Tag: israel iran conflict

  • Iran-Backed Militia Coalition Alleges US Airstrike Targets Base In Iraq

    Popular Mobilization Forces’ Kalsu base suffered an airstrike on Saturday injuring three members of the PMF.

  • ‘Israel Will Decide How To Respond To Iran’: PM Benjamin Netanyahu Tells West Amid Calls For Restraint | world news

    Tel Aviv: Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed his nation’s commitment to defending itself autonomously, regardless of advice from allies, amid escalating tensions with Iran. Netanyahu’s assertion came during a cabinet meeting following discussions with UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who had arrived in Israel in the wake of Tehran’s recent attack. Germany and the UK, while urging restraint from Israel, warned of the potential for broader conflict in the Middle East. However, Israel remains steadfast in its determination to retaliate against Iran, emphasizing the need for consequences following the attack.

    Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s prerogative to make independent decisions for its defense, regardless of external counsel. While appreciating the suggestions from allies, he reiterated Israel’s commitment to taking necessary measures to ensure its security. In his remarks at the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said that the two leaders had “all kinds of suggestions and advice.” He noted that while it was appreciated, Israel would nevertheless “make our own decisions, and Israel will do everything necessary to defend itself.”

    Cameron acknowledged the likelihood of retaliation against Israel but expressed hope for a measured response to prevent further escalation. Baerbock voiced opposition to Israel’s retaliatory plans, advocating for prudence and emphasizing the need to prevent further fueling of the conflict.

    Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, Netanyahu’s office underlined Israel’s right to self-defense during discussions with foreign counterparts. Talks between Cameron, Baerbock, and Israeli leaders centered on the potential for Israeli retaliation.

    Baerbock and Cameron are slated to participate in a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Italy, where discussions will include considerations for imposing sanctions on Iran. Baerbock reiterated calls for Israel to exercise restraint, stressing the importance of responsible action.

    Cameron urged a refocus on addressing the situation in Gaza, where Israel’s counter-offensive against Hamas continues. The escalation between Israel and Iran follows Tehran’s retaliatory strikes for an alleged Israeli airstrike in Syria.

    Israel’s Defense Forces reported a high interception rate of projectiles launched by Iran, underscoring Israel’s military capabilities. The attack, comprising drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, was largely intercepted, with support from allies including the US, Jordan, and the UK.

  • US To Impose New Sanctions Against Iran Following Attack On Israel | world news

    Washington: White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has said that the US will impose new sanctions on Iran’s missile and drone programs and new sanctions against entities backing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran’s Defense Ministry in the coming days.

    In a statement, Sullivan said, “Following Iran’s unprecedented air attack against Israel, President Biden is coordinating with allies and partners, including the G7, and with bipartisan leaders in Congress, on a comprehensive response.”

    “In the coming days, the United States will impose new sanctions targeting Iran, including its missile and drone program as well as new sanctions against entities supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran’s Defense Ministry,” he added.

    Jake Sullivan said that the US also expects its allies and partners to impose sanctions against Iran. He said that the US continues to work to further strengthen and expand the successful integration of air and missile defense and early warning systems across the Middle East to further erode the effectiveness of Iran’s missile and UAV capabilities.

    Sullivan said, “We anticipate that our allies and partners will soon be following with their own sanctions. In addition, we continue to work through the Department of Defense and US Central Command to further strengthen and expand the successful integration of air and missile defense and early warning systems across the Middle East to further erode the effectiveness of Iran’s missile and UAV capabilities.”

    He noted that the new sanctions and other measures will continue a “steady drumbeat of pressure” to contain and degrade Iran’s military capacity and effectiveness and confront the full range of its problematic behaviours. He recalled that the US, in the past three years, in addition to missile and drone-related sanctions, has imposed sanctions against more than 600 individuals and entities connected to terrorism.

    Jake Sullivan said, “Over the last three years, in addition to missile and drone-related sanctions, the United States has sanctioned over 600 individuals and entities connected to terrorism, terrorist financing and other forms of illicit trade, horrific human rights abuses, and Support for proxy terrorist groups, including Hamas, the Houthis, and Kataib Hezbollah.

    “We will not hesitate to continue to take action, in coordination with allies and partners around the world, and with Congress, to hold the Iranian government accountable for its malicious and destabilizing actions,” he added.

    On April 14, US President Joe Biden met with the national security team for updates on Iran’s attacks against Israel, calling its commitment to Israel’s security against threats from proxies and Iran “ironclad.”

    In the wake of Iranian drone strikes on Israel on Saturday, Biden held a meeting with his national security team. In a post on

    Earlier on Saturday, Iran launched several drones and missiles toward Israel in retaliation for the alleged Israeli air strike on its consulate in Syria that resulted in the killing of Iran’s three top generals, The Times of Israel reported.

