Israel Iran latest news: US calls for calm after officials say Israel hit Iran - BBC News

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time. The time zone for the entire country of the United Kingdom is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST). Any times mentioned in this blog post will be given in UK time.

US Sanctions Israeli Minister's Far-right Ally

According to reports by Israeli media, a far-right Israeli activist who is associated with the controversial far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has been sanctioned by the US.

The founder and leader of Lehava, Ben-Zion Gopstein, has been labeled by the state department as someone who strongly opposes mixing or integrating with non-Jewish individuals.

According to the US state department, Lehava and its members, led by Gopstein, have engaged in actions or made threats of harm towards Palestinians. These actions frequently occur in areas that are prone to conflict or are of high sensitivity.

In 2019, Gopstein was not allowed to run as a candidate for the Otzma Yehudit political party led by Ben Gvir. Additionally, in January, he was found guilty of promoting racism.

Flights To Israel, Iran, And Iraq Suspended

Here's the latest information regarding our previous blog post regarding disturbances to air travel in the locality.

Several flights to Iran have recommenced after a supposed Israeli assault. Airports were shut down, and aircraft were redirected last evening.

Lufthansa, which is a German airline, has decided to halt its flights to both Israel and Iraq. This suspension will be in effect until Saturday morning.

The airline's daughter company, Austrian Airlines, has ceased its air travel services to Tel Aviv, which is the financial hub of Israel, and Irbil, situated in northern Iraq. Additionally, they have also ended flights to the capital of Jordan, Amman.

Both airlines had earlier declared that they would not operate any flights to Tehran and Beirut until the end of the current month, and they would also steer clear of flying over Iranian airspace during this time.

At this time, Flydubai has not yet restarted their flights to Tehran.

According to the state news agency PAP, LOT, the airline of Poland, has made a decision to scrap flights to Beirut, the Lebanese capital, and Tel Aviv.

Iranian Commander Stops Attack With Air Defense System

The article contains a blog section that will be paraphrased into simplified English. The blog post found in this piece will be rephrased into casual and straightforward language.

According to Iranian state TV, the air defense system commander in Isfahan claims to have prevented an attack that allegedly occurred today.

Siavash Mihandoost reports that the noise heard earlier today in Isfahan was not an explosion, but rather the launch of air defense rockets targeting a specific object.

Mihandoost assures that the occurrence did not result in any harm or destruction.

Iran has minimized the news about a possible attack on their land by a missile, although Mihandoost assures that their air defense system is fully equipped and on standby to confront anyone who poses a threat to Iran's land or airspace.

"Russia & Jordan Warn: Regional Escalation Risks"

Below are additional statements from important leaders in the area regarding the occurrences that happened during the night.

According to reports, Russia claims to have communicated with both Israel and Iran, who are considered to be allies in the international community.

During the recent talks, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov conveyed that Russia had clearly communicated to Israel that Iran has no interest in intensifying the situation.

Jordan is a neighboring country of Israel and was involved in preventing the recent missile and drone attacks carried out by Iran. Additionally, Jordan has expressed concerns regarding the possibility of a wider conflict in the region and has urged both Israel and Iran to refrain from retaliating against each other.

Jordan's Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, has released a statement denouncing any actions that may lead to war in the region.

The United Arab Emirates is calling for the discovery of significant remedies to the ongoing conflicts and disasters in the Middle East, which is located on the opposite side of the Persian Gulf from Iran.

The foreign ministry of the country has urged for conflicts to be settled using "dialogue and diplomatic channels."

Explosions Heard In Isfahan, Iran's Strategic City

Known for its grand palaces, decorated mosques, and tall minarets, Isfahan, where explosions were heard during the night, is also a significant hub for the military manufacturing sector.

The third largest city in Iran, known as "Nesf-e-Jahaan" meaning "half the world", can be found in the middle of the country close to the Zagros mountain range.

The area surrounding the city is where you can find manufacturers of unmanned aerial vehicles and weapons with the ability to fly through the air in a curved trajectory.

