JERUSALEM/TEHRAN/WASHINGTON. Israel confirmed early Friday that it launched strikes on Iran, as reports of explosions echoed across Tehran, intensifying already high tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and the U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to halt it.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced a state of emergency, warning of an imminent missile and drone retaliation from Tehran.
“Following the preemptive strike by the State of Israel against Iran, a missile and UAV [drone] attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate timeframe,” Katz said in a statement.
Iranian state media reported that multiple explosions were heard in the capital and that air defense systems were on full alert. Iranian authorities have not confirmed the extent of the damage or casualties, if any.
Two U.S. officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed Israel had initiated the strikes without any American involvement. Meanwhile, CNN reported that U.S. President Donald Trump was convening an emergency cabinet meeting.
The developments come just days before a scheduled sixth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Oman, which now appear increasingly uncertain. Both sides, along with Omani mediators, had acknowledged a deadlock in negotiations over Iran’s rapidly advancing uranium enrichment efforts.
Oil prices spiked over $3 per barrel following the news of the strike, reflecting global market jitters over a potential regional conflict.
President Trump said Thursday that an Israeli strike on Iran “could very well happen,” but reiterated his preference for a diplomatic solution.
U.S. intelligence previously indicated that Israel was preparing to attack Iranian nuclear facilities. Washington, while not involved in the current strike, has begun contingency planning, including potential evacuations of American civilians from the region, according to a senior U.S. official.
Israel has consistently warned against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, viewing them as a direct threat to its national security. Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
Edgaroo Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
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