In phone interviews, people in Iran voiced fear, sorrow and grief after waking up to the news of strikes on the country’s nuclear facilities.
Even as he announced the strikes on Iran, President Trump appeared to be rapidly trying to get himself back to the middle by insisting the operation was a one-off.
The Supreme Leader may choose to back down after a first round of retaliation, or prefer martyrdom and building a nuclear weapon.
The nuclear fuel enrichment plant was built deep inside a mountain in order to withstand an attack.
Iran’s foreign minister said the attack would have “everlasting consequences” and that Tehran “reserves all options” for a response.
Demonstrators took to the streets of Iran, Iraq and Lebanon on Friday after midday prayers, expressing anger at Israel’s widening offensive.
Saudi Arabia and other oil states are rushing to load tankers in case the Israel-Iran fighting spreads to export installations.
International law experts are divided.
The Israeli military needs American help to destroy a key nuclear site in Iran. Waiting for that help comes with risks for Israel.
If the United States bombs an underground uranium enrichment facility in Iran or kills the country’s supreme leader, it could kick off a more dangerous and unpredictable phase in the war.