That concludes our live coverage of events for today. Thanks for joining us. We'll be back tomorrow morning with more updates and analysis as the news unfolds. Goodnight!
Iran's semiofficial news agency says Tehran traffic is 'normal' as protests appear quelled
Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim news agency has reported, as cited by Al Jazeera, that “traffic is normal” in and around the capital Tehran, amid reports from the country that protests have quieted in the last 24 hours following a bloody crackdown by the state.
The report notes that security forces are present in some parts of the capital “to further ensure public order.”
A Tehran resident told Al Jazeera earlier there was a heavy military presence on the streets of Tehran, including widespread checkpoints, police stops and IRGC forces, and the Wall Street Journal cited residents of some cities describing an eerie silence in the streets.
Around 3,000 people are believed to have been killed in a little over two weeks in the crackdown on demonstrations.
White House says Trump monitoring Iran closely, keeping all options on table
U.S. President Donald Trump is closely monitoring the situation on the ground in Iran, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters, as cited by Reuters, adding Trump and his team have warned Tehran there would be “grave consequences” if killings linked to its crackdown continue.
Israel says its Bekaa Valley bombings targeted Hezbollah
The Israeli army said its bombardment of three areas of the Bekaa earlier today were targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, including "several weapons depots," according to a statement on the army's X account.
The statement specified that one strike "targeted an underground weapons depot used to store military equipment belonging to the organization."
In one of air raids, the targeted buildings were completely destroyed, and a public school was damaged, according to our correspondent in the region.
Israel agreed to a cease-fire with Hezbollah more than a year ago. That truce agreement included the establishment of a cease-fire monitoring committee meant to function as the body that addresses all alleged truce violations.
However, parallel to the cease-fire agreement, Israel signed a "letter of understanding" with the U.S. essentially allowing it to act unilaterally.
Israeli army bombs the hills of Hermel in northeastern Lebanon
A series of Israeli strikes targeted Hermel, specifically the Ras al-Assi area, reports our correspondent in the region, Sarah Abdallah.
Unlike today's earlier bombardment by Israel of the Bekaa Valley, no evacuation orders were issued beforehand.
According to our correspondent, there were no victims as a result of the strikes.
Chinese foreign minister reiterates support for Iran in phone call with Araghchi, who insists streets are calm
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the phone today, during which the former reiterated his support for Iran and the latter insisted on his government having regained control of the streets.
According to the state-run outlet China Daily, Wang emphasized that China stands against imposing one country's will on others and opposes the world's return to the "law of the jungle."
Wang told Araghchi, according to the report, that China stands ready to play a "constructive role" in addressing the current situation in Iran, but also urged all parties to "cherish peace and exercise restraint."
He reportedly expressed confidence that the Iranian government and people would "remain united," and "overcome difficulties."
Araghchi briefed Wang on the latest developments in Iran, the report explains, insisting on the regime's line that the mass protests that swept across the country were instigated by external forces and that the "situation has now returned to stability."
Reports from Iran and from human rights groups monitoring the situation there indicate that protests have generally subsided, with some citing an eerie silence in the streets and a general fear among the population amid a brutal crackdown.
Iran's internet blackout hits one-week mark
The nationwide shutdown of the internet by authorities in Iran, which activists fear is aimed at masking the true scale of a crackdown on protests, has now lasted a full week, internet freedom monitor Netblocks announced in a statement on X.
"Exactly one week ago... Iran fell into digital darkness as authorities imposed a national internet blackout," the post reads. "Through the following days Iranians continued to protest and demand liberty despite a draconian crackdown. At 168 hours, data show the shutdown is ongoing."
Saudi, Qatar, Oman convinced Trump to 'give Iran a chance': Senior Saudi official
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman led efforts to talk U.S. President Donald Trump out of an attack on Iran, a senior Saudi official told AFP earlier today, with another Gulf official confirming the discussions.
The Gulf trio "led a long, frantic, diplomatic last-minute effort to convince President Trump to give Iran a chance to show good intention," the Saudi official said on condition of anonymity.
Efforts aimed to "avoid an uncontrollable situation in the region," the official sad. "We told Washington that an attack on Iran would open the way for a series of grave blowbacks in the region."
Yesterday, Trump surprised reporters at the Oval Office with news that he had been told "on good standing" that the killings in Iran had "stopped."
Today, the U.S. lowered its security warning level at its main base in Qatar, and Iran reopened its airspace.
Read more here. 👈
US levies further sanctions against Iranian officials
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on five Iranian officials it accused of being behind the crackdown on protests and said it was tracking Iranian leaders' funds being wired to international banks, as President Donald Trump keeps the pressure on Tehran.
