Iran labels Israeli strikes a ‘declaration of war’ as tensions escalate

Iran has declared Israel’s recent air strikes a formal act of war, following a massive Israeli assault on Friday that targeted nearly 100 sites, including nuclear facilities and military leadership compounds. The strikes reportedly killed several senior Iranian commanders, including much of the leadership of the Revolutionary Guards’ air force.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed that Israel would suffer a “bitter and painful” retaliation. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi directly called the attack a “declaration of war,” while President Masoud Pezeshkian promised Iran would make Israel “regret its foolishness.”

Israel said it acted preemptively, claiming intelligence showed Iran was close to crossing a critical threshold in its nuclear weapons program. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the strikes targeted the core of Iran’s enrichment activities, including the Natanz site and key nuclear scientists, and warned the operation would continue as long as necessary.

Iran responded by launching around 100 drones, which Israel said were intercepted before reaching its airspace. Jordan also reported shooting down drones and missiles that violated its skies.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking to Fox News, said Iran must strike a nuclear deal or face “even more brutal” attacks. While Washington denied involvement in the Israeli assault, Iran insisted the operation could not have taken place without U.S. coordination and warned of consequences.

Iranian media confirmed the deaths of Armed Forces Chief Mohammad Bagheri and Revolutionary Guards head Hossein Salami. Reports also said a senior advisor to Khamenei was wounded, and that six nuclear scientists were among the dead. Israel said its strikes precisely targeted leaders involved in planning attacks against the Jewish state.

Tehran’s streets emptied as residents flocked to fuel stations in fear. Emergency services reported at least 95 wounded and civilian casualties, though no official death toll for non-combatants was provided.

Global Fallout and Civilian Panic

As panic spread, Iran suspended air traffic at Tehran’s main airport. Iraq, Jordan, and Syria also closed their airspace. Israel declared a state of emergency, bracing for retaliation. Oil prices spiked while stock markets tumbled, fueling economic concerns.

In Tel Aviv, residents voiced anxiety over both security and economic uncertainty. “You can’t work, you can’t do anything,” said one local.

Trump acknowledged the situation could derail efforts to restart nuclear negotiations with Iran, though he said a deal was “fairly close” before the strikes. He added that U.S. diplomatic and military personnel were being reduced in the region amid rising threats to American bases.

Nuclear Monitoring and International Reactions

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the Natanz nuclear facility was struck and said it was in contact with Iranian authorities and inspectors on the ground. Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization claimed most damage occurred above ground.

Israel has long viewed Iran as an existential threat, especially after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack it blames on Tehran. Since then, Iran and Israel have exchanged direct attacks for the first time in history.

Observers say the latest developments may mark the beginning of open warfare. “Israel has declared all-out war against Iran,” said international relations expert Fawaz Gerges, questioning whether Iran will now rise to the challenge.

Despite repeated denials, Iran continues to face accusations from Israel, the U.S., and Western allies of secretly pursuing nuclear weapons. Iran currently enriches uranium up to 60%, well above the 3.67% limit under the 2015 nuclear agreement, though still under the 90% required for weapons-grade material.

The IAEA recently censured Iran for failing to comply with its obligations—prompting further Israeli calls for international action.

AFP