ISLAMABAD: In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, the Israeli Air Force carried out a series of airstrikes deep inside Iranian territory on Thursday.
While official targets remain undisclosed, Iranian media reported several explosions in the capital, Tehran.
This marks one of the boldest military operations by Israel in recent years, notably executed without direct backing from the United States.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the move, reaffirming his belief in a potential nuclear deal with Iran.
There is growing speculation over whether the strike was meant to damage Iran’s nuclear infrastructure or was part of a broader strategy.
Either way, the development raises the threat of regional conflict as both nations brace for possible retaliation.
Emergency Declared in Israel
As air raid sirens blared across Israeli cities Thursday night, Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a nationwide state of emergency.
The Israeli government immediately enforced emergency protocols, halting public gatherings, suspending school operations, and closing most workplaces.
Only essential services have been allowed to operate starting Friday morning.
Katz warned that Iran could launch missile and drone attacks aimed at civilian areas in response to the strikes.
Security forces have been placed on high alert and civilians have been urged to stay indoors.
U.S. Response and Regional Fallout
Although reports suggest that the U.S. was briefed in advance, American officials have stressed they were not involved in planning or executing the strike.
Axios reported that Washington had already communicated to Israel that it would not participate in any offensive targeting Iran’s nuclear sites.
Nevertheless, the U.S. may still provide defensive support if the conflict escalates.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee posted that he was staying overnight at the embassy in Jerusalem, asking for prayers for peace.
Meanwhile, Iran has vowed retaliation and threatened U.S. military bases across the region.
The U.S. has started evacuating diplomats and military families from several Gulf countries, including Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Heightened security measures and reinforced air defenses are now in place as a precaution.
The world now watches closely as diplomatic talks scheduled for Sunday hang in the balance.
