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الوسم: regional conflict

  • US-Israel Conflict with Iran: A Timeline of Events

    US-Israel Conflict with Iran: A Timeline of Events

    The conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran commenced earlier this year on February 28, with synchronized strikes targeting multiple sites across Iran. The hostilities rapidly escalated into a broader regional crisis, involving Lebanon, the Gulf countries, Yemen, the Strait of Hormuz, and global energy markets.

    In the subsequent months, the situation transitioned from overt military confrontations to a delicate ceasefire and maritime standoff. Pakistan took on a mediating role, attempting to broker a resolution amid disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. embargo, Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions, and the Lebanon front.

    The first phase, from the start of the conflict to April 8, was characterized by direct military actions, including the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s retaliatory strikes, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and the emergence of the Lebanon front.

    From April 8 to June, the second phase saw a fragile ceasefire punctuated by intense diplomatic efforts, frequent violations, a naval blockade by the U.S., and ongoing disputes concerning Lebanon, Hormuz, and Iran’s nuclear program.

    Recently, Pakistan, the U.S., and Iran announced they had reached a preliminary agreement to end hostilities. The deal, facilitated by Pakistan, was formalized via an electronically signed memorandum of understanding by President Trump, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and all involved parties earlier today.

    Below is a timeline of major events from the onset of the war:

    Phase 1 – Military escalation and initial strikes

    February 28 – March 1

    • The U.S. and Israel coordinated airstrikes across Iran, targeting military installations, missile facilities, air defenses, and command centers. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was designated a martyr, along with high-ranking Iranian officials.
    • A girls’ primary school in Minab, southern Iran, was hit during these opening operations, resulting in significant civilian casualties—one of the earliest and most sensitive incidents.
    • Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks against Israeli and U.S.-linked military sites across the Gulf, including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE.
    • An Iranian missile strike hit Beit Shemesh, causing casualties and marking a deadly early attack within Israel.

    March 2

    • Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to international shipping, transforming the conflict into a worldwide energy crisis.
    • Hezbollah launched projectiles from Lebanon toward Israel following Khamenei’s martyrdom. Israel responded with strikes in Lebanon, opening a secondary front.

    March 3

    • Israel launched a ground operation in southern Lebanon, aiming to create a security zone, which complicated ceasefire negotiations.

    March 4-8

    • Iranian forces increased attacks on ships attempting to pass through Hormuz, causing a sharp decline in maritime trade and higher insurance premiums.
    • President Trump publicly demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and threatened further strikes if Iran refused to accept U.S. terms.
    • Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ayatollah Khamenei, was appointed Iran’s new Supreme Leader, signaling regime continuity.

    March 19

    • The U.S. initiated focused aerial campaigns against Iranian naval vessels and drone infrastructure around Hormuz to reopen the strait.

    March 21-23

    • Iran struck targets near Israel’s nuclear site, including Arad and Dimona, while Israeli strikes targeted Tehran.
    • Trump extended the deadline for Iran to reopen Hormuz.

    March 27-30

    • Iran denied passage to Chinese-linked ships at Hormuz, exercising control over the waterway.
    • Yemen’s Houthi movement rejoined the conflict by resuming missile attacks on Israel, adding to the regional complexity.
    • Trump expanded threats to include Iran’s main oil terminal, Kharg Island, and key desalination plants, setting a deadline of April 7.

    April 1

    • Trump suggested the conflict could resolve within weeks but hinted at the possibility of ground interventions.

    April 3

    • Iranian forces shot down a U.S. F-15E over southwestern Iran, prompting a rescue mission, escalating tensions again.

    Phase 2 – Ceasefire and mediation

    April 5

    • Islamabad proposed a phased ceasefire. Iran rejected the initial draft, insisting that Lebanon be included in any ceasefire agreement.
    • On April 7, U.S. forces attacked Kharg Island before Trump’s final deadline. Pakistan later brokered a tentative two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran.

    April 8

    • Both sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire, though disagreements persisted—Israel continued operations in Lebanon, and the ceasefire was strained.

    April 9

    • Israel and Lebanon experienced continued hostilities despite the ceasefire. Hezbollah launched rockets into Israeli border areas.

    April 11-12

    • High-level talks in Islamabad aimed at resolving disputes failed due to unresolved issues like Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program.

    April 13

    • After failed negotiations, the U.S. imposed a naval blockade on Iran’s ports. Iran responded by increasing pressure around Hormuz, turning the ceasefire into a maritime standoff.

    April 14

    • The U.S. facilitated diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon, but these did not fully resolve hostilities.

    April 16-17

    • A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was implemented, although some violations persisted.

    April 19

    • U.S. forces seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship attempting to evade the blockade near Hormuz. Iran claimed this was a violation of the ceasefire.

