Israel launched a series of targeted airstrikes early Friday morning against military and nuclear facilities in Iran. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the attack was aimed at halting Tehran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon and described the operation as a “preemptive and precise” strike. Iranian state media reports that Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami, the head of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was killed, as well as two top nuclear scientists, Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi. Civilian casualties were also reported.
“We have struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment and weaponization programs,” said Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “We targeted Iran’s primary enrichment facility in Natanz. We also targeted leading nuclear scientists involved in Iran’s nuclear weapons project. Additionally, we struck at Iran’s ballistic missile program. Last year, Iran launched 300 ballistic missiles at Israel. Each missile carries a ton of explosives, threatening the lives of hundreds. Soon, those missiles could carry nuclear warheads, putting not hundreds, but millions at risk. Iran is preparing to produce tens of thousands of these missiles within three years.”
The Jerusalem Post reported that Israeli military officials said dozens of Israeli aircraft participated in the first wave of attacks, striking nuclear facilities, missile sites, command centers, and other strategic military targets across Iran. The IDF said Iran had recently reached a critical threshold, possessing enough enriched uranium to produce up to 15 nuclear weapons within days.
Just after 6:00 pm Pacific Time, IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin issued a video statement on X:
“For years, the Iranian regime has called for the destruction of the state of Israel planning and advancing concrete military plans to do so. Over the past few months, intelligence has shown that Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon. This morning, the IDF began preemptive and precise strikes, targeting the Iranian nuclear program in order to prevent the Iranian regime’s ability to build the nuclear bomb in the immediate time frame. We have no choice. We are operating against an imminent and existential threat. We cannot allow the Iranian regime to obtain a nuclear weapon that would be a danger to Israel and the entire world. This operation is for a right to exist here, for a future and for our children’s future. The state of Israel has the right and obligation to operate in order to protect its people, and will continue to do so. The IDF conducted significant preparations for this operation. We are well prepared, both in defense and offense, to defend ourselves. The IDF will continue to defend the state of Israel.”
We have no choice. We are operating against an imminent and existential threat. We cannot allow the Iranian regime to obtain a nuclear weapon that would be a danger to Israel and the entire world. This operation is for a right to exist here, for a future and for our children’s future.” – IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin
As of publication, Iran has not yet launched a formal retaliation, but Israeli defense officials continue to warn of possible missile barrages or proxy strikes across the region.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a state of emergency across the country and warned of “an immediate threat” of missile and drone retaliation from Iran. Sirens and emergency phone alerts woke residents in Jerusalem just after 3 a.m. local time. Israel’s Home Front Command also banned educational activities, public gatherings and nonessential work.
The Islamic Republic News Agency confirmed hearing multiple explosions across Tehran, particularly in northeastern districts. Al Jazeera reported that between six to nine blasts were reported from various parts of the city.
Israel codenamed the operation “Rising Lion.”
“I assure the civilized world: we will not let the world’s most dangerous regime obtain the world’s most dangerous weapons,” Netanyahu said in an address.
Netanyahu added, “We defend our Arab neighbors, who have also suffered from Iran’s campaign of chaos and carnage. Our actions against Iran’s proxy Hezbollah led to the formation of a new government in Lebanon and the collapse of Assad’s murderous regime in Syria. The people of those nations now have a chance at a better future.”
U.S. President Trump said on Truth Social just before 2:30 p.m. Pacific time, “We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue! My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted that the U.S. was not involved in strikes against Iran.
“Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense,” Rubio said. “President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”
The U.S. State Department warned Americans in Israel and the broader Middle East to remain cautious and stay alert due to the “complex and rapidly changing” security environment.
Earlier this week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), voted to declare that Iran “isn’t complying with its nuclear obligations.” Nineteen of the 35 member nations found Iran in violation, a first since 2005. Last week, IAEA criticized Iran’s “general lack of co-operation” and said “it had enough uranium enriched to 60% purity, near weapons grade, to potentially make nine nuclear bombs.”
In response to the IAEA findings, the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said in a statement, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has no choice but to respond to this political resolution.”
Prior to Israel’s airstrikes, U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff was scheduled to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi scheduled on Sunday in Muscat, Oman to discuss a nuclear proposal.
About 9,000 Jews are estimated to still be living in Iran.
This is a developing story.
