<p>Iran said that it had informed its neighbouring countries about its retaliatory strikes on Israel almost 72 hours in advance.</p>

<p>“About 72 hours prior to our operations, we informed our friends and neighbours in the region that Iran’s response against Israel was certain, legitimate, and irrevocable,” Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said at a press briefing after his meeting with foreign ambassadors in Tehran on Sunday (April 14).</p>

<p>Amirabdollahian further said that Tehran had notified the United States that its attacks launched against Israel would be "limited" and for self-defence purposes.</p>

<p>Iran on Saturday (Apr 13) launched an unprecedented attack against Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate on April 1 that killed seven officers, including a senior commander of the IRGC. Israeli residents in Jerusalem said they did not want a war with Iran. A report by the news agency Reuters said that Israel reported modest damage and reopened its airspace.</p>

<p>The authorities instructed citizens not to hold gatherings of more than 100 people, to close all schools and venues for children's camps during the spring break for the Jewish holiday of Passover, and to close some beach and travel sites.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This conflict between Iran and Israel comes as Israel has been already fighting a war with Hamas since early October last year. Later on Sunday, the Israeli war cabinet will discuss a response to the Iranian attack.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-us-to-stay-out-of-israeli-counter-strike-on-iran-joe-biden-tells-netanyahu-711229">US to stay out of Israeli counter-strike on Iran: Joe Biden tells Netanyahu</a></p>

<h2><strong>Israel 'prepared for every scenario,' says Netanyahu</strong></h2>

<p>Following the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement saying that Israel was prepared for an attack by Iran further adding that it was ready "for any scenario" as Iran launched dozens of drones.</p>

<p>"In recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran. Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively," Netanyahu said in a televised address.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iran said that it had informed its neighbouring countries about its retaliatory strikes on Israel almost 72 hours in advance. “About 72 hours prior to our operations, we informed our friends and neighbours in the region that Iran’s response against Israel was certain, legitimate, and irrevocable,” Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said at a press briefing after his meeting with foreign ambassadors in Tehran on Sunday (April 14).

Iran said that it had informed its neighbouring countries about its retaliatory strikes on Israel almost 72 hours in advance. “About 72 hours prior to our operations, we informed our friends and neighbours in the region that Iran’s response against Israel was certain, legitimate, and irrevocable,” Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said at a press briefing after his meeting with foreign ambassadors in Tehran on Sunday (April 14). Amirabdollahian further said that Tehran had notified the United States that its attacks launched against Israel would be "limited" and for self-defence purposes. Iran on Saturday (Apr 13) launched an unprecedented attack against Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate on April 1 that killed seven officers, including a senior commander of the IRGC. Israeli residents in Jerusalem said they did not want a war with Iran. A report by the news agency Reuters said that Israel reported modest damage and reopened its airspace. The authorities instructed citizens not to hold gatherings of more than 100 people, to close all schools and venues for children's camps during the spring break for the Jewish holiday of Passover, and to close some beach and travel sites. This conflict between Iran and Israel comes as Israel has been already fighting a war with Hamas since early October last year. Later on Sunday, the Israeli war cabinet will discuss a response to the Iranian attack. Also read: US to stay out of Israeli counter-strike on Iran: Joe Biden tells Netanyahu Israel 'prepared for every scenario,' says Netanyahu Following the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement saying that Israel was prepared for an attack by Iran further adding that it was ready "for any scenario" as Iran launched dozens of drones. "In recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran. Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively," Netanyahu said in a televised address. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran says it informed neighbours about attack on Israel 72 hours in advance

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid5ad77xm8jQUm" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>President Joe Biden in a conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told him that the US won't participate in any counter-strike against Iran, according to media reports.</p>

<p>The US President and senior members of his national security team are worried that following the barrage of Iranian missiles and drones directed toward Israel, Israel will take some action that would lead to a regional war.</p>

<p>On Saturday (April 13) in a conversation with his Israeli counterpart, Biden sought to frame Israel’s successful interception of the Iranian onslaught as a major victory and suggested that further Israeli response was unnecessary, a senior administration official told CNN.&nbsp;“You got a win. Take the win,”&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;told&nbsp;Netanyahu according to media reports.</p>

