Tensions in the Middle East suddenly escalate! Israel launches airstrikes! Major news from the US and Iran

Middle East Tensions Suddenly Escalate

Today, according to CCTV News, on February 20 local time in Israel, an airstrike was carried out on the Ain Hleweh refugee camp near the Beqaa Valley in eastern Lebanon and near Saida in southwestern Lebanon, resulting in more than 10 deaths. Lebanese President Aoun issued a statement on the 21st strongly condemning the Israeli military attack.

Meanwhile, significant news has also emerged regarding Iran. On the 21st, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying that the Iranian government has designated the navies and air forces of EU member states as “terrorist organizations” in response to the EU listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran as a “terrorist organization.”

Other reports indicate that the U.S. has deployed over 60 military aircraft at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, which may become a key hub for potential U.S. plans to strike Iran. Due to the ongoing escalation, Germany, Sweden, Slovakia, and other countries have recently urged their citizens in Iran to evacuate as soon as possible.

Israel Launches Attacks

On February 22, CCTV News reported that, according to Lebanese sources on the 21st, the Israeli military carried out airstrikes on the Ain Hleweh refugee camp near Saida in southwestern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley in eastern Lebanon on the 20th. The attacks resulted in over 10 deaths and dozens of injuries.

On the 21st, Lebanese President Aoun issued a statement condemning the Israeli military attack, calling it a “blatant act of aggression” aimed at obstructing diplomatic efforts by other countries. Aoun stated that the attack constitutes another violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and clearly breaches international law.

On the same day, February 21st, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, and 14 other countries, along with the Gulf Cooperation Council, Arab League, and Organization of Islamic Cooperation, issued a joint statement strongly condemning U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman’s recent remarks claiming Israel has the right to control the entire Middle East.

The statement pointed out that all parties firmly oppose such dangerous and inciting statements, which openly violate the principles of the UN Charter and pose a serious threat to regional security and stability. It reaffirmed that Israel has no sovereignty over Palestinian occupied territories or any other occupied Arab lands, opposes annexation of the West Bank or dividing it from Gaza, opposes expansion of settlements on occupied Palestinian land, and opposes any threats to the sovereignty of Arab countries.

The statement also warned that Israel’s continued expansionist policies and illegal measures will only intensify regional violence and conflict, further damaging prospects for peace. All parties called for an end to such inflammatory rhetoric and reiterated their firm support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman recently claimed in an interview with an American media outlet, “If Israel takes control of the entire Middle East, that’s fine.”

Iran Announces “Reciprocal Retaliation”

According to Xinhua News Agency, on the 21st, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying that the Iranian government has designated the navies and air forces of EU member states as “terrorist organizations” in response to the EU listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran as a “terrorist organization.”

The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) quoted the statement, saying that EU governments listing the IRGC as a “terrorist organization” violates the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. The IRGC is part of Iran’s armed forces.

On January 19, the EU Council announced on its official website that, following a political agreement reached by EU foreign ministers on January 29, the EU officially designated the IRGC as a “terrorist organization” on that day.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry’s statement said that in response, Iran has taken reciprocal measures against EU navies and air forces, based on a law passed in 2019 after the U.S. designated the IRGC as a “terrorist organization.” The law stipulates that any country that complies with or supports the U.S. decision will face “reciprocal” sanctions.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell posted on social media on January 29 that EU foreign ministers decided to list the IRGC as a “terrorist organization.” Both the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff issued statements condemning this decision on the same day. Iran’s Supreme Leader’s Advisor Ali Larijani stated on January 30 that any country involved in recent EU decisions against the IRGC will have its military forces regarded as “terrorist organizations.”

U.S. Military Moves

On February 22, CCTV News reported that the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan may become a key hub for potential U.S. plans to strike Iran.

Satellite images show that the U.S. has deployed over 60 military aircraft at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, roughly three times the usual number of aircraft stationed there. The images also reveal that, besides regular aircraft, there are F-35 stealth fighters, multiple drones, and helicopters. The base is reportedly equipped with new air defense systems.

Additionally, a senior U.S. presidential advisor stated on the 20th that President Trump has not yet decided whether to initiate military action against Iran. Trump may never order such action, or he might do so suddenly upon waking. The advisor also mentioned that the U.S. Department of Defense has provided Trump with multiple options for striking Iran, including targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei and his son Mujeh Tab.

The U.S. has been exerting ongoing pressure on Iran, threatening military intervention. On the 20th, the U.S.’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Ford, along with a guided missile destroyer, appeared near the Strait of Gibraltar. Reports indicate that the USS Ford has passed through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea and will join the carrier strike group led by the USS Lincoln in the Persian Gulf.

(Source: Securities Times)