Israel has launched a wide-scale military offensive against nuclear targets in Iran, in a dramatic escalation of hostilities that has drawn international concern and threatens to destabilise the Middle East. The strikes, carried out under the codename Operation Rising Lion, have struck multiple key sites, including the heavily fortified Natanz uranium enrichment facility.
According to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), the operation involved precision strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, with explosions reported in several locations, including the capital Tehran, the Times of Israel newspaper reported. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the campaign as essential to safeguard “Israel’s very survival,” citing Iran’s growing nuclear capabilities and open hostility toward the Jewish state.
“Iran is more determined than ever to realise its vision of destroying Israel,” Netanyahu said. “We are at a critical juncture, and if we miss it, we will have no way to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons that threaten our existence.”
Among the main targets was the Natanz enrichment facility, a core site in Iran’s nuclear programme. Iranian state television confirmed that the site had been “hit several times” and broadcast footage showing thick smoke billowing from the area. Though the extent of the damage remains unclear, the facility has previously been at the centre of sabotage operations widely attributed to Israel.
Blasts were also reported in Tehran, with state media claiming that residential areas were hit, and that children were among the dead. These reports could not be independently verified.
In addition, Iranian state television reported that Major General Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in a targeted strike. If confirmed, this would mark one of the most significant eliminations of a top Iranian military figure in years.
Iran also confirmed the deaths of two senior nuclear scientists — Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi — in Israeli strikes earlier in the day. Israeli officials believe several high-ranking Iranian defence and nuclear personnel were eliminated during the first wave of attacks.
Addressing senior military officers ahead of the strikes, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared that the IDF had developed “exceptional capabilities” for such an operation.
“We have dealt with Iran’s proxies over the past year and a half, but now we are dealing with the head of the snake itself,” Katz said. “Over the years, and especially in recent months, the IDF has built exceptional capabilities in intelligence and operations, both defensive and offensive, which enable us to effectively confront the major challenges we face.”
Following the strikes, Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency, citing the high probability of imminent retaliation from Iran or its regional allies. The IDF has mobilised tens of thousands of soldiers and raised the alert level along all borders and in the West Bank, where all Palestinian towns have been placed under lockdown until further notice.
“We are preparing across all fronts,” said IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir. “Anyone who tries to challenge us will pay a heavy price."
Despite speculation about Western coordination, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed there was “no US involvement or assistance” in the Israeli strikes. Meanwhile, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, stated that while Israel maintains a strategic dialogue with Washington, the decision to attack Iran was made independently.
When asked whether the US would support Israel in the event of Iranian retaliation, Danon told CNN: “Don’t think we should go into speculation.”
The final decision to carry out Operation Rising Lion was taken on Monday. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Katz signed a directive instructing the IDF to prepare for the strike, and coordinated the timing with Chief of Staff Zamir.
Global reaction is beginning to pour in, with Australia expressing alarm at the rapidly escalating crisis. “We are deeply concerned by the developments and urge restraint from all parties to prevent a broader regional conflict,” a spokesperson for the Australian government said.
Further statements from the United Nations and European powers are expected in the coming hours, as fears mount that a full-scale war could erupt in the region.
The scale and intensity of Israel’s operation have sent shockwaves through the region and the international community. With both nations bracing for potential reprisals, and with the death of key figures on both sides, the likelihood of further military confrontation remains high.
Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation have yet to materialise. In the meantime, both Israeli and Iranian citizens are facing the grave uncertainty of what may come next.