The conflict in the Middle East has further escalated following a U.S.-backed Israeli attack on Iran. Iran has responded with strikes on U.S. military bases in the region as well as bombardments of Israeli territory. Russia has rejected accusations that it supplied Iran with intelligence information, while confirming deliveries of certain types of military equipment. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described Iran’s attacks on targets in Arab countries as a consequence of what he called unlawful actions by the United States and Israel.
U.S. President Donald Trump extended an ultimatum to Iran until April 6, threatening the destruction of Iranian energy facilities. He justified the extension by citing alleged progress in negotiations, which he claimed occurred at Iran’s request. At the same time, Trump did not rule out a further extension and made it dependent on the outcome of ongoing talks. The background is a U.S. demand that Iran fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic.
The International Atomic Energy Agency warned of a possible nuclear incident as a result of attacks near the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Authorities reported multiple impacts on the site, but no damage or injuries. The plant remains operational. It is Iran’s only active nuclear power facility, with its first reactor connected to the grid in 2011. Expansion with additional reactors has been halted due to the fighting. Russia condemned the attacks and warned of a potential nuclear catastrophe.
Israel reported the killing of Iranian naval commander Alireza Tangsiri in an airstrike in Bandar Abbas. Iran denied actively engaging in negotiations with the United States and stated that only indirect contacts via third countries were taking place. Media reports indicate that more than one million Iranians have been mobilized in the event of a possible U.S. ground offensive. Indications from the U.S. Congress suggest that such an operation may be in preparation.
Kazakhstan’s foreign minister urged an end to the war during a conversation with his Iranian counterpart and offered support for stabilizing the region. Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian publicly thanked Russia for its support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Saudi Arabia for talks aimed at strengthening international relations and offered countries in the region assistance in air defense and drone technology.
Source: RT DE