Jerusalem and Tehran – The Middle East has been plunged into a new and dangerous phase of conflict as Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Iran early Friday morning. The attacks, which Israel has described as a preemptive measure against an imminent nuclear threat, have been met with swift condemnation and a vow of a "harsh response" from Tehran, raising fears of a wider regional war.
Israeli officials have stated that the strikes targeted key sites associated with Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a pre-recorded message, said the operation, dubbed "Rising Lion," was aimed at "removing the threat" of a nuclear-armed Iran and would continue for as long as necessary. The Israeli military confirmed that its fighter jets were still conducting strikes on military and nuclear facilities across Iran.
Iran's state media reported explosions in and around the capital, Tehran, and other locations. While Israel claims its targets were military, Iranian sources have alleged that residential areas were also hit, resulting in civilian casualties. Reports from Iranian media, which have not been officially confirmed, claim the deaths of several high-ranking military officials, including the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Major General Hossein Salami, and chief of staff of the Iranian military, Mohammad Bagheri, as well as some nuclear scientists.
In an immediate retaliation, Iran launched over 100 drones towards Israel, according to the Israeli military, which stated its defense systems were actively intercepting the threats. Air raid sirens were reported in parts of Israel. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a stark warning, promising that Israel will face a "bitter and painful" fate for its actions.
The international community has reacted with alarm and calls for restraint. The United States has distanced itself from the Israeli operation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region." He added a clear warning to Iran not to target US interests.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for "maximum restraint" to avoid a "descent into deeper conflict." He expressed particular concern over the attacks on Iranian nuclear installations, especially as talks between Iran and the United States on the nuclear program were reportedly underway. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the Natanz uranium enrichment site was among the targets but stated that no increase in radiation levels had been observed.
Several countries in the region and beyond have condemned the Israeli strikes. Oman, which has been mediating the US-Iran nuclear talks, called the action a "dangerous, reckless escalation." Saudi Arabia, in a notable statement, strongly denounced the "blatant Israeli aggressions." India has urged both sides to avoid escalation and offered its support in de-escalation efforts.
The escalating tensions have had an immediate impact on the region. Both Israel and Iran, as well as neighboring Jordan and Iraq, have closed their airspace. Several international airlines have canceled flights to the region. The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further military exchanges and a significant destabilization of the entire Middle East.
