Israel is laying the groundwork to target Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, according to journalist Hiva Zarei, as reported on Saturday by the Mezopotamya Agency’s Berivan Kutlu.
Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Zarei explained that Israel is seeking to capitalise on the conflict ignited by Hamas’s attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. In retaliation for Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Iran launched a missile strike on Israeli targets, further fuelling the prospect of a broader conflict.
“Israel is aiming for a direct confrontation, focusing on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, and it has already garnered significant backing from the West,” Zarei said. While Iran remains cautious about entering a full-scale war, she warned that pressure from internal hardliners and regional allies like Hezbollah could push the country towards a confrontation with Israel.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, hinted at the possibility of war during a rare appearance in Tehran on 4 October, where he vowed to defeat Iran’s enemies. “With a sniper rifle in hand, Khamenei described the ongoing attacks as acts of service to the people,” Zarei noted.
Zarei also discussed Iran’s indirect support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen, explaining that these groups rely heavily on Iranian backing. “Without Iran’s support, these groups wouldn’t be able to maintain their roles in regional conflicts,” she added, stressing that despite Iran’s reluctance for direct war, tensions with Israel are escalating rapidly.
She highlighted that while many Iranians are against the idea of war, their views hold little weight within the government. “The regime is more focused on appeasing its hardline supporters and proxy groups than listening to the people,” Zarei explained. Even within the government, there are officials opposed to war, but their influence is limited. “Once war is declared, media outlets are expected to align with the government, and any criticism will be silenced.”
Zarei also dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claims that Israel could bring democracy to Iran. “It’s absurd for someone responsible for bombing schools and hospitals to present himself as a champion of democracy,” she stated, adding that Iran’s theocratic system remains the biggest obstacle to democratic reforms.
She warned that Iranian Kurdistan (Rojhilat) would be among the hardest-hit regions if war breaks out. “The Kurdish people are already suffering under economic hardship and state violence. A war would only deepen their plight,” Zarei concluded.
Meanwhile, Israel has given no assurances it won’t target Iran’s nuclear facilities, a top State Department official told CNN on Friday.
