The conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, with both countries exchanging attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would not escalate hostilities but would “end the conflict”.
Meanwhile, US Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced a bill to block President Trump from striking Iran without congressional authorization. Sanders emphasized that Netanyahu’s actions violate international law and risk igniting a regional war, stating, “Congress must make it clear that the United States will not be dragged into Netanyahu’s war of choice”. French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that the US has made an offer for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, saying, “There is indeed an offer to meet and exchange. An offer was made especially to get a ceasefire and to then kick-start broader discussions”.
In the conflict that ensued between Israel and Iran, a group of 21 Muslim countries, led by Egypt, has condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran and called for urgent de-escalation and nuclear disarmament. The group warned that the conflict risks spiraling further and urged an immediate ceasefire. Meanwhile, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson has criticized Trump’s involvement in Israel’s attacks on Iran, saying, “While the American military may not have physically perpetrated the assault, years of funding and sending weapons to Israel… undeniably place the US at the center of last night’s events”.
The Israeli military has identified missiles from Iran en route to Israel and is working to intercept the threat. Air raid sirens have blared in northern Israel, including the port city of Haifa. The US has sent additional military capabilities to the Middle East, with reports indicating the movement of refueling aircraft and an aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz.
As the situation unfolds, there are conflicting reports about the possibility of negotiations between Israel and Iran. President Macron’s comments suggest a potential for diplomacy, while Trump’s actions and statements have been more ambiguous. James Bays, reporting from Banff, Alberta, Canada, noted that “it’s a somewhat confused picture, and lots of different reports pointing in different directions”. The international community is anxiously watching the developments, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.