Both elation and fear were widespread in Israel amid uncertainty over what comes next.
Initial military assessments of the buried nuclear site contrast with the statement on the strike there made by President Trump.
The nation’s supreme leader may choose to back down after a first round of retaliation, or prefer martyrdom and building a nuclear weapon.
The United States’ overnight attack could cause further escalation. To Israelis, it is already seen as a victory for Israel, and for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Its proxy forces around the region have been largely silent in offering concrete support after attacks by Israel and now the United States.
Iran’s foreign minister called the attack a “betrayal” in the middle of negotiations and said it would have “everlasting consequences.”
Iran’s foreign minister warned that the U.S. decision to join Israel’s war against Iran would have “everlasting consequences.”
Republicans in Congress praised President Trump’s decision to hit Iran. Many Democrats and some G.O.P. lawmakers said he should have consulted Congress.
Israel on Saturday struck sites in southwestern Iran that would most likely be on any potential flight path used by U.S. warplanes on the way to attack a key Iranian nuclear facility.
The planes can carry bombs capable of striking an underground nuclear facility in Iran if President Trump decides to join the conflict.