Israel Strikes on Iran Include Nuclear Facilities and Military Targets; Tehran Responds with Drones

Israel launched widespread military strikes on Iran, targeting nuclear facilities, missile factories, and military commanders, marking the beginning of a prolonged operation aimed at preventing Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. Israel claims to have hit over 100 targets across Iran, including Iran's main uranium enrichment site at Natanz, and has killed senior military leaders, including the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces and a Revolutionary Guards commander.

In retaliation, Iran launched about 100 drones toward Israeli territory, which Israel is working to intercept. Iranian media reported explosions, including near Natanz, and Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards said their top commander, Hossein Salami, was killed, with reports also indicating damage to the Guards' headquarters in Tehran and civilian casualties, including children.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel's operation as "Operation Rising Lion" and declared it a decisive effort to eliminate Iran’s threat to Israel’s survival. Israeli Defense Forces used around 200 fighter jets in these strikes, and Israel claims to have killed several top Iranian military leaders.

Tehran condemned the attack, calling it a "wicked and bloody" act, and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned that Israel would face a "bitter fate" for its aggression. Airlines over the Middle East were ordered to divert flights due to the escalation.

U.S. officials confirmed that the U.S. was not involved in the strikes, though Israel coordinated with Washington. President Donald Trump reiterated the U.S. goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and expressed hopes for a diplomatic resolution, despite the conflict escalation.

Iran responded by claiming that Israel’s attack underscores Iran’s demand for nuclear technology and missile development. Meanwhile, U.S. and Iranian officials are still scheduled to hold negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, with talks set to continue in Oman.

The attack caused global market reactions, including a drop in stock prices and a spike in oil prices, amid fears of wider conflict. The United Nations urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation.