Israel and the United States carried out coordinated strikes against Iran on Saturday, sharply escalating tensions across the Middle East and further undermining already fragile diplomatic efforts to resolve Tehran’s nuclear standoff with Western nations.
Pakistan Voices Strong Reaction as US–Israel Strikes on Iran Escalate Regional Tensions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation was aimed at eliminating what he described as an “existential threat,” stressing that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. A US-backed Israeli defence official said the operation had been coordinated for months.
Explosions were reported in Tehran and other cities, including Zanjan and Ilam, according to Iranian media outlets such as IRNA and Tasnim. Iranian authorities have not issued a comprehensive official statement, though state-linked outlets reported air defence systems engaging “hostile targets.”
In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks toward Israel. Iranian media reported at least 30 missiles fired, while sirens sounded across Israeli cities. Explosions were heard in northern Israel as air defence systems attempted interceptions. A nine-storey building in Tel Aviv was reportedly hit, injuring at least one person.
The escalation quickly rippled across the region. Explosions were reported in Doha and Abu Dhabi, while Qatar’s defence ministry said missiles targeting the country had been intercepted. The U.S. Embassy in Qatar issued a shelter-in-place advisory for American citizens.
Air travel across the Gulf was severely disrupted. Dubai International Airport suspended all flight operations, while Emirates halted services. Qatar Airways, Air India and Turkish Airlines also suspended multiple regional routes amid widespread airspace closures.
In Pakistan, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar condemned what he described as unprovoked attacks on Iran during a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Dar called for immediate de-escalation and the resumption of diplomatic efforts to prevent further deterioration.
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced the resumption of attacks in the Red Sea, signalling the potential widening of the conflict zone.
As missile exchanges continued and regional capitals reported blasts and interceptions, fears mounted that the confrontation could spiral into a broader regional war, destabilising energy markets and derailing diplomatic initiatives aimed at containing Iran’s nuclear programme.
