In the mediate of the night, massive explosions spread over the capital of Iran. From heaven over Tehran was smoke, and residents of Chitgar District, in the west of the city, reported thunders resembling a rocket attack.
After 2 o'clock in the night, the Israeli army confirmed: Israel attacked Iran. This is the first time Israeli air force has conducted a public armed attack in Iran.
According to Israeli sources, the attack was preventive and targeted at facilities related to the muslim Republic of Iran's atomic program. Military sources in Tel Aviv reported that they could no longer tolerate Iran's ongoing uranium enrichment activities and that immediate steps had to be taken.
The explosions that shook the Iranian capital amazed not only public opinion, but besides military commentators. Iran's state media provided only a laconic announcement of explosions in the northeastern districts of Tehran. The residents of Chitgar territory reported flames and the presence of emergency and military services.
Although there are no known atomic facilities in this district, rumors have been circulated about secret investigation laboratories. authoritative communications from Iranian authorities do not uncover details, but social media recordings propose that more than 1 place may have been hit.
A hit in a atomic program
Israelis claim that the mark of the attack were 3 key locations: hidden laboratories in the vicinity of Kom, mid-range rocket stations in Isfahan, and a recently formed uranium enrichment centre that Iran has not yet revealed.
Iran's fresh decisions have alerted the global community. A fewer days earlier, the global Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a resolution criticizing Tehran for not cooperating with inspectors. In response, Iran announced the construction of a 3rd uranium enrichment plant and the installation of a fresh generation of centrifuges. These actions, according to the Israeli government, were a critical and immediate threat. Israel has been declaring for years that it will not let Iran to build atomic weapons. Although Tehran maintains that his atomic program is civilian, Israeli services have long been convinced of Iran's military intentions.
Israel’s Emergency
The defence minister Israel Katz announced a “extraordinary situation” throughout the country. On Friday all schools were closed, public gatherings were restricted, and airspace was subject to additional restrictions. The military introduced peculiar safety procedures in the north and south of the country.
Israel's defence Forces (IDFs) are on full alert. The rocket defence strategy “The Iron Dome” has been activated nationwide. Aviation patrols borders with Lebanon, Gaza and Syria. Israeli media study that Iran's fast consequence in the form of rocket or drone attacks is possible.
Iran: Silence and Mobilisation
W The Tehrans are silent. authoritative government channels only provided brief messages on explosions and emergency services. The country's main airport – Imam Khomeini – was closed to all flights. The airspace over Central Iran has been excluded from civilian traffic.
A government spokesperson announced that Iran would not leave the attack unanswered. Unofficial sources close to the muslim Revolutionary defender Corps are talking about putting missiles, drones and cyber forces in readiness.
There are besides signs that Iran can engage its allies in the region – including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Shiite militias in Iraq.
USA: “This is not our attack”
The United States officially distanced itself from Israeli operations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that Israel acted alone and did not consult the strike with Washington. He added that the US is focused on protecting its forces and personnel in the region.
President Donald Trump, who was present at this time at an event with members of Congress, was informed of the attack, but continued the scheduled meeting. A fewer twelve minutes later, he called an emergency cabinet meeting. Even before the attack, the American administration evacuated any of the personnel from the Baghdad embassy and allowed voluntary evacuation of the families of soldiers stationed in the mediate East.
International reactions
The reactions from the global community are mixed. The European Union has issued a call for immediate cessation of war and return to talks. Germany and France expressed concern about the escalation of the conflict. Australia, a associate of the UN safety Council, issued a firm message expressing “deep concern” over the events and calling on both parties to deescalate.
Russia and China condemned the Israeli attack, accusing Tel Aviv of violating Iran's sovereignty and incitement to war. Together with Iran, they requested an extraordinary UN safety Council meeting. In the region, the situation is tense. Saudi Arabia and the United arabian Emirates have taken precautions, raising the readiness of rocket defense. Hezbollah announced the mobilisation of his forces in Lebanon, and Israeli aviation hit alert targets in the Gaza Strip.
Economic impact
Events in Iran immediately hit global markets. Oil prices have risen by more than 5%. Brent's oil bar reached $94 and WTI approached $91. Investors in Tokyo and London reacted to the fall of stock indices.
The interest in the alleged safe assets has increased – gold and Swiss franc. Experts inform that the escalation of the conflict in the mediate East can lead to a serious energy crisis, especially if Iran decides to block the Ormuz Strait, through which it flows around 20% of planet oil.
