Israel announced that it launched airstrikes against Iran today, targeting nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories, and military leaders. This marks the beginning of what it warned would be an extended operation aimed at preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.
Reports from Iranian media and eyewitnesses indicated explosions in key locations, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility. In response, Israel declared a state of emergency in anticipation of missile and drone attacks from Iran as retaliation.
Iranian television reported the death of Hossein Salami, commander of the Revolutionary Guard, and stated that the Guard’s headquarters in Tehran had been targeted.
Additionally, it was reported that several children lost their lives in an airstrike on a residential area in the capital.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video message asserting, “We are at a pivotal moment in Israel’s history.”
He added, “Just moments ago, Israel initiated Operation ‘Rising Lion,’ a specifically targeted military campaign to eliminate the Iranian threat to Israel’s existence. This operation will span several days to eradicate this danger.”
Netanyahu noted that Israel has aimed at Iranian scientists engaged in developing a nuclear bomb, the country’s ballistic missile program, and the Natanz enrichment facility, emphasizing that this operation would last several days.
An Israeli military official stated that “dozens” of nuclear and military targets had been struck. He mentioned that Iran possesses sufficient materials to create 15 nuclear bombs in a matter of days.
Axios reported, citing a senior Israeli official, that in addition to the heavy airstrikes, the Israeli intelligence agency (Mossad) led a series of covert operations within Iran aimed at dismantling strategic missile sites and air defense capabilities.
Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv has been closed until further notice, and Israeli air defense units are on high alert in anticipation of a potential Iranian counterattack.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, “Following the preemptive strike by the State of Israel against Iran, we expect a missile and drone assault on Israel and its civilian population in the near future.”
U.S. Non-Involvement
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked that Israel acted independently, believing the operation was essential for self-defense.
He stated, “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We did not participate in the strikes against Iran, and our top priority is the protection of U.S. forces in the region.”
He further clarified, “Let me be clear: Iran should not target American interests or individuals.”
The White House announced that President Donald Trump will convene a National Security Council meeting on Friday morning.
Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir confirmed that tens of thousands of soldiers have been called up, adding, “We are in the midst of an unprecedented historical campaign. This is a decisive operation to prevent an existential threat from an enemy intent on our destruction.”
Crude oil prices surged as the strike had a negative impact on global stock markets, prompting investors to seek safe assets.
U.S. and Iranian officials were scheduled to engage in a sixth round of talks regarding Tehran’s uranium enrichment program in Oman on Sunday, according to officials from both countries and Omani mediators. However, the discussions appear to have hit a deadlock.
Trump indicated yesterday that an Israeli strike on Iran is highly “possible,” but reiterated his hope for a peaceful resolution.
U.S. intelligence indicated that Israel is preparing to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, and anonymous U.S. officials stated that an attack could occur within days.
Israel has long contemplated striking its nemesis Iran in an effort to deter Tehran from advancing its nuclear weapons program. An anonymous U.S. official told Reuters that the military is preparing for all scenarios in the Middle East, including the potential need to assist in evacuating American civilians.