a provocative act that could severely undermine international and regional peace. Oman also voiced its alarm, stating that the US military operation was a breach of international law and a reckless act that could ignite a broader war.

President Joseph Aoun of Lebanan echoed the concerns, warning that the targeting of Iranian nuclear infrastructure could destabilize not only the region but also global security. “The threat of escalation is real, and the world must act to prevent further deterioration,” he said.

Qatar condemned the strikes as well, calling for an immediate cessation of Israeli-American military actions against Iran and advocating for a swift return to diplomatic engagement.

In a significant development, Foreign Ministry of Russia also issued a statement “strongly condemning” the US airstrikes, calling them “a gross violation of international law, the UN Charter, and UN Security Council resolutions.” Moscow warned that such actions could trigger dangerous consequences and undermine international mechanisms for conflict resolution.

Inside Iran, the reaction has been swift and resolute. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) condemned the strikes on its facilities in Fordow and Natanz as “brutal and illegal,” emphasizing that the sites operate under full supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as part of Iran’s commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). “These are peaceful, safeguarded nuclear facilities, and this assault constitutes a direct attack on international law,” the AEOI said.

“The attack was carried out with the indifference—or possibly the complicity—of the IAEA.” Calling on the international community to reject what it termed “jungle law,” the organization said it would pursue all necessary legal and diplomatic channels to defend Iran’s rights. “Despite these sinister efforts, the AEOI assures the great Iranian nation that the country’s nuclear progress will not be halted.” Diplomatic observers have warned that failure to respond decisively to the strike risks undermining the credibility of international law and institutions.

 

 

Regime change could make Iran more confrontational

Dina Esfandiary, the Middle East lead for Bloomberg Geoeconomics, outlined in an analysis this week, why regime change (were it to occur) could lead to a more confrontational Iran. Her replies were written before President Donald Trump launched airstrikes on Iran. Still, her replies are worth reading for the readers of this blog. 

How likely is regime change in Iran at this point, and what would that entail?

Regime change won’t come at the hands of Israel’s bombs. When an external enemy attacks, there tends to be a strong rally-around-the-flag effect in Iran, not unlike other countries. This means that whatever discontent Iranians feel — and that discontent has been rising — gets pushed aside momentarily so the country can unite in the face of an external enemy. For as long as these strikes continue, and the more images of death and destruction get shared, the stronger this sentiment gets. And this is exactly what Iran’s leadership wants, because it buys them some time and breathing space. 

You’ve written that the removal of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could lead to an even more confrontational Iran, why is that?

The Islamic Republic is no monolith. There are reformists, pragmatists and hardliners within the elites. There is also a rising cadre of young, more ideological elements within the system who believe that the Islamic Republic has lost its way, and call for a return to the tenants of the 1979 revolution. The system has been preparing for the Supreme Leader’s succession for several years now, with each faction within the political system jostling to get their preferred candidate in the winning seat. There is a chance that this young ideological cohort of officials are able to get someone in that represents their views, or that the Revolutionary Guards, who are traditionally more hardline on Iran’s foreign policy, are able to get someone in. That might make Iran more confrontational. 

If we did see regime change in Iran, what would you be watching next? Who gains, who loses, and how might markets respond?  

It’s really difficult to tell what will come next because there is no viable, organized opposition in Iran right now. There are a few figures outside the country, but they are divisive and unlikely to get much support inside the country. This means that the field will be open to those who are stronger inside. The vision of the next leader, along with what relationships that person has, inside and outside the country, will tell us a great deal about what direction they hope to take the country in. Will they be open to bringing Iran out of isolation or will they double down and harden Iran’s stance internationally? Markets are likely to panic at first, especially if the person is unknown.

Trump’s open declaration of war against Iran

President Trump announced Saturday night that the United States has bombed three nuclear sites in Iran, engaging US forces in a war that Israel launched two weeks ago. In a brief address on Saturday night, Trump warned of continued US attacks on Iran if “peace does not come quickly.” 

“This cannot continue,” he said, flanked by Vice President Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 

“There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days,” Trump said. 

