Israel still has a large list of targets in Iran, military official says
Israel still has a large list of targets it plans to hit in Iran, an Israeli military official said on Sunday, as both nations continued to exchange missile attacks that started on Friday.
He declined to say how long strikes against Iran would continue, adding the military had attacked around 80 targets in Tehran on Saturday evening.
The targets included two 'dual-use' Iranian fuel sites that supported military and nuclear operations, he said.
He said they also targeted the chief of staff of Yemen's Houthis group overnight.
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Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
A Saudi perspective on security, diplomacy and human dignity
As a Saudi national, I view the Middle East's complex challenges through the lens of my country's commitment to regional stability, Islamic values and Vision 2030's aspirations for sustainable development. The new escalation between Israel and Iran, marked by Israeli airstrikes authorized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, underscores the urgent need for a balanced approach to security, diplomacy and human dignity. These strikes, ostensibly aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions, risk plunging the region into broader conflict, potentially involving global powers like the US. From a Saudi perspective, fostering sustainable peace requires de-escalation, inclusive dialogue and addressing the root causes of conflict, such as economic disparity and political marginalization. Israel's airstrikes on Iran, justified as a response to Iran's nuclear program reaching 60 percent uranium enrichment, have heightened regional tensions. However, the timing, amid Netanyahu's domestic political struggles and waning support for military operations in Gaza, suggests ulterior motives. Critics argue that these actions may serve to bolster Netanyahu's position, deflecting attention from his legal and political challenges. As a Saudi observer, I see this as a risky gambit that could accelerate Iran's nuclear ambitions rather than deter them, threatening the entire region's stability. Saudi Arabia, alongside other Gulf Cooperation Council nations, has condemned these airstrikes as a violation of Iran's sovereignty and international law. This stance reflects our commitment to regional stability and opposition to actions that undermine mutual respect among nations. The Kingdom's condemnation is not merely rhetorical; it signals a broader call for de-escalation and dialogue to prevent a wider conflict that could destabilize the Middle East and impact global energy markets, a critical concern for Saudi Arabia. Western policies, particularly those of the US, have often prioritized geopolitical dominance over sustainable peacebuilding. The US-Israel relationship, shaped partly by the influential Israel lobby, as described by scholars John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt, has aligned American foreign policy with Israel's immediate security concerns. While this partnership has strengthened bilateral ties, it has sometimes overlooked the long-term consequences for regional stability. The US-led invasion of Iraq, for instance, destabilized the region, weakened Arab states and fueled populism and extremism challenges that persist today. From a Saudi perspective, the fragility of many Arab states, compounded by ineffective leadership and rising nationalism, underscores the need for a strategic pivot. The US cannot sustain flawed policies indefinitely, as the human and economic costs of interventions like Iraq demonstrate. Saudi Arabia welcomes recent US restraint, with figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizing that American priorities lie in protecting its forces rather than endorsing Israel's strikes on Iran. This shift opens space for diplomacy, which Saudi Arabia is well positioned to champion. Saudi Arabia holds a unique position in the Middle East, rooted in its religious significance as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and its foreign policy being aimed at fostering stability. The Kingdom's Vision 2030 emphasizes sustainable development and economic diversification, aligning with the broader goal of regional cooperation. In the context of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands, Saudi Arabia has advocated for the Arab Peace Initiative, which offers normalization with Israel in exchange for a two-state solution. This framework reflects our commitment to balancing security with justice and addressing Palestinian aspirations, while fostering regional collaboration. Two peace frameworks merit consideration: the two-state solution and the two-return solution. The two-state solution envisions an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, promoting mutual recognition and security cooperation. The two-return solution, meanwhile, addresses historical grievances by proposing compensation and recognition of both Palestinian and Jewish narratives to facilitate reconciliation. Fostering sustainable peace requires de-escalation, inclusive dialogue and addressing the root causes of conflict. Dr. Turki Faisal Al-Rasheed Both approaches face challenges from Israeli settlement expansion, Palestinian governance fragmentation and skepticism about Israel's commitment to peace, but Saudi Arabia's mediation can bridge divides. By promoting adherence to international law and partnering with global stakeholders, the Kingdom can advance a comprehensive approach that integrates humanitarian and economic considerations. Israel's current policies under Netanyahu, including its operations in Gaza and efforts to neutralize Iran's nuclear capabilities, prioritize immediate security but risk long-term consequences. The pursuit of 'total victory' in Gaza and aggressive posturing toward Iran may isolate Israel diplomatically, strain its alliances and impact US interests and Jewish communities worldwide. From a Saudi perspective, sustainable security for Israel and the region requires integrating robust defense with diplomacy that tackles conflict drivers like economic inequality and political marginalization. Netanyahu's actions, driven partly by domestic pressures, risk dragging the region into chaos. As a Saudi national, I join global voices opposing leaders who exploit fear to justify escalation. The Kingdom's condemnation of Israel's airstrikes on Iran reflects our broader stance against unilateral actions that undermine sovereignty and stability. Instead, we advocate for dialogue, economic