In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Israel carried out a series of strikes on Iran early Friday, targeting nuclear facilities, ballistic missile sites, and senior military figures.
Reports confirm that several high-ranking Iranian military and nuclear officials lost their lives, making this one of the most serious flare-ups between the two nations in recent memory.
The New York Times reported that Israel hit at least six military installations around Tehran, including the high-security Parchin complex.
Iranian outlets said explosions were also heard near the Natanz nuclear site, the country’s main uranium enrichment facility. In response, Israel declared a state of emergency, bracing for possible retaliation.
Among the casualties, Iranian state TV confirmed the death of General Hossein Salami, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Civilians, including women and children, were also reportedly killed in the attacks.
“We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, adding, “This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was unharmed, condemned the assault, accusing Israel of committing a grave act of violence and promised a strong response.
The United States, meanwhile, clarified it had no role in the operation, although concerns remain high that this could further destabilize the Middle East.
Additionally, Iranian state media reported that two prominent nuclear scientists, Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, were assassinated in the strikes on Tehran.
In the wake of the attacks, Iran has shut down its airspace for all flights until further notice.