Israel Strikes Iranian Nuclear, Military Targets; Tehran Responds With Missile Barrage

 

Israel Strikes Iranian Nuclear, Military Targets; Tehran Responds With Missile Barrage

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Israel launched a sweeping assault on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure early Friday, targeting key facilities and high-ranking military figures. The attack involved warplanes and drones, some of which were reportedly smuggled into Iranian territory ahead of time.

The Israeli military confirmed that around 200 aircraft were used to hit nearly 100 targets, including Iran’s primary uranium enrichment site at Natanz. Explosive drones and precision weapons, allegedly pre-positioned by Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, struck air defenses and missile launchers near Tehran.

Among those killed in the strikes were several top Iranian military leaders: Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, who oversaw the armed forces; Gen. Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; and Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the Guard’s ballistic missile program.

Iran responded swiftly. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed “severe punishment” and ordered retaliatory strikes. On Friday night, Iranian drones and missiles were launched at Israel, triggering air raid sirens across the country. Explosions were reported in Jerusalem, and smoke was seen rising over Tel Aviv following what appeared to be direct missile hits.

Israel’s national firefighting service reported several major incidents, especially around Tel Aviv’s Dan region. Emergency crews worked to rescue people trapped in damaged high-rise buildings and extinguish fires sparked by the missile barrage.

There were no immediate reports of fatalities on the Israeli side, but the situation remains fluid.

The assault came just a day after the UN’s nuclear watchdog rebuked Iran for failing to meet its nuclear obligations. Israeli officials reportedly informed the Trump administration ahead of the operation. In anticipation of possible fallout, the U.S. had evacuated some diplomatic staff from Iraq and advised American personnel and their families in the region.

In response to the spiraling violence, Iran requested an emergency session of the UN Security Council. Regional governments condemned the Israeli strikes, while global leaders called for restraint amid fears of a broader conflict erupting in the Middle East.