Israel launched unprecedented airstrikes against Iran early Friday, targeting nuclear facilities and killing top military leaders in what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called “Operation Rising Lion.” The attack has dramatically escalated tensions in the Middle East, with Iran already launching drone counterattacks and vowing “severe punishment.”
Why This Matters Now
The strikes, which Israel claims were prompted by intelligence that Iran had amassed enough enriched uranium for up to 15 nuclear weapons, killed several high-ranking Iranian officials including Revolutionary Guard commander Hossein Salami, missile program chief Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and armed forces chief Mohammad Bagheri.
“This is not a one-day attack,” an Israeli military source told CNN. Israel used 200 fighter jets to hit more than 100 targets across Iran, dropping over 330 munitions.
Iran’s nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz was damaged, though the Iranian atomic energy agency reported the damage was mostly “superficial” and at “surface level.” No radiation leaks have been detected, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Trump’s Stance and Nuclear Negotiations
U.S. President Donald Trump called Israel’s attack “excellent” and warned Iran of “more to come,” urging Tehran to agree to a nuclear deal “before there is nothing left.”
“I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end.”
The strikes came just days before scheduled nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran, which were set for Sunday in Oman. Those talks now appear in jeopardy.
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Iran’s Response and Regional Impact
Iran has already launched over 100 drones toward Israel in retaliation, most of which Israel claims to have intercepted. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed a “legitimate and powerful response” that would “make Israel regret its foolish act.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei quickly appointed new military commanders to replace those killed and warned Israel would face “severe punishment.”
The conflict has sent shockwaves through the region and global markets. Oil prices surged more than 7% on fears of supply disruptions, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz. JPMorgan warned prices could reach $120 per barrel if fighting escalates.
Several airlines, including Dutch carrier KLM and Turkey’s Pegasus Airlines, have canceled flights to the region. Israel has closed schools, banned social gatherings, and is calling up “tens of thousands” of soldiers.
Global Reactions
The international response has been mixed. Russia “strongly condemned” Israel’s strikes as “unprovoked and unacceptable.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged “maximum restraint” from both sides, while the IAEA emphasized that “nuclear facilities must never be attacked.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated Israel has the right to “defend its existence” but called on both sides to avoid further escalation. French President Macron similarly acknowledged Israel’s “right to protect itself” while urging restraint.
The U.S. State Department distanced itself from direct involvement, calling it a “unilateral” Israeli action, though Trump’s public statements strongly supported the strikes.
As the region braces for further conflict, civilians in both countries face growing uncertainty. Iranians reported buildings “shaking” during the attacks, with one resident saying they “never thought that would happen.” Meanwhile, Israel has declared a state of emergency as it prepares for potential further retaliation from Iran and its allies.
