On Thursday night, numerous reports emerged about Israeli attacks on Iran from the Middle East, indicating that the rising tensions between the two countries might have escalated into full conflict.
According to Axios, “The Israeli Air Force carried out a strike on Thursday, based on information from two sources familiar with the operation. The specific targets remain unclear, but explosions were reported in Tehran.”
- President Trump publicly opposed an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear sites on Thursday, saying he still believed a nuclear deal was possible.
Yes, but: It’s not clear whether Israel has ordered strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, or whether the U.S. opposed this specific operation.
Driving the news: Sirens were heard throughout Israel on Thursday night. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a special state of emergency nationwide.
- “Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the state of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,” Katz said.
The U.S. previously told Israel it would not be directly participating in any strikes against Iran’s nuclear program. However, the U.S. privately warned allies to prepare for a scenario where talks between the U.S. and Iran might collapse, and where Israel would strike Iran. Reports seem to confirm that this scenario has come to pass.
