UK sanctions far-right Israeli ministers for ‘inciting violence’ against Palestinians

The IDF possesses capabilities to potentially damage the Fordow site; however, it may defer a direct attack in favor of a future U.S. operation that could utilize the MOAB, a 30,000-pound bunker-buster bomb that Israel lacks. This strategic decision indicates a preference for leveraging U.S. military assets for a more significant impact. More Context

Israel launched a major military operation against Iran, targeting its nuclear program and missile capabilities, as confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated the operation aims to eliminate threats to Israel’s survival. Explosions were reported in Tehran, and Israel declared a nationwide emergency, closing its airspace, while both nations prepared for potential military confrontation. More Context

Mostafa Vahidi was Iran's defense minister from September 2009 to August 2013 and served as interior minister from August 2021 to August 2024. He also held a significant position within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF), where he commanded the group from 1988 to 1998. More Context

The Iranian government condemned a recent attack by the Zionist regime, which it claims violated Iran's territorial integrity and resulted in the deaths of patriotic citizens and innocent people in Tehran and other cities. The statement described these actions as a clear act of aggression against Iran and a violation of the United Nations Charter. More Context

In February 2019, Brig. Gen. Hossein Salami, then second-in-command of the IRGC, warned Israel that if a new war broke out, it would lead to its destruction, urging them not to "play with fire." Iran has consistently asserted that a conflict would result in Israel's annihilation and the expulsion of the U.S. from the region. More Context

Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria has collapsed, significantly weakening Hezbollah and limiting its mobility in Lebanon, while Hamas's ability to launch attacks in Israel is nearly nonexistent despite ongoing conflict in Gaza. The remaining threats include a few Houthi missiles in Yemen and Iran's extensive arsenal of long-range ballistic missiles. More Context