Israel has launched a targeted offensive against Iran, focusing its military might on strategic locations in Tehran and other critical Iranian military and nuclear sites.
On Friday morning, Israel announced its attack, with reports of explosions echoing through Tehran, as cited by Iranian media.
Israel preemptively declared a state of emergency, suspecting imminent missile and drone strikes from Tehran. According to an Israeli military official, strikes have been executed on "dozens" of nuclear and military targets.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed strikes on Iranian scientists involved in the creation of nuclear bombs, affirming the action was crucial for Israel's security.
Targeting Iranian Nuclear Scientists
Netanyahu revealed targeting Iran’s principal nuclear facility in Natanz, alongside key personnel engaged in their nuclear program, and the ballistic missile development centers. He expressed gratitude to President Trump for his leadership against Iran's nuclear ambitions.
The Iranian counterpart confirmed the death of Revolutionary Guards' Chief Commander Hossein Salami in the Israeli strikes, as reported by local media.
Source: aajtak
The Revolutionary Guard serves as one of Iran's pivotal power structures, overseeing the nation’s ballistic missile arsenal.
According to The Times of Israel, aside from Salami, strikes reportedly claimed the lives of Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s military chief, several top-tier military officials, and senior nuclear scientists during initial IDF attacks.
Immediate Action Pivotal for Future Generations
Netanyahu stated the operation will persist "as long as necessary," emphasizing immediate action is crucial for the next generation's security.
Subsequent to the attack, Iraq shut down its airspace, halting all air traffic, and sealing off airports, reflecting the escalating tensions.
Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, declared a national emergency post-attack, warning of imminent missile and drone strikes against Israel and its citizens. He signed a special order to enforce emergency measures nationwide.
As sirens sounded across Israel, Netanyahu convened an urgent security cabinet meeting to address ongoing aerial operations against Iran.
Following Israel's offensive, Iran halted flights at Imam Khomeini International Airport amid resonating explosions in Tehran’s vicinity, as reported by The Times of Israel.
Nuclear Site at Natanz in Tatters
Explosions echoed in Natanz, within the central province of Isfahan, where a significant nuclear facility resides, based on reports from Iranian state TV via The Times of Israel.
According to sources, "loud explosions were heard in Natanz," a primary site for uranium enrichment.
Iran harbors two subterranean nuclear sites, Fordo and Natanz.
Nour News, Iran's official newspaper, confirmed reports of a blast northeast of Tehran on Friday morning. U.S. officials later confirmed to Reuters that "Israel conducted attacks in Iran" while highlighting "no American involvement or assistance." These strikes have notably escalated tensions in the Middle East.
Targeting Nuclear Bombs and Ballistic Missile Programs
Israel dubbed the offensive "Rising Lion," asserting it targeted Iranian commanders and missile production facilities, foreseeing retaliatory missile and drone strikes from Tehran. In response, Israel declared a state of emergency across the nation.
The Israeli military forces have seemingly targeted nuclear bombs, ballistic missile programs, and those working on uranium enrichment processes at Natanz. Eyewitnesses reported multiple explosions near the site, indicating a sustained offensive operation.
First Phase Concluded
The Israeli army released a statement following the attack, declaring the commencement of a meticulously planned, joint assault on Iran’s nuclear initiatives based on high-quality intelligence. This move responds to persistent aggression from the Iranian regime against Israel, accomplishing "the first phase" with precision strikes on military targets, including diverse nuclear objectives across Iran.
Source: aajtak
The public is urged to heed instructions from the IDF Home Front Command, updated as needed, and conduct themselves with peace and responsibility. The IDF and respective authorities are braced for varied defensive and offensive scenarios as required.
The IDF affirmed that the Iranian regime, for years, has orchestrated a direct and indirect campaign of terror against the state of Israel, striving to procure nuclear weapons amid sponsoring and directing terror activities via its Middle Eastern proxies.
In highlighting the region's volatility, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi indicated that thousands of soldiers are mobilized across all borders, prepared for potential scenarios.
He cautioned, "Challenging us will incur a heavy cost."
Lieutenant General Halevi noted the necessity for "tough decisions at present, trusting these are made with the situation's gravity in mind. Although full success isn’t guaranteed against Iranian retaliation, preparedness is essential."
U.S. Response to the Attack
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on Israel's unilateral action against Iran, stating, “We are not involved in the attacks against Iran, with top priority on securing American forces in the region." Israel communicated this action was vital for self-defense. President Trump and the administration have implemented all necessary measures to secure our forces, maintaining close communication with regional partners. Iran is strongly advised against targeting American interests or personnel.”
