No US Involvement in Israeli Strikes on Iran, Defense Official Confirms

WASHINGTON: The United States was informed in advance but did not participate in Israel’s recent military strikes against Iran, a senior American defense official stated late Friday. The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation, emphasizing that the strikes were solely an Israeli operation.

According to Anadolu Agency, the White House acknowledged receiving information about the “targeted strikes against military targets in Iran,” which were conducted in response to Tehran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel on October 1. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett stated that Israel’s actions were an exercise of self-defense.

Israel announced early Saturday that its military executed “precise strikes” on military targets in Iran, with explosions reported in Tehran. Concurrently, Syrian news agency Sana reported hearing explosions in Damascus, though further details remain undisclosed.

Israel’s state broadcaster, KAN, reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Net
anyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant were present at the Defense Ministry during the operation. Unnamed sources told KAN that Gallant and Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi approved the military plan against Iran, pending government approval.

Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency indicated that Israeli forces targeted multiple military bases located west and southwest of Tehran. Iranian state television corroborated reports of explosions in the capital.