War clouds in the Middle East — US, Israel and Iran face to face

oman: (special report)journalist malik sarfraz hussain awan. The Middle East is once again in the grip of severe military tension, where after joint air and missile attacks by the US and Israel on important military and strategic targets inside Iran, Iran retaliated vigorously, targeting not only Israel but also US military installations in the Gulf region. According to the initial military briefing, the Israel Defense Forces and the United States Armed Forces attacked various cities in Iran, including the capital Tehran, the industrial and defense center Isfahan, Qom, Kermanshah and other sensitive locations. According to the Israeli position, this operation was carried out to limit Iran’s growing missile and drone capabilities, while US officials called it a preemptive measure to defend their allies and stabilize the region. According to Iranian media, some military installations were damaged in the attacks and a few personnel were killed and injured, but the full damage estimate is still underway. Iran responded immediately by launching ballistic missiles and drones towards Israel through the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and also attempted to target US bases in the Gulf countries. According to reports, alarm sirens were sounded and air defense systems were activated near the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the US Navy Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, and some military installations in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Several missiles were claimed to have been destroyed in the air, while reports of limited material damage were also received. Israel said its defense system was largely effective, but explosions were heard in a few places. Iran has warned that if its territory is attacked again, the response will be more severe and widespread. The most immediate and significant impact of this military exchange was on the airspace of the entire region, where Iran completely closed its airspace and suspended all international and domestic flights. Israel also temporarily closed its airspace and stopped civilian flights as a precautionary measure. Iraq has been warned of becoming a potential missile passageway. Due to the fear, it immediately closed its airspace and dozens of flights were canceled. Jordan closed its airspace for a few hours as a precaution and later allowed limited flights. Qatar increased air surveillance, suspended some routes and issued special instructions to pilots. Bahrain announced restrictions on air traffic in view of the security situation. Kuwait diverted several international flights. The United Arab Emirates tightened surveillance in its northern airspace and instructed many aircraft to take alternative routes. Saudi Arabia did not announce a complete closure, but it imposed additional surveillance in the eastern sector and temporarily suspended some flights. Lebanon and Syria also issued alerts, while Turkey increased security measures in its eastern airspace. As a result of these extensive closures, flights from Europe to the Gulf and Asia had to take longer routes, which increased fuel costs and travel times. International airlines made urgent changes to schedules and canceled or postponed several flights, keeping in mind the safety of passengers. This extraordinary closure has practically turned the region into a military zone where defense systems are active 24 hours a day and radars are on full alert. Security is on high alert on the ground as well. An emergency has been declared in hospitals and civil defense agencies are mobilized. Oil prices fluctuated in global markets while investors adopted a cautious attitude. Activities on the diplomatic front have intensified and the United Nations Security Council has called an emergency meeting and appealed to the parties for an immediate ceasefire, restraint and diplomatic negotiations. In the Security Council meeting, some countries expressed concern over unilateral military actions, while others questioned Iran's missile program and regional role. The statement issued after the meeting said that the continuation of tensions in the region could pose a serious threat to global peace and security and that all relevant parties should abide by international law and the UN Charter. The UN Secretary-General also stressed that the civilian population and civilian aviation should be protected at all costs. Experts say that if these clashes are not limited, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and the Gulf states could also be directly or indirectly involved in the conflict. According to military analysts, the two sides are currently sending each other messages through limited but symbolic use of force. However, in the event of any miscalculation or additional attacks, the situation could quickly turn into a full-scale war. The biggest question in the current situation is whether behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts will succeed in reducing tensions or whether this crisis will take the form of a long and destructive regional conflict. The region is currently in a state of uncertainty, airspace closures remain partially in place, military preparations are increasing, and the eyes of the international community are focused on the next few days, which will determine the future of this crisis.