Trump opposed Israeli plan to target Khamenei - Axios

Ali Pakzad, a journalist with the reformist Iranian daily Shargh, has informed his family that he is in detention, the newspaper said on Tuesday.

Pakzad had been out of contact since Monday after heading out to report on the aftermath of an Israeli strike on Iran’s state broadcaster in Tehran. Shargh said the reasons for his detention remain unclear and called for his swift release.

Iran has implemented succession planning across sensitive institutions to ensure continuity even amid high-profile assassinations, Fars News Agency quoted an unnamed senior Iranian official as saying.

“Based on the experience of the Sacred Defense era (Iran-Iraq war 1980–88), the Islamic Republic has made precise decisions and arrangements for managing sensitive and security centers, including succession for up to ten tiers of officials and commanders,” the source was quoted as saying.

“There has been no disruption, and there will not be any, in critical functions due to potential assassinations,” the source added.

The individual, described as a high-level informed official, also said that immediate protective measures have been taken, including restrictions on officials' use of publicly connected communication equipment.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday that Israel is preparing to strike “very significant targets” in Iran, Kan public broadcaster reported.

Speaking to reporters, Katz added that an evacuation warning would be issued ahead of the strikes in Iran.

He said the Fordow nuclear facility is “an issue that will certainly be addressed,” and that Israel is “on the verge of destroying” more than ten nuclear-related targets in Tehran, citing the air force’s aerial superiority.

Iran’s government spokesperson said on Tuesday that there are no issues in the distribution of gasoline, despite public awareness of queues at fuel stations.

The spokesperson acknowledged the existence of lines but emphasized that fuel distribution is being managed effectively and that there is no systemic problem.

Temporary and mobile fuel stations are also under consideration to improve the situation.

Additionally, the spokesperson mentioned that the government is taking a local, community-focused approach to address issues with bakeries and essential goods, ensuring a stable supply chain.

The European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Tuesday called for an urgent de-escalation of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, as missile exchanges have intensified since Friday.

Speaking after a meeting with EU foreign ministers, Kallas stressed the EU’s commitment to diplomacy as the only viable solution to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

"We all agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation. Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, and diplomacy is the solution to prevent this. And the EU will play its part. I also took note of the support of the EU ministers on the European Union and my involvement in the de-escalation. So I will spare no effort in this respect."

Kallas also highlighted concerns over Iran’s accelerated nuclear program, citing the International Atomic Energy Agency’s recent declaration that Tehran breached non-proliferation obligations.

"That is why we also agree that the diplomatic solution is the best way to address Iran's nuclear program in the long run, and Europe stands ready to play its part. Last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations. We cannot be lenient when Iran accelerates its nuclear program."

"Yesterday, we had a call with the E3 ministers, myself, and also the Iranian minister, to see what more we can do to really sit down and de-escalate. As all of us agree, it's a diplomatic solution that is the only one also for the Iran nuclear program."