Israeli Airstrikes Target Iran
On Thursday, the Israeli Air Force conducted multiple airstrikes inside Iran, according to sources cited by Axios. While the precise targets remain undisclosed, local reports confirmed explosions in Tehran, signaling a major escalation in tensions between the two nations.
Israel Declares State of Emergency
As sirens echoed across Israel, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a nationwide state of emergency late Thursday. Katz warned of potential Iranian retaliation, including missile and drone attacks aimed at civilians. Starting Friday, Israel restricted public gatherings, suspended school activities, and limited operations to essential services only.
U.S. Maintains Distance from Operation
The United States clarified it was not involved in the Israeli strikes, with the Trump administration explicitly stating it would not support attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. However, the U.S. has previously assisted Israel in defending against Iranian counterattacks and may do so again if the situation escalates. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee posted on social media, urging followers to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” as he remained at the embassy overnight.
Diplomatic Efforts in Jeopardy
Israel had reportedly been planning a potential strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure for weeks but delayed action pending diplomatic talks. A new round of U.S.-Iran negotiations was set for Sunday, though it is now uncertain whether these will proceed following the airstrikes.
Regional Tensions and U.S. Response
Iran has threatened to target U.S. assets if its nuclear program is attacked. In preparation for potential fallout, the U.S. has begun evacuating diplomats and military families from Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait, while reinforcing air defenses at Gulf bases. Even if Iran’s nuclear sites were not struck, the Israeli operation could provoke a retaliation that draws the U.S. deeper into the conflict.
With both nations on high alert, the risk of a broader regional conflict looms large, threatening stability across the Middle East.
