Latest news with #Arak
Telegraph
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
I'm a nuclear scientist. This is how you disarm a tyrannical regime
Israel has embarked on a perilous path to dismantling Iran's nuclear programme, and has launched direct aerial attacks on one of the key uranium enrichment sites located in Natanz. These facilities are built just a few meters underground, and are thus vulnerable to missile attacks and aerial bombardments. A number of prominent nuclear scientists were also killed in the attacks, including a former head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation. The attacks constitute a major warning to the Islamic Republic to curb its nuclear activities. Iran, over the past six decades, has acquired a highly advanced and encompassing nuclear programme, including Uranium Enrichment Plants, the Heavy Water Plant, and Heavy-Water research reactors. The dual use nature of nuclear technology is well established, and Israel's concerns about nuclear proliferation have provided them the impetus to attack Iran's critical infrastructure – including nuclear facilities. It is most likely that Israel, as part of the 'Operation Rising Lion', will attack other nuclear sites in the subsequent phase of its aerial military campaign. It may target the highly advanced facilities at Esfahan Nuclear Technology Centre and also the Esfahan Nuclear Research Centre, in particular the Uranium Conversion Facility, where uranium concentrate is converted to uranium hexafluoride gas, as feed for centrifuges to enrich uranium. The Heavy Water Plant at Arak could also be a potential target for attack, as the key components of the plant are tall columns built in the open. In the event of an all-out strike, the research reactor in Tehran could be targeted, as it is vulnerable to drone, missile, and aerial strikes. The Fordow Uranium Enrichment Facility, built some 60 meters inside a mountain, is designed not to be vulnerable to attacks by drones, rockets, missiles, or the U.S. Bunker Busting bombs. However, its external (offsite) electricity supply, cooling water supply, and air supply systems are highly vulnerable. Uranium has been enriched to 83.7 per cent at Fordow, which is comparable to the 80 per cent enriched uranium contained in the Hiroshima atomic bomb. It is unlikely that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant would come under attack, as such plants are designed and constructed to withstand aerial attacks. However, external power supplies and cooling water systems are regarded as soft targets, and highly vulnerable to drone and missile strikes. Extensive damage to the plant could lead to a Fukushima-like accident, and release of significant quantities of radioactivity into the marine environment of the Persian Gulf. This could lead to the extensive contamination of the ecological systems and disruption of shipping operations. It could also affect oil and gas production and the supply of water to some of the Arab States in the Persian Gulf. Moreover, Russian personnel may be present at the plant, and any harm to them would constitute a major escalation of the conflict which Israel, under the circumstances, would not wish to provoke. Should Israel decide to launch further direct attacks, it is likely that it would also target critical infrastructure adjacent to nuclear facilities, including fossil-fuelled power stations, electricity grids, and cooling water supplies. Destruction of critical infrastructure could lead to extensive damage to nuclear facilities and their normal operations. Iran, in the event of an all-out attack on its nuclear facilities, could take retaliatory action by striking Israel's nuclear research centres. Iran's recent aerial attack on Israel has demonstrated its military capabilities and its ability to escalate the conflict. Iran could heighten the hostilities yet further by attacking Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates: these countries have normalised diplomatic relations with Israel and host US military bases. The US could thus become directly involved in the conflict. It is imperative that concerted diplomatic efforts are instituted to prevent further escalation of the conflict, and to restore peace, security and stability in this highly turbulent region. Diplomacy and dialogue must prevail.
Forbes
8 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Israel's Attack On Iran Pushes Oil Prices Well Back Above $70
Oil prices surged past $70 per barrel on Friday, following heightened tensions in the Middle East as Israel struck Iran overnight with what it described as strategic strikes on Tehran's nuclear capabilities and leadership. At 08:36 am EDT on Friday, the global proxy benchmark Brent's front month crude oil futures contract was up 7.81% or $5.42 to $74.78 per barrel, while the West Texas Intermediate front month contract traded at $73.81 per barrel, up 8.48% or $5.77. Prices were trading sideways in the week prior to the latest escalation between Israel and Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country's forces had struck nuclear and military targets deep inside Iran. Strikes targeted sites in Arak and Isfahan, as well as Iran's main uranium enrichment site Natanz and its capital Tehran. According to media reports, Israeli attacks also killed Iran's senior military leaders and nuclear scientists including Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, Gholamali Rashid, commander of Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters, Fereydoon Abbasi, nuclear scientist and former head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi, another nuclear scientist involved in Iran's nuclear weapons program and Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of Iran's armed forces. Iran described the Israeli attacks as an 'act of war' and launched around 100 drones in retaliation. However, the situation is expected to deteriorate further as Israel says its military action may last several days and Iran's retaliation will likely continue too. The shock factor has upped crude prices which have struggling to gain any sort of lasting upward momentum. Oil futures are currently down by over 10% on last year despite the latest spike, and Brent futures haven't traded above $70-levels since April 3. That's because crude oil production volumes outside the Middle East continue to remain elevated, with the U.S. currently being the world's largest oil producer. Production from Brazil, Canada, Guyana and Norway continues to edge higher. It implies that global oil demand growth - currently projected just north of 1 million barrels per day - can currently be serviced by non-OPEC production. Furthermore, it must noted that quite like the last round of Israel-Iran hostilities in last year, the Netanyahu administration has (so far) not targeted Iranian energy infrastructure. It was routinely targeted by Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq war (1980-88) and severely crippled the Iranian economy. While, it makes them obvious potential targets for Israel, doesn't necessarily mean it would take them out. Were it to do so, the move will likely have an impact on the global oil market to varying degrees. The most potentially devastating Israeli strike carrying global implications would be an attack on the Kharg Oil Terminal. It will likely result in a further short-term crude price spike of around 5%, as it carries the potential for international disruption, primarily to Iran's exports to China — the world's largest importer of oil. On the other hand, an attack on Hormozgan oil facilities would likely be more about symbolism given that many of the province's terminals are largely unused. This is down to creaking infrastructure, lack of investment and years of Western sanctions on Iranian oil. Israel may attack the province to send a message. Should the Abadan Refinery be targeted, it may cripple Iran's domestic fuel supply chain. It being knocked offline perhaps does not carry any significant international implications. However, should the nearby Mahshahr Oil Terminal be subjected to an Israeli strike, regional crude and product supply chain issues will likely arise. All things considered, in the absence of any such disruption to Iranian energy infrastructure, the current risk premium will likely fizzle out and market fundamentals will return to drag oil prices back to levels seen prior to the escalation of hostilities.
