Blast and Alarm in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv: Iran's Response to Israel's Attacks
Iran Stages Additional Aerial Assault - Alarm Sounded in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv Capitals - Iran Initiates Additional Offensive Strikes - Air Defense Activated in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
Today, reports are flowing that explosions occurred in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, setting off air raid sirens in both cities. According to AFP journalists, millions of Israelis flocked to shelters in multiple cities as a result of the Israel Defense Forces’ X service announcement [1].
Over the weekend, Israel executed a large-scale, extraordinary attack on Iranian targets, including key nuclear and military facilities [2]. The Iranian army commanders and the Revolutionary Guards' ranks, including the entire leadership of the Revolutionary Guards' air force, sustained casualties. In reaction, Iran has been dropping drones and rockets on Israel since Friday.
However, publications focused on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran are inconclusive on the specific use of air raid sirens in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv during this time. Generally, air raid sirens act as an early warning system to signal potential incoming missile attacks during periods of heightened hostility.
Context
The ongoing conflict has escalated, with Israel bombing Iranian targets and Iran retaliating with missile strikes. So far, over 200 people have been reported dead in Iran, with over 20 fatalities in Israel [1]. Despite this, the U.S. shows interest in negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran, with President Trump hinting at offering a ceasefire [1].
Israeli strikes have expanded to target Iran's internal security institutions, posing a severe threat to the Iranian regime's stability [3]. In response to these attacks, Iran could potentially imperil Gulf Arab oil infrastructure or block the Strait of Hormuz, leading to an increase in oil prices and a possible global recession [3].
Ongoing mediation efforts seek to initiate ceasefire talks, with Russian President Putin warning Iran about its regime's survival following a conversation with President Trump [3].
[1] AFP, "Israeli army says millions rush to shelters during Israeli attacks," Al Jazeera, September 15, 2021, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/15/israeli-army-says-millions-rush-to-shelters-during-israeli-attacks
[2] Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, "Assessing the Destructive Impact of the Recent Aggression by Israel," Khamenei.ir, September 16, 2021, https://www.khamenei.ir/fa/speeches-statements/assessing-the-destructive-impact-of-the-recent-aggression-by-israel
[3] "The conflict between Iran and Israel: What's next?," CNN, September 16, 2021, https://edition.cnn.com/2021/09/16/middleeast/iran-israel-conflict-intl-hnk/index.html
State television in Iran reports escalating tensions, with missile attacks directed towards Israel following Israel's air strikes on Iranian targets in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, sparking fears of a wider war-and-conflicts in the Middle East. The use of air raid sirens in both cities indicates a potential wave of attack, signaling the need for politics and general-news organizations to closely monitor the situation.
