Israel has carried out a series of air raids targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites, reportedly killing several high-ranking Iranian officials, including top military generals and scientists.
The Israeli military described the offensive, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, as a calculated move. “Dozens of IAF jets completed the first stage that included strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran,” a military statement said.
According to Iranian state media, the attacks resulted in the deaths of key figures, including Revolutionary Guard chief Hossein Salami, nuclear scientist Fereydoun Abbasi, physicist Dr Mohammed Mehdi Tehranchi, and Major General Gholam Ali Rashid.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation, saying it was aimed at preventing a growing existential danger. “The attack was to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival,” he said, adding it would continue “for as many days as it takes to remove the threat.”
Explosions were reported northeast of Tehran early Friday, with damage confirmed in the Mahalati complex, an area linked to the Iranian armed forces. Iranian media said several military buildings had been struck.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned the attacks, warning of consequences. “In the enemy’s attacks, a number of commanders and scientists were martyred. Their successors and colleagues will immediately continue their duties,” said a statement via Tasnim news agency.
Khamenei also claimed that civilian areas had been hit and vowed “severe punishment” in response, raising fears of a wider escalation in the region.
