Israel attacks Iran
Israel attacked Iran’s capital early Friday in one of the most significant military operations against the Islamic Republic since its 1980s war with Iraq. The strikes resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military officials and six nuclear scientists. The assault comes amid escalating tensions between the two Middle Eastern adversaries, primarily driven by concerns over Iran’s accelerating nuclear program. The situation quickly escalated as Iran retaliated by launching numerous drones toward Israel, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning of “severe punishment.”‘Operation Rising Lion‘Israel hit Iran’s key nuclear and military installations across the country. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the operation, dubbed “Rising Lion,” declaring it would persist “for as many days as it takes” to neutralise the perceived Iranian threat.
Iran-Israel conflict (AP)
In a video statement, Netanyahu detailed the scope of the strikes, confirming attacks on Iran’s primary nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz and critical components of its ballistic missile program. The Israeli leader also revealed that the operation targeted Iranian nuclear scientists allegedly involved in weapons development.Witnesses reported black smoke rising from the Natanz facility following the strikes. The Israeli military later announced it had successfully destroyed numerous radar installations and surface-to-air missile launchers in western Iran.“We struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme,” Netanyahu stated, emphasizing Israel’s determination to eliminate what it considers an existential threat to national security.What the IDF said Israel targeted Iranian commanders and missile factories, and declared a state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory strikes by Tehran. According to IDF, the first phase of the operation involved numerous Israeli Air Force jets conducting strikes on various military objectives, including nuclear-related facilities across Iran. IDF also conducted preemptive, precision strikes on Iranian scientists working on a nuclear bomb, its ballistic missile programme and its Nantanz uranium enrichment facility. “Dozens of IAF jets completed the first stage that included strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran,” IDF said. “Today, Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon. Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime are an existential threat to the State of Israel and to the wider world. The State of Israel has no choice but to fulfill the obligation to act in defense of its citizens and will continue to do so everywhere it is required to do so, as we have done in the past,” it added. Some 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets in Iran. Israel military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin told an online briefing Israel had been able to confirm that the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards and the commander of Iran’s Emergency Command had all been killed in the strikes. “The underground area of Iran’s Natanz facility was damaged. This area contains a multi-storey enrichment hall with centrifuges, electrical rooms and additional supporting infrastructure,” Israel military said in a statement.
Natanz nuclear facility (AP)
“In addition, critical infrastructure enabling the site’s continuous operation and the Iranian regime’s ongoing efforts to obtain nuclear weapons were targeted,” it added.Covert strike inside Iran Israel conducted a series of covert strikes deep within Iranian territory, combining Mossad-led sabotage operations with Israeli Air Force attacks. According to senior Israeli officials cited by Axios reporter Barak Ravid, the operations specifically targeted Iran’s strategic missile sites and air defence systems.
Damaged residential building in Iran by Israeli airstrike (AP)
According to the Jerusalem Post, the operation’s success largely hinged on a sophisticated deception strategy. The report said that Israeli authorities deliberately misrepresented a crucial Thursday night security-cabinet meeting as focusing on Gaza hostage negotiations. This misdirection was designed to catch Tehran off guard. During the actual meeting, ministers unanimously approved the military operation after signing strict confidentiality agreements known as Shomer Sod (“guardian of the secret”).Israeli defence officials believe this element of surprise significantly enhanced the operation’s effectiveness. The strikes may have bought Israel valuable time in addressing what they perceive as Iran’s advancing nuclear capabilities.