    April 21

    • The U.S. extended the ceasefire indefinitely, despite ongoing disagreements on Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions, and maritime control.

    April 22-23

    • Iran seized vessels crossing Hormuz without permits, asserting its dominance over the strait.

    April 24-27

    • The ceasefire in Lebanon was extended by three weeks, though some violations persisted, and oil prices remained high amid ongoing tension.

    April 28

    • Trump warned Iran about targeting mine-laying boats in Hormuz, keeping maritime tensions high despite the ceasefire.

    April 30

    • Iran offered to ease control over Hormuz if the U.S. lifted sanctions and ended hostilities, delaying nuclear talks for later.

    May 1

    • Iran withdrew from planned peace negotiations in Rome, citing U.S. restrictions on shipping as the primary obstacle.

    May 3-5

    • President Trump announced “Project Freedom,” an effort to reopen Hormuz, but paused it to see if an agreement could be finalized with Iran—though sanctions remained in place.

    May 14-15

    • High-level talks between Trump and China sought Chinese mediation, but no breakthroughs resulted.

    May 20-23

    • An investigation into the Minab school strike was close to conclusion, with Iran emphasizing the human toll.
    • Iran established the “Persian Gulf Strait Authority” to control the strait and proposed transit fees.
    • Backchannel talks through Pakistan and Oman intensified, focusing on ceasefire stability, nuclear restrictions, sanctions, and Hormuz reopening.
    • Trump announced that a comprehensive peace agreement was close and that Hormuz might reopen soon.

    May 30

    • U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated readiness to resume military strikes if negotiations faltered, emphasizing that the U.S. would not sign a weak deal.

    June 1-3

    • Heavy exchanges resumed: Iran temporarily halted involvement in Islamabad-mediated talks, citing increased Israeli ground and air attacks in northern Lebanon.
    • Iran launched missiles at Kuwait, including strikes on the airport, causing casualties.
    • Iran retaliated against Israeli strikes in Beirut.

    June 9-10

    • A dangerous incident occurred when Iran shot down a U.S. helicopter near Hormuz, leading to retaliatory U.S. airstrikes on Iranian radar sites and water reservoirs, risking full-scale escalation.

    June 11

    • Recognizing the risk of broader war, Trump called off targeted strikes against Iran, signaling a possible deal. Backchannel negotiations advanced a tentative agreement.

    June 12-13

    • The final text of a peace deal was reportedly agreed upon by Pakistan, with plans for initial electronic signing. Iran expressed skepticism about the timing.

    Phase 3 — Implementing the peace agreement

    June 14

    • Washington and Tehran announced a preliminary accord to end the war, mediated by Pakistan.
    • Both sides agreed to cease military operations immediately.
    • Trump declared the Strait of Hormuz reopened and the U.S. naval blockade lifted.
    • A 60-day window was set to resolve Iran’s nuclear stockpile, sanctions, and asset issues.

    June 16-17

    • Iran-linked Hezbollah indicated the peace process would include Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
    • The U.S. Senate narrowly rejected a resolution to limit Trump’s war powers.
    • Details of the interim agreement, including economic incentives, reconstruction, sanctions, and nuclear restrictions, continued to emerge.
    • Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

    June 18

    • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formalized the peace treaty by signing the Islamabad MoU, marking a historic milestone in Iran-U.S. relations.
  • Which Iranian Leaders Have Been Targeted in US-Israeli Assassinations?

    Which Iranian Leaders Have Been Targeted in US-Israeli Assassinations?

    Iran’s top leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has held the position since 1989 and strengthened Iran’s control while fostering hostility toward the U.S. and Israel, was killed at age 86 in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike on his compound on February 28. His lengthy tenure was characterized by consolidating power through Iran’s security forces and expanding Iran’s regional influence, despite ongoing conflicts over its nuclear program with Western nations.

    Prominent officials also fell during this wave of strikes. Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and a seasoned political figure, was killed at 67 in a U.S.-Israeli attack in the Pardis area on March 17, alongside his son and one of his deputies, according to Iranian reports. A former Revolutionary Guards commander and nuclear negotiator, Larijani was a close confidant of Khamenei and played a vital role in shaping Iran’s security and foreign policy.

    Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was also targeted and killed in an Israeli strike on March 18. Known as a hardline cleric and politician, he worked directly in Khamenei’s office and was mentored by him before leading Iran’s civilian intelligence agency in August 2021.

    Ali Shamkhani, a close advisor to Khamenei and a key player in Iran’s security and nuclear strategy, was eliminated in U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28. He had previously survived an attack on his home during the June 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran.

    High-ranking military leaders also lost their lives. Mohammad Pakpour, the commander-in-chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was assassinated during the February 28 attacks in Tehran, according to Iranian state media. He rose through the ranks to lead the IRGC following the death of Hossein Salami in June’s conflict.

