Iran – The Israeli army spokesman announced the start of the attack on Iran, and in parallel, several explosions were heard in the capital, Tehran.
The Israeli army confirmed that it is currently attacking military targets in Iran in a precisely directed manner, and that its forces are on alert offensively and defensively, and that it is following developments from Iran and its agents, as it put it.
He added that he was bombing military targets in Iran in accordance with the directives of the political leadership, indicating that there was no change in the instructions of the home front.
Israeli Army Radio quoted Israeli officials as saying that an official Israeli announcement will be issued soon regarding the attack on Iran.
A Pentagon official told Al Jazeera that there is no change in the deployment of American forces in the region, and that the F-16 fighter squadron that arrived in the region “comes in the context of protecting our forces and defending Israel.”
Earlier, an Al Jazeera correspondent and Iranian media reported that three successive explosions were heard west of the capital, Tehran. Iranian media reported that the causes are not yet known.
Axios quoted two sources as saying that Israel launched air strikes in Iran.
Fox News also quoted a source that Israel began its attack against Iran to send a message of deterrence.
The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation and Israel Radio also quoted official Israeli sources as saying that Israel had begun an attack on Iran.
The director of Al Jazeera’s office in Dhahran said that some media outlets reported six explosions, but what is certain so far is that at least three explosions were heard.
He said that some unofficial media reported that the explosions heard tonight in Tehran may have been due to the activation of anti-aircraft missiles, especially in the east of the capital, Tehran.
In turn, the Iranian Fars News Agency reported that several explosions were heard in the capital, Tehran.
The Iranian Mehr News Agency also confirmed that several explosions were heard in the capital, Tehran.
A senior American military official told Al Jazeera that they are aware of reports of explosions in Iran, and are following the situation closely.
Simultaneously, the official Syrian news agency said that air defenses were confronting enemy targets in the sky of the capital, Damascus.
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Interview with Dr. Sarah Klein, Middle East Security Analyst
Host: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Klein. As we delve into the recent escalation between Israel and Iran, can you share your insights on the current situation, particularly the Israeli military’s actions in Iran?
Dr. Klein: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The situation has reached a critical point. The Israeli army has officially announced an ongoing operation targeting military installations within Iran. This is a significant escalation, marking one of the few occasions where Israel has directly engaged in military action against Iranian territory. Reports confirm that explosions were heard in Tehran, indicating that these strikes are likely precise and focused on critical military assets, as claimed by Israeli officials [3[3[3[3[3[3[3[3].
Host: Given this direct attack, what triggered this response from Israel?
Dr. Klein: The catalyst for this military operation seems to stem from a series of aggressive actions by both sides. Most notably, Iran recently launched a substantial missile and drone attack on Israel, which they called a reprisal for previous Israeli strikes, including targeted operations against Iranian interests in Syria [1[1[1[1[1[1[1[1]. The Israeli government likely determined that a robust and immediate response was necessary to deter further Iranian assaults and to assert its military capabilities.
Host: How is Israel handling its military readiness amid this ongoing conflict?
Dr. Klein: The Israeli forces are reportedly on high alert, both offensively and defensively, which is a standard protocol during times of heightened tension. The military is closely monitoring developments not just within Iran, but also regarding Iranian proxies in the region, which could potentially retaliate or escalate the conflict further [2[2[2[2[2[2[2[2]. Interestingly, the Israeli Army Radio has indicated that an official statement regarding the attack is forthcoming, which suggests a coordinated information strategy on their part amid the chaos.
Host: With these developments, what implications do you foresee for regional stability?
Dr. Klein: This escalation certainly poses a risk to regional stability. A direct conflict between Israel and Iran may embolden further proxy actions and retaliatory strikes throughout the region. Additionally, we might see shifts in alliances and escalatory responses from allies of both nations. The situation remains fluid, and the prospects for a quick resolution seem slim, which could lead to a prolonged military engagement.
Host: Thank you, Dr. Klein, for your insights on this pressing issue.
Dr. Klein: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical moment in Middle Eastern politics that we will all need to watch closely.
Interview with Dr. Sarah Klein, Middle East Security Analyst
Host: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Klein. As we delve into the recent escalation between Israel and Iran, can you share your insights on the current situation, particularly the Israeli military’s actions in Iran?
Dr. Klein: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The situation has reached a critical point. The Israeli army has officially announced an ongoing operation targeting military installations within Iran. This is a significant escalation, marking one of the few occasions where Israel has directly engaged in military action against Iranian territory. Reports confirm that explosions were heard in Tehran, indicating that these strikes are likely precise and focused on critical military assets, as claimed by Israeli officials [1[1].
Host: Given this direct attack, what triggered this response from Israel?
Dr. Klein: The catalyst for this military operation stems from a series of aggressive actions by both sides. Most notably, Iran recently launched a substantial missile and drone attack on Israel, which they characterized as a reprisal for prior Israeli strikes, including targeted operations against Iranian interests in Syria [2[2]. The Israeli government likely determined that a robust and immediate response was necessary to deter further Iranian assaults and to maintain their national security.
Host: What can we expect in terms of the international response, particularly from the United States, given their long-standing relationship with Israel?
Dr. Klein: The United States has indicated that there is no change in the deployment of its forces in the region, maintaining a protective posture towards Israel [1[1]. Washington is closely monitoring the situation, which suggests that while they support Israel’s right to defend itself, they may also be concerned about the broader implications of an escalating conflict in the Middle East. The balancing act here will be critical in avoiding further regional instability.
Host: How do you see this escalation affecting the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East?
Dr. Klein: This attack could significantly alter the dynamics of the Middle East. An intensified conflict between Israel and Iran could embolden Iranian allies in the region, potentially leading to a wider conflict involving groups like Hezbollah or the Houthis in Yemen. Moreover, it may push Iran to retaliate in unconventional ways, such as cyber attacks or proxy warfare, increasing tensions even further[3[3]. The next few weeks will be crucial as both sides navigate this high-stakes situation.
Host: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Klein. We appreciate you sharing your expertise on this rapidly evolving situation.
