Reported from the source

Quick summary: The conflict in the Middle East escalated as Israel approved a significant increase in its military budget and accused Iran of deliberately targeting civilians with cluster bombs, calling it a “war crime.” Iran, which denied targeting civilians, launched new missile attacks on the Tel Aviv area and faced a new broad attack wave from the Israeli army. Internationally, the UK is examining options to secure the Strait of Hormuz, while EU foreign ministers are reportedly considering expanding their naval mission to the strategic waterway. Oil loading continues on Iran’s Kharg Island despite recent US attacks, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard issued a death threat against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel has approved an additional 2.6 billion Shekels (approximately 720 million Euros) for urgent arms purchases, citing the “intensity of fighting” two weeks into the Iran War. Israeli authorities reported at least eight people injured in Iranian attacks, including four in the Tel Aviv area from suspected cluster bombs, which are outlawed under international law. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Iran of deliberately targeting civilians, calling it a “war crime,” and emphasized that all Israeli victims since the war began have been civilians. Following earlier Iranian missile attacks, the Israeli army launched a new broad attack wave on the “power apparatus infrastructure” in western Iran. Hezbollah, supported by Iran, reported “direct fighting” with the Israeli army in southern Lebanon, with Israel confirming several Hezbollah members were killed. Israeli airstrikes reportedly destroyed many buildings in Beirut. A fragment of an Iranian missile also reportedly struck a residential building used by the US Consul in Israel. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtchi denied targeting civilians and offered to form a committee with neighboring countries to investigate responsibility for such attacks. Internationally, the UK is examining how it could contribute to securing the Strait of Hormuz, with Energy Minister Ed Miliband stating all options to reopen the strait are being considered, though ending the conflict is the safest path. EU foreign ministers are reportedly discussing expanding their “Aspides” naval mission, currently focused on the Red Sea, to include the Strait of Hormuz. Germany’s Green MP Anton Hofreiter and Left party leader Jan van Aken oppose Bundeswehr involvement in Hormuz, citing the war’s origins in “unlawful attacks” by Israel and the US. Chancellor Friedrich Merz had previously stated he saw no reason for an international mission. South Korea is carefully reviewing US President Donald Trump’s request for warships in Hormuz, a call also extended to China, France, Japan, and the UK. Iran, in turn, warned France and other nations against any actions that could escalate the conflict. Oil loading continues on Iran’s Kharg Island despite recent US attacks on military facilities there. US Ambassador Mike Waltz indicated that President Trump is considering options for an attack on Iran’s oil hub. Pope Leo XIV called for a ceasefire in the Middle East, expressing great concern for the situation in Lebanon. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has threatened Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with death, stating they would pursue and kill him if he is still alive. Ukraine has offered money and technology, sending specialists to four countries in the region to demonstrate drone defense systems, leveraging its experience with Iranian Shahed drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed Russia supplies Shahed drones to Iran for use against the US and Israel. The conflict has also impacted major sporting events, with MotoGP Qatar postponed and Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia cancelled.

Source: www.tagesschau.de