New York Times
19 hours ago
- Politics
- New York Times
Live Updates: Israeli Strikes Target Iran's Nuclear Program
Iranians on top of a hill after strikes in Tehran, Iran, on Friday. The Israeli military said it struck Iran early on Friday morning, attacking dozens of military targets, including nuclear sites, in different areas of the country. The scale of the attacks and the damage they caused were not immediately clear. But the strikes raised fears that the long-simmering conflict between the two countries could escalate into an all-out war involving the most two powerful militaries in the Middle East. Here's what to know about the situation: What happened in Iran? Explosions rocked Iran's capital, Tehran, early on Friday. Iran's state media showed blasts across the city, with smoke and fire billowing from buildings. The skies were quickly cleared of civilian flights. Mohammad Jamali, who was standing on a roof in Tehran, said he could see two Israeli jets attacking an air base of the Revolutionary Guards. 'What I can see is two massive flames and smoke coming from two military bases in eastern Tehran,' he said. A senior Iranian official said that a compound in Tehran where senior military commanders live, Shahrak Shahid Mahalati, had been attacked, and that three residential buildings had been demolished. Residents in the Iranian cities of Isfahan, Arak and Kermanshah, which house military and industrial complexes, have also reported hearing explosions. A senior Iranian official said Iranian fighter jets had taken off to respond to the strike. Mehdi Rahmati, a conservative political analyst in Tehran, said, 'There is now a real chance of a regional war.' Why did Israel say it attacked Iran? Israeli officials said the strike was 'pre-emptive,' though there was no immediate indication that Iran was planning to attack. In a statement, the Israeli military said it acted 'in response to the Iranian regime's ongoing aggression against Israel' and suggested there would be more to come, calling its attack 'the first stage.' An Israeli military official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity to comply with protocol, said the strikes had targeted elements of Iran's nuclear program and the regime's long-range missile capabilities. He said that Iran has been advancing a secret program to assemble a nuclear weapon, according to Israeli intelligence, and that it has enough material to assemble 15 nuclear bombs within days. The official did not provide details to support the assessment. Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, called Iran's nuclear program 'a clear and present danger to Israel's very survival' in a video statement. He said that Israel had also attacked Iran's main nuclear 'enrichment facility in Natanz,' as well as 'Iran's leading nuclear scientists.' Was the United States involved? Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement that the United States was 'not involved in strikes against Iran.' He added that 'Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense.' Mr. Rubio warned Iran against any form of retaliation aimed at the U.S. forces in the region: 'Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.' The Israeli strike followed months of disagreement between President Trump and Mr. Netanyahu over how to handle Iran. Mr. Trump has discouraged Israel from attacking Iran while U.S.-Iran nuclear talks are ongoing. Hours before the attack, Mr. Trump said that an attack would likely destroy the chances for a diplomatic solution. 'I think it would blow it,' he said, before adding, 'might help it actually, but it could also blow it.' Anticipating a regional escalation, the United States withdrew diplomats from Iraq on Wednesday and authorized the voluntary departure of families of U.S. soldiers posted elsewhere in the Middle East. Some 40,000 U.S. military personnel are stationed in the Persian Gulf and elsewhere in the Middle East to defend American bases and interests in the region, including the defense of Israel. The aircraft carrier Carl Vinson, armed with F-35 attack planes, is steaming in the Arabian Sea.
