As regional tensions between Israel and Iran reach a boiling point, Iranian leaders have declared Tel Aviv as the central battleground in a fierce exchange of threats and military actions. This bold declaration follows an Israeli strike near Iran’s embassy in Damascus earlier this month, which resulted in the deaths of several top Iranian military officials, including two senior members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The Iranian strike, a retaliatory move, involved a barrage of missiles and drones, primarily launched from Iranian territory. Despite this aggressive action, damage in Israel was relatively modest due to the interception of most threats by the Iron Dome defense system, with the support of the US, Britain, and Jordan.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, promised that Israel would “regret this crime” and be “punished.” Similarly, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Iranian army chief of staff, warned of a “much larger response” if Israel retaliates, and ominously cautioned the United States that its bases could also be targets if it supported Israeli counteractions.
Amid the escalating situation, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has issued a security alert to government employees and their families, restricting personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas. The alert underscored the unpredictability of the security environment and the need for heightened personal security awareness.
The United States has communicated to Iran that it had no involvement in the strike in Syria, with White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre warning Tehran not to escalate further or attack U.S. facilities or personnel.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council convened to discuss the situation, with Secretary-General António Guterres emphasizing the critical need to avoid any actions that could lead to major military confrontations in the Middle East. The U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood has urged the Council to “unequivocally condemn Iran’s aggressive actions” and promised to pursue additional measures to hold Iran accountable.
Global powers and regional states alike have called for restraint. Russian envoy Vasily Alekseyevich Nebenzya noted the diplomatic inconsistency displayed by some member states in their responses to the conflict. France and the UK, without addressing the April 1 attack on the Iranian diplomatic premises, condemned Tehran’s assault and warned of its destabilizing effects.
On the home front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged a “significant response” while expressing that the military campaign is not yet over. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed these sentiments, signaling that Israel must be ready for all scenarios. Israeli representative to the U.N., Gilad Erdan, called on the council to take action, describing Iran as “the world’s worst human rights violator.”
The war in Gaza, which has been ongoing for six months and was triggered by an attack by the Iran-backed Hamas group, has exacerbated the tension in the region, affecting the global community as well. The crisis has also drawn in Iran-aligned groups in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq. In response to the recent developments, Hezbollah, Iran’s staunch ally in Lebanon, has reportedly launched rockets at an Israeli base. Israel has stated that it retaliated by striking a Hezbollah site within Lebanon.
Relevant articles:
– Iranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’
– U.S. restricts employees’ travel as Iran vows revenge on Israel The Washington Post, Fri, 12 Apr 2024 13:24:00 GMT
– Israel vows to respond to Iran attack, weighs next steps during ‘significant 24-hour period’ NBC News, Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:33:00 GMT
– Iran Warns Israel against Retaliation, Global Powers Urge Restraint Asharq Al-awsat – English, Sat, 13 Apr 2024 20:27:22 GMT