Merz calls Netanyah, asks “to lower hand” with attacks on Iran

During Wednesday evening's call, Merz expressed Germany's support in principle for Israel's military attacks on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, but stressed the importance of seeking diplomatic solutions to the conflict, according to the source, a2 CNN broadcasts Periscope.

Germany plans to host nuclear talks with its European partners and Iranian Foreign Minister on its permanent representation in Geneva on Friday, a source for Reuters said Wednesday, aimed at obtaining guarantees from Iran that its nuclear programme is used only for civilian purposes.

What's going on?

• A new wave of Iranian missiles hit Israel today, and according to the authorities, a large hospital in the south suffered significant “damage”. Iran declared it aimed at a nearby technological park used by the Israeli army. Meanwhile, Israel has attacked the nuclear facility <x2active” in Arak, Iran, but no major damage reported.

• The Israeli defence minister declared that Iran's supreme leader cannot be allowed to “continue to exist”. He has ordered the Israeli Army to “intensify attacks” on Iranian targets.

• President Donald Trump has reviewed the plans of the attacks on Iran, but is waiting to see if Tehran will withdraw from its nuclear programme, a source for CNN said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has thanked the US for the great “assistance” in this conflict. (A2 Television)