The U.S. Treasury Department in a statement said it imposed sanctions on the Secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security as well as Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and law enforcement forces commanders, accusing them of being architects of the crackdown.
The U.S. also imposed sanctions on Fardis Prison, where the State Department said women had "endured cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment."
Read the full report here. 👈
Israeli army bombs Mashghara buildings
The Israeli army struck the two buildings it had threatened with an evacuation order in Mashghara, in the West Bekaa, according to our correspondent in the region.
Two warning strikes were carried out beforehand.
Pezeshkian says Iranian government to address corruption and economic priviledge
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his government plans to clamp down on corruption and the abuse of privileged access to foreign currency, Al Jazeera reports, citing Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
Iran's protests, sparked by merchants striking in Tehran's Bazaar, were initially driven by economic grievances, including rising prices, currency instability and falling purchasing power.
According to the Tasnim report, Pezeshkian said the planned reforms were aimed at calming currency markets and easing pressure on households, particularly those on lower incomes, as the government tries to address public anger over the cost of living.
The president also said the government is working to strengthen domestic production in the industrial and agricultural sectors, in hoptes of strengthening the economy in light of crippling sanctions. Academics and experts would be involved in efforts to reduce Iran’s dependence on imports, he said.
Two targeted buildings in Sohmor completely destroyed by Israeli army, extensive damage to nearby public school
The public school in Sohmor after the Israeli army bombed nearby buildings. (Photo sent to L'Orient Today by residents)
The first targeted residential building in Sohmor contained a number of apartments and was completely destroyed, our correspondent in the Bekaa reported.
The other residential building is located in the center of the town, near the public school, and was also completely destroyed as a result of the airstrike.
There was extensive damage to the public school due to the Israeli targeting of the nearby house, according to our correspondent
After two strikes in Sohmor, the Israeli army issues an evacuation order for Mashghara
The Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army has issued a new evacuation order, this time threatening the residents of Mashghara, in southern Lebanon.
"The Israeli army will, in the very near future, conduct strikes against military infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah," the spokesperson wrote, "in order to counter its attempts to resume its activities in the region."
According to the statement, the Israeli army intends to bomb two buildings marked in red on the two maps attached to his message published on X.
There is currently a cease-fire in place, which Israel agreed to with Hezbollah in November 2024. Despite the truce, Israel has refused to halt its attacks on the country, killing around 400 people since.
There is also a cease-fire monitoring committee, established as part of the agreement, through which all parties are supposed to file any concerns or complaints regarding compliance with the truce.
Two consecutive strikes in Sohmor, West Bekaa
The two buildings in Sohmor have been targeted by the Israeli army, our correspondent in the Bekaa reported.
The Israeli army announced that it is conducting strikes on Hezbollah in multiple areas across Lebanon, in a statement.
The Israeli army said the action comes in response to what it called "repeated violations of the cease-fire understandings" by Hezbollah.
Strike in Sohmor, West Bekaa
Israel has targeted one of the two buildings under threat in the town of Sohmor, in the western Bekaa, our correspondent reports.
In Sohmor, residents leave threatened area and call on the army
Residents of the threatened area in the town of Sohmor (Bekaa) are fleeing the area to neighboring Qaraoun and calling on the Lebanese Army to intervene before the two buildings threatened by the Israeli army are targeted, according to our correspondent in the region.
In December, the Israeli army decided not to bomb a building in the town of Yanouh (Sour) that it had ordered to be evacuated, after the house had been searched by the Lebanese Army.
IFRC announces employee 'killed' and five others wounded
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies announced on Thursday that an employee of the Iranian Red Crescent had been "killed" and five others wounded while carrying out their duties in the Iranian province of Gilan on Jan. 10.
In a statement, the IFRC said it was "deeply saddened by the murder of Amir Ali Latifi" and by "the injuries inflicted" on the five other Iranian Red Crescent employees, without giving details of the circumstances.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman convince Trump to 'give Iran a chance'
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman have convinced Trump to "give Iran a chance," according to a Saudi official quoted by AFP.
The Gulf countries have warned the United States that an attack could have "serious repercussions," according to the official.
Israeli army orders evacuation of two buildings in Sohmor, western Bekaa, ahead of imminent strikes
The Israeli army has published an evacuation order for the town of Sohmor in the western Bekaa, with Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee posting a map on his X account highlighting a building designated as a target.
Adraee ordered residents of the building “marked in red on the map, as well as nearby structures, to evacuate immediately,” claiming with no evidence that they are located near a site used by Hezbollah.
He called on “civilians to move at least 300 meters away."
Israeli army orders evacuation of two buildings in Sohmor, western Bekaa, ahead of imminent strikes
The Israeli army has published an evacuation order for the town of Sohmor in the western Bekaa, with Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee posting a map on his X account highlighting a building designated as a target.
