US President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to minimize civilian harm as Israel mulls its response to Iran's recent missile strike. This call comes amid mounting pressure from Washington not to strike Iran's oil or nuclear facilities prior to the US presidential elections. The two leaders agreed to stay in close contact over the next few days, and Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has pledged that their attack on Iran will be "deadly, precise, and surprising." The leaders also discussed Israel's offensive against Iranian ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.
US, Israel Balance Concerns amid Iran Tensions
Amid escalating tensions with Iran, US President Joe Biden has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to minimize civilian harm in any potential Israeli response to Iran's recent missile strike.
Background:
Tensions between Iran and Israel have been simmering for years, primarily over Iran's nuclear program. Iran has been accused of developing nuclear weapons, while Israel views this as an existential threat. In recent months, Israel has carried out airstrikes against Iranian targets in Syria and Iraq, alleging that they were used to support Iran-backed Shiite militias.
Recent Developments:
On February 12, 2023, Iran launched a missile attack on Erbil, Iraq, which it claimed was targeting Israeli intelligence bases. Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for these bases, but it is widely believed to have a presence in the region. The attack raised concerns that the conflict could escalate further.
US Pressure:
The US has been urging Israel to refrain from striking Iran's oil or nuclear facilities before the upcoming US presidential elections in November 2023. The Biden administration fears that such an attack could destabilize the region and complicate its efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal.
Israeli Response:
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has pledged that any Israeli attack on Iran would be "deadly, precise, and surprising." He has not provided specifics on when or how such an attack might occur.
Diplomatic Engagement:
President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu have had several phone calls to discuss the situation. They agreed to stay in close contact and work together to de-escalate tensions. Vice President Kamala Harris also joined one of the calls.
FAQs:
1. Why is the US urging Israel not to strike Iran?
The US fears that such an attack could destabilize the region, complicate negotiations over the Iran nuclear deal, and potentially lead to a broader conflict.
2. What are Israel's concerns about Iran?
Israel views Iran's nuclear program as an existential threat. It also worries about Iranian support for Hezbollah and other Shiite militias in the region.
3. What are Iran's intentions with its missile attack on Iraq?
Iran claims the attack was targeting Israeli intelligence bases in Erbil. However, Israel has not claimed responsibility for these bases, and Iran may have other motivations for the strike.
4. What is Israel's likely response to the Iranian attack?
Israel has not officially announced its response, but it has pledged to take action. Defense Minister Gallant has promised a "deadly, precise, and surprising" attack.
5. What is the potential for escalation in the conflict?
The situation remains tense, and further escalation is possible. However, both the US and Israel are working to de-escalate tensions and prevent the conflict from spiraling out of control.
On day 1,312 of Russia's war on Ukraine, tensions continue to escalate as Ukrainian drones target a Russian oil pumping station, Russian forces seize three more villages in eastern Ukraine, and NATO increases its presence in the Baltic Sea region. In response to the ongoing conflict, the Ukrainian security service reports that the SBU caused a fire and halted operations in the Chuvashia region, while Russia's military announced its continued advance in Donetsk and Dnipro. Meanwhile, NATO's decision to deploy additional military assets comes after several days of unidentified drone sightings in Denmark and at military bases.
The upcoming India-Australia ODI series has drawn attention for multiple reasons, including the successful return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as white-ball players. Despite being relieved of captaincy, the duo is expected to continue playing in the format until the 2027 World Cup, according to Australia's Travis Head and India's Axar Patel. As both teams gear up for a high-stakes clash, the focus remains on the future of these two icons and their potential to lead India to another ODI World Cup victory.
Pakistani security forces have thwarted a suicide attack targeting their camp in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, after a vehicle loaded with explosives was driven into the perimeter wall. In a separate operation, 34 militants described as "India-backed terrorists" were killed in multiple engagements across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These operations form part of Pakistan's continued efforts to eliminate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country under the vision "Azm-e-Istehkam."
Amid an intensified wave of militant activity in Pakistan's northwestern tribal belt bordering Afghanistan, security forces successfully foiled a major suicide attack on a military camp in North Waziristan's Mir Ali area. Four terrorists, including a suicide bomber, were killed in the exchange, with no casualties among security personnel. The incident highlights the ongoing threat of militant activity in the region, with recent counterterrorism operations resulting in the death of 88 militants, including several from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Former US President Donald Trump shared news on his social media platform about a “very productive” phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where they discussed progress towards ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump mentioned the possibility of a summit in Budapest involving top advisors from both countries, while also revealing that he will be meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the call and other matters. As India’s economy continues to grow, its luxury market is also thriving with high-end brands investing in the country to meet the increased demand.
Ukrainian President Zelensky is currently in Washington to meet with US President Trump. This meeting comes after Trump had a productive phone call with Russian President Putin, where they agreed to face-to-face talks in Hungary. Trump is considering arming Ukraine with advanced Tomahawk missiles, but stated that the US stockpile must also be preserved. Meanwhile, Trump has promised to update Zelensky on his discussions with Putin and believes that progress has been made.
The Ministry of External Affairs has denied that a phone conversation took place between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, contradicting Trump's claim that Modi personally assured him that India would stop purchasing Russian crude oil. Trump had announced this move as a big step, describing that the process had already begun. However, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that there was no discussion between the two leaders during a weekly briefing. This contradiction comes after the last confirmed phone call between the two on 9 October, when they discussed trade negotiations.
President Donald Trump announces plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary, following a productive phone call between the two leaders. The talks will include high-level advisers from both sides, led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, there is little indication of progress in ending the war in Ukraine, and Trump is likely to face pressure from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to Washington, D.C. for the US to provide military support to Ukraine.
US and Russian Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have had their first conversation since August, with plans to meet in person in Hungary. They discussed trade and teams from both countries will meet next week. This came a day before Ukraine's President Zelensky's visit to the White House and amid discussions about arming Ukraine with deep-striking Tomahawk missiles. Despite the talks, Ukraine's ambassador to the US says Moscow's recent actions show their real attitude towards peace and call for tougher responses such as sanctions and military reinforcement.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has announced plans for a new anti-drone system in response to ongoing fears of Russian aggression. The proposed "defence roadmap" includes measures such as improving Eastern borders and creating air and space shields. With several European countries facing airspace incursions, the EU is taking steps to be fully prepared for possible conflict by 2030. The announcement comes ahead of talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Trump indicating that the US could provide Ukraine with long-range missiles if the war in Ukraine continues.