Israel has launched a series of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and military sites, escalating tensions in the region. The attacks began early on Friday morning and targeted several key locations, including Tehran, Natanz, Tabriz, Isfahan, Arak, and Kermanshah. Reports indicate that over 70 people have died and more than 320 have been injured as a result of these strikes.
The strikes aimed to damage Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and ballistic missile capabilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the goal was to hinder Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons. The Israeli military confirmed that the Natanz uranium enrichment site was heavily impacted, with significant damage to its underground structures.
In the aftermath, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed that Israel would face a severe response. He condemned the attacks as a crime against Iran, promising that the Iranian military would not let Israel go unpunished. The Iranian military spokesperson declared that Israel would pay a heavy price for its actions.
Among those reportedly killed in the strikes were high-ranking military officials, including Hossein Salami, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of the Iranian military. Additionally, two prominent nuclear scientists were also targeted in separate assassinations.
The situation has raised fears of a broader military conflict in the Middle East. Iranian officials have expressed outrage, with Khamenei describing the strikes as a display of Israel’s true nature. Meanwhile, Israeli military leaders emphasized that the country had reached a critical point and could not afford to delay action against perceived threats.
The United States has distanced itself from the attacks, with President Donald Trump stating that Washington was not involved. He reiterated that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons and expressed hope for renewed negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Global reactions have varied, with the United Nations calling for restraint to avoid further escalation. Oman criticized the strikes as reckless and a violation of international law, urging the global community to take a firm stand against such actions.
As the dust settles, the implications of these strikes continue to unfold, with both nations poised for potential retaliation and the world watching closely.