Israeli forces have launched airstrikes against Iran, two U.S. officials said Thursday evening that it was a dramatic escalation that would raise the possibility of an all-out war with the country and widen long-term regional conflict.
Officials said there was no U.S. involvement or support.
Israel confirmed it had begun a strike in Iran and declared a state of emergency early local time.
“Following Israel’s preemptive attack on Iran, missile and drone attacks on Israel and its civilians are expected in the near future,” the Israeli Defense Minister said in a statement early local time.
The move appeared to be a key break with the Trump administration. The Trump administration has been discussing potential nuclear deals with Tehran and opposed such a step.
Israel has become even more serious about attacking Iran as negotiations between the US and Iran approaches a preliminary agreement that includes provisions on uranium enrichment, which Israel believes is unacceptable.
A major concern for the US is that Iran will retaliate against American staff or assets in the region. Authorities previously announced the voluntary eviction of non-essential employees, while the Department of Defense announced the voluntary departure of military families from across the US Central Command operational areas.
The Trump administration has ordered all embassies within prominent distances of Iranian missiles, aircraft and other assets (including missions in the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe) and ordered cables to be sent regarding risks and measures to mitigate risks to Americans and the infrastructure of the US.
Earlier this week, the board of directors of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations nuclear watchdog, officially discovered that Iran is not complying with its nuclear obligations for the first time in 20 years.
This is developing story. Please check for updates.