<p>Biden told the Israeli prime minister in his phone call that he should consider Saturday a win because Iran’s attacks had been largely unsuccessful and demonstrated Israel’s superior military capability, a senior administration official said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/opinions-blogs/irans-drone-swarm-shows-adventurism-that-hides-a-diplomatic-disaster-for-the-palestinian-cause-711164" target="_blank">Iran’s drone swarm shows adventurism that hides a diplomatic disaster for the Palestinian cause</a></strong></p>

<p>John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, stated that Israel's ability to thwart the assault showed its "military superiority" and that Iran was not the "military power that they claim to be."</p>

<p>“This was an incredible success, really proving Israel’s military superiority and just as critically, their diplomatic superiority, that they have friends in the region, that they have around the world that are willing to help them,” he told CNN.</p>

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-article-gutter="true" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cluzhb0xd00083b6idtuvq5ns@published">“I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks — sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel,” US President said in a statement following his conversation with Netanyahu.</p>

<p>Lloyd Austin, US Defense Secretary told Israel to notify the US ahead of any potential response to the Iranian attack, according to another US official.</p>

<h2><strong>Why did Iran launch an attack on Israel?</strong></h2>

<p>Iran launched the attack in retaliation for an airstrike in Syria on April 1 that killed seven Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members. Israel has not confirmed or disputed responsibility. It was Iran's first-ever direct strike on Israel, using over 300 drones and missiles.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


President Joe Biden in a conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told him that the US won't participate in any counter-strike against Iran, according to media reports.

President Joe Biden in a conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told him that the US won't participate in any counter-strike against Iran, according to media reports. The US President and senior members of his national security team are worried that following the barrage of Iranian missiles and drones directed toward Israel, Israel will take some action that would lead to a regional war. On Saturday (April 13) in a conversation with his Israeli counterpart, Biden sought to frame Israel’s successful interception of the Iranian onslaught as a major victory and suggested that further Israeli response was unnecessary, a senior administration official told CNN. “You got a win. Take the win,” Biden told Netanyahu according to media reports. Biden told the Israeli prime minister in his phone call that he should consider Saturday a win because Iran’s attacks had been largely unsuccessful and demonstrated Israel’s superior military capability, a senior administration official said. Also read: Iran’s drone swarm shows adventurism that hides a diplomatic disaster for the Palestinian cause John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, stated that Israel's ability to thwart the assault showed its "military superiority" and that Iran was not the "military power that they claim to be." “This was an incredible success, really proving Israel’s military superiority and just as critically, their diplomatic superiority, that they have friends in the region, that they have around the world that are willing to help them,” he told CNN. “I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks — sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel,” US President said in a statement following his conversation with Netanyahu. Lloyd Austin, US Defense Secretary told Israel to notify the US ahead of any potential response to the Iranian attack, according to another US official. Why did Iran launch an attack on Israel? Iran launched the attack in retaliation for an airstrike in Syria on April 1 that killed seven Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members. Israel has not confirmed or disputed responsibility. It was Iran's first-ever direct strike on Israel, using over 300 drones and missiles. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: US won’t be part of Israeli counter-strike on Iran, Joe Biden tells Netanyahu

<p>Former US president Donald Trump on Sunday (Apr 14) reposted a 2018 tweet in which he had warned Iran and its leaders against threatening the United States. The all-caps 2018 tweet read: “To Iranian President Rouhani: NEVER, EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES THE LIKES OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE. WE ARE NO LONGER A COUNTRY THAT WILL STAND FOR YOUR DEMENTED WORDS OF VIOLENCE &amp; DEATH. BE CAUTIOUS!”</p>

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<p>Trump posted a screenshot of the message on his Truth Social microblogging website in the wake of the massive Iranian attack on Israel.</p>

<p>Trump had posted this message in 2018 as tensions with Iran escalated. The then-Iranian president Hassan Rouhani had warned the US that a war with Iran would be the “mother of all wars”.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump vows support to Israel in Pennsylvania rally</strong></h2>

