Israel And Iran War Enters Second Week
A new round of strikes targeting an Iranian nuclear research facility near Isfahan initiated the second week of the Israel-Iran conflict.
European foreign ministers and Iran’s chief diplomat were unable to achieve a breakthrough during their discussions in Geneva on Friday. Concerns regarding potential attacks on Iranian nuclear reactors necessitated that U.S. President Donald Trump continue to evaluate his nation’s military involvement.
Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, expressed his willingness to engage in additional dialogue; however, he underscored that Tehran was not interested in negotiations as long as Israel continued to launch attacks.
Germany closes Tehran embassy and withdraws staff from Iran
The German embassy in Tehran has been suspended until further notice “as a result of the current crisis situation,” according to the diplomatic representation’s website.
“We kindly request that you refrain from visiting the embassy or consulate building.” “The embassy has cancelled appointments that have already been scheduled,” it stated.
The German Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday that it has evacuated all of its embassy personnel from Tehran as a result of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
Germans who are still in Iran can still contact the embassy via the internet. The embassy provides guidance on the various options for departing by land through Turkey or Armenia on its website.
US begins repatriation flights from Israel
The flights were declared by Ambassador Mike Huckabee in a social media post as the war between Israel and Iran entered its second week. He claims that an online form can be completed by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to receive updates.
The United States has also advised its citizens in Iran who desire to depart to travel through Azerbaijan, Armenia, or Turkey if they believe it is a safe option.
Nasrallah’s bodyguard killed in Israeli airstrike on Iran, Hezbollah says
A Hezbollah official announced on Saturday that the chief of security for the late Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike while in Iran.
The official stated that Abu Ali Khalil, who was also known as Abu Ali Jawad, was slain upon his arrival in Iran from neighbouring Iraq.
Abu Ali was frequently observed in the background of Nasrallah during the majority of his public appearances for an extended period.
Subsequently, his bodyguard was appointed to supervise his tomb in Beirut.
Abu Ali was slain in an airstrike that took place on Saturday, according to a Hezbollah official who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to his lack of authorisation to address the media.
Erdogan offers to mediate Iran-US talks
During a meeting with Iran’s top diplomat, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged the United States and Iran to engage in technical and leadership-level discussions to alleviate tensions.
The Turkish president also informed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during a meeting in Istanbul on Saturday that Turkey was prepared to assume the role of facilitator, according to a statement from Erdogan’s office.
Erdogan declared that the region is incapable of enduring another conflict and demanded that Israel be “stopped immediately.”
Araghchi was in Turkey to participate in a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Israeli army says it is now targeting Iranian military infrastructure
According to the Israeli army, it has commenced military infrastructure strikes in southwest Iran. The nature of the targeted sites was uncertain.
The sound of large explosions was heard in two cities in the oil-rich province of Khuzestan shortly thereafter, according to Iranian state media.
Macron voices deep concern over Iran’s nuclear program
The French president disclosed that this transpired during a conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, who initiated the contact on Saturday.
Macron reiterated his stance on social media: Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, and it is Iran’s responsibility to provide complete assurances that its intentions are peaceful. He also emphasised the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to resolve the current crisis.
“In order to accomplish this, we will expedite the negotiations between Iran and France and its European partners.”
Macron stated that he also requested the release of two French citizens who have been detained in Iran on espionage accusations since 2022.
