Israel launches strikes on Iran; Tehran braces for retaliatory response
In a significant escalation, Israel confirmed on Friday that it had launched an attack targeting Iran, while Iranian media reported that explosions were audible in Tehran. The incident unfolded amid rising tensions linked to ongoing US diplomatic efforts aimed at persuading Iran to cease the enrichment of materials that could be used to build a nuclear weapon. In response to potential Iranian retaliation, Israel declared a state of emergency, anticipating missile and drone attacks from Tehran.
"Following the preemptive strike by the State of Israel against Iran, a missile and UAV (drone) attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate timeframe," Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.
According to two American officials speaking on the condition of anonymity, Israel had initiated strikes against Iran. The officials clarified that the United States had neither participated in nor supported the Israeli operation. They refrained from providing specific operational details.
US and Iranian officials were scheduled to hold a sixth round of talks on Tehran's escalating uranium enrichment programme in Oman on Sunday, according to officials from both countries and their Omani mediators. But the talks have appeared to be deadlocked.
Trump said on Thursday an Israeli strike on Iran "could very well happen" but reiterated his hopes for a peaceful resolution.
US intelligence had indicated that Israel was making preparations for a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, and US officials said on condition of anonymity that Israel could attack in the coming days.
Israel has long discussed striking its longtime foe Iran in an effort to block Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.
The US military is planning for the full range of contingencies in the Middle East, including the possibility that it might have to help evacuate American civilians, a US official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.
In a notable prior instance of hostilities, Israel was widely believed to be behind a drone strike on an Iranian military facility in the city of Isfahan in January 2023. The target was a defence ministry complex reportedly involved in drone and missile production. While Iran downplayed the damage, claiming that air defences had intercepted most of the drones, Western intelligence sources suggested that the attack was part of a broader Israeli strategy to curb Iran's military development, particularly its UAV and nuclear infrastructure.
Additionally, in April 2024, Israel was suspected of launching a cyberattack that temporarily disrupted operations at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility, a key site for uranium enrichment. The disruption came shortly after Tehran accelerated its nuclear programme following a breakdown in talks with Western powers.
Although Israel did not publicly claim responsibility, intelligence sources and analysts noted the precision and timing bore hallmarks of previous Israeli covert operations aimed at impeding Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
31 minutes ago
- Express Tribune
Iran's Natanz enrichment plant destroyed: IAEA chief
Listen to article The above-ground pilot enrichment plant at Iran's Natanz nuclear site has been destroyed, UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi told the Security Council on Friday. "At present, the Iranian authorities are informing us of attacks on two other facilities, namely the Fordow fuel enrichment plant and at Isfahan," the International Atomic Energy Agency's Rafael Grossi Grossi told the 15-member council. With the violence raising questions on whether a sixth round of talks planned between the US and Iran would go ahead on Sunday in Oman, Trump said Washington was "hoping to get back to the negotiating table". Confirming Natanz had been among Israel's targets, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said radiation levels outside the site "remained unchanged". "Most of the damage is on the surface level," said the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran's spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi. Fawaz Gerges, a professor of international relations at the London School of Economics, said: "I think Israel has declared all-out war against Iran." The United States and other Western governments have repeatedly accused Iran of seeking a nuclear weapon, an ambition it has consistently denied. Israel again called for global action after the IAEA accused Iran on Thursday of non-compliance with its obligations. The agency later said it would hold an extraordinary meeting of its board of governors in the coming days. Iran currently enriches uranium to 60 percent, far above the 3.67-percent limit set by a largely moribund 2015 agreement with major powers, but still short of the 90 percent threshold needed for a nuclear warhead. The damage to Iran's nuclear facilities from Israel's initial wave of air strikes early on Friday appeared to be limited, experts who have reviewed commercially available satellite imagery said. Israel's attacks succeeded in killing Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists and in striking military command and control facilities and air defenses, but satellite imagery did not yet show significant damage to nuclear infrastructure, several experts said. "The first day was aimed at things that you would get through surprise - killing leadership, going after nuclear scientists, air defense systems, the ability to retaliate," said nuclear expert David Albright at the Institute for Science and International Security. "We can't see any visible damage at Fordow or Isfahan. There was damage at Natanz," said Albright, referring to Iranian nuclear sites. But "there's no evidence that the underground site was destroyed." The sprawling Natanz nuclear complex is Iran's main