<p>The former president earlier threw his support behind Israel in a rally in Pennsylvania where he blamed the Iranian attack on a ‘weak’ Biden administration.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwic-c-99sGFAxXc9zgGHWIiDpoQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-hamas-welcomes-irans-attack-on-israel-top-updates-711132" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-hamas-welcomes-irans-attack-on-israel-top-updates-711132&amp;ved=2ahUKEwic-c-99sGFAxXc9zgGHWIiDpoQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">West Asia crisis: Hamas welcomes Iran’s attack on Israel | Top updates</a></strong></p>

<p>“They’re under attack right now. That’s because we show great weakness,” Trump said during the rally in Schnecksville, in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. “The weakness that we’ve shown is unbelievable, and it would not have happened if we were in office,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>How would Trump handle the West Asia crisis?</strong></h2>

<p>As the crisis in West Asia deepens, Trump has said little about how he would tackle it during his second term. He has been a staunch supporter of the Jewish nation but has voiced concerns over the leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;More US troops, equipment&nbsp;&amp; warships heading to West Asia</strong></p>

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<p>The Republican leader had previously said that Netanyahu “let us down” before the US killed a top Iranian commander in 2020.</p>

<p>During his four years at the helm, Trump oversaw a shift from the traditional US foreign policy where his administration sought closer ties with Russia and looked askance upon allies in Europe.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former US president Donald Trump on Sunday (Apr 14) reposted a 2018 tweet in which he had warned Iran and its leaders against threatening the United States. The all-caps 2018 tweet read: “To Iranian President Rouhani: NEVER, EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES THE LIKES OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE.

Former US president Donald Trump on Sunday (Apr 14) reposted a 2018 tweet in which he had warned Iran and its leaders against threatening the United States. The all-caps 2018 tweet read: “To Iranian President Rouhani: NEVER, EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES THE LIKES OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE. WE ARE NO LONGER A COUNTRY THAT WILL STAND FOR YOUR DEMENTED WORDS OF VIOLENCE & DEATH. BE CAUTIOUS!” × Trump posted a screenshot of the message on his Truth Social microblogging website in the wake of the massive Iranian attack on Israel. Trump had posted this message in 2018 as tensions with Iran escalated. The then-Iranian president Hassan Rouhani had warned the US that a war with Iran would be the “mother of all wars”. Trump vows support to Israel in Pennsylvania rally The former president earlier threw his support behind Israel in a rally in Pennsylvania where he blamed the Iranian attack on a ‘weak’ Biden administration. Also read: West Asia crisis: Hamas welcomes Iran’s attack on Israel | Top updates “They’re under attack right now. That’s because we show great weakness,” Trump said during the rally in Schnecksville, in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. “The weakness that we’ve shown is unbelievable, and it would not have happened if we were in office,” he added. How would Trump handle the West Asia crisis? As the crisis in West Asia deepens, Trump has said little about how he would tackle it during his second term. He has been a staunch supporter of the Jewish nation but has voiced concerns over the leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Watch: More US troops, equipment & warships heading to West Asia × The Republican leader had previously said that Netanyahu “let us down” before the US killed a top Iranian commander in 2020. During his four years at the helm, Trump oversaw a shift from the traditional US foreign policy where his administration sought closer ties with Russia and looked askance upon allies in Europe. (With inputs from agencies)

‘NEVER EVER…’ Trump reposts 2018 all-caps tweet against Iran following Israel strike

<p>On Sunday (April 14), Pope Francis issued a strong plea against escalating violence, following Iran's unprecedented missile and drone strike on Israel, cautioning about the risk of a widespread unrest&nbsp;in the region.</p>

<p>"I make a pressing appeal for an end to any action which could fuel a spiral of violence that risks dragging the Middle East into an even greater conflict," the Argentinian pontiff said after&nbsp;his Sunday prayer in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am praying and following with concern, but also pain, the news that has come in recent hours about the worsening situation in Israel due to Iran's intervention," the pope told worshippers.</p>

<p>"No one should threaten the existence of others. All countries must, however, side with peace and help Israelis and Palestinians to live in two states, side by side and in security," he said.</p>

<p>Francis reiterated their right to do so and repeated his call for a ceasefire in Gaza and negotiations.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-hamas-welcomes-irans-attack-on-israel-top-updates-711132">Also read |&nbsp;West Asia crisis: Hamas welcomes Iran’s attack on Israel | Top updates</a></p>

