ISRAELI STRIKES SHAKE TEHRAN AS U.S. SIGNALS POSSIBLE MILITARY ACTION AGAINST IRANIAN NUCLEAR SITES; BIRTHRIGHT EVACUATES 1,500 AMERICANS; HEZBOLLAH THREAT LOOMS

Heavy Israeli airstrikes hit Tehran, Iran’s capital, with visible secondary explosions reported. The Israeli Air Force continues intensive operations across Iranian territory.

IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stated: “Iranian forces retreated to the center of the country as a result of our strikes, and we continue to pursue them. Dozens of aircraft are permanently in the skies of Isfahan to thwart missile launches. There are no more sanctuary cities in the Middle East.”

In parallel, U.S. officials are ramping up military considerations. A White House official told Fox News that “US strikes on targets in Iran, including nuclear facilities, are on the table.” According to CNN, two officials revealed that “President Trump is growing increasingly warm to using US military assets to strike Iranian nuclear facilities and souring on the idea of a diplomatic solution.” He has reportedly “backed down from sending senior officials to meet with the Iranians to try to reach an agreement.”

A senior Israeli source told Israel Hayom: “The approach of American destroyers and vessels to the region is evidence that Trump is gearing up for war.” U.S. Navy warships have already been moved from Bahrain into the Persian Gulf.

General David Petraeus, former CENTCOM commander, stated on Fox News: “The US has previously developed the plan to destroy Iran’s nuclear program, and it is publicly known that we rehearsed it one time.”

Sources confirmed to CNN that the U.S. military is preparing for the possibility of Trump authorizing in-flight refueling for Israeli aircraft during a strike on Iran. Over 30 U.S. air refueling planes are reportedly being sent to the region to support this scenario. This step would mark a direct U.S. military involvement in the operation.

Joint U.S.-Israeli intelligence assessments suggest that Israel can independently intercept missile barrages for up to 12 days without U.S. assistance. However, Israel’s defense systems are reportedly being stretched thin, and interception capacity is expected to decline as the week progresses. Israel estimates that Iran still possesses approximately 1,800 ballistic missiles.

In a warning from the Iranian side, Kazem Jalali, Iran’s ambassador to Russia, declared: “Iran will not forget which countries stood by us and which remained indifferent.”

In a show of allied coordination, the British Defence Secretary confirmed that UK military assets have begun arriving in the region. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Merz warned: “If Iran does not back down, the complete destruction of its nuclear program is on the agenda. Israel cannot destroy Iran’s nuclear program alone.” His statement highlights the growing Western alignment against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

On another front, Hezbollah is reportedly preparing to enter the war if Iran officially calls upon it. As a precaution, the IDF has mobilized two combat brigades to the northern border, signaling Israel’s readiness for a multi-front conflict.

Amid the escalating conflict, Birthright successfully evacuated 1,500 stranded American participants. They were transported by sea on a 13-hour cruise escorted by the Israeli Navy to Cyprus, where they will fly to Tampa on planes chartered by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Birthright is covering all transportation costs, ensuring their safe return home. This operation reflects both the urgency of the security threat and the coordination among Israeli, American, and civilian organizations.