Israel launched extensive airstrikes on Iran early Friday, targeting key infrastructure such as nuclear facilities, ballistic missile sites, and senior military commanders.
The strikes struck multiple sites, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, and reportedly killed senior Iranian officials, including Hossein Salami, the head of the Revolutionary Guards, and two prominent nuclear scientists, Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi. Civilian casualties were also reported, including children in Tehran’s residential areas.
Iran retaliated by deploying over 100 drones toward Israel. Israeli defense forces mobilized with 200 fighter jets targeting 100 locations across Iran. Anticipating further retaliation, Israel declared a state of emergency and closed key airports, including Ben Gurion Airport, as precision airstrikes hammered Iranian military sites and strategic targets.
The conflict has disrupted regional stability, with Jordan and Iraq closing their airspaces and grounding flights to mitigate risks. Iranian state television accused the U.S. of indirect involvement, yet U.S. officials denied participation, maintaining their focus on protecting American forces and interests in the region.
The United Nations and several world leaders have called for restraint to prevent further escalation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the violence, stressing the dire consequences of continued conflict in the region.
The situation has spilled over into daily life, with reports of widespread devastation in Iranian cities and disruptions in global oil markets. The strikes have led to rising oil prices and significant economic shock waves across global markets. Meanwhile, international bodies like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that no radiation leaks were detected at the targeted Natanz facility.
The heightened tensions between Iran and Israel represent one of the most significant escalations in the region’s recent history. Both nations have suffered military and civilian losses, and the potential for broader conflict looms. Despite international calls for de-escalation, both sides remain entrenched, suggesting that the fallout from these operations will likely persist for the foreseeable future.
