Israel informed US before conducting strikes on Iran in response to missile attacks: Report

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant closely monitored the ongoing operation from the military’s command center.

The US received advance notice of Israel’s recent strikes on Iran, according to U.S. officials, who reported being informed at least six hours before the action, according to a copy by Reuters. These strikes came after Iran launched approximately 180 missiles at Israel on October 1, targeting what Iran claimed were Israeli military facilities. In response, Israeli forces initiated targeted strikes early October 26 against military sites in Iran, as confirmed by Israeli and U.S. officials.

In recent discussions, US leaders had urged Israel to avoid targeting Iran’s oil and nuclear infrastructure. However, Israel’s latest operation has steered clear of these facilities, focusing instead on other military installations, according to reports from Israeli officials and US outlets, as cited by The Washington Post. Following the missile barrage from Tehran, Israel has underscored its right to respond, stating that these strikes represent an act of self-defence.

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The escalation follows a series of regional hostilities, with Iran's allied group Hezbollah joining forces against Israel in support of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that launched an assault on Israel earlier in October. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant closely monitored the ongoing operation from the military’s command center.

In Tehran, Iranian state media reported a series of explosions near military bases but downplayed the situation, noting that daily life continued largely unaffected. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes also targeted sites in Syria’s central and southern regions, according to Syrian state news agency SANA. Syrian air defenses reportedly intercepted several missiles fired from Israel.

As tensions mount, U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have cautioned against further escalation, emphasizing the need for measured responses to avoid broader conflict.