U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the conflict in Iran will not last forever, emphasizing that this should not be confused with the situation in Iraq. He noted that the main goals of the U.S. and Israeli military operation are to eliminate the missile threat, destroy Iran's naval forces, and prevent its access to nuclear weapons.
Hegseth also clarified that the U.S. does not intend to orchestrate a regime change in Iran by removing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to him, this is not a war for regime change; however, the regime in Iran has already changed, which has positively affected global affairs.
The commander of Iran threatens strikes on Cyprus to drive out American planes.
According to the Tasnim agency, Brigadier General Ibrahim Jabari, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), announced Iran's plans to launch missiles at Cyprus.
“American forces have moved most of their aircraft to Cyprus, and we will strike this island to force them to leave the region,” the agency quoted him as saying.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, when asked how Iran's attacks might affect relations with its Gulf neighbors, Hassan Ahmadian from Tehran University expressed doubt about the rationality of such a strategy: “This is not a rational choice.”
Nevertheless, Ahmadian explained that Iran is targeting American troops and bases, regarding U.S. interests in the region, including global oil and gas markets, which are linked to the attacks.
“Iran aims to harm the United States, which may also affect other countries in the region,” he noted in a conversation with Al Jazeera.
Iran also plans to attack energy infrastructure in Gulf countries to pressure the U.S. and raise oil and gas prices in the global market, Ahmadian added.
Other events..
As a result of Israeli bombings in the village of Sarabeleh in the Iranian province of Kermanshah, five civilians were killed, including a child, according to the Iranian semi-official agency Tasnim.
Israel announced the start of attacks on "Hezbollah" throughout Lebanon.
The Israeli army confirmed strikes on "Hezbollah terrorist targets" on Lebanese territory.
“Details will be provided later,” the update on Telegram stated, as clouds of smoke rise over Beirut.
Oil and gas prices are rising sharply, but so far this is not having a significant impact.
Darshini David,
deputy editor of the BBC's economics section.
The recent sharp rise in oil and gas prices may seem like another significant event, especially considering that households around the world are still feeling the effects of rising energy prices that occurred a few years ago.
What are the potential economic consequences? This largely depends on how high these prices will be and how long they will remain at this level.
At current prices, it is assumed that their impact may be relatively small.
Economists argue that a sustained 5% rise in oil prices could increase inflation in major economies by 0.1%, suggesting a 0.2% increase in inflation as a result of the current rise in oil prices.
However, attention should be paid to gas futures. They have risen by more than 40%, which could lead to a significant increase in electricity bills, although this will not happen until summer. However, we are still far from the peak levels seen during the conflict in Ukraine.
In the current situation, if there are no more significant spikes in energy prices, the impact on inflation may be negative but not catastrophic. Nevertheless, it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions, and much can change.
Iran has launched attacks on 60 strategic targets in just 48 hours, using over 700 drones and hundreds of missiles, the IRGC reported.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated in an interview with Deutschlandfunk that the country will not participate in military actions against Iran. Unlike the UK, which is providing its bases to the U.S. for operations against Iranian missiles, Germany does not have such facilities: “We do not have the necessary military resources,” Wadephul said.
However, he added that “our Bundeswehr soldiers will defend themselves in case of an attack”: “From the perspective of the Federal Republic of Germany, there will be no additional actions beyond this.”
Currently, Bundeswehr units are in Jordan and Iraq. According to the German army, Iran has attacked bases with Bundeswehr soldiers during its operations against Israel and the U.S.
“The soldiers are in safe places and are feeling well,” commented a representative of the operational command.
Wadephul characterized Iran as a serious threat to Germany:
“Iran poses a significant danger not only to Israel and this region but also to Germany and Europe.”
According to him, there is “once again a powerful ballistic missile program” in Iran that threatens Europe. Additionally, cyber attacks on Germany are emanating from Iran, the minister added. The country also supports Russia's military actions against Ukraine: “This cannot be ignored,” Wadephul noted.
“If this regime is limited in its actions in such a way that it cannot threaten us as it did before, it will enhance our security in Germany. This is a key aspect for me.”
According to BILD from government sources, Wadephul's statement is not seen as contradicting the joint statement of Germany, France, and the UK regarding possible “defensive measures” in response to Iranian attacks. Each country interprets this statement in its own way:
“We see this as a mandate for our soldiers to defend against attacks. This goes without saying. The British need this statement to expand their support for the U.S.,” the message states.
Gas prices in Europe have risen by 50%
This occurred after QatarEnergy, one of the leading global producers of liquefied natural gas, suspended its operations due to attacks from Iran.
The death of Khamenei brings the grandson of Khomeini to the forefront — Reuters.
The grandson of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is likely to become a key figure in discussions among the clergy about who will take the place of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the Supreme Leader.
Hasan Khomeini is the most prominent of the late ayatollah's 15 grandsons and is considered a more moderate figure within the Iranian clerical establishment. He maintains ties with reformists, including former presidents Mohammad Khatami and Hassan Rouhani, who pursued a policy of rapprochement with the West.
Khomeini, 53, holds an important symbolic position as the custodian of his grandfather's mausoleum in southern Tehran. He has never held government positions.
Some Iranian politicians view him as a competitor to the “hawks,” whose influence has increased under Khamenei, primarily his son Mojtaba.
The idea of appointing a more moderate successor to Khamenei finds support among some Iranian politicians in light of the unrest in the country in January. His candidacy is seen as a way to strengthen the Islamic Republic amid growing discontent.
Iranian missiles could reach southeastern Europe — Defence Express.
In the event of further escalation, Iran could pose a threat to European targets with long-range missiles, Defence Express reports.
In particular, this concerns ballistic missiles with a range of 2000 to 3000 km.
These include Khorramshahr, Sejjil, Ghadr, and Emad missiles. According to the publication, these systems are capable of hitting targets beyond the Middle East under certain conditions.
The strike potential of drones is also highlighted: Shahed family drones and their modifications can cover distances of up to 2000 km, depending on the version and payload.
Donald Trump on Arab countries and Iran — CNN.
“Arab countries planned to practically stay out, and now they are demanding involvement.”
Speaking about Iran's leadership, Trump noted: “We do not know who is currently running the country. We do not know who they will choose.” He added that Iran has suffered losses among “many members of the leadership” as a result of the initial strikes.
“Forty-nine people,” Trump said. “That was an impressive strike.” According to him, they “let their guard down,” thinking they could not be detected. “But that is not the case,” he added.
“They don’t even know who is running them right now,” Trump concluded.
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