    Iran’s Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, a career Air Force officer, was also killed in the February 28 assaults targeting senior leadership in Tehran. He was a key figure in military planning and defense policy. Abdolrahim Mousavi, the armed forces chief of staff, was murdered during what Iranian media described as a senior leadership meeting in Tehran on the same day. He was responsible for coordinating military branches and overseeing conventional forces.

    Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force, was eliminated in U.S.-Israeli strikes on March 17, according to Iranian state sources. As a senior Revolutionary Guards officer, he led the force responsible for domestic security and enforcing government authority.

    Additionally, Behnam Rezaei, the navy intelligence chief of the Revolutionary Guards, was killed in an Israeli strike in Bandar Abbas on March 26, with Israel stating he was responsible for regional intelligence collection.

  • Qatar Detains 313 Over Sharing Attack Footage and Rumors

    Qatar Detains 313 Over Sharing Attack Footage and Rumors

    Qatari officials have detained over 300 individuals for sharing images and what they labeled as “misleading information” during the recent Iranian attacks, according to the interior ministry on Monday.

    These detentions mirror actions taken across the Gulf region, as Iran intensifies its assaults on airports, military installations, energy facilities, and residential areas with persistent drone and missile strikes.

    Authorities stated that those apprehended “filmed and circulated video clips and published false information and rumors that could influence public opinion.” Individuals of various nationalities were held by the Department for Combating Economic and Cyber Crimes within the Ministry’s General Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

    The crackdown follows a series of arrests in neighboring countries. In Bahrain, four people were detained for filming and broadcasting footage related to Iranian attacks and spreading false news, according to the interior ministry last Friday.

    In Kuwait, three individuals were arrested on Saturday over a video mocking the country’s situation. Residents in the United Arab Emirates have been warned via text messages about potential legal consequences for sharing sensitive images or reposting unreliable information.

    The UAE’s Attorney General’s Office also issued a warning against filming, publishing, or circulating images and videos depicting scenes of damage caused by falling projectiles or shrapnel, as reported by Emirates News Agency.

    Saudi Arabia has issued similar cautions. Despite these warnings, social media continues to see circulating images of missiles, drones, and the aftermath of ongoing conflicts in the region.

  • US Advises Citizens to Depart Iran Immediately

    US Advises Citizens to Depart Iran Immediately

    The U.S. government has issued an urgent travel alert for its citizens in Iran, citing heightened security measures, road closures, disruptions to public transportation, and widespread internet blockages nationwide.

    The alert was issued by the U.S. Virtual Embassy in Iran, recommending Americans consider leaving the country. The embassy’s website advises citizens to develop an exit plan independent of U.S. government assistance.

    Individuals unable to depart are advised to remain in a secure location or other safe facilities. The recommendation also includes maintaining an emergency supply of food, water, and medications, while staying updated through local media sources.

    This advisory coincides with ongoing negotiations in Oman between the U.S. and Iran amid rising tensions. The U.S. has deployed military forces to the Middle East—what President Donald Trump described as a massive “armada”—as regional actors work to prevent potential escalation into a broader conflict.

    White House officials emphasized that diplomacy remains President Trump’s primary approach to handling Iran. He is awaiting the outcome of high-stakes talks but retains military options if necessary.

    While the U.S. seeks discussions to include Iran’s missile program and other issues, Tehran insists the focus should only be on its controversial nuclear activities. It remains unclear whether this disagreement has been resolved.

    White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “The president’s first choice in diplomacy is always to resolve issues peacefully, whether dealing with allies or adversaries.”

    Ahead of the Omani-brokered talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that Tehran is prepared to defend itself against excessive demands or adventurous moves by the U.S. Araghchi affirmed Iran’s intent to pursue diplomacy to protect national interests and emphasized full readiness to defend sovereignty and security against U.S. pressures, even as President Trump has not ruled out military action against Iran.

  • Iran Indicates Progress in US Talks, Warns of Strike Risks

    Iran Indicates Progress in US Talks, Warns of Strike Risks

    Ali Larijani, a former head of the Iranian Parliament, attended a news conference following a meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut on November 15, 2024, according to Reuters.

    – President Trump confirms that the United States is in talks with Iran but issues a warning about potential military action.
    – The U.S. has positioned warships, including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, near Iran.
    – Qatar’s Prime Minister is engaged in discussions in Tehran aimed at reducing regional tensions.

    Iran’s top security official announced Saturday that progress has been made in negotiations with the U.S., although the Iranian military chief warned Washington against launching military strikes. Trump acknowledged that negotiations are ongoing but emphasized the threat of military intervention remains.

    Washington’s military presence has increased with the deployment of warships off Iran’s coast, following Trump’s threats after Tehran’s crackdown on protests. Ali Larijani stated that, despite media hype, structural negotiations are advancing, and he had met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow a day earlier.