Adraee ordered residents of the building “marked in red on the map, as well as nearby structures, to evacuate immediately,” claiming with no evidence that they are located near a site used by Hezbollah.
He called on “civilians to move at least 300 meters away."
The UN Security Council due to meet today to discuss the situation in Iran following a request from Washington
The AP is reporting that Iran’s foreign minister has written a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, calling on him to condemn and reject “all acts of terrorism during the unrest regardless of the incentives.”
In the letter, Abbas Araghchi reiterated Iran’s claims that the U.S. and Israel have been directly involved in the escalation of the recent protests across the country.
“Peaceful protests started … on economic grounds were sabotaged by terrorist elements who turned them into armed riots,” he wrote in the letter.
Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim news agency said the letter to Guterres had also described Washington’s claims of supporting human rights in Iran as “misleading and shameful,” and had demanded “opposition to all forms of foreign intervention against Iran and its territorial integrity and interests."
Portugal closes its embassy in Iran
The Portuguese government has announced the "temporary" closure of its embassy in Tehran due to the "tense situation" in the country, and has advised its citizens against travel there, according to AFP. The decision to close the embassy was made on Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Eight Portuguese nationals have already left Iran and others are preparing to do so as part of "confidential measures for security reasons," it said. Ten other Portuguese nationals, including seven dual nationals, have chosen to remain in Iran, the ministry added.
The United States and the United Kingdom issue travel warnings for Israel
The United States and the United Kingdom have issued warnings about travel to Israel amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, reports The Times of Israel.
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has issued a security alert calling on U.S. citizens, "given ongoing regional tensions," to review their travel plans in anticipation of possible disruptions and to make appropriate decisions for themselves and their families.
The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised against "all non-essential travel to Israel" in the current context.
These warnings come a few days after Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Israel, as well as U.S. bases and ships, would be "legitimate targets" in the event of an attack on Iran.
Trump informed Iran he does not seek war and asked Iran not to attack US bases
According to Iran’s envoy to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam, and as reported by Pakistani media outlet Dawn.com, Trump had informed Iran that he does not intend to attack and also asked Tehran to exercise restraint.
The Iranian envoy disclosed he received that information at around 1am Pakistan time (8 p.m. GMT), which indicated that Trump did not seek war and had asked Iran not to attack U.S. bases in the region.
Moghadam said that people in Iran had a legitimate right to protest and that the government had engaged in talks with the demonstrators, the report added.
The envoy also said armed groups carried out killings in Iran while also attacking mosques.
US, UK issue travel warnings for Israel
The U.S. and UK have issued warnings over travel to Israel amid the ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem published a security alert advising U.S. citizens that “given ongoing regional tensions,” they should “review any travel plans in case of disruptions, and make appropriate decisions for themselves and their families.”
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advised against “all but essential travel to Israel” in the current climate.
The warnings come days after the speaker of Iran’s parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that Israel, along with U.S. bases and ships, would be a “legitimate target” if Iran were attacked.
Araghchi tells Bin Farhan that Iran is ready to 'defend itself from any foreign threat'
Iran will defend itself "against any foreign threat," its foreign minister told his Saudi counterpart, while Washington has not ruled out military action in response to Tehran's crackdown on protests.
Iranian Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed in a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan "the importance of international condemnation of any foreign interference in the internal affairs of countries in the region," according to a statement published on Telegram and reported by AFP.
The official Saudi news agency SPA confirmed the call, stating that the two officials had discussed "ways to strengthen" security in the region.
Turkey 'opposes any military operation in Iran,' warns Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
"We oppose any military operation in Iran. We believe that Iran must be able to resolve its problems on its own," insisted the minister, who believes that the protests are not an "uprising against the government" but demonstrations linked to the economic crisis in Iran, according to AFP.
Turkey is calling for "dialogue" with the United States, in particular to resolve the crisis in Iran, he continued.
"We will continue our diplomatic efforts. We hope that the United States and Iran will resolve this issue between themselves, either through mediators, other actors, or direct dialogue," said the minister, assuring that he is following "these developments closely."
"The destabilization of Iran would affect the entire region," he said.
US Senator Lindsey Graham and Reza Pahlavi appear together under the slogan 'Make Iran Great Again'
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah of Iran who was ousted from power in 1979 and a figurehead of the Iranian opposition in exile in the U.S., appeared side by side in a video posted on the senator's X account.
On the table in front of them are caps bearing the slogan "Make Iran Great Again," a reference to Donald Trump's slogan, "Make America Great Again."
