Several lawmakers on Sunday stressed that if Iran attacks U.S. targets following Israel's massive strike, the country should defend itself.
The big picture: In the hours around Israel's attack, which Iran responded to with major retaliatory strikes, the Trump administration distanced itself from the Israeli operation, with the president confirming he knew the attack was coming but stressing the U.S. military wasn't involved.
President Trump has called on Iran and Israel "to make a deal" that ends the war between the two countries.
Why it matters: The Trump administration has so far distanced itself from Israel's operation and argued that it would be illegitimate for Iran to retaliate by striking U.S. targets.
A group of pro-Israel members of Congress is urging President Trump to ensure "zero enrichment, zero pathway to a nuclear weapon" in negotiations with Iran, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: The lawmakers — including a Republican, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) — said Israel's strikes against Iranian nuclear sites and other military targets has created a "renewed sense of urgency" on the issue.
Israel has asked the Trump administration over the past 48 hours to join the war with Iran in order to eliminate its nuclear program, according to two Israeli officials.
The big picture:Israel lacks the bunker buster bombs and large bomber aircraft needed to destroy Iran's Fordow uranium enrichment site, which is built into a mountain and deep underground. The U.S. has both within flying distance of Iran.
President Trump said after a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday that the war between Israel and Iran needs to end.
Why it matters: Trump's call for ending the war comes less than 48 hours after Israel launched its attacks against Iran and shows the amount of concern at the White House from the escalating fighting.
Israel Defense Forces has achieved full freedom of operation in the air space around Iran's capital Tehran, the IDF announced on Saturday.
Why it matters: Other than the military implications of being able to freely hit targets where Iran's main military command and control headquarters are located, it is also a political message that Iran's leadership and government symbols are exposed to Israeli attacks.
Why it matters: In a year already brimming with "holy sh*t" moments, the past eight days have brought unprecedented new intensity, stakes and challenges to Trump's presidency.
One factor that could determine whether Israel's audacious attack on Iran proves a daring success or a dangerous mistake is the fate of Iran's Fordow uranium enrichment site.
The big picture:Israel will require unforeseen tactical ingenuity or U.S. assistance to destroy Fordow, which is built into a mountain and deep underground. But if the facility remains intact and accessible, a nuclear program Israel is determined to "eliminate" could actually accelerate.