The White House had said on Thursday that Trump would make a decision on bombing Iran within two weeks, but B-2 bombers started crossing the Pacific on Saturday afternoon. 

Trump announced the “very successful” strikes in a Truth Social post around 8.00pm EDT Saturday. In his remarks on Saturday night, the president said those facilities “have been completely and totally obliterated.”

Here are the key takeaways on the bombings:

US strikes three nuclear sites 

In his Truth Social post, Trump said “a full payload of BOMBS” was dropped on Iran’s primary nuclear enrichment plant, Fordow — a deep underground facility viewed as key to Tehran’s nuclear program — as well as on Natanz and Isfahan.

Multiple outlets reported that six “bunker buster” bombs were dropped on the Fordow facility, and that 30 tomahawk missiles were fired at Natanz and Isfahan.

Trump, in his address, said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine would give a press conference on the strikes at 800am EDT Sunday. 

Experts say the 30,000-pound bunker busters, officially known as the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, could penetrate the mountain where Fordow is located, had reportedly been requested by Israel. 

In the hours before the US unleashed airstrikes, the Defense Department reportedly moved B-2 bombers, the only aircraft capable of dropping the GBU-57, from their holding base in Missouri to across the Pacific to Guam.

Iranian officials and state media have confirmed the bombings, but said the three nuclear facilities had previously been evacuated.

Lawmakers divided 

The immediate response from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle pointed to the deep divisions over whether the US should enter a new war in the Middle East.

“This is not constitutional,” Rep. Thomas Massie posted on X. 

Rep. Jim Himes struck a similar note, referencing Trump’s post announcing the attacks, which said, “Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

“According to the Constitution we are both sworn to defend, my attention to this matter comes befoe bombs fall. Full stop,” Himes wrote. 

Massie had sponsored legislation that would have required congressional approval for any strikes on Iran. 

Sen. Bernie Sanders reacted to the news during a rally in Tulsa, Okla., calling it “grossly unconstitutional” after the crowd chanted “no more war.”

Leading Republicans and at least one Democrat were supportive of the attacks. 

“The President’s decisive action prevents the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, which chants ‘Death to America,’ from obtaining the most lethal weapon on the planet. This is America First policy in action,” Speaker Mike Johnson wrote on X. 

“Good. This was the right call. The regime deserves it,” Sen. Lindsey Graham wrote on X. 

Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker, meanwhile, said Trump had made “a deliberate —and correct— decision to eliminate the existential threat posed by the Iranian regime.”

“As I’ve long maintained, this was the correct move by @POTUS . Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities,” he wrote on X. 

Where U.S. troops are most vulnerable

Some 40,000 US service members are spread out across the Middle East at bases in Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, offering Iran a broad opportunity to hit back at American citizens, equipment and interests.

In the days before the US strike on Iran, Tehran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any American military intervention in its conflict with Israel “will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage.” 

And on Saturday, a news anchor on Iranian state television declared that Trump, “started it, and we will end it,” seeming to refer to a larger conflict between Washington and Tehran. The broadcast also showed a graphic of American bases in the Middle East with the headline, “Within the fire range of Iran,” as reported by The New York Times.

Experts say Iran within hours could decide to launch a retaliatory strike on the nearby Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq or other locations closest to its borders, and within minutes of such a decision could have its missiles delivered. 

“If Iran had the ballistic missiles ready to go, those strikes could happen in under 15 minutes. Launched to target,” retired Col. Seth Krummrich, vice president at security consultancy firm Global Guardian, told The Hill on Friday. 

A former Special Forces officer in Iraq and Afghanistan, Krummrich also predicted that if the US were to use the GBU-57, “you would see an Iranian missile strike aimed at one or multiple US bases.”

Tehran last significantly targeted US troops in January 2020 after Trump, in his first term, ordered an airstrike that killed Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force.

Iran reacted swiftly, days later hammering Al-Asad and another US base in Erbil with 13 ballistic missiles in the largest such attack ever against US forces abroad. No Americans were killed in the strikes but more than 100 were later diagnosed and treated for traumatic brain injuries.

Trump jumps gun on two-week timeline 

The strikes came less than 48 hours after Trump said he would make up his mind within two weeks, suggesting there was still time for a diplomatic solution. 

“Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiation that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go in the next two weeks,” Trump said in a statement read aloud by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Friday afternoon. 

The US has reportedly maintained dialogue with Iranian officials since Israel first struck Iran on June 13, but Trump had expressed growing skepticism about the chances of a deal.  

Iran has reportedly agreed to resume direct talks with the US after a meeting between European foreign ministers and Iran’s top diplomat on Friday.

This weekend saw a flurry of diplomatic activity across the Middle East.

Ambassadors from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait on Saturday met with Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to express concerns about the consequences of a US attack. 

What happens next?

It could take days for the US, Israel and IAEA to assess the damage from the US strikes, which were carried out in close coordination with the Israeli Defense Forces. 

One of the key questions will be how much the US strikes, together with over a week of Israeli attacks, have set back Tehran’s nuclear program. 

Trump said in recent days he believed Iran was on the verge of being able to build a nuclear bomb, though U.S. intelligence agencies believed it would take more than a year for Tehran to turn enriched uranium into a usable nuclear weapon. 

Israeli officials have also suggested that regime change in Iran is among the goals of their war, and that Khamenei could be a target for assassination. 

Iran’s supreme leader, believed to be hiding out in a bunker, has named three senior clerics to replace him should he die, according to The New York Times. 

On Iranian state television after the attacks, an anchor said, “Mr. Trump, you started it, and we will end it,” along with a graphic of American bases in the Middle East within Iran’s reach, according to the Times. 

Both Russia and China had condemned Israel’s war on Iran and are certain to criticize the U.S. strikes too. However, Russia has shown little interest in sending military support to Iran. 

 

United States Bombs Iranian Nuclear Facilities

According to Reuters, US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that a "very successful attack" on three nuclear sites in Iran had been carried out, including at Fordow. In a posting on Truth Social, Trump added, "All planes are safely on their way home" and he congratulated "our great American Warriors."

The action came as Israel and Iran have been engaged in more than a week of aerial combat that has resulted in deaths and injuries in both countries.

Israel launched the attacks on Iran saying that it wanted to remove any chance of Tehran developing nuclear weapons.

Diplomatic efforts by Western nations to stop the hostilities had so far been unsuccessful.

According to Saudi Gazette, Israel struck a nuclear research facility in Iran early Saturday and killed multiple senior Iranian commanders, as its military warned of a potentially protracted war aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.

The Israeli military said the overnight strike targeted two centrifuge production sites near a mountain in Isfahan in a two-phase operation. It was the second attack on the city since the war began on June 13.

Akbar Salehi, deputy governor for security affairs in Isfahan province, confirmed the attack caused damage but reported no human casualties.

An Israeli military official said recent operations had disabled over half of Iran’s missile and drone launchers. He described Iran’s retaliatory drone and missile barrage overnight as a “small-scale” attack that was mostly intercepted. “We’ve created a bottleneck,” the official said. “But Iran clearly retains capabilities.”

Meanwhile, Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency service, reported that a drone hit a residential building in northern Israel, though no injuries were reported.

Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, Israel’s chief military spokesperson, said the army has been instructed to prepare for a “prolonged campaign” focused on eliminating nuclear enrichment facilities and missile infrastructure. “We are deepening our strikes night after night,” he said.

“We will continue until the threat is removed.”

Diplomatic talks in Geneva on Friday failed to yield a breakthrough.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remained open to diplomacy but would not engage with the US while Israeli attacks continued. “Iran is ready to consider diplomacy once aggression is stopped,”

Araghchi said, warning that any US military involvement would be “very dangerous for everyone.”

President Donald Trump is reportedly considering US intervention but has delayed a decision for up to two weeks.

Analysts note that only American “bunker-buster” bombs could reach Iran’s underground Fordo enrichment facility.

Since June 13, Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 722 people in Iran, including 285 civilians, according to an Iranian human rights group based in Washington. Over 2,500 people have been wounded.

Iran has launched more than 450 missiles and 1,000 drones at Israel, killing 24 and injuring hundreds.

Among the most high-profile killings, Israel confirmed the deaths of Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, Gen. Hossein Salami, and Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh in its opening strikes.

