In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Israel carried out airstrikes across Iran early Friday, claiming the attacks targeted the core of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Among those killed was Hossein Salami, the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with other high-ranking military officials and several nuclear scientists. Iranian state media also reported civilian casualties, including children, though these claims have not been independently verified by outlets such as the BBC.
The assault came in response to an earlier Iranian offensive, during which approximately 100 drones were launched toward Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that many of these were intercepted before reaching their targets. A state of emergency has since been declared across Israel.
While the United States denied direct involvement in the Israeli operation, former President Donald Trump stated he had been informed of the plan in advance.
The most notable target was Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, a key site in the country’s uranium enrichment program. Explosions were reported there and in several other locations, including residential neighborhoods in Tehran, around 3:30 AM local time. Residents in Israel were simultaneously alerted by air raid sirens and emergency notifications.
According to the IDF, dozens of military and nuclear-related targets were hit in different regions of Iran. Later, the military confirmed it had inflicted “significant damage” on the Natanz site.
Following the strike, Iran notified the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that there was no spike in radiation levels at Natanz. However, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi issued a strong warning, emphasizing that nuclear facilities must never be attacked under any circumstances. He stressed that such actions pose serious risks to regional and global safety, urging all parties to show maximum restraint to avoid a wider conflict.
“This kind of military action endangers not only Iran but the entire region,” Grossi said in a statement to the agency’s board members, cautioning against any further escalation.