In a major escalation, Israel launched powerful airstrikes on Iran early Friday morning, targeting key nuclear facilities and military positions. The attacks shook the Iranian capital Tehran, and left the region bracing for what could turn into a much wider conflict.
According to Iranian state media, Israel’s strikes hit several critical locations, including the Natanz nuclear enrichment site and military bases linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. The blasts reportedly killed General Hossein Salami, who led the Revolutionary Guard, along with two of the country’s top nuclear scientists. Residents of Tehran described hearing massive explosions that damaged buildings and set parts of the city ablaze, including the Revolutionary Guard’s headquarters.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were aimed at stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. In a video statement, he claimed Iran’s nuclear ambitions and growing missile program posed a direct threat not only to Israel, but also to Europe and the United States in the future. He accused Iran of using diplomacy as a cover to advance its nuclear program while preparing to supply terrorist groups with nuclear weapons.
US Distances Itself from the Attack
The United States made it clear that it was not involved in Israel’s military operation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Israel acted alone and that Washington’s main focus is the safety of American troops in the region. President Donald Trump, said he had warned Israel against launching an attack at this sensitive time, as it could ruin the chances for a diplomatic solution.
Interestingly, a day before the strikes, the US ordered non-essential staff to leave its embassies in Baghdad, Erbil, and Kuwait due to rising tensions with Iran. This move, suggested that Washington anticipated potential fallout from the crisis and wanted to minimize risks to its personnel.
Iran Vows Harsh Retaliation
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the Israeli assault and promised that the country’s armed forces would respond with force. Iranian officials echoed his threats, warning that Israel would face severe consequences. Crowds took to the streets chanting anti-Israel and anti-US slogans, as the government vowed to hit back at what it called an unprovoked attack.
TThe timing of the strike comes just as the US and Iran were preparing for another round of indirect negotiations in Oman to limit Iran’s nuclear program in return for sanctions relief. Now, with tensions at a boiling point, it’s unclear whether those talks will happen at all.
The situation remains fluid as the world watches closely to see how Iran will respond—and whether efforts to prevent a wider war can succeed.
Disclaimer: The information is sourced through different publications. This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly
Sources: The Guardian, Al Jazeera, AP News
