A U.S. official has confirmed the country’s involvement in ongoing military operations targeting Iran, aimed at undermining its security infrastructure. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported airstrikes on Iranian territory, with explosions heard in Tehran on the morning of February 28.
The IDF described the assault as unexpected, issuing a nationwide alert urging citizens to remain close to protected areas. This precautionary measure was intended to prepare the public for potential missile launches aimed at Israel.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the operation is a preventive measure designed to neutralize threats from Tehran and to avert possible attacks against Israel.
The backdrop of this military action includes the 2015 nuclear agreement, which was established by several world powers to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Following the U.S. withdrawal from the deal in 2018 under President Donald Trump, Iran has gradually stepped back from its commitments, leading to renewed sanctions.
On February 13, the U.S. President remarked that a regime change in Iran would be beneficial. He also announced that the USS Gerald R. Ford, a second aircraft carrier, would soon join a significant U.S. naval presence in the Arabian Sea.
Recent diplomatic efforts included a meeting between U.S. and Iranian officials in Geneva on February 17, aimed at negotiating an agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and prevent conflict. These discussions followed indirect talks in Oman earlier this month, marking the first negotiations since Israel and the U.S. targeted key Iranian nuclear sites during a brief conflict in June.
The negotiations are taking place against a backdrop of increased U.S. military presence in the Middle East, coinciding with widespread protests in Iran last month that resulted in a violent crackdown by authorities, leading to thousands of reported casualties according to human rights organizations.
The U.S. has confirmed its military operations against Iran, coinciding with Israeli airstrikes in Tehran. This escalation follows a backdrop of strained relations and ongoing diplomatic negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program.