WASHINGTON/BAGHDAD/DUBAI. In a complex diplomatic maneuver, Iran purportedly issued warnings to neighboring nations and the United States before launching a barrage of drones and missiles towards Israel over the weekend. While Iranian officials claim they gave ample notice, U.S. authorities vehemently deny receiving any such notification, sparking tensions and raising questions about the true intent behind Iran’s actions.
The attack, which Iran says was in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Syria, saw hundreds of drones and missiles launched towards Israel. Despite efforts to intercept them, some projectiles breached Israeli airspace, resulting in casualties and heightened fears of escalation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian asserted that his country provided a 72-hour notice to neighboring states and the U.S. regarding the impending strike. However, a senior U.S. official refuted this claim, stating that while communication with Iran occurred through Swiss intermediaries, no advanced warning was received.
“We received a message from the Iranians as this was ongoing, through the Swiss. This was basically suggesting that they were finished after this, but it was still an ongoing attack. So that was (their) message to us,” the U.S. official clarified.
Contrary to Iran’s assertions of proportionate response and widespread notification, U.S. officials expressed concerns that the attack was intended to inflict significant damage. Iraqi, Turkish, and Jordanian officials confirmed receiving some form of early warning from Iran, underscoring the intricate diplomatic exchanges preceding the assault.
While tensions simmer between Iran and the U.S., there are mounting uncertainties about the path forward. President Biden, while affirming U.S. support for Israel, has signaled a reluctance to engage directly in any retaliatory measures. Meanwhile, Israel remains poised to respond in its own time and manner, setting the stage for potential further escalation in the volatile region.
With inputs from agencies.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
