In a dramatic turn of events late Thursday, Israel launched a series of airstrikes deep within Iranian territory, signaling a bold escalation in an already tense Middle East. Explosions were reported in Tehran by Iranian media, although specific targets remain unconfirmed. Two sources close to the situation told Axios that the Israeli Air Force was behind the strikes.

This development marks a significant escalation—Israel directly engaging a militarily advanced rival without overt backing from the United States. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, weighing in hours after news of the attack broke, expressed disapproval. “There’s still room for a deal on Iran’s nuclear program,” he said, hinting that diplomacy should not be abandoned in favor of war.

Emergency Measures Enforced in Israel

Back home, Israel went on high alert. Sirens wailed through major cities late Thursday night as Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a nationwide state of emergency. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) suspended school sessions, prohibited public gatherings, and restricted non-essential work starting Friday morning. “We expect an imminent response from Iran involving drones and missiles aimed at civilian targets,” Katz warned.

US Keeps Distance While Bracing for Fallout

Though American officials had quietly informed allies about the potential strike beforehand, the Biden administration was quick to clarify its non-involvement. Axios reported that Washington distanced itself from the attack, continuing a longstanding position against direct strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Before the news broke, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee posted cryptically from the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem, asking people to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem”, a sign of escalating anxiety in diplomatic circles.

War or Warning Shot?

The broader objective of the Israeli airstrikes remains unclear. While some speculate that the move could be part of a targeted effort against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, others believe it may be a warning shot, especially as talks between Iran and the U.S. were reportedly scheduled for Sunday.

Whatever the intention, Iran is unlikely to stay silent. Tehran has previously vowed to strike U.S. and allied targets across the Middle East in retaliation for any aggression. The Pentagon has already begun evacuating personnel from key locations in Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain, and is reinforcing defense systems at bases throughout the Gulf.

As regional tension spikes, the world watches—uncertain whether this is the beginning of a limited skirmish or the spark of a wider conflict.