World

Iraqi army claims major explosion at a base south of Baghdad

Saturday, April 20, 2024

The Iraqi military says a member of a pro-Iranian militia has been killed and eight others injured in a massive explosion at a base south of Baghdad.

The Iraqi military has said that no drones or fighter aircraft were seen in the area at the time of or before the blast. The Iran-backed group Popular Mobilization Forces itself has said that the blast was the result of an attack.

This explosion has occurred at a time when tension between Israel and Iran is at its peak. On Friday, April 19, 2024, Israel attacked the city of Isfahan in Iran, which was already anticipated. Earlier on the night of Saturday, April 13, 2024, Iran attacked Israel with more than 300 drones and missiles.

However, Israel claimed that it foiled the attack with the help of its allies America, Britain, France and Jordan. On April 1, 2024, there was an attack on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria, in which many of its top commanders were killed.

Israel did not make any direct comment on this attack, but Iran held Israel responsible for this attack. In response to this, Iran attacked Israel.

Iran's Foreign Minister has warned that if Israel attacks its interests, his country will respond quickly and to the maximum extent.

What did Iranian media say about Israel's attack?

Friday, April 19, 2024

Iran is not giving any special importance to the Israeli attack on Isfahan on the night of Thursday, 18 April 2024. Iranian officials have said there was no attack on Isfahan.

Iran says there were some drones that were shot down. Israel has not given any statement regarding the attack.

But American officials have said that Israel has attacked Iran and many questions are being raised on this topic. Isfahan is considered a center of important nuclear and military-industrial facilities.

However, Hossein Delirian, a spokesman for the National Center of Cybersecurity and the Iran Space Agency, denied on Twitter that there was any direct missile attack from outside the country.

"There have been no air strikes from outside the border on Isfahan or other parts of the country," Hossein Delirian said.

Hossein Delirian said that Israel had "only made one unsuccessful attempt to fly a quadcopter drone, and the quadcopter was also shot down."

Iran is presenting this attack as minor.

Iran's state broadcaster IRIB and the country's English-language channel Press TV reported the incident in breaking news segments, regular bulletins and tickers, but it was downplayed.

"Several drones have been shot down," an IRIB correspondent said.

"There is an atmosphere of peace in the city. People are coming out of their homes," said another correspondent live on Irene from Isfan.

The reporter said that the sounds heard in the sky throughout the night were probably from air defense systems targeting several mini drones in the skies over Isfahan.

Iran's other state broadcaster IRIB2 ran a continuous live feed from Isfahan in the morning.

Fars News Agency reported that the city's nuclear infrastructure is completely safe.

Tasnim news agency, which is affiliated with Iran's armed forces, showed Isfahan's air force base, airport and nuclear facilities in several videos showing calm there.

Flights from Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and western provinces were temporarily suspended but were resumed a short time later.

Israel's attack on Iran: What has happened so far?

Friday, April 19, 2024

Following the Israeli attack, some flight services to Iran have been resumed after being halted for some time.

German airline Lufthansa has suspended flights to Israel and Iraq until Saturday, April 20, 2024.

India's Air India has also canceled all flights to Tel Aviv till April 30, 2024.

Austrian Airlines has suspended services to Tel Aviv, Erbil (northern Iraq) and Amman (Jordan). Both airlines have said that they will not provide service to Tehran and Beirut till the end of this month (30 April 2024).

Siavash Mihandoost, commander of the air defense system of Iran's Isfahan city, told state television that an attack that took place on the morning of Friday, April 19, 2024, has been foiled.

Siavash Mihandoost said that the sounds that were heard in Isfahan on the morning of Friday, April 19, 2024, were not an explosion.

After Israel's latest action, Russia has said that it is in touch with both Tel Aviv and Tehran.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia has made it clear to Israel that Iran does not want to escalate the issue any further.

Israel's neighboring country Jordan has warned of the 'danger of regional tension'.

Jordan has also appealed to end the actions taken by Iran and Israel against each other.

On the other hand, police in Paris have arrested a person who entered the Iranian Embassy.

French media quoted an eyewitness as saying that a suspicious person was entering the Iranian embassy.

Eyewitnesses said that the suspect had a grenade or some explosive in his hand.

