Tehran: concessions, but we will not stop uranium enrichment. European 'spy' arrested

It is difficult to ask Israel to stop attacks on Iran: Donald Trump told reporters. "We are talking to Iran", "Iran does not want to talk to Europe": "it is unlikely that the Europeans can be helpful in ending the war between Iran and Israel", he added.

Earthquake in Iran in the midst of war

A 5.1 magnitude seismic tremor has shaken northern Iran, while the country is at war with Israel: the US Geological Survey (USGS) reports.

"We view the Iranian nuclear programme with great concern. For Germany, it is of paramount importance that Israel's security interests are protected. We will prioritise this in all future discussions." German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said this at the end of the Geneva summit. "The entire region is in an extremely critical situation and our common goal is to avoid further escalation and to make progress in the negotiations," he pointed out, indicating that the US involvement in the negotiations "is of paramount importance".

The European foreign ministers (Jean-Noel Barrot for France, David Lammy for Great Britain and Johann Wadephul for Germany, as well as EU foreign minister Kaja Kallas) told their Iranian interlocutor in Geneva today, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, that they wanted to "open negotiations because Europe considers that there is no definitive solution to the Iranian nuclear issue through military means, which can delay but not eliminate" the problem: French Minister Barrot said this at the end of the Geneva talks.

The Israeli ambassador to the UN has vowed that his country will not stop attacks until the Iranian nuclear threat is dismantled. "We will not stop," Ambassador Danny Danon said. "Not until Iran's nuclear threat is dismantled, not until its war machine is disarmed, not until our people and yours (Iran's, ed.) are safe." For his part, Iran's ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, urged the Security Council to intervene. "Israel has apparently declared that it will continue this attack for as many days as necessary. We are alarmed by credible reports that the US may join this war," he added.

Iran is not willing to stop nuclear enrichment, which Tehran claims is for peaceful purposes, but concessions are possible: 'Maybe it can be lower, but we will not stop it'. Majid Farahani, an official of the Iranian presidency, told CNN as talks are underway in Geneva. The diplomatic channel with Iran, he added, could 'easily' be resumed if US President Donald Trump orders the Israeli leadership to stop attacks on Iran: 'He can easily stop the war with one phone call to the Israelis.

The meeting in Geneva between the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, and the heads of diplomacy of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, together with the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Kaja Kallas, has ended. This was reported by the Iranian media.

"The goal" of Israel "is to destroy Iran's nuclear programmes, and we have the capabilities to do so". This was emphasised by the Jewish state's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a press conference in Rehovot. "I believe that the war will last as long as necessary, because we face an existential threat, which is twofold: 20,000 missiles and a nuclear bomb, which could be in the hands of this insane regime," the head of the Jewish government insisted while standing in front of the rubble of a building hit by an Iranian missile.

'President Trump can easily stop the war with one phone call to the Israelis'. This was stated by Iranian presidential spokesman Majid Farahani, reiterating to CNN Tehran's position that negotiating is impossible while Israel continues to bomb. "Iran believes in civil dialogue. Directly or indirectly is not important," the spokesman added.

An automated message sent Friday afternoon to military personnel at the US air base in Incirlik, Turkey, warning of an incoming ballistic missile was sent in error and there was no missile threat. This was stated by a US official to the Associated Press. US authorities are still investigating why the warning message was sent.

Iran arrested two foreign 'Mossad agents' in Karaj, west of Tehran. This was reported by the Iranian news agency Tasnim.

"The attacks on nuclear sites in the Islamic Republic of Iran have caused a serious deterioration of nuclear and physical security in Iran. Although so far they have not resulted in radioactive releases affecting the population, there is a danger that this could occur." This was said by the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, during a meeting of the UN Security Council.

A European citizen described as a 'spy' was arrested in Iran. This was reported by the Iranian news agency Tasnim, on the eighth day of conflict between the Islamic Republic and Israel. "A European citizen who wanted to spy on sensitive areas of the country" was arrested in the southwest of the country, Tasnim reported, without specifying his nationality or the date of the arrest. "He had visited the country as a tourist at the time of the brutal attack by the Zionist regime," Tasnim stressed, alluding to Israel.

