'Waiting for many years': Iran showcases strength amid rising tensions with Israel, temporarily closes nuclear facilities | Watch Video

Israel-Iran War: Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran following the latter's drone missile attack, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has released a video showcasing its defence system. The video, accompanied by a statement from the IRGC, underscores their readiness, stating, “We’ve been waiting for many years for this, our air defense is waiting.”

IAEA Chief Expresses Concerns Over Potential Israeli Strike

Addressing concerns about a potential Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi emphasized the need for caution. Speaking at a U.N. Security Council meeting, Grossi highlighted the Iranian government's decision to temporarily close all nuclear facilities due to security considerations. He revealed that inspectors were instructed to delay their return until the situation stabilizes, urging for "extreme restraint" from all parties involved.

Iran's Retaliatory Strike Raises Regional Tensions

In response to an airstrike on a consular building in Damascus, Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel. Although the majority of the weapons were intercepted, concerns linger over the potential for further escalation and Israeli reprisal. Notably, Israel has a history of targeting nuclear sites in the region, including the Osirak reactor in Iraq in 1981 and a reactor in Syria in 2018.

Allegations and Counter-Allegations

The longstanding animosity between Israel and Iran has been marked by allegations and counter-allegations. Iran accuses Israel of assassinating its nuclear scientists and perpetrating cyberattacks, such as the Stuxnet virus, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. In turn, Israel alleges that Iran is actively pursuing nuclear weapons, a claim vehemently denied by Tehran.

Escalating Tensions in the Region

As tensions continue to simmer in the Middle East, the international community remains vigilant, urging both Israel and Iran to exercise restraint. The possibility of a full-blown regional conflict underscores the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and preserve peace in the region.