Israel braces for a response to the strike on Iran
The Israeli Embassy in Tehran has declared war on the country’s nuclear sites – a warning to the United States, warned of Israel’s attack on Iran
Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a video statement posted on social media that the attack was launched at the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program and will continue for as long as it takes.
“It’s clear Iran is just buying for time; it refuses to agree to this basic requirement of peaceful nations. That is why we have no choice but to act and act now,” Netanyahu said.
Marco spoke and said that the U.S. forces did not participate in the attack. Israel took action on its own 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. 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,” the statement said
Hours after the news, President Trump warned of an attack on Iran. It looks like it’s possible. It is very simple, not complicated. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Other than that, I want them to be successful. I want them to be tremendous. We will help them be successful, said Trump who warned that the talks had failed to curb Iran’s nuclear program and that there was a military option on the table. His Mideast envoy Steven Witkoff had been due to meet Iranian negotiators in Oman on Sunday
Sirens also sounded across Israel in the hours before dawn: an Israel military official told NPR the alarms were pre-emptive. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a statement declaring a “special state of emergency” across the country, and to expects missile and drone retaliation.
There were multiple reports of loud explosions in the northeastern part of Tehran. Iranian state TV has reported that Israel has struck the Revolutionary Guards’ headquarters in Tehran, killing the Commander Hossein Salami. The Revolutionary Guards are a powerful branch of Iran’s armed forces and wield significant political and military influence.
Israel has carried out “dozens” of air strikes in Iran, an Israeli military official has confirmed in a briefing attended by NPR. The official said the Israeli air force was targeting the country’s nuclear sites, accusing Tehran of running a secret program to build a nuclear bomb.
Jordan, Israel, Iraq and Iran halted all civilian air traffic some of the busiest airports in the Arab Gulf cancelled flights due to the risks potentially posed by missiles.
The international nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, this week declared Iran in contravention of non-proliferation agreements aimed at halting the spread of nuclear weapons. Iran’s peaceful enrichment program is for peaceful purposes.