Camilla Jessen
U.S. officials say Israel may soon launch a military operation against Iran.
Several U.S. officials have told CBS News that Israel is preparing to launch a military operation against Iran in the near future.
While details remain unclear about the scale or specific targets of the operation, American officials have expressed concern that any Israeli strike could trigger retaliation not only against Israel but also against U.S. forces stationed in the region, particularly in neighboring Iraq.
According to The New York Times, Iranian military and government officials have already drawn up plans to respond if Israel attacks.
Their response could involve launching “hundreds” of ballistic missiles at Israel, further escalating tensions between the two longtime adversaries.
Iran Threatens U.S. Bases
Iran’s Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh has gone further, warning that all U.S. military bases in the Middle East could be targeted if Israel carries out an attack.
This has prompted the U.S. State Department to announce a partial evacuation of diplomats from embassies in Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
The Pentagon has also allowed military families to voluntarily leave deployments across the region.
Speaking about the rising tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the withdrawal of some American personnel from the Middle East.
“[The Middle East] can be a dangerous place. …We have given the order to withdraw, and we will see what happens,” Trump said.
Despite the growing conflict, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, still plans to meet with Iranian representatives on June 15 for the next round of nuclear negotiations.
Nuclear Facilities at the Center of Rising Tensions
According to CNN, Israel has been preparing for a possible strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities since late May.
In response, Tehran has warned that it would attack secret Israeli nuclear sites if Israel strikes first.
While the Trump administration continues efforts to reach a nuclear agreement with Iran, progress has been shaky. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that even if a deal is reached, Iran would continue enriching uranium.
President Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if talks fail.
Speaking just recently, he admitted he was losing confidence that Tehran would agree to any deal.