Addressing the "Crown Prince of Iran," Graham said, "It will be up to the Iranian people to choose their next leader, and I look forward to them having that opportunity. You are the man for that occasion."
Pahlavi said that "the end of the dark night is the light," adding that "for the first time, we are so close to victory."
"You have witnessed the resilience of my compatriots. They are fighting a courageous battle, and any show of solidarity can only help them achieve this goal more quickly," he said.
"I have dedicated my entire life to serving the nation. I hope that the Iranian people will enjoy complete freedom and have a choice," he added.
U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed uncertainty over whether Pahlavi would be able to muster support within Iran to eventually take over.
Iran denies that Erfan Soltani has been sentenced to death
Iran has denied that Erfan Soltani, who was arrested on Saturday during "riots," has been sentenced to death and could be executed, as feared by Washington and human rights organizations, reports AFP.
Soltani is being held in Karaj prison, near Tehran, and is accused of gatherings against national security and propaganda against the system, according to the judiciary's news agency, Mizan Online.
"If he is found guilty, he will be sentenced to prison, as the law does not provide for the death penalty for these charges," Mizan added.
In response to tensions, security measures taken for U.S. troops and foreign nationals
As tensions rose on Wednesday between Tehran and Washington, with Iran threatening to strike U.S. bases in the Middle East in the event of attacks, Qatar reported the departure of some personnel from the U.S. base at Al-Udeid, the largest in the region.
At the same time, the United Kingdom announced that it had "temporarily closed" its embassy in Tehran, while Spain and India called on their nationals to leave Iran.
UN Security Council set for today
The United Nations Security Council plans to meet today, at the request of the United States, for "a briefing on the situation in Iran," announced a spokesperson for the Somali presidency.
The crackdown could be "the most violent" in the country's contemporary history, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot lamented on Wednesday, urging the authorities to put an end to it "without fail."
'No hangings' on Wednesday or Thursday, says Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday there would be "no hangings today [Wednesday] or tomorrow [Thursday]" in an interview with the U.S. channel Fox News.
The Iranian authorities had announced "swift" executions and hangings of protesters. Shortly before, Araghchi had stated that "calm now reigns" in the country and that the authorities have "total control" of the situation.
According to the Norway-based NGO Hengaw, the execution of a 26-year-old Iranian arrested during the protests, Erfan Soltani, scheduled for yesterday, has been postponed but his life remains in danger.
"Anyone who has been on the streets since Jan. 8 is undoubtedly considered a criminal," Justice Minister Amin Hossein Rahimi told the media yesterday.
'Absolute minimum' death toll of 3,428 protesters, according to NGO Iran Human Rights
According to the latest figures from the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR), at least 3,428 protesters have been killed since the movement began on 28 Dec. "This figure is an absolute minimum," warns the organization, which also reports more than 10,000 arrests.
The authorities are not providing an official toll at this stage, as the identification of victims is still ongoing, another senior official said.
Trump sees Iranian crackdown easing, Tehran denies man to be executed
U.S. President Donald Trump said he had been told that killings in Iran’s crackdown on protests were easing and that he believed there was no current plan for large-scale executions, adopting a wait-and-see posture after earlier threatening intervention.
Iranian state media on Thursday reported that a 26-year-old man arrested during the protests in the city of Karaj would not be given the death sentence, after a rights group reported earlier this week that he was due to be executed on Wednesday.
Trump's comments at the White House on Wednesday led oil prices to retreat from multi-month highs and gold eased from a record peak on Thursday.
Trump's comments came after fears grew in the Middle East that Washington could launch strikes, following his repeated threats to intervene on behalf of Iranian protesters. Trump did not rule out possible U.S. military action, however.
Read more here.
Iran reopens airspace after temporary closure forced flights to reroute
Iran reopened its airspace after a near-five-hour closure amid concerns about possible military action between the U.S. and Iran that forced airlines to cancel, reroute or delay some flights.
Iran closed its airspace to all flights except international ones to and from Iran with official permission at 5:15 p.m. ET (10:15 GMT) on Wednesday, according to a notice on the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration website.
Read more here.
Good morning and welcome to our live blog.
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of news in the region.
We will be following the situation in Iran following three weeks of protests and renewed threats of a U.S. attack, as the U.N. Security Council sets to meet today to discuss the topic.
We will also be monitoring developments in Gaza as a delegation of representatives from Hamas and other Palestinian groups are set to meet in Cairo today to discuss the second phase of the cease-fire amongst a continued Israeli blockade and violations that have killed over 440 people in the Strip since the truce went into effect in October 2024.
We will also keep a look out at events taking place in Syria, particularly in Aleppo where large-scale displacement of the Kurdish population there has taken place in the last week after battles between Syrian forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces.
