As US and Israeli forces launched “pre-emptive” strikes on Iranian targets, social media buzzed with speculation that PM Modi’s recent visit to Israel may have influenced the timing of the operations, with analysts suggesting his presence created a 48-hour pause before strikes on Iran.
As US and Israeli forces carried out
‘pre-emptive’ strikes on Iranian targets on Saturday escalating further tensions, social media buzzed with speculation that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent
visit to Israel may have influenced the timing of operations and created a 48-hour pause before strikes on Iran.
Users and analysts suggested that PM Modi’s presence in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv created an informal operational pause, delaying military action until after his departure on 26 February.
The ‘48-hour rule’ goes viral
Commentary on X focused on PM Modi’s
48-hour stay in Israel, with users highlighting it as a practical window during which strikes could not realistically occur.
Independent analyst Shanaka Anslem Perera drew widespread attention by tweeting on Modi’s arrival, “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.”
Perera predicted that US-Israel operations would begin only after Modi left Tel Aviv—a forecast that closely matched the strikes, which commenced four days later. The analyst’s post was widely shared among Indian and international defence circles, framing the Indian PM’s presence as a temporary barrier to escalation.
Journalists highlight a ‘countdown’ narrative
Prominent Indian journalist Smita Prakash also linked Modi’s visit to the “countdown to the Iran strike,” tweeting three days prior that the prime minister’s presence in Israel effectively paused the escalation clock.
TV anchors, commentators, and some Israeli media outlets echoed this narrative, with one asking whether the Indian prime minister was “the only man standing between Israel and Iran” during his visit.
Operation had been planned for months: Israeli officials
Despite social media chatter, Israeli defence officials told Reuters that the operation had been planned for months with Washington, and the launch date had been finalised weeks ago. While not directly linked to Modi’s visit, the timing coincided with earlier predictions.
During his speech to Israeli lawmakers, PM Modi acknowledged regional challenges and the need for stability but made no mention of the US military build-up or Iran.
The prime minister supported US-led efforts to end the war in Gaza, stating it could lead to peace, “The road to peace is not always easy. But India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region.”
Meanwhile, back in India, opposition leaders criticised Modi’s Israel visit in light of the strikes. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted, “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’.”
A Timeline of PM Modi’s visit and strikes
25–26 February: Modi visited Israel, meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top leaders amid warnings of “difficult days” ahead.
28 February: US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on multiple Iranian targets, including sites near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Indian government has not addressed speculation about the visit’s impact on timing, focusing instead on calls for de-escalation in the region.
Rapid escalation in the gulf
Iran retaliated swiftly with ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israel and US military bases across the Gulf, including Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and Syria. Smoke and explosions were reported in several locations.
US President Donald Trump, in a video message on Truth Social, confirmed “major combat operations in Iran,” describing the strikes as targeting 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.”
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