Israel on Friday conducted a series of wide-ranging airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and military installations, including sites within the capital, Tehran.
The attacks, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, were launched due to Iran posing a threat to “Israel’s very survival.”
Iranian state television reported that residential areas in Tehran were hit, with civilians, including children, among the casualties. Iranian state media also confirmed the death of Revolutionary Guard chief Hossein Salami in one of the strikes.
Reports indicate at least two waves of attacks have occurred, with unconfirmed reports suggesting a potential third wave is underway. Confirmed strike locations include:
In response to the attacks, Israel has declared a state of emergency, anticipating immediate counter-attacks from Iran.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the strikes, asserting Tehran’s “legal and legitimate” right to respond under the UN Charter.
A ministry statement declared, “The dangerous and far-reaching effects and consequences of the Zionist regime’s aggression against our beloved homeland of Iran will be the responsibility of this regime and its supporters.”
The ministry further accused the United States of complicity, stating, “The Zionist regime’s aggressive actions against Iran cannot have been carried out without the coordination and authorization of the United States. Accordingly, the United States government, as the main supporter of this regime, will also be responsible for the dangerous effects and consequences of the Zionist regime’s adventure.”
US President Donald Trump, speaking to Fox News, confirmed he was aware of Israel’s plans beforehand but reiterated that the US military played no part in the operation.
President Trump expressed a desire for Iran to continue negotiations on curbing its nuclear program, stating, “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see.”
He also noted that “several people in leadership will not be coming back,” confirming multiple Iranian leaders died in the attack. Trump added that his administration had informed a key Middle Eastern ally prior to the strikes, without specifying the country.
The head of the United Nations has called for “maximum restraint” in the Middle East and condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.
A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that Guterres is “particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran’s nuclear programme are underway.”
The spokesperson urged both sides to “show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford.”
