Israel launches major airstrikes on Iran, targeting nuclear and military facilities

Israel on Friday, launched a large-scale military assault on Iran, targeting its nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile sites, and top military leaders in an operation aimed at halting Tehran’s suspected pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Iran vowed a severe retaliation, while Israel claimed it was working to intercept around 100 drones launched in response. By 0800 GMT, Israeli media reported that the stay-near-shelters order had been lifted, suggesting that most incoming drones had been neutralized.

The attack caused oil prices to spike amid fears of wider conflict in a key oil-producing region, though prices later fell somewhat.

An Israeli intelligence source revealed that Mossad operatives had been active inside Iran before the strike and that covert operations had already been carried out against Iran’s strategic missile systems. The source also said Israel had established a drone base near Tehran. The Israeli military confirmed it had destroyed numerous radar stations and surface-to-air missile batteries.

Explosions were reported by Iranian media and eyewitnesses, including at the Natanz uranium enrichment site. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed the death of their top commander, Hossein Salami, and said their Tehran headquarters had been hit. Civilian casualties were also reported, including children killed in a residential area.

In a video message, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the beginning of "Operation Rising Lion" to dismantle the Iranian threat. He warned the operation would last "as many days as it takes."

Israel has also systematically weakened Iran’s regional proxies since the October 2023 war in Gaza, targeting Hamas and Hezbollah leadership.

According to Brigadier General Effie Defrin, about 200 Israeli fighter jets struck over 100 sites in Iran. Among the reported casualties were Iran’s military chief of staff, the heads of the Revolutionary Guards, and the Emergency Command. Iranian state media said six nuclear scientists were also killed.

Despite reports of an attack on the Natanz nuclear facility, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Iran reported no increase in radiation levels.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denounced the Israeli strike as a heinous crime and warned that Israel would face a "bitter fate."

Airspace Shutdown and Flight Cancellations

Following the strike, airlines avoided the airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan. Flights were diverted or canceled, including by Dubai-based Emirates. Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport was temporarily shut, and Israeli airlines moved planes out of the country.

The U.S., which was scheduled to hold nuclear talks with Iran on Sunday, denied involvement in the attack. Brent crude oil briefly rose over 6% to $73.73, though down from highs near $78. Iran said its oil infrastructure remained intact and operational.

Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been deployed, calling the mission a historic campaign to prevent an existential threat.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News, said the U.S. seeks a peaceful resolution but emphasized that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons. Talks between U.S. and Iranian officials are still scheduled for Sunday in Oman.

While the U.S. distanced itself from the strikes, an Israeli official told broadcaster Kan that Israel had coordinated with Washington. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that the U.S. was not involved and warned Iran against retaliating against American personnel.

Mixed Global Reaction

The attack sparked diverse international reactions:

BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, PRIME MINISTER OF ISRAEL:

"We stand at a pivotal moment in Israel’s history.

Just moments ago, we launched Operation Rising Lion—a focused military initiative aimed at eliminating the Iranian threat to our nation’s existence. This campaign will persist as long as necessary to neutralize that danger."

AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI, SUPREME LEADER OF IRAN:

"This morning, the Zionist regime committed a grave offense on our soil with its blood-soaked, wicked hands.

They should brace for severe retribution. By God’s will, the powerful hand of the Islamic Republic’s Armed Forces will ensure they face consequences.

With this act, the Zionist entity has carved out a bitter and painful destiny for itself—one it will certainly endure."

MARCO RUBIO, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE:

"Israel has acted independently in its strikes on Iran. The United States was not involved.

Our foremost concern remains the safety of American personnel and interests in the region.

Let me be clear: Iran must not target U.S. forces or assets."

UNITED NATIONS (SPOKESPERSON FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES):

"The Secretary-General condemns all military escalations in the Middle East.

He is especially troubled by Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites during ongoing discussions between Tehran and Washington on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

He urges maximum restraint from all sides, warning against any slide into deeper conflict, which the region cannot afford."

OMAN (MEDIATOR OF U.S.-IRAN NUCLEAR TALKS):

"Oman considers this a dangerous and reckless provocation and a clear breach of the UN Charter and international law.

This kind of aggressive conduct is unacceptable and only worsens regional instability.

We hold Israel accountable for this escalation and its repercussions, and urge the global community to take a firm stance to prevent further deterioration."

MARK RUTTE, NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL:

"This was a unilateral Israeli action. It’s now crucial that allies, especially the United States, work urgently to de-escalate the situation."

JEAN-NOËL BARROT, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER:

"We call on all parties to act with restraint and avoid any moves that could undermine regional stability.

While we remain deeply concerned about Iran’s nuclear programme—as reflected in the IAEA’s latest resolution—we also reaffirm Israel’s right to self-defense."

LIN JIAN, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON:

"China opposes any breach of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as any actions that heighten tensions or inflame conflict.

We urge all parties to promote peace and stability, not exacerbate the situation. China stands ready to help ease tensions constructively."

TURKEY:

"Israel’s provocative actions make clear that it has no intention of resolving matters through diplomacy.

We call on Israel to cease its aggression, which risks triggering broader conflict."

KEIR STARMER, UK PRIME MINISTER:

"Escalation benefits no one. The priority must be restoring calm and stability in the Middle East.

We are working with partners to de-escalate and encourage a return to diplomatic engagement."

PENNY WONG, AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER:

"This development could further destabilize an already volatile region.

We urge all sides to avoid inflammatory actions and rhetoric.

Iran’s nuclear and missile activities pose a serious global security concern, and we call for renewed dialogue and diplomacy."

CHRISTOPHER LUXON, NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER:

"This is an unwelcome and dangerous escalation in the Middle East.

The risk of miscalculation is high. That region does not need further military conflict."

TAKESHI IWAYA, JAPAN FOREIGN MINISTER:

"Military force at this time—when diplomatic efforts are underway between the U.S. and Iran to resolve the nuclear issue—is deeply regrettable.

Japan strongly condemns this action, which only inflames the situation."

JAN LIPAVSKÝ, CZECH FOREIGN MINISTER:

"I understand the rationale for military action intended to deter nuclear weapon development in the region."

INDONESIA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY:

"Indonesia strongly condemns Israel’s assault on Iran.

Such attacks risk intensifying tensions and could provoke a broader conflict.

All parties must act with maximum restraint to prevent further instability."

SAUDI ARABIA:

"Saudi Arabia firmly condemns the blatant Israeli aggression against our brother nation, the Islamic Republic of Iran.

This is a violation of its sovereignty and international law, and threatens regional peace."