Between 100,000 and 150,000 Israelis have been stuck abroad as the country’s airspace remains closed and the fighting with Iran drags on.
The International Atomic Energy Agency had initially said that the Friday attack had destroyed the aboveground part of the Natanz fuel enrichment plant, but its latest statement indicates more significant damage.
President Trump’s early departure comes after a White House official said he had decided not to sign onto a G7 statement about Israel and Iran. In the end, he did sign it.
A news anchor was speaking when an explosion shook the building, followed by the sound of breaking glass and screams, all carried on television.
Syria was once among the closest allies of the Islamic republic, but the new government resents Tehran’s support for the Assad regime and has pledged not to allow attacks on Israel from its territory.
Israel’s escalated offensive indicates that its aims go beyond dismantling Iran’s nuclear program.
Only the U.S. military has the 30,000-pound bomb capable of reaching the facility and the bomber that can carry it.
Roughly 80 pieces of missiles have fallen on Palestinian communities since the start of the Israel-Iran confrontation on Friday, according to the Palestinian authorities.
Iran is often portrayed as one of the world’s most dangerous actors, but with its attacks on Iranian defenses, nuclear sites and proxy militias, Israel has exposed a compromised and weakened adversary.
Israel and Iran both have little incentive to stop and no obvious route to outright victory. Much depends on President Trump.