Global flashpoints: Iran, Jordan, and Europe's protests
Iran threatens US diplomats; Jordan mourns nine killed in church attack; Europe sees mass protests and riots.
Global flashpoints: Iran, Jordan, and Europe's protests — A survivor, Saed al-Halaseh, described three masked gunmen firing indiscriminately at mourners gathered for a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, then returning to shoot the wounded again. The death toll rose to nine on Saturday, with nearly 40 others wounded. King Abdullah II directed authorities to respond with an iron fist against what he called the outlaws of Islam. [^1] Two senior Iranian officials, including a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, confirmed to the New York Times that Iran is preparing to target American diplomats and government officials. The two said that Israel and the US have killed dozens of senior Iranian figures and some of their family members, making Americans "legitimate targets." [^2] Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned in an op-ed that new attacks will put civilian lives and the global economy at great risk. [^3] Separately, Iran has submitted a proposal to the US, via Pakistan, to open the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for removing the American naval blockade on its ports. Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, confirmed the proposal was conveyed during visits to Tehran by the commander of the Pakistani army. [^4] In Europe, 100 people were arrested in Barcelona on Saturday evening after hooded demonstrators looted shops and set fires. Interior minister Núria Parlon said around 25% of those arrested were minors. [^5] In Italy, thousands protested the government of Giorgia Meloni; nine people were arrested and 371 were detained or brought to police stations. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi warned that the government would respond decisively to violence. [^6] Bulgarian citizens are voting today in the country's presidential elections. A poll by Alpha Research gives acting president Iliana Iotova 41% compared to 28% for former interim prime minister Andrey Gyurov. A question lingers: Will Iran's dual track of diplomacy and threats—the Hormuz proposal alongside the targeting of US diplomats—find any coherent American response before the midterm elections? [^2][^4] Three days out: Rabbinic revolt, last-min