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The war in the Middle East has entered a “totally new phase” in which civilian infrastructure and industrial sites are increasingly being targeted, according to an academic in Tehran.
Hassan Ahmadian, an associate professor at the University of Tehran, said the conflict is expanding beyond earlier attacks focused mainly on military targets.
Ahmadian said recent strikes have hit infrastructure serving civilian populations.
“Yesterday, a desalination plant on Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf was attacked, which provides water to the residents of that island,” he told Al Jazeera.
He added that an oil refinery in Tehran was also attacked overnight.
“Last night also, an oil refinery in Tehran (was attacked), and there are reports of many of those attacks around the country,” Ahmadian said.
According to Ahmadian, the attacks suggest the conflict is no longer limited to military facilities or targeted assassinations.
He said earlier stages of the war had focused mainly on military targets and operations carried out by Israel and the U.S.
“We are moving towards a new phase,” he said.
Ahmadian said Iran has also increased the sophistication of its weapons used in the conflict.
He said Iranian forces have recently used “very heavy and sophisticated missiles that are precision guided.”
Ahmadian added that the developments point to a broader escalation.
“We see a ratcheting of the conflict as we move forward,” he said.
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