‘The stars aligned’: Why Israel set out for a war against Iran, and what it achieved – The Times of Israel
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Iran, Israel or US? No one surrendered, but no one walked away untouched either
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave the green light to strike back, but carefully. The target was Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military installation in the region. But Iran wanted symbolism, not slaughter. Qatar closed its airspace and US braced for impact. By Tuesday morning, Israel found itself scolded by its closest ally. And while Israel’s military showcased operational success, the optics, especially after the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites, left it vulnerable to accusations of overreach and instability. Questions about Iran’s stockpile of uranium linger. Diplomacy may have paused regional rivalry, but the regional rivalry has not. The path ahead remains a virtual foggy, with Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi embarking on a diplomatic tour again, seeking regional support and global support. But the costs are real. In Tehran, daily life is paralysed. An economy already haemorrhaging under renewed pressure. And inside Iran, voices are calling for a pause from the Revolutionary Guard.
‘Clock Is Ticking, Answer On Iran…’: Trump Aide Grilled Mercilessly In House After US Base Attack
Iran, hit hard but still standing. Israel, striking with precision but under diplomatic pressure. And the United States, simultaneously bomber and broker.
Iran’s calculated retaliation
Thirteen of fourteen missiles were intercepted. No Americans died. Minimal damage. Mission — if not accomplished, then at least diplomatically crafted.
Behind that calm facade, though, was a dangerous dance — one where a single misstep could have led to regional war.
Israel’s air war — devastating, but dented
Iran’s REVENGE Sends SHOCKWAVES In Israel: 4 Missile Salvos In 60 Mins | Beersheba In Ruins
The US: From firestarter to firefighter
Who really won?
US claims it neutralised a nuclear threat with zero American casualties.
Israel touts operational superiority and a softened Iranian military.
Iran proclaims survival and sovereignty, having struck back, however softly, against the superpower.
Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group put it bluntly:
What’s next?
In this war, no one surrendered. But no one walked away untouched either.
In the brutal chess match that unfolded across the Middle East over the past week, missiles flew, bases burned, and red lines were crossed. But as smoke settles over Tehran and Tel Aviv, a revealing truth has emerged: everyone’s declaring victory, and no one wants the next round.At the centre of this tangled web:Even before US bases in Qatar were targeted, Iran was looking for an off-ramp. Inside a fortified bunker, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave the green light to strike back, but carefully. According to a report from NYT, four Iranian officials say the orders were clear: hit back, but don’t escalate into full-scale war.The target was Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military installation in the region and, in Iran’s eyes, a nerve centre for the B-2 bombers that had just struck its nuclear facilities. But Iran wanted symbolism, not slaughter. According to NYT’s report, multiple officials confirmed Tehran sent warnings through backchannels. Qatar closed its airspace and US braced for impact.US President Donald Trump, unusually measured after days of bluster, publicly thanked Iran for the warning.”They’ve gotten it all out of their ‘system,’ and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE,” he posted on Truth Social.For Israel, the week was a campaign of attrition against its most bitter regional rival. Airstrikes took out major Iranian military installations. Reports from Tehran confirmed significant damage to infrastructure and command centres.But the cost wasn’t just borne by Iran. By Tuesday morning, Israel found itself scolded by its closest ally.”I’m not happy with Israel,” Trump snapped, furious that Israeli jets resumed strikes hours after a ceasefire deal had been declared.And while Israel’s military showcased operational success, the optics, especially after the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites, left it vulnerable to accusations of overreach and instability.The United States, meanwhile, played both arsonist and peacemaker. Trump’s decision to bomb three of Iran’s nuclear facilities marked a seismic shift, his biggest military gamble since taking office for a second time.But in classic Trumpian style, he pivoted fast, from dropping bombs to dropping all-caps messages on social media ordering Israeli jets to “TURN AROUND.” By Tuesday, he was spinning the outcome as a strategic success: Iran’s capabilities “set back,” American lives spared, and diplomacy, for now, back on the table.In the war of narratives, everyone’s spinning a win:”Every side now has a narrative for victory, while avoiding the risk of stumbling into a larger conflict.”But the costs are real. In Tehran, daily life is paralysed. Thousands displaced. An economy already on the brink is now haemorrhaging under renewed pressure. Inside Iran, even voices from the Revolutionary Guard’s orbit are calling for a pause.”Our country doesn’t have the capacity to continue this war,” said Sadegh Norouzi, a Tehran politician, in a virtual town hall.The path ahead remains foggy. Questions about Iran’s uranium stockpile linger. Diplomacy may take centre stage again, with Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi embarking on a diplomatic tour, seeking regional and global support.”They did not achieve their main goal,” Araghchi said, dismissing the strikes’ strategic impact.Yet, beneath the public bluster lies a quiet urgency, not for war, but for a face-saving way to avoid it. The missiles may have paused, but the regional rivalry, mistrust, and strategic gamesmanship continue.
