In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Israel launched a sweeping military offensive against Iran in the early hours of Friday, targeting key elements of Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called “Operation Rising Lion.”
The strikes, described by Israeli officials as “preemptive and existential,” hit Iran’s main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, multiple military installations, and research hubs tied to Iran’s nuclear weapons development. The attack marks one of the most aggressive military moves by Israel in its decades-long conflict with the Islamic Republic, triggering fears of a broader Middle East war.
“Struck at the Head” of Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions
In a televised national address, Netanyahu confirmed the strikes, stating:
“Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.”
He said the mission was aimed at dismantling Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons, citing intelligence that Iran had produced enough enriched uranium for multiple bombs and had made advances toward weaponization.
“If we don’t act now, we simply won’t be here. We struck at the heart of Iran’s enrichment and missile programs — and we will continue until the threat is neutralized.”
High-Ranking Iranian Officials Killed
Iranian state media confirmed that several top military figures were killed in the attack, including:
General Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s highest-ranking military officer
Ali Shamkhani, former national security chief and close adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
These losses mark a devastating blow to the Iranian leadership and military apparatus.
Iran Vows Severe Retaliation
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned the strikes and warned of “severe punishment.” Within hours, Iran launched more than 100 drones toward Israeli territory, prompting Israel to activate its nationwide aerial defense systems and declare a “state of special emergency.”
Explosions were heard across Tehran, with state media reporting damage to residential buildings and civilian injuries. Iran has closed its airspace as the nation braces for further attacks.
Global Fallout and Regional Fears
The international response has been swift and concerned:
Saudi Arabia condemned the attack, calling it a violation of Iran’s sovereignty.
China’s embassy in Iran described the situation as “severe and complex.”
The United States, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was not involved in the strikes but had been “advised” by Israel in advance.
Although Washington has historically supported Israel, the move is seen as diverging from recent diplomatic efforts. A sixth round of nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran, scheduled for this Sunday, is now widely expected to collapse.
Netanyahu Draws Historical Parallels
In his speech, Netanyahu invoked Holocaust memory and biblical passages, likening the current threat from Iran to the dangers posed by Nazi Germany in the 1930s:
“When enemies vow to destroy you, believe them. When enemies build weapons of mass destruction, stop them. We have risen like lions to defend ourselves.”
He praised Israeli soldiers and thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his role in confronting Iran during his administration.
A Broader Conflict Looms
With both sides escalating and the possibility of Iranian proxies — Hezbollah, Houthis, and militias in Iraq and Syria — being activated, experts fear that the region is on the brink of full-scale war. Tens of thousands of Israeli reservists have been called up, and emergency protocols are in place across the country.
Analysts warn that the death of General Salami is a red line for Iran.
“This is the equivalent of taking out the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. A massive retaliation is not just expected — it’s virtually guaranteed,” said CNN national security analyst Beth Sanner.
As the region holds its breath, Operation Rising Lion marks a historic — and potentially explosive — turning point in Middle Eastern geopolitics.