Israel Launches Strikes on Iran; U.S. Watches Closely, Evacuations Underway
Israel launched its largest aerial assault on Iran since the 1980s, deploying some 200 fighter jets to target more than 100 facilities, including nuclear enrichment plants, missile sites, and high-ranking military officials such as IRGC chief Hossein Salami and armed forces commander Mohammad Bagheri.
State media reports confirm additional losses, including six Iranian nuclear scientists and several senior advisers wounded in Tehran. Israeli authorities stated the mission marks the beginning of a lengthy operation aimed at halting Iran's nuclear progress .
President Trump acknowledged that an Israeli strike “could very well happen,” yet emphasized preference for diplomacy and disavowed U.S. military involvement.
Despite distancing from direct military support, the U.S. evacuated non-essential staff from its Baghdad embassy and advised families in Bahrain and Kuwait to leave voluntarily— amidst widespread concerns about risk to American assets.
Oil prices surged by 4–8%, spiking global markets as concerns over supply and instability gripped investors.
Iran’s leadership responded with defiance: top military officials warned that any attack would bring “forceful and destructive revenge”, potentially targeting U.S. bases and escalating to full-blown regional war thesun.co.uk.
U.S.–Iran nuclear talks resume Sunday in Oman; Trump noted diplomatic avenues remain open and suggested military action could undermine them theguardian.com.
Israeli envoys, including Mossad chief and strategic affairs minister, are meeting with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to clarify motives and timing.
Iranese forces have already launched over 100 drones toward Israel, with several intercepted. Regional airspaces—Jordan, Iraq, Israel—closed amid fear of missile or drone incursions.
International leaders have urgently called for de-escalation; the UN, EU, China, Germany, and Saudi Arabia demanded restraint and urged return to negotiations .
