- Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar tells France that military operations against Iran will persist.
- The attack, codenamed "Operation Rising Lion," targeted nuclear and military sites, marking Israel's largest strike on Iran since the Iran-Iraq War.
- International calls for de-escalation grow as IAEA confirms Iran's non-compliance with nuclear obligations.
Israel doubles down on Iran strategy
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar informed French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot on Thursday that Israel would continue its military actions against Iran, following this week's unprecedented strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and military leadership. The operation, described by security analysts as the most significant Israeli military engagement with Iran in decades, has dramatically escalated tensions in the region.
Diplomatic sources indicate the French foreign minister emphasized restraint during the call, while acknowledging Israel's security concerns. "Minister Barrot reiterated France's position supporting Israel's right to self-defense but urged immediate de-escalation," said one official familiar with the discussion, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Fallout from Operation Rising Lion
The strikes have already produced significant consequences, with early reports indicating damage to multiple nuclear sites and casualties among Iranian Revolutionary Guard leadership. Tehran has vowed retaliation, though the form and timing remain unclear. Markets reacted nervously to the developments, with oil prices climbing nearly 3% in early trading amid concerns about potential disruptions to Persian Gulf shipping lanes.
Israel's foreign ministry has activated emergency protocols, with diplomats reportedly briefing counterparts globally to justify the military action. The timing appears calculated - coming just days after the IAEA formally declared Iran non-compliant with its nuclear obligations for the first time in twenty years. "This wasn't a knee-jerk reaction," a Western intelligence official noted. "The targeting suggests extensive planning and precise intelligence."
What comes next
Security analysts warn the situation remains highly volatile, with Iran possessing multiple avenues for response - from direct military action to proxy attacks through regional allies. The Biden administration has called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting, while European capitals are reportedly exploring mediation options. Meanwhile, defense stocks surged as investors anticipated heightened military spending across the region.
Correction: An earlier version misstated the timing of the IAEA's non-compliance declaration; it occurred prior to the Israeli strikes, not afterward.