Overview

• Israel launched airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear program and military sites in the early hours of June 13, significantly escalating regional tension.
• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described Israel as a ‘rowdy nation’ and ‘longtime global thug’, alleging it acts with impunity with US backing.
• Marco Rubio said Washington was not involved in the strikes and that its top priority remains protecting American forces in the region.
• The attacks have raised concerns about a potential wider conflict between the two long-standing rivals.
• Vijayan’s remarks come ahead of the June 19 Nilambur Assembly by-election and may influence voters including thousands of Kerala nurses working in Israel.