The UN atomic watchdog has called for ‘extreme restraint’ (Picture: AFP)
There are fears Israel is considering target Iran’s nuclear facilities as part of a response to the barrage of drones and missiles sent over the border over the weekend.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his war cabinet to decide the next steps in his revenge plan – with or without the support of the West.
And this morning, Iran’s Foreign Ministry deputy for political affairs Bagheri said his country will respond ‘within seconds’ if Israel retaliates.
But the United Nation’s nuclear watchdog urged for ‘extreme restraint’ amid the tensions in the Middle East that could soon reach boiling point.
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Director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi said Iran closed its nuclear facilities on Sunday over ‘security considerations’.
They reopened on Monday but IAEA inspectors were kept away ‘until we see that the situation is completely calm’.
He said: ‘We are going to resume on Tuesday. This has not had an impact on our inspection activity.’
When asked about the possibility of an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, he added: ‘We are always concerned about this possibility.’
Grossi’s comments came after Israel’s military chief said the Iranian strike will not go unanswered – even if Iran signalled it considers the matter closed.
Israeli soldiers prepare before entering into the Gaza Strip on April 15, 2024 (Picture: Getty)
Herzi Halevi doubled down: ‘This launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles, and drones into Israeli territory will be met with a response.’
While Iran’s attack caused no deaths and limited damage, it has increased fears of open warfare between the two archenemies and fuelled concerns that violence rooted in the Gaza war is spreading.
Lt Gen Herzi Halevi echoed the comments: ‘Look, as we look forward, we weigh our steps, and this launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles, UAVs to the territory of the State of Israel will be met with a response.’
Neither specified a course of action, or give a timescale.
Iran launched its weekend attack as retaliation for Israel’s strike on April 1 on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, in which 12 people were killed.
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