Category: 2. Middle East

French President Emmanuel Macron, who on Friday defended Israel’s right to protect itself, spoke by phone to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a spike in diplomatic tensions, the Elysee said.

The French presidency said the phone conversation took place but did not specify the content of the exchange with the Israeli leader.

Relations between Macron and Netanyahu have been strained in recent months over Israel’s blockade of Gaza and France’s plans to recognise a Palestinian…

Israel on Friday carried out dozens of airstrikes in Iran, hitting nuclear and military sites and killing several commanders and nuclear scientists.

Iran immediately responded by launching drones against Israel, and called the Israeli attack “a declaration of war”.

US President Donald Trump — although saying his country was not involved — warned Iran there will be more “death and destruction”.

International calls for restraint are multiplying, as fears grow the Middle East could be on the…

Global airlines on Friday cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran and other Middle East destinations, or rerouted planes, as airspaces shut following Israeli strikes on Iran.

Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan and Syria closed their airspaces after Israel hit military and nuclear facilities in Iran. Israel said Tehran launched drones in retaliation.

Air India’s New Delhi-Vienna and Mumbai-London flights were about to enter Iranian airspace when Israel launched its attack, forcing the planes to turn back…

Iranians called for revenge on Friday demanding a swift response to a dizzying wave of strikes by Israel, as some took to the streets in protest, while others sheltered inside, unsure what would happen next.

The aerial onslaught killed several of the military’s top brass, targeted an array of leading scientists and struck military and nuclear sites across Iran in an unprecedented attack that left many seething with anger.

“How much longer are we going to live in fear?” asked Ahmad Moadi, a…

Israeli strikes on Iran early Friday left at least nine senior Iranian commanders and scientists dead and also damaged several military and nuclear facilities in the country. 

Generals and nuclear scientists 

The following Iranian military leaders died in the strikes, according to state media. 

• Major General Hossein Salami — Salami led the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from 2019 until his death. He was known for his fiery rhetoric against Israel. Iran’s supreme leader,…

Israeli strikes on Iran early Friday left at 10 senior Iranian commanders and scientists dead and also damaged several military and nuclear facilities in the country. 

Generals and nuclear scientists 

The following Iranian military leaders died in the strikes, according to state media. 

• Brig. Gen. Esmail Qaani — The New York Times reported on Friday that Qaani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) Quds Force, was killed. Iran did not immediately confirm the news….

Eastern Libyan security forces stopped the Gaza-bound “Steadfastness Convoy” last night at the entrance to the city of Sirte.

In a statement, the convoy said: “Earlier that evening, security and army forces affiliated with the eastern Libyan authorities stopped the Steadfastness Convoy at the entrance to Sirte. Security officials said we must wait for approval instructions from Benghazi before continuing.”

The statement added: “In response to this…

Qatar Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has met with French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs HE Jean-Noël Barrot, on the sidelines of the third Qatari-French Strategic Dialogue, held in the French capital, Paris, Qatar News Agency reported.

During the meeting, they reviewed relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them. They also discussed the latest developments…