Kamran Bokhari, an expert on central and Wast Asia speaks to Raza Rumi about the recent escalation of hostilities in the Middle East. The Iranian attack through drones and missilies on Israeli targets was a symbolic act — first of its kind. Bokhari says Israel might retaliate with a surprise attack but the ongoing tensions indicate the dilemma of the United States as it does not want the war to expand and yet it has declared that Israel’s security is paramount for US’s policy in the region. Will this crisis turn into a global conflict or will be contained through back channel diplomatic efforts, remains to be seen.
Analysts also say that Iran's strikes on Israel over the weekend appear to have been "a performative operation" intended to send a message after Israel attacked its consulate in Syria, but avoid further escalation.