Israel attacked Iran, Raising Fears of Regional War
Israel has launched a series of airstrikes inside Iran, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions between the two longtime adversaries, Axios reported, citing sources familiar with the operation. While the exact targets remain undisclosed, Iranian media outlets reported multiple explosions in Tehran.
This rare direct strike on Iranian territory signals a bold move by Israel, reportedly made without direct U.S. involvement or approval. The airstrikes come amid heightened regional tensions and could risk sparking a broader conflict. Former U.S. President Donald Trump spoke out against the strike on Thursday, reiterating his belief that a nuclear agreement with Iran was still achievable. It remains unclear whether his remarks were in response to this specific military operation or general policy.
Israel Declares State of Emergency
As air raid sirens blared across Israeli cities late Thursday, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a nationwide state of emergency. He warned of an expected Iranian retaliation involving missile and drone strikes targeting civilian areas. In response, the Israeli government has imposed sweeping restrictions starting Friday morning, suspending school activities, public gatherings, and non-essential work.
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U.S. Distances Itself from the Operation
Although U.S. officials reportedly warned certain allies about the impending Israeli strike, Washington emphasized that it had no role in the attack. Axios noted that the Trump administration had previously informed Israel that the U.S. would not participate in any military action targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Despite this, the United States has a history of supporting Israel in the face of Iranian retaliation and may intervene if the situation escalates. Before the attack became public, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee posted on social media from Jerusalem, asking for prayers and signaling heightened alert at the embassy.
Potential Fallout and Diplomatic Uncertainty
Details about the operation remain limited, but reports suggest that Israel had been preparing for such a strike over several weeks, awaiting the results of ongoing diplomatic efforts. A new round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks was scheduled for Sunday, though it’s uncertain whether they will go ahead following this dramatic development.
In anticipation of possible retaliation, Iran has threatened to target U.S. military assets in the region. In response, the U.S. has begun withdrawing diplomats and military families from Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait, while reinforcing air defenses at bases across the Gulf.
Whether or not Iran’s nuclear facilities were targeted, the risk of regional escalation remains high, and any Iranian response could draw the U.S. deeper into a potentially explosive conflict.
