Tehran, Iran. Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran on Saturday, escalating a renewed military confrontation and further dimming prospects for a diplomatic solution to Tehran’s nuclear dispute with the West.
Israel describes strike as pre-emptive
The strike came after Israel and Iran engaged in a 12-day air war in June and followed repeated U.S.-Israeli warnings that they would strike again if Iran continued its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
“The State of Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel,” Defence Minister Israel Katz said.
Explosions reported in Tehran
Explosions were heard in Tehran on Saturday, Iranian media reported.
Nuclear talks and differing demands
The U.S. and Iran renewed negotiations in February in an effort to resolve the decades-long dispute through diplomacy and avert the threat of a military confrontation that could destabilise the region.
Israel has said any U.S. deal with Iran must include dismantling Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure, not only stopping enrichment, and it has urged Washington to include restrictions on Iran’s missile programme in the talks.
Iran has said it is prepared to discuss curbs on its nuclear programme in exchange for lifting sanctions but has ruled out linking the issue to missiles.
Iran warns of retaliation
Iran said it would defend itself against any attack and warned neighbouring countries hosting U.S. troops that it would retaliate against American bases if Washington struck Iran.
Background on June campaign
In June, the U.S. joined an Israeli military campaign against Iranian nuclear installations, in what was described as the most direct American military action against the Islamic Republic.
How do you think the latest developments will affect efforts to resolve Iran’s nuclear dispute through diplomacy?