Explosions are being reported in Tehran and other parts of Iran. Israel speaks of a “preventive strike,” while US President Trump refers to the start of “major combat operations.” According to Israeli sources, Tehran has launched a counterattack. ZDF correspondents in Washington, Istanbul, and Tel Aviv, as well as Iran expert [CEP Senior Director] Hans-Jakob Schindler, assess the current situation. 

[CEP Senior Director] Terrorism expert Hans‑Jakob Schindler questions the likelihood of regime change in Tehran, noting that Iran’s political system is made up of interconnected power centers capable of functioning even if one is removed. He also expresses little confidence in the opposition or the people in general, pointing out that they remain unarmed.

[CEP Senior Director] Terrorism expert Hans-Jakob Schindler analyzes the Geneva negotiations on Iran: The US is not taking a clear stance, and Israel may prefer a preemptive strike. “The danger of a conflagration remains,” says Schindler.

The US and Iran are currently negotiating the controversial Iranian nuclear program in Geneva. The US has probably abandoned the idea of regime change, says Hans Jakob Schindler from the think tank Counter Extremism Project.

The US and Iran are currently negotiating the controversial Iranian nuclear program in Geneva. The US has probably abandoned the idea of regime change, says Hans Jakob Schindler from the think tank Counter Extremism Project.

Hans-Jakob Schindler analyzes the Geneva negotiations on Iran: The US is not taking a clear stance, and Israel may prefer a preemptive strike. “The danger of a conflagration remains,” says Hans-Jakob Schindler, terrorism expert, on WELT TV.

In fact, the regime has long been using the conflict with the US for propaganda purposes to strengthen its own position. "The Iranian regime wants to send two messages. Domestically: 'We are strong.' And internationally: 'We can also defend ourselves,'" Middle East expert Hans-Jakob Schindler, director of the Counter Extremism Project, recently explained in an interview with this newsroom.

Counter Extremism Project's Senior Director Dr. Hans-Jakob Schindler discusses the ongoing and developing situation in Iran.
 

Iran fires missiles at the Strait of Hormuz during a military exercise, blocking the central oil export route. Negotiations with the US remain inconclusive. “The Iranians will have difficulty blocking the straits in a real emergency,” says Middle East expert Hans-Jakob Schindler.

What happens now? How likely is it that the US will attack Iran? Barbara Parente discusses this live on ZDFheute with ZDF correspondents David Sauer in Washington and Phoebe Gaa in Tehran, as well as Middle East expert [CEP Senior Director] Hans-Jakob Schindler.