In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Israel launched a series of airstrikes against Iran early Friday, targeting key nuclear and missile facilities as well as high-ranking military officials. The operation, described by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “Operation Rising Lion,” included attacks on Iran’s main uranium enrichment site at Natanz and resulted in the deaths of several top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists. Among those killed were Hossein Salami, the leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces.
Israeli authorities framed the assault as a “pre-emptive” measure, citing intelligence that suggested Iran was advancing a covert nuclear weapons program and possessed enough material to build multiple bombs within days. However, no immediate evidence was provided to support these claims. Netanyahu emphasized that the strikes were necessary to counter what he called a “clear and present danger” posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions, vowing that military operations would continue “for as long as necessary” to eliminate the threat.
The Israeli offensive triggered swift and forceful retaliation from Iran, which launched over 100 drones toward Israel, most of which were reportedly intercepted by Israeli air defenses. Iranian state media and officials condemned the attacks as a “wicked and bloody” act, warning that Israel would face severe consequences. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised a “harsh response,” and the IRGC declared that “the gates of hell will open” in retaliation.
The United States, a key Israeli ally, stated it was not involved in the strikes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington had been informed of Israel’s intentions but warned Iran not to target U.S. personnel or interests in the region. The strikes come amid stalled nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, and their aftermath has already led to surging oil prices and heightened military alerts across the Middle East, raising fears of a broader conflict.
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(Source: New York Times | Reuters | AL Jazeera | BBC)
