The U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, stated that the conflict in Iran will not drag on indefinitely. "This is not Iraq," he emphasized in response to journalists' questions. Hegseth explained that the main objectives of U.S. and Israeli operations are to eliminate the missile threat from Iran, destroy the country's naval forces, and prevent its nuclear potential.
He also noted that the U.S. is not seeking regime change in Iran by removing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "This is not a war for regime change, although, of course, changes in government have occurred, and the world has become better," Hegseth added.
The Iranian commander threatens to attack Cyprus to expel American planes.
According to the Tasnim agency, Brigadier General Ibrahim Jabari, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), announced Iran's intention to launch missiles at Cyprus.
"The U.S. has moved most of its aircraft to Cyprus, and we plan to strike Cyprus to force them to leave this country," Jabari reported.
In response to a question from Al Jazeera about whether Iran could create enemies among its neighbors in the Persian Gulf with its actions, Hassan Ahmadian from Tehran University replied, "No, that would be unwise." However, he added that Iran's official position is that they are focused on the threat posed by U.S. troops and bases in the region, as well as U.S. interests, including global oil and gas markets.
Ahmadian also noted that Iran aims to undermine U.S. interests, which could negatively impact other countries in the region, adding that Iran is trying to increase pressure on the U.S. by raising oil and energy prices in the global market.
Other events...
As a result of an Israeli airstrike on the village of Sarabeleh in the western Iranian province of Kermanshah, five civilians were killed, including a child, reported the Iranian semi-official agency Tasnim.
Israel claims that its forces have begun attacking "Hezbollah" "across the territory of Lebanon." The Israeli army reports that its forces are targeting "Hezbollah's terrorist facilities in Lebanon."
"More details will be provided later," the statement said, against the backdrop of smoke rising over Beirut.
Oil and gas prices are rapidly rising, but this is not yet having a serious impact.
Darshini David,
deputy editor of the BBC's economics department.
In light of current events, the sharp rise in oil and gas prices may seem just one of many alarming news items, as households around the world continue to feel the effects of a significant spike in energy prices that occurred a few years ago.
What economic consequences may arise? It depends on how significantly prices rise and how long they remain high.
Nevertheless, judging by the current price levels, it can be assumed that their impact will be relatively small.
Economists point out that a sustained rise in oil prices of about 5% could lead to an increase in inflation in the largest economies by 0.1%, while current fluctuations in oil prices could increase inflation by about 0.2%.
Attention should also be paid to gas futures, which have risen by more than 40%. If this trend continues, it will lead to a significant increase in electricity bills, although not before summer. However, we are still far from the peak levels observed during the conflict in Ukraine.
In the current situation, if there are no significant spikes in energy prices, the consequences for inflation may be unfavorable but not critical. However, it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions, and the situation may change.
Iran reported 60 attacks on strategic targets within 48 hours, using over 700 drones and hundreds of missiles, according to information from the IRGC.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated in an interview with Deutschlandfunk that Germany does not plan to participate in military actions against Iran. Unlike the UK, which allows the use of its bases for operations against Iranian missiles, Germany does not have such bases: "We also do not have the corresponding military means," Wadephul noted.
However, he added that "our Bundeswehr soldiers will defend themselves in the event of an attack": "From the perspective of the Federal Republic of Germany, no further measures will be taken." Currently, Bundeswehr units are located in Jordan and Iraq. According to the German army, Iran also shelled bases with Bundeswehr soldiers in these countries during attacks on Israel and American facilities.
"The soldiers are in protective structures and are feeling well," added a representative of the operational command.
Wadephul characterized Iran as a serious threat to Germany:
"Iran poses a serious danger not only to Israel and the region but also to Germany and Europe," he said.
He also noted that Iran's "ballistic missile program is once again actively developing," posing a threat to Europe. Additionally, the minister mentioned cyberattacks from Iran on Germany and support for Russia's war against Ukraine: "I cannot ignore this," Wadephul added.
"If this regime is stopped in its actions so that it cannot act against us as it did before, it will enhance our security in Germany. This is a key point for me," he emphasized.
According to BILD from government sources, Wadephul's statement is not perceived as contradicting the joint statement of Germany, France, and the UK regarding possible "defensive measures" in response to Iranian attacks. Each country may interpret this statement in its own way:
"We see this as a permission to protect our soldiers if they come under attack. This is, in essence, obvious. The British needed this statement to expand their assistance to the U.S.," the report said.
Gas prices in Europe have increased by 50%
This occurred after QatarEnergy, one of the world's leading producers of liquefied natural gas, suspended its operations due to attacks from Iran.
The death of Khamenei brings the grandson of Khomeini into focus — Reuters.
The grandson of the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Hassan Khomeini, is likely to become a key figure in discussions among the clergy about who will succeed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Supreme Leader.
Khomeini, 53, is the most prominent of the 15 grandsons of the late ayatollah and is considered relatively moderate within the Iranian clerical establishment. He maintains close ties with reformists, including former presidents Mohammad Khatami and Hassan Rouhani, who at one time pursued a policy of engagement with the West.
Although Khomeini has never held government positions, he plays an important role in public life as the custodian of his grandfather's mausoleum in southern Tehran.
Some Iranian politicians view him as an opponent of the "hawks," whose influence has grown under Khamenei, especially his son Mojtaba.
The idea of appointing a more moderate successor to Khamenei has gained support among some Iranian politicians amid unrest in the country in January. His candidacy is seen as a way to strengthen the Islamic Republic in the face of growing discontent.
Iranian missiles could reach southeastern Europe — Defence Express.
In the event of further deterioration of the situation, Iran is capable of posing a threat to European targets with long-range strike capabilities, writes Defence Express.
It is noted that these are ballistic missiles with a range of up to 2000–3000 km, such as Khorramshahr, Sejjil, Ghadr, and Emad. The publication also points to the strike potential of drones: Shahed family drones and their modifications can cover distances of up to 2000 km depending on the version of the device and payload.
Donald Trump on Arab countries and Iran — CNN.
"Arab countries were practically going to stay out of it, and now they insist on their involvement."
Speaking about Iran's leadership, Trump noted: "We don't know who is currently running the country. We don't know who they will choose." He also added that as a result of the initial attacks, Iran lost "many members of its leadership."
"Forty-nine people," Trump noted. "It was an impressive blow." According to him, they "gathered together too confidently," adding: "They thought they couldn't be detected. But that was not the case."
"They don't even realize who is running them now," Trump added.
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