A week into the renewed conflict, Israel and Iran have exchanged military strikes as diplomatic efforts led by European officials yield no significant progress. President Donald Trump is contemplating U.S. military involvement while key diplomats from the European Union met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva in hopes of de-escalation. However, after four hours of talks, no immediate breakthrough was achieved.
In a bid to create space for diplomacy, Trump announced he would delay a decision for up to two weeks regarding U.S. participation in Israel's air campaign against Iran. Analysts anticipate that if the U.S. were to engage, it might focus on strikes against Iran's Fordo uranium enrichment site, believed to only be targetable by advanced American "bunker-buster" bombs. Regardless of U.S. involvement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that military operations to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions would persist "for as long as it takes." Israel's top military official echoed this sentiment, indicating readiness for an extended military campaign.
As the diplomatic discussions wrapped up in Switzerland, European officials expressed cautious optimism for ongoing negotiations, with Iran's Foreign Minister stating a willingness to continue dialogue. Meanwhile, protests erupted in Tehran, where demonstrators voiced strong sentiments against Israeli strikes, highlighting the challenges of negotiating with what they perceive as an untrustworthy adversary.
The Israeli Air Force reportedly deployed 25 fighter jets for airstrikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure. In Haifa, Israel, an Iranian missile attack injured at least 19 individuals, contributing to the week’s toll of conflict-related casualties reported by Human Rights Activists, which indicated that at least 657 people had been killed and over 2,000 wounded.
In other news, Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil was released from federal immigration detention after 104 days, following a judicial ruling in the U.S. He became emblematic of the Trump administration's crackdown on campus protests. Khalil, a former Columbia University student, was arrested for his involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. He expressed relief over the ruling, emphasizing the delays in achieving justice.
In a significant legal development, a U.S. District Judge blocked the Trump administration's efforts to prevent Harvard University from hosting international students. This ruling upholds Harvard's ability to welcome its nearly 7,000 international students. The university sued the Department of Homeland Security after the agency abruptly withdrew its certification to host such students, a move they described as retaliation for rejecting White House demands regarding various institutional policies.
As the world continues to grapple with immigration issues, the fallout from the 2015 migration crisis still resonates, particularly in Greece. For instance, Amena Namjoyan, an Iranian refugee, narrated her arduous journey through Lesbos and her struggle to establish a new life, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by refugees in the European context.
Legal proceedings also unfolded in California concerning the military presence in Los Angeles. A federal judge requested further briefings on potential violations of the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military involvement in civilian law enforcement. This comes in the wake of the deployment of National Guard troops in response to protests associated with immigration enforcement.
In Kakuma, Kenya, refugees face severe food shortages as U.S. funding cuts impact the U.N. World Food Program's operations. Many refugees, including Martin Komol, report extreme hardship and starvation, demonstrating the direct consequences of shifting international aid priorities. Ration cuts have halved their food supplies, propelling many into desperate living conditions.
Lastly, British lawmakers made strides toward legalizing assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill received parliamentary approval, marking a potential landmark change in U.K. social policy, sparking vigorous debates amongst lawmakers and advocates alike.