uranium enrichment facility. It has both an underground enrichment plant and an above-ground operation. Two regional sources said at least 20 Iranian military commanders were killed in the attack, a stunning decapitation reminiscent of Israeli attacks that swiftly wiped out the leadership of Lebanon's once-feared Hezbollah militia last year. Iran also said six of its top nuclear scientists were killed. Albright said his analysis was based on the latest available images from about 11:20 a.m. Tehran time (0750 GMT). He added there may also have been drone strikes on tunnels to underground centrifuge plants and cyber attacks that did not leave visible traces. "In terms of visible damage, we don't see much and we'll see what happens tonight," he said, adding that he believes Israel's strikes were still in an early stage. Albright said the status of Iran's stocks of enriched uranium was not known and that it was possible Israel had avoided major attacks on nuclear sites due to concerns about harming international inspectors who were there. Isreal warns of prolonged operation Israel said it targeted Iran's nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders at the start of what would be a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon. Military and nuclear experts said that even with massive firepower, military action would probably only temporarily set back a program the West fears is already aimed at producing atom bombs one day, although Iran denies it. Jeffrey Lewis, a non-proliferation expert at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, said damage at the Natanz facility appeared "moderate." "Israel destroyed the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant, as well as some support buildings associated with power supply," he said. Lewis added Israel also hit a support building – possibly for power supply - near two underground nuclear enrichment facilities. "The underground enrichment halls, as well as the large underground facility nearby in the mountains, do not appear damaged." It was unclear what damage was sustained at the key Fordow nuclear facility, which could be used to develop nuclear weapons and is buried deep underground. "It has always been the conventional wisdom that Israel may not have the ordnance to destroy Fordow without American military support," Mark Dubowitz, head of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank, told a podcast. The United States is better equipped than Israel to destroy such targets with its most powerful bunker buster bombs, the 30,000-pound (14,000 kg) Massive Ordnance Penetrator. If Iran decides not to negotiate a nuclear deal, the US could use its B2 bombers and those bombs to destroy Fordow, Dubowitz said. Decker Eveleth, a strategic analyst with the CAN Corp research group, said the overall aim of Israel's campaign was still unclear. "They may be successful at dismantling Iranian command and control, destroying air forces (and) hitting a variety of targets related to the Iranian missile program," he said. "(But) if their core objective is prevention of a nuclear breakout, can they destroy enough of Iran's nuclear infrastructure to actually prevent that from happening?"
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
Trump and ancient Chinese wisdom
The writer heads the independent Centre for Research and Security Studies, Islamabad. He is currently a visiting Research Fellow at Fudan University, Shanghai Listen to article Is Donald Trump the present day manifestation of the ancient Chinese businessman who enjoyed the least of respect in society? A direct comparison may sound unfair to the president, but his fixation on tariffs – seemingly rooted in arrogant nationalism – has prompted many in China to recall how ancient Chinese emperors and philosophers viewed businessmen. The falling out of Trump and Elon Musk – two powerful businessmen – also perhaps offers the latest illustration of that Chinese wisdom on businessmen's propensity to be self-righteous, arrogant and self-serving when the situation so demands. When Trump, a businessman turned politician, intensified his pursuit of increased tax revenues by imposing customs duties on a wide range of US imports from various global sources, he elicited a reaction from even the most esteemed traditional partners, such as the European Union and India. While Trump's intentions to revitalise the US economy and achieve 'Make-America-Great-Again' resonated with many, his actions evoked a comparison in China to the behaviour of ancient Chinese businessmen. These individuals were renowned for their unwavering pursuit of personal gain, often disregarding societal norms and values. This is how businessmen were viewed in general. Within the traditional Chinese cultural hierarchy, the Emperor of course stood above everybody else, with the absolute authority. All others – the citizens of the empire – however, were divided into four distinct classes. While businessmen were respected for their wealth and success, their primary focus on profit was perceived as less noble than their contributions to society through learning or government service. The most esteemed members of this class were the wisemen, scholars, advisors and officials. Their invaluable contributions to the Emperor's governance were recognised through their knowledge, virtue and intellectual pursuits. Their writings and intellectual endeavours were highly valued and contributed to the state's development. The second most respected class consisted of farmers, who were responsible for cultivating crops and providing food for the population. They were regarded as the foundation of the economy, ensuring the sustenance of the entire population. Artisans, technicians, engineers and construction experts, who possessed specialised skills, were the third most esteemed class. Their contributions were instrumental in developing technical tools and facilitating daily life. The