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One question quickly spread across governments and households alike: would this escalation trigger a wider war?
Officials from both countries argued that the operation targeted infrastructure they believed posed an imminent threat.
They said the strikes were intended to prevent future attacks and disrupt critical military systems.
Iranian leaders responded with strong language, promising what they called “devastating revenge.” The statements raised concerns that the confrontation could escalate beyond a single round of strikes.
Behind the scenes, diplomats from Europe and other regions quickly began urging restraint. Several governments warned that further escalation could destabilize the entire Middle East.
Many checked their phones and listened for sirens, unsure whether the night’s explosions would remain an isolated event or mark the beginning of a much larger conflict.