    On Sunday morning, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari also said that 99 per cent of the 300 or so projectiles fired by Iran at Israel overnight were intercepted by air defenses. “The Iranian threat met the aerial and technological superiority of the IDF, combined with a strong fighting coalition, which together intercepted the vast majority of the threats,” Hagari said. In addition, Hagari said that Iran fired 120 ballistic missiles at Israel. “As you can see now, the base is functioning and continues to perform its tasks. In the picture, you can see the runway at Nevatim,” he said, showing live footage from the airbase.”

    Lauding Israeli forces for intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Sunday that it was an “incredible military achievement” by Israel.

    In his remarks at the NBC News ‘Meet The Press’, Kirby said that the action taken by Israel demonstrates an extraordinary example of military superiority. He stated that the action shows that Israel has friends. He said that the US will continue to help Israel defend itself.

    Asked about the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) statement that 99 per cent of the missiles and drones were intercepted by Israeli and US forces, Kirby responded, “Where things stand this morning is just an incredible military achievement by Israel and quite frankly the United States and other partners that helped Israel defend itself against more than three hundred drones and missiles. I mean, it’s just an extraordinary example of military superiority that Israel demonstrated to the whole world last night.”

    “And I think Israel also demonstrated that it has friends, that it’s not standing alone. That it’s not isolated on the world stage. Now, whether and how the Israelis will respond? That’s going to be up to them. We understand and respect that. But, the President’s been very clear: We’re not looking for escalation here.

  • Israel Claims To Intercept 99% Of Iranian Drones, Missiles With US’ Support | world news

    The United States aids Israel in intercepting ‘nearly all’ drones launched by Iran, as Biden vows continued support. Over the weekend, American troops, with the assistance of US European Command destroyers, neutralized over 80 single-use attack drones and at least six ballistic missiles targeting Israel from Iran and Yemen.

    A spokesperson from the Israeli military reported that the total number of launches exceeded 300, yet nearly all of them, approximately 99%, were successfully intercepted. As per report from AP, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated that Iran deployed 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and more than 120 ballistic missiles. Despite this, only a few ballistic missiles managed to reach Israeli soil, resulting in minor damage to an air base.

    Israel’s President Isaac Herzog stated on CNN Sunday afternoon that the events of the past day had demonstrated the “ironclad” alliance between the United States and Israel. However, during a call with its Israeli counterpart, US President Joe Bide warned that the US will refrain from joining Iran counter-offensive.

    “US Central Command (CENTCOM) remains postured to support Israel’s defense against these dangerous actions by Iran. We will continue to work with all our regional partners to increase regional security,” reported news agency Reuters citing the announcement of the CENTCOM.

    Late Saturday, Iran initiated a retaliatory assault on Israeli soil using drones and missiles, following a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Syria on April 1, which resulted in the deaths of senior Revolutionary Guards commanders.

    The barrage launched from within Iran, resulted in minor damage, as the majority were intercepted by support from the United States, Britain, France, and Jordan.

  • ‘Don’t’: US Prez Biden’s One Word Warning To Iran Ahead Of Likely Attack On Israel | world news

    Amid concerns that the Gaza conflict could escalate into a broader Middle Eastern crisis, US President Joe Biden stated on Friday his anticipation of Iran launching an attack on Israel in the near future, reported CNN. “I don’t want to get into secure information but my expectation is sooner than later,” Biden informed reporters in response to a query about the timing of a potential Iranian attack on Israel.

    After Israel attacked the Iranian embassy in Syria and eliminated three high-ranking military leaders, Tehran promised to retaliate. When asked about this, the US President straightforwardly advised Iran against acting, Biden said simply, “Don’t.” As per CNN’s report, addressing concerns about the safety of American troops, Biden reassured that the US is fully committed to defending Israel. “We are devoted to the defense of Israel. We will support Israel we will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed,” Biden said.

    Biden, who cautioned earlier this week about Iran’s potential for a ‘significant attack’ on Israel, has been regularly briefed on the situation by his national security team. In response to the looming Iranian threat, the US along with several other nations such as India, Britain, and France, issued updated travel advisories for their government employees in Israel.

    The Ministry of External Affairs released an official statement advising all Indians against traveling to Iran or Israel until further notice due to the current situation in the region. It also urged Indian citizens residing in these countries to register themselves with the Indian Embassies there.

    Israel didn’t admit to the April 1 airstrike. However, Iran’s top leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated that Israel must face consequences for what he viewed as an assault on Iranian territory. Earlier, White House spokesperson John Kirby acknowledged the credible threat of an imminent Iranian attack on Israel but didn’t specify timing details. Kirby mentioned that the US was assessing its military presence in the area due to Iran’s threat and was closely monitoring the situation.