Mohamed Ghani
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL – Amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, the United States has begun evacuating its citizens from Israel, while simultaneously deploying B-2 stealth bombers to the region. The moves come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly pushes for a strike against Iran’s Fordow nuclear enrichment facility, a move potentially supported by President Donald Trump, who has issued a stark warning to Tehran.
The US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has urged American citizens to complete a crisis intake form, stating, “With airspace mostly closed, the challenges are great. If given an option, TAKE IT.” Israeli airline El Al has announced it will offer 50 seats on flights departing from Tel Aviv to various international destinations starting Monday, specifically for those seeking to leave the region.
President Trump cut short his weekend stay at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, returning to the White House for an emergency meeting with his national security team. In a cryptic message posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned of possible US involvement, stating, “Only time will tell!” alongside a video hinting at escalating conflict. Trump has previously indicated that Iran has a two-week deadline to abandon its nuclear program.
However, sources within the Israeli government told The Times of Israel that Netanyahu has informed his administration that they will not wait for the US to decide. This message was reportedly delivered to US officials in a tense phone call, with sources saying that Israel wants to strike the Fordow enrichment facility, a deeply buried bunker requiring specialized “bunker-buster” bombs, only possessed by the US.
While the US is hesitant to directly engage, fearing being drawn into a wider conflict, Israel reportedly believes they have a small window of opportunity to act. Vice President JD Vance, present on the tense phone call, reportedly expressed reluctance for direct US involvement, raising concerns that Israel was attempting to embroil the US in war. Sources suggest that Israel is now likely to proceed with an operation to strike the Fordow facility, even without the ideal munitions.
Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that his goal is to eliminate Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, deeming them an existential threat to Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shared a video on Saturday depicting the destruction of Iranian F-14 fighter jets.
Adding to the sense of urgency, six B-2 Spirit stealth bombers departed from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, bound for Guam. This deployment sparks speculation, as the B-2 is the only aircraft currently equipped to deliver the specialized bunker-buster bombs needed to penetrate the Fordow facility. The bombers were reportedly refueled mid-air, suggesting they could have departed with a partial fuel load due to the weight of their payloads. The purpose of the deployment remains unclear, whether a show of force or preparation for an imminent strike.
Striking Fordow carries significant risks for all parties involved. The facility is located approximately 260 feet underground and reportedly protected by Iranian and Russian surface-to-air missile systems, although these defenses are believed to have been weakened by recent Israeli attacks.
Furthermore, US involvement could jeopardize any potential future negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program, and risks further destabilizing the already volatile Middle East, a concern voiced by Russia.
[Organization of Iranian Human Rights based in Washington] reports that recent fighting has already claimed the lives of at least 722 people, including 285 civilians, while wounding over 2,500 in Iran. Israeli army estimates that Iran has retaliated with over 450 missiles and 1,000 drones, killing at least 24 in Israel.
While Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, it is the only non-nuclear-weapon state to enrich uranium to 60%, a short technical step away from weapons-grade levels. Israel is widely believed to possess a nuclear arsenal, though it has never officially acknowledged it.
The world watches with bated breath as the situation unfolds, hoping for a de-escalation of tensions and a peaceful resolution to the escalating crisis.
