&w=3840&q=100)
Israel is 'fully ready' to attack Iran's nuclear sites, US on high alert
The US is on high alert amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, as Israel could launch a strike on Iran's nuclear sites, with no clear breakthrough in talks between Washington and Tehran. read more
Advertisement
Representational Image- AFP
The United States is on high alert over concerns that Israel might launch a strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, The Washington Post reported.
The Trump administration is concerned that Israel could target Iran's nuclear sites without US approval if nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran break down.
Amid these fears, heightened tensions have emerged as hopes fade for President Trump to reach a deal with Tehran to limit Iran's nuclear programme and prevent another major conflict in the Middle East following the Israel-Hamas war.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Trump said on Wednesday that the United States would not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.
'They can't have a nuclear weapon. Very simple, they can't have a nuclear weapon,' he said.
West Asia is 'a dangerous place': Trump
Speaking at the Kennedy Center in Washington on Wednesday evening, President Trump said: 'They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and we'll see what happens. We've given notice to move out, and we'll see what happens.'
US pulling non-essential personnels
According to reports, the US is also planning a partial evacuation of its embassy in Iraq and will allow families of military personnel to leave certain locations in the Middle East due to heightened security threats, Reuters reported, citing US and Iraqi sources.
The State Department said it had ordered the departure of all non-essential personnel from the US Embassy in Baghdad following its latest review and a commitment 'to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad.' The embassy was already operating with limited staff, so the order will not affect a large number of personnel.
Meanwhile, Israel has informed the US that it is fully prepared to launch a strike on Iran, CBS News reported, citing several American officials.
Iran's warning
Iran has repeatedly warned that the United States, as Israel's main military and political supporter, would face consequences if Israel attacks Iran.
On Wednesday, Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said that if Iran is targeted, it will retaliate by striking US bases in the region.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
Tensions soar: Why did Israel strike Iran? What makes the timing crucial
Israel strikes Iran. (AP photo) Israel on Friday initiated a significant military operation against Iran. Explosions occurred in Tehran as Israel conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear and military installations. Iranian media confirmed the deaths of the Revolutionary Guard commander and two prominent nuclear scientists. Israeli forces targeted nuclear facilities and eliminated the Revolutionary Guard leader. Israeli officials stated the operation aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, as the country approaches weapons-grade uranium enrichment capabilities. Iran maintains its programme's peaceful nature, and US intelligence assessments indicate Iran isn't actively developing weapons. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the strikes targeted the Natanz enrichment facility and prominent nuclear scientists, alongside Iran's ballistic missile arsenal. Iranian state television confirmed Gen. Hossein Salami's death, a crucial Revolutionary Guard commander. Tehran residents witnessed significant explosions. State television showed damaged residential buildings with collapsed walls, fires, and broken windows throughout the capital, reporting the Revolutionary Guard headquarters was ablaze. Why has Israel launched a military operation? Israel has launched a military operation in response to what it views as an immediate and existential threat posed by Iran's nuclear program. According to the Israeli government, the current regime in Iran has consistently promoted the destruction of the State of Israel—not merely as a political stance, but as a core directive. Israel said in a statement that Iran made substantial military investments to strengthen its capability, including the clandestine development of a nuclear weapons program. Israel alleges that while Iran engaged in diplomatic negotiations, it continued advancing its nuclear capabilities in secret, using diplomacy as a cover. Israel quoted findings from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that claim that Iran's nuclear activities are aimed at military objectives rather than peaceful energy production. Alongside its uranium enrichment efforts, Iran also reportedly developed advanced missile delivery systems and other technologies essential for weaponizing its nuclear program. Why is Israel attacking now? Israel argues that immediate action was necessary because Iran is believed to be just moments away from acquiring a functional nuclear weapon. The volume of highly enriched uranium reportedly amassed by Iran is said to be sufficient for more than nine nuclear bombs, with a third of that quantity produced in just the past three months. "Recent intelligence shows Iran is nearing the point of no return in its race toward a