<h2><strong>Top points on Iran's attack on Israel</strong></h2>

<ul>
	<li>Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel, with coordinated attacks from its proxies and allies on Israeli positions.</li>
	<li>An Israeli army spokesperson described the attack as a "massive swarm" of drones and missiles.</li>
	<li>Iran claimed self-defence after an attack on its diplomatic mission in Damascus and hoped to avoid further escalation.</li>
	<li>The Israeli army reported intercepting and thwarting the majority of Iran's attack, with troops deployed to defend Israeli territory.</li>
	<li>President Joe Biden reaffirmed support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and announced plans to coordinate a diplomatic response with other G7 nations.</li>
	<li>The US stated it would not participate in offensive operations against Iran.</li>
	<li>Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu pledged both defensive and offensive responses, citing preparations for a direct Iranian attack over the years.</li>
	<li>Various countries, including EU members, condemned Iran's actions, with the UN Security Council convening an emergency meeting.</li>
	<li>India expressed serious concern about escalating hostilities and called for immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.</li>
	<li>Ongoing conflicts, including the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas, have heightened tensions in the region, drawing involvement from Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, with Egypt urging restraint.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Iran attacks Israel: Iran warns of escalation if Israel retaliates, cites Article 51 of UN</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On Sunday (April 14), Pope Francis issued a strong plea against escalating violence, following Iran's unprecedented missile and drone strike on Israel, cautioning about the risk of a widespread unrest in the region.

On Sunday (April 14), Pope Francis issued a strong plea against escalating violence, following Iran's unprecedented missile and drone strike on Israel, cautioning about the risk of a widespread unrest in the region. "I make a pressing appeal for an end to any action which could fuel a spiral of violence that risks dragging the Middle East into an even greater conflict," the Argentinian pontiff said after his Sunday prayer in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican. "I am praying and following with concern, but also pain, the news that has come in recent hours about the worsening situation in Israel due to Iran's intervention," the pope told worshippers. "No one should threaten the existence of others. All countries must, however, side with peace and help Israelis and Palestinians to live in two states, side by side and in security," he said. Francis reiterated their right to do so and repeated his call for a ceasefire in Gaza and negotiations. Also read | West Asia crisis: Hamas welcomes Iran’s attack on Israel | Top updates Top points on Iran's attack on Israel Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel, with coordinated attacks from its proxies and allies on Israeli positions. An Israeli army spokesperson described the attack as a "massive swarm" of drones and missiles. Iran claimed self-defence after an attack on its diplomatic mission in Damascus and hoped to avoid further escalation. The Israeli army reported intercepting and thwarting the majority of Iran's attack, with troops deployed to defend Israeli territory. President Joe Biden reaffirmed support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and announced plans to coordinate a diplomatic response with other G7 nations. The US stated it would not participate in offensive operations against Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu pledged both defensive and offensive responses, citing preparations for a direct Iranian attack over the years. Various countries, including EU members, condemned Iran's actions, with the UN Security Council convening an emergency meeting. India expressed serious concern about escalating hostilities and called for immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. Ongoing conflicts, including the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas, have heightened tensions in the region, drawing involvement from Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, with Egypt urging restraint. Also watch | Iran attacks Israel: Iran warns of escalation if Israel retaliates, cites Article 51 of UN (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis cautions about ‘spiral of violence’ following Iran’s attack on Israel

<p>I don't fancy hearing about the chances of a Third World War breaking out in some random Instagram story, but that is what happened. We live in a world of frivolous predictions. But then, social media can make bad things worse. I just shrugged my shoulders and went on to Twitter-turned-X to find 'World War 3' actually trending with a hashtag.</p>

<p>After taking a deep breath, all I can say is that what we have just had is not the start of a new world war but one of the biggest screw-ups in diplomatic history.</p>

<p>By striking an Israeli ship and then launching a swarm of drone bombs on Israeli territory, the clerics and their fellow power-wielders in Tehran may have won some headlines that speak of revenge after an Israeli attack on an Iranian diplomatic consulate building in Damascus on April 1 that killed a commander and seven officers of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). But a simplistic retaliation is not quite an act of meaningful revenge. What we have had so far is Tel Aviv fending the drones off with its "Iron Dome" defence. Such stuff may have visual appeal for the odd video or social media memes, but we need to look deeper to see the implications and the impact of what Iran has done.</p>

