World leaders on Friday raised concerns over an impending regional crisis following coordinated Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which resulted in the deaths of top Iranian military commanders.
Among those killed in the early morning attacks were Iran’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Mohammad Bagheri, and the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami.
In a swift response, Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles toward Israel, injuring seven people. The Israeli military confirmed widespread attacks, stating, “all of Israel is under fire,” according to CNN.
Iran described the missile barrage as the “beginning” of its “crushing response.” The state news agency, IRNA, reported: “Moments ago, with the launch of hundreds of various ballistic missiles toward the occupied territories, the operation of decisive response to the savage attack of the Zionist regime has begun.”
The hostilities triggered airspace closures in several countries across the Middle East, including Iran, Israel, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan. Multiple international airlines canceled or rerouted flights over security concerns.
Israel also temporarily shut down its embassies worldwide and advised citizens abroad to avoid disclosing their identities or travel plans.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the airstrikes, saying they targeted nuclear facilities, ballistic missile infrastructure, and key figures in Iran’s weapons programme under a military operation dubbed Operation Rising Lion.
“This operation struck at the core of Iran’s nuclear and missile programme,” Netanyahu stated, describing the strikes as a “necessary step” to safeguard Israeli security.
The escalation has sparked global diplomatic responses, with the United Nations, United States, European Union, and other world powers calling for restraint to avoid a full-scale war.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a “descent into deeper conflict” and urged both nations to “exercise maximum restraint.”
US President Donald Trump said he was briefed before the attacks and reiterated America’s support for Israel while expressing hope that Iran would return to the negotiating table. “Iran must not have a nuclear bomb. But we also want peace,” he said.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer appealed for calm, saying, “Escalation serves no one.”
Russia strongly condemned the airstrikes. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the attacks “unacceptable,” while the Russian Embassy in Tel Aviv urged its citizens to leave Israel immediately.
China warned of “severe consequences” from continued aggression, and French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for “maximum restraint.” “Israel has a right to defend itself, but not at the cost of regional stability,” Macron said.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also condemned the Israeli offensive, accusing Prime Minister Netanyahu of violating international law. “The world must stop this lawlessness that threatens global peace,” Erdogan said.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and Hezbollah, a key Iranian ally, also reacted. Hezbollah described the Israeli strikes as “brutal aggression.”
The renewed tensions come months after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which triggered a broader regional crisis involving Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen.
As hostilities intensify, global powers are racing to prevent a larger conflict that could engulf the entire Middle East.
Do you have a story to share? Want to advertise with us? Or perhaps you need publicity for a product, service, or event?
Contact us:WhatsApp: +2348165713606 Email: nationalreports001@gmail.com
We'd love to hear from you!"
