The situation in the Middle East continues to escalate, accompanied by harsh statements and military actions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the destruction of the Iranian fleet in the Caspian Sea, emphasizing that Iran currently has neither the capability to enrich uranium nor produce ballistic missiles. He stated that Iran’s attempts to blackmail the international community by potentially closing the Strait of Hormuz will fail, and Israel, in its own way, supports US efforts to keep the strait open. At the same time, Netanyahu noted that Israel only targeted Iranian gas infrastructure and, at the request of US President Donald Trump, is prepared to avoid such actions in the future.
Iran also made harsh statements. The Iranian army announced strikes on the Israeli Ministry of National Security in Jerusalem and the Channel 13 office in Tel Aviv. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran’s response to the Israeli strikes was limited and proportionate, warning that there would be no restraint if attacks on infrastructure continued.
The international reaction is also ongoing. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that both the attacks against Iran and Iran’s retaliatory actions are unacceptable, as they deepen the conflict and threaten regional stability. French President Emmanuel Macron also called for de-escalation, emphasizing that the region is entering a significant religious phase and that tensions must be reduced to allow for negotiated solutions.
Amid this tense backdrop, Iran is also strengthening its internal security measures: 178 people have been arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Israeli intelligence. According to the same source, those arrested provided Israel with the coordinates of Red Crescent centers and checkpoints, as well as photographs of various sites, to help identify potential strike sites.
Overall, the situation remains extremely tense, and international actors continue to call for restraint in an attempt to prevent a large-scale escalation.