During a recent interview with Al-Monitor, U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack stated that Trump Administration is concerned Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s efforts to promote inclusive governance and engage with the United States could make him a target for assassination by militants, adding “We need to coordinate a protection system around al-Sharaa.”

Amid reports that Israel plans to carry out strikes soon against nuclear facilities inside Iran, U.S. President Donald J. Trump posted earlier on Truth Social that he remains committed to a diplomatic resolution to the Iran nuclear issue, adding, “My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon.”

Israel could launch strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities as soon as Sunday unless Iran agrees to halt the production of fissile material that can be used to produce a nuclear weapon, according to the Wall Street Journal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly raised the possibility of strikes against Iran in a phone conversation with U.S. President Trump on Monday, sparking the recent evacuation of diplomats from Iraq and departure of military dependents across the Middle East. U.S. officials say intelligence received in recent days indicates that Israel is preparing for strikes against Iran.

According to Axios, the Trump Administration has informed Israel that the United States will not directly participate in any kind of military strikes against nuclear facilities in Iran, though officials did not clarify if that included indirect support such as intelligence and aerial-refueling for Israel’s Air Force. 

Analysts believe that without U.S. participation, an Israeli operation against Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites would likely be limited, possibly requiring several days of bombing due to the Israeli Air Force not maintaining any kind of long-range strategic bomber like the U.S. Air Force’s B-2 or B-52. 

These bombers would be needed for their ability to carry large “bunker buster” bombs such as the GBU-57A/B  MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator) that would likely be required in order to hit Iran's primary facility for enriching weapons-grade uranium, the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP), which is built into a mountain over 80–90 meters underground near Qom.

Israeli strikes against nuclear facilities in Iran could come on Friday, according to Israeli military officials. -FT

Fighter jets heard within the last hour over Northern Iraq.

Possible missiles or flares seen in the sky over Hajiawa in Northeastern Iraq, near the border with Iran.

Reports of explosions now in Iran as well as sirens sounding in Central Israel.

Sirens now sounding across Israel.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared an emergency situation across Israel due to ongoing strikes now against Iran.

The Israeli Air Force has begun launching strikes against several targets inside Iran.

Multiple explosions reported in the Iranian capital of Tehran.

Commercial flights heading to Tel-Aviv have begun to turn around over the Eastern Mediterranean.

Smoke seen rising from several sites across the Iranian capital of Tehran, following strikes by the Israeli Air Force.

Strikes on Tehran reportedly targeted air-defenses and other military sites throughout the city.

Flights are beginning to divert away from the airspace over Tehran and Northwestern Iran.

The Israeli Homefront Command has instructed Israelis to shelter-in-place due to the ongoing military action in Iran.

Israel’s airspace has been closed until further notice.

Something is burning in Tehran, following strikes by the Israeli Air Force.

Senior officials tell Channel 13 that Israel is preparing for “days of battle” with Iran, following tonight’s series of preemptive strikes against Tehran.

The ongoing operation by Israel against Iran has been dubbed “Strength of a Lion.”