Smoke rises from buildings
Share and Follow

() The fighting between Israel and Iran reached new heights overnight Thursday as the Islamic Republic fired missiles across Israel, injuring dozens and significantly damaging one of its largest hospitals.

One day prior, Israel targeted Tehran in the early hours of the morning. The countries have traded missile strikes for a week, and officials estimate at least 224 have been killed in Iran and dozens in Israel.

Now, the world waits to see if President Donald Trump will enter the U.S. into the conflict with strikes against Iran.

Trump has been weighing his options for American military involvement in the region for days and has reviewed attack plans on Iran, a source has confirmed to .

He has called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” while Iran has warned that any U.S. action would result in “irreparable damage to them.”

A primary target for any U.S. involvement would likely be the Fordow fuel enrichment site, buried deep underground, which Israeli officials have acknowledged only America’s so-called “bunker-buster” bombs could fully destroy.

Evacuations ensue amid Israel-Iran conflict

The U.S. embassy in Israel is orchestrating evacuation flights and cruises for Americans in the country.

confirmed one of the evacuees is Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli hostage who was held captive in the Gaza Strip for more than 19 months and released in May.

  • Smoke rises from buildings
  • Missiles in the night sky
  • Overhead view shows heavily damaged buildings in Bet Yam, Israel.
  • Israeli rescuers search through rubble

Officials are also planning for a partial evacuation of the U.S. embassy in Iraq, sources said on Wednesday.

“The State Department regularly reviews American personnel abroad, and this decision was made as a result of a recent review,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told Reuters when asked about reports of the partial evacuations.

A White House official said Trump was aware of the move.

US military jets, ships shift toward Middle East

The USS Gerald Ford the Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier will head to Europe next week. The move is part of a previously scheduled deployment, but it will give Trump a third aircraft carrier option as he weighs potential U.S. involvement in the Middle East.

A Pentagon official confirmed to that the USS Carl Vinson and the USS Nimitz will be in the Middle East at the same time as they hand over responsibilities.

The move was “pre-planned” and “just happened to coincide with region tensions,” the official said.

Earlier this week, the U.S. military deployed fighter aircraft including F-16, F-22 and F-35 jets to the Middle East amid the conflict, two officials told Reuters.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
'Truth nuke' explodes on CNN as Somali scandal sparks new GOP demand

Explosive Somali Scandal Ignites GOP Fury: CNN Uncovers New Political Firestorm

The controversy surrounding Somali immigrants allegedly defrauding the state of Minnesota remains…
Farming tycoon Michael Abatti's wife found dead by nephew

Tragic Discovery: Nephew Finds Wife of Agriculture Magnate Michael Abatti Deceased

The tragic discovery of Keri Ann Abatti, a former beauty queen, unfolded…
Feds launch 'massive operation' in Minnesota amid fraud scandal

Federal Authorities Initiate Comprehensive Operation in Minnesota Following Fraud Scandal

Federal officers have rolled out a significant operation in Minnesota aimed at…
Priest catches suspect breaking into church ‘poor box’ days before Christmas, police say

Heroic Priest Foils Christmas Heist: Suspect Caught Red-Handed Attempting Church ‘Poor Box’ Break-In

On Tuesday, officials revealed that a priest thwarted an attempted theft at…
24-year-old man charged with double murder in shooting of Brunwick teens: Police

Brunswick Officer Arrested in Domestic Dispute: What This Means for the Community and Police Department

Brunswick Police Officer Andrea Williams, aged 41, is facing charges of criminal…
Wendy's is offering 1-cent bacon burgers for one day only. Here's how to get one

Score a 1-Cent Bacon Burger at Wendy’s: Exclusive One-Day Offer and How to Grab Yours

If you’re a fan of bacon and love a good deal, Wendy’s…
Anthony Joshua's mum rushes to bedside at 'Nigeria's best hospital'

Anthony Joshua’s Mother Visits Him at Renowned Nigerian Hospital

Anthony Joshua’s mother has hurried to his side at a premier Nigerian…
Patriots' Diggs faces criminal charges over assault and strangulation

New England Patriots’ Player Diggs Charged with Assault and Strangulation: Legal Troubles Unfold

In a surprising turn of events, Stefon Diggs, wide receiver for the…