Iran war latest: Trump says invading Iran would be ‘waste of time’ – as Israel hits Beirut with strikes
Iran Conflict Developments: Trump Questions Invasion Necessity Amid Israeli Strikes on Beirut
As the war approaches its second week, the United States maintains that the conflict is “only just begun,” though former President Donald Trump has dismissed a ground invasion of Iran as a “waste of time.” Meanwhile, Israel intensifies its operations, targeting both Tehran and Beirut with recent strikes. Keep updated on the latest developments.
Hezbollah Issues Evacuation Alert to Israeli Residents
Further developments on the Lebanon border reveal Hezbollah issuing a warning to Israeli civilians, as reported by Iranian state media. The group stated:
“Warning to the residents of the northern settlements: You are required to evacuate all settlements located 5km of the border line.”
Hezbollah added:
“The aggression of your army against Lebanese sovereignty and civilians, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the campaign of displacement it is carrying out will not go unanswered. Head south.”
Israeli Strikes Target Hezbollah Infrastructure in Beirut
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported 26 aerial attacks on Beirut’s Dahieh district since launching its Lebanon campaign. The military stated that overnight strikes targeted Hezbollah command posts and multi-story buildings classified as “terror infrastructure.” Additional claims include a wide-ranging assault on Beirut, where an executive council command center and a Hezbollah drone depot were hit.
The IDF emphasized precautions to minimize civilian casualties, including advance alerts and precision-guided weaponry. Despite these measures, the conflict has escalated, with new images showing damage to Beirut’s buildings as tensions between Israel and Iran-backed groups intensify.
Saudi Airspace Reports Multiple Drones and Missiles Neutralized
Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry documented several drones and missiles intercepted and destroyed in the country’s airspace. A drone was detected northeast of Riyadh, while three were destroyed east of the capital. A cruise missile and another drone were intercepted further east near Al-Kharj. Three ballistic missiles also targeted Prince Sultan Air Base, all of which were successfully neutralized.
RAF Akrotiri Evacuations Amid Unconfirmed Drone Threats
Air raid alarms at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus activated twice on Thursday afternoon. Personnel swiftly took cover as soldiers stood in body armor. The alert was brief. During the visit, the UK defense secretary was escorted to a windowless shelter moments before joining a COBRA session. The base’s alert system, less advanced than Israel’s, was triggered as a precautionary measure.
Later, a single drone evaded defenses on Sunday, flying unnoticed low over the sea and labeled “tiny” in size. Despite its small stature, it damaged a hangar housing U.S. U2 reconnaissance aircraft.
EU Tensions and UK’s Strategic Dilemma
EU nations, with limited Middle East influence, have been compelled by U.S. requests to support the conflict, sparking tensions particularly with Spain and Washington. EU leaders have again expressed opinions from the sidelines, with some nations working on safeguards for their border regions and neighboring areas.
Trump expressed disappointment in Sir Keir Starmer’s handling of the conflict. Did the PM’s actions align with his international reputation, or was he prioritizing Britain by resisting U.S. pressure? Beth, Ruth, and Harriet explore Starmer’s response on the latest episode of Electoral Dysfunction, highlighting the week’s far-reaching impact.
