Israel executed numerous airstrikes in Iran, targeting nuclear and military facilities, resulting in the deaths of several commanders and nuclear scientists.
In immediate retaliation, Iran launched drones at Israel, labeling the Israeli assault as “a declaration of war”.
Despite claiming that the United States was not involved, President Donald Trump cautioned Iran of impending “death and destruction”.
International calls for restraint are escalating, driven by fears that the Middle East stands on the brink of a wider conflict.
What was targeted?
The attacks commenced in the early morning, coinciding with a day of rest and prayer in Iran.
According to Iranian state television, Israel struck a significant underground nuclear facility in Natanz multiple times, indicating that the majority of damage was at “surface level”.
Other critical nuclear locations, such as Fordow and Isfahan, were not immediately impacted, as reported by the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, based on information from Iranian authorities.
Additional strikes were reported in Iran’s northwestern regions.
The head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Hossein Salami, along with the chief of staff of its armed forces, Mohammad Bagheri, died, with replacements promptly appointed by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The Revolutionary Guards also stated that their aerospace commander, Amirali Hajizadeh, was killed; he oversaw Iran’s ballistic missile forces.
Iranian media reported several nuclear scientists among the deceased.
State media indicated that the death toll from the Israeli strikes reached 18, while other Iranian outlets reported over 70 killed and hundreds injured.
Furthermore, state television reported that senior Khamenei advisor Ali Shamkhani sustained injuries in one of the strikes.
Israel initiated another round of strikes today, with explosions reported throughout Tehran and various locations in Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the raids will “continue for as long as necessary”.
Iran’s response
In retaliation, Iran launched approximately 100 drones, as per the Israeli military, which claimed that “most” were intercepted outside Israeli airspace.
The greater concern revolves around Iran’s substantial arsenal of ballistic missiles.
Mr. Khamenei warned that Israel would face a “bitter and painful” consequence for the attacks.
Iran’s foreign minister described the Israeli strikes as “a declaration of war” and called for action from the UN Security Council.
The newly appointed head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that the “gates of hell” would open on Israel in retaliation.
Iran had previously cautioned that it would target US military installations in the Middle East should conflict arise. In anticipation of the Israeli attacks, the United States evacuated non-essential personnel from multiple sites.
The country’s communications ministry announced internet restrictions throughout Iran, asserting they would be lifted “once normalcy returns”.
US involvement?
Mr. Trump mentioned that Israel had forewarned him about its airstrikes but maintained that the United States had no part in the actions.
He cautioned Iran that the “next planned attacks” would be “even more brutal” and urged Tehran to negotiate a deal to curtail its nuclear program “before there is nothing left”.
The US leader has consistently vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Tehran has long denied ambitions for atomic bombs but had been enriching uranium at levels close enough to facilitate their development.
The United States and Iran had been engaged in discussions regarding this issue.
The next round, which was set for Sunday in Oman, now appears to be cancelled.
According to Mr. Trump, Israel possesses a significant military arsenal provided by the United States and “they know how to utilize it”.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the United States would protect its forces in the Middle East.
“Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel,” Mr. Rubio stated.
This afternoon, Donald Trump called for Iran to reach a deal “before there is nothing left” on his Truth Social platform.
Reactions
The attack, along with the potential Iranian response, is generating widespread international concern.
Numerous nations are urging restraint, wary of the ramifications if the Israel-Iran conflict expands and embroils the United States, potentially affecting Middle East oil production and distribution.
Oil prices surged dramatically, climbing sharply to around $75 (€65) per barrel.
Leaders from France, Germany, and the UK are scheduled to hold a conference call to discuss the Israeli strikes, as stated by Berlin.
Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris declared that Israel’s ongoing assaults on Iran are “extraordinarily dangerous” and could not be more serious.
Irish citizens have been advised to avoid traveling to Israel in light of the attacks.
Several airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air France, and Lufthansa, have cancelled flights to the region, while Syria has closed its airspace.
In Tehran, long lines of motorists formed at gas stations as residents stocked up on supplies, and protests erupted against the Israeli airstrikes.
