Gaza flotilla activists: Who are they and where are they now?

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

The Israeli air force launched extensive airstrikes on Iran early Friday, targeting multiple sites linked to its nuclear program, including the Natanz enrichment facility. In response, Israel declared a state of emergency, closed its airspace, and warned of potential Iranian retaliation, while U.S. officials confirmed no involvement in the strikes, emphasizing Israel's right to self-defense. More Context

Abu Ala al-Walai, leader of the Iran-backed Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada militia, warned that the U.S. would be "humiliated" in a potential conflict with Iran, amidst U.S. diplomatic evacuations in Iraq due to safety concerns. Iraqi officials asserted that embassies are secure, while tensions rise over stalled nuclear negotiations and potential military actions involving U.S. and Iranian interests in the region. More Context

The UN General Assembly passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of hostages, following a US veto of a similar resolution. With a vote of 149-12, it calls for Israel to end its blockade and allow humanitarian aid, while Israel's envoy criticized it as a political stunt, and the US claimed it undermines credibility. More Context