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## United Nations Chief Warns U.S. Against Attacking Iran’s Civilian Infrastructure
In a stark warning, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has cautioned the United States against the potential targeting of Iran’s civilian infrastructure, following recent threats issued by President Donald Trump. Guterres emphasized that such attacks are generally prohibited under international law, highlighting that even if certain civilian facilities are deemed military objectives, any assault would still be unlawful if it risks causing “excessive incidental civilian harm.” This statement was delivered through his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, emphasizing the legal complexities surrounding such military actions. He noted that a court would ultimately need to determine whether such attacks could constitute war crimes. Trump, however, downplayed these concerns during a press briefing on Monday.
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## Iran Rejects Ceasefire Proposal
Iranian authorities have firmly dismissed the latest ceasefire proposal, seeking instead a permanent end to hostilities with the United States and Israel, as reported by state news agency Irna. Over the weekend, news agency Reuters indicated that Pakistan had presented a framework for negotiations aimed at concluding the conflict and reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. This plan purportedly calls for an immediate ceasefire, followed by discussions on a comprehensive peace accord within a 15 to 20-day window.
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## Executions of Protesters Continue in Iran
In a troubling development, Iranian state media reported the recent execution of three men by hanging, all of whom were arrested during the nationwide protests against the clerical regime in January. Ali Fahim was executed after being accused of collaborating with U.S. and Israeli interests during the demonstrations, which the Iranian government has characterized as terror operations directed from abroad. Claims from Iranian officials suggest that approximately 3,000 individuals lost their lives due to the unrest, including many security personnel and innocent bystanders. In contrast, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimates that at least 7,000 protesters were killed, challenging the Iranian government’s figures.
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## Iranian Intelligence Chief Killed in Attack
On Monday, Iranian state media confirmed that the intelligence chief of the Revolutionary Guard was killed in an attack. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has corroborated the news, vowing to target Iranian leaders systematically. Katz accused the Revolutionary Guard of attacking civilians and stated, “We will continue to hunt them down.” The assault on Iran prompted retaliatory strikes that reportedly resulted in at least 25 deaths, with explosions shaking Tehran for hours.
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## Attack on U.S. Forces in Kuwait
Iranian military sources reported that U.S. forces stationed on Bubiyan Island in Kuwait were targeted in a drone strike on Monday. Spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaqari claimed that the attack aimed at satellite equipment and munitions relocated after prior Iranian strikes on their main base at Arifjan. Additionally, six Kuwaiti civilians were injured due to debris from a downed missile landing in a residential area, as confirmed by the Kuwaiti health department.
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## Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister: U.S. Attacks May Constitute War Crimes
Kazem Qaribabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, asserted that President Trump’s threats to target power plants and bridges in Iran could amount to war crimes. He underscored that such actions, which contravene the International Criminal Court statutes, merit serious condemnation. He referenced Trump’s comments regarding massive attacks should Hormuz Strait remain closed, escalating tensions in a fragile geopolitical landscape.
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## Iran Threatens New Retaliation
In a stark escalation, Iran’s central military command warned of potentially devastating retaliatory measures should the U.S. and Israel strike civilian targets. A spokesperson indicated that any further assaults on civilian infrastructure would result in “far more destructive and comprehensive” retaliatory operations, following Trump’s recent threats to obliterate Iran’s civil infrastructure if Tehran fails to comply with his demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
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## U.S., Iran, and Mediators Discuss Ceasefire Terms
There are reports that the U.S., Iran, and a group of mediators are in discussions about terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could pave the way for a permanent resolution to the conflict. Axios reported that negotiations are being conducted through intermediaries from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, alongside direct communications between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
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## Casualties Reported in Multiple Attacks
Multiple reports from Iranian media indicate that at least 13 individuals have died following airstrikes on residential areas southeast of Tehran. Additionally, Iranian officials reported fatalities from an Israeli-U.S. attack targeting occupied areas, including Qom, Iran’s second holiest city. U.S. military operations continued, with the Israel Defense Forces confirming a series of strikes on what they labeled Iranian “terror regime” targets.
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The conflict’s repercussions are felt broadly, with serious implications not only for the involved countries but for global energy markets and diplomatic stability in the region. As talks and military operations evolve, the world watches closely, hoping for de-escalation amidst rising hostilities.
