 "Tehran fights for survival as Israel intensify bombing, Trump mounts pressure")
The Israel-Iran conflict has entered its fifth day, with both sides engaging in heavy firing, leading to many deaths and destruction, especially in Tehran. Pressure is mounting on Iran to end hostilities as US President Donald Trump cuts short his trip to Canada to deal with “what’s going on in the Middle East.”
The Israeli strikes that began hitting Iran’s key nuclear facilities and military bases on June 13 have killed several who occupied key army positions, posing a serious threat to Tehran’s leadership.
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Iran is fighting this war alone as its proxies in Lebanon, Gaza and Yemen have been weakened since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023. At the same time, Israel has vowed not to stop unless Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is killed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said, “It’s not going to escalate the conflict, it’s going to end the conflict,” as he referred to US President Donald Trump’s concerns that killing the supreme leader would escalate tensions.
Despite growing calls for the longtime foes to end hostilities, neither Israel nor Iran showed any signs of cutting short the missile blitz kicked off Friday, when Israel launched an unprecedented series of aerial raids targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities.
After a new wave of Israeli strikes on Iran’s capital – including a dramatic attack on a state TV building – both countries activated their missile defence systems overnight into Tuesday, with Israel’s army briefly urging residents to seek shelter from incoming Iranian missiles.
Regime’s survival on top priority
Iran is confronting its most serious threat since that war, as it comes under attack from Israel, armed with one of the world’s most advanced militaries, equipped with US technology, and supported by intelligence agencies that have deeply infiltrated the republic. The stakes are existential for the regime, with 86-year-old Khamenei facing the toughest challenge of his four-decade leadership.
A report by Financial Times quoted Sanam Vakil, Middle East director at Chatham House, as saying, “It’s Khamenei’s most significant moment. He’s had many twists and turns since becoming supreme leader in 1989, but this takes the cake.”
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“His priority is regime survival — turning the tables as best Iran can. They see themselves as David against Goliath, so being able to survive is a victory for them,” he added.
Is Iran open to ceasefire?
Despite ongoing violence, Iran has reportedly signalled to Arab mediators its openness to ceasefire talks and resuming nuclear negotiations.
Tehran is reportedly sending urgent messages to both Washington and Jerusalem via Arab mediators, seeking ceasefire of the conflict.
However, mediators Qatar and Oman were told by Iran that Tehran “will not negotiate while under attack”, an official briefed on the talks said a few days ago.
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