Iranian Army Chief Major General Seyed Abdulrahim Mousavi has given an interview to Iranian TV on the Isfahan blast.

Major General Seyed Abdulrahim Mousavi said that the sound of the explosions actually came from an anti-aircraft defense system which was activated after seeing something suspicious.

Major General Syed Abdulrahim Mousavi assured the general public that there was no damage.

America has also said that it is working to reduce tension.

What did the US Secretary of State say about Israel's attack on Iran?

Friday, April 19, 2024

Two US officials have claimed that Isfahan, Iran was hit by Israeli missile on the night of Thursday, April 18, 2024.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is hesitant in giving any statement on this missile attack on Iran.

He was asked by journalists on Friday, April 19, 2024 that Israeli and Iranian reactions seem measured, does this mean that a major conflict has been averted?

Antony Blinken was also asked what is America's stance regarding Rafah?

In response to these questions, Antony Blinken said, "His focus is on reducing tension and appealing to all parties concerned to exercise restraint."

BBC correspondent Jessica Parker asked Antony Blinken why he is not talking about what happened on the night of Thursday, April 18, 2024?

Antony Blinken again declined to discuss the issue, saying "whatever he says will be boring."

However, Antony Blinken reiterated that America was 'not involved' in any kind of military operation and that he would continue to work to reduce tensions.

Iran is also not paying much attention to this attack. Israel has not yet given any statement regarding the attack.

It all started when on April 1, 2024, there was an attack on Iran's Syrian Consulate in which 13 people were killed. The top commander and deputy of the Revolutionary Guard were also killed in this. It is believed that Israel was behind this attack.

After this, on April 13, 2024, Iran fired 300 drones and missiles at Israel. However, Israel claimed to have shot down most of the drones and missiles with the help of its allies America, Britain, France and Jordan before they could hit the target.

Air India canceled all flights to Tel Aviv till 30 April 2024

Friday, April 19, 2024

Tata Group-owned Air India on Friday, April 19, 2024, said that its flights from Tel Aviv will remain suspended till April 30, 2024, in view of the current situation in the Middle East.

Air India issued a statement saying, "In view of the tense situation in the Middle East, our flights from Tel Aviv will remain suspended till 30 April 2024. We are constantly monitoring the situation and all our passengers who booked tickets during this period will They will have the option of one-time free rescheduling and cancellation. We want to reiterate that the safety of our staff and crew is of paramount importance to us."

Australia instructs its citizens to leave Israel amid Iran-Israel tension

Friday, April 19, 2024

Australia has instructed its citizens to leave Israel.

Two US officials claimed on Friday that Israel has attacked Iran. Iran has denied any airstrike.

After this claim, Australia told its citizens present in Israel that 'if it is safe to leave Israel then do so'.

"There is a threat of military and terrorist attack against Israel," Australia's Foreign Ministry was quoted as saying in a social media post. This may create a dangerous situation in the entire area.

"We appeal to Australian citizens in Israel and Israel-controlled Palestine to evacuate."

There has been a situation of tension between Israel and Iran for some time.

Iran-Israel tension: US bans travel of its consular staff to Israel

Friday, April 19, 2024

The US has banned its consular employees from traveling to Israel.

America has taken this step keeping in mind the safety of the consular employees and their family members.

Two US officials have claimed that Israel will attack Iran on the morning of Friday, April 19, 2024.

The US Consulate in Israel said, "Employees have been asked not to travel until further notice. The security situation remains tense. This may change rapidly due to political and recent events."

Iran had fired about 300 missiles and drones on Israeli soil late on the night of Saturday, April 13, 2024.

Israel, with the help of America, Britain, France and Jordan, claimed to have shot down almost all the drones and missiles fired by Iran.

However, Israel had warned that it would definitely respond to this attack when the right time comes.

Iran denies Israel's missile attack, says no airstrike from outside

Friday, April 19, 2024

Two US officials have claimed from Israel an attack on Iran on Friday, April 19, 2024. But now top Iranian officials are saying that no missile attack has taken place.

"There has been no external air attack on Isfahan or any other part of the country," wrote Iranian Space Agency spokesman Hossein Dalirian.

Hussein Dalirian said, "Israel has made only a failed and humiliating attempt to fly drones. These drones have been shot down."

