US and Israeli forces carried out “pre-emptive” strikes on Iranian targets on Saturday. The attacks sharply increased tensions in the region. At the same time, social media users speculated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Israel may have influenced the timing of the operation. Many users claimed that Modi’s presence in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv created an informal 48-hour pause before any strike on Iran.

Did PM Modi’s Israel Visit Delay US-Israel Strikes on Iran?

Users on X actively discussed the prime minister’s two-day stay in Israel. They speculated that Israel and the United States may have avoided launching a strike while the leader of India was present in the country.

These claims surfaced after the US-Israel strikes on Iran. One widely shared post stated, “You do not launch a strike on Iran, triggering retaliatory ballistic missiles aimed at Israeli territory, while the leader of 1.4 billion people is standing inside the Knesset.”

Several users predicted that US-Israel forces would begin operations only after Modi left Tel Aviv. The strikes started four days later, which fueled further speculation online. Some commentators suggested that Modi’s visit may have acted as a temporary buffer against escalation.

Television anchors also discussed the theory. One even asked whether the Indian prime minister was “the only man standing between Israel and Iran” during his visit.

US-Israel Planned Iran Operation Months Before Strike

Israeli defence officials rejected the speculation. They said planners had prepared the operation for months in coordination with Washington. Officials also confirmed that leaders had finalised the launch date weeks before the strike. They did not connect the timing to Modi’s visit.

During his address to Israeli lawmakers, Modi spoke about regional instability and the need for peace. He avoided mentioning the US military build-up or Iran directly.

He supported US-led efforts to end the war in Gaza. He stated: “The road to peace is not always easy. But India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region.”

Indian Opposition Targets Modi After Iran Strikes

Opposition leaders in India criticised the visit. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh wrote on X: “Two days after Mr Modi celebrated his visit to Israel, Israel and the US have begun their joint assault on Iran. This was fully expected given their military build-up. Mr Modi nevertheless chose to go to Israel… This Israel visit was shameful, especially in light of the war launched by two of Mr Modi’s ‘good friends’.”

The opposition questioned the political timing of the trip but did not present evidence linking Modi to the operation.

Timeline of PM Modi Visit and US-Israel Iran Strikes

25–26 February: Modi visited Israel. He met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior leaders. Israeli officials warned of “difficult days” ahead.

28 February: The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on multiple Iranian targets. The attacks hit sites near offices linked to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Indian government did not address speculation about the visit’s impact on timing. It focused instead on calling for restraint and de-escalation.

Iran Launches Missile and Drone Retaliation Across Gulf

Iran responded quickly. It launched ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli territory and US military bases across the Gulf. The attacks targeted locations in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and Syria. Several areas reported smoke and explosions.

US President Donald Trump confirmed “major combat operations in Iran” in a video message on Truth Social. He said US forces targeted Iran’s missile arsenal and navy.

“I do not make this statement lightly. The Iranian regime seeks to kill… We are going to annihilate their navy and destroy their missiles.”