That concludes our live coverage of events for today. Thanks for joining us. We'll be back tomorrow morning with more updates and analysis as the news unfolds. Goodnight!
Iran's semiofficial news agency says Tehran traffic is 'normal' as protests appear quelled
Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim news agency has reported, as cited by Al Jazeera, that “traffic is normal” in and around the capital Tehran, amid reports from the country that protests have quieted in the last 24 hours following a bloody crackdown by the state.
The report notes that security forces are present in some parts of the capital “to further ensure public order.”
A Tehran resident told Al Jazeera earlier there was a heavy military presence on the streets of Tehran, including widespread checkpoints, police stops and IRGC forces, and the Wall Street Journal cited residents of some cities describing an eerie silence in the streets.
Around 3,000 people are believed to have been killed in a little over two weeks in the crackdown on demonstrations.
White House says Trump monitoring Iran closely, keeping all options on table
U.S. President Donald Trump is closely monitoring the situation on the ground in Iran, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters, as cited by Reuters, adding Trump and his team have warned Tehran there would be “grave consequences” if killings linked to its crackdown continue.
Israel says its Bekaa Valley bombings targeted Hezbollah
The Israeli army said its bombardment of three areas of the Bekaa earlier today were targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, including "several weapons depots," according to a statement on the army's X account.
The statement specified that one strike "targeted an underground weapons depot used to store military equipment belonging to the organization."
In one of air raids, the targeted buildings were completely destroyed, and a public school was damaged, according to our correspondent in the region.
Israel agreed to a cease-fire with Hezbollah more than a year ago. That truce agreement included the establishment of a cease-fire monitoring committee meant to function as the body that addresses all alleged truce violations.
However, parallel to the cease-fire agreement, Israel signed a "letter of understanding" with the U.S. essentially allowing it to act unilaterally.
Israeli army bombs the hills of Hermel in northeastern Lebanon
A series of Israeli strikes targeted Hermel, specifically the Ras al-Assi area, reports our correspondent in the region, Sarah Abdallah.
Unlike today's earlier bombardment by Israel of the Bekaa Valley, no evacuation orders were issued beforehand.
According to our correspondent, there were no victims as a result of the strikes.
Chinese foreign minister reiterates support for Iran in phone call with Araghchi, who insists streets are calm
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the phone today, during which the former reiterated his support for Iran and the latter insisted on his government having regained control of the streets.
According to the state-run outlet China Daily, Wang emphasized that China stands against imposing one country's will on others and opposes the world's return to the "law of the jungle."
Wang told Araghchi, according to the report, that China stands ready to play a "constructive role" in addressing the current situation in Iran, but also urged all parties to "cherish peace and exercise restraint."
He reportedly expressed confidence that the Iranian government and people would "remain united," and "overcome difficulties."
Araghchi briefed Wang on the latest developments in Iran, the report explains, insisting on the regime's line that the mass protests that swept across the country were instigated by external forces and that the "situation has now returned to stability."
Reports from Iran and from human rights groups monitoring the situation there indicate that protests have generally subsided, with some citing an eerie silence in the streets and a general fear among the population amid a brutal crackdown.
Iran's internet blackout hits one-week mark
The nationwide shutdown of the internet by authorities in Iran, which activists fear is aimed at masking the true scale of a crackdown on protests, has now lasted a full week, internet freedom monitor Netblocks announced in a statement on X.
"Exactly one week ago... Iran fell into digital darkness as authorities imposed a national internet blackout," the post reads. "Through the following days Iranians continued to protest and demand liberty despite a draconian crackdown. At 168 hours, data show the shutdown is ongoing."
Saudi, Qatar, Oman convinced Trump to 'give Iran a chance': Senior Saudi official
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman led efforts to talk U.S. President Donald Trump out of an attack on Iran, a senior Saudi official told AFP earlier today, with another Gulf official confirming the discussions.
The Gulf trio "led a long, frantic, diplomatic last-minute effort to convince President Trump to give Iran a chance to show good intention," the Saudi official said on condition of anonymity.
Efforts aimed to "avoid an uncontrollable situation in the region," the official sad. "We told Washington that an attack on Iran would open the way for a series of grave blowbacks in the region."
Yesterday, Trump surprised reporters at the Oval Office with news that he had been told "on good standing" that the killings in Iran had "stopped."
Today, the U.S. lowered its security warning level at its main base in Qatar, and Iran reopened its airspace.
Read more here. 👈
US levies further sanctions against Iranian officials
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on five Iranian officials it accused of being behind the crackdown on protests and said it was tracking Iranian leaders' funds being wired to international banks, as President Donald Trump keeps the pressure on Tehran.
