For two nights now, many of us have been following the developments between Israel and Iran. If it really happens, this may be named the Twitter war. Once, we were following CNN live during the first Gulf War. Now, it’s Twitter time.
The current tension between Israel and Iran is centered around recent events, specifically Israel’s attack on Iran’s embassy in Damascus, Syria. The attack resulted in the death of at least seven officials, including two high-ranking members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad Reza Zahedi and Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi[1]. Iran has vowed to retaliate, accusing Israel of bombing its embassy complex in Damascus[1]. The attack has led to heightened tensions and fears of a potential escalation, particularly amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza[2].
Iran has accused Israel of authoring the attack, with Tehran warning of a ‘serious response'[1]. The powerful Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has also condemned the strike[1]. The Israeli military has not commented on the attack, but the IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari has stated that the target struck was a ‘military building of Quds forces'[1].
Iran’s response to the attack remains uncertain, with Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian reportedly conveying caution to the US during his visit to Oman[2]. Many analysts believe Iran is attempting to sidestep direct confrontation with Israel, potentially to divert attention from Israel’s ongoing assault in Gaza, which has garnered significant international scrutiny[2].
Israel has been targeting Iran-linked targets in Syria for years as Tehran deepened its military presence in the country[3]. The attack on the Iranian diplomatic facility in Damascus earlier this month was seen as particularly bold and has heightened tensions in the Middle East[3]. Fears of a full-blown regional war have arisen, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza[3].
The United States has warned Iran against attacking Israel and pledged its support for its ally[3]. US President Joe Biden has stated, ‘Our commitment to Israel’s security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad'[3]. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has spoken with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, reiterating the US’s support for Israel’s security[3].
The situation is closely monitored by various countries, including Germany, India, France, Poland, and Russia, which have issued travel warnings for citizens in Iran and suspended flights to the region[5]. Israel has reportedly shuttered 28 embassies worldwide as a precautionary measure[4].
Citations:
[1] https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/02/middleeast/iran-response-israel-damascus-consulate-attack-intl-hnk/index.html
[2] https://www.dw.com/en/iranian-embassy-attack-has-israel-middle-east-on-edge/a-68726461
[3] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/11/tensions-rise-amid-expectations-of-iran-retaliation-against-israel
[4] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/8/how-will-iran-respond-to-israels-attack-on-its-damascus-consulate
[5] https://www.iranintl.com/en/202404134156
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmGuJQGPyIc
[7] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-iran-hamas-war-us-travel-warning-middle-east-conflict/
[8] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/12/disastrous-israel-iran-tensions-test-limits-of-us-policy-amid-gaza-war
[9] https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-says-its-on-high-alert-for-iranian-attack-as-world-warns-tehran-of-consequences/
[10] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-13/israel-versus-iran-what-an-open-war-between-them-could-look-like
[11] https://www.npr.org/2024/04/12/1244281886/iran-israel-relations-enemies-gaza-war
[12] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm7yrMw_ihw
[13] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/13/biden-white-house-israel-iran-tension
[14] https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/13/iran-israel-hamas-war-news-gaza-palestine/
[15] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/12/france-india-russia-uk-issue-travel-warnings-over-israel-iran-tensions
[16] https://apnews.com/article/strait-of-hormuz-vessel-33fcffde2d867380e98c89403776a8ac
[17] https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/iran-cargo-ship-seized-1.7173115
[18] https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/apr/12/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-updates-today-war-gaza-palestine-benjamin-netanyahu-iran-strikes
[19] https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/04/13/world/israel-iran-gaza-war-news
[20] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/4/13/israels-war-on-gaza-live-5-dead-dozens-injured-in-gaza-city-attack
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