TEL AVIV/TEHRAN — Israel launched a large-scale military assault on Iran early Friday, striking approximately 100 high-value targets, including nuclear facilities and military command centres, in a dramatic escalation of hostilities between the two regional powers.
The strikes, confirmed by both Israeli and Iranian sources, resulted in the deaths of several top Iranian military leaders, including Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami. Iranian media also reported the deaths of six senior nuclear scientists.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the offensive a direct strike at the “heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme,” confirming attacks on the Natanz atomic facility and key personnel involved in Iran’s nuclear efforts. “The operation will continue as many days as it takes,” he said.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated, “The precise targeting of senior commanders of the Revolutionary Guards, the Iranian military, and nuclear scientists — all of whom were involved in advancing the plan to destroy Israel — sends a strong and clear message: those who work toward Israel’s destruction will be eliminated.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed a fierce response, warning Israel of a “bitter and painful” fate. Iranian military officials said there were “no limits” to their retaliation.
Iran quickly responded by launching around 100 drones, according to the Israeli military, though most were intercepted before reaching Israeli territory. Jordan also reported downing drones and missiles that breached its airspace. Air raid sirens sounded in Amman, triggering panic among residents.
In Washington, former U.S. President Donald Trump told Fox News he had prior knowledge of Israel’s plans, adding that Iran “cannot have a nuclear bomb.” The U.S. government denied involvement in the strikes but cautioned Tehran against targeting American personnel or interests. Iran, however, insisted that the operation could not have been executed without U.S. coordination and threatened consequences.
AFP images from Tehran showed significant damage to residential areas, with reports of civilian casualties, including women and children. Iranian state media described the strikes as a violation of international law and warned of “unstoppable” retaliation.
As regional tensions spiral, the international community has called for restraint to avoid broader conflict across the Middle East.
