In a dramatic escalation of Middle East hostilities, Israel launched a massive military operation early Friday targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and senior military leadership. The campaign, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” marked a significant turning point in the long-standing shadow conflict between the two nations. With both countries now on high alert and global powers closely monitoring the fallout, the strikes have reignited fears of broader regional destabilization and drawn strong responses from Tehran and international actors.
According to Israeli officials, the strikes were “preemptive, precise, and combined,” hitting dozens of targets across Iran, including facilities linked to its nuclear program. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation was necessary to neutralize a direct threat to Israel’s survival, claiming Iran was dangerously close to developing a nuclear weapon. Explosions were reported near Natanz, home to a key uranium enrichment facility, and northeast of Tehran. Images from Iranian media showed burning residential buildings, with some reports indicating civilian casualties, though independent verification remains pending.
Key figures reportedly killed in the attack
Iran’s state media has confirmed the deaths of several high-profile figures, including Hossein Salami, head of the Revolutionary Guards, and Fereydoon Abbasi, the former chief of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation. These claims, if verified, represent one of the most targeted Israeli military operations against Iran’s leadership and nuclear experts. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned Israel’s actions, calling them evidence of its “vile nature,” and promised severe consequences.
Iran has accused the United States of supporting the strikes, though the U.S. has officially denied involvement. Washington was reportedly informed of the operation two days prior, prompting it to advise American citizens to leave the region. Meanwhile, air raid sirens were activated in Israel, and flights to and from Tel Aviv and Tehran were disrupted as both nations braced for possible retaliation. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has declared a state of emergency.
Operation details and international response
The Israeli military confirmed that dozens of jets were involved in the assault, specifically targeting Iran’s nuclear weapons infrastructure and long-range missile programs. Netanyahu insisted that the campaign will continue “for as many days as it takes.” The strikes come amid ongoing nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, now cast into uncertainty, with a planned round of talks in Oman on shaky ground.
