Israel declared a state of emergency early Friday, following a series of airstrikes on Iran targeting what officials described as “dozens” of nuclear and military sites.
The move comes as tensions soar over US-led efforts to halt Iran’s production of materials that could be used for nuclear weapons.
Iranian state media reported several explosions in the capital, Tehran, with the country’s air defense systems placed on full alert. The extent of the damage from the strikes remains unclear.
An Israeli military official was quoted in a report saying that Iran possesses enough enriched material to build up to 15 nuclear bombs within days, prompting the pre-emptive strikes.
Israel is reportedly bracing for a retaliatory assault, possibly involving missiles and drones launched from Iranian territory.
Despite the escalation, US officials stressed that the United States was not involved in the operation.
Two American officials confirmed that there was no coordination or support provided to Israel. However, US media reported that President Donald Trump convened a cabinet meeting in response to the developments.
Speaking a day earlier, on Thursday, June 12, Trump acknowledged that an Israeli attack on Iran “could very well happen,” though he reiterated his desire for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing nuclear dispute.
As regional tensions rise, the international community is closely watching for further escalation that could spiral into a broader conflict.