<p>The simple fact is that for all practical purposes, Iran is ploughing a lonely furrow in trying to be the loud guardian of Palestinian people. There is no doubt that Israel's savage war against Palestinians in the aftermath of the Hamas attack on its people last October has caused an unspeakable human tragedy. The diplomatic pussyfooting by the so-called world powers in the aftermath is nothing if not a conspiracy of drift. We have not even got a real, temporary ceasefire yet while children are killed, hospitals are bombed, civilians are targeted and whole cities being razed to the ground in Gaza.</p>

<p>There is little doubt that Hamas has been acting in tandem with or as an agent for Iran's Shia Islamist regime. But discretion is not part of Iran's revolutionary valour. It likes to unfriend old pals and make new adversaries all the time. Since fighting a war with deposed president Saddam Hussein's Iraq in the 1980s, it has offended Saudi Arabia with its support for Houthi rebels in Yemen, and this year even launched cross-border attacks against rebels in Pakistan's Balochistan region.</p>

<p>Last January, Islamic State terrorists killed more than 80 people near the grave of General Qassem Soleimani on the fourth anniversary of his death in a US drone strike. Soleimani was a sworn enemy of the Sunni-Salafi-Jihadist Islamic State whose war on the Shia Islamists of Tehran is only one of the many twisted sub-plots in the Muslim world's checkered history of little and big enmities.</p>

<p>The best thing going for Iran so far (if one might call it that) is that China and Russia love anybody doing anti-US acts and therefore keep their diplomatic silence loud. But that is hardly what the doctor ordered for suffering Palestinians, whose basic survival is at stake. All talk of a two-state solution that would help the rise of a Palestinian state is but a desert mirage, an elusive dream and a theoretical prospect best left to television studio panels.</p>

<p>The ground reality suggests that Iran has only worsened the case for Palestinians. I am tempted to compare Israel's Damascus attack as one resembling the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai by Pakistan-based terrorists in 2008. What India did after that was not a simplistic military retaliation but an elaborate diplomatic counter-offensive. Armed with dossiers and evidence, it built up a case for Pakistan as a state that harbours terrorists. It won sympathy and diplomatic support across the world of a lasting kind that isolated Islamabad.</p>

<p>Iran, on the other hand, prefers primitive retaliation. I know that in normal diplomacy, tit-for-tat acts are considered in the league of expected military responses. But what we have in the asymmetry of power in West Asia is a complex grid of relationships that make simplistic acts of revenge futile at best, and disastrous at worst.</p>

<p>Just when the whole world was coming around to a broad consensus on restraining Israel, we have the prospect (indeed, a reality) of Israel gaining diplomatic legitimacy all over again. Tehran has to take the blame for this.</p>

<p>The mysterious death in 2022 of 22-year-old woman activist Mahsa Amini, targeted by Iran's religious morality police, is still fresh in the minds of the world. Whether it is events at home or its abrasive behaviour within the Muslim world, Iran is a difficult customer for any diplomatic exercise. It has enough adversaries within the Muslim world not to be seen as a power of any consequence in the world order.</p>

<p>In such a backdrop, what we are staring into is a scenario in which the US is standing up for Israel all over again, aided by its rich Western allies. US President Joe Biden, facing elections in a country famous for its wealthy Jewish lobby, said on Friday: "We are devoted to the defense of Israel, we will support Israel, we will help defend Israel, and Iran will not succeed."</p>

<p>So, who is the winner? Certainly not Iran. The drone attacks in retaliation for the Damascus hit can only be seen as a shaky act of bravado that has caused a diplomatic mess. That is bad news getting worse for Palestinians.</p>

<p>I don't see a Third World War. What I see is a human tragedy worsened by the diplomatic immaturity of a dubious friend of the Palestinian cause.</p>


I don't fancy hearing about the chances of a Third World War breaking out in some random Instagram story, but that is what happened. We live in a world of frivolous predictions.

