‘Full Support Of President Trump’: Netanyahu Confirms U.S. Backing As Israel Escalates ‘Operation Rising Lion’
For the third consecutive day, fierce hostilities between Israel and Iran have escalated, with Israeli forces striking deep inside Iran under the banner of Operation Rising Lion—a campaign that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says is fully backed by the United States and President Donald Trump.
“This operation is being carried out with the full support of the United States and President Trump,” Netanyahu stated, reaffirming Washington’s alignment with Tel Aviv in the unfolding conflict. According to him, the mission aims to “roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival” and will continue “for as many days as it takes.”
Over the weekend, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) claimed to have launched precision strikes targeting the Iranian Ministry of Defence headquarters in Tehran and facilities linked to the regime’s nuclear weapons programme, including the Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND).
“The IDF completed an extensive series of strikes on targets in Tehran related to the Iranian regime’s nuclear weapons project,” the military said in a statement, adding that nuclear archives and weapons development centers were among the primary targets.
In response, Iran unleashed a barrage of missiles in an operation dubbed True Promise 3, with over 80 projectiles fired at Israeli territory. At least 10 people have been killed and more than 200 injured, according to Israeli emergency services. Strikes hit areas near Tel Aviv and Haifa, including the Bazan oil refinery, while damage was also reported to civilian and energy infrastructure.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi defended the attack as a “legitimate act of self-defence,” and indicated that Tehran would consider de-escalation if Israeli airstrikes ceased.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities say they have detained two individuals allegedly linked to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. According to semi-official media, the arrests occurred in Alborz province, where the suspects were reportedly preparing explosives.
Elsewhere, Israel continued its aerial assault, hitting military-linked sites in Isfahan and Shiraz. The IDF has warned Iranian civilians to evacuate areas near weapons manufacturing and support facilities.
While Netanyahu claims unwavering U.S. support, President Trump offered a more cautious message. “Washington had nothing to do with the strikes,” he said, adding that Iran “must make a deal before there is nothing left.” He also warned Tehran not to provoke or attack U.S. assets “in any way, shape or form.”
Both countries have closed their airspace indefinitely, with Iran extending its flight ban until at least 3 PM local time today (11:30 GMT). As tensions spiral and casualties mount, the region faces its most dangerous military confrontation in years.
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