TEHRAN: Israel launched a series of airstrikes against Iran on Friday, targeting nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories, and high-ranking military officials in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as the beginning of a “prolonged operation” to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Explosions were reported at multiple sites across Iran, including at the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, as Israeli forces initiated “Operation Rising Lion.” Netanyahu, in a televised address, stated the strikes aimed to eliminate what he called an “existential threat” to Israel. He emphasized the campaign would persist until Iran's nuclear threat was neutralized.
Iran responded by launching over 100 drones toward Israel. The Israeli military placed its air defense systems on high alert, and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was shut down as a precaution. Israeli officials claimed Iran possesses enough fissile material to build up to 15 nuclear bombs in a matter of days.
In addition to the air raids, Israel’s Mossad reportedly conducted covert sabotage missions within Iran, targeting strategic missile installations and air defense systems. Iranian state media confirmed the assassination of top military leaders, including IRGC chief Major General Hossein Salami and Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the strikes, vowing a "harsh response" and declaring that Israel had committed a grave crime. Iranian sources also reported civilian casualties, including children, in residential areas struck during the raids.
Saudi Arabia, along with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, condemned the Israeli attacks, warning of potential regional destabilization. Oil prices surged over 10% as markets reacted to the heightened tensions, with Brent crude and WTI hitting their highest levels since January.
The U.S. distanced itself from the Israeli operation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington was not involved and warned Iran against targeting American personnel. President Donald Trump, however, voiced strong support for Israel, asserting that the U.S. would back its ally if Iran retaliated and stressed the importance of preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Despite calls for de-escalation, hopes for resumed U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Oman appeared dim, as tensions reached one of their highest points in recent years.
