The Middle East has plunged into chaos as Iran retaliated against the recent US-Israeli airstrikes, with reports of explosions and casualties emerging from various countries in the region.
In a statement, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev described the Iranian response as a demonstration of its assertiveness in the face of US-Israeli aggression. He claimed that all negotiations with Iran had been a facade, with no intention of reaching a meaningful agreement. Medvedev also pointed out the historical disparity between the US and Iran, highlighting that the US was barely 249 years old, while the Persian Empire had been established over 2,500 years ago.
The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, responded by stating that their military was prepared for any eventuality, while the Russian Foreign Ministry called for an immediate resolution through diplomatic and political means.
The situation took a turn for the worse as reports emerged of a missile attack on the Mafraq airbase in Jordan, with the US military being targeted, and explosions also being heard in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. The Israeli military claimed to have struck hundreds of Iranian military targets, including missile launchers, in western Iran during the airstrikes.
In Pakistan, the increased tensions in the Middle East led to a shortage of petroleum products, highlighting the fragility of the region’s economy. The Israeli military also announced that it had targeted several Iranian military targets in western Iran, including missile launchers, during the airstrikes.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry condemned the Iranian response and called for a change in government, while the European Union urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to reduce tensions and engage in immediate dialogue. The US and Israel launched a massive airstrike on Iranian targets, with the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reportedly absent from public view.
Iran’s exiled prince, Reza Pahlavi, called on the Iranian people to take to the streets again, signaling the start of a new wave of protests. Reports also emerged of explosions in Bahrain’s capital, Manama, and the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that the operation against Iran was aimed at eliminating the Iranian regime’s threat.
In a warning to the Iranian military, former US President Donald Trump stated that they had two options: surrender and receive favorable treatment or face certain death. The situation in the Middle East remains volatile, with the US and Israel continuing to launch airstrikes on Iranian targets, and Iran retaliating with missile attacks.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community is calling for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the crisis. However, with the escalation of violence, it remains to be seen whether a peaceful outcome is possible.
