Tensions in the Middle East have escalated significantly as Israel intensified its air strikes on Iran’s capital, Tehran, on Tuesday, 17 June. This follows a surprise assault on the city just days earlier, raising fears of a potential full-scale war.
The situation deteriorated further after former U.S. President Donald Trump posted a chilling message on social media, urging residents of Tehran to evacuate.
Speaking on VOC’s NewsBeat, Naeem Jeenah, Senior Researcher at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA), warned that while the conflict has not yet reached the scale of all-out war, it is heading in a dangerous direction.
“From the Israeli side, the strikes are ongoing, and as we saw from day two, they are targeting civilian infrastructure, senior Iranian military officials, academics, and scientists,” said Jeenah.
“We’ve also seen a shift from the Iranian side. Every night, there’s been an increase in the intensity and sophistication of their retaliatory missile attacks.”
“If Israel continues with assassinations and escalations, Iran may ramp up its responses. There’s also the wild card, which is the United States. If the U.S. decides to get involved militarily, it could instantly tip the balance into full-blown war.”
Listen to the full interview with Naeem Jeenah below:
VOC News
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