The U.S. Treasury Department in a statement said it imposed sanctions on the Secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security as well as Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and law enforcement forces commanders, accusing them of being architects of the crackdown.
The U.S. also imposed sanctions on Fardis Prison, where the State Department said women had "endured cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment."
Read the full report here. 👈
Israeli army bombs Mashghara buildings
The Israeli army struck the two buildings it had threatened with an evacuation order in Mashghara, in the West Bekaa, according to our correspondent in the region.
Two warning strikes were carried out beforehand.
Pezeshkian says Iranian government to address corruption and economic priviledge
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his government plans to clamp down on corruption and the abuse of privileged access to foreign currency, Al Jazeera reports, citing Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
Iran's protests, sparked by merchants striking in Tehran's Bazaar, were initially driven by economic grievances, including rising prices, currency instability and falling purchasing power.
According to the Tasnim report, Pezeshkian said the planned reforms were aimed at calming currency markets and easing pressure on households, particularly those on lower incomes, as the government tries to address public anger over the cost of living.
The president also said the government is working to strengthen domestic production in the industrial and agricultural sectors, in hoptes of strengthening the economy in light of crippling sanctions. Academics and experts would be involved in efforts to reduce Iran’s dependence on imports, he said.
Two targeted buildings in Sohmor completely destroyed by Israeli army, extensive damage to nearby public school
The public school in Sohmor after the Israeli army bombed nearby buildings. (Photo sent to L'Orient Today by residents)
The first targeted residential building in Sohmor contained a number of apartments and was completely destroyed, our correspondent in the Bekaa reported.
The other residential building is located in the center of the town, near the public school, and was also completely destroyed as a result of the airstrike.
There was extensive damage to the public school due to the Israeli targeting of the nearby house, according to our correspondent
After two strikes in Sohmor, the Israeli army issues an evacuation order for Mashghara
The Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army has issued a new evacuation order, this time threatening the residents of Mashghara, in southern Lebanon.
"The Israeli army will, in the very near future, conduct strikes against military infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah," the spokesperson wrote, "in order to counter its attempts to resume its activities in the region."
According to the statement, the Israeli army intends to bomb two buildings marked in red on the two maps attached to his message published on X.
There is currently a cease-fire in place, which Israel agreed to with Hezbollah in November 2024. Despite the truce, Israel has refused to halt its attacks on the country, killing around 400 people since.
There is also a cease-fire monitoring committee, established as part of the agreement, through which all parties are supposed to file any concerns or complaints regarding compliance with the truce.
Two consecutive strikes in Sohmor, West Bekaa
The two buildings in Sohmor have been targeted by the Israeli army, our correspondent in the Bekaa reported.
The Israeli army announced that it is conducting strikes on Hezbollah in multiple areas across Lebanon, in a statement.
The Israeli army said the action comes in response to what it called "repeated violations of the cease-fire understandings" by Hezbollah.
Strike in Sohmor, West Bekaa
Israel has targeted one of the two buildings under threat in the town of Sohmor, in the western Bekaa, our correspondent reports.
In Sohmor, residents leave threatened area and call on the army
Residents of the threatened area in the town of Sohmor (Bekaa) are fleeing the area to neighboring Qaraoun and calling on the Lebanese Army to intervene before the two buildings threatened by the Israeli army are targeted, according to our correspondent in the region.
In December, the Israeli army decided not to bomb a building in the town of Yanouh (Sour) that it had ordered to be evacuated, after the house had been searched by the Lebanese Army.
IFRC announces employee 'killed' and five others wounded
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies announced on Thursday that an employee of the Iranian Red Crescent had been "killed" and five others wounded while carrying out their duties in the Iranian province of Gilan on Jan. 10.
In a statement, the IFRC said it was "deeply saddened by the murder of Amir Ali Latifi" and by "the injuries inflicted" on the five other Iranian Red Crescent employees, without giving details of the circumstances.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman convince Trump to 'give Iran a chance'
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman have convinced Trump to "give Iran a chance," according to a Saudi official quoted by AFP.
The Gulf countries have warned the United States that an attack could have "serious repercussions," according to the official.
Israeli army orders evacuation of two buildings in Sohmor, western Bekaa, ahead of imminent strikes
The Israeli army has published an evacuation order for the town of Sohmor in the western Bekaa, with Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee posting a map on his X account highlighting a building designated as a target.
Adraee ordered residents of the building “marked in red on the map, as well as nearby structures, to evacuate immediately,” claiming with no evidence that they are located near a site used by Hezbollah.
He called on “civilians to move at least 300 meters away."
Israeli army orders evacuation of two buildings in Sohmor, western Bekaa, ahead of imminent strikes
The Israeli army has published an evacuation order for the town of Sohmor in the western Bekaa, with Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee posting a map on his X account highlighting a building designated as a target.
