Israel carried out a military strike inside Iran, escalating tensions in the already volatile region. The US received advance notification of the strike but did not endorse it. Air defense systems in Iran were activated after three explosions occurred near a major military airbase close to Isfahan. Iranian state media reported that fighter jets were located at the airbase and a military radar was possibly targeted. However, sites associated with Iran’s nuclear program reportedly remained secure and the attack seemed limited in scope.
Iran’s Foreign Minister warned that if Israel takes further military action, Iran’s response would be immediate and at a maximum level. This warning was communicated to the White House via the Swiss Embassy in Tehran. Tensions in the Middle East escalated following Iran’s direct strike against Israel in response to a suspected Israeli attack in Damascus. Outgoing flights from Iranian airports were briefly suspended, but restrictions were later lifted. Iranian officials reported shooting down three drones and stated that there were no missile attacks.
Prior to the Israeli strike, the US expected that Israel would not target Iran’s civilian or nuclear facilities. US intelligence suggested Israel was considering a limited strike due to the unprecedented scale of the Iranian attack. Israel had indicated to the US that its response would be narrow and limited. Israel’s Western allies supported its defense against Iran’s attack but called for restraint. President Biden assured Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu that the US would not participate in offensive operations against Iran.
Some Israeli officials urged for a swift response to the Iranian attack, while others called for more aggressive action. Arab states expressed concern over a potential escalation from Iran’s attack but did not outright condemn it. The situation remains fluid and continues to develop. CNN’s reporting team will provide updates as the story progresses. For the latest updates and news, visit CNN.com and create an account to access CNN’s news and newsletters.
