In a bold move aimed at curbing what it sees as a mounting threat, Israel launched a series of air raids on Iranian nuclear installations and top military figures early Friday morning. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated the attacks were part of a broader effort to protect national security and counter Iran’s growing nuclear ambitions.
The strikes reportedly hit uranium enrichment facilities in Natanz and Fordow, along with strategic military leadership centers in Tehran and Isfahan. Reports suggest several senior commanders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including Brig. Gen. Ali Dastgheib, were killed in the operation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the military action by citing intelligence that Iran was nearing weapons-grade nuclear capability and actively supporting regional proxy militias. “We will never allow those who call for our destruction to arm themselves with nuclear weapons,” he said in a national address.
Israel maintained the strikes were executed with extreme care to avoid harming civilians. Meanwhile, the country’s allies, including the United States, expressed concern over possible retaliation but backed Israel’s right to defend itself.
In Israel, many citizens viewed the operation as a necessary defensive measure, with crowds gathering in Tel Aviv to show solidarity with the government and military. “We can’t afford to wait and watch threats grow unchecked,” one resident commented.
Tehran has acknowledged the attacks and vowed a strong response. With regional tensions running high, nations across the Middle East are on alert, and global oil markets are reacting to fears of broader conflict.
Israeli leaders maintain the goal was to set back Iran’s nuclear plans and limit its influence, not to escalate into full-scale war. Still, the coming days are expected to be critical as the region awaits Iran’s next move.
