Israel has launched a powerful military attack on Iran, targeting nuclear facilities, missile production sites, and top military officials in what it described as a “pre-emptive strike” to stop Iran from building nuclear weapons.
The operation, named drrRising Lion, was announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video message on Friday. “This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat,” he said.
Explosions were reported across several cities in Iran, including at the key uranium enrichment facility in Natanz. Iranian media confirmed the death of top Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami and two nuclear scientists — Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi — in the attacks.
The head office of the Revolutionary Guards in Tehran was also struck, with reports of civilian casualties, including children, in residential areas of the capital.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, responded sharply, calling the Israeli attack a “crime” and warning that Israel “will face a bitter fate.”
Israeli military officials said the attack struck “dozens” of critical sites and claimed that Iran had enough uranium to build 15 nuclear bombs within days.
The United States quickly distanced itself from the strike, saying it had no role in the operation. However, the strike has raised fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East, a region already tense due to years of geopolitical rivalry.
Reports also revealed that Israel’s Mossad spy agency carried out covert sabotage operations inside Iran to weaken its missile systems and air defence capabilities.
In response to the threat of Iranian retaliation, Israel has declared a state of emergency. Its main international airport, Ben Gurion, has been closed, and air defence units have been placed on high alert.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned of an incoming missile and drone attack from Iran. “We expect immediate retaliation targeting Israeli civilians,” he said.
Israel has also mobilised tens of thousands of soldiers across its borders in preparation for a potential escalation. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said the country is “in the midst of a historic campaign unlike any other.”
International reactions are pouring in, with Israel’s foreign minister reaching out to counterparts around the world to explain the action.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have been high for years, but this marks one of the most direct confrontations between the two powers. Analysts warn the conflict could spiral quickly, with global implications, especially for oil markets and regional security.
