Israel launches major strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites; Tehran vows ‘painful’ response

Israel declares “Many Days” of strikes in pre‑emptive attack on Iran

Israel has initiated a series of coordinated airstrikes under the name Operation Rising Lion, targeting multiple Iranian nuclear and military facilities. The Israeli government claims the operation was necessary due to escalating concerns that Iran is actively moving toward producing nuclear warheads. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu states that the strikes aim to reduce a growing threat to national security.

Key targets in the Israeli airstrikes

Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the operation targeted Iran’s key nuclear enrichment sites and ballistic missile infrastructure. He specifically cited strikes on Natanz, one of Iran’s central enrichment hubs, and homes of prominent nuclear scientists. Netanyahu emphasized that the operation could last several days, warning citizens to prepare for extended stays in secure shelters.

Main objectives:

• Destroying nuclear enrichment capabilities
• Disabling weaponization programs
• Neutralizing ballistic missile assets
• Eliminating senior personnel in Iran’s defense and nuclear sectors

Iran confirms casualties, denounces the attack

Iranian media reported the deaths of senior military officials, including Revolutionary Guard Commander Gen. Hossein Salami and Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri. Two nuclear scientists, Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, were also reportedly killed. Civilian casualties, including children, were noted in residential areas of Tehran affected by the strikes.

Global reaction and US position

US President Donald Trump stated he was not caught off guard by Israel’s military action, despite his prior warnings against such moves during ongoing diplomatic talks with Tehran. Trump reiterated that Iran should never acquire nuclear weapons and expressed cautious optimism about future negotiations.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the US had no involvement in the operation. He emphasized the administration’s priority of safeguarding American personnel across the region. The US also closed its airspace following the strikes and authorized evacuation for military families in nearby areas.

Israel’s strategic justification

Netanyahu argued that Iran had significantly advanced its nuclear capabilities in recent months, reaching a point where immediate action was necessary. He claimed intelligence showed Iran was within months—or possibly weeks—of constructing a deployable nuclear weapon.

Netanyahu’s rationale:

• “Iran took steps it had never taken before”
• “We had no choice but to act”
• “This is a defense, not aggression”

The Israeli military (IDF) described the attack as a “pre-emptive, precise, combined offensive” involving dozens of fighter jets targeting both nuclear and military sites across Iran.

Possible Iranian retaliation and regional fallout

Iranian officials warned of a severe and decisive response. They emphasized that Israel’s actions jeopardize regional stability and held the US partly responsible due to its support for Israel. Explosions were reported across major Iranian cities, while sirens were triggered across Israel, causing nationwide closures, including Ben Gurion Airport and schools.

Iran vows ‘painful’ response

Iran has vowed that Israel and the US will pay a “heavy price,” according to a military spokesperson, after Israel launched “pre-emptive” strikes on Iran, amid growing regional tensions and concerns about Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said in a message to his nation that Israel “sealed for itself a bitter and painful destiny.”

The operation’s timing came just days before planned US-Iran negotiations in Oman. Analysts now fear the strike may derail any diplomatic progress. Senator Chris Murphy criticized Israel’s unilateral move, suggesting it reflects the diminishing global influence of the current US administration.

Operation Rising Lion marks a major escalation in the longstanding Israel-Iran conflict, directly targeting nuclear infrastructure and high-profile personnel. With regional stability now at greater risk, the international community faces increasing pressure to mediate and prevent further military escalation.

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