Israeli Airstrikes on Iran
Major Attack Across Multiple Sites
The Israeli military has launched multiple air strikes on nuclear and military sites in Iran. These attacks killed top Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists. It was a major assault that has raised concerns about a possible full-scale war in the region.
Netanyahu’s Statement
In a recorded video shared early Friday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were meant to damage Iran’s nuclear program and missile factories.
“This operation will continue as long as needed to remove the threat of destruction against us,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Operation “Rising Lion”
Air Campaign Details
The Israeli military told The Times of Israel that it had started an air campaign against Iran’s nuclear program, calling the mission “Rising Lion.”
Statement from Military Chief
Israel’s military chief, Eyal Zamir, said Iran’s nuclear program had reached a “point of no return” and that Israel could not “wait any longer to act” in the “fight to protect our survival.”
Targets and Locations
Later, the Israeli army said 200 fighter jets had hit over 100 targets across Iran. Airstrikes were confirmed in at least eight places, including Tehran, the capital; Natanz, Iran’s main uranium enrichment site; and a nuclear research center in Tabriz.
International and Local Reactions
IAEA Findings
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said there was no sign of increased radiation at the Natanz site. It also said the fuel enrichment plant in Fordow and the nuclear plant in Bushehr were not affected.
Casualties Reported
Iranian state media reported several deaths, including civilians and top Iranian officials. Those confirmed dead include Hossein Salami, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of Iran’s Armed Forces; and nuclear scientists Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi. The report also said six other scientists were killed in the overnight attack.
Supreme Leader’s Warning
After the strikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Israel to prepare for a “bitter and painful fate.”
Iran’s Response
Official Reaction
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tehran has the “legal and legitimate” right to respond. It also said the U.S. would be held responsible, claiming Israel’s attack could not have happened without U.S. “approval and support.”
Drone Attacks and Regional Impact
Drone Launch Toward Israel
After the Israeli strikes early Friday, the Israeli military said Iran had launched about 100 drones toward Israel and that they were working to shoot them down.
“Iran launched around 100 drones toward Israeli territory, and we are working to stop them,” said military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin.
Drones Intercepted
Later, a military source told The Associated Press that Israel was stopping some of the drones before they reached its airspace.
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