Bombs, bluffs, and blame game: How US took centrestage in Iran-Israel conflict; ’12-day war’ recap
Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran’s nuclear and military sites on June 13. Iran vowed retribution and responded with missile attacks, including one targeting a US base in Qatar. Both sides formally agreed to the ceasefire proposed by Washington, but the situation remained unstable. Iran launched a final wave of missile strikes early Tuesday, killing at least four people in Israel. Israel also carried out pre-dawn airstrikes across Iranian territory. The Israeli military later accused Iran of violating the truce, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to authorise further action. Israel claimed its operation had severely degraded Iran”s nuclear programme, while Iran said it would retaliate by launching about 100 drones toward Israel. Iran described the Israeli attacks as “a declaration of war” and said it began by launchingAbout 100 drones towards Israel. Many of these were intercepted and Iran followed up with several missile strikes that caused damage and injured at least seven people, according to emergency responders. The US vetoed an Israeli plan to kill what was once known as the Iranian Empire.
on Monday declared a “complete and total ceasefire” between Israel and Iran, signaling what he called the likely end of the 12-day conflict that drew in the United States and rattled the region.
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The announcement followed intense escalations, including US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran’s retaliatory missile launch at an American base in Qatar. Trump’s declaration came even as hostilities persisted on the ground, with both sides continuing to exchange fire beyond the ceasefire deadline.
While both Israel and Iran formally agreed to the ceasefire proposed by Washington, the situation remained unstable. Iran launched a final wave of missile strikes early Tuesday, killing at least four people in Israel. Israel also carried out pre-dawn airstrikes across Iranian territory. The Israeli military later accused Iran of violating the truce, prompting Prime Minister
to authorise further action.
Iran denied the allegation, but missile sirens and explosions were reported in parts of northern Israel throughout the day.
As Trump’s ceasefire declaration has yet to fully translate into calm on the ground, here’s a look at the conflict which began with a surprise Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, quickly spiralled into a regional confrontation involving missile barrages, drone attacks, and the eventual entry of the United States with direct airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Israel Orders IDF To Respond Forcefully To Iran For ‘BREAKING’ Ceasefire | ‘Will Make Tehran Pay’
Over the course of nearly two weeks, key military and scientific figures were killed, major cities came under fire, and nuclear facilities were targeted. Israel claimed its operation had severely degraded Iran’s nuclear programme, while Iran vowed retribution and responded with missile attacks, including one targeting a US base in Qatar.
Trump: Ceasefire ‘fully agreed to’ between Israel and Iran
Key developments from the 12-day conflict:
1. Israel strikes Iran
On Friday, June 13, Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran’s nuclear and military sites.
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Warplanes and drones, previously smuggled into Iran, were used to hit various facilities. The strikes also killed several high-ranking Iranian officials, including Gen. Mohammad Bagheri (chief of Iran’s armed forces), Gen. Hossein Salami (commander of the Revolutionary Guard), and Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh (head of the Guard’s missile program).
Iran confirmed the deaths of all three.
