Israel Strikes Iran, Global Tensions Surge

Israel has launched extensive preemptive airstrikes on Iran targeting nuclear and military infrastructure, defying U.S. public pleas for restraint and straining ties between Washington and Jerusalem. The United States emphasized it was not involved militarily, focusing on protecting its personnel and warning Iran against retaliating on U.S. interests, while acknowledging Israel’s limited ability to hit deeply buried sites without American capabilities. The operation, framed by Israel as self-defense amid stalled nuclear talks and Iran’s near–weapons-grade enrichment, triggered states of emergency and evacuation advisories across the region. Iran warned it could target U.S. bases if the conflict escalates, and maritime authorities flagged heightened risks in Gulf waterways. China condemned the strikes as violating Iranian sovereignty and positioned itself to help broker de-escalation, highlighting growing great-power involvement in crisis management.

Key Points

• Israel conducted preemptive strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets, declaring a state of emergency.
• The U.S. stated it was not involved, prioritized force protection, and warned against attacks on American interests.
• The escalation follows failed or stalled U.S.-mediated nuclear talks and rising Iranian uranium enrichment.
• Iran threatened retaliation, including against U.S. bases, raising risks of regional and maritime disruption.
• China condemned the strikes and signaled readiness to mediate to prevent further escalation.