Israel Hits Iran's Nuclear Sites, Iran Retaliates

Israel Strikes Iran's Nuke Sites, Top Generals Killed

Israel initiated a large-scale preemptive military action against Iran on Friday, which it is calling Operation Rising Lion. The action, which Israel said was intended to halt a growing nuclear threat, represented a major escalation between the two enemies. The Israeli strikes hit multiple sites throughout Iran, including its primary nuclear enrichment plant and key missile facilities. Iran's Army Chief Mohammad Bagheri and General Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary Guards, were killed in one of the most punishing military hits in recent history. The attack is believed to be the most devastating strike on Iran's military since that during the Iran-Iraq war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement, "We are at a fateful moment in the history of Israel… Operation Rising Lion will go on for as long as necessary until the threat is removed." Netanyahu underscored that the offensive aimed specifically at the "heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment program."

Iran Strikes Back With Big Drone Attack
Iran reacted with force within hours of the attack. More than 100 drones were launched toward Israel, the Israeli military said. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of "severe punishment" for Israel. "The Zionist regime is thus an infected, ailing creature which is headed for the dustbin of history," he said according to a statement. A senior security official in Iran vowed that the revenge would be "severe and decisive."

In the face of concerns over a wider regional war, Israel's Military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir declared a high level of readiness, with tens of thousands of soldiers in position. Defence Minister Israel Katz appealed to the public to adhere to safety instructions, warning that the country was going to be hit by still more attacks. Israel has declared a state of emergency for incoming missiles and drones.

Forward Airspace Closures and World Response
Reacting to the crisis, Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport was closed until further notice for all flights in and out. Iran and Iraq likewise closed their airspace and halted flights as tensions flared throughout the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump, on the other hand, who reiterating that Washington was not involved in the strikes, sounded the alarm over the escalating tensions. "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and, under my administration, it will never get a nuclear weapon," Trump said in an interview. He raised the specter of a possible "massive conflict" and said that key figures in the Iranian leadership "will not be around much longer." He, however, stressed that talks would be possible only if Tehran completely abandons plans to gain access to nuclear weapons.