In response, Iran launched numerous ballistic missiles at Israel on Friday night.
Explosions were reported in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a recorded message, “We will not allow them to escape safely from this great crime they committed,” and promised retaliation.
On Thursday, one day before the Israeli attack, the Board of Governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) formally censured Iran for not cooperating with its inspectors.
This was the first censure of its kind in 20 years. Following the censure, Iran announced it would set up a third uranium enrichment site and replace some centrifuges with more advanced ones.
2. Netanyahu ’s calls on Iranians to unite against ‘evil and oppressive regime’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the people of Iran in a video message on Friday. He urged them to rise against their government, saying, “The time has come for the Iranian people to unite around its flag and its historic legacy, by standing up for your freedom from the evil and oppressive regime.”
Netanyahu said, “We are in the midst of one of the greatest military operations in history, Operation Rising Lion.” He added, “As we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom.”
“Our fight is against the murderous Islamic regime that oppresses and impoverishes you,” Netanyahu said. “This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard.”
Iran described the Israeli attacks as “a declaration of war” and said it would retaliate.
It began by launching about 100 drones toward Israel. Many of these were intercepted. Iran followed up with several missile strikes that caused damage and injured at least seven people, according to emergency responders.
3. Trump urges Iran to negotiate
President Trump called on Iran to enter into negotiations over its nuclear program. He described the moment as a possible “second chance” for Iran’s leaders to avoid more damage. He said, “before there is nothing left and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire.”
4. Trump vetoed Israeli plan to kill Iran’s supreme leader
US President Donald Trump rejected a proposal from Israel to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, news agencies Reuters and AP reported on June 15, quoting officials.
The official said that Israeli authorities recently informed the Trump administration that they had a credible plan to carry out the operation.
After reviewing the details, the White House conveyed to Israeli officials that President Trump was against proceeding with the plan, news agency AP reported.
5. Israel strikes state-run Iranian TV, Netanyahu claims Israeli strikes have set Iran’s nuclear program back a ‘very, very long time’
Israel targeted Iran’s state-run television station on June 16 during a live broadcast, causing an explosion that forced the on-air reporter to flee. The strike came after Iran launched another round of missiles toward Israel, which killed at least eight people.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, claimed the strikes had pushed back Iran’s nuclear program by a “very, very long time.” While he spoke, multiple explosions were heard in Tehran.
Before hitting the television station, Israel warned hundreds of thousands of people in central Tehran to evacuate. The Israeli military stated that the TV station was being used to conceal Iranian military operations. The warning came on the fourth day of fighting, with the Israeli military claiming it had gained air superiority over Tehran and could fly over the city without facing significant threats.
6. Trump urges Iran’s unconditional surrender, Israel kills Ali Shadmani
President Donald Trump said on June 17 that the US knows where Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is hiding but doesn’t want him killed “for now.”
He urged, in a social media post on Tuesday, Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” as the Israel-Iran conflict continued to escalate.
Moreover, the Israeli military announced also announced on June 17 that it had killed Iran’s top military commander, Ali Shadmani, in an overnight airstrike. The military described him as the closest figure to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Wednesday, June 18, rejected US calls for surrender and warned that any American military involvement would lead to “irreparable damage.”
7. Israel strikes Iran’s Arak nuclear facility, Iran rain missiles
On June 19, Israel’s defense minister issued a direct warning to Iran’s supreme leader after Iranian missiles struck a major hospital in southern Israel and damaged residential areas near Tel Aviv, injuring at least 240 people. In response, Israeli fighter jets launched fresh strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
In Washington, the White House said US President Donald Trump would decide within “two weeks” whether the US would join Israel’s military campaign against Iran’s nuclear and military assets.
US press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, quoting Trump, “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks.
”
The Israeli military confirmed it had targeted Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor, located about 250 kilometers southwest of Tehran, aiming to prevent its use for plutonium production.
Iranian state TV reported that the facility had been evacuated ahead of the strike and stated there was “no radiation danger whatsoever.”
