Israel has launched a significant and highly targeted military operation against Iran, striking “dozens” of strategic sites, including nuclear facilities, military commanders, and leading scientists.
The operation, dubbed “Rising Lion,” is being described by Israeli officials as a unilateral effort aimed at halting Tehran’s progress toward developing nuclear warheads.
In a dramatic escalation, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed “severe punishment” in retaliation. Early Friday morning, the Israeli military reported intercepting an unprecedented barrage of 100 drones launched by Iran toward Israeli territory, intensifying fears of further conflict.
In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the offensive as critical to national survival. “We struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme,” Netanyahu declared. “We targeted Iran’s main enrichment facility in Natanz, its leading nuclear scientists, and key components of its ballistic missile programme.”
Netanyahu warned Israelis to brace for a prolonged conflict, advising that “citizens may have to remain in sheltered areas for extended periods,” underscoring the severity and complexity of the unfolding operation.
Iranian state media confirmed high-profile casualties, including the deaths of Revolutionary Guards commander General Hossein Salami, army chief of staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri, and Maj General Gholamali Rashid, head of the Khatam-al Anbiya joint forces.
In addition, six nuclear scientists, notably Fereydoun Abbasi—the former head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization—were reported killed.
This unprecedented strike marks a pivotal moment in the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, raising global concerns over regional stability and the prospects for wider confrontation.
