Israel Issues Warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader: On Thursday, Iranian missiles struck a major hospital in southern Israel and targeted residential neighborhoods in Tel Aviv, leading to injuries for 240 people and significant destruction.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz attributed responsibility for the attacks to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that military directives have been issued for his elimination to fulfill their goals.
In response, Israel conducted strikes on Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor, representing its most recent action against Iran’s extensive nuclear initiatives. Iranian state television reported that there was “no radiation risk” and confirmed the facility had been evacuated before the attack.
The White House announced that President Donald Trump will decide within the next two weeks on potential military engagement with Iran. The administration asserts there is a “substantial” chance for negotiations to align with U.S. and Israeli interests regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Recent Updates
Australia Shuts Down Embassy in Tehran
Australia has closed its embassy in Tehran and evacuated staff and their families due to a “deteriorating security situation,” as stated by the Foreign Ministry on Friday. The Ministry also urged Australian nationals in Iran to leave immediately.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong reported discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing their joint commitment to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to seek peaceful resolutions.
Wong remarked from Adelaide, “There is an opportunity for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy in the next two weeks.”
UK Foreign Secretary Addresses Middle East Situation
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy characterized the current Middle Eastern situation as “dangerous” following a meeting at the White House with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and presidential envoy Steve Witkoff.
Lammy stated on X, “We are determined that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon.”
He continued, “We explored potential agreements that could help prevent an escalation of conflict. A diplomatic resolution could be feasible in the next two weeks.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister to Meet European Diplomats in Geneva
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to meet with European diplomats in Geneva on Friday, marking the first in-person talks since the crisis began.
Israeli Military Issues Evacuation Advisory for Rasht, Iran
Before Israeli strikes near Rasht in Iran, the Israeli military advised residents to evacuate the area surrounding Rasht’s Industrial City, situated just a few kilometers from the city center.
While the Israeli military did not disclose specific targets, the severe restrictions on internet access in Iran raise uncertainty about how many residents could receive the warning.
Difficulties in Gathering Information from Iran
Following a week of Israeli airstrikes, obtaining information from Iran has grown increasingly difficult. Individuals outside the country find it largely impossible to make phone calls into Iran.
State-run media in Iran provide intermittent updates on domestic affairs, mainly focusing on the damage inflicted by their strikes against Israel.
The Committee to Protect Journalists notes that Iran is one of the top jailers of journalists, and even under better conditions, reporters face significant restrictions.
Additionally, Iran has cut off internet access to the outside world, restricting its citizens from accessing external news and preventing foreign audiences from viewing local news sites. NetBlocks, an organization that monitors internet connectivity, reported Iran has been cut off from global access for 36 hours.
As a result, many are dependent on various social media platforms for updates, but they can only obtain limited insights into the lives of the country’s over 80 million residents.
Israeli Airstrikes Hit the City of Rasht
Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeted the city of Rasht on the Caspian Sea early Friday, coinciding with the one-week anniversary of the conflict.
It remains unclear what specific locations were intended targets within the city located in Iran’s Gilan province.
Videos shared on social media appeared to capture explosions in the vicinity.
The semiofficial Fars news agency reported that local air defense systems were activated to counter the Israeli assaults.
U.S. Airlines Suspend Flights to the Middle East
United Airlines has indefinitely suspended flights between Newark, New Jersey, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
American Airlines has halted its routes between Philadelphia and Doha, Qatar, at least until Sunday, with plans for “further adjustments as needed.”
Both airlines are closely monitoring the evolving situation and arranging rebookings for affected travelers.
Last week, Delta Air Lines announced it would suspend operations to Tel Aviv, Israel, where Ben Gurion Airport remains closed to regular passenger flights.
