The exchange of missile strikes between Israel and Iran continued overnight, with Israeli military forces allegedly targeting unspecified infrastructure sites across the Iranian capital, Tehran. In a move purportedly aimed at de-escalation, the Israeli government announced it would refrain from further attacks on the critical South Pars natural gas field, following a request from US President Donald Trump. This decision comes amid growing concerns about the regional conflict expanding beyond the immediate belligerents.
Regional tensions are escalating further. The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait reported Iranian missile attacks early Friday morning, activating air defense systems in both countries. Saudi Arabia claimed to have intercepted a drone in its eastern region, while Bahrain activated air raid sirens. These incidents highlight Iran's alleged attempts to broaden the conflict by targeting regional allies and adversaries of the US-aligned regimes, increasing the risk of a wider Middle Eastern war.
In Lebanon, the situation remains dire. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated calls on Thursday for "a full truce" and "direct negotiations" with Israel. Lebanon was drawn into the regional war on March 2 when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel, prompting heavy Israeli airstrikes and ground incursions that have resulted in over 1,000 fatalities, including two Israeli soldiers. The humanitarian and security crisis in Lebanon underscores the devastating spillover effects of the conflict.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot conducted diplomatic visits to Lebanon and Israel. In Lebanon, he expressed "solidarity with the Lebanese people, who have been dragged into a war they did not choose." His visit to Israel marks the first since France recognized the State of Palestine last year, a move that reportedly angered the Israeli government. Barrot is expected to discuss security, humanitarian issues, and de-escalation prospects with Israeli authorities, though the effectiveness of such mediation remains uncertain given the entrenched positions of the involved parties.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that "Iran is weaker than ever" and vowed to continue strikes "for as long as necessary." The resignation of a top US intelligence official, who alleged that Washington was dragged into the war by Israel, and Trump's statements that the US was not informed about Israeli strikes on South Pars, raise serious questions about the coherence and transparency of the US regime's involvement. Netanyahu insisted, "I misled no one," but the ongoing exchanges suggest a prolonged and volatile conflict with significant geopolitical costs.
Source: www.dw.com