8. Israel, Iran hit each other to mark one week into their war
Marking one week since the conflict began, Israel and Iran continued exchanging fire on Friday, June 20, as US President Donald Trump considered potential American military involvement and diplomatic talks appeared to be emerging.
Trump was reportedly weighing a strike on Iran’s Fordoo uranium enrichment facility, news agency AP reported, which is heavily fortified and located underground.
The site, known to be protected against most conventional attacks, with only advanced US “bunker-buster” bombs believed capable of targeting it effectively.
Meanwhile, Israel said its air force carried out strikes overnight using more than 60 aircraft targeting Iranian industrial sites related to missile production. Among the targets was the headquarters of Iran’s Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND).
In southern Israel, missile impacts damaged buildings, including a six-story structure. Paramedics treated five individuals for minor injuries, including bruises, smoke inhalation, and anxiety, according to Magen David Adom.
9. US moves B-2 bombers
Several US Air Force B-2 bombers, capable of carrying 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and were seen heading across the Pacific on May 21, the New York Times reported.
In response, Houthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, warned they would resume attacks on US ships and warships in the Red Sea if America enters the conflict. “In the event of the American involvement in the attack and aggression against Iran with the Israeli enemy, the armed forces will target its ships and warships in the Red Sea,” said Houthi spokesman, as cited by the news agency AP.
Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar said Israeli strikes have delayed Iran’s nuclear weapon potential by at least two to three years.
Meanwhile, in Geneva, Iranian deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi met diplomats from Britain, France, and Germany and said Iran is open to resuming nuclear talks if attacks stop. He stated that Tehran supports continued dialogue with the European countries and is willing “to meet again in the near future.
”
10. US bombs Iran’s nuclear sites, Trump hints at regime change
The United States directly entered the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran by launching airstrikes on three of Iran’s major nuclear sites on Sunday, June 22, in what it called “Operation Midnight Hammer.”
US President Donald Trump said the targets were “completely and fully obliterated” and warned of further strikes if Iran chose to retaliate.
Iran strongly condemned the US action, calling it a major escalation. Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Washington had “crossed a very big red line” and declared the US “solely and fully responsible” for the consequences. He announced plans to travel to Moscow for urgent consultations with Russia, Iran’s key ally.
Donald Trump also hinted Sunday at interest in regime change in Iran, despite several of his administration officials earlier stressing that US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites did not have that goal.
“It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
On June 23, Russia said it is ready to assist Iran based on Tehran’s needs, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday. “Everything depends on what Iran needs,” Peskov said, adding that Russia has already offered its mediation efforts.
Peskov also noted that Russia’s public stance on the Iran-Israel conflict should be seen as a significant form of support. “We have stated our position. This is also a very important manifestation, a form of support for the Iranian side,” he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also slammed attacks on Iran as “unprovoked” and “unjustified” in a meeting with Tehran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi.
11. Iran attacks US airbase in Qatar
Iran launched a retaliatory missile strike targeting the US Al Udeid military base in Qatar, the largest American base in the Middle East. Qatar said it intercepted the attack, calling it a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty and warned that it reserves the right to respond.
No casualties were reported at the base, according to a U.S. official. President Donald Trump dismissed the strike as “very weak,” saying Iran gave early notice, which allowed precautions to be taken. “Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
12. Trump announces end to ’12-day war’, Iran-Israel agree but continue strikes
US President Donald Trump on Monday declared that the “12-day war” between Israel and Iran was coming to an end, announcing a “complete and total ceasefire” between the two sides.
“It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE,” Trump posted on social media. Both Israel and Iran also publicly accepted the ceasefire proposal put forward by Washington. The breakthrough came after Iran fired a limited barrage of missiles at a US base in Qatar and Israel responded with widespread airstrikes on targets across Iran.
However, despite their stated acceptance of the truce, both sides continued military action beyond the proposed ceasefire deadline. Iran fired a final wave of missiles into Israel early Tuesday, killing at least four people, while Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes before dawn. Later in the day, Israel accused Iran of breaching the truce by continuing missile launches, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order further retaliation.
