Strikes against Iran are underway, a U.S. Official confirmed to Reuters on Saturday, escalating tensions in the Middle East following a pre-emptive attack launched by Israel. The Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, stated that the operation was intended to counter threats to the state of Israel.
The attacks follow repeated warnings from both the U.S. And Israel regarding Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. According to the Recent York Times, the U.S. Strikes began after Israel initiated its offensive. Explosions were reported in Tehran by Iranian media, coinciding with the activation of air raid sirens across Israel at approximately 8:15 a.m. Local time, intended as a precautionary measure for a potential incoming missile strike.
In response to the escalating situation, the Israeli military announced the closure of schools and non-essential workplaces, and imposed a ban on public airspace. The Israel Airports Authority advised the public to avoid traveling to any of the country’s airports.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, was reportedly moved to a secure location prior to the attacks, according to a source cited by Reuters.
This latest confrontation builds upon a 12-day period of aerial exchanges between Israel and Iran in June. In that instance, the U.S. Participated in an Israeli military campaign targeting Iranian nuclear installations, marking the most direct American military involvement against the Islamic Republic to date. Iran retaliated by launching missiles toward the Al Udeid air base in Qatar, a major U.S. Military facility in the Middle East.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the decades-long dispute over Iran’s nuclear program resumed in February, with the aim of averting military conflict. However, Israel has maintained that any agreement with Iran must include the complete dismantling of its nuclear infrastructure, going beyond merely halting enrichment processes, and also address Iran’s missile program. Iran has indicated a willingness to discuss limitations on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, but has rejected linking the issue to its missile development.
Tehran has warned that it will defend itself against any attack and cautioned countries hosting U.S. Troops that it would retaliate against American bases should it be targeted. Western powers have consistently expressed concerns that Iran’s ballistic missile project poses a threat to regional stability and could potentially be used to deliver nuclear weapons, allegations that Iran denies.
