Washington/Baghdad - Turkish, Jordanian, and Iraqi officials have asserted that Iran provided advanced notice of the attack, with claims that neighboring countries and the US were informed 72 hours prior to the strike. However, these assertions have been met with skepticism by US officials, who deny receiving any such warning and assert that they were only notified after the attack had already begun.

In the turbulent aftermath of Iran's retaliatory drone and missile strike on Israel, tensions in the Middle East have reached a critical juncture, prompting urgent calls for de-escalation and diplomatic intervention.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sounded a clarion call, warning of the perilous precipice on which the region now stands. He emphasized the urgent need for restraint and dialogue, urging all parties involved to refrain from actions that could further inflame tensions and escalate the situation into a full-scale conflict.

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, delivered a fervent plea for decisive action in response to Iran's aggression. Erdan's impassioned call for sanctions underscores the gravity of the situation and underscores the pressing need for international solidarity in the face of escalating hostilities.

The fallout from the Iranian attack has prompted a series of precautionary measures aimed at safeguarding the population in Israel. The closure of schools and restrictions on public gatherings signal a nation on high alert, bracing itself for potential reprisals in the wake of the assault.

Israel's war cabinet remains divided over how best to respond to the Iranian threat. While there is consensus on the need for retaliation, differing opinions abound regarding the timing and scale of any potential military action. This internal discord has left Israel's military actively exploring a range of response options, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the profound implications of any decision taken.

Both Israel and Iran have sought to shape the discourse surrounding the nature and scope of the attack. Israel maintains that it successfully intercepted all incoming drones and missiles with assistance from key allies such as the US and the UK, thereby averting a potentially catastrophic outcome. Iran, however, contends that it provided ample notice to neighboring countries and the US prior to launching the strikes, suggesting a calculated and measured approach to its military actions.

However, both the US and Israel have cast doubt on Iran's claims, alleging that the true intent behind the attacks was to inflict significant damage, including targeting strategic assets such as a key Israeli airbase. These conflicting accounts underscore the complexity of the situation and the challenges inherent in navigating a path towards de-escalation and resolution.

Robert Wood, the deputy US ambassador, issued a stern warning, stating, "If Iran or its proxies take actions against the United States or further actions against Israel, Iran will be held accountable." His statement adds another layer of tension to the already fraught situation, emphasizing the potential consequences of any future actions by Iran or its allies.