The United States is the main international backer of Israel, Iran's biggest regional foe. It is also a close ally of Sunni Gulf monarchies which for years pursued their own rivalry with the Islamic Republic, seeing it as their main regional threat.

"Following the State of Israel's preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate fu

Israel pounded Iran in a series of air strikes on Friday, hitting as many as 100 targets, including Tehran's nuclear and military sites. Two of Iran's top Military commanders and at least six top nuclear scientists were killed in the attack.

Israeli airstrikes killed top Iranian military leaders, including the IRGC chief, in a major escalation that struck Tehran and other cities, damaging Iran's defence and nuclear assets

Israel’s military struck Tehran and other targets early Friday morning, raising fears of a broader war. The U.S. said it was not involved in the strikes.

The strike comes after President Donald Trump said the U.S. was "fairly close" to reaching a nuclear deal with Iran.

OHIO/WASHINGTON D.C. — Ohio lawmakers have reacted to Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear and missile sites. We will have the latest developments from the Middle East this morning on News Center 7 Daybreak from 4:25 a.m. until 7 a.m.

The United States has pulled some diplomatic staff and military families out of the Middle East, citing unspecified regional security risks.