Iran’s response added to the tension. Officials declared the country “reserves all options,” signaling that retaliation—possibly under claims of self-defense—remained firmly on the table.
In Tehran, the statement carried serious weight. It suggested not only anger, but a readiness to respond in a way that could escalate beyond isolated strikes.
Across Europe, leaders scrambled to respond. Governments issued calls for restraint, urging both sides to step back and avoid a chain reaction that could spiral into a wider regional war.
Diplomatic channels became urgent lifelines. Officials worked behind the scenes, trying to balance condemnation with caution, aware that even a small misstep could trigger something far larger.