Axios
3 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Boatman Spirits adds a distillery and restaurant to downtown Raleigh
Boatman Spirits Co., a Mediterranean-themed restaurant and distillery from a group of Triangle hospitality veterans, is nearing its debut in downtown Raleigh. Why it matters: At 7,000 square feet, Boatman will be the largest tenant yet to open in Seaboard Station, a mixed-use development on the northern end of downtown trying to cement itself as the city's next drinking and eating district. Driving the news: Boatman will open its doors to the public Friday, June 13, starting with dinner hours only before adding a lunch menu in the coming weeks. State of play: Boatman is the brainchild of longtime staples of the Raleigh dining scene, including Zack Thomas, who has helped run bars at places like The Crunkleton and Foundation; Aaron Lambert, formerly of Whiskey Kitchen; Geremy Prichard, the group's distiller who studied bioprocessing at N.C. State; and George Ghneim, a local veterinarian and restaurateur who previously owned the downtown restaurant Riviera. Zoom in: Boatman will have a large distillery space, featuring a 240-gallon copper still, used to make gin; vodka; whiskey and rye; Arak, a Middle Eastern spirit and an Amaro featuring acorns as an ingredient. The restaurant side, which will have a view into the distillery, will have a large bar and several dining rooms tucked underneath archways and between columns. The menu includes Mediterranean staples like grilled halloumi, falafel, beef and lamb shawarmas and a lamb kofta burger. Dessert includes: tahini ice cream and stuffed dates. Boatman will also have a negroni aged in an amphora, a clay jar historically used by Greeks and Romans to store liquids. Address: 713 Seaboard Station Dr., Raleigh
Forbes
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
7 Celebratory Cocktails To Enjoy This Passover
There's a lot of tradition and food involved in celebrating Passover, but not too much attention generally given to cocktails. This is a holiday associated with drinking several glasses of wine while celebrating the ceremonial seders, but why not incorporate some fun cocktails? Whether having a welcome drink for the family meal or a celebratory nightcap, there's lovely cocktails to consider in honor of the holiday. Charoset Old Fashioned at Rafael and Miriam in New York City's Park Slope and UWS. At Rafael and Miriam in New York City's Park Slope and UWS, the Charoset Old Fashioned is made with brandy, apple syrup, walnut bitters, cinnamon stick, and orange peel. "Inspired by the traditional charoset, this rich and spiced take on an Old Fashioned combines apples, nuts, and cinnamon—flavors that evoke the symbolic Seder dish in every sip," said Beverage Director Will Rivas. Arak Saint Germaine at 12 Chairs Cafe in New York City. At 12 Chairs Cafe in New York City, Arak Saint Germaine is made with Arak, Saint Germaine, lemon juice, and dry vermouth. 'Nothing gets the party started like a shot or cocktail with Arak. This cocktail is a great way to toast the table with a digestif to support a big meal,' said bartender Cesar Duarte. Tahini Chocolate Espresso Martini at Rafael in New York City. At Rafael in New York City, a holiday spin on the classic espresso martini, incorporating vodka, oat milk, tahini syrup, chocolate, coffee, espresso, and molasses. 'Our Tahini Martini is the sweetness you're seeking for a Passover Seder. The creamy tahini adds a unique nutty depth that beautifully complement the rich chocolate and bold espresso creating a balanced yet decadent flavor. Perfect for post-Seder dessert cravings with coffee and a dessert,' said Beverage Director Will Rivas. Exodus Elixir at Eden Roc Cap Cana. At Eden Roc Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic's Blue Restaurant, this is a kosher cocktail steeped in history, where gin is paired with Luxardo and a skewer of black cherries with a breath of lemongrass. A sip of Passover: Sweet, bold, and full of remembrance. 'The Exodus Elixir is crafted to capture the essence of the Passover journey, a harmonious blend of tradition and rebirth. Each sip embodies the spirit of renewal that Passover represents," said Mathew Chanto, Bar Manager. Fire & Ice Nana Mojito at La Mer at Nana Beach Club in Miami Beach. On the menu at La Mer at Nana Beach Club in Miami Beach, a bold, cooling mojito with a touch of heat. 'This cocktail is all about balance—refreshing nana and zesty lime meet the warmth of spiced date syrup for a bold yet elegant sip. It's our way of bringing a little Miami heat to Passover celebrations," said Olivia Ostrow, Head Chef, La Mer at Nana Beach Club. Mango Lemonada at Mesiba in the Williamsburg area of New York City. Available at Mesiba in the Williamsburg area of New York City, a beautiful cocktail that blends Cazadores Tequila with elderflower, Chinola Mango, and the bright zest of lemon juice. Then, a bit of simple syrup is added for balance along with fresh mint for a finish. "The Mango Lemonada was inspired by the Israeli Mint Limonana, which Executive Chef Eli Buli introduced me to during my R&D for the Mesiba menu. This cocktail perfectly balances citrus, herbs, and the vibrant sweetness of Chinola Mango, making it the ultimate refreshing drink. In the bar world, we'd call this a true crusher!" said Sebastian Corredor, head bartender. On the menu at Canela Bistro Bar in San Francisco, The Burning Bush is a Passover-inspired cocktail made with mezcal, lime juice, Pedro Ximenez Sherry, cinnamon syrup and chocolate bitters. Executive chef and owner Mat Schuster says: "The smoking gun is always a fun tool to work with so we were thinking about smoke infused drinks. And of course smoke ties to mezcal and also the burning bush story so it really just fell into place!"
