Israel Launches Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Sites
Israel carried out a large-scale airstrike targeting Iran's nuclear facilities and senior military officials early Friday. One of the strikes reportedly killed Hossein Salami, commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), marking a major escalation in already tense Middle East relations.
Iranian state media confirmed explosions in Tehran and released footage of smoke rising over the city. The air raids were the first wave of attacks, completed before dawn by dozens of Israeli fighter jets.
Attack planned in advance, says Israeli source
According to an Israeli security official, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz had approved the attack earlier in the week, scheduling it for Friday. Netanyahu stated that the operation would continue 'as many days as it takes,' while Katz declared a state of emergency and said retaliation from Iran was likely.
U.S. distances itself from the operation
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the U.S. was not involved in the strikes. However, he warned Iran not to retaliate against American troops in the region.
Two U.S. officials confirmed that President Trump had been briefed by Netanyahu earlier in the week. Soon after, the U.S. started relocating some diplomats and military families from the Middle East as a precaution.
Nuclear talks now in doubt
The attack comes just days before the U.S. and Iran were scheduled to meet for another round of nuclear talks. The discussions had already stalled over Iran's refusal to halt uranium enrichment. This latest military escalation is likely to delay or derail any progress.
Markets react to rising tensions
The strikes sent global markets into a tailspin. Oil prices jumped, while U.S. stock futures for all three major indexes dropped Thursday night following the news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Strong demand for the first sales launch of Jumeirah Golf Estates
Dubai, UAE: Wasl, one of Dubai's largest real estate developers, successfully launched the first phase of units at Jumeirah Golf Estates – The Next Chapter, with great demand for the Estate Homes at the Wasl Experience Centre. The Pinewood Estate Homes, featuring skylights and panoramic views exclusive to Jumeirah Golf Estates, attracted significant interest. Corner units with private pools and elevators were particularly popular for their elegance and comfort. This launch marks a major milestone for Jumeirah Golf Estates – The Next Chapter, a master development set to redefine Resort style living in Dubai. Spanning 4.68 million square metres, the project will deliver 12,345 residences across six districts. The initial release included spacious three- and four-bedroom Estate Homes with maid's rooms, ranging from 2,383 to 7,269 square feet. Mohamed Al Bahar, Director of Business Development at Wasl, stated: 'The enthusiastic buyer response to the Pinewood Village District at Jumeirah Golf Estates reaffirms the strong market appetite for premium, family-oriented communities in Dubai. This successful launch is a pivotal first step in bringing to life Wasl's vision for one of its most ambitious masterplans, designed to offer a holistic and lifestyle-driven community experience.' The Pinewood Village district caters to modern families with resort-style amenities like a country club, landscaped green spaces, cycling and jogging tracks and an elevated wellness center. The Estate Homes boast sophisticated designs with stone cladding, glass balustrades, porcelain tile flooring, veneered semi-solid doors, and natural wood-like cladding. The broader masterplan includes 1.5m sqm of green space, a new 18-hole golf course and academy, a five-star Mandarin Oriental resort, an international school, the region's largest tennis stadium, and a state-of-the-art equestrian centre. The development offers easy access to major roads and future connectivity to the Etihad Rail and Dubai Metro. The successful initial sales launch of Jumeirah Golf Estates – The Next Chapter demonstrates significant market interest in thoughtfully designed, integrated communities in Dubai. This positive reception sets a strong precedent for the subsequent phases of this ambitious masterplan, reinforcing Jumeirah Golf Estates' role as a notable destination for contemporary, integrated living in the region. About Wasl Wasl is one of the largest real estate development and management companies in the UAE and an integral part of the Dubai real estate fabric. It was established by the Dubai Real Estate Corporation (DREC) to oversee the management of its assets and grow its real estate portfolio. It operates an extensive portfolio of over 55,000 residential and commercial properties; 35+ hotels and hotel apartments; 5,500 land plots; 4 freehold master developments and 8 golf clubs. Wasl's commitment to delivering high-quality properties that meet the needs of a diverse range of tenants, investors, and visitors has helped establish them as a dominant force in driving socio-economic growth and contributing to the long-term prosperity of Dubai.