On Saturday, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced the killing of Saeed Izadi, a senior Quds Force commander tied to Hamas, in an airstrike in Qom.

Another top Quds Force figure, Behnam Shahriyari, allegedly responsible for weapons transfers to Hezbollah and Hamas, was also killed in western Iran.

Israel further claimed it had eliminated a senior Iranian drone commander overnight.

On Friday, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi warned the UN Security Council of the catastrophic risk of targeting Iran’s only commercial nuclear reactor in Bushehr.

“A direct hit would result in a very high release of radioactivity,” Grossi said. So far, Israel has avoided striking the Bushehr plant, instead focusing on facilities at Natanz, centrifuge workshops near Tehran, laboratories in Isfahan, and the Arak heavy water reactor.

Iran, which once accepted international oversight under the 2015 nuclear deal, began ramping up enrichment and curbing inspections after Trump withdrew the US from the agreement.

On Saturday, senior adviser Ali Larijani threatened Grossi in a social media post, blaming his remarks for prompting Israeli aggression. “Grossi will pay after the war,” Larijani wrote, without elaboration.

While Iran insists its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, it remains the only non-nuclear-weapons state enriching uranium to 60%.

Israel, which has never confirmed possessing nuclear weapons, is widely believed to be the Middle East’s sole nuclear power

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iranian missiles hit Israeli port city

According to CNN, nearly two dozen people were wounded in parts of Israel on Friday after Iran unleashed a fresh barrage of missiles. Foreign ministers from the Britain, France, and Germany met their Iranian counterpart in Geneva on Friday.

The talks come as US President Donald Trump says he will decide within two weeks whether to join Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Iran, amid reports that Washington is actively considering intervention.

Iran said the latest attack targeted “military objectives, defense industries, and command centers” in Israel, a spokesperson for the country’s Revolutionary Guard said.

Haifa's mayor stressed need for peace after the Iranian missile barrage on Friday.

The “name of the game is peace,” Yona Yahav, mayor of the northern Israeli city, told CNN. He said the two-week deadline set by President Donald Trump to decide on whether the US will join Israel’s military action on Iran is too long.

Speaking to CNN’s Nic Robertson from the city in the aftermath of a fresh Iranian missile barrage, Mayor Yona Yahav confirmed that no one had been killed in the attack.

According to Israeli emergency services, a total of 21 people were injured in Haifa during the attacks, including three with severe injuries.

Yahav also said “I don’t like wars,” after having personally experienced 10 of them, adding that the “name of the game is peace.”

He said his culturally mixed city has been a mostly peaceful home to both Jews and Arabs for over 100 years.

When asked about the talks that are being held in Geneva between Iran and European countries, Yahav said he hoped that a peace treaty would be the ultimate end result.

The mayor said that the two-week deadline President Trump had given to decide US actions on Iran was “too much,” as he said it is difficult for residents to live while wrapped up in war.

“A fixed answer I can’t get from Trump, and this bothers me,” he said.

“Because I like stability, and I think that he has to give me this stability.”

Israeli attacks on Iran, what it gained or lost?

No one could believe that the United States or Israel launch attacks on Iran in the middle of a diplomatic process. The sixth round of indirect nuclear talks with the US was scheduled later in the week. There were expectations a breakthrough was possible this time.

US President Donald Trump had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid attacking Iran. Even if Trump is "crazy," many analysts argued, he seemed capable of clear thinking when it came to West Asia, understanding that another war in the region - especially one that involves Iran - would benefit no one.

However, Trump turned out to be just as crazy and ignorant as people knew he was. He provided Israel with logistics and intelligence needed to strike residential buildings, nuclear facilities, and military sites across Iran while a meeting was scheduled in Oman.

Why did Israel attack Iran?  

Netanyahu claims the attacks aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons a justification few accept, even those minimally informed about Iran s nuclear program.  

The IAEA and Western intelligence agencies have confirmed time and time again that despite nuclear advancements, Iran has neither pursued nuclear weapons nor demonstrated political will to do so. If Iran develops such weapons in the future, it will likely be a direct result of Israel s brazen aggression, making them feel such arms are necessary.

