Anifowose Samson
Israel have launched a massive wave of attacks across Iran on Thursday night, bombing nuclear and missile sites, targeting military leaders and nuclear scientists, and conducting covert sabotage operations on missile and air defense sites.
Israel is directly attacking its biggest and best-armed adversary without backing from the U.S., which swiftly distanced itself from the operation.
President Trump publicly opposed an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear sites on Thursday, saying he still believed a nuclear deal was possible.
Hours later, Israel began targeting nuclear sites as well the Iranian military’s top brass and senior scientists working on the nuclear program.
Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. commander Gen. Hossein Salami was among those killed, Iranian state media confirmed.
What they’re saying: “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,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.
“Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense,” he continued.
“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.”
Driving the news: Sirens sounded across Israel on Thursday night. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a special state of emergency across the entire country.
“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.
