Israel claps back at Iran

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Global Recap
April 19, 2024 • Read in: 6 minutes

Hi Global Recap readers,

Wondering why your stocks suddenly went down earlier?

Reports suggest this even prompted Robinhood to halt its 24-hour trading service.

It’s because of Israel, Iran, and… birthday.

Yes, April 19 marks the birthday of the Iranian Supreme Leader.

And on this day, Israel decided to clap back at Iran.

(⏰ Reading Time: 6 mins)

Israel vs Iran

Israel claps back at Iran

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu (left) and Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei (right).

The Middle East faces a new crisis as Israel launches strikes into Iran, escalating tensions and sparking fears of a wider regional conflict.

But that’s not all.

There were also explosions witnessed in Iraq and Syria as well.

🚀 Strike. Israel’s military action is a direct response to Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile attack, which saw hundreds of projectiles fired at Israel, most of which were intercepted or caused minimal damage.

🛡️ Defense: Iran’s air defenses were activated, shooting at incoming objects. Despite reports of explosions near Isfahan and Tabriz, Iranian state media downplayed the damage, and flight restrictions were lifted shortly after.

  • In fact, the country’s news coverage of the event did not include any reference to Israel. The blame was instead placed on “infiltrators from within Iran”. Could this be Iran’s strategy to prevent a full-scale war with Israel?

  • There is a discrepancy in the reporting of which weapon was involved in the attack. The US claims that missiles were used, whereas Iran reports the use of mini drones.

💨 Fog. Numerous assertions and particulars are circulating.

  • Some argue that it was an internal proxy attack.

  • Others assert that ambulances were seen heading towards the affected zones, even though Iran has stated that no targets were hit.

  • At best, these claims are unverified, so it’s prudent to await further clarity as the fog of war clears.

Iran

Meanwhile in Iran…

Nika Shakarami (left) and Aida Shakarami (right).

🚨 Arrest. Aida Shakarami, sister of protest symbol Nika Shakarami, was detained by Iran’s morality police for allegedly violating hijab laws.

She is accused of:

"not adhering to compulsory hijab."

💔 Sister. The police’s alleged killing of her sister while she was in police custody became the center of international attention.

  • There were even reports of her being raped before her murder.

Will she face the same fate as her sister?

United Nations

US vetoes UN recognition of Palestine

🚫 Veto Power. The US exercised its veto power against a resolution for Palestinian full-member status at the UN, despite widespread support from other Security Council members.

🌐 Global Divide. Twelve members voted in favor, with only the UK and Switzerland abstaining, highlighting a significant global divide on the issue.

📜 Diplomatic Dynamics. The US’s lone opposition reflects its stance on achieving Palestinian statehood through direct negotiations with Israel, contrasting with the broader international community’s approach.

France

Paris standoff

🚨 Incident. French police apprehended a man who threatened to detonate himself at Iran’s consulate. Despite his claims, no explosives were found on him.

🔍 Investigation. Initially appearing with a grenade and explosive vest, the suspect was later discovered carrying replicas.

  • His actions echo a previous arson attempt at the same consulate.

🏳️ Motivation. Witnesses reported the man desecrated consulate flags, seeking vengeance for his brother’s death.

  • The incident’s connection to Iran-Israel tensions remains unclear.

India

India’s election heat

Millions of Indians flock to polls in a pivotal election that could redefine the nation’s future.

🗳️ Voting Begins. Millions of Indians are flocking to polls, embarking on a six-week electoral marathon, with almost 970 million citizens casting their votes to decide the fate of 543 parliamentary seats.

📈 Modi’s Momentum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking an unprecedented third term, riding on a wave of Hindu nationalist fervor and promises of economic progress.

  • His Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faces a fragmented opposition, yet most polls hint at another win for Modi’s assertive leadership.

🤝 Opposition’s Ordeal: The alliance, named INDIA, comprising over 20 parties, presents a united front without a clear leader.

Will Modi’s magic spell continue, or will the opposition’s collective force usher in a new era?