Israeli attacks on the Natanz and Fordow nuclear facilities failed to cause significant damage. As per Iran's nuclear chief's latest announcement, both sites are currently operating normally. This did not come as a surprise, as the whole world had known for a while that the main part of Iran's nuclear facilities are placed deep under the ground, and that it is impossible to destroy them with conventional weapons.. 

To understand why Iran was attacked, we must first examine the Israeli offensive.  

Israeli operation against Iran comprised of three elements: 1) assassinating military leaders, 2) attacking nuclear sites, and 3) terrorizing civilians.  

Israel believed its offensive would result in three things: 1) The assassination of top Iranian commanders would delay or prevent retaliation, 2) All or a significant number of Iran's missile launchers, depots, and military sites would be destroyed through Friday's campaign, and 3) Killing of Iranian civilians and striking the heart of Tehran would pit the people against the government and spur an uprising

All assumptions proved false. While the loss of five of its top military leaders did deal a blow to Iran, it did not cripple the Iranian Armed Forces. Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei took only a couple of hours to replace the assasinated generals. 

While analysts don't know how much damage Israel has managed to inflict on Iran's military assets, it is clear that a large part of the country's defensive and offensive calibilties are still in tact. 

Since the conflict began, Iran has launched multiple waves of missile strikes against the occupied territories, hitting critical targets like the Haifa oil refinery, the Mossad and Aman headquarters, military bases, and nuclear research centers. The Iranian Armed Forces claim they have enough missiles to hit Israeli targets every day for two years.  

Another Israeli prediction that proved false was that given the various financial and societal issues gripping Iran in recent years, the people would choose to topple the government in order to "save" their lives.

Netanyahu issued a message to the Iranian people, and later did an interview with a US-based Persian speaking channel to tell them he was only at war with the government, and that he wanted to bring Iranians freedom and prosperity.

The Israeli aggression only made Iranians more united and even prompted well-known individuals with a long history of anti-goverment activisim to rally behind Ayatollah Khamenei.

What Israel gained or lost? 

Netanyahu managed to gain a temporary period of Euphoria. Settlers in the occupied territories are accustomed to waging war not facing existential threats. For the first time in Israel s history, its citizens fear for their lives. Iranian missiles strike at will, a reality Israelis recently confronted. As Hebrew media reports, residents barred by authorities from fleeing now pay smugglers to transport them by boat to Cyprus.

Journalists say they are appalled at what's happening, military analysts say Israel's interceptors, which have so far only downed older Iranian missiles designed to preoccupy air defense systems, will be out soon.

Netanyahu and Trump essentialy entered a war they can not finish. It appears Israel failed in estimating Iranian capabilities. They may have to sit back and watch how Iran writes the ending to their story.

 

US action against Iran a threat to peace in Middle East, says Kallas

Potential military involvement by the United States in the wave of strikes between Israel and Iran would "definitely drag" the entire Middle East into a wider, more dangerous conflict, said Kaja Kallas.

Her warning came after Donald Trump openly suggested his country, a staunch backer of Israel, might take a hands-on approach to end the hostilities.

"We're not involved in it. It's possible we could get involved. But we are not at this moment involved," Trump told ABC News on Sunday. He later said the US would be "gloves off" if Iran were to "touch our troops".

"When it comes to the United States getting involved, then it will definitely drag the region into broader conflict. And this is in nobody's interest," Kallas said in Brussels after hosting a video conference with the EU's 27 foreign affairs ministers.

"And from my call with Secretary of State Rubio, he emphasized that it's also not in their interest to be drawn into this conflict," she added, referring to the conversation she had on Monday with her US counterpart.

"We are constantly pushing to stop this war because the risks of escalation and the risks of spillover effect are too great. Also, the risks of miscalculation, which is making this conflict even bigger."

Kallas also weighed in on Trump's stated goal of wanting a "real end" to the conflict that would see Iran giving up its nuclear program "entirely". The comments appeared to be at odds with the EU's long-held position of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons while permitting civilian uses.