I don't fancy hearing about the chances of a Third World War breaking out in some random Instagram story, but that is what happened. We live in a world of frivolous predictions. But then, social media can make bad things worse. I just shrugged my shoulders and went on to Twitter-turned-X to find 'World War 3' actually trending with a hashtag. After taking a deep breath, all I can say is that what we have just had is not the start of a new world war but one of the biggest screw-ups in diplomatic history. By striking an Israeli ship and then launching a swarm of drone bombs on Israeli territory, the clerics and their fellow power-wielders in Tehran may have won some headlines that speak of revenge after an Israeli attack on an Iranian diplomatic consulate building in Damascus on April 1 that killed a commander and seven officers of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). But a simplistic retaliation is not quite an act of meaningful revenge. What we have had so far is Tel Aviv fending the drones off with its "Iron Dome" defence. Such stuff may have visual appeal for the odd video or social media memes, but we need to look deeper to see the implications and the impact of what Iran has done. The simple fact is that for all practical purposes, Iran is ploughing a lonely furrow in trying to be the loud guardian of Palestinian people. There is no doubt that Israel's savage war against Palestinians in the aftermath of the Hamas attack on its people last October has caused an unspeakable human tragedy. The diplomatic pussyfooting by the so-called world powers in the aftermath is nothing if not a conspiracy of drift. We have not even got a real, temporary ceasefire yet while children are killed, hospitals are bombed, civilians are targeted and whole cities being razed to the ground in Gaza. There is little doubt that Hamas has been acting in tandem with or as an agent for Iran's Shia Islamist regime. But discretion is not part of Iran's revolutionary valour. It likes to unfriend old pals and make new adversaries all the time. Since fighting a war with deposed president Saddam Hussein's Iraq in the 1980s, it has offended Saudi Arabia with its support for Houthi rebels in Yemen, and this year even launched cross-border attacks against rebels in Pakistan's Balochistan region. Last January, Islamic State terrorists killed more than 80 people near the grave of General Qassem Soleimani on the fourth anniversary of his death in a US drone strike. Soleimani was a sworn enemy of the Sunni-Salafi-Jihadist Islamic State whose war on the Shia Islamists of Tehran is only one of the many twisted sub-plots in the Muslim world's checkered history of little and big enmities. The best thing going for Iran so far (if one might call it that) is that China and Russia love anybody doing anti-US acts and therefore keep their diplomatic silence loud. But that is hardly what the doctor ordered for suffering Palestinians, whose basic survival is at stake. All talk of a two-state solution that would help the rise of a Palestinian state is but a desert mirage, an elusive dream and a theoretical prospect best left to television studio panels. The ground reality suggests that Iran has only worsened the case for Palestinians. I am tempted to compare Israel's Damascus attack as one resembling the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai by Pakistan-based terrorists in 2008. What India did after that was not a simplistic military retaliation but an elaborate diplomatic counter-offensive. Armed with dossiers and evidence, it built up a case for Pakistan as a state that harbours terrorists. It won sympathy and diplomatic support across the world of a lasting kind that isolated Islamabad. Iran, on the other hand, prefers primitive retaliation. I know that in normal diplomacy, tit-for-tat acts are considered in the league of expected military responses. But what we have in the asymmetry of power in West Asia is a complex grid of relationships that make simplistic acts of revenge futile at best, and disastrous at worst. Just when the whole world was coming around to a broad consensus on restraining Israel, we have the prospect (indeed, a reality) of Israel gaining diplomatic legitimacy all over again. Tehran has to take the blame for this. The mysterious death in 2022 of 22-year-old woman activist Mahsa Amini, targeted by Iran's religious morality police, is still fresh in the minds of the world. Whether it is events at home or its abrasive behaviour within the Muslim world, Iran is a difficult customer for any diplomatic exercise. It has enough adversaries within the Muslim world not to be seen as a power of any consequence in the world order. In such a backdrop, what we are staring into is a scenario in which the US is standing up for Israel all over again, aided by its rich Western allies. US President Joe Biden, facing elections in a country famous for its wealthy Jewish lobby, said on Friday: "We are devoted to the defense of Israel, we will support Israel, we will help defend Israel, and Iran will not succeed." So, who is the winner? Certainly not Iran. The drone attacks in retaliation for the Damascus hit can only be seen as a shaky act of bravado that has caused a diplomatic mess. That is bad news getting worse for Palestinians. I don't see a Third World War. What I see is a human tragedy worsened by the diplomatic immaturity of a dubious friend of the Palestinian cause.

