Tonight Israel launched preemptive strikes against Iran, intended to destroy the mullahs’ nuclear capability. The Times of Israel reports:
The IDF confirms it has launched an aerial campaign against Iran’s nuclear program.
Dozens of targets across Iran related to the nuclear program and other military facilities are being struck by the Israeli Air Force, it says.
***
The IDF says Iran has enough enriched uranium to build 15 nuclear bombs within days, and it needs to act against this “imminent threat.”
The attack reportedly will continue for several days. It was prompted by Iran’s imminent deployment of nuclear weapons. Iran’s mullahs have said for years that when they obtain a nuclear capability, they will use it against Iran. Israel had no choice but to take them at their word.
This is particularly interesting:
The US participated in a massive campaign to lull Iran into thinking an attack was not going to happen immediately, Channel 12 reports.
US President Donald Trump said Thursday that an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear sites “could very well happen” but advised against it, saying the possibility of a deal was “fairly close” if Tehran compromises on its atomic ambitions in ongoing talks with the US.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said in an interview yesterday that Israel is unlikely to attack Iran without a green light from Washington.
Is that right? It sounds plausible. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns Iran not to retaliate against us:
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Israel took “unilateral action against Iran” tonight, stressing that the US was not involved and warning that Tehran should not target the US in response.
“Our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for [their] self-defense,” Rubio says in a statement.
“President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners,” he adds.
“Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel,” he adds.
Much more to come. Fundamentally, what happened tonight was entirely foreseeable. It is based on the adage that when people tell you who they are, you should believe them.
