Tensions escalate in the Middle East! Israel launches airstrikes! Major developments in the US and Iran

Middle East Tensions Suddenly Escalate

On the 22nd, according to CCTV News, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on the Beqaa Valley in eastern Lebanon and near the Ain Helou refugee camp in Sidon in southwestern Lebanon on February 20th, resulting in over ten deaths. Lebanese President Aoun issued a statement on the 21st strongly condemning the Israeli military attacks.

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

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

Israel Launches Attacks

On February 22nd, CCTV News reported that, according to Lebanese sources on the 21st, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes on the Beqaa Valley in eastern Lebanon and near the Ain Helou refugee camp in Sidon in southwestern Lebanon on the 20th, causing over ten deaths and dozens of injuries.

Lebanese President Aoun issued a statement on the 21st, strongly condemning the Israeli military attacks. The statement described the strikes as “blatant acts 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 other 14 countries, along with the Gulf Cooperation Council, Arab League, and Organization of Islamic Cooperation, issued a joint statement condemning recent remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, claiming Israel has the right to control the entire Middle East.

The statement emphasized that all parties strongly oppose such dangerous and inciting rhetoric, which openly violates the principles of the UN Charter and poses a serious threat to regional security and stability. It reaffirmed that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories or any other occupied Arab lands, opposes any annexation of the West Bank or its separation from Gaza, opposes expansion of settlements on occupied Palestinian land, and opposes any threats to Arab sovereignty.

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

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

Iran Declares “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’s listing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran as a “terrorist organization.”

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

On the 19th, the EU Council announced on its official website that following a political agreement reached by EU foreign ministers on January 29th, the EU officially added the IRGC to its list of terrorist organizations.

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 stated on social media on January 29th that EU foreign ministers had decided to list the IRGC as a terrorist organization. Both the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff issued statements condemning the decision. Iran’s Supreme Leader’s Advisor, Ali Larijani, said on January 30th that any country involved in recent EU measures against the IRGC would have its military considered a “terrorist organization.”

U.S. Military Moves

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

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

Additionally, a senior advisor to the U.S. president 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 unexpectedly upon waking. The advisor also mentioned that the Department of Defense has presented Trump with multiple options for striking Iran, including targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, and his son Mujeh Tab.

The U.S. has been exerting pressure on Iran recently, 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 transited into the Mediterranean and will join the USS Lincoln strike group in the Persian Gulf.

(Source: Securities Times)