Not too far away from here is the Natanz nuclear facility, which happens to be the primary hub for Iran's nuclear enrichment project.

Considering that Isfahan is associated with Iran's nuclear facilities, the significance of any sort of assault occurring there would surely be acknowledged.

If the attack was carried out by Israel, it appears that Benjamin Netanyahu's government was trying to communicate to Iran that they have the ability to hit key locations in the province without actually doing it yet.

Photos: Tehran Holds Anti-Israel Protest

There was a protest against Israel that took place in the city of Tehran, located in Iran.

Many individuals have come together on the roads of Tehran, with demonstrators displaying placards against Israel and waving both Iranian and Palestinian flags.

Several people present at the gathering are holding up pictures of Ayotollah Ali Khamenei, who is the Supreme Leader of the country, and Ruhollah Khomeini, who was the leader before him.

Iran Overnight: A Recap Of Events

According to US authorities, Israel carried out a missile attack on Iran during the night of Friday, as a response to the increased hostility displayed by Iran towards Israel in the past few weeks.

However, there hasn't been any official verification or clarification about the exact events that occurred.

State media in Iran played down the incident's importance, while the Israeli military has remained mum on the matter.

What are the statements made by Iran regarding the strike?

The news agency Fars in Iran stated that there were sounds of explosions close to a military base located in Isfahan. It was also reported that the air defence systems were put into action.

According to Iranian state television, three drones were eliminated in midair and there were no explosions on the ground.

According to a top Iranian official who spoke to Reuters, they have not experienced any outside assault. Rather, it seems that there may have been infiltrators involved.

Israel frequently carries out military operations against Iranian-backed militant organizations in Syria and Iraq, but they do not frequently acknowledge or confirm these actions.

According to CBS News, which is affiliated with the BBC, US officials have confirmed that Iran was struck by a missile launched from Israel during the early hours of Friday.

Before, Israel declared that it would respond to the attack from Iran over the weekend. The attack involved a large number of drones and missiles in reaction to a supposed Israeli strike on Iran's embassy site in Syria.

The region of Isfahan in Iran is a substantial zone at the core of the country. It boasts essential military facilities such as an extensive airbase, a significant compound manufacturing missiles, and numerous nuclear plants.

Discover further information about the strike and its aftermath by clicking on this link.

US Not Behind Israel Strikes, But Dedicated To Defense, Says Blinken

Journalist Jessica Parker from the BBC inquired with high-ranking American diplomat Antony Blinken to clarify if the United States had any part in Israel's recent attacks on Iran. She also asked if there was communication between Washington and the Israeli leadership regarding the matter.

Check out the video to listen to his thoughts.

What Caused The Israel-Iran Hostility?

The recent assault on Iran, reportedly carried out by Israel according to American officials who spoke with CBS News, is believed to be a retaliatory move following Iran's use of drones and missiles to attack Israel. This action has been widely observed as a response from Israel.

Iran launched its very first direct assault on Israel as a response to the attack made by Israel on the Iranian consulate situated in Damascus, the capital of Syria. As a result of this strike, multiple high-ranking military officers were killed.

Israel and Iran had been involved in a hidden war for several years in which they targeted each other's resources but never claimed responsibility. However, the frequency and intensity of these attacks significantly increased during the ongoing war in Gaza.

Iran and Israel were once collaborators. However, things changed after the Iranian revolution of 1979, which marked the emergence of a new government whose doctrine involved portraying Israel as the enemy.

Currently, Iran does not acknowledge the existence of Israel and desires to eliminate it. At the same time, Israel perceives Iran as a major threat to its survival, given the aggressive language used by Iranian officials and the formation of surrogate military groups, such as the Lebanese Shia fighter organization, Hezbollah, in the area.

Man Arrested For Threatening Bomb Attack At Iran Consulate In Paris

We have news to share regarding an occurrence in Paris. The French police, armed with weapons, have apprehended a man, following reports of him entering the Iranian embassy, located close to the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris.

