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In the early hours of the morning, Israel launched an attack against strategic targets in the territory of theIran, also hitting facilities linked to the nuclear program. Explosions were heard in several areas of the country, including the capital Tehran. The tension between the two countries, already very high, now risks turning into an open conflict, with potentially serious implications for the entire Middle Eastern region and beyond.
Fear grows as the world watches an unprecedented conflict.
Israel-Iran, Katz: “Whoever Threatens Israel Will Be Eliminated”
Il minister Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a clear warning to Tehran, declaring that Israel will not hesitate to strike anyone who threatens its existence. In an official statement, Katz stressed that the operation conducted against senior members of the Revolutionary Guards, members of the Iranian military and scientists involved in the nuclear program sends an unequivocal message: all those who contribute to hostile projects against Israel will be neutralized. He added:
"Iran will pay an ever higher price, the longer it continues its aggressive actions.”
Israel-Iran, Fear Grows: What Happens Now?
In a precision military operation dubbed “Rising Lion,” over 200 fighter jets took part in the largest air raid in the Middle East in decades. The targets: nuclear and military sites in Tehran, Isfahan, and Natanz. According to Israel, it was a preventive action to stop Iran one step away from a nuclear bomb.
“Iran cannot fail to have a nuclear bomb and let's hope we get back to the negotiating table. We will see", Donald Trump told Fox News.
Israel has declared a national emergency: airspace blocked, connections suspended, population invited to take refuge. The confrontation is no longer underground, but has now exploded into the light of day: a direct clash between two Middle Eastern powers, with potential international repercussions. On the political level, the reactions were not long in coming.
La Russia expressed concern and condemnation over the escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by Ria Novosti.
Also the France called on all parties involved to exercise restraint, in light of the recent Israeli attacks. In a statement published on X, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Paris was following the evolution of the situation in the Middle East with the utmost attention, in close coordination with international partners. The priority, the French government stressed, remains the security of French citizens and national interests, reiterating the need to mobilize all diplomatic channels to avoid further escalation. France also recalled its repeated concerns about Iran's nuclear program, also expressed in the recent resolution of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and confirmed Israel's right to defend itself from any attack.
La airline company French Air France has announced the suspension, until a date to be defined, of flights to and from Tel Aviv.
Also the China expressed deep concern over the consequences of the Israeli strikes, which targeted nuclear and military sites, condemning what he called violations of Iranian sovereignty. According to Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian, Beijing is ready to play a constructive role in the region to help defuse tensions. Lin called on all parties involved to adopt measures that promote peace and stability, stressing that the situation is rapidly evolving.
Il Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, speaking in Stockholm together with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, said that the commitment of allies, including the United States, is crucial to avoid an escalation. He ruled out that the Israeli attack could bring a nuclear or world war closer, declaring that all efforts are geared towards de-escalation. He also clarified that, while not directly involved as an alliance, NATO is closely following developments through the action of its member states.
The reaction is harsh Turkey, which strongly condemned the Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear sites and the killing of senior officials and scientists. In a statement by the Foreign Ministry, Ankara called the operation a serious violation of international law and a provocation aimed at destabilizing the region. The Turkish government also accused Israel of deliberately obstructing any diplomatic efforts, taking advantage of the delicate phase of negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program, and called on the international community to intervene urgently.
Meanwhile, the Iranian representation at the United Nations has urged a urgent meeting of the UN Security Council, in response to Israeli attacks that targeted nuclear facilities in Iran and caused the deaths of senior officials of the Islamic Republic, including some scientists linked to the atomic program, the Mehr agency reports.
Energy markets in turmoil: gas and oil soar after Israel's attack on Iran
Gas prices are started with a clear increase, driven by the tensions generated from the attack to Iran, which also affected the oil market. In Amsterdam, gas rose 4% to 37,60 euros per megawatt hour. On the oil markets, WTI for July delivery rose 8% to $73,48, while Brent for August delivery gained 7,37% to $74,47.