Iran’s military denied launching any strikes after the ceasefire was to take effect, though air raid sirens and explosions were reported in northern Israel throughout the morning.
Iran-Israel conflict: Trump declares ceasefire ‘now in effect’; warns against violations
Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that no ceasefire had been agreed to. He maintained that Iran had been defending itself and set conditions for halting operations. Iran launched missiles at the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Iran said this was in retaliation for US bombing of its nuclear facilities. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shared a strong message online, saying that Iran will not back down and showed that the country remains strong and determined. Donald Trump took to Truth Social to declare an end to the conflict, stating that Israel and Iran had both agreed to a ceasefire. He described the 12-day war as one that could have “destroyed the entire Middle East” but was instead coming to a peaceful close. The MAGA chief posted on Truth Social: “The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it’ Trump urged Iran to move forward towards peace and peace with the United States. He also urged Qatar to ‘set Iran free’ because it was headed in a nonthreatening direction.
Here are the top developments:
1. Trump says war is ending with a ‘Complete and Total CEASEFIRE’
Poll Do you think sudden ceasefire declarations can reduce conflict effectively? Yes, they can help prevent more violence No, they may not lead to lasting peace
2. Iran’s foreign minister quickly denies any deal
Iran TV’s Stunning Announcement Against Israel; Big Message To Trump On Fighting | Watch
3.
Trump declares ceasefire ‘now in effect’
4. Iran’s Supreme Leader warns Iran does not surrender
5. Iran launches missiles at US base in Qatar
6. Trump says Iran’s response was weak and ineffective
7. Trump thanks Emir of Qatar for seeking peace
8. Iran’s President: ‘We neither initiated the war nor seeking it’
9. Israel and Iran approached US to seek peace: Trump
10. Donald Trump ‘begged’ for a truce: Iran
In a dramatic turn during the twelfth day of the Iran-Israel conflict, US President Donald Trump announced that a complete ceasefire had been agreed upon between the two warring nations. However, within minutes, Iran firmly denied any such deal and stated that there is no agreement as of now.Meanwhile, Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom (MDA) confirmed that seven people were killed in an Iranian missile strike on southern Israel, marking the first reported deaths in Israel since Trump’s ceasefire announcement.Donald Trump took to Truth Social to declare an end to the conflict, stating that Israel and Iran had both agreed to a ceasefire. He described the 12-day war as one that could have “destroyed the entire Middle East” but was instead coming to a peaceful close.“There will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED!”“God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!”Just after Trump’s post, Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi released a statement saying that no ceasefire had been agreed to.He maintained that Iran had been defending itself and set conditions for halting operations.“As Iran has repeatedly made clear: Israel launched war on Iran, not the other way around.”“As of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations. However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 am Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards.”“The final decision on the cessation of our military operations will be made later.”The MAGA chief posted on Truth Social: “The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it.”Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shared a strong message online, saying that Iran will not back down and showed that the country remains strong and determined.“Those who know the Iranian people and their history know that the Iranian nation isn’t a nation that surrenders.”Hours before the ceasefire talk, Iran launched missiles at the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Loud explosions were heard across Doha and Lusail. Iran said this was in retaliation for US bombing of its nuclear facilities. Qatar condemned the strike and claimed nearly all missiles were intercepted.Iranian media called it “a mighty and successful response by the armed forces of Iran to America’s aggression.”These strikes came in response to the US’ Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iran’s three major nuclear sites: Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. The US used B-2 bombers and 30,000-pound bunker-buster ammunition to carry out the operation.Also read: Iran launches missiles at US base in Qatar; explosions rock Doha, Indian embassy urges caution – top developments Trump downplayed Iran’s missile strike on the base in Qatar, saying most of the missiles were intercepted and that no Americans were hurt. He urged Iran to move forward towards peace.