The next crisis hotspot: On Thursday night, Israel attacked dozens of targets in Iran. According to reports on Iranian state television, there were several explosions in the capital Tehran that could be heard in different parts of the city. In addition to military facilities, nuclear facilities are also said to have been targeted.

According to Iranian media, this is the most serious attack on Iranian territory since the First Gulf War in the 1980s. The headquarters of the Revolutionary Guards in Tehran was apparently hit particularly hard. According to official reports, a high-ranking commander was also killed: General Hossein Salami, who was considered a central figure in the Iranian security apparatus. His death is seen in Tehran as a serious blow to the political and military establishment.

Imam Khomeini Airport, Tehran’s main international airport, temporarily suspended flight operations. The airport operator confirmed the measure after explosions were reported in the immediate vicinity of the capital.

Iran threatens “decisive retaliation”

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard directly blamed Israel and its international allies, especially the US, for the attack. In an official statement, they called it an “act of aggression” that would not go unanswered. They said Israel would “pay a heavy price.” They spoke of a determined response to defend the country’s sovereignty.

The Iranian leadership sees not only Israel behind the attack, but also a deliberate provocation by the US. In a statement, Washington was described as a “terrorist regime” that supported the attack.

State of emergency in Israel

In response to Iran’s expected retaliation, Israel declared a state of emergency as a precautionary measure. Emergency measures were activated in several parts of the country to prepare for possible missile attacks or retaliatory actions.

The targeted attacks on military command centers and nuclear facilities mark a dangerous escalation in the decades-long conflict between Israel and Iran. International observers warn of uncontrollable reactions in the region that could also have repercussions for the entire Middle East.

Image:
APA