Israel carried out a series of preemptive airstrikes on Tehran just hours after President Donald Trump reaffirmed his dedication to pursuing a diplomatic resolution.
Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that a retaliatory attack involving drones and missiles was expected imminently. “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 in a public statement.
Soon after Katz’s remarks, air raid sirens were reportedly heard in Tel Aviv as residents braced for possible retaliation.
A U.S. official informed ABC News that the United States neither participated in nor assisted with the Israeli military operation.
Footage from Tehran showed a series of coordinated air and missile strikes hitting multiple locations. At this time, it remains unclear whether the Israeli offensive is specifically targeting Iranian military assets, senior leadership, or nuclear infrastructure.
The strikes occurred just before planned nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, scheduled for the upcoming weekend. Earlier in the day, President Trump had reiterated his focus on a diplomatic resolution, following previous public calls for Israel to act with restraint.
“We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue! My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon,” Trump posted on social media Thursday.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking earlier in the day, stated that Iran would continue enriching uranium and promised to reconstruct any facilities that were destroyed.
Initial video footage from the Iranian capital suggested that high-ranking Iranian officials may have been targeted. Israeli outlets reported that Iranian Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri was among those killed in the strikes.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the Israeli Air Force specifically targeted Iran’s main uranium enrichment facility in Natanz.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the U.S. had no part in the operation and cautioned Iran against taking retaliatory action against American interests.
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense,” Rubio announced in a press release. “President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”
This story is still unfolding.
NUKE IRAN TILL IT GLOWS!