The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, was designed to curtail the country's nuclear program and keep it exclusively peaceful in exchange for sanctions relief. But after Trump disavowed the deal in his first mandate, Iran began enriching uranium to levels that seemed to exceed any civilian purposes, causing worldwide alarm and condemnation.

Last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) found Iran was not complying with its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in 20 years.

"A diplomatic solution is the best way to address Iran's program in the long run, and Europe stands ready to play its part," Kallas said. "We cannot be lenient when Iran accelerates its nuclear program."

Following the video call with foreign affairs ministers, Kallas doubled down on her previous calls for maximum restraint and immediate de-escalation, without adding any new element that could expand the bloc's limited role in the Israel-Iran conflict.

The most concrete development was the activation of the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism, which is used to coordinate emergency assistance for natural disasters, such as wildfires and floods, and man-made crises, like wars.

"We have activated the Civil Protection Mechanism, and we are assisting member states to evacuate their citizens that wish to leave," Kallas said, noting that not all EU countries had the necessary planes to carry out the evacuations.

"In parallel, we stand ready to deploy civil protection experts, and our naval operation ASPIDES (in the Red Sea) continues to protect merchant ships from Houthi attacks while providing valuable situational awareness."

Kallas said the EU would not "let our focus on Gaza slip" and urged "immediate" and "full" access to humanitarian aid, which Israel has heavily restricted.

She refrained from providing details of the ongoing review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and how the strikes against Iran might influence the discussions.

Kallas also struck down Russia's suggestion of playing the role of moderator in the Israel-Iran conflict, arguing the invasion of Ukraine was a disqualifying factor.

"Russia cannot be a mediator if they don't really believe in peace," she said.

Israel launches new wave of airstrikes on Iran

Intense Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran’s capital, Tehran, early on Wednesday. The Israelis earlier warned they could strike a neighborhood south of Mehrabad International Airport, which includes residential buildings, military installations, pharmaceutical companies and industrial firms.

The attacks come just a day after US President Donald Trump warned Tehran's residents to evacuate and demanded the country’s unconditional surrender.

Israel has yet to successfully target Iran's Fordo facility, which lies deep within a mountainside. Hitting Fordo would require the US to get involved militarily and deploy B-2 stealth bombers to drop its bunker-busting bomb. The 14,000 kg GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator uses its weight and sheer kinetic force to reach deeply buried targets.

Israel announced a new wave of strikes on Tuesday evening as explosions and anti-aircraft fire boomed throughout Tehran, shaking buildings. The Israeli military said its warplanes had targeted 12 missile launch sites and storage facilities.

Israel's military warned the population to stay close to shelters as Iran fired a new barrage of missiles, but officials said most were intercepted.

Sirens sounded in southern Israel, including in the desert town of Dimona, the heart of Israel's never-acknowledged nuclear arms program.

Early on Tuesday, downtown Tehran saw a significant decrease in activity, with numerous shops closed, including the historic Grand Bazaar, which typically shuts its doors only during periods of crisis, such as the 2022 anti-government protests and the coronavirus pandemic.

Tehran is one of the largest cities in the Middle East, with around 10 million residents, roughly equivalent to Israel's entire population.

Iran asserts that its nuclear program is peaceful, while the United States and other nations have determined that Tehran has not engaged in a systematic effort to develop a nuclear weapon since 2003.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims that strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities have delayed the nation's nuclear program by a "very, very long time”,

Israel has yet to successfully target Iran's Fordo facility, which lies deep within a mountainside. Hitting Fordo would require the US to get involved militarily and deploy B-2 stealth bombers to drop its bunker-busting bomb. The 14,000 kg GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator uses its weight and sheer kinetic force to reach deeply buried targets.

 

Trump calls unconditional surrender by Iran

Iran and Israel launched new missile strikes at each other on Wednesday as the air war between the two longtime enemies entered a sixth day despite a call from US President Donald Trump for Tehran's unconditional surrender, reports Reuters.

The Israeli military said two barrages of Iranian missiles were launched toward Israel in the first two hours of Wednesday morning. Explosions were heard over Tel Aviv.

Israel told residents in a southwestern area of Tehran to evacuate so its air force could strike Iranian military installations. Iranian news websites said Israel was attacking a university linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards in the east of the capital.

