Israel launches major strike on Iran
The IDF in an official statement says that it has launched a “precise, preemptive strike” in Iran, “with the goal of damaging Iran’s nuclear program and in response to the Iranian regime’s ongoing aggression against Israel.”
“Dozens of Israeli Air Force aircraft recently completed the opening blow, which included strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear-related sites in various areas in Iran,” the IDF says.
“The public is requested to follow the instructions of the IDF Home Front Command, which will be updated as necessary, and act calmly and responsibly. The IDF and the relevant authorities are prepared for a wide range of scenarios in defense and offense that may be needed,” the military says.
The IDF statement continues: “For years, the Iranian regime has been waging a direct and indirect campaign of terror against the State of Israel, by funding and directing terrorist activities via its proxies across the Middle East, while advancing toward obtaining a nuclear weapon. The Iranian regime is at the head of the axis responsible for all terrorist attacks against the State of Israel since the beginning of the war.”
“The Iranian regime has proclaimed that its objective is to destroy the State of Israel. Senior officials in the Iranian regime have publicly declared their intent to destroy Israel, and are operating to achieve this together with their proxies in the Middle East. Today, Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon. Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime are an existential threat to the State of Israel and a significant threat to the wider world. The State of Israel will not allow a regime whose objective is to destroy the State of Israel to obtain weapons of mass destruction,” the IDF says.
“The IDF has conducted a process of preparations for a campaign on the frontline and on the home front. The resilience of Israel’s citizens will be an important factor of the campaign. The IDF is ready to continue to act as required. The State of Israel has the obligation to act in defense of its citizens and will continue to do so everywhere it is required to do so, as we have done in the past. The IDF is conducting an ongoing situational assessment and will update on any developments,” it adds.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Israel took “unilateral action against Iran” tonight, stressing that the US was not involved and warning that Tehran should not target the US in response.
“Our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for [their] self-defense,” Rubio says in a statement.
“President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners,” he adds.
“Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel,” he adds.
The US participated in a massive campaign to lull Iran into thinking an attack was not going to happen immediately, Channel 12 reports.
US President Donald Trump said Thursday that an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear sites “could very well happen” but advised against it, saying the possibility of a deal was “fairly close” if Tehran compromises on its atomic ambitions in ongoing talks with the US.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said in an interview yesterday that Israel was unlikely to attack Iran without a green light from Washington.
The Israeli military expects its operation against Iran’s nuclear program and long-range missile capabilities to last for several days.
The IDF is preparing for heavy fire from Iran in response to its airstrikes tonight. “At the end of the operation, there will be no nuclear threat” from Iran, military officials say.
“We are in the window of strategic opportunities. We have reached the point of no return, and there is no choice but to act now,” IDF officials say.
The IDF says it is coordinating its action with the US. [Continue reading…]