According to reports from the French media, someone saw a person entering the consulate in a suspicious manner. In response, the BRI intervention brigade, comprised of elite officers, was sent to surround the building. The individual in question was reportedly carrying what appeared to be a grenade or explosive vest, as stated by the witness.

According to reports from France, the individual in question eventually exited the premises and was detained by authorities soon after. The BRI officers proceeded to conduct a thorough search of his person, but found no signs of any explosives.

At the same time, the United States embassy located in Paris released a safety warning on 'X' date, expressing that "the Paris authorities are asking individuals to refrain from visiting the area near the Iranian diplomatic center in Paris' 16th district due to the current security operation taking place."

More information is available for you to peruse at this location.

In Missile Attack On US Bases

During a recent talk with Iranian television, Major General Seyyed Abdulrahim Mousavi, who leads the army, talked about the blast that took place in Isfahan.

He explained that the noise of blasts was due to the anti-aircraft defense mechanism responding to multiple doubtful items. He also assured the people that there was no harm caused.

The Iranian government has started looking into the issue and promised to keep the citizens informed as new information becomes available.

At the same time, Kioumars Heydari, who leads the army's ground forces, gave a notice that if any more unusual flying objects appeared, they would be dealt with quickly.

The Joint Staff of the Army is in charge of overseeing the Khatam al-Anbia defence base which is responsible for ensuring the safety of Iran's airspace.

The establishment serves an important function in boosting Iran's ability to defend its airspace by utilizing a comprehensive system of commanding and controlling.

At the same time, Kasra Naji, who works for BBC Persian as a correspondent in Tel Aviv, informs us that everything seems to be alright in Israel.

The military suggests that people maintain their regular activities, and there is no official word from Israel about the alleged assault.

Iran Downplays Attack Impact, Extent

A correspondent with expertise in diplomacy is sharing insights from their current location in Jerusalem.

People living in Isfahan, a province located in the center of Iran, captured the sounds of loud booms during the night. Iranian government-controlled media has said that the cause of the explosions was due to air defense missiles successfully taking down three drones.

According to reports, the assault took place in the vicinity of an airport and a military facility. Government officials maintain that significant destruction did not occur.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the nuclear facilities in Iran's vicinity have not undergone any changes. Israel has refrained from acknowledging any involvement.

However, authorities have informed nearby press outlets that this action was in retaliation for Iran's airstrike over the past weekend and was intended to display Israel's capability to conduct deep attacks within Iranian borders.

According to certain accounts, missiles that were launched from the air were involved. Iran seemed to downplay the event, as one government representative was quoted as saying that they had no intentions of seeking revenge.

However, there was disapproval in Israel regarding the restricted extent of the assault.

The national security minister with far-right views, Itamar Ben Gvir, expressed his opinion on social media with a single word: "Unimpressive."

Yair Lapid, who is currently the leader of the opposition, has made an accusation against Ben Gvir. According to Lapid, Ben Gvir is causing harm to Israel by making it the subject of ridicule.

"Flashes In Sky Over Isfahan Caught On Video"

We've been watching a few recordings that have been received by BBC Persian that depict a series of bursts of light in the atmosphere. Allegedly, this occurred over the Iranian city of Isfahan, yet it can be tough to authenticate filmed content taken at night due to the scarcity of recognizable characteristics.

Yet, we have spotted a couple of videos that haven't been shown previously. After testing them side by side, we noticed that the pattern of the lights syncs up flawlessly. This gives us assurance that the footage was captured simultaneously from separate but adjacent spots.

Furthermore, our associates who work at BBC Persian have informed us that the intonations perceived in a certain video have a resemblance to the ones spoken in the region of Isfahan.

"Stop Revenge Cycle," Urges UN Chief

The spokesperson of Antonio Guterres - the head of United Nations - has released a statement saying that it's about time to put an end to the risky pattern of revenge in the Middle East.

He explains that Guterres "disapproves of any instance of vengeance and implores the global community to collaborate in order to stop any additional advancements that may bring about catastrophic results for not only the region, but also the world at large".

Tensions Linger Despite Avoided Escalation

The journalist covering news from the Middle East is currently stationed in Beirut.