The Chief of Staff of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, says the Israelis must prepare for a "sustained campaign" against Iran in order to "eliminate a threat of this magnitude". In a video statement, Zamir said that Iran has been "building for years a clear plan to destroy the State of Israel" and that in recent months "the plan has reached the point of no return, where capabilities have reached operational capability." "We launched the campaign when Iran possessed about 2,500 surface-to-surface missiles, with a high production rate, so much so that within about two years it was expected to possess about 8,000 missiles," he added, "the IDF will not stand idly by while threats develop. Within the framework of an emerging doctrine, we will act proactively and preemptively to prevent an existential threat and meet any challenge'. The Times of Israel reports.

At least 206 people have been arrested in various cities in Iran in one week for posting messages online related to the conflict with Israel. This was reported by Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana), an independent Iranian human rights non-governmental organisation, a week after the attack began. Earlier in the morning, the NetBlocks portal had reported that Iran suffered a 24-hour total internet blackout, describing it as the most severe communications disruption since the November 2019 protests.

A direct attack on Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, which is currently in operation, would have very 'severe' consequences, with the potential release of large amounts of radiation into the environment. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi said this during a meeting of the UN Security Council. At present, Israeli attacks on Iran "have not caused a release of radiation that could harm the population", but "there is a danger that this could happen", Grossi added.

The British government has ordered the temporary withdrawal of its remaining diplomatic staff from Iran. This was announced by the Foreign Office. Officially, this is a precautionary measure to protect the safety and security of officials and employees against the background of the ongoing war with Israel.

Iran is ready to negotiate 'limitations' on its uranium enrichment programmes 'for civilian use', but 'categorically rejects' any 'zero enrichment' proposal, all the more so in the light of Israel's attack. This was reported by the Reuters website, citing a diplomatic source in Tehran on the sidelines of the Geneva talks with France. Germany and the United Kingdom. The source then emphasises the crucial role of diplomatic dialogue with the European countries of the so-called E3 group, given Iran's refusal to negotiate directly with the US in the current war threat situation: 'The situation has changed, Europe must speed up'.

We will stop Iran's nuclear programme with or without Trump: so said Israeli Prime Minister, Benyamin Netanyahu, in an interview with Israeli circuit broadcaster Kan. "Our main goal is to stop the nuclear programme, to eliminate the threat, while our second goal is to stop Iran's ballistic capabilities. Whether Trump wants to participate or not,' Netanyahu says, 'is his decision, he will do what is best for the United States. I will do what is best for Israel."

Emmanuel Macron commented on the attacks on Iran: nothing, he said, justifies Israeli raids against civilian nuclear facilities and civilian populations. But Iran, the French president continued, must demonstrate its willingness to return to the negotiating table.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will address the UN Human Rights Council on Friday, a spokesman for the UN's highest human rights body said. This was announced by a spokesperson for the organisation, explaining that "Araghchi will speak in person, at the beginning of the Council's afternoon meeting" at 1pm. A UN spokesperson added that Daniel Meron, Israel's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, would speak to reporters shortly before. Araghchi is in Geneva to meet the ministers of France, Britain and Germany and the EU High Representative.

"Nothing has changed. Iran is deceiving the world and is simply trying to waste time. It has no intention of giving up its nuclear programme, which poses an existential threat to Israel and endangers the entire world." This is what Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar wrote on X, posting the statement by his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that Tehran will not negotiate with the US as long as Israel continues its attacks on Iran.

The approximate death toll from the Israeli-led raids against Iran, updated today by the Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana), an independent Iranian human rights non-governmental organisation, has risen to at least 657 estimated dead and more than 2,000 wounded, exactly one week after the attack began. The NGO - quoted by Iran International, a London-based portal linked to the opposition abroad - indicates no more than 164 of those killed as military or security corps members, with 263 civilian deaths confirmed and another 230 to be identified.

