Iran Says 2 More High-ranking Generals Killed in Israeli Strikes
Iran confirmed on Saturday that two additional high-ranking generals were killed in Israeli strikes on the country.
Iranian state television identified the two killed as Gen. Gholamreza Mehrabi, the deputy of intelligence for the armed forces' general staff, and Gen. Mehdi Rabbani, the deputy of operations.
It did not say where the men were killed.
Israel's strikes on Friday killed multiple high-ranking officers within Iran's armed forces, including the chief of staff of the army and the head of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.
Israel's military said Saturday it was striking dozens of missile launchers in Iran, after announcing it had targeted air defenses with a wave of strikes in the Tehran area overnight.
The Israeli air force "continues striking dozens of surface-to-surface missile launchers in Iran,' the military said in a statement.
Iran's state TV reported on Saturday that around 60 people, including 20 children, were killed in an Israeli attack on a housing complex in the Iranian capital.
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EU foreign ministers to discuss Israel-Iran conflict on Tuesday
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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. 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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. 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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. 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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
3 hours ago
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Britain Could Possibly Support Israel Against Iran: Finance Minister
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