Iran’s drone swarm shows adventurism that hides a diplomatic disaster for the Palestinian cause

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<p>United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (Apr 12) that he expected Iran to attack Israel "sooner, rather than later" and warned Tehran not to proceed, the news agency Reuters reported. On being asked by reporters about his message to Iran, President Biden said, "Don't," and underlined Washington's commitment to defend Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Hezbollah fires missiles towards Northern Israel</strong></h2>

<p>Biden's remarks came as Iran-backed <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/iran-backed-hezbollah-fires-dozens-of-missiles-towards-northern-israel-710671">Hezbollah fired dozens of missiles towards Northern Israel</a></strong>. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), some 40 rockets were fired from Lebanon at northern Israel, some of which were intercepted, while others impacted open areas or fell short in Lebanon.</p>

<p>There were no injuries in the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the past few days, Israel has been bracing for an attack by Iran or its proxies as warnings grew of retaliation for an attack on Iran's embassy compound last week in Syria's Damascus that killed a senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' overseas Quds Force and six other officers.</p>

<h2><strong>Countries warn citizens against travel to Israel, Iran</strong></h2>

<p>Several countries including India, France, Poland, and Russia have warned their citizens against travelling to Israel and Iran.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/middle-east-crisis-list-of-countries-that-have-issued-advisory-against-travel-to-israel-palestine-lebanon-710679">Middle East crisis: List of countries that have issued advisory against travel to Israel, Palestine &amp; Iran</a></strong></p>

<p>"In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice. All those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with Indian Embassies there and register themselves," the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Travel advisory for Iran and Israel:<a href="https://t.co/OuHPVQfyVp">https://t.co/OuHPVQfyVp</a> <a href="https://t.co/eDMRM771dC">pic.twitter.com/eDMRM771dC</a></p>
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1778757156109795338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The French foreign ministry advised citizens to "refrain absolutely" from travelling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel, or the Palestinian territories in the coming days.</p>

<p>Germany, meanwhile, asked its citizens to leave Iran, adding, "German citizens are at concrete risk of being arbitrarily arrested and interrogated and being given long prison sentences. Dual citizens with Iranian and German nationality are especially at risk."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (Apr 12) that he expected Iran to attack Israel "sooner, rather than later" and warned Tehran not to proceed, the news agency Reuters reported.

United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (Apr 12) that he expected Iran to attack Israel "sooner, rather than later" and warned Tehran not to proceed, the news agency Reuters reported. On being asked by reporters about his message to Iran, President Biden said, "Don't," and underlined Washington's commitment to defend Israel. "We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed," he added. Hezbollah fires missiles towards Northern Israel Biden's remarks came as Iran-backed Hezbollah fired dozens of missiles towards Northern Israel. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), some 40 rockets were fired from Lebanon at northern Israel, some of which were intercepted, while others impacted open areas or fell short in Lebanon. There were no injuries in the attack. For the past few days, Israel has been bracing for an attack by Iran or its proxies as warnings grew of retaliation for an attack on Iran's embassy compound last week in Syria's Damascus that killed a senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' overseas Quds Force and six other officers. Countries warn citizens against travel to Israel, Iran Several countries including India, France, Poland, and Russia have warned their citizens against travelling to Israel and Iran. Also read | Middle East crisis: List of countries that have issued advisory against travel to Israel, Palestine & Iran "In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice. All those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with Indian Embassies there and register themselves," the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday. Travel advisory for Iran and Israel:https://t.co/OuHPVQfyVp pic.twitter.com/eDMRM771dC — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 12, 2024 × The French foreign ministry advised citizens to "refrain absolutely" from travelling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel, or the Palestinian territories in the coming days. Germany, meanwhile, asked its citizens to leave Iran, adding, "German citizens are at concrete risk of being arbitrarily arrested and interrogated and being given long prison sentences. Dual citizens with Iranian and German nationality are especially at risk." (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: US expects Iran to attack Israel soon, Biden warns Tehran not to proceed