Iran's state media released a video of the nuclear bases located in Isfahan, saying that they are completely safe.

Iran has also said that the air flights which were banned have now been removed.

American media says that Israel had already informed the Biden administration about the attack.

Claim of attack on Iran

Friday, April 19, 2024

First thing on the morning of Friday, April 19, 2024, two US officials said that Israel attacked Iran with a missile. American officials gave this information to BBC's American affiliate CBS News.

After this, Iran's government media said that the country's air defense system has been activated in many provinces.

According to an Iranian news agency, an explosion was heard in the northwestern city of Isfahan in Iran on the morning of Friday, April 19, 2024.

Iran's state media IRIB, quoting reliable sources, said that the explosions heard in many parts of the country were caused by the air defense system targeting unidentified mini drones.

There is a large air base of the Iranian army in Isfahan and there are also many important bases related to nuclear weapons in this area.

Iran's government media, quoting reliable sources, say that the sites related to nuclear weapons are safe.

According to news agency AP, there are reports in Iranian media that flights were canceled in many cities. Cities where flights have been canceled include Tehran, Shiraz and Isfahan. However, Iran now says that these flight services have resumed.

Earlier, Iran's Foreign Minister Hussein Amir-Abdullahyan had said that any retaliatory action by Israel would be responded to immediately and on a large scale.

Oil prices increased in the international market, gold also became expensive

Friday, April 19, 2024

Oil and gold prices have increased in the international market after US officials claimed Israeli missiles attacked Iran.

On Friday, April 19, 2024, the price of Brent crude in the Asian market increased by two and a half percent to $ 90 per barrel. While the price of gold reached $ 2400 per ounce.

Meanwhile, stock market indices in Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea crashed.

Investors are keeping a close eye on Israel's retaliation. He believes that such conflict in the Middle East could affect the global supply of oil.

Due to this, economic activities may slow down in many countries. There is already tension in the Strait of Hormuz between Oman and Iran. This is a very important sea route.

20 percent of the world's entire oil supply passes through this route. Iran is the world's seventh largest oil supplier.

OPEC members Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Kuwait and Iraq send most of their supplies abroad through this route.

Israel demands sanctions on Iran

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

According to BBC security correspondent Gordon Correira, everyone is waiting to see how Israel responds to Iran's attack. But along with this diplomacy has intensified.

Israel looks a little less isolated after Iran's attack as attention has shifted from Gaza and Israel will use this opportunity to put international pressure on Iran.

Israel's Foreign Minister has written to 32 countries to impose sanctions on Iran. It also says that it should ban Iran's missile plan.

Many UN sanctions over Iran's missile program end in October 2023 as part of a comprehensive deal with Iran. America, Britain and the European Union have continued sanctions on Iran.

Israel's Foreign Minister has also said that Israel's Revolutionary Guard Corps should be declared a 'terrorist organization'. America has already done this but Britain has not done this.

Can America impose new sanctions on Iran in the coming days?

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says the US could impose new sanctions on Iran "in the coming days" following Iran's attack on Israel on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

Janet Yellen says Iran's oil exports are "one potential area that could be subject to sanctions."

Janet Yellen said that Iran's actions pose a major threat to stability in the Middle East.

"From the attack this Saturday, April 13, 2024, to attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, Iran's actions threaten the stability of the region and could lead to economic damage," Janet Yellen warned.

In Washington, Janet Yellen said the Treasury would use its sanctions authority and work with allies to "continue to deter the Iranian regime's malign and destabilizing activity."

Earlier, Israel had written to 32 countries demanding that they impose sanctions on Iran. Israel's Foreign Minister has also said that Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps should be declared a 'terrorist organization'.

On Saturday, April 13, 2024, Iran fired 300 drones and missiles at Israel from its soil for the first time. Israel claims that with the help of its allies America, Britain and Jordan, it neutralized most of the missiles before they hit the target.

Iran carried out this attack in response to the attack on the Iranian Consulate in the Syrian capital, Damascus, on April 1, 2024. A total of 13 people were killed in this attack, in which the top commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard and his deputy were also killed.

Israel did not take responsibility for this attack but it is believed that it was carried out by Israel itself.

