Tensions in the middle east have since raised concerns that these conflicts may turn into World War 3 should nothing be done. Following the killing of a top nuclear scientist in Tehran, Iran has now pointed fingers at Israel and accused them of murder.
Scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was killed in an attack somewhere outside of Tehran and Iran believes Israel and even the United States are responsible for the murder. Iran foreign minister Javad Zarif cited that there is a strong indication that Israel is responsible for the killing and has called for the European Union and the rest of the world to condemn the murder. However, accounts of the incident varied at first according to Sky News Defense Correspondent Alistair Bunkall who also cites that Iran may also be accusing the US of the murder of Fakhrizadeh.
“There was some confusion initially as to what Mohsen Fakhrizadeh’s condition was. Some said he died immediately, some said he was saved, but it has been confirmed,” said Bunkall. “The Iranians have already started pointing fingers to the United States and Israel. They are suggesting that as Donald Trump comes to the final days of his presidency, the two countries are trying to stoke tensions with Iran.”
Fakhrizadeh has long been suspected by Israel to be the person behind the Islamic nation’s nuclear program. In 2018, Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had referred to Fakhrizadeh as a “name to remember.” Iran has insisted that Fakhrizadeh’s involvement in the nuclear program was for peaceful purposes.
Meanwhile, tensions between the US and Russia have also been stoked as of late when a US destroyer vessel, the USS John S. McCain, passed through Peter the Great Gulf, violating the waters controlled by Russia. The country’s foreign ministry issued a statement blasting the US and said that it reserves the right to retaliate. The statement follows the confirmation of a US Navy Destroyer passing through the waters by two kilometers.
The US military responded that the warship was ensuring freedom of navigation on the waters and clarified that the vessel was not “expelled,” contrary to what the Russians claim. “McCain conducted this FONOP in accordance with international law and continued to conduct normal operations in international waters,” said a spokesperson for the US Navy 7th Fleet.