Jerusalem – In a significant escalation of long-standing hostilities, Israel conducted a series of wide-ranging strikes across Iran early Friday, targeting nuclear facilities and military sites. The operation, which Israel termed “Operation Rising Lion,” has drawn immediate condemnation from Tehran and sparked international calls for de-escalation, raising fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East.
According to Israeli military statements, around 200 aircraft were involved in the coordinated strikes, hitting over 100 targets. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the operation was a “decisive moment for Israel’s survival,” aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and neutralizing what he described as an an “existential threat.” Israeli officials claimed the strikes hit Iran’s main enrichment site, the Natanz atomic facility, and targeted leading Iranian nuclear scientists. They also reported hitting ballistic missile manufacturing sites and missiles ready to be launched toward Israel, along with an underground command center where senior Revolutionary Guard officials were allegedly assembled.
Iranian state television and news agencies confirmed attacks in various locations, including Tehran, Shiraz, and Tabriz, and acknowledged strikes on the Natanz nuclear facility. Iran also confirmed the deaths of top military officers, including:
- Major General Mohammad Bagheri: Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the highest-ranking military official in the country, second only to the Supreme Leader. Bagheri, born in the 1960s, had a distinguished career within the IRGC, overseeing both the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the rest of the country’s military. He was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2019 and by the EU, US, Canada, and UK for his alleged role in supplying drones to Russia and for his involvement in the crackdown on the 2022 protests in Iran.
- Major General Hossein Salami: Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran’s primary military force. Appointed in 2019, Salami was known for his strong rhetoric against the U.S. and Israel, often threatening severe retaliation. He had been sanctioned by the UN Security Council and the United States for his involvement in Iran’s nuclear and military programs.
- Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh: Commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, responsible for Iran’s missile and drone programs. Hajizadeh, born in 1962, had held this position since October 2009 and was identified by Israel as a central figure in orchestrating aerial attacks against its territory. He had publicly taken responsibility for the 2020 downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane.
- Major General Gholam Ali Rashid: Commander of the Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters, a crucial strategic military command body within Iran. He had previously served as deputy chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces and was reportedly key in the operations of Iran’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program.
In addition to these commanders, Iranian state media reported the deaths of several nuclear scientists, including Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi.
In response to the Israeli strikes, Iran launched over 100 drones towards Israel. The Israeli military stated its air defenses intercepted most of the drones and advised civilians to remain cautious, while also announcing the closure of Israeli airspace and calling up tens of thousands of soldiers. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed a “strong action” against Israel, stating the “Islamic Republic of Iran will give a severe, wise and strong answer to the occupier regime.” Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi declared the Israeli strikes a “declaration of war” in a letter to the United Nations, urging the UN Security Council to “immediately address this issue.”
The international community has reacted with alarm. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for “maximum restraint” to avoid a “descent into deeper conflict” and condemned any military escalation. Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), emphasized that nuclear facilities “must never be attacked” and urged all parties to “exercise maximum restraint.” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described Israel’s action as “unilateral” and stressed the importance of de-escalation efforts by allies, including the United States. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed calls for restraint, stating that diplomacy remains the best path forward.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in his first public comments since the attacks, urged Iran to reach a nuclear deal with Washington, warning that Israel’s attacks “will only get worse.” While the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the U.S. was “not involved” in the strikes, Trump’s remarks on Truth Social appeared to justify the attack and warn Iran against retaliatory actions that could involve U.S. forces.
Analysts suggest the Israeli strikes aim to delay Iran’s nuclear timeline and undermine its military leadership. The impact on global trade, particularly oil prices and the Strait of Hormuz, is a significant concern. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides indicating a willingness to continue military operations, raising fears of a prolonged and wider regional conflict.
