Israel has initiated a large-scale military operation against Iran, which it described as a “preemptive, precise, combined offensive” aimed at dismantling critical components of Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure. A senior Israeli military official confirmed the operation, which has been widely reported by international media.
Iranian authorities have yet to issue an official statement in response.
Read more: Iran Delivers Stark Warning to US Forces as Nuclear Talks Falter
Death of IRGC Chief Hossein Salami Reported
According to Iranian state media, General Hossein Salami, the head of Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed during the Israeli strikes. He had served as the commander-in-chief since 2019 and was considered one of the most influential figures in Iran’s military establishment. Reports suggest Salami was inside a major military facility that was directly hit.
Although the Israeli government has not officially confirmed his death, if verified, Salami’s death would represent a significant blow to Iran’s military leadership and a serious escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict.
Explosions Rock Tehran
Multiple explosions were reported across Tehran following the strikes. Iranian media confirmed widespread damage but have yet to fully assess the scale. The attacks targeted dozens of sites, including nuclear enrichment facilities, missile depots, and scientific research centers.
Emergency Declared in Israel
In anticipation of Iranian retaliation, Israel has declared a national state of emergency. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned of a likely missile and drone response targeting Israeli civilians. Sirens were heard in Jerusalem, and alerts were sent to residents across the country. The Israeli military has restricted public activity, suspending school sessions, public gatherings, and non-essential work nationwide.
The Home Front Command updated its defensive guidelines early Friday morning, placing the entire country under emergency protocols and limiting activity to essential services only.
US Reaction
The United States has distanced itself from the operation. A senior US official told CNN that Washington was neither involved in nor assisted with the Israeli strikes. However, former President Donald Trump acknowledged that he was informed in advance and anticipated the attack. Behind the scenes, his top aides were reportedly preparing for a possible escalation.
Netanyahu Vows to Continue Strikes
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, declaring that the operation, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” will continue until Iran’s threats are neutralized. He confirmed that Israeli forces struck Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz, as well as research centers and missile infrastructure.
Netanyahu emphasized that the objective was to eliminate Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons. “We acted against the head of the Iranian nuclear project and struck at the core of its missile program,” he said.
He also stated that the operation serves not only Israel’s security but also that of its Arab neighbors, who he claimed have also suffered from Iran’s regional destabilization.
Flights Suspended in Tehran
In the aftermath of the attack, all flights at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport were canceled, as reported by local media.
