Fact: Iran launched a barrage of missiles and drones at Israel on April 13 in retaliation for Israel’s suspected deadly strike on its embassy compound in Damascus on April 1.
The US House of Representatives has allocated billion to Ukraine and billion to Israel, including humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. The war in Ukraine benefits the US economy and Russia controls 18% of Ukrainian territory. Israel continues its genocide in Gaza, with mass graves discovered in Khan Yunis. The International Criminal Court should investigate these war crimes. Israel is preparing for military operations in Rafah with the support of its allies. The geopolitical puzzle favors certain countries, like Turkey’s occupation of Cyprus being overlooked. Cypriots and Palestinians struggle to find justice, but the EU must redefine its objectives and not blindly follow American geopolitical interests.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei thanked the country’s armed forces for their attack on Israel, saying Iran demonstrated its power regardless of how many targets were hit. Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones in retaliation for an attack on its embassy in Damascus. The attack caused modest damage in Israel, with most missiles and drones shot down. Khamenei emphasized that Iran’s display of power was the main focus, not the number of hits. Iran also downplayed an Israeli attack on Isfahan, with no plans for retaliation to avoid escalating tensions. Khamenei urged military officials to continue innovating and learning enemy tactics.
Last week, the world saw Iran’s attack on Israel amidst ongoing tensions in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the thin line between tension and conflict in the Middle East. Ino Afentouli, from Panteion University, emphasized that a regional conflict involving Iran and Israel would have adverse consequences for Cyprus and Greece. The conflict has halted economic cooperation and development plans in the region. Afentouli also mentioned that Cyprus could face increased migrant flows similar to those seen during the war in Syria. She emphasized the importance of solidarity with Israel for Cyprus and Greece, despite supporting the rights of the Palestinian people. The conflict could have significant impacts on Europe’s security and stability.
A huge blast at a military base in Iraq killed a member of an Iraqi security force that includes Iran-backed groups. The Iraqi military is investigating the cause of the explosion, which killed one person and wounded eight others. The incident occurred in Babil province amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, including recent attacks between Iran and Israel. The PMF, which includes Iran-backed groups, has previously targeted U.S. troops and Israel, claiming support for Palestinians. The U.S. military denied reports of carrying out airstrikes in Iraq.
Iran’s foreign minister downplayed an overnight attack on Iran, stating that there was no proven link to Israel. The attack involved drones that were downed after flying only a few hundred meters. Iranian media described the incident as an attack by “infiltrators” rather than by Israel. The attack targeted an Iranian Air Force base near Isfahan but did not cause major damage. Israel had previously said it would retaliate after a strike on April 13, but as of now, there has been no word on further action. The ongoing violence between Israel and Iranian proxies has raised fears of escalation into a direct conflict.
French police cordoned off the Iranian consulate in Paris after a man carrying a grenade and explosive vest threatened to blow himself up inside. The incident led to the interruption of service on a nearby metro line for security reasons. The Iranian embassy declined to provide any information, and it was unclear if the incident was related to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. In Isfahan, explosions were reported earlier in what sources described as an Israeli attack, but Tehran indicated no plans for retaliation to avoid a region-wide war.
French police arrested a man who threatened to blow himself up at Iran’s consulate in Paris. The man was seen entering the consulate with what appeared to be a grenade and explosive vest, but was later found not to be carrying any explosives. Witnesses reported that the man dragged flags on the floor of the consulate and said he wanted to avenge his brother’s death. It is unclear if the incident is linked to current tensions between Iran and Israel.
Fact: Airlines quickly changed flight paths over Iran, diverted to alternate airports, or returned planes to their departure points in response to airspace and airport closures after an Israeli attack on Iran.
Israel has attacked Iran in retaliation for a drone strike on Israel. Iran’s air defense systems destroyed drones in Isfahan, causing explosions. Analysts fear the Israel-Gaza conflict spreading in the region. Iran warned of a severe response to attacks. Financial markets reacted negatively to the escalating tensions. Iran’s nuclear facilities were unharpmed, and flights in Iran were disrupted. Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties. Iran-backed groups have supported Palestinians by launching attacks from various countries.