Putin tells the Middle East to pull back from a catastrophic clash

Putin tells the Middle East to pull back from a catastrophic clash

Russian President Vladimir Putin urged all sides in the Middle East to avoid actions that could lead to a new confrontation with catastrophic consequences for the region. Putin spoke to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi about Iran’s retaliatory measures against Israel and emphasized the need for restraint to prevent further escalation. The root cause of instability in the Middle East was attributed to the unresolved conflict between Palestinians and Israel. Both leaders confirmed their support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a political settlement of the crisis. Iran has provided Russia with powerful missiles and drones used in Ukraine.

Israel’s Netanyahu vows victory after Iran strikes, fears of wider conflict grow

Israel’s Netanyahu vows victory after Iran strikes, fears of wider conflict grow

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his country would achieve victory after the military successfully shot down almost all of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran. The attacks by Tehran, in response to an Israeli air strike in Damascus that killed officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, raised the threat of a wider regional conflict. Netanyahu posted on social media that “together we shall win,” and the Israeli military reported that over 99% of the Iranian drones and missiles were intercepted. Israel is considering a significant response to the attack, which has escalated tensions in the region.

National Security Council meeting underway

National Security Council meeting underway

The National Security Council began a snap meeting on Sunday morning in response to Iran launching drone strikes at Israel.

Britain says RAF jets deployed to intercept any airborne attacks in Middle east

Britain says RAF jets deployed to intercept any airborne attacks in Middle east

British Royal Air Force jets in the Middle East will intercept any airborne attacks within range of existing missions, as required, in response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the region. The UK dispatched RAF jets to intercept Iranian drones attacking Israel, following Iran’s vow of retaliation for an alleged Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate. Israel and Jordan closed their airspace, while Syria put its defence systems on high alert. Tensions in the region have escalated, with the Gaza war spreading to other fronts and threatening to result in direct conflict between Iran and its allies against Israel and the US.

Iran launches drone attack at Israel, expected to unfold ‘over hours’

Iran launches drone attack at Israel, expected to unfold ‘over hours’

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps launched drones and missiles at Israel, potentially escalating tensions. The U.S. has pledged to support Israel. Israel’s military is on high alert, preparing for potential attacks. Iran has vowed retaliation for an alleged Israeli strike on its consulate. The situation threatens to escalate into a direct conflict between Iran and its allies against Israel and the U.S. Iran also seized a Portuguese-flagged ship, prompting accusations of piracy from Israel.

UK reportedly dispatches jets from Akrotiri in defence of Israel against Iran

UK reportedly dispatches jets from Akrotiri in defence of Israel against Iran

British fighter jets took off from RAF Akrotiri in Limassol to defend Israel against an Iranian drone attack.

British aircraft dispatched from Akrotiri after Iran launches attack against Israel

British aircraft dispatched from Akrotiri after Iran launches attack against Israel

British fighter jets have been deployed from Akrotiri bases in Cyprus to help with Israel’s defence against Iran’s attack.

Iran seizes cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media says

Iran seizes cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media says

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship, the MSC Aries, in the Strait of Hormuz. The ship is leased by MSC from Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime, partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer. Tensions are rising in the region since Israel’s campaign in Gaza, with threats and warnings being issued by Iran, the United States, and Israel. Iran has also threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. Yemen’s Houthi group has been disrupting global trade by attacking ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea. The United States and Britain have responded with strikes against Houthi targets. The Joint Maritime Information Center has advised caution for vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.

Pelosi joins call for Biden to stop transfer of US weapons to Israel

Pelosi joins call for Biden to stop transfer of US weapons to Israel

Nancy Pelosi and other congressional Democrats signed a letter urging President Biden to stop weapons transfers to Israel amid criticism of Israel’s military assault on Gaza, which has led to thousands of deaths and widespread hunger. Pelosi’s support highlights a growing mainstream view in the Democratic Party. The letter also called for an investigation into an Israeli airstrike that killed aid workers. The United Nations has warned of a looming famine in Gaza.