Iranian news websites said Israel was also attacking a university linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards in the country's east, and the Khojir ballistic missile facility near Tehran, which was also targeted by Israeli airstrikes last October.

The US Office of the Director of National Intelligence says Iran is armed with the largest number of ballistic missiles in the Middle East. Iran has said its ballistic missiles are an important deterrent and retaliatory force against the US, Israel and other potential regional targets.

Trump warned on social media on Tuesday that US patience was wearing thin. While he said there was no intention to kill Iran's leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "for now," his comments suggested a more aggressive stance toward Iran as he weighs whether to deepen US involvement.

"We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding," he wrote on Truth Social. "We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now ... Our patience is wearing thin."

Three minutes later Trump posted, "Unconditional Surrender!"

Trump's contradictory and cryptic messaging about the conflict between close US ally Israel and longtime foe Iran has deepened the uncertainty surrounding the crisis. His public comments have ranged from military threats to diplomatic overtures, not uncommon for a president known for an often erratic approach to foreign policy.

A source familiar with internal discussions said Trump and his team are considering a number of options, including joining Israel on strikes against Iranian nuclear sites.

A White House official said Trump spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone on Tuesday.

Trump also met for 90 minutes with his National Security Council on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the conflict, a White House official said. Details were not immediately available.

The US is deploying more fighter aircraft to the Middle East and extending the deployment of other warplanes. The US has so far only taken indirect actions in the current conflict with Iran, including helping to shoot down missiles fired toward Israel.

A source with access to US intelligence reports said Iran has moved some ballistic missile launchers, but it is difficult to determine if they were targeting US forces or Israel.

 

 

 

 

Trump joins Israel in erasing Iranian nuclear facilities

US President Donald Trump said he wanted a "real end" to the nuclear dispute with Iran. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said meanwhile that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could face the same fate as Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, who was toppled in a US-led invasion and eventually hanged after a trial, reports Reuters.

"I warn the Iranian dictator against continuing to commit war crimes and fire missiles at Israeli citizens," Katz told top Israeli military officials.

Speaking to reporters after his early departure from Canada, where he attended the Group of Seven nations summit on Monday, Trump predicted that Israel would not be easing its attacks on Iran.

Trump said his departure from the G7 summit had "nothing to do with" working on a deal between Israel and Iran, after French President Emmanuel Macron said the U.S. had initiated a ceasefire proposal.

Khamenei has seen his main military and security advisers killed by Israeli air strikes, leaving major holes in his inner circle and raising the risk of strategic errors.

Israel's military said Iran's military leadership is "on the run" and that it had killed Iran's wartime chief of staff Ali Shadmani overnight four days into his job after replacing another top commander killed in the strikes.

 

 

G7 at height of hypocrisy

The Group of Seven nations expressed support for Israel in a statement issued late on Monday and labeled its rival Iran as a source of instability in the Middle East, with the G7 leaders urging broader de-escalation of hostilities in the region, reports Reuters.

The air war between Iran and Israel - which began on Friday when Israel attacked Iran with air strikes - has raised alarms in a region that had already been on edge since the start of Israel's military assault on Gaza in October 2023.

"We affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel," G7 leaders said in the statement.

"Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror," the statement added and said the G7 was "clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon."

Israel attacked Iran on Friday in what it called a preemptive strike to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Since then the two Middle Eastern rivals have exchanged blows, with Iranian officials reporting over 220 deaths, mostly civilians, while Israel said 24 civilians were killed.

It is on record that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons and has said it has the right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Israel, which is not a party to the NPT, is the only country in the Middle East widely believed to have nuclear weapons. Israel does not deny or confirm that.

Although the US has been saying it is not involved in the Israeli attacks, Trump has admitted he was aware of Israel's strikes in advance and called them "excellent." Washington has warned Tehran not to attack US interests or personnel in the region.

An Israeli strike hit Iran's state broadcaster on Monday while Trump said in a social media post that "everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran."

Separately, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also discussed the Israel-Iran war in phone calls with his British, French and European Union counterparts on Monday.

