By News Desk 
The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has now entered its seventh day. Late Wednesday night, Israeli hackers launched a major cyberattack, taking control of several Iranian state-run television channels, including the national broadcaster IRIB. Once hacked, the screens began showing footage from 2022 women-led protests in Iran, where women were seen cutting their hair in defiance of Iran’s strict dress code laws.
The hackers also used the broadcast to call on Iranian citizens to revolt against the regime, urging them to push for a change in government.
Background: The Mahsa Amini Case
The 2022 protests were sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian woman who died in police custody. She had been arrested by Iran’s so-called morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly. Her death ignited widespread outrage and protests across Iran, especially among women. The movement gained international attention, and the European Union posthumously awarded Amini the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, the EU’s highest human rights honor.
Casualty Report So Far
In the last six days of conflict, 639 Iranian civilians have reportedly lost their lives. In Israel, the death toll has reached 24. In terms of injuries, over 1,300 people have been wounded in Iran, while more than 200 have been injured in Israel.
Protests in the U.S. Amid Conflicting Stances
While former U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly given initial approval for a strike on Iran, he has also urged military officials to hold off on final action. Meanwhile, thousands of protesters took to the streets in the U.S., marching in support of Iran and chanting slogans like “Stay away from Iran.”
In New York City, law enforcement intervened to prevent demonstrators from approaching the Israeli Consulate.
Potential Talks: Trump May Meet Iranian Diplomat
According to a report by the New York Times, Iran is seeking diplomatic channels to de-escalate the war. There is speculation that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi might soon meet with Donald Trump for direct talks. However, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has firmly rejected any negotiations with the United States.
Syria’s New Government Remains Silent
Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, Ahmed al-Shara, leader of the HTS (Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham), has taken over as the country’s president. The new Syrian administration has so far remained silent on the Iran-Israel conflict.
Previously, the Assad government was a key ally in Iran’s Axis of Resistance, which also supported Hezbollah in Lebanon. Through this alliance, Iran exerted pressure on Israel and the West, using proxy forces across the region.
Indian Students Return Home via Armenia
In the early hours of Thursday, Indian students studying in Iran arrived in New Delhi via Armenia. They had fled Iran by road, crossing the border into Armenia before taking a flight to India. Their return has offered some relief to families back home amid the escalating tensions.