After the significant attack from Iran on Israel over the previous weekend, in which most of the drones and missiles were taken down, everyone in the region anxiously awaited the response from Israeli forces. The magnitude of the response could potentially dictate whether the long-standing enemies would engage in a full-blown war.

Numerous uncertainties still remain regarding the event that occurred and what could potentially occur in the future. However, it seems as though Israel only carried out a restricted offensive and Iran has downplayed the situation and hinted at not retaliating, which will ease the minds of numerous people.

It appears that a risky situation has been avoided, yet anxiety remains. Israel began a conflict with Hamas in Gaza on October 7th after facing attacks. Ever since, Iran's allies in the area have been launching assaults from Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq, leading to worries of a potential conflict throughout the region.

In Lebanon, Hezbollah is the primary force in the Axis of Resistance, which includes regional groups and militias backed by Iran. They have consistently attacked Israel, prompting Israeli retaliation. In some cases, Israel's counterattacks have struck targets deep within Lebanese borders.

It is doubtful that these assaults will come to a halt unless a truce is established in Gaza. Unfortunately, the possibility of reaching an agreement appears slim based on previous talks being fruitless. Consequently, the area will continue to feel uneasy. Nonetheless, the chances of the worst-case scenario involving a full-scale conflict between Israel and Iran appears improbable, at least at the moment.

Our London newsroom has just crossed 1:00 PM (12:00 GMT).

These are the top news stories of the day up until now:

US Denies Involvement In Iran Strikes

To conclude, Jessica Parker from the BBC inquires of Blinken as to why he is declining to converse about the occurrences from the previous night.

Acknowledging that he will sound "very dull", the highest-ranking American diplomat once again refuses to comment on the alleged Israeli assault on Iran.

Blinken iterates that the United States has not partaken in any aggressive military actions and is still striving towards reducing tensions.

When asked about the current state of relations between the United States and Israel, Blinken replied that they are actively and frequently communicating with each other. This suggests that there is ongoing collaboration and dialogue between the two nations.

We have made a promise to support Israel in protecting its sovereignty and, if required, joining in the defense. As evidenced a few days back.

Blinken Dodges Queries On Iran Strikes

Blinken is facing renewed questioning about the latest occurrences in Iran.

He is questioned about the seemingly calculated and restrained reactions from Israel and Iran, and whether this indicates that a large-scale conflict has been avoided.

He inquired about the stance of the United States regarding Rafah.

Blinken iterates that his main objective is to reduce the intensity of the situation and urge all the parties involved to exercise self-control.

In regards to Rafah, he states that the United States is unable to endorse a substantial military campaign in the area. Given the approximate population of 1.4 million individuals residing in Rafah, it is imperative that they are safeguarded and able to evacuate in the event of any altercation. This task, he believes, is a colossal undertaking.

According to him, carrying out a large-scale military operation in that location would result in "disastrous outcomes".

Blinken additionally condemns the way Hamas governs Gaza's population.

Blinken: G7 Prioritizes De-escalation In The Region

The subsequent inquiry posed to Blinken concerns the alleged attack carried out by Israel against Iran.

"Are you hopeful that Iran's response won't be provoked by the seemingly limited impact of today's strike?" he is questioned.

Once again, he reiterates that he will not comment on any events that have been reported.

Our main objective, along with the other G7 nations, has been to decrease tensions and prevent a bigger altercation. This has been our goal from the beginning, when the traumatizing events of October 7 occurred. To avoid any kind of increase in the conflict, we are working to stop it from spreading.

Blinken affirms that they will keep up with those attempts.

Did Blinken Inform US Of Iran Strike? No Clear Answer

Blinken was asked the initial query regarding Israel's purported assault on Iran and whether or not they informed America ahead of time.

He declines to respond, aside from indicating that the United States has not participated in any acts of aggression.

According to him, the United States and the Group of Seven countries have been concentrating their efforts on decreasing hostilities and preventing any possible confrontations.

Blinken states that Israel has experienced an unparalleled assault and the US is dedicated to ensuring that Israel has the means to protect itself.