Jerusalem: In a dramatic escalation that has ignited fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East, Israel launched a series of preemptive strikes early Friday morning on Iranian nuclear and military sites. The operation, confirmed by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, targeted critical infrastructure including a nuclear enrichment facility, triggering air raid sirens and explosions in the Iranian capital, Tehran.
The strikes come just days after former U.S. President Donald Trump warned of a “massive conflict” in the region and admitted to holding high-level talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While the United States officially denied any involvement in the attacks, its recent drawdown of diplomatic staff in Iraq had hinted at escalating tensions.
Following the strike, Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency. Defence Minister Katz warned of an imminent missile and drone retaliation from Tehran, stating: “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.”
Oil prices reacted sharply to the unfolding crisis, surging by over 6% in early morning trading, as markets absorbed the potential for broader regional instability.
The U.S., while publicly distancing itself from the Israeli action, has found itself in a delicate position. President Trump, speaking at the White House on Thursday, acknowledged the likelihood of an Israeli attack, noting that it could either derail or accelerate ongoing nuclear negotiations with Tehran. “I don’t want them going in, because I think it would blow it,” he said, before adding, “Might help it actually, but it also could blow it.”
The timing of the strikes coincides with rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme, which has long been a flashpoint in Israel-Iran relations.
In the immediate aftermath, Iranian air defence systems were reported to be operating at “100 percent capacity.” While no official Iranian military retaliation has been confirmed yet, authorities have vowed a firm response. Mohammad Eslami, Iran’s nuclear chief, condemned the attack and a recent UN nuclear watchdog resolution as “extremist,” blaming Israeli lobbying efforts for increasing international pressure.
Just days prior, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a resolution criticizing Iran’s non-compliance with its nuclear commitments. In retaliation, Iran announced the construction of a new enrichment facility in a secure location and plans to upgrade its existing centrifuges at the Fordo plant from first-generation machines to advanced sixth-generation units.
Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, stated that the enrichment level would continue at 60%, just short of the 90% required for weapons-grade material. This level significantly exceeds the 3.67% cap set by the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the U.S. abandoned in 2018 during Trump’s first term.
Israel has significantly hardened its military posture since the October 7, 2023, attack by Iran-backed Hamas militants, which led to a massive and prolonged Israeli campaign in Gaza. Netanyahu’s government has since adopted a policy of preemption, citing existential threats from Iran and its network of regional proxies.
The situation remains fluid, with the possibility of Iranian retaliation high. Analysts warn that a direct confrontation between Israel and Iran could draw in the broader region, including U.S. forces stationed across the Middle East.
As the world watches closely, calls for restraint have begun to emerge from European capitals and the United Nations, though any diplomatic off-ramp seems tenuous amid the fast-moving developments.