Adraee ordered residents of the building “marked in red on the map, as well as nearby structures, to evacuate immediately,” claiming with no evidence that they are located near a site used by Hezbollah.
He called on “civilians to move at least 300 meters away."
The UN Security Council due to meet today to discuss the situation in Iran following a request from Washington
The AP is reporting that Iran’s foreign minister has written a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, calling on him to condemn and reject “all acts of terrorism during the unrest regardless of the incentives.”
In the letter, Abbas Araghchi reiterated Iran’s claims that the U.S. and Israel have been directly involved in the escalation of the recent protests across the country.
“Peaceful protests started … on economic grounds were sabotaged by terrorist elements who turned them into armed riots,” he wrote in the letter.
Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim news agency said the letter to Guterres had also described Washington’s claims of supporting human rights in Iran as “misleading and shameful,” and had demanded “opposition to all forms of foreign intervention against Iran and its territorial integrity and interests."
Portugal closes its embassy in Iran
The Portuguese government has announced the "temporary" closure of its embassy in Tehran due to the "tense situation" in the country, and has advised its citizens against travel there, according to AFP. The decision to close the embassy was made on Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Eight Portuguese nationals have already left Iran and others are preparing to do so as part of "confidential measures for security reasons," it said. Ten other Portuguese nationals, including seven dual nationals, have chosen to remain in Iran, the ministry added.
The United States and the United Kingdom issue travel warnings for Israel
The United States and the United Kingdom have issued warnings about travel to Israel amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, reports The Times of Israel.
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has issued a security alert calling on U.S. citizens, "given ongoing regional tensions," to review their travel plans in anticipation of possible disruptions and to make appropriate decisions for themselves and their families.
The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised against "all non-essential travel to Israel" in the current context.
These warnings come a few days after Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Israel, as well as U.S. bases and ships, would be "legitimate targets" in the event of an attack on Iran.
Trump informed Iran he does not seek war and asked Iran not to attack US bases
According to Iran’s envoy to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam, and as reported by Pakistani media outlet Dawn.com, Trump had informed Iran that he does not intend to attack and also asked Tehran to exercise restraint.
The Iranian envoy disclosed he received that information at around 1am Pakistan time (8 p.m. GMT), which indicated that Trump did not seek war and had asked Iran not to attack U.S. bases in the region.
Moghadam said that people in Iran had a legitimate right to protest and that the government had engaged in talks with the demonstrators, the report added.
The envoy also said armed groups carried out killings in Iran while also attacking mosques.
US, UK issue travel warnings for Israel
The U.S. and UK have issued warnings over travel to Israel amid the ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem published a security alert advising U.S. citizens that “given ongoing regional tensions,” they should “review any travel plans in case of disruptions, and make appropriate decisions for themselves and their families.”
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advised against “all but essential travel to Israel” in the current climate.
The warnings come days after the speaker of Iran’s parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that Israel, along with U.S. bases and ships, would be a “legitimate target” if Iran were attacked.
Araghchi tells Bin Farhan that Iran is ready to 'defend itself from any foreign threat'
Iran will defend itself "against any foreign threat," its foreign minister told his Saudi counterpart, while Washington has not ruled out military action in response to Tehran's crackdown on protests.
Iranian Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed in a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan "the importance of international condemnation of any foreign interference in the internal affairs of countries in the region," according to a statement published on Telegram and reported by AFP.
The official Saudi news agency SPA confirmed the call, stating that the two officials had discussed "ways to strengthen" security in the region.
Turkey 'opposes any military operation in Iran,' warns Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
"We oppose any military operation in Iran. We believe that Iran must be able to resolve its problems on its own," insisted the minister, who believes that the protests are not an "uprising against the government" but demonstrations linked to the economic crisis in Iran, according to AFP.
Turkey is calling for "dialogue" with the United States, in particular to resolve the crisis in Iran, he continued.
"We will continue our diplomatic efforts. We hope that the United States and Iran will resolve this issue between themselves, either through mediators, other actors, or direct dialogue," said the minister, assuring that he is following "these developments closely."
"The destabilization of Iran would affect the entire region," he said.
US Senator Lindsey Graham and Reza Pahlavi appear together under the slogan 'Make Iran Great Again'
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah of Iran who was ousted from power in 1979 and a figurehead of the Iranian opposition in exile in the U.S., appeared side by side in a video posted on the senator's X account.
On the table in front of them are caps bearing the slogan "Make Iran Great Again," a reference to Donald Trump's slogan, "Make America Great Again."
