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Tuesday 30 Apr 2024
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LOCAL EDITION
The intricate geopolitical dynamics at play heighten the stakes, as any escalation could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and international relations. (Photo/Reuters)
Iran initiated retaliatory strikes against Israel late on Saturday, deploying over 200 drones and missiles in the attack.
The Iranian retaliation was triggered by an Israeli air strike in Syria, which claimed the lives of prominent Iranian generals.
The barrage of drones and missiles marks the first instance of Iran launching an attack directly from its own territory against Israel.
The attack has sparked concerns among those who fear that Israel's potential response against Iran could trigger yet another escalation in the already volatile region.
UN Security Council to convene over Iran retaliation
The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday over Iran's unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel, the body's president has said.
A spokesperson for Malta, which holds the rotating presidency this month, told the press that the Security Council was aiming for the meeting to be held at 4:00 pm (2000 GMT) the following day, at Israel's request.
Netanyahu talks to Biden after Israeli ministerial meetings
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was speaking to US President Joe Biden at the conclusion of meetings by Israel's war cabinet and security cabinet to discuss hostilities with Iran, Netanyahu's office has said.
The conversation took place after Netanyahu held a security cabinet meeting to discuss what the Israeli army said was an "ongoing" attack by Iran from its territory on Israel.
Israel signals end of Iran threat, revises shelter standby
Israel's military has said that it was not advising any residents of the country to prepare to take shelter, revising an earlier alert in what appeared to signal the end of the threat seen from incoming Iranian missiles and drones.
Security cabinet designates leaders to decide Israel's Iran response
The Israeli security cabinet has granted Prime Minister Netanyahu, alongside Defense Minister Joav Gallant and Minister Benny Gantz, the authority to determine the nation's course of action in response to the recent Iranian attack, according to Axios.
Scheduled for tomorrow, the Israeli war cabinet will convene to deliberate on the matter, signalling a critical moment in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
However, dissent within the ranks emerged as Ministers Ben Gabir and Smotritz opposed the authorization granted to Netanyahu, Galant, and Gantz, showcasing a division within the cabinet.
Despite this discord, all other ministers voted in favour of empowering the trio to chart Israel's response, according to insider sources familiar with the proceedings.
US vows 'ironclad' support for Israel against Iran
US President Joe Biden promised "ironclad" support for Israel against Iranian attacks, after holding an urgent meeting with his top security officials over the spiralling crisis in the Middle East.
"I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran's attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel's security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad," Biden said on X, posting a picture of the meeting in the White House Situation Room.
Tehran hit Israeli air base in Negev — Iran media
Iran's retaliatory drone and missile attack on Israel dealt "heavy blows" to an air base in the Negev desert, state media reported.
"The most important Israeli air base in the Negev was the successful target of the Kheibar missile," the official IRNA news agency said, adding that "images and data indicate that the base sustained heavy blows."
Iran's drone, missile salvos still ongoing — Israel
Iran has launched more than 200 drones and missiles at Israel, the Israeli military has said, describing many of the incoming threats as having been intercepted away from Israel's borders but adding that the salvo was ongoing.
A small number of the dozens of ground-to-ground Iranian missiles struck Israel, wounding a girl and causing light damage to a military installation in the south, armed forces spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari has said.
Saudi Arabia urges 'utmost levels' of restraint
Saudi Arabia expressed the Kingdom's deep concern regarding military escalations in the region and the seriousness of their repercussions, a statement from the Kingdom's Foreign Ministry has said.
The Kingdom called on all parties to exercise the 'utmost levels' of restraint and spare the region and its people the dangers of wars.
UN 'deeply alarmed' by Iran attack, warns of escalation
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned Iran's attack on Israel and called for restraint and an immediate cessation of hostilities.
"I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East," Guterres said in a statement.
Iran warns US, Israel of consequences if Tehran's interests at risk
Iran has said it will not hesitate to take further "defensive measures" to protect its interests against any military aggression, the Iranian foreign ministry said in a statement.
"Iran, if necessary, will not hesitate to take further defensive measures to safeguard its legitimate interests against any military aggressions and unlawful use of force," it said, according to state TV, "while reaffirming its commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law."
Iran tells US to 'stay away' as it says Israel issue 'concluded'
The United States must stay away from the conflict between Iran and Israel, Iran's mission to the United Nations has said on social media platform X, warning Tehran's response would be more severe if Israel retaliates.
" ... Iran's military action was in response to the Zionist regime's aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded," the mission said on X.
"However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the US must stay away!"
Jordan downs dozens of Iranian drones headed to Israel
Jordanian military jets intercepted and shot down dozens of Iranian drones that were flying across northern and central Jordan towards Israel, according to two regional security sources.
The move sends a clear message to Iran about Jordan's readiness to defend against any perceived threats.
Iran monitors Jordan as potential next target
A source speaking to Iran's Fars News Agency has said that Tehran's keen interest in monitoring Jordan's political landscape, suggests the kingdom could be a potential target if it aligns with pro-Israel initiatives.
With Iran closely eyeing developments in Jordan, the spectre of geopolitical manoeuvring looms large, casting a shadow over the stability of the region.
Israel plans 'significant response' to Iran
Tel Aviv is poised to deliver what officials are terming a "significant response" to Iran after launching a barrage of drone and missile attacks on Israel.
Citing an anonymous senior Israeli official, Channel 12 TV has reported that the nation is strategising its retaliation against the drone salvo.
US fighters scramble to shoot Iranian drones towards Israel
The US military has shot down Iranian drone aircraft headed toward Israel, three US officials have said, without disclosing how many drones were shot down or the precise locations.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said it launched dozens of drones and missiles at Israel in an attack that may trigger a major escalation between the regional archenemies.
Israel readies Golan Heights for Iranian drone attacks
Israel's military put the northern part of the occupied Golan Heights as well as Nevatim, Dimona and Eilat on standby for possible impact from Iranian drone launches, instructing residents to stay close to bomb shelters.
The Golan was captured from Syria in a 1967 war.
Nevatim is the site of an Israeli air base. Israel has a nuclear reactor on the outskirts of Dimona. Eilat is Israel's southern Red Seaport, which has come under repeated attack by Yemen's Houthis.
Israel's military sounds sirens, intercepts drones
Israel's military has said it was sounding sirens in locations throughout the country and a Reuters witness in Jerusalem heard explosions from what local TV showed were aerial interceptions of drones launched by Iran.
Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service has reported that it has not received any reports of casualties resulting from incoming Iranian drones.
Iran fires first wave of ballistic missiles at Israel — report
Tehran's first wave of ballistic missiles strikes Israel, according to a source speaking to Iran's state news agency, prompting fears of increased conflict.
Separately, Iran's state-run IRNA news agency also said that Tehran has fired ballistic missiles at targets inside Israel.
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Source: TRT
