US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

Reports from the western Bekaa district indicate that a drone launched by Israel has struck the town of Mashghara, with eyewitnesses confirming the incident.

In a statement corroborating earlier claims by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli military disclosed on its Telegram channel that it had launched a precision strike against eight bridge sections within Iran, citing the structures’ alleged use by the IRGC to transport arms and military supplies.

Over the course of his tenure, President Trump has issued a series of ominous warnings to Iran, vowing to unleash devastating strikes on its civilian infrastructure unless its leaders acquiesce to terms he deems satisfactory.

According to Iran’s official IRNA news agency, the release of two French nationals who had been imprisoned on espionage charges is a direct result of a mutually beneficial agreement between Iran and France. Under the terms of this agreement, France had previously freed an Iranian citizen and withdrawn a complaint filed against Iran at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has made it clear that his government’s ultimate goal is to dismantle the Iranian regime, no matter the cost, and bring about a complete collapse of the system. The fate of Iran itself is of secondary concern, as Netanyahu has staked his own political future on the success of this mission. He has deemed it Israel’s most critical war, and any outcome short of absolute victory would be considered a failure.

Netanyahu’s strategists are reportedly drawing parallels with the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, suggesting a willingness to inflict maximum damage on Iran. The Prime Minister and his Defence Minister have been vocal about their intention to crush the Iranian regime, decimate its infrastructure, and target key power grid systems. Overnight, it emerged that Netanyahu had counselled US President Trump against accepting any deal with Iran, arguing that it would not meet the necessary conditions for a satisfactory surrender from the Iranian government.

The US government has mandated a shelter-in-place directive for all American nationals residing in Bahrain, effective immediately and subject to revision at a later date.

In response to Trump’s warning that Iran’s “civilization” would be at risk if it fails to comply with his ultimatum regarding the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by a certain deadline, lawmakers from the Democratic Party have been vocal in their criticism.

Martin Griffiths, the UN’s former humanitarian chief, cautions that imposing ultimatums will not facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict between the US and Iran. Griffiths expressed his concerns in an interview with Al Jazeera from Geneva, stating that the current “cliff-edge situation” is counterproductive. He emphasized that heightened tensions between US and Iranian officials are exacerbating the issue. Griffiths also stressed that concessions are essential in negotiations to end war, allowing adversaries to find common ground that benefits the global community. The former aid chief noted that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz exemplifies the need for compromise, whereas the current approach by both parties is hindering progress.

From the United Nations headquarters in New York, correspondent Gabriel Elizondo of Al Jazeera reports that a UN Security Council resolution, which has undergone six revisions over the past fortnight, is poised for a vote in the immediate future. Elizondo notes that Russia, China, and France had initially expressed reservations about specific aspects of the resolution, and had even threatened to block it altogether. However, following extensive revisions, the draft has been refined to better align with the preferences of Council members, Elizondo explains. According to Elizondo, the revised resolution takes a firm stance, urging nations that utilize commercial maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz to collaborate on defensive measures in response to changing circumstances, with the aim of safeguarding navigation and deterring any attempts to impede international passage through the waterway.

A dramatic display of patriotism unfolded on the Pol Sefid, or White Bridge, in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, as numerous individuals brandished Iranian flags in a bold demonstration of national solidarity.
According to reports from Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, the rally took place on the iconic bridge, amidst mounting concerns over the escalating rhetoric from US President Trump, who has issued repeated warnings that he will target Iran’s critical infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, unless Tehran complies with his demands to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a specified timeframe.