Israel, US attacks on Iran fuel tensions in region

Israel launched a "preemptive" strike against Iran on Saturday, igniting renewed military tensions in the Middle East. Experts said the attack further diminishes prospects for a diplomatic resolution to the long-standing nuclear dispute between Tehran and the West.

The attack, coming after Israel and Iran engaged in a 12-day conflict last June, follows repeated US-Israeli threats that they would strike again under the pretext of Iran's nuclear enrichment and its ballistic missile program.

Tehran has long maintained that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only, while Iran's state media said the country is preparing for a "a crushing response" to the attacks, according to a CNN report.

Witnesses in Iran reported a large explosion, though there was no immediate comment from the government about the blast.

"The State of Israel launched a preemptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel," said Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, declaring an "immediate state of emergency throughout the entire country".

Sirens sound across Israel, while the Israeli military warned civilians to stay close to bomb shelters.

An Israeli defense official said the operation had been planned for months in coordination with Washington, and that the launch date was decided weeks ago.

United States President Donald Trump described the attack as "massive and ongoing", advocating for regime change and calling on Iranians to "take over your government", the report said.

Sun Degang, director of Fudan University's Center for Middle Eastern Studies in Shanghai, said the Israel-US attack on Iran may signify the beginning of a full-scale conflict.

"Mirroring last year's events, Israel launched strikes during ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran," Sun said.

"This time, Iran's determination to retaliate is expected to be significantly greater, potentially leading to the mobilization of its full capabilities to counter both US and Israeli actions. Consequently, a forceful response from Iran is likely, possibly escalating into wider conflict as a means of deterrence."

Sun said that the initial three rounds of negotiations between Iran and the US appear to have been a delaying tactic, providing cover for US and Israeli military deployments.

"The US and Israel, seeking a pretext for military action against Iran, used the talks to enable the deployment of two US aircraft carriers to the Middle East," he added.

"With the carriers now in position, a coordinated offensive against Iran has purportedly begun, with Israel emphasizing the unified US-Israel front to deter Iran from limiting its retaliation. The strategy aims to fully involve the US in the conflict, forcing Iran into a strategically unfavorable confrontation against two adversaries.

"Given the present context, a key objective for Iran likely involves retaliatory action against Israel. This could extend beyond military targets to encompass specific civilian facilities, such as power plants and refineries, potentially aimed at deterring follow-on strikes from Israel and the US."

Sun went on to say that, facing the perceived threat of regime change, Iran has proactively developed contingency plans, which include arrangements sanctioned by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for collective leadership and designated successors in the event of an emergency.

"Iran's preparations are more comprehensive than last year, suggesting that, in the short term, its command, control, intelligence and defense systems are unlikely to be significantly disrupted," he added.

"The ongoing tensions between the US, Israel and Iran pose a significant risk of regional escalation. While most Middle Eastern nations, particularly those bordering Iran, prioritize their own stability and are hesitant to be drawn into the conflict, but the region's overall peace and stability remain profoundly precarious."

Contact the writers at liujianqiao@chinadaily.com.cn