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed concern that a broader conflict would harm both Iran and the U.S., highlighting Iran’s stance against seeking war. He reiterated Iran’s position that it does not desire conflict and believes war is not in the best interest of the region.

    Later on Saturday, Trump confirmed ongoing dialogue between Washington and Tehran, stating, “Iran is talking to us, and we’ll see if we can reach an agreement. Otherwise, we’ll see what happens… we have a large fleet out there.” He added, “They are negotiating.”

    Qatar’s foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, also serves as Qatar’s Prime Minister and held talks with Larijani in Tehran to try to de-escalate regional tensions.

    Fears of conflict have grown with the deployment of U.S. naval forces, as Iran has warned it would respond with missile strikes on U.S. bases, ships, and allies, including Israel, if attacked. Trump believes Iran prefers to negotiate over its nuclear and missile programs rather than face military action. Iran has expressed willingness to discuss nuclear issues if its missile and military capabilities are not on the table.

    Iran’s military commander Amir Hatami warned the U.S. and Israel against any attack, stating his forces are fully prepared for defense. He warned that any mistake by the enemy would threaten regional and Israeli security and asserted that Iran’s nuclear technology and expertise are irreplaceable.

    Amid escalating tensions, Iranian authorities quickly denied that recent incidents, including an explosion in Bandar Abbas caused by a gas leak, were related to any attack or sabotage.

    On Friday, U.S. Central Command announced that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps would conduct a two-day live-fire naval drill in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies. CENTCOM warned Iran to avoid unsafe or unprofessional actions near U.S. forces, prompting a sharp protest from Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi.

    The designation of Iran’s IRGC as a terrorist organization by the U.S. in 2019, followed by the European Union’s similar move, has further strained relations. In June, the U.S. carried out strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites amid fighting between Israel and regional adversaries.

    Mass protests against economic hardship erupted in late December and expanded into larger anti-government demonstrations in early January, which the Iranian government blamed on the U.S. and Israel. Official death tolls remain at 3,117, though reports from human rights groups suggest the actual number may be over twice that.

    Iranian President Pezeshkian called on his government to listen to the public’s grievances and prioritize serving the people. Some Iranians near the Iran-Turkey border expressed frustration with the current leadership, with one individual, Shabnan, describing their experiences of being targeted by gunfire and losing loved ones, emphasizing a desire to be free from Tehran’s clerical rulers.

  • Tajikistan neutralizes four terrorists near Afghan border

    Tajikistan neutralizes four terrorists near Afghan border

    Tajik service members participate in a military parade near the Afghanistan border in Khorog (Khorugh), Tajikistan. — Reuters/File

    – Incidents along Tajikistan’s 1,350-kilometer border with Afghanistan are increasing.
    – Attacks have resulted in the deaths of guards and Chinese workers.
    – Tajikistan is calling on the Taliban to help control cross-border militancy.

    Tajik officials announced Sunday that they “neutralized” four terrorists who had crossed from neighboring Afghanistan, in an area where recent weeks have seen a surge in deadly events, according to state media reports.

    Located in Central Asia, Tajikistan shares a rugged, mountainous border with Afghanistan and maintains strained relations with the Afghan Taliban government.

    Sources in Tajik security services, as reported by the state news agency Khovar, said that “four terrorists were neutralized” after refusing to lay down their weapons in the southern Khatlon region.

    Since November, Tajikistan’s border has witnessed at least five deadly incidents along its lengthy, mountainous frontier—stretching roughly 840 miles (1,350 kilometers). An AFP tally, based on official figures, reports a total of 16 deaths, including Tajik border guards, Chinese nationals, and individuals Tajik authorities label as “smugglers” and “terrorists.”

    In response to attacks targeting Chinese citizens in November, Tajik authorities urged the Taliban to implement measures to stabilize the volatile border zone, where traffickers and militant groups are active.

    While other Central Asian leaders are deepening ties with the Taliban, Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon—who has held power since 1992—publicly criticizes Afghanistan’s authorities and urges respect for the rights of ethnic Tajiks, who represent about a quarter of Afghanistan’s population.

    Despite his criticisms, Tajikistan is also taking steps towards cooperation with Kabul through initiatives like electricity supplies, opening border markets, and holding meetings between Taliban officials and local authorities.

    Relations deteriorated further after five Chinese nationals were killed and several wounded in attacks along the Tajik-Afghan border in late November and early December. A UN report from December highlighted that a militant group, Jamaat Ansarullah, has fighters operating across various Afghan regions with the primary objective of destabilizing Tajikistan.

    Tajik authorities have expressed concerns about the presence of Daesh fighters in Afghanistan’s Khorasan region.