In an unprecedented military escalation, Israel targeted a key Iranian nuclear facility on Thursday, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes that hit an Israeli hospital, according to Reuters.
Amid this tension, global attention is focused on the United States’ stance. President Donald Trump has raised speculation about the possibility of Washington joining Israel in airstrikes against Iranian nuclear sites.
### Details of the Attacks
The Israeli military confirmed it targeted the Khundab nuclear reactor in Arak, Iran, which houses a heavy water research facility. These reactors are a significant international concern due to their potential to produce plutonium, a critical component for nuclear weapons. Israel also struck a site in Natanz believed to contain equipment for nuclear weapon development.
Iranian media reported that two projectiles fell near the Khundab facility, which had been evacuated in advance, with no radioactive leak reported. Conversely, the Iranian missiles resulted in over 20 civilian casualties in Israel, severely damaging a hospital.
### “War Crime”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the attacks would continue until Iran’s nuclear program is entirely dismantled, labeling Tehran’s leaders as “tyrants” who would pay the “full price.” He emphasized that Israel seeks to eliminate the “existential threat” posed by Iran, suggesting the strikes could destabilize the Iranian regime.
Defense Minister Israel Katz noted that the military had been ordered to intensify strikes on strategic targets in Tehran to destabilize the “Ayatollah regime.” He claimed that the attacks significantly weakened Iranian nuclear capabilities and resulted in the deaths of key military leaders.
### Current Situation
Over the past week, Israeli strikes have reportedly resulted in hundreds of fatalities in Iran, while Iranian retaliatory strikes have caused civilian casualties in Israel.
This escalation raises concerns over the potential outbreak of a full-scale regional war, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding U.S. involvement. Speculation is growing about whether the Trump administration will provide military support to Israel, a move that could broaden the conflict.
Targeting Iranian nuclear facilities is viewed as a risky step, as it may prompt Tehran to accelerate its nuclear program or seek assistance from regional allies.
Meanwhile, Israel faces international pressure to de-escalate while asserting its right to self-defense. With the U.S. position remaining unclear, the regional atmosphere remains charged with tension.
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