Israel Launches Overnight Strikes on Iran
In a dramatic turn of events, Israel launched a surprise overnight airstrike on Iran, targeting its nuclear and military sites under Operation Rising Lion. The strikes reportedly killed several key Iranian military figures, including:
- Hossein Salami, chief of the Revolutionary Guards
- Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s Chief of Staff of Armed Forces
- Six nuclear scientists
Iran Responds with Drone Attack
In retaliation, Iran launched over 100 drones toward Israel, according to local media. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that it has begun intercepting the drones outside Israeli airspace.
Israel Justifies Preemptive Action
Israeli officials claim the operation was based on intelligence indicating that Iran’s nuclear program had reached the “point of no return.”
“This was a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s survival,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated:
“We expected a missile and UAV (drone) attack in response and are fully prepared.”
Iran Vows Revenge
Following the attack, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning:
“With this crime, the Zionist regime has set itself up for a bitter and painful fate. It will definitely receive it.”
The Revolutionary Guards have also vowed revenge.
Global Context and U.S. Position
The escalation comes amid growing international tension. The United States reiterated its stance that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons and has begun withdrawing personnel from the Middle East.
According to Netanyahu:“In recent years, Iran has produced enough highly enriched uranium for nine atomic bombs.”
