Israel Strikes Iran in a powerful preemptive operation that began early Friday, launching a coordinated wave of airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities and top military commanders. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed the strikes were designed to cripple Iran’s nuclear weapons development and missile infrastructure before they could pose a direct threat.
The first strikes hit the uranium enrichment site in Natanz, followed by a military airbase near Tabriz. Israel deployed bunker-busting bombs, successfully damaging underground nuclear infrastructure. Code-named “Rising Lion,” the operation involved over 200 fighter jets executing attacks on 100 strategic locations across Iran.
Iran’s state broadcasters confirmed the deaths of several high-ranking officials. Among them were Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, Revolutionary Guard Commander Hossein Salami, and Deputy Commander Gholamali Rashid. Six nuclear scientists were also killed, while senior adviser Ali Shamkhani was critically wounded.
In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei swiftly named new appointments, with Mohammad Pakpour assuming command of the Revolutionary Guard and Abdolrahim Mousavi as Chief of Staff.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the offensive a historic turning point. After visiting Jerusalem’s Western Wall, he left a message citing a biblical prophecy of Israel “rising like a lion.” Netanyahu vowed that the campaign would continue over the coming days.
Iran launched 100 drones toward Israel as retaliation. However, Israel’s defense systems intercepted them outside the country’s airspace. Iranian generals have promised unlimited reprisal, including potential strikes via allied proxy groups and direct missile launches.
As tensions spiked, airspace over Iran, Iraq, and Jordan was closed. Airline disruptions spread throughout the region, and Iran’s oil production hubs are now under threat of sabotage.
The IAEA condemned the targeting of nuclear facilities, warning of dangers to civilian populations. Director Rafael Grossi emphasized that military attacks on such sites pose serious risks. Iran accused the agency of silence, interpreting it as passive collusion with Israel.
Military strategist Juha Mäkelä of Finland warned that the operation marks only the beginning. He anticipates further Israeli waves aimed at destabilizing Tehran’s military leadership. Mäkelä cautioned that if Iranian retaliation targets U.S. forces, it may draw the U.S. into full-scale war.
Despite being notified beforehand, the U.S. has not joined the operation and prefers to avoid direct engagement. However, this latest development threatens ongoing nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Former President Donald Trump called for urgent diplomacy via Truth Social, urging Iran to finalize a nuclear agreement. Trump warned of irreversible consequences but reiterated that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons.
European leaders, including NATO’s Mark Rutte, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Finland’s Petteri Orpo, called for calm and renewed diplomatic efforts. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation.
Although Israel lifted its emergency shelter advisory, fear remains high among civilians. Many in Jerusalem have begun stockpiling essential supplies.
Analysts predict that Iran may double down on its nuclear ambitions in the aftermath. While the strikes may have set back Iran’s program by up to a year, the psychological and political impact may intensify its drive for nuclear capability, much like North Korea’s path.
