Every time something happens, we get closer to a gigantic volcanic eruption that we cannot defend ourselves against. This is definitely a gigantic step towards a major war, says Atarodi.
The attack inside Tehran is a very daring move by Israel and means a short-term victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Atarodi. He believes that Iran is currently discussing various counter-reactions.
This cannot go unpunished. If Iran feels that this attack has crossed their red line, the counter-reaction will be comprehensive and they will mobilize all their resources regarding resistance movements that stretch from Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Hezbollah.
Inevitable counter-reaction
Unlike the Huthi movement in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Iran-backed resistance movements in Iraq and Syria have been relatively inactive during the Gaza war, and it is Iran that holds the strings, according to Atarodi.
Now there may be reason to activate the movements in Iraq and Syria.
When and to what extent Iran's counter-reaction will occur is impossible to say, but that it will happen is inevitable, according to Atarodi. Otherwise, the regime will lose its credibility towards its own population and its partners in the region.
Want to avoid war
The rest of the region is watching the development with great concern, according to Atarodi, especially the countries around the Persian Gulf. Qatar, where Hamas' political leadership is based and which has mediated a ceasefire in the Gaza war, calls the attack a "dangerous escalation" of violence in the region.
A major war in the region will "by default" draw in the entire Persian Gulf into the war, as well as the whole world, says Atarodi.
Even Middle East expert Isabell Schierenbeck believes that the regional countries are extremely worried and thinks that pressure from them could prevent an escalation.
The regional states, such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, have shown themselves to be important. Even the United Arab Emirates and Turkey. Pressure from them is crucial at this stage, says Schierenbeck.
