US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

With hours to spare, the Iranian population is bracing for the impending deadline, amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions.
Tehran, the capital city, has been a focal point of these hostilities, with various areas coming under attack.
Citizens are facing immense pressure, as critical infrastructure falls under siege, prompting widespread protests across several districts of Tehran.
As a show of unity and defiance, demonstrators have taken to the streets, voicing their unwavering support for their nation and its people.
Meanwhile, the iconic Milad Tower, a prominent landmark in Tehran, has been plunged into darkness. The municipal authorities have attributed this precautionary measure to the ongoing situation.

Democratic strategist James Butler predicts that the repercussions of the ongoing conflict will be a dominant factor in the US midterm elections scheduled for November. According to Butler, the economic effects of the war will persist even if it were to end abruptly, resulting in lingering consequences for American voters. Butler, speaking to Al Jazeera, expressed the opinion that Republican candidates may choose to maintain a safe distance from President Trump if he takes drastic or ill-advised actions, particularly if they involve committing a war crime. Currently, Butler notes that many Republican candidates are publicly supporting Trump, but this stance may shift if the president’s actions become increasingly unpopular.

North Star Opinion Research founder Whit Ayres observed that MAGA Republicans tend to mirror Trump’s stance on military actions. When distinguishing between MAGA and traditional Republicans, Ayres noted that the former are even more supportive of the US involvement in Iran due to their unwavering loyalty to Trump’s views.

According to Ayres, the war in Iran is met with widespread disapproval in the US, with a significant majority of Americans expressing dissatisfaction with Trump’s handling of the conflict. A Pew Research survey conducted in March revealed that 61 percent of Americans disapprove of Trump’s actions, while 37 percent approve.

Notably, a substantial majority of Republicans – approximately seven in 10 – endorse the war and believe it is proceeding effectively. However, Ayres clarified that this support does not necessarily translate to a desire for ground troops. He attributed this nuanced stance to the lingering impact of past conflicts, such as the Iraq War, which has left many Americans hesitant to see American forces engaged in combat.

In a strongly worded rebuke, Pope Leo condemned US President Donald Trump’s ominous warnings to Iran, made just hours before a critical deadline.
As he departed his Italian retreat in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome, Pope Leo expressed his deep concern over Trump’s tweet, which implied catastrophic consequences for Iran if it fails to comply with a specific demand.
The leader of the global Catholic Church, known for his vocal opposition to the Iran conflict, urged the international community to reach out to their elected officials and demand an immediate end to the escalating regional crisis.
The US Conference of Catholic Bishops had earlier issued a joint statement, calling on Trump to exercise restraint and pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The UAE’s Defence Ministry has confirmed that its air defences are currently in a state of heightened alert, actively countering missile and drone threats that have been detected within the country.

With the clock ticking down on Trump’s ultimatum to Iran, Israeli military officials are anticipating a heightened threat of incoming fire, prompting a stern warning to citizens to remain on high alert.

According to a high-ranking Iranian source who spoke with Reuters, Iran is giving serious consideration to Pakistan’s proposal for a two-week lull in hostilities.

Jan Egeland, director of the Norwegian Refugee Council, emphasized that safeguarding civilians is a fundamental obligation in the face of escalating tensions, citing the imperative to shield non-combatants from harm.

According to recent developments, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the US to grant a two-week extension for a deal, contingent upon Iran’s agreement to keep the Strait of Hormuz open during the same timeframe. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has now revealed that Donald Trump has been informed of the proposal, with a forthcoming response expected.

A statement from Qatar’s Defence Ministry confirms that a missile attack aimed at the country was effectively neutralized through a successful interception operation. The alert level had been heightened prior to the incident, which was accompanied by audible signs of missile interception over the capital city of Doha.