nuclear weapon. The regime is producing thousands of kilograms of enriched uranium, alongside decentralized and fortified enrichment compounds, in underground, fortified sites. This program has accelerated significantly in recent months, bringing the regime significantly closer to obtaining a nuclear weapon," Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said in a statement. "The Iranian regime has been working for decades to obtain a nuclear weapon. The world has attempted every possible diplomatic path to stop it, but the regime has refused to stop. The State of Israel has been left with no choice. The IDF has the obligation to act in defense of the civilians of Israel and will continue to do so," IDF added. What was the operation's purpose? The military operation, according to Israel, is a last-resort measure undertaken in self-defense. The campaign is said to be highly targeted, focusing solely on military sites and facilities linked to Iran's nuclear weapons program. Israeli authorities emphasise that the Iranian people are not the target; rather, the operation aims at neutralizing the radical elements that pose a direct threat to Israel's security. Additionally, Israel claims it is taking all possible precautions to minimize civilian harm during the operation. This rapid escalation occurred even as Iran was involved in negotiations with the United States, which Israel sees as a sign of bad faith. Israeli officials believe that the pace and scale of Iran's nuclear advancement in recent months have not been seen in over two decades, further justifying the urgency of their response. Iran's primary enrichment facilities are located at Natanz and Fordo. These installations are fortified against aerial attacks, with Natanz built underground and Fordo constructed within a mountain. The facilities remain central to recent diplomatic efforts. The former US president cautioned Netanyahu against attacking whilst negotiations continued. US envoy Steve Witkoff was scheduled to meet Iranian representatives in Oman. The strikes' impact on future negotiations remains uncertain.
Hindustan Times
19 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Flights rapidly exit Iran skies after Israeli strikes, Flightradar24 timelapse reveals
A Flightradar24 timelapse showing flight movements on Iranian skies after Israel's strikes on Iran, targeting 'dozens of' nuclear and military targets, has gone viral. The video shows the flights quickly clearing the airspaces of Iran and its neighbouring country, Iraq. The video has gone viral and is now being shared by many across various social media platforms. An individual posted the video and wrote, 'This time-lapse of air traffic over the Middle East shows how civilian airspace cleared after Israel's operation against Iran began.' Flightradar24, a real-time flight tracking service, in an X post, shared, 'Flights clearing Iran and Iraq after airspace closures in both countries following strikes by Israel in Iran.' Taking to X, Israel Defense Forces shared, 'The IDF launched a preemptive, precise, combined offensive to strike Iran's nuclear program. Dozens of IAF jets completed the first stage that included strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran.' 'Today, Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon. Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime are an existential threat to the State of Israel and to the wider world. The State of Israel has no choice but to fulfill the obligation to act in defense of its citizens and will continue to do so everywhere it is required to do so, as we have done in the past,' the defence forces added. In another X post, it claimed that 'Chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Commander of the IRGC and the Commander of Iran's Emergency Command" were all "eliminated' during the strikes. 'These are three ruthless mass murderers with international blood on their hands. The world is a better place without them,' it added.
Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
Who was Mohammad Bagheri? Chief of staff of Iran's armed forces killed; Israel targets Tehran's defence leaders
Picture source: IRNA Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran's highest-ranking military officer, was killed in Israeli airstrikes on Friday, Iranian state TV IRINN reported. Bagheri, who served as chief of staff of Iran's armed forces, was the second senior figure killed in the overnight Israeli attack targeting Iran's nuclear and military sites. Earlier reports confirmed the death of General Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Who was Mohommad Bagheri? Mohammad Bagheri served as the chief of staff of Iran's armed forces, the top military position in the country. In this role, he oversaw both Iran's regular army (Artesh) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to United Against Nuclear Iran group. There are conflicting reports about his birth year. Some sources, including the US Treasury, state he was born in 1960 in Tehran, while others suggest 1958. Bagheri had both military and academic backgrounds. Besides military training, he studied engineering and later earned a doctoral degree in political geography from Tarbiyat-e Modares University. His involvement in Iran's military dates back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Bagheri was reportedly the students who stormed the US embassy in Tehran that year.
