There are growing calls for de-escalation in the Middle East. This comes after Israel launched attacks on Iranian nuclear and military sites in a bid to block Tehran from developing atomic weapons.

 The developments have ratcheted up pressure in a region where tensions have already been high since October 2023 when Hamas-led militant groups launched a surprise attack into southern Israel. Israel has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Tehran.

Iran has confirmed that head of its Revolutionary Guard's intelligence unit Mohammad Kazemi and his deputy have been killed in an Israeli strike.

To discuss all this is Ibrahim Dean, Independent political Analyst and Middle East/North Africa Researcher.