What is the story about?
The United States and Israel initiated military operations against Iran on Saturday, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. The first strike
reportedly targeted locations near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Iranian media reporting widespread strikes across the country. In a video statement, President Donald Trump announced the commencement of what he termed 'major combat operations in Iran,' asserting that the nation continues to advance its nuclear program and missile capabilities aimed at the U.S.
Khamenei's Location Remains Unclear
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, has not been publicly seen in the days leading up to the strikes and remains unaccounted for following the attacks. During a previous conflict, he was believed to have been relocated to a secure site away from his Tehran residence.Qatar Reports Successful Defense Against Iranian Attacks
The Defense Ministry of Qatar announced that its military successfully repelled a second wave of Iranian attacks aimed at various locations within the nation. The Qatari Foreign Ministry condemned these actions as a serious violation of its sovereignty, emphasizing Qatar's longstanding calls for dialogue with Iran.Officials stated that the aggression from Iran cannot be justified, given Qatar's efforts to maintain neutrality in regional disputes.
Airspace Closures and Flight Disruptions
On Saturday, Syria's civil aviation authority declared the closure of its southern airspace. Major airlines, including Lufthansa and Qatar Airways, have canceled flights to Lebanon due to the escalating conflict.Emirates Airlines reported disruptions to several of its flights as a result of the airspace closure in the United Arab Emirates, urging passengers to verify their flight statuses online.
Continued Military Operations Anticipated
A source familiar with military planning indicated that the coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes were months in the making and are expected to persist over the coming days.Fatalities Reported from Airstrikes
Iranian authorities confirmed that airstrikes by U.S. and Israeli forces resulted in the deaths of five students at a girls' school in southern Iran, marking the first reported casualties of the ongoing military campaign.The state-run IRNA news agency reported that the attack occurred in Minab, Hormozgan province, where the Revolutionary Guard maintains a presence.
Casualties in Israel and Iranian Retaliation
In Israel, one individual sustained minor injuries from debris in northern Israel, where an apartment building was reportedly hit. The nature of the impact remains unclear.In response to the U.S.-Israeli strikes, Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have targeted several military sites in the region, including U.S. facilities in Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE, as part of their retaliation.
International Reactions and Concerns
Bahrain's ambassador to the U.S. condemned the attacks on its territory as a blatant violation of sovereignty, asserting Bahrain's right to respond to such aggression.Qatar Airways announced the temporary suspension of flights due to the airspace closure, while Turkish Airlines also halted flights to several Middle Eastern countries amid rising tensions.
Iran's Threats and Military Readiness
Iran's military has vowed to respond decisively to the attacks, with officials warning that the nation is prepared for further conflict. The Supreme National Security Council confirmed that Iranian forces have begun a strong retaliation against perceived aggressors.Implications for Global Security and Energy Markets
Experts warn that the ongoing conflict could lead to broader regional instability and increased energy prices. Ali Vaez from the Crisis Group noted that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil shipments, could have significant economic repercussions.The European Union's foreign policy chief described the situation as perilous, emphasizing the threat posed by Iran's military capabilities to global security.
