Tensions in the Middle East are rising again. After Israeli strikes on southern Beirut, Iran responded with missile attacks on Israel. The Israeli army then announced strikes on military targets in western and central Iran.
This marks a dangerous escalation in direct confrontation between Iran and Israel since the fragile ceasefire in April.
The trigger was Lebanon. Israel targeted the Dahiye district in southern Beirut, a stronghold of Hezbollah, calling it a response to Hezbollah attacks on Israeli territory.
Lebanese sources reported casualties.
Tehran called the strikes a "crossing of red lines" and launched missiles at Israel, indicating a shift from proxy warfare to direct state-level confrontation.
US-mediated talks aimed at reducing tensions between Israel and Lebanon had been ongoing, but Hezbollah rejected a new ceasefire plan. Israel's strikes on Beirut are seen as a blow to diplomatic efforts.
Political analyst Telman Nusratoglu: "The Iran-Israel confrontation is part of a struggle for power and influence in the Middle East. Both sides seek to gain an upper hand in the region."
