Israel Strikes Iran in Retaliation
Escalation Raises Fears of Wider Regional Conflict
A direct military exchange between Israel and Iran has begun, dramatically increasing tensions in the Middle East. The strikes, confirmed by Iranian state media, represent a significant escalation after weeks of simmering conflict over Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence.
Key Developments
Iranian state media reported that strikes conducted by Israel targeted a headquarters belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, setting it ablaze. Hossein Salami, commander of the Revolutionary Guard, was reportedly killed in the attacks, along with at least one other top Guard official and two nuclear scientists. Details remain scarce and unconfirmed.
In response, Iran suspended all flights at Tehran’s Imam Khomeni airport as reports of explosions surfaced across the capital. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the closure of schools nationwide on Friday, anticipating a retaliatory missile and drone strike from Tehran.
“Following the pre-emptive strike by the State of Israel against Iran, a missile and UAV [drone] attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate time frame.”
—Israel Katz, Defence Minister
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the action, stating it was a “targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat.” He added that attacks would continue “for as many days at it takes to remove this threat,” citing decades of what he described as Iran’s “brazenly, openly called for Israel’s destruction.”
Netanyahu also claimed Iran possesses enough enriched uranium to construct 15 nuclear weapons within days, and thanked US President Donald Trump for his support. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile was approximately 2,788.6 kilograms as of February 2024, exceeding the limit set in the 2015 nuclear deal. IAEA Report (February 2024)
International Response
The United States, while stating it was not involved in the strikes, urged Tehran to avoid targeting American interests or personnel in the region. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the US priority is protecting American forces. Earlier, President Trump had warned of a “massive conflict” following Iran’s expansion of its nuclear enrichment efforts.
Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, expressed alarm over the strikes, stating they “risk further destabilising a region that is already volatile.” She called on all parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy, while noting the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program.
Crude oil prices surged more than $US3 a barrel following news of the attacks, reflecting market concerns about potential disruptions to supply. The situation remains highly fluid, with the possibility of further escalation looming large.
