Exchanges of strikes, expanding war between Israel, Iran amid divergent reactions

The Israeli army announced today the commencement of “large-scale strikes” on the Iranian capital, Tehran, stating that the air force had launched an additional wave of attacks against what it described as “targets affiliated with the Iranian regime in the heart of the city.”

For its part, Iranian media reported intense airstrikes targeting Tehran and other cities, as part of the ongoing escalation since the start of the joint military operation two days ago.

In a related development, US President Donald Trump told The Atlantic magazine that the Iranians “want to talk,” adding that he agreed to that and believed Tehran had delayed presenting what he described as a “practical and easily implementable solution.”

Meanwhile, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, said on Monday that Iran “will not negotiate with the United States,” denying any contact aimed at negotiations.

Iranian Missile Barrages on Israel

During the night, Iranian forces launched a new round of missiles toward Israeli areas, resulting in injuries and material damage. Israeli media reported that around ten people were wounded.

Air raid sirens were heard in several cities, while footage circulated showing Israeli air defense systems intercepting missiles in the skies. Media reports indicated significant damage in Jerusalem and other areas, alongside images shared on social media showing the aftermath of destruction.

Pentagon Acknowledges Destruction of IRGC Headquarters

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the destruction of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters in the latest strikes, stating that the broad US attack had “cut off the head of the snake,” according to its description.

It added that the IRGC no longer possesses a command headquarters following the operation, noting that the strikes were carried out in response to what it described as ongoing threats.

European Statement Calls for De-escalation

Amid the field developments, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the escalation in the Middle East.

The three countries called for restraint and a return to the diplomatic track, emphasizing the importance of avoiding any steps that could expand the scope of confrontation.

Gulf Meeting Stresses Right to Respond

The Gulf Cooperation Council held an extraordinary ministerial meeting via videoconference to discuss the repercussions of the Iranian attacks.

The council stated that the attacks were “unacceptable and unjustified,” stressing that member states have the right to respond and take necessary measures to protect their security and stability, and affirming that the security of GCC states is “indivisible.”

The ministers called for the immediate cessation of hostilities and urged the international community and the UN Security Council to take a firm stance to prevent further escalation, emphasizing that dialogue remains the only path to overcoming the crisis.

A-H 

ANHA