business community, comprising merchants, held a lowly position in society, regarded as the least respected class. The Emperor held a disdain for businessmen, believing they prioritised money over morality and would resort to any means, ethical or immoral, to achieve financial gain. Consequently, few businessmen sought proximity to the Emperor. While there were methods to evade the Emperor's disdain, businessmen were generally the least welcomed and least respected members of the royal court due to their perceived greed for wealth. However, this perception has shifted over time, not only in China but also in other parts of the world. Businessmen have played a pivotal role in the country's economic growth, exemplified by the billionaire founder of Ali Baba, Jack Ma. The concept of 'Chinese businessman wisdom' has emerged, referring to the practical, astute, and often pragmatic approach to business that is highly esteemed by both Chinese and international audiences. The traditional hierarchical structure has undergone a gradual softening, and various professions, including business, are now recognised for their unique contributions to society. The contemporary emphasis on economic development has fostered a more positive attitude towards business and entrepreneurship. The government actively encourages entrepreneurship and private enterprise, acknowledging the indispensable role of businesses in the nation's development. Nevertheless, certain actions are considered unacceptable and should not be crossed. Jack Ma's conduct a few years ago prompted many to draw upon ancient wisdom and draw parallels between the past and the present. His interactions with the central bank invariably drew comparisons to the past and often served as an example of a businessman attempting to exert control over the central bank. The context involved technical difficulties experienced by Ali-Pay, a digital payment system, in conjunction with the central bank. Upon making his public complaint, Jack Ma faced significant repercussions from the Chinese authorities. His passing remark about China's finance system was interpreted as a mockery by the Beijing authorities, leading to questions about his intentions. They expressed concern that Jack Ma might intend to control the finance system through Ali-Pay. As a result, Jack Ma encountered substantial opposition from the authorities. They argued that the Central Bank is a trusted institution – in fact a public Trust – that efficiently manages and looks after the interests of the people. If allowed to operate like a Western capital institution, entities such as Ali-Pay could potentially disrupt the system and harm the interests of the Chinese people. The official backlash compelled Jack Ma to take a break from business – a sort of sabbatical. However, he recently resurfaced with more empathetic views on China's financial system – more aligned with the national ethos as projected by the leadership. A Chinese friend described him as helpful and engaged in significant philanthropic activities – something expected of every affluent Chinese who are expected to pay back after benefitting under the system, which rests on a national spirit and ethos that keep citizens at the centre. The citizen, says the ancient Chinese philosophy, is central to a state's stability, and hence his/her welfare is paramount for the political economy. All indicators suggest the Chinese Communist Party continues to follow that golden philosophy. It's yet to be seen how much the Trump-Musk acrimony hurts the people. There couldn't have been a better validation of the Chinese definition of a businessman than the mutual public trolling both Trump and Musk indulged in following the implosion of their alliance.
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
Israel vs Iran
Listen to article The inevitable is in the making and Iran is an existential crisis after Israel's dare-devil aggression. Tel Aviv has struck hard and precisely targeted Iran's military and nuclear facilities, besides eliminating its top army leadership, including the Revolutionary Guards chief and six nuclear scientists. Natanz, the uranium enrichment site near Tehran, was the major target as the Jewish state went on to strike missile installations across the country, amidst reports of taking down Tabriz airbase. Shockingly muted is the response from the Islamic Republic which appears seeking refuge in diplomacy by seeking UNSC intervention and reiterating its right to self-defence under the UN Charter. The sole response it came up with was flying more than 100 drones on the Zionist state that Israel claims were checkmated. The trajectory of destruction is horrible, as civilian casualties have already run into hundreds. Israeli security sources claim Mossad has permeated deep inside the clergy regime through covert operations, and complicity from Iranian black sheep cannot be ruled out. While Supreme Leader Syed Ali Khamenei is still posturing defiance and has nominated new military leadership to fight on, there seems to be confusion in strategic pushback that should have come in instant retaliation. Coupled with this is the euphoria exhibited by President Donald Trump who went on to warn more "death and destruction", calling upon Tehran to enter into a "deal under a second chance". The failure to strike a deal in 60 days, despite the first round of feasible talks between Iran and the US over enrichment profile, had led to the D-day, and confirms the calculated indispensability of taking down Iran by the US-Israel combine. Benjamin Netanyahu's thrust that this is a "prolonged operation" will surely galvanise widespread geopolitical ramifications. The tit-for-tat alignment with Iran is yet to showcase, and the role of subdued pro-Iran proxies, as well as Russia and China, must be watched out. Israel has crossed the red line by attacking Iran. Now the region and beyond must be braced for escalation.
