Iran war latest: Trump says invading Iran would be ‘waste of time’ – as Israel hits Beirut with strikes
Latest Developments in the Iran-Israel Conflict
With the conflict now in its second week, the United States has emphasized that the fighting is “only just begun,” but former President Donald Trump has dismissed a potential ground invasion of Iran as a “waste of time.” Meanwhile, Israeli military actions have expanded, targeting areas in both Tehran and Beirut, intensifying the regional crisis.
Hezbollah Issues Evacuation Alert to Israeli Residents
According to Iranian state media, Hezbollah has issued a warning to civilians in northern Israeli settlements, urging them to evacuate areas within 5 kilometers of the border. The statement claims:
“Warning to the residents of the northern settlements: You are required to evacuate all settlements located 5km of the border line.”
It further asserts that the group will respond to Israel’s attacks on Lebanese territory and civilian infrastructure.
The threat follows a series of Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, which were detailed in previous reports. The IDF reported 26 aerial assaults on Beirut’s Dahieh district since its Lebanon operation began, targeting Hezbollah command hubs and multi-story buildings classified as “terror sites.”
Strikes on Beirut and Civilian Safeguards
Israeli forces conducted a broad-scale attack on Beirut under the cover of darkness, hitting an “executive council’s command centre” and a facility used to store Hezbollah drones. The military claims it took steps to minimize civilian casualties, including advance warnings and precision weaponry.
On Thursday, emergency sirens blared at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, prompting swift sheltering of personnel. The base’s warning system, deemed less sophisticated than its Israeli counterpart, activated out of caution. A drone managed to breach defenses on Sunday, flying low over the sea and damaging a hangar used for American U2 spy planes.
Saudi Airspace and Missile Defenses
Saudi Arabia reported intercepting several drones and missiles in its skies. Three drones were destroyed east of Riyadh, while a cruise missile and another drone were neutralized near Al-Kharj. Additionally, three ballistic missiles targeted Prince Sultan Air Base but were all “intercepted and destroyed,” according to the ministry.
EU Response and Political Commentary
Despite limited influence in the Middle East, European Union nations have been pressured by the United States to take a position on the conflict. This has led to diplomatic tensions, notably between Spain and Washington. EU leaders continue to assess the situation, with some planning measures to shield their borders and nearby regions.
During a recent interview, the defense secretary was asked about the timing of deploying a Royal Navy destroyer. He indicated the option had been on the table for weeks, though sources later revealed it was only formally presented on Tuesday. This delay has raised questions about the effectiveness of the response for Cypriot authorities and residents.
As global tensions escalate, the impact of Israeli strikes on Beirut has drawn attention. New visuals show smoke rising from buildings in the capital, reflecting the ongoing clashes between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. The conflict continues to shape international relations, with political analysts like Beth, Ruth, and Harriet examining Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s handling of the situation in their latest discussion.
Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Starmer, stating he was “very disappointed” in the leader’s actions. The question remains: did Starmer fail to meet expectations on the world stage, or did he prioritize British interests by challenging Trump’s stance? The outcome of this moment may be judged in the coming days.