Five hospitals in Iran were damaged as a result of Israeli attacks. This was stated by the director of the Iranian Red Crescent, Pirhossein Kolivand, in an interview with Irna, but without indicating which facilities were hit and when they were attacked. ''Glass windows were shattered and patients had difficulty breathing because of smoke from the explosions,'' Kolivand said. The hospitals were not directly targeted, he pointed out, but the issue will be raised by the Red Crescent with international prosecutors. 'We have sent a document to international institutions about the Israeli regime's attacks, which are contrary to international principles,' Kolivand told Irna.

After Israel's attack on the reactor at Iran's Arak nuclear complex, Tehran urged the UN Security Council to uphold and enforce a resolution, adopted in 1981, that attacks against nuclear sites constitute a threat to the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) safeguards regime. "Any military attack on nuclear facilities constitutes an attack on the entire IAEA safeguards regime and, ultimately, on the NPT (nuclear non-proliferation treaty)," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X, adding that "as the Security Council meets today, it is imperative that it respects and enforces its own Resolution 487, adopted unanimously in response to the Israeli regime's 1981 attack on the Iraqi nuclear facility." Calling that resolution 'a clear legal standard against the use or threat of force against nuclear facilities under safeguards', Araghchi stated that 'if the Council does not act, it must explain to the international community why its legal principles apply only selectively to such a crucial issue. It will also be responsible, along with the Israeli regime, should the global non-proliferation regime collapse one day'.

Five people were arrested in Iran, including one on charges of spying for Israel and four for supporting Israeli attacks, the Tasmin news agency reported.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem to proceed "with caution" after he declared yesterday that the organisation "will act as it sees fit" in response to the war between Israel and Iran. "on has learned from its predecessors and is threatening to act against Israel," Katz said, referring to former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was assassinated by Israel last September. "I suggest he be careful and understand that Israel has lost patience with terrorists who threaten it. If there is terror, there will be no Hezbollah."

''Iran is not willing to hold any negotiations while Israeli attacks continue''. This was stated by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to Sky News Arabiya, dismissing the prospect of negotiations with the United States. Araghchi is expected in Geneva today to meet with his counterparts from France, Germany and Britain, as well as the EU's High Representative for Foreign Policy.

Donald Trump has postponed a final decision on a possible US military intervention against Iranian nuclear sites for a fortnight. According to sources inside the White House, the main fear holding back the US president is that Iran could turn into a 'new Libya', with the risk of further destabilising the Middle East and repeating the mistakes of past US interventions.

"He doesn't want Iran to turn into another Libya," said a source close to the administration. "That precedent weighs heavily on him."

US President Trump's two-week postponement of a decision to attack Iran causes oil prices to slide in the markets. The Texas Wti and the North Sea Brent dropped more than 2% to $73.4 and $76.7 respectively. Investors remain fearful of the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for oil in the region.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot had a telephone conversation last night with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the talks that are to be held with Iran in Geneva today. This was reported by the France Presse news agency.

The foreign ministers of Germany, France and the United Kingdom meet today in Geneva with their Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi.

US President Donald Trump has called a meeting of the National Security Council in Washington for 11 a.m. local time this morning, 5 p.m. in Italy, to assess the latest developments in the war between Israel and Iran. This was announced by the White House.

'The situation in the Middle East is dangerous' and there remains ''two weeks for a diplomatic solution'' to the crisis. This was stated by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who will travel to Geneva today for a meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi along with his counterparts from France and Germany, as well as EU foreign policy high representative Kaja Kallas. ''We are determined that Iran should never possess a nuclear weapon,'' Lammy said on 'X' sharing photographs of his meeting yesterday at the White House with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. ''Today at the White House we discussed how an agreement could avoid a deepening conflict. There is now a window of opportunity within the next two weeks to reach a diplomatic solution,'' he wrote.

A regime change in Iran is ''unacceptable and unimaginable'' and would ''uncover Pandora's box''. This was stated by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov during an interview with Sky News, saying that Russia would react ''very negatively'' if Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed. ''The situation is extremely tense and dangerous not only for the region, but globally,'' Peskov said, stressing that ''expanding the number of participants in the conflict is potentially even more dangerous. This will only lead to another round of confrontation and an escalation of tension in the region''.

