In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran early Friday, striking key nuclear and military installations across the country in what Israeli officials are calling Operation Rising Lion.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that fighter jets, drones, and precision-guided munitions were deployed in coordinated attacks on Iranian sites in Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan, and Tehran, all believed to be linked to Iran’s nuclear development program.
According to sources within Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), several people were killed, including high-ranking officials such as Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff, and IRGC Commander Hossein Salami. Several nuclear scientists were also reported dead. Over 300 people have been injured, with many critical, according to Iranian state media.
In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were “preemptive” and “defensive in nature,” aiming to dismantle what he described as Iran’s “imminent threat of nuclear breakout.”
“Israel will not stand by while the Iranian regime edges toward nuclear capability,” Netanyahu said. “We will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and future of the Israeli people.”
Tehran has accused the United States of complicity, although Washington has denied any involvement. A statement released by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, says, “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.
Israel advised us that it believes this action was necessary for its self-defence. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”
The strikes come amid a tense geopolitical backdrop. Iran has recently resumed uranium enrichment at near-weapons grade, in defiance of international agreements, prompting renewed scrutiny from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
World leaders have called for calm. The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene an emergency session within the next 24 hours, while oil prices surged sharply amid fears of a wider regional war.
Saudi Arabia strongly condemns Israeli attacks on Iran, calling them a blatant violation of international law and urging the global community to act.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms. While the Kingdom condemns these heinous attacks, it affirms that the international community and the Security Council bear a great responsibility to immediately halt this aggression,” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Israel’s western allies have shown strong support for their counterpart. It is believed that the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, have been moved to a safer place as his country prepares to go into war with Iran.
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