 

Trump and Netanyahu ask Iranians to leave Tehran immediately

US President Donald Trump has warned residents of the Iranian capital, Tehran, to immediately evacuate, hinting at a possible major Israeli bombardment.

“Iran should have signed the “deal” I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life,” said Trump in a post on his own social media platform, Truth Social.

“Simply stated, Iran nan not have a nuclear weapon. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!,” added Trump.

Israel on Monday warned some 300,000 people in Tehran to evacuate ahead of airstrikes.

It’s the fifth day of conflict between Israel and Iran. Both countries have intensified their strikes on each other in recent days, with exchanges of missiles resulting in dozens of casualties between the two countries.

The conflict started when Israel moved to strike multiple targets in Iran, including nuclear and military sites in a surprise attack in the early hours of Friday.

The first wave of attacks also eliminated top Iranian officials, including the armed forces’ chief of staff, Mohammed Bagheri, and head of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard Corp, Hossein Salami.

Israel says the decision to attack Iran was “preemptive selfdefense”, as it expressed concerns over Iran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program. Israel has repeatedly warned of the threat an Iran equipped with a nuclear weapon would pose on its very survival.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Monday that the strikes have set Iran’s nuclear program back “years" and said he is in touch daily with Trump.

Iran’s Foreign Minister and chief nuclear deal negotiator Abbas Araghchi says Israel’s attacks on his country deal a huge blow to diplomacy. The comments were made during a call with his French, British and German counterparts.

Iran signed a nuclear deal in 2015 with these three countries, along with the EU, US, China and Russia. Washington later unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018 under Trump’s first term in office.

Meanwhile, the US says it’s deploying “additional capabilities” to bolster its defenses in the Middle East. The announcement was made by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in a post on social media platform X.

“Over the weekend, I directed the deployment of additional capabilities to the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility,” said Hegseth.

“Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region,” he added.

Israeli war against Iran governed by ten factors

Former Iranian diplomat and current Princeton University researcher Seyyed Hossein Mousavian has posted 10 points behind Israel’s war against Iran on his X account which are:

1. Israel's military aggression against Iran began exactly one day after Trump's two-month deadline to Iran regarding nuclear negotiations.

2. This aggression is a clear violation of the United Nations Charter and all international norms and laws, and cannot be compensated for merely by condemnation statements from UN member states.

3. Israel coordinated its plan to attack Iran in advance with NATO leaders and, with the green light from the United States and NATO, launched the war against Iran. Therefore, NATO has taken on the role of defending Israel against Iran’s military retaliation. In this war, NATO is effectively engaged with Iran, directly or indirectly.

4. Since the beginning of nuclear negotiations with Iran in 2003, Israel has sought to sabotage these talks, destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities, and drag the US and NATO into a war with Iran.

5. At a 2011 seminar, one of the former heads of Israeli intelligence Organization, Mossad told Iran’s then-ambassador to the IAEA, “Your main counterpart in the nuclear negotiations is Israel, not the P5+1 countries.” Israel’s success in derailing the negotiations has discredited the P5+1 group.

6. Israel’s military attack is the largest military operation against Iran since World War II and Saddam’s invasion of Iranian territory. Saddam was supported by NATO, Eastern bloc powers, and Arab countries—yet he was ultimately defeated. In the current war, Eastern bloc powers and Arab countries are not aligned with Israel and NATO.

7. Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities is an attack by a nuclear-armed state on a non-nuclear-armed state. This reality exposes the ineffectiveness of the NPT treaty and the IAEA—especially since the Israeli military attack revealed the true motive and nature behind the recent illegal IAEA’s resolution against Iran.

8. The attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities will undoubtedly impact Iran’s future nuclear strategy. In fact, NATO, Israel, and the IAEA have laid the groundwork for this strategic shift.

9. Israel’s main objective in this new hybrid war against Iran is regime change, creating instability and chaos, and even the disintegration of Iran. The outcome of this war will have a significant impact on the future balance of power in the Middle East.

10. The US and NATO, by giving the green light to Israel, have made a major strategic mistake. The outcome of this war will greatly influence the regional dynamics and the role of Eastern and Western powers in the Middle East.