In a dramatic development that represents a major turning point in the Middle East conflict, and in the first hours of the outbreak of direct military confrontation, Western sources revealed today (Saturday) that Tehran was subjected to painful blows that resulted in the killing of the Iranian Minister of Defense and the commander of the ground forces in the Revolutionary Guard, coinciding with a bombing that targeted the government’s key institutions in the capital.

Reuters, citing three informed sources, confirmed the deaths of Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guard Ground Forces Commander Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour in a series of coordinated attacks described as the deadliest of their kind. In another tragic development, Iranian state media reported that a school in the city of Minab, in Hormozgan province in southern Iran, was bombed, killing 51 female students, a preliminary toll that shocked the local community.

Regarding attacks targeting symbols of power, the Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that seven missiles penetrated security fortifications in Tehran, directly targeting the presidential palace complex where Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian resides, as well as the office complex of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Official authorities have not yet disclosed the extent of casualties or material damage within these key government buildings, but the missiles' ability to reach such sensitive locations suggests a significant intelligence and military breach.

Significance of timing and objectives

This surprise attack comes amid an unprecedented regional escalation, as tensions between Tehran on one side, and the United States and Israel on the other, have been rising rapidly in recent months. Observers note that targeting the defense minister and Revolutionary Guard commanders in the early hours of the war reflects a "decapitation" strategy aimed at crippling the command and control capabilities of the Iranian armed forces and creating chaos within the military hierarchy.

Potential regional and international repercussions

This event is expected to cast a dark shadow over the region's geopolitical landscape. Targeting the Supreme Leader's headquarters crosses all traditional red lines in the rules of engagement, opening the door to a range of possible Iranian responses. Strategic analysts believe the region may be entering a period of instability that could impact maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and global energy markets, given Iran's strategic location and its significant role in the oil equation.

The heavy civilian casualties in southern Iran, represented by the killing of the students, could lead to a wave of international condemnations and further complicate the humanitarian situation, placing the international community before urgent responsibilities to contain the situation before it slides into a full-blown regional war whose consequences are difficult to predict.

The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States issued a strongly worded statement condemning in the strongest terms the Iranian attacks targeting the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The League considered this missile bombardment a blatant and unprecedented violation of the sovereignty of strategically important states that have consistently advocated for peace and worked tirelessly to achieve stability in the region, and which have not been party to any direct military conflict.

Full Arab solidarity and support for the right to self-defense

In its official statement, the General Secretariat expressed its full and unwavering solidarity with the five Arab states in the face of these brutal attacks. The League affirmed its complete support for any legal or security measures these states take to defend their territories, protect their borders, and ensure the safety of their people and residents, emphasizing that the security of these states is an integral part of Arab national security in its comprehensive sense.

Context of the crisis: Targeting of peace advocates and mediators

In analyzing the political situation, the General Secretariat emphasized the dangerous paradox of this escalation, noting that the targeted Arab states have consistently adopted clear and balanced positions on the Iranian crisis. These states refused to be drawn into calls for military action against Tehran, and instead exerted tremendous diplomatic efforts and played pivotal mediating roles to de-escalate tensions and avert the military escalation the region is witnessing today. This attack undermines those peaceful efforts and places the entire region on the brink of disaster.

Geopolitical dimensions and the seriousness of the situation

The General Secretariat expressed its concern about the immense danger inherent in this escalation, warning of a slide into regional chaos that could prove difficult to control. Observers point out that targeting the Gulf states and Jordan simultaneously carries serious implications for global energy security and waterways, given the strategic importance of the Gulf states as a major energy source and Jordan's pivotal role in the stability of the Levant region.

A call to the international community

The university concluded its statement by emphasizing the need for the international community to assume its responsibilities regarding these violations, which contravene the UN Charter, the principles of good neighborliness, and international law. This dangerous development necessitates a serious response to prevent further escalation and to protect civilians and the resources of Arab peoples from any reckless military adventures.