Israel announced on Friday that it has completed the first stage of a military operation, codenamed “Rising Lion,” targeting Iran’s nuclear and military facilities. The strikes aimed to damage Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile sites, and various military capabilities.
According to Israeli authorities, the operation involved 200 fighter jets targeting approximately 100 locations across Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a recorded video message, “We struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program. We targeted Iran’s main enrichment facility at Natanz. We also struck at the heart of Iran’s ballistic missile program.”
The Israeli military reported that Hossein Salami, chief commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, and Gholam-Ali Rashid, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, were killed in the strikes. Additionally, two Iranian nuclear scientists, Mohammad-Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi, were reportedly killed.
In response, Iran launched around 100 drones towards Israel on Friday. Brigadier General Effie Defrin, Israel’s chief army spokesman, said, “In the last few hours, Iran has launched more than 100 drones towards Israel, and all the defense systems are acting to intercept the threats.”
‘A Decisive Moment’
“We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history,” Netanyahu declared, indicating that the operation would continue for several days. Witnesses in Natanz and Tehran reported hearing multiple explosions, and Iran’s state television said the country’s air defense systems were on high alert.
An Israeli military official claimed that Iran had enough enriched material to build 15 nuclear bombs within days. “The State of Israel was left with no choice. The IDF is obligated to act in order to defend the citizens of the State of Israel and will continue to do so,” the Israeli military said in a statement.
International Reactions
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Israel acted unilaterally and emphasized that the United States was not involved in the strikes. “Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel,” Rubio said.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged all parties to de-escalate tensions. “The reports of these strikes are concerning, and we urge all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jordan and Iraq announced the closure of their airspace and grounded all flights, with Amman declaring it would not allow any violations of its airspace.
Calls for Diplomacy
China’s Permanent Representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Li Song, urged for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis. Li emphasized that the Iranian nuclear issue can only be solved through political efforts and full respect for Iran’s right to peacefully use nuclear energy.
Li criticized the United States for withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 and reinstating sanctions, stating that these actions have exacerbated the situation. He called on the international community to promote dialogue and avoid sanctions or threats.
“The Iranian nuclear issue is at a critical turning point,” Li said, urging all parties to work together to seek a balanced solution through negotiation.
The future remains uncertain as tensions escalate in the Middle East, with many international observers calling for restraint and a return to diplomacy.
