Israel launches strikes on Iran's Nuclear sites, Top Military Officials killed

Israel carried out an extensive military operation against Iran on Friday, striking around 100 locations, including nuclear facilities and military headquarters. The assault resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian officials, including the military’s chief of staff and prominent nuclear scientists.

In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the attacks, warning Israel of a “bitter and painful” retaliation. The Iranian military vowed unlimited response, accusing Israel of overstepping all boundaries.

Israel claimed that the strikes were aimed at Iran’s core nuclear infrastructure, including the Natanz enrichment site, and announced the campaign would continue as needed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the operation was launched because Iran was nearing a critical stage in its nuclear weapons development.

Following the strikes, Iran launched around 100 drones in retaliation, which Israeli air defences intercepted before they entered its airspace. Jordan also reported intercepting projectiles that crossed into its territory, with sirens going off in the capital, Amman.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump told Fox News he was aware of Israel’s plans beforehand. He emphasized that Iran must not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. However, the U.S. government maintained it had no role in the Israeli attack and warned Iran not to target American personnel or facilities. Iran, however, held Washington partly accountable, arguing that the scale and nature of the assault couldn’t have occurred without U.S. support.

The attack reportedly killed Iranian armed forces chief Mohammad Bagheri and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Hossein Salami. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz declared that those planning Israel’s destruction would be eliminated.

Footage from Tehran revealed a large hole in a high-rise building, where civilians, including women and children, were reportedly killed. Local news outlets also reported the deaths of six nuclear scientists.

Regional Fallout

The strikes triggered widespread panic in Tehran, emptying streets and prompting long queues at fuel stations. Major airports, including Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International, suspended operations. Airspace closures followed in Iraq and Jordan, and several Gulf airlines canceled regional flights.

Israel entered a state of emergency and shut down its airspace. Iran’s military reiterated that there would be no restraint in its countermeasures, calling the Israeli actions a serious provocation.

The strikes also roiled global markets, pushing oil prices higher and sending stock values tumbling. Trump, who earlier warned of a potential “massive conflict” in the Middle East, confirmed that the U.S. was pulling back personnel from the region due to Iranian threats against American bases.

Despite the tension, Trump suggested that a new nuclear deal with Iran might still be possible, though he acknowledged that the Israeli offensive could jeopardize or potentially expedite those talks.

The UN’s nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, confirmed that the Natanz facility was among the sites hit. It said it was closely monitoring the situation and remained in contact with Iranian authorities and its on-ground inspectors.

**Broader Context**

Israel views Iran’s nuclear ambitions as an existential threat. Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which Israel blames on Tehran, Israel has taken a more aggressive stance. It has engaged not only with Hamas but also with Iranian allies like Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Although Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful, Israel and Western allies suspect otherwise. Just days before the strikes, the IAEA accused Iran of failing to meet its nuclear obligations, prompting Iran to announce plans for a new, more secure enrichment site.

Currently, Iran is enriching uranium to 60% purity—well above the 2015 nuclear deal’s 3.67% limit and nearing the 90% needed for weapons-grade material.

Tags: Iran Israeli

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