In a major escalation of Middle Eastern tensions, Israel launched a surprise overnight airstrike on Iran, targeting military and nuclear facilities. The attack reportedly killed several senior Iranian officials, including Major General Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and well-known nuclear scientists.
The Israeli operation, named "Operation Rising Lion", is considered one of the most direct and intense military actions between the two regional rivals in recent years.
Top Iranian Officials Confirmed Dead
According to Iranian state media and IRNA news agency, Major General Hossein Salami was killed in the Israeli strike on Tehran. Other high-profile casualties include:
- Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi – President of Islamic Azad University
- Dr. Fereydoon Abbasi – Former head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, previously survived a 2010 assassination attempt
- Major General Gholam Ali Rashid – Commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei strongly condemned the attack, stating that Israel has “carved a bitter and painful fate for itself.” He confirmed the deaths of top commanders and vowed that their missions would continue without interruption.
Civilian Areas Hit, Casualties Rise
The Israeli airstrikes reportedly hit not only military targets but also residential areas in Tehran and nearby regions. Iranian media shared footage of damaged civilian homes and injured women and children. Thick smoke was seen rising over the city, and multiple videos circulated online confirmed the destruction.
State-run broadcaster IRIB reported heavy damage in the capital. Explosions were also heard in Natanz, a key site for Iran’s uranium enrichment. Fires broke out in several installations, sparking fears of further escalation.
Israel Declares State of Emergency
Following the strike, Israel declared a state of emergency and closed its airspace in preparation for possible retaliation. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of potential missile or drone attacks from Iran.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the offensive, saying it aimed to cripple Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. He stated, “These operations will continue as long as necessary.”
Regional Response and Global Impact
The airstrike triggered immediate regional disruption. Both Iran and Iraq shut down their airspace, suspending all incoming and outgoing flights. Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport and major airports in Baghdad ceased operations.
Oil prices surged by 8% as global markets reacted to fears of a broader war. Stock markets saw significant drops due to rising geopolitical uncertainty.
In the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the U.S. was not involved in the Israeli strike. He warned Iran not to retaliate against American personnel or facilities, saying, “Any attack on U.S. interests will be met with a decisive response.”
Confusion Over Iranian Chief of Staff
An earlier claim by an Israeli official stated that Iran’s Chief of Staff, General Mohammad Bagheri, had been killed. However, Iranian sources quickly denied this, confirming that Bagheri is alive and unharmed.
Nuclear Talks in Jeopardy
A sixth round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States was scheduled to take place. However, analysts suggest that the talks are now likely to be suspended following Israel’s aggressive action.
Outlook: Region on Edge
With both nations on high alert, experts warn that Iran may retaliate, potentially triggering a full-scale war in the Middle East. The international community has called for restraint to prevent further escalation.
This confrontation is being seen as one of the most dangerous in recent years, with global political and economic implications if tensions continue to rise.