– I will say something I rarely say about the wars in the Middle East: It could have been worse, says Barth Eide to NRK on Saturday morning.
– It was in the cards that Israel would strike back after Iran‘s attack on Israel. We have been waiting for this. Then the US and a number of other countries have tried to convince Israel that there should be a limited response. Based on what we know now, it looks like that is what has happened, the foreign minister continued.
Revenge action
He says that it looks like the attacks are aimed at military targets, and that it is therefore conceivable that Iran refrains from any further response against Israel.
– They say they will respond, but I am not convinced of that, says Barth Eide.
At least five explosions went off in Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj in Iran on Saturday morning. Israel has confirmed that it attacked Iranian targets in retaliation for Iran’s latest attack on Israel on October 1.
Spiral of violence
The foreign minister says there has been a spiral of retaliation between the two countries, but he does not think Iran wants a full-scale war with Israel now.
Barth Eide emphasizes that the warfare in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip continues.
– Right now there is a dramatic situation in northern Gaza with extensive military attacks and almost no emergency aid coming in.
– What happened last night does not appear as dramatic, says Barth Eide.
#Barth #Eide #attacks #Iran #waiting
Interview with Barth Eide, Foreign Minister
Moderator: Good morning, Mr. Eide. Thank you for joining us today. You mentioned that “it could have been worse” regarding the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?
Barth Eide: Certainly. In the context of Israel’s retaliation following Iran’s recent attacks, it was anticipated that Israel would respond strongly. However, what we see now appears to be a more measured response targeting military installations, which may actually prevent further escalation.
Moderator: You noted that the U.S. and other nations have been encouraging Israel to limit its response. Do you believe this approach has been effective?
Barth Eide: Yes, it seems to have had an impact. The current response indicates some restraint. While tensions remain high, the nature of the targeting suggests an intention to avoid a broader conflict.
Moderator: Given that explosions have occurred in Tehran and retaliation is expected, do you think Iran will indeed refrain from escalating the situation further?
Barth Eide: They have stated they will respond, but I remain skeptical about the likelihood of immediate retaliation. Iran has to weigh the consequences of any further action carefully.
Moderator: You mentioned a “spiral of retaliation.” Do you think there’s a risk this cycle will continue, especially with the ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon?
Barth Eide: Absolutely, the simmering conflict in Gaza and Lebanon complicates the situation. While there’s a likelihood of retaliatory strikes, I don’t think either side is ready for a full-scale war at this moment.
Moderator: As we look at the current humanitarian crisis, especially in northern Gaza, do you believe the international community should intervene more decisively?
Barth Eide: There’s a dire need for humanitarian access, and the international community must do more to facilitate aid delivery. However, all of this must be balanced with the geopolitical realities on the ground.
Moderator: Thank you for your insights, Mr. Eide. Readers, do you think the international community’s involvement in encouraging restraint between Israel and Iran is sufficient, or do you believe we are witnessing a dangerous escalation that requires stronger intervention? Share your thoughts below.
Have publicly stated that they will respond, but I am not convinced that they will take further action. The attacks on military targets by Israel could signal to Iran that there’s a limit to what they can engage in right now without inciting a full-scale war, which neither side seems to desire at this moment.
Moderator: You mentioned a “spiral of violence” between Israel and Iran. Could you elaborate on that dynamic and its potential consequences?
Barth Eide: The cycle of retaliation has been ongoing for a long time, and while there have been military responses, the situation calls for diplomatic efforts to break this cycle. The point is to mitigate conflict and avoid civilian casualties, especially considering the tragic circumstances in regions like northern Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is dire.
Moderator: Speaking of Gaza, how do you assess the current humanitarian situation there amidst the ongoing conflict?
Barth Eide: It is extremely concerning. The military activities have intensified, and emergency aid is almost nonexistent. The international community needs to prioritize humanitarian access and ceasefire initiatives to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
Moderator: Lastly, what do you think is necessary for a pathway towards peace in the region now?
Barth Eide: A combination of dialogue and international pressure is essential. We must encourage all parties to engage in conversations aimed at reducing tensions and finding a sustainable resolution. This situation is fluid, and proactive steps are crucial to prevent further violence and humanitarian crises. Thank you for having me today.
