US and Israel Launch Coordinated Strikes on Iran Amid Escalating Tensions
In an unprecedented move that marks a new phase in global escalation, the United States and Israel have launched a series of coordinated strikes on Iran. The strikes, known as Operation Epic Fury,
are a response to perceived threats from Iran's nuclear and missile programs. This military action signifies a shift from proxy exchanges and shadow operations to direct state-on-state confrontation, marking the most significant US-Israeli strike on Iran since last year's Operation Midnight Hammer.
Background and Context
The military buildup in the region, including the positioning of eleven US Air Force F-22 Raptor stealth fighters at Israel’s Ovda Air Base, has been escalating over recent weeks. The US and Israel initiated the strikes shortly after 9:30 am local time, marking the first operational deployment of American combat aircraft to Israel. The attacks have targeted Iran's nuclear program, Revolutionary Guard-linked sites, and missile infrastructure.
Key Developments
Following the strikes, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly been moved to a secure location. Tehran has retaliated by launching counter-missiles and has vowed further retaliation, including potential strikes against US bases if attacks continue. In a significant development, a missile strike hit a service facility linked to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, drawing American military infrastructure in the Gulf directly into the confrontation.
The United States and Israel have reportedly planned for a series of escalating strikes on Iran with pauses to assess the damage. The strikes have resulted in significant casualties, including the death of 85 individuals, mostly young girls, during a strike on a school in southern Iran.
Reactions and Implications
The strikes have sparked international reactions, with China condemning the US and Israeli strikes and urging an immediate ceasefire and return to talks. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also condemned the military escalation, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and warning of grave consequences for regional stability.
Legal experts have raised questions about the legality of the strikes under international law, denouncing them as a breach of the UN Charter and the rules governing legitimate self-defence.
Current Status
As the situation escalates, the future of the region remains uncertain. While some sources suggest that the US and Iran may be moving towards a new understanding, others assert that the strikes may lead to a prolonged war. Talks on Tehran's nuclear program are set to continue, but with military forces built up in the region, the question remains whether peace will prevail or if the conflict will continue to escalate.