Addressing the "Crown Prince of Iran," Graham said, "It will be up to the Iranian people to choose their next leader, and I look forward to them having that opportunity. You are the man for that occasion."
Pahlavi said that "the end of the dark night is the light," adding that "for the first time, we are so close to victory."
"You have witnessed the resilience of my compatriots. They are fighting a courageous battle, and any show of solidarity can only help them achieve this goal more quickly," he said.
"I have dedicated my entire life to serving the nation. I hope that the Iranian people will enjoy complete freedom and have a choice," he added.
U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed uncertainty over whether Pahlavi would be able to muster support within Iran to eventually take over.
Iran denies that Erfan Soltani has been sentenced to death
Iran has denied that Erfan Soltani, who was arrested on Saturday during "riots," has been sentenced to death and could be executed, as feared by Washington and human rights organizations, reports AFP.
Soltani is being held in Karaj prison, near Tehran, and is accused of gatherings against national security and propaganda against the system, according to the judiciary's news agency, Mizan Online.
"If he is found guilty, he will be sentenced to prison, as the law does not provide for the death penalty for these charges," Mizan added.
In response to tensions, security measures taken for U.S. troops and foreign nationals
As tensions rose on Wednesday between Tehran and Washington, with Iran threatening to strike U.S. bases in the Middle East in the event of attacks, Qatar reported the departure of some personnel from the U.S. base at Al-Udeid, the largest in the region.
At the same time, the United Kingdom announced that it had "temporarily closed" its embassy in Tehran, while Spain and India called on their nationals to leave Iran.
UN Security Council set for today
The United Nations Security Council plans to meet today, at the request of the United States, for "a briefing on the situation in Iran," announced a spokesperson for the Somali presidency.
The crackdown could be "the most violent" in the country's contemporary history, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot lamented on Wednesday, urging the authorities to put an end to it "without fail."
'No hangings' on Wednesday or Thursday, says Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday there would be "no hangings today [Wednesday] or tomorrow [Thursday]" in an interview with the U.S. channel Fox News.
The Iranian authorities had announced "swift" executions and hangings of protesters. Shortly before, Araghchi had stated that "calm now reigns" in the country and that the authorities have "total control" of the situation.
According to the Norway-based NGO Hengaw, the execution of a 26-year-old Iranian arrested during the protests, Erfan Soltani, scheduled for yesterday, has been postponed but his life remains in danger.
"Anyone who has been on the streets since Jan. 8 is undoubtedly considered a criminal," Justice Minister Amin Hossein Rahimi told the media yesterday.
'Absolute minimum' death toll of 3,428 protesters, according to NGO Iran Human Rights
According to the latest figures from the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR), at least 3,428 protesters have been killed since the movement began on 28 Dec. "This figure is an absolute minimum," warns the organization, which also reports more than 10,000 arrests.
The authorities are not providing an official toll at this stage, as the identification of victims is still ongoing, another senior official said.
Trump sees Iranian crackdown easing, Tehran denies man to be executed
U.S. President Donald Trump said he had been told that killings in Iran’s crackdown on protests were easing and that he believed there was no current plan for large-scale executions, adopting a wait-and-see posture after earlier threatening intervention.
Iranian state media on Thursday reported that a 26-year-old man arrested during the protests in the city of Karaj would not be given the death sentence, after a rights group reported earlier this week that he was due to be executed on Wednesday.
Trump's comments at the White House on Wednesday led oil prices to retreat from multi-month highs and gold eased from a record peak on Thursday.
Trump's comments came after fears grew in the Middle East that Washington could launch strikes, following his repeated threats to intervene on behalf of Iranian protesters. Trump did not rule out possible U.S. military action, however.
Read more here.
Iran reopens airspace after temporary closure forced flights to reroute
Iran reopened its airspace after a near-five-hour closure amid concerns about possible military action between the U.S. and Iran that forced airlines to cancel, reroute or delay some flights.
Iran closed its airspace to all flights except international ones to and from Iran with official permission at 5:15 p.m. ET (10:15 GMT) on Wednesday, according to a notice on the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration website.
Read more here.
Good morning and welcome to our live blog.
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of news in the region.
We will be following the situation in Iran following three weeks of protests and renewed threats of a U.S. attack, as the U.N. Security Council sets to meet today to discuss the topic.
We will also be monitoring developments in Gaza as a delegation of representatives from Hamas and other Palestinian groups are set to meet in Cairo today to discuss the second phase of the cease-fire amongst a continued Israeli blockade and violations that have killed over 440 people in the Strip since the truce went into effect in October 2024.
We will also keep a look out at events taking place in Syria, particularly in Aleppo where large-scale displacement of the Kurdish population there has taken place in the last week after battles between Syrian forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces.
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