The Israeli army (IDF) announced that it bombed dozens of targets in Tehran overnight, including what it called a 'research and development centre for Iran's nuclear weapons project'. "The army carried out a series of attacks in the heart of Tehran: dozens of targets were hit, including military missile production sites and the headquarters of the Spnd, the organisation responsible for research and development of Iran's military nuclear programme," a press release read.

"We are not aiming at Khamenei, nor at regime change". Israeli President Isaac Herzog said this in an interview with Politico. "But it could be historically a clear side effect of great historical consequences that will do good for the Iranian people," he added. While acknowledging the possibility of regime change in Tehran, Herzog stressed that Israel's main goal is to eliminate Iran's nuclear and missile programmes, which he called a threat to global security. "We are dealing with Iran's nuclear programme, which is a monstrosity, a sprawling monstrosity with many elements, and we have to remove it and delimit their capability," he said.

Speaking about the possible US involvement in the conflict, Herzog added: 'We respect President Trump. We think he has the wisdom, the skills and a clear understanding of the situation. I believe this is a rare opportunity to remove a threat that looms over the world'.

US intelligence agencies continue to believe that Iran has not yet decided whether to build a nuclear bomb, despite having developed a large stockpile of enriched uranium needed to do so. The New York Times reports this, citing intelligence officials and other US officials who say this assessment has not changed since intelligence agencies last addressed the question of Iranian intentions in March, despite Israel attacking Iranian nuclear facilities.

Senior US intelligence officials have said that Iranian leaders might decide to proceed with bomb construction if the US military attacks the Fordow uranium enrichment site, or if Israel kills Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei. The question of whether or not Iran has decided to complete the construction of a bomb, the Nyt points out, is irrelevant in the eyes of many anti-Iran hawks in the US and Israel, who argue that Tehran is in any case close enough to pose an existential danger to Israel. However, this issue has long been a sticking point in the debate on policy towards Iran and is back in the limelight as President Trump considers whether to bomb Fordow.

Over $67 billion for the war in Gaza and $735 million a day for the conflict in Iran: Israel is facing the most expensive military period in its history, spending on its two war offensives at a rate that threatens to rewrite its economic future. Not counting the raids in Lebanon.

This was written by The Economic Times, an Indian English-language newspaper of The Times Group, asking in the headline "Can Israel continue to pay for its war with Iran?". According to the Israeli economic website Calcalist, quoted by the newspaper, the cost of the Gaza war had already exceeded 250 billion shekels (over USD 67.5 billion) by the end of 2024. A figure also indicated by Reuters and the Guardian.

US President Donald Trump said he will decide within two weeks whether the US military will be directly involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran. Trump has tried to keep the door open for diplomacy on Tehran's nuclear programme.

A single ballistic missile launched from Iran caused massive devastation in Beer Sheva, southern Israel. The device that fell this morning in a car park near residential buildings destroyed several flats, left a crater on the ground, burning vehicles, collapsed building facades and balconies. The Mda reports seven people injured. The Israeli Railways reported that the Beer Sheva North station was closed due to damage. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards claimed that "the Microsoft site in Beer Sheva was attacked because it collaborates with the Israeli army". The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claim that the malfunctioning of the interception system is probably the cause of the failure to shoot down the Iranian missile that hit Beer Sheva.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) say the Jewish State Air Force carried out a wave of attacks on Tehran overnight, targeting dozens of Iranian military facilities and nuclear research sites. This was reported by the Israeli media. Over 60 fighter planes were involved in the attacks, dropping 120 munitions, the IDF reported. The targets included 'several industrial missile production sites' in Tehran, which in the past represented the 'industrial heart of the Iranian Ministry of Defence; military sites that produced missile components and facilities for the production of raw materials used for the fusion of missile engines'. The attacks also hit the 'headquarters of the Spdn nuclear project', the IDF said.