In a major escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, Iran has launched a direct attack on Israel, marking the first time the two adversaries have engaged in such overt military confrontation. The retaliatory strike, which Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has dubbed “True Promise,” came in response to an earlier Israeli operation that targeted the Iranian consulate in Syria, killing several senior IRGC officers.
The attack, which involved the launching of around 300 explosive drones and missiles, struck various locations across Israel, causing widespread alarms and reports of critical injuries, including to a 7-year-old girl. The assault has sent shockwaves throughout the region, prompting concerns about a potential outbreak of a wider conflict.
Reacting to the crisis, India has urged for “immediate de-escalation” and a return to diplomatic negotiations. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed grave concern over the escalation, highlighting the threat it poses to regional peace and security.
“We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region[…]It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region,” the MEA said.
Through its embassy in Israel, India has also advised its nationals in the area to remain vigilant and stay calm amid the heightened tensions.
The United States, which maintains a significant military presence in the Middle East, is reportedly mobilizing additional forces towards the region in response to the situation. Iran, on the other hand, has warned that if Israel were to retaliate or escalate further, the Islamic Republic would unleash a “considerably more severe” response.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has asserted that his country had anticipated such direct confrontations and is prepared to respond “both defensively and offensively.”
As the situation remains tense, with the potential for wider regional instability, global powers are closely monitoring the developments and assessing their next moves in this volatile geopolitical landscape.
