Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities have reached an unprecedented scale, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations, according to a leading expert.
In a televised interview with China Media Group (CMG), Qin Tian, deputy director of the Institute of Middle East Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, described the recent attacks as “unprecedented in both scope and intensity.”
“While Israel has previously engaged in sporadic sabotage of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, this latest assault is far more extensive,” Qin said. “The attacks targeted dozens of nuclear sites across multiple provinces, significantly expanding the geographical scope.”
These nuclear facilities are not only central to Iran’s national security but also hold symbolic value as points of national pride. “The attacks have directly impacted Iran’s core interests,” he added.
Qin believes that Iran’s retaliation is inevitable and likely to be forceful. Citing past missile exchanges between the two countries, he suggested that Iran may resort to large-scale missile and drone strikes in response.
“Iran could expand its retaliation to include U.S. interests in the region,” Qin cautioned. “That could involve strikes on American military bases in the Middle East or attacks on U.S.-linked oil tankers in the Persian Gulf.”
Beyond military action, Qin indicated that Iran might reconsider its diplomatic stance. “Iran may pull out of its current nuclear talks with Washington or even withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, as it has previously threatened.”
