Early on Saturday morning, tensions in the Middle East escalated to unprecedented heights as Israel launched massive airstrikes on military facilities spread across Iran. The strikes, according to both Israeli and Iranian sources, targeted the missile production plants and other military facilities in regions across the country, including Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam.
State-run media in Iran confirmed two soldiers were killed, though the damage was described as “limited,” and there were reports of explosions in the capital and nearby bases. Iran condemned the attacks as a violation of its sovereignty, with officials vowing a “proportional response.”
Airstrikes came in amid growing tensions that started earlier this month when Iran fired a missile barrage on October 1, killing one person in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Israel issued warnings, stating that it would hold Iran “fully responsible” for further escalation. As Israel reassured the international community that no nuclear facilities were targeted, it insisted this was a move to self-defense.
Besides the United States’ key ally, Israel, its report of the plan sent did not involve inclusion of it. American officials clarified what Israeli actions constituted “self-defense” but U.S. leaders advocated restraint on attacks on Iran’s strategic installations while providing alternatives to bomb their sensitive infrastructure. The current region visit by the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted that diplomatic solutions have been required to avoid any more escalation.
Regional responses were swift; Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Egypt have all publicly condemned the attacks as assaults on Iran’s sovereignty. Pakistan’s foreign ministry described Israel’s actions as a dangerous escalation against peace. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani of Iraq slammed Israel’s regional policies, calling for a ceasefire in all impacted areas, such as Gaza and Lebanon.
Meanwhile, the international community appeals for restraint and encourages all actors to keep regional peace and stability first.
