Israel carried out large-scale air strikes against Iran on Friday. The Israeli military said it targeted nuclear sites, missile factories, and top military leaders. This marks the start of what Israel calls a long-term mission to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon.
In response, Iran launched around 100 drones at Israel. Israeli forces are working to intercept them, according to military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin.
Witnesses and Iranian media reported explosions across the country. One blast hit the Natanz uranium enrichment facility. Israel also declared a state of emergency, preparing for possible missile and drone attacks.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed that their top commander, Hossein Salami, was killed. State media reported that the Guards’ headquarters in Tehran was hit, and a strike on a residential area killed several children.
“We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a video statement, he announced the launch of Operation Rising Lion, aimed at eliminating what he called an existential threat.
Defrin said 200 Israeli fighter jets struck more than 100 targets in Iran. He claimed that Iran’s military chief of staff, the head of the Revolutionary Guards, and the commander of Iran’s emergency forces were all killed.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the attack. He warned that Israel would face “a bitter fate” for what he described as a crime.
Following the strikes, airlines cleared airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan. Flights were diverted or canceled to keep passengers safe.
An Israeli military official said the strikes focused on nuclear and military sites, including Natanz. The official claimed Iran has enough material to build 15 nuclear bombs within days.
The United States said it had no role in the operation. Still, the attack raised fears of further conflict in the oil-rich Middle East.
Reports said Israel’s Mossad spy agency also led sabotage missions inside Iran. These aimed to damage missile sites and air defense systems. Iranian media said Israeli strikes killed two nuclear scientists in Tehran.
Iranian oil facilities were not damaged, and operations continued, according to officials. Iran closed its airspace, and Israel shut down Tel Aviv’s main airport.
Israel’s military chief said tens of thousands of soldiers are on high alert. “We are amidst a historic campaign unlike any other,” he said.
Israel’s foreign minister is reaching out to world leaders to explain the attack.
Talks and Tensions
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. hopes to return to nuclear talks but stressed Iran must not build a bomb. He noted that a peaceful solution is still possible.
Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful use. Tehran said the attack proves why it needs nuclear technology and missile power. The country rejected U.S. demands to halt uranium enrichment, calling it an attack on its sovereignty.
Trump will meet with the National Security Council to discuss the crisis. A U.S. official said the military is preparing for any situation, including evacuating Americans if needed.
Iran’s military warned that Israel and the U.S. will face consequences. While Washington denied involvement, reports suggest Israel coordinated with the U.S. before the strikes. U.S. officials urged Iran not to target American forces.
Markets reacted sharply. Oil prices jumped, stock markets fell, and investors turned to safe assets like gold.
The U.N. urged both sides to show restraint and avoid deeper conflict.
Nuclear Talks Continue
Despite the strikes, U.S. and Iranian officials plan to meet in Oman on Sunday for talks on Iran’s nuclear program. The Israeli military said it acted because Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon.
However, U.S. intelligence has seen no sign that Iran restarted its nuclear weapons program, which was halted in 2003.
