Tehran: In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Iran has launched a large-scale retaliatory assault against Israel, reportedly deploying over 100 drones in response to a recent Israeli airstrike that targeted critical facilities in the Iranian capital.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had earlier warned of dire consequences, declared that Israel had “sealed its own bitter fate” and would now “receive a decisive blow.” Condemning Israel’s actions as “a reflection of its depravity,” Khamenei said the Iranian counterattack was only a beginning.

According to Iranian media sources, six nuclear scientists lost their lives during Israel’s strike, deepening outrage across the country. Among the reported casualties are high-profile figures, including Hossein Salami, commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards; Mohammad Bagheri, chief of Iran’s armed forces; Fereydoun Abbasi, former head of the Atomic Energy Organization; and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranji, president of Islamic Azad University in Tehran.

The Israeli assault, which struck aerospace and nuclear research sites in and around Tehran, triggered a wave of explosions that rocked the city early in the morning. All flights in and out of Tehran International Airport were abruptly grounded, and air defense systems were activated amid fears of further attacks.

In response, Israel declared a state of emergency, with air raid sirens wailing across Jerusalem. Anticipating a strong Iranian backlash, Israeli security forces confirmed the strike and began large-scale mobilization.

Meanwhile, global leaders have voiced grave concern over the deteriorating situation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both nations to exercise maximum restraint, warning that a wider regional war could break out if tensions are not defused immediately.

Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, speaking on behalf of the UN chief, expressed particular concern about the targeting of nuclear sites during ongoing U.S.-Iran diplomatic negotiations. He emphasized that any escalation could jeopardize fragile efforts to revive nuclear talks and maintain regional stability.

With both countries now on high alert and the specter of broader conflict looming large, analysts warn that the next 48 hours may determine whether the Middle East plunges into another devastating war—or pulls back from the brink.