Israel Launches Preemptive Strikes on Iran Amid Rising Tensions

Israel is reportedly fully prepared to launch a military operation into Iran within the coming days, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to U.S. officials. In light of these developments, the U.S. has advised certain American citizens to leave the region and has ordered non-emergency government personnel to exit Iraq due to "heightened regional tensions," as stated by the State Department. The U.S. is also withdrawing non-essential personnel from embassies across the region, including bases in Iraq, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait, which have been placed on high alert. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly discussed potential strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities with U.S. President Donald Trump, who reiterated that the U.S. will not permit Iran to develop nuclear weapons. As these tensions rise, Iran is believed to have conducted cyberattacks against U.S. allies and has been jamming GPS systems across its airspace. Iran's National Security Council has warned of possible retaliation against Israeli strikes, indicating a precarious situation in the region.

A Houthi ballistic missile launched from Yemen narrowly missed a civilian aircraft flying near Israel on June 11, 2025. The missile was intercepted by Israeli air defense systems just in time, preventing a potential mass casualty incident, according to the Israeli war room. A video shared on social media showed the civilian plane's proximity to the area before the interception occurred. The Israeli military confirmed the missile launch and reported that warning sirens were activated in various regions. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed that two ballistic missiles were fired, targeting Israel's main airport. This missile attack follows an Israeli air strike on Hodeida, a key port city under Houthi control, aimed at disrupting potential weapon transfers. The Houthi group, backed by Iran, has been involved in escalating tensions since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. Following a brief ceasefire, they resumed attacks on Israel as Israeli military operations intensified.

An independent United Nations commission released a report accusing Israel of committing "extermination" crimes against the Palestinian people in Gaza, a charge that can equate to genocide under international law. The report cites targeted bombings of civilian refuges, including schools and mosques, contributing to the deaths of over 55,000 residents since the escalation began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack that killed nearly 1,200 Israelis. The UN's International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territories found that more than 658,000 children in Gaza have been without education for 20 months due to the destruction of the educational system. According to the findings, 403 out of 564 school buildings sustained damage or direct attacks, with 85 completely destroyed. The report also highlighted that humanitarian shelters, primarily UN-operated schools, faced significant bombardment despite their recognized locations. "Evidence increasingly suggests that Israel is conducting a concerted campaign to obliterate Palestinian life in Gaza," stated Navi Pillay, the commission's chair. Findings will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council on June 17, 2025.