Israel has launched a series of military strikes on Iran, U.S. officials confirmed, triggering fears of immediate retaliation and regional escalation. According to NBC News, two American officials said the U.S. was not involved in the operation.
Following the attack, NBC News and the Associated Press reported that Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared a special nationwide state of emergency, warning of an imminent missile and drone response from Tehran.
“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," Katz said.
"You must obey the instructions of the Home Front Command and the authorities and remain in the protected areas.”
Additionally, Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu released a video statement, announcing the “targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival”.
Netanyahu also noted that the “operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat”.
The Associated Press and Reuters reported explosions were heard across Tehran, and Israeli military officials claimed the strikes targeted “dozens” of nuclear and military sites.
Iranian state media reported that all flights at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport had been suspended in response to the strikes. Israel also announced Friday school closures.
Following the attack, Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said Iran launched approximately 100 drones toward Israel in retaliation for Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities, missile factories, and military commanders, adding that Israeli forces were actively working to intercept them.
The news rattled markets, with U.S. equity futures retreating around 1.4%, while crude oil prices surged 6%.
Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the partial withdrawal of American personnel from the Middle East, citing increasing risks. “It could be a dangerous place,” he warned, adding that the United States would not permit Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.
Tensions had already increased after Iran expanded its nuclear enrichment programme, prompting Trump to warn of a possible “massive conflict”. The escalation came on the heels of a UN nuclear watchdog report stating that Tehran was violating non-proliferation commitments.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong reacted to the developments, expressing deep concern: “This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile,” she said.
“We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that would further exacerbate tensions. We all understand … the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program, it represents a threat to international peace and security and we urge the parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy.”
Australia also recently announced an additional A$10 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza, amid an escalating crisis in the region.
The federal government will allocate $5 million to a Jordanian charity to supply field hospitals. Another $5 million will be allocated to UNICEF for nearly three million nutritional rations — enough to feed 8,000 children for four months.
This substantial contribution brings total Australian humanitarian assistance to Gaza and Lebanon to $110 million since 7 October.
“Aid is being prevented from reaching those who need it. Children are injured and starving. Israel's ongoing restriction on aid into Gaza is costing lives,” Wong said. “Our new partnership with Jordan will enable us to provide urgent medical support with those who need it most.”
The aid announcement comes days after Australia joined four other nations in imposing sanctions on two Israeli ministers accused of human rights violations in the West Bank.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes and gunfire reportedly killed at least 41 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. Most of the victims were near a humanitarian aid site operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is supported by both U.S. and Israeli donors.
Health officials at Al-Shifa and Al-Quds hospitals said at least 25 people died and dozens more were wounded as they approached the aid site near the former Israeli settlement of Netzarim. The Israeli military claimed it fired warning shots at individuals it said posed a threat to its forces.
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