Israel Attacks Iran: Tensions Rise as Fighting Grows

Tehran, Iran —(Map)

Last Friday, Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran. The attack hit Iran’s nuclear sites as well as other important military targets. Iran responded with attacks on Israel. Since Friday, the fighting has increased, raising concerns that the conflict could grow, and perhaps even involve other countries.

Israel and Iran have had a very tense relationship since 1979. Many people in Iran’s government have said they want to destroy Israel. Israel has nuclear weapons. But one of its main concerns is that Iran might also develop nuclear weapons. It wasn’t clear what triggered Friday’s attack, but Israel said the attack was needed to keep Iran from building nuclear weapons.

For years Western countries have been worried that Iran is working to build nuclear weapons. Iran claims its plans are peaceful and that it only wants nuclear technology to produce power. But there have also been many signs that Iran is secretly working to create nuclear weapons.

In 2015, the US and several other countries signed an agreement with Iran to keep limits on its nuclear technology. US President Donald Trump backed out of that deal in 2018. Since he was re-elected president, Mr. Trump has been trying to set up talks with Iran to create a new deal.

Friday’s early morning attack took Iran by surprise. Using drones and over 200 aircraft, Israel targeted roughly 100 locations in Iran. Israel hit several nuclear sites, causing some damage. It also hit a number of military sites, killing several of Iran’s military leaders and some of its nuclear scientists.

Using drones and over 200 aircraft, Israel targeted roughly 100 locations in Iran. Israel hit several nuclear sites. It also hit a number of military sites, killing several of Iran’s military leaders and some of its nuclear scientists. Israel’s strikes also hit many areas where ordinary people live, like the one above in Tehran.

In addition, Israel’s strikes hit many areas where ordinary people live. Around 225 people have been killed so far, and over 1,250 people have been wounded. Many of these have been civilians.

Israel’s early efforts also took out Iran’s air defense systems and some of its long-range missiles. This made it easier for its aircraft to carry out the attack, and limited the ways that Iran could respond. Over the following days, Israel continued to strike Iran, hitting airports, more military targets, and sites that help Iran produce oil and gas.

Iran promised to strike back against Israel and against US soldiers in the Middle East. Iran began launching missiles at Israel on Friday night. Since then, Iran has continued to target sites in Israel. Though most of the missiles have been blocked by Israel’s air defense, some of the missiles have made it through, causing some damage to buildings. At least 24 people have been killed, and many more wounded.

Iran began launching missiles at Israel on Friday night. Since then, Iran has continued to target sites in Israel. Though most of the missiles have been blocked by Israel’s air defense, some of the missiles have made it through. Above, smoke is seen after Iranian strikes hit a building in Tel Aviv on Monday.

Several countries, including China and Russia, have condemned Israel’s attack. Some experts in international law say the attack was illegal.

But many Western countries have supported the attack, while still encouraging both sides to lower tensions. Mr. Trump says the US government knew what Israel was planning, but didn’t help with the attacks. Still, Mr. Trump called the attacks “excellent” and encouraged Iran to make a deal quickly.

In the four days since the first attack, both Israel and Iran have increased their attacks. This has many people worried that the fighting could grow.