In a sharp escalation of regional tensions, Israel has launched another wave of airstrikes targeting key Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, as Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed a crushing response.
The latest Israeli bombardment reportedly struck military sites in Tabriz—in Iran’s northwest—and a missile production facility in Shiraz, located in the country’s south, according to Iranian media. These strikes follow earlier Israeli attacks on Friday that targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile factories, and military complexes.
Tehran has condemned the attacks as a blatant act of aggression and promised retribution. Ayatollah Khamenei warned that Israel would face a “bitter and painful fate” for what he called crimes against Iran. He assured the nation that Iran’s armed forces would ensure justice and the martyrs’ cause would continue.
Major Developments So Far:
- Israeli airstrikes hit nuclear and military installations in multiple Iranian cities.
- Three top Iranian officials and six nuclear scientists reportedly killed.
- 50 civilians injured, including women and children, according to state media.
- Iran vows retaliation; Israel places military on high alert.
- The United States denies involvement; global leaders urge restraint.
- Air travel disrupted across the region amid fears of escalation.
High-Profile Casualties and Facility Damage
The Shahid Ahmadi Roshan uranium enrichment site in Natanz was among the facilities struck. Although the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) confirmed infrastructure damage, it disputed reports of casualties at that site.
However, Iranian sources claim that six prominent nuclear scientists—Abdulhamid Minouchehr, Ahmadreza Zolfaghari, Seyyed Amirhossein Faqhi, Motablizadeh, Mohammed Mehdi Tehranchi, and Fereydoun Abbasi—were killed** in the strikes. At least 50 people, including 35 women and children, are being treated at Chamran Hospital in Tehran.
Israeli intelligence agency Mossad is also reported to have conducted sabotage operations within Iran, aiming to neutralize missile systems and air defense networks, according to Israeli outlet Axios.
Operation “Rising Lion” Declared
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the launch of Operation Rising Lion, describing it as a critical campaign to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He vowed that the operation would continue until the Iranian threat is “eliminated.”
An Israeli military official told reporters that Iran possesses enough fissile material to produce 15 nuclear warheads, justifying what Tel Aviv calls a preemptive action.
Israel’s Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, stated that tens of thousands of Israeli troops had been mobilized and deployed across all borders, calling the operation “a historic campaign unlike any other.”
Global Fallout: Airspace Closures and Economic Jitters
Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv has been closed indefinitely. Iranian airspace has also been shut down, affecting major air routes. Airlines diverted or canceled flights through Iran, Iraq, and Jordan, according to Flightradar24.
The geopolitical uncertainty has rattled global markets. Oil prices surged, while investors flocked to gold and the Swiss franc as safe havens. Stock markets in Asia saw sharp early morning declines amid fears of a prolonged conflict.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Movements
The attack has sparked international concern. The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene for an emergency session after Iran formally requested intervention. Global leaders, including from Europe and the Middle East, are calling for restraint and a diplomatic path forward.
The United States has denied involvement in the operation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Israel acted independently, emphasizing that Washington’s priority is the safety of American personnel in the region.
Despite this, Iranian military spokespeople accused the U.S. of aiding the strike and warned of a “heavy price” for both Tel Aviv and Washington.
Peace Talks in Peril
Scheduled nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Oman have been thrown into uncertainty. Though officials previously indicated Iran was not actively pursuing a nuclear weapon, Israeli sources maintain that Iranian scientists are progressing rapidly.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that an Israeli strike was “likely,” yet expressed hope that diplomatic efforts could still prevent a broader war.
As the region teeters on the brink, the possibility of further retaliation by Iran could set the stage for a wider military confrontation.