“Iran has officially responded to our Obliteration of their Nuclear Facilities with a very weak response, which we expected, and have very effectively countered. There have been 14 missiles fired — 13 were knocked down, and 1 was ‘set free,’ because it was headed in a nonthreatening direction. I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done.”“Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region, and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same.”Trump also thanked Qatar’s Emir for helping prevent escalation and confirmed that no Qataris were hurt in the missile incident.“I’d like to thank the Highly Respected Emir of Qatar for all that he has done in seeking Peace for the Region. Regarding the attack today at the American Base in Qatar, I am pleased to report that, in addition to no Americans being killed or wounded, very importantly, there have also been no Qataris killed or wounded.”Just before Iran’s missile attack on Qatar, President Masoud Pezeshkian defended Iran’s stance, saying it was not the aggressor but would not allow invasion to go unanswered.“We neither initiated the war nor seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.”In a new claim on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said that both Israel and Iran approached him “almost simultaneously” seeking peace, just hours after he announced a US-brokered ceasefire agreement to end what he called the “12-day war” between the two nations.”Israel & Iran came to me, almost simultaneously, and said, ‘PEACE!'” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. “I knew the time was NOW. The World, and the Middle East, are the real WINNERS!”He added that both nations would experience “tremendous love, peace and prosperity in their futures.”Iran claimed that Donald Trump had “begged” it to accept a truce.”The ceasefire has been imposed on Israel following Iran’s ‘successful’ attack on the US base in Qatar. Trump begged for a ceasefire following the attack,” the state-run IRINN announced in Iran, according to BBC.
Politics latest: Government makes offer to Labour rebels on welfare reforms
Aunt of murdered woman says government budget cuts are ‘deeply distressing’ Three years ago today, Zara Aleena was sexually assaulted and murdered as she was walking home in east London. The perpetrator was a man who had been released from prison on licence just nine days previously. Naz has particular concerns about the probation services, and that sex offenders are being released earlier in their sentences due to overcrowding in prisons. She says Labour’s pledge to halve violence against women and girls is “wonderful” and “bold”
Three years ago today, Zara Aleena was sexually assaulted and murdered as she was walking home in east London.
The perpetrator was a man who had been released from prison on licence just nine days previously, and who should have been recalled to prison for committing other offences.
The final guest on tonight’s edition of Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge is Zara’s aunt, Farah Naz, who is due to meet soon with Sir Keir Starmer.
Asked what she wants to say to him, she replies: “I do think [leaders] need to listen to people like us.
“We keep them on their toes, and I think they just need to look at us sometimes because they need to see the pain in order to stay motivated.
“And I’m not saying that Keir Starmer wouldn’t be motivated – I see that he is. But I think one can forget that there are people behind statistics, and one can get the urgency that is needed to change violence towards women and girls.”
Probation service ‘was dismantled’
Naz has particular concerns about the probation services, and that sex offenders are being released earlier in their sentences due to overcrowding in prisons.
She tells Sophy she has had “many meetings” with the probation service, and they have apologised and acknowledged their mistakes.
“They have addressed all the holes that led to [Zara’s killer] being on the street, and they’ve done a little more than that as well. And they’re consistently doing more than that,” she says.
“But this is a service that was dismantled, as we all know, over the last 20 years. And it isn’t going to be fixed that quickly.
“I don’t trust that those holes will stay closed because actually, when a service is consistently stressed, if things are happening in prisons, if there are more prisoners that probation officers need to see, then the service will be stressed.
“And the more services stress, the more the holes will appear again, and holes tend to appear in the same places.”
Government sending ‘mixed message’
She calls for more to be done to improve the service, and the others that it works with.
Naz says Labour’s pledge to halve violence against women and girls is “wonderful” and “bold” – but budget cuts sends a “mixed message” which is “deeply distressing”.
