International

 Israel has carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear programme, leading to an escalation of tensions in the West Asia or Middle East. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, as reported by BBC stating that dozens of Israeli Air Force jets struck “nuclear and military targets” across multiple locations in Iran.

Loud explosions were reported in Tehran early Friday morning, while air raid sirens and emergency phone alerts were triggered in Jerusalem, as Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency. The Israeli government has warned of the potential for imminent retaliation by Iran.

IRNA news agency of Iran reports “Sounds of explosions have been heard in and near the Iranian capital, Tehran, amid reports in Israeli media that the Israeli regime is carrying out strikes against Iranian targets. The sounds were heard early on Friday. Unverified images and footage began to appear on social media of Tehran’s skyline in which plumes of smoke could be seen.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a national address, described the strikes as a “targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.” He said Iran had taken steps toward weaponising enriched uranium, posing what he called a “clear and present danger.” “In recent months, Iran has taken steps it has never taken before,” Netanyahu said. “If not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time,” reports BBC.

According to the IDF, the first phase of the strikes involved a coordinated offensive on what it called “dozens of military targets, including nuclear facilities,” asserting that weapons of mass destruction in Iran’s hands would be an existential threat not only to Israel, but to global security. An IDF spokesperson said the strikes were a “pre-emptive, precise, combined offensive” in response to Iran’s “ongoing aggression against Israel.”

The scope of damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure remains unclear, and Iranian authorities have not yet issued a detailed response. However, Israeli officials have indicated that the operation may continue in phases depending on Iran’s response and the evolving threat landscape.

Meanwhile, the United States has moved to distance itself from the strikes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington was not involved in the operation, saying Israel had acted unilaterally and that the U.S. priority remains the safety of its forces in the region. “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved,” Rubio stated as reported by BBC. “Our top priority is protecting American personnel. Iran should not target U.S. interests.”

Amid rising security concerns, the U.S. has ordered yesterday the partial evacuation of its embassy in Baghdad. Non-essential diplomatic staff and their families are being withdrawn, with officials citing increased risk of Iranian retaliation in Iraq from several neighbouring US embassies in West Asia. The precaution follows reports earlier this week that the U.S. was informed of Israel’s intention to strike.

The situation remains volatile, with the potential for regional spillover. Both military and diplomatic channels are closely monitoring developments, as fears grow of a wider conflict involving multiple regional actors.