Jerusalem: In a dramatic escalation, Israel launched a major military offensive against Iran on Friday, targeting nuclear facilities, ballistic missile production sites, and top military officials. The operation, dubbed "Rising Lion", was announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called it a decisive effort to neutralize Tehran's capacity to develop nuclear weapons.
Explosions were reported across Iran, including at the Natanz uranium enrichment site, one of the most heavily guarded nuclear installations. Iranian state media reported that the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Tehran had been struck, killing Commander Hossein Salami. The attacks reportedly also claimed the lives of children in residential areas, further inflaming public outrage.
Netanyahu, in a televised address, stated, “This campaign will continue for as long as needed to remove the threat to Israel’s very survival.” Israeli military officials claimed dozens of targets were struck, including stockpiles of nuclear material sufficient to build up to 15 atomic bombs.
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Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the strikes, labeling them a “bloody crime” and warning that Israel would face “a bitter fate.” Iranian media also reported the deaths of two senior nuclear scientists, Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, in separate airstrikes in Tehran.
While Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport was closed and air defences were placed on high alert, Defence Minister Israel Katz warned of an imminent retaliatory barrage of missiles and drones from Iran. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir confirmed that tens of thousands of Israeli troops had been mobilized along all borders in anticipation of a counterattack.
In parallel with the air campaign, Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency reportedly carried out covert sabotage operations inside Iran, targeting air defence systems and missile sites, according to a senior official quoted by Axios.
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Despite speculation, the United States denied any involvement, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisting Israel had acted independently. “We are not involved in these strikes and remain focused on the protection of American personnel,” he said. Still, Iranian officials accused the U.S. of complicity, vowing severe consequences for both Washington and Tel Aviv.
Meanwhile, the White House announced an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, and the State Department ordered all U.S. personnel in Israel to shelter in place. Stock markets reacted swiftly, with oil prices surging and investors retreating to safe havens like gold and the Swiss franc.
Peace efforts also appear to be faltering. A planned sixth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Oman now hangs in uncertainty. While U.S. intelligence maintains Iran has not restarted its nuclear weapons program, American officials had already assessed that Israel was preparing to act.
As tensions spiral, the world watches anxiously for Iran’s next move — and whether the conflict will remain contained or evolve into a broader regional war.