Israel Launches Preemptive Strike on Iran Nuclear Site Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

In a dramatic escalation in the Middle East, Israel conducted preemptive airstrikes on Iran early Friday, targeting its nuclear facilities and key military installations. The attack came shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump warned of a potential “massive conflict” in the region.

Israel Targets Iranian Nuclear and Military Sites

Explosions were reported in Tehran, where Iranian state media confirmed that air defence systems were fully activated. The strikes hit locations believed to be part of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. In response, Israel declared a state of emergency and braced for a retaliatory missile or drone assault from Iran.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said, “Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future.”

Oil Prices Surge, Trump Warns of Worsening Conflict

The pre-dawn attacks caused global oil prices to spike by as much as 6 percent. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump had indicated growing tensions: “I don’t want to say imminent, but it looks like it’s something that could very well happen.”

While Trump revealed he had discussed Iran with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier in the week, he did not confirm if those talks led to the strike. Trump commented ambiguously: “Might help [the nuclear deal] actually, but it also could blow it.”

A U.S. official confirmed that the United States had no role in the Israeli operation.

Regional Tensions and Iran’s Nuclear Push

As tensions mount, the U.S. has begun withdrawing diplomatic staff from Iraq, citing security threats. Israel has grown more aggressive in its stance toward Iran since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attacks, which it blames on Tehran’s support for the militant group.

International scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear programme has intensified. On Wednesday, the IAEA accused Iran of violating its commitments, sparking renewed calls from Israel and Western countries for global action.

Iran’s response to the criticism has been defiant. Its nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, called the IAEA’s resolution “extremist” and blamed Israeli influence. In retaliation, Iran announced the opening of a new uranium enrichment facility at a secure location and the installation of advanced sixth-generation centrifuges at the Fordo plant.

Currently, Iran enriches uranium to 60% purity—well beyond the 3.67% cap under the 2015 nuclear deal, and approaching weapons-grade levels, though not yet at the 90% threshold needed for a nuclear warhead.

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