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Qatar accelerates push for food production in bid for sustainability
Doha, Qatar: The government is rapidly escalating its efforts to boost local food production and ensure long-term sustainability as part of its ambitious National Food Security Strategy 2030. Recent data from the Ministry of Municipality and Environment signals clear progress, with targets centered on self-sufficiency in vital food categories. Under the 2030 plan, Qatar aims for 55 percent self-reliance in vegetables, 30 percent in red meat, and 80 percent in fish, while achieving 100 percent self-sufficiency in dairy and fresh poultry production. As of 2024, more than 950 productive farms operate nationwide, and the area dedicated to organic farming has doubled. Last year, over 26 million kilograms of local vegetables were marketed by Mahaseel Company—reflecting a 98 percent increase in fresh vegetable output over five years. The livestock sector showed notable gains, including fresh milk with 97 percent, while red meat climbed steadily, and poultry now meets full domestic demand. Qatar's agricultural market is highly dynamic, valued at around $180m in 2025 and projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.5 percent to $235m by 2030. This doubling in output is underpinned by greenhouses, hydroponics, vertical farming, and aquaponics methods championed in government programmes. 'These are outcomes of meticulous strategy, investment in technology, and strong policy frameworks,' said Ibrahim Al‑Marri, a food security expert. 'We have improved self-sufficiency across critical food categories—from greenhouse vegetables to fish and dairy—by integrating modern irrigation, sustainable inputs, and strategic marketing support.' Efforts are being made to reduce groundwater usage. The country plans to cut water use per ton of crops by 40 percent by 2030 and expand treated sewage effluent (TSE) irrigation to 100 percent of fodder lands, up from 27 percent in 2019. 'The adoption of hydroponics, automated irrigation, and soil-less techniques is fundamental.' Al‑Marri said. 'We saw a 20 percent rise in domestic vegetable output in 2023 alone, supplied by smart greenhouses and vertical farms—critical in Qatar's arid climate.' On the other hand, regional collaboration plays a key role. Qatar chaired the GCC Agricultural Cooperation and Food Security Committee, where stakeholders discussed standards for sustainable hydroponic systems and regional food resilience. 'Qatar has also built a resilient food ecosystem that is technologically advanced and environmentally aware,' Al‑Marri stated. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Sharjah 24
an hour ago
- Sharjah 24
Al Nuaimi: 90% of the world's infrastructure is waste
The BUILD360 MEP 2025 conference took place in Dubai, focused on the theme "Build 360 MEP Conference." Organized by the ITP Media Group's MEP Middle East platform, the conference was hosted at the Ritz Carlton Hotel and drew a high-profile audience of leaders, experts, and specialists in engineering, infrastructure, and sustainable technologies. This conference served as a valuable platform for discussing the newest trends and future developments in these fields. It aimed to encourage thinking about sustainability, innovation in construction, and planning smarter cities, all while keeping environmental goals in sight. The Build 360 Conference offered a fantastic chance for collaboration between government and private organizations. It stressed the need to move toward smarter, more sustainable urban models that can adapt to changes in climate and technology. Dr. Al Nuaimi pointed out that while his past talks often centered on climate change and its impacts worldwide, this time he focused on the importance of effective governance in urban planning. He explained that urban planning goes beyond just land distribution and building; it involves a complete system of engineering, infrastructure, housing, sustainability, and government management. He believes that when governments have a long-term vision, engineers and planners can feel confident that their work today can meet future challenges. One alarming point he raised is that the world currently faces a staggering 90% waste in infrastructure, highlighting an urgent need to rethink how we plan and build our cities. He stated, "If almost everything is wasted, we need to fundamentally change how we approach our urban projects to ensure efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability." He discussed five major challenges affecting developing countries, especially as climate change accelerates and urban issues grow. These nations are grappling with problems stemming from rapid population growth and a lack of proper planning over many years. Dr. Al Nuaimi noted that urban overcrowding is a significant issue, not just due to population size but also because of historical shortcomings in urban planning. He referenced United Nations reports indicating that over 75% of the world's urban population lives in crowded areas without adequate infrastructure. He also highlighted the crisis of informal settlements, explaining that more than a billion people worldwide live in unsafe and unhealthy housing, revealing deeply rooted issues in housing systems and urban development. In closing, Dr. Al Nuaimi stressed that sustainability is now a crucial responsibility rather than just an option. He urged for a comprehensive approach in government policies, promoting regional and international cooperation, and embracing innovation in design and construction to build cities that can withstand climate challenges, ensuring a safe and just urban future for everyone. The conference was lively, with participants engaging in deep discussions about sustainability, smart building challenges, innovations in air conditioning and energy efficiency, and how technology and artificial intelligence can enhance construction project management. Special studies on green building certifications like LEED were also presented.
