The U.S. Navy has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz to the Middle East amid rapidly escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, raising concerns that the conflict could spill into a wider
regional war.
Former President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Tehran, declaring that any attack on American interests would be met with overwhelming military force. “If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before,” he said.
This comes despite reports suggesting Trump had previously blocked an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Tensions erupted early Monday as Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel, damaging the U.S. Embassy and killing at least 24 Israelis. The missiles struck Tel Aviv and Haifa, breaching Israel’s advanced defense systems and injuring dozens more.
The assault followed a major Israeli operation that targeted high-ranking Iranian officials and destroyed Iran’s key nuclear facility in Natanz. The Israeli strikes have fueled speculation about a possible regime change in Tehran.
In response, anti-regime protests have reportedly broken out in Iranian cities, including Tehran and Karaj. Independent media footage shows citizens shouting from rooftops and windows, chanting slogans like “Death to the dictator” and “Death to Khamenei.”
Since the start of Israel’s counteroffensive on Friday, Iranian authorities report over 220 deaths and more than 1,200 injuries as Israeli airstrikes continue to pound the country.
Despite mounting casualties, Iran has vowed to escalate its response. The regime has called on regional allies to form an “Islamic Army” to fight Israel and has threatened to render the Jewish state “uninhabitable.” Photo by U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Johnnie R. Robbins, Wikimedia commons.