Donald Trump pulls off an India-Pakistan on Israel-Iran, forcing ceasefire
US President Donald Trump dropped an “f-bomb” on live tv on Tuesday after Israel and Iran defied a ceasefire he had conjured up and launched missiles in their war of attrition. Trump’s use of the copulatory expletive came at the tail end of a rant in which he blamed both countries and the “fake news” for not hewing to his narrative and choreography of war and peace. The two countries were still firing missiles at each other on Monday evening when Trump announced an elaborate ceasefire on his social media platform, claiming “Israel & Iran came to me, almost simultaneously, and said, “PEACE!” I knew the time was NOW. The World, and the Middle East, are the real WINNERS!” He even laid out an elaborate timetable, saying, “Officially, Iran will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 12th Hour, Israel will start. The War will be considered, ENDED!” he wrote even before the two countries had formally agreed.
An exasperated US President Donald Trump dropped an “f-bomb” on live tv on Tuesday after Israel and Iran defied a ceasefire he had conjured up and launched missiles in their war of attrition that entered the 13th day.
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Trump’s use of the copulatory expletive came at the tail end of a rant in which he blamed both countries and the “fake news” for not hewing to his narrative and choreography of war and peace.
“We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f*ck they’re doing,” the US President raged before cameras on the White House ground before stomping off to board Marine One.
Earlier, Trump did an India-Pakistan on Israel and Iran, abruptly announcing a ceasefire between the two warring countries that no one had a clue about — least of all the two adversaries — and had everyone wondering of it would be meaningful and lasting.
Poll Do you believe Trump’s announced ceasefire between Israel and Iran will be effective in promoting lasting peace? Yes, it will lead to lasting peace. No, it will not be effective.
Also Read:
The two countries were still firing missiles at each other on Monday evening when Trump announced an elaborate ceasefire on his social media platform, claiming “Israel & Iran came to me, almost simultaneously, and said, “PEACE!” I knew the time was NOW. The World, and the Middle East, are the real WINNERS!”
Israel Wants To End War With Iran? ‘Netanyahu Sends Urgent Message To Tehran’ | US Report
In echoes of the verbal topspin he used to tamp down the India-Pakistan firefight, Trump said both Nations will see “tremendous LOVE, PEACE, AND PROSPERITY in their futures….The
future for Israel & Iran is UNLIMITED, & filled with great PROMISE.”
Even Trump’s aides and administration officials appeared gobsmacked with the announcement, which the White House later said was aided by Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. Israel seemed to have a tough time overcoming its surprise in the middle of punitive strikes even though Trump spoke to its Prime Minister
before going public, as did Iran, which waited three hours before its state media confirmed the deal.
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Trump though owned the choreography of the ceasefire.
“It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in-progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED!” he wrote even before the two countries had formally agreed.
He even laid out an elaborate timetable, saying, “Officially, Iran will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 12th Hour, Israel will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 24th Hour, an Official END to THE 12 DAY WAR will be saluted by the World.
During each CEASEFIRE, the other side will remain PEACEFUL and RESPECTFUL.”
“On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, “THE 12 DAY WAR.” This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will!” wrote the self-described peace maker.
Also Read:
As it turned out, neither country dialed down on attacks after his announcement and that appeared to infuriate Trump even more, his anger directed more at Israel.
Earlier, Trump made light of Iran’s missile strikes on US interests in the region, calling it “weak” and suggesting Teheran had alerted Washington to the attacks so it could take preventive action so that no lives are lost.
“Iran has officially responded to our Obliteration of their Nuclear Facilities with a very weak response, which we expected, and have very effectively countered.
There have been 14 missiles fired — 13 were knocked down, and 1 was “set free,” because it was headed in a nonthreatening direction,” he wrote in another post.
“I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done. Most importantly, they’ve gotten it all out of their “system,” and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE. I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured,” he added, suggesting the Iranian attack was programmed.
HIs posts also indicated that he had first convinced Iran to draw down and he would “enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same.” As Israeli attacks continued after his ceasefire announcement, he posted in all caps: “ISRAEL. DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS. IF YOU DO IT IS A MAJOR VIOLATION. BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!”