Israel says ‘completed first stage’ of strikes against Iran military, nuclear targets

Defence affairs - middle east monitors

The Israeli military said Friday it had completed a “first stage” of strikes that hit Iranian military and nuclear sites.

“A short while ago, dozens of IAF (Israeli Air Force) jets completed the first stage that included strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran,” the Israeli military said in a statement.

Israel’s defense minister earlier said that Israel launched a “preemptive strike” on Iran.

“Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,” Israel Katz said.

Israel declared a state of emergency on Friday, warning of retaliatory action from Tehran after the Israeli attack on Iran.

An Israeli military source told journalists on Friday that Israel struck Iranian nuclear targets and other military sites across Iran.

“The strikes we are conducting are dozens of strikes targeting military targets and targets related to the nuclear program in different areas of Iran," the Israeli military official said, adding that the Israeli army believed that Iran had the ability to strike Israel “any minute.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement on Thursday that Israel “took unilateral action against Iran” and that Washington was “not involved” in the strikes against the Islamic Republic.

“Our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners,” he said.

“Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel.”

Iranian state TV reported that explosions were heard Friday morning in the Iranian capital Tehran, but the reason behind the blasts was not immediately clear.

“Loud explosions being heard in different locations of the capital Tehran,” state TV reported without providing details.

The blasts took place after US President Donald Trump warned that Israel could soon strike Iran’s nuclear sites.

Trump, whose administration is in talks with Iran in a bid to hammer out a deal over its nuclear program, said he had urged ally Israel to hold off as he stressed his commitment to a diplomatic solution.

“I don’t want to say imminent, but it looks like it’s something that could very well happen,” Trump told reporters at the White House when asked if an Israeli attack loomed.

Trump said he believed a “pretty good” deal on Iran’s nuclear program was “fairly close,” but said that an Israeli attack on its arch foe could wreck the chances of an agreement.

US Middle East pointman Steve Witkoff is set to hold a sixth round of talks with Iran on Sunday in Oman, which has mediated efforts towards a nuclear deal so far.

The United States and other Western countries, along with Israel, have repeatedly accused Iran of seeking a nuclear weapon, which it has repeatedly denied.

Israel again called for global action after the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency accused Iran on Wednesday of non-compliance with its obligations.

Iran’s nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, slammed the resolution as “extremist” and blamed Israeli influence.