Explosions reverberated across Tehran in the early hours of Friday morning as Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iranian nuclear and military installations, citing escalating tensions over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the targets included Iran’s main enrichment facility in Natanz and the country’s ballistic missile program, as well as top nuclear scientists and officials.
Targeting of Nuclear and Military Sites: Israeli officials stated the operation, codenamed “Am KeLavi” (Rising Lion), aimed to roll back the Iranian threat. Smoke was reportedly seen rising from the Natanz enrichment facility, which has been the subject of previous sabotage campaigns.
Revolutionary Guard Head Feared Dead: Iranian state television reported that Gen. Hossein Salami, head of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, was killed in the attack. Local news agencies, including Tasnim, confirmed his death, stating he was “martyred” in the strike on the IRGC headquarters.
READ: Middle East Braces For Conflict: Israel Reportedly Readies Iran Strike Amid Stalled Nuclear Talks
Heightened Nuclear Tensions: The Israeli assault follows Thursday’s censure of Iran by the Board of Governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – the first such condemnation in 20 years – for its refusal to cooperate with inspectors. In immediate defiance, Iran announced plans to establish a third enrichment site and upgrade its centrifuges.
U.S. Issues Warning: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Israel took “unilateral action against Iran” and warned Tehran against retaliating against U.S. forces. In recent days, the U.S. began withdrawing some diplomats from Iraq’s capital and offering voluntary evacuations for military families in the wider Middle East, underscoring concerns about regional stability.
Global Reaction and Oil Price Spike: Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, called for Security Council solidarity, urging nations to “Stand by Israel – or you will be partners in a dangerous silence.” U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune unequivocally declared, “Iran must never gain access to a nuclear weapon,” and pledged support for Israel and American troops. The strikes immediately sent benchmark Brent crude prices spiking over 8%, reflecting market anxieties over potential disruptions to global oil supplies.
Iranian Response and Public Mourning: Iranian state television displayed a black band on its broadcasts, a symbol of public mourning, suggesting the gravity of the attack. Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency quoted an anonymous official promising a “decisive” response to Israel’s actions.
Bipartisan Support in Israel: Notably, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, a fierce critic of Prime Minister Netanyahu, extended his “full support” for the operation, having been notified in advance.
The volatile situation continues to unfold, with international observers closely monitoring for further escalation and potential ramifications across the Middle East and global markets.
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