Israel has initiated widespread airstrikes across Iran, targeting the country’s nuclear infrastructure and military leadership. The Israeli Defense Forces describe this as “Operation Rising Lion”, responding to what they perceive as an existential nuclear threat. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that these actions are crucial to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Explosions Hit Tehran, Natanz & Beyond
Tehran: Multiple blasts reported overnight, with imagery showing damaged residential and high-rise structures. Iranian state media reports that the strikes resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children.
Natanz nuclear facility: Confirmed struck by the IAEA, raising alarms about potential radiological risks.
Top Iranian Leaders and Scientists Reported Killed
Iran has confirmed the deaths of several high-ranking figures in the attacks
• Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the IRGC
• Mohammad Bagheri, the head of Iran’s armed forces employees, was killed in attacks, giving a major blow to Iran’s military leadership.
• Prominent nuclear scientists, Dr. Fereydoon Abbasi and Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, played key roles in advancing Iran’s nuclear research and policy. Such losses signal a dramatic escalation, targeting both adversarial capabilities and leadership.
Israel on High Alert
Israel has declared a state of emergency, anticipating immediate Iranian retaliation. Sirens have sounded across its major cities, urging citizens to seek shelter. Prime Minister Netanyahu called the strikes “very successful” and stressed preparedness for an extended standoff.
US Involvement? Mixed Signals
While President Trump acknowledged being informed ahead of Israel’s operation, he maintained the US had no active military role. Iranian leaders, however, have accused the US of complicity—a claim Washington denies.
International Reactions & Regional Tension
UN Secretary-General Guterres has demanded both parties show “maximum restraint,” warning escalation could catastrophically destabilize the Middle East. Australia expressed alarm, calling for calm and de-escalation.
Meanwhile, oil prices jumped over 10% amid growing fears that the escalating conflict could disrupt supplies from the already volatile Middle East region.
What Comes Next?
Iran’s response: Tehran reportedly launched about 100 drones toward Israel, with interceptions ongoing, feeds.bbci.co.uk.
Airspace closures: Iran’s airspace has shut down; regional airlines are cancelling flights. Iraq is also affected due to tensions with Iran-backed factions.
Escalation risk: Experts warn that the magnitude of strikes could usher in a broader regional conflict, the gravest escalation since direct military engagements on Iranian soil during the Iran–Iraq War.
Final Thoughts
This marks a pivotal moment in Middle East geopolitics. By striking at both nuclear facilities and military leadership, Israel has unleashed a high-stakes power play. With Iran’s drone strikes already underway and global leaders sounding warnings, the coming days will be critical. Will diplomacy prevail, or are we on the brink of a wider clash with profound global fallout?
