Israel Launches Massive Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Facilities; Tehran Vows Severe Retaliation
JERUSALEM/DUBAI/WASHINGTON (Reuters): Israel launched a wide-scale military offensive against Iran early Friday, targeting nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories, and key military leadership. The Israeli government described the strikes as the beginning of a prolonged operation aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Explosions were reported across Iran, including at the Natanz uranium enrichment facility. Iranian state media confirmed significant damage and casualties, including the deaths of top nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi. Strikes in Tehran hit the headquarters of the elite Revolutionary Guards Corps, killing its commander, Hossein Salami. A residential area in the capital was also struck, with reports of several children killed.
In a video message, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said:
“Israel has launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted mission to eliminate the existential threat posed by Iran. This operation will continue for as long as necessary.”
In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the assault, calling it a “bloody crime” and warning Israel of a “bitter fate.”
Anticipating retaliation, Israel declared a state of emergency. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of imminent missile and drone strikes targeting civilian areas, and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was closed indefinitely. Israel’s Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir confirmed that tens of thousands of troops had been deployed across borders, declaring:
“We are in the midst of a historic campaign to neutralize an existential threat.”
The Israeli Foreign Ministry reported that Minister Gideon Saar was engaged in back-to-back calls with international counterparts regarding the attack.
U.S. Response: “Not Involved”
U.S. President Donald Trump distanced the U.S. from the operation, telling Fox News that Washington was not involved but reaffirmed that Iran “must never have a nuclear bomb.” He said he still hoped to return to negotiations and would convene a National Security Council meeting on Friday.
While the U.S. denied any role, an Israeli official told public broadcaster Kan that the strike had been coordinated with Washington. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintained that Israel acted unilaterally in self-defense, and emphasized: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.
The State Department advised all American government employees and their families in Israel to shelter in place. Meanwhile, the U.S. military prepared contingency plans, including potential evacuations.
Iran’s military spokesperson accused both Israel and the U.S. of orchestrating the attack, promising they would “pay a heavy price.”
Global Fallout and Economic Impact
The escalation sent shockwaves through global markets. Oil prices surged, Asian stocks plunged, and investors sought safety in gold and the Swiss franc.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for immediate de-escalation.
“Both sides must show maximum restraint to avoid deeper conflict that the region cannot afford,” said UN spokesperson Farhan Haq.
Nuclear Talks Still On?
Despite the attack, a sixth round of U.S.-Iran talks on Tehran’s nuclear enrichment program is still scheduled for Sunday in Oman, according to sources from both countries and Omani mediators.
Israel’s military stated the strikes were prompted by fresh intelligence indicating Iran was nearing a “point of no return” in nuclear weapons development. However, a U.S. intelligence source told Reuters there had been no recent change in their assessment, which maintains that Iran is not currently building a nuclear bomb and that Supreme Leader Khamenei has not authorized any revival of the weapons program halted in 2003.