Iran told China, Iran has no intention of increasing tension

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke to the Iranian Foreign Minister on the night of Monday, April 15, 2024.

According to Chinese government media, during this time Iran said that after the attack on Israel, it now "wants to exercise restraint."

During the phone conversation, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told Wang Yi that "Iran has no intention of escalating tensions" and that the situation was "very sensitive."

According to China's state news agency Xinhua, Wang said, "I am confident that Iran will deal with this situation and prevent further escalation of the crisis in the region while safeguarding its sovereignty and honor."

A statement issued by Iran's Foreign Ministry said Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told Wang about Iran's "legitimate actions" and warned the US that "if there are further attacks on Iran's interests or security, decisive action will be taken. A prompt and comprehensive response will be given."

Israeli war cabinet discusses retaliatory attack plan on Iran

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

The Israeli War Cabinet has discussed how to respond to Iran's drone and missile attacks.

So far Israel has not told whether any decision has been taken in this meeting or not.

Israel's allies condemned Iran's move but also appealed to the Benjamin Netanyahu government to exercise restraint.

Iran has indicated that the matter is now over from its side, but the Israeli Army Chief says that Iran will definitely be given a reply.

Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said, "Look, we are thinking about our steps and we will definitely respond to the firing of missiles and drones on Israel."

However, he did not say when and what action Israel would take.

America does not want Israeli action: Former CIA chief David Petraeus

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Former CIA chief David Petraeus told BBC Radio Four's World Tonight program that the US does not want Israel's action against Iran to affect the economic situation around the world.

General David Petraeus has led US and its allies in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said that Iran's attack is serious and Western countries know how Israel is viewing it.

Leaders around the world have also expressed concern about the worsening situation in the Middle East. US President Joe Biden told Netanyahu that he was committed to Israel's security, but a White House official said that Biden also said that if it retaliated against Iran, America would not be involved in it.

On Monday, April 15, 2024, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that all parties should exercise restraint. Rishi Sunak, addressing parliament, said he would speak to Netanyahu and discuss how the case could be prevented from escalating.

What was the discussion between America and Iraq on the situation in the Middle East after Iran's attack on Israel?

Monday, April 15, 2024

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has spoken to Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ali Tamim regarding the security of the Middle East.

This happened in the context of Iran's attack on Israel late on the night of Saturday, April 13, 2024.

Antony Blinken tells Mohammad Ali Tamim that the US does not want to escalate tensions with Iran, but will stand with Israel.

Mohammad Ali Tamim has expressed concern on behalf of his government about pushing the region towards war and posing a threat to international peace and security.

Iran launched about 300 drones and missiles at Israel late on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Israel says that with the help of America and Britain, it had shot down about 99 percent of the drones and missiles in the air before they entered Israeli airspace.

Iran has described this attack as a retaliation for the deadly attack on the Iranian Consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on April 1, 2024.

A total of 13 people were killed in this attack, in which the commander of the Revolutionary Guard, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, was killed and his deputy was also killed.

Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack on Iran's consulate. But it is believed that Israel was behind this attack.

Will Israel take action against Iran?

Monday, April 15, 2024

Israel has not yet decided what action it will take against Iran.

Israel is in talks about what action should be taken against Iran, but what that action will be has not been decided yet.

Israeli government spokesperson Avi Hyman gave this information.

Avi Hyman said that Israel is keeping an eye on the latest situation and a war cabinet meeting is also being held.

“Like any sovereign democracy, we will take the best course of action,” Avi Hyman said.

''What action will be taken has not been decided yet. But I want to remind you that it was we who were trying to escape the blasts on the night of Saturday, April 13, 2024. The lives of our children were at stake. Missiles were fired above our heads."

Iran fired more than 300 missiles and drones at Israel late on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Iran described the attack as retaliation for Israel's attack on Iran's Consulate.

However, most of the attacking drones and missiles fired by Iran were shot down in the air by Israel with the help of America and Britain.

Iran has described this attack as a retaliation for the deadly attack on the Iranian Consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on April 1, 2024.

A total of 13 people were killed in this attack, in which the commander of the Revolutionary Guard, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, was killed and his deputy was also killed.

Israel, however, did not claim responsibility for the attack on Iran's consulate.