4/19/24 - Israel Carries Out Military Strike Against Iran

The Israeli military fired shots on Iran near their capital. The U.S. said they were not involved.

(Middle East) - Israel carried out a military strike inside Iran overnight. 

Iran’s air defense systems were activated in the cities of Isfahan and Tabriz after three explosions were heard.

Multiple state-aligned news agencies reported that sites associated with Iran’s nuclear program were secure and the attack appeared to be limited in scope.

The United States was given advance notification Thursday of an intended Israeli strike in the coming days but they did not endorse the response.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the U.S. “has not been involved in any offensive operations,” but was focusing on Israel’s defense and de-escalation.

Tensions across the Middle East remain high.   Iran issued a direct strike against Israel last Saturday.   During the attack, Iran launched more than 300 drones and cruise missiles toward Israel.  They said it was in response to a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic complex in the Syrian capital, Damascus, on 1 April.  A top commander and several others lost their lives.

Meanwhile, lawmakers in the U.S. House could be voting this weekend on a foreign aid bill.  Some may not vote if the bill ties funding to both Israel and Ukraine.