The Middle East is teetering on the brink of an all-out war, as tensions between Israel and Iran reach a fever pitch. Following Israel’s ‘precise strikes’ on Iranian military targets, the US has issued a strong warning to Iran against retaliation, while Tehran has vowed to defend itself.
Here are the key developments:
US Support for Israel: The US has unequivocally reiterated its support for Israel, urging Iran to refrain from any retaliatory action. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that the US is prepared to defend its forces and facilities in the region. “I emphasized that the United States is well postured to defend U.S. forces and facilities across the region and made clear that Iran should not make the mistake of responding to Israel’s strikes, which should mark the end of this exchange,” Austin said in a post on X.
Iran’s Warning: Iran has asserted its right to defend itself against Israeli attacks and warned of a robust retaliation. While condemning the strikes, Iran has also accused Israel of using Iraqi airspace in its attack on Tehran.
Hezbollah’s Response: Lebanon’s Hezbollah, a close ally of Iran, has launched a volley of rockets targeting five residential areas in northern Israel, claiming this action is in retaliation for Israel’s strikes on Iran.
White House Confirmation: The White House confirmed that it was informed beforehand about Israel’s retaliatory strikes, which were launched in response to an Iranian ballistic missile attack earlier this month.
First-Ever Open Attack: This marked the first time Israel has openly attacked Iran, targeting military sites in a direct escalation of the conflict.
Casualties: Four Iranian air defence soldiers were killed in the Israeli airstrikes, further fueling tensions between the two nations.
Biden’s Hope: US President Joe Biden expressed hope that the Israeli strikes on Iran mark the end of the escalation, stating that the strikes were limited to military targets. “It looks like they didn’t hit anything other than military targets. My hope is this is the end,” Biden told media.
Israeli Restrictions Eased: Amid ongoing rocket fire from Lebanon and despite the attack on Iran, the Israeli military is easing restrictions for residents in parts of northern Israel.
UN Condemnation: UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned all acts of violence escalating the situation in the Middle East and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
10- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemns all acts escalating violence in the Middle East and says they must stop immediately.