development and countering extremism to create a cooperative framework for the region. The ongoing crisis in Gaza demands urgent attention. The humanitarian toll, marked by significant loss of life and suffering, requires immediate international action focused on de-escalation and relief. Saudi Arabia, in alignment with the other GCC nations, calls for responsible leadership rooted in empathy for both Palestinian and Israeli communities. Breaking cycles of violence hinges on fostering dialogue and trust, addressing not only security concerns but also the human dignity of all stakeholders. Historical conflicts in the region, from Iraq to Syria, highlight the necessity of inclusive partnerships built on mutual respect. Aspirations for peace, echoed by figures like US President Donald Trump, who has positioned himself as a potential peacemaker, depend on balanced collaboration. Saudi Arabia and other Arab states hold strategic leverage to counter foreign interference and extremist threats, aligning with a shared vision of stability and prosperity. The Middle East's future remains uncertain, with the Israel-Iran conflict of 2025 raising more questions than answers. The efficacy of Israel's military actions, the potential for US-Iran negotiations and the political fallout in both nations are yet to be fully understood. What is clear, however, is the need for all stakeholders — Western governments, Israel, Arab states and the international community — to prioritize human dignity and de-escalation. Saudi Arabia's leadership, grounded in its religious and geopolitical influence, seeks to foster dialogue, promote equitable development and reduce external interference. By advocating for frameworks like the Arab Peace Initiative and supporting inclusive peace processes, the Kingdom can help pave the way for a stable and prosperous Middle East. Sustainable peace demands not only strategic restraint but also a shared commitment to cooperation, mutual prosperity and respect for all communities. In conclusion, as a Saudi national, I believe that fostering sustainable peace in the Middle East requires moving beyond military escalation to embrace diplomacy and human dignity. The Kingdom's role as a mediator, coupled with its vision for regional stability, offers hope for a future where dialogue triumphs over conflict and cooperation replaces division. The path forward is challenging, but with collective resolve we can build a Middle East defined by peace and prosperity for all.
Leaders
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Britain Could Possibly Support Israel Against Iran: Finance Minister
British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves said on Sunday that Britain could potentially support Israel in its war with Iran that started on Friday, June 13, according to Reuters. Reeves noted that Britain's decision to send additional military jets to the Middle East was mainly driven by its intension to protect British bases and personnel. 'We have, in the past, supported Israel when there have been missiles coming in,' she added. Reeves also stated that they are sending in assets to safeguard their interests and support their allies. In 2024, Britain protected Israel from missile attacks from Iran. The British government also shot down Iranian drones heading for Israel in April. Moreover, it indicated that two of its fighter jets and an air-to-air refueling tanker participated in intercepting Iranian missiles in October. On June 13, Israel launched a wave of airstrikes on Iran under the name of Operation Rising Lion. The military campaign targeted Iran's nuclear facilities and killed top military commanders and nuclear scientists. As a response, Iran launched a retaliatory wave of missiles against Israel and targeted Tel Aviv. Israel also killed three more Iranian nuclear scientists, raising the total number of scientists slain to nine, according to Gulf News. Currently, both countries are trading missiles and attacks amid intensifying efforts to halt the conflict. Related Topics: EU Powers Offer Immediate Talks with Iran to De-escalate Tensions Putin, Trump Discuss Iran-Israel Conflict Pakistan Supports Iran, Urges Muslim World to Unite, Defy Israel Short link : Post Views: 11
Leaders
2 hours ago
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Trump Hints at US Involvement in Iran-Israel Conflict
President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States might engage in the escalating Iran-Israel conflict. During an interview with ABC News, he expressed openness to Russian President Vladimir Putin acting as a mediator. This statement comes as tensions rise in the Middle East, with both nations exchanging heavy aerial assaults. Ongoing Nuclear Talks and Potential Mediation According to Trump, discussions regarding Iran's nuclear program continue. He noted that Tehran appears eager to negotiate a deal, especially following recent military exchanges with Israel. 'It's possible we could get involved,' Trump stated during an off-camera interview with ABC News senior political correspondent Rachel Scott. He emphasized that the United States is 'not at this moment' participating in military actions. Trump confirmed that Putin is prepared to mediate the conflict. 'He is ready. He called me about it. We had a long talk about it,' Trump explained. This potential mediation could play a crucial role in de-escalating tensions between the two nations. Escalating Violence and Diplomatic Efforts On Sunday, Israel and Iran engaged in heavy aerial assaults for the third consecutive day. Casualties have increased significantly as Israel launched large-scale attacks targeting Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure. These actions have prompted retaliatory strikes from Iran, further complicating the situation. Oman, which has previously mediated discussions on the nuclear issue, announced the cancellation of a sixth round of talks between Iran and the United States. Despite this setback, Trump reassured that discussions between the two sides are ongoing. 'No, there's no deadline' on negotiations, he stated when asked about a time limit for Tehran to engage. Trump emphasized that both parties are actively communicating. 'They'd like to make a deal. They're talking. They continue to talk,' he remarked. He suggested that the recent clashes between Israel and Iran might have accelerated the urgency for a nuclear agreement. 'It may have forced a deal to go quicker, actually,' Trump concluded. As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the Iran-Israel conflict. Short link : Post Views: 1
