Jerusalem: The conflict between Israel and Iran has reached a dangerous new level as both countries exchanged deadly missile and drone attacks, marking one of the most intense escalations in the Middle East in decades.
Early Friday, Israel launched a large-scale military operation named Rising Lion, targeting Iran’s nuclear program and top military leaders.
According to Israeli officials, the strikes aimed to halt Iran’s rapid development of nuclear weapons, which Israel considers an existential threat.
The Israeli Air Force carried out precision airstrikes on at least one nuclear enrichment site, believed to be in Natanz, as well as multiple high-value targets in Tehran.
Explosions were also reported at a second nuclear facility in Isfahan.
Videos from Tehran showed widespread destruction, with smoke and fire engulfing buildings across the city.
Iran’s UN envoy reported that at least 78 people were killed and more than 320 injured, many of them civilians.
In retaliation, Iran launched what its state media described as hundreds of ballistic missiles targeting Israeli military-industrial centers.
Explosions lit up the skies over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with residents forced into bomb shelters.
Israeli officials confirmed that three people were killed, and dozens were injured in the Iranian counterattack.
Iran claimed the strikes were aimed at military targets, but Israel accused Tehran of directly targeting civilian areas, calling it a red line.
Among the high-profile Iranian figures killed in Israel’s strikes were Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces.
Other senior figures included Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC’s air force, and Ali Shamkhani, a key adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The United States, under President Donald Trump, distanced itself from Israel’s actions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the operation was unilateral and that Washington was not involved. However, U.S. forces did assist in intercepting some of the incoming Iranian missiles.
Trump urged Iran to agree to a new nuclear deal, warning that future Israeli attacks could be even more brutal.
He emphasized that the U.S. remains focused on protecting American interests in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that the operation would continue for as many days as it takes to neutralize Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
In response, Tehran promised more retaliation, warning of a broader regional conflict if the attacks persist.
With both nations showing no signs of backing down, the situation remains highly volatile. The escalating conflict threatens to drag the entire Middle East into a wider war, raising global alarm over the potential consequences.
