In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran early Friday, targeting nuclear facilities, ballistic missile sites, and senior military figures.
According to Israeli officials, the operation — named “Rising Lion” — is a preemptive effort to halt Iran’s alleged progress toward developing a nuclear weapon. The offensive marks one of the most significant military confrontations between the two regional powers in recent years.
Iran swiftly responded, launching approximately 100 drones toward Israel in retaliation. However, by 0800 GMT, Israeli media reported that most of the drones had been intercepted, and the civilian order to remain near protected areas was lifted.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards confirmed that its top commander, Hossein Salami, was killed in the attacks. State media also reported fatalities at the Guards’ Tehran headquarters and a strike on a residential area that killed several children.
The Israeli military claimed its air campaign struck over 100 targets inside Iran with the support of 200 fighter jets. A military spokesperson, Brigadier General Effie Defrin, stated that key Iranian military leaders — including the chief of staff of the armed forces and commanders of the Revolutionary Guards and Emergency Command — were killed.
Iranian media reported explosions at critical infrastructure sites, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, a central part of Iran’s nuclear program. While six nuclear scientists were reported dead, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed there was no increase in radiation levels.
An Israeli security source revealed that Mossad operatives conducted covert missions within Iran ahead of the strikes, dismantling parts of the country’s missile infrastructure. Israel also reportedly established a drone base near Tehran as part of the operation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the operation “a decisive moment in Israel’s history,” stating the campaign would continue “for as many days as it takes to remove the threat.” He warned Israelis to be prepared for extended periods in shelters.
The offensive follows months of tensions since the October 2023 war in Gaza, during which Israel significantly weakened Iran’s regional proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah, through targeted assassinations.
Following the strikes, airspace over Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel was vacated, according to Flightradar24. Airlines, including Emirates, cancelled multiple routes, and Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport was shut as Israeli airlines relocated aircraft.
Oil markets reacted immediately. The Brent crude benchmark jumped over 6% to $73.73 per barrel before settling back. Iran’s oil ministry stated that refining and storage facilities remained undamaged and operational.
The Israeli shekel dropped nearly 2%, and Asian markets saw sharp losses amid fears of broader conflict.
U.S. Response and Nuclear Talks
The United States, scheduled to engage in renewed nuclear talks with Iran in Oman on Sunday, denied involvement in the Israeli strikes. President Donald Trump said the U.S. was not part of the attack but reiterated his stance that “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb.”
U.S. officials maintained that intelligence assessments had not changed, and there was no evidence that Iran had resumed a nuclear weapons program since halting it in 2003.
However, Israel’s military insisted the strike was based on new intelligence indicating that Iran was nearing the “point of no return” in nuclear development.
Despite the attack, a sixth round of talks on Iran’s uranium enrichment program is still scheduled for Sunday in Oman.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned the Israeli attack as a bloody and wicked crime, promising a “bitter fate” for Israel. Iranian military spokespeople also accused the U.S. of supporting the strikes, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Israel had acted unilaterally in self-defence.
As regional tension climbs, diplomatic and military responses are expected in the coming days, and the world will be watching closely for the next move.
reuters/s.s