Spain recalled its ambassador to Israel yesterday after criticizing the United States and Israel over the war in Iran, leaving the embassy to be run by a “chargé d’affaires” — the diplomat who heads an embassy when there is no ambassador.
The war is now entering its 13th day, with Israel and the United States carrying out bombings in Tehran as well as against what they describe as “government infrastructure” across Iran (1,300+ dead, 3.2 million displaced). Residents report that there has been no internet access for 12 days, while U.S. intelligence agencies estimate that Iran’s leadership remains largely intact and is not facing an immediate risk of collapse, according to Reuters.
Heavy bombardments were also reported in Lebanon (600+ dead), particularly in Beirut, in neighborhoods described as “Hezbollah strongholds.” In total, about 800,000 people have been displaced from their homes due to the attacks.
U.S. officials are avoiding publicly describing the situation as a “war,” since a formal declaration would require approval from Congress.
At the same time, Iran continues drone and missile attacks on Israel and four other countries in the Middle East (nearly 50 deaths in total, including eight U.S. soldiers).
An attack on the port of Basra in Iraq early in the morning killed at least one person and forced authorities to halt operations at all of the country’s oil terminals (port facilities used for loading and unloading oil).
Other reports of Iranian attacks included the targeting of fuel storage tanks in Muharraq, Bahrain, and drone strikes on oil storage facilities at the port of Salalah. In Kuwait, a drone struck a building, injuring two people, while another drone hit a building in Dubai (UAE).
Sources: Guardian, New York Times, Reuters
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