In a dramatic escalation, Israel launched a sweeping military operation against Iran on Friday, targeting nuclear facilities, ballistic missile production centers, and high-ranking military officials. Dubbed Operation Rising Lion, Israeli forces deployed 200 fighter jets to strike approximately 100 targets across Iran, including the key uranium enrichment facility at Natanz.
Iran confirmed that Hossein Salami, commander of the elite Revolutionary Guards, was killed in the strikes. State media also reported casualties among civilians, including two nuclear scientists and several children in residential areas of Tehran.
The Iranian response was swift: around 100 drones were launched toward Israel, prompting the closure of Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport and the declaration of a state of emergency. Israel’s military chief said tens of thousands of soldiers had been mobilized across all borders, while air defense systems remained on high alert.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the strikes as necessary to counter what he called an “existential threat,” claiming Iran had enough enriched uranium to build 15 nuclear bombs “within days.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the attack as a “bloody crime” and warned of a “bitter fate” for Israel. Meanwhile, US officials denied any involvement in the operation, although reports suggested prior coordination. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the U.S. would not tolerate attacks on American personnel.
The United Nations urged both sides to exercise restraint as tensions threatened to spiral. Despite the conflict, U.S. and Iranian officials are still scheduled to meet Sunday in Oman for nuclear talks.
Global markets reacted sharply, with oil prices surging and investors rushing to safe-haven assets like gold.
