Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear program in major escalation

Israel launched airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear program and military targets, a major escalation in the standoff between the two adversaries that risks sparking a new war in the Middle East.Explosions were heard in Tehran, according to videos and local media. An Israeli military official told reporters that dozens of strikes are being conducted across Iran. The official said Israel had evidence Iran had been planning an attack on the Jewish state.
The US was “not involved” in Israel’s strikes, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. He described Israel’s action as “unilateral.” Rubio warned Iran against targeting US interests or personnel in retaliation.
Oil surged. Brent rose around 7% as of 9 a.m. in Singapore, jumping above $74 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate also rallied.Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said he’s declaring a state of emergency due to Israel’s “preemptive strike against Iran,” which he said involved drones and missiles.

The attack came after repeated warnings by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about striking Iran and crippling its nuclear program. Earlier on Thursday, Iran had said it would inaugurate a new uranium-enrichment facility in response to censure by the UN atomic watchdog over its nuclear program.

The Israeli operation poses the first major foreign-policy crisis of US President Donald Trump’s second term, after he had repeatedly urged Netanyahu not to proceed with a strike.

US and Iranian negotiators are scheduled to hold a sixth round of talks in Oman on Sunday, but Trump said this week he’s less confident about the chances of a deal.

Israel is already involved in a major military operation in Gaza, where it’s been bombarding and blockading the population for the past 20 months as it tries to destroy Hamas following the group’s deadly attack on the Jewish state on Oct. 7, 2023. The Palestinian group is designated a terrorist organisation by the US and the European Union.

Iran and Israel have been locked in a shadow war for decades, with Iran — which doesn’t recognise the state of Israel — using proxy forces such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen to attack Israel.

Israel has in turn, been accused of being behind a series of assassinations and covert attacks on Iranian soil, many of them targeting nuclear scientists.

The two countries exchanged direct blows for the first time last year after tensions surged following the Oct. 7 attacks. The most recent ones were in October, when Israel struck Iranian air defences and a missile factory in retaliation for strikes from Tehran.

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