Israel Launches Preemptive Strikes on Iran

Israel carried out a series of preemptive airstrikes against Iran on Friday, targeting nuclear facilities and military installations, in what is being described as a significant escalation in regional tensions.

According to Iranian state media, explosions were heard in the capital, Tehran, early Friday morning. The reports also stated that the country’s air defense systems were operating at “full capacity” in response to the attacks.

The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of the possibility of imminent retaliation from Iran, stating that missile and drone attacks against Israeli territory and its civilian population could occur in the near future.

The strikes follow warnings earlier this week from U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested a potential military confrontation in the region was becoming more likely.

“I don’t want to say imminent, but it looks like it’s something that could very well happen,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday when asked about the possibility of an Israeli strike.

The U.S. President also hinted at ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran regarding its nuclear program, suggesting a deal was “fairly close.” However, he acknowledged that military action by Israel could complicate those negotiations.

“I don’t want them going in, because I think it would blow it,” Trump said of Israel’s actions. “Might help it actually, but it also could blow it.”

A U.S. official confirmed there was no direct American involvement in the Israeli military operation.

Following the strikes, global oil markets reacted sharply, with prices rising as much as 6 percent due to fears of broader instability in the Middle East. The U.S. has also reportedly begun drawing down diplomatic staff in the region as a precautionary measure.