Asger Risom
Israel’s sweeping attacks on Iranian nuclear and military targets have been branded a direct act of war by Tehran, with President Trump admitting he was briefed ahead of the operation.
Tensions in the Middle East have reached a boiling point. Israel has launched a coordinated military campaign—codenamed Operation Rising Lion—targeting key Iranian nuclear facilities, missile bases, and high-ranking officials.
The response from Tehran has been swift and uncompromising.
Israel hits nuclear sites, Iran vows retaliation
According to Israeli officials, the operation included strikes on Natanz, Iran’s main uranium enrichment site.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that underground sections of the facility were damaged, including critical systems powering Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Iranian state media confirmed the attack, though claimed no radiation leaks had occurred.
Footage from Tehran showed plumes of smoke rising from the impact zones. The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog said it was closely monitoring the situation.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes in a letter to the UN, calling them “tantamount to a declaration of war.” He urged the Security Council to act swiftly, warning that Israel “will deeply regret this reckless aggression.”
Trump: “I gave Iran chance after chance”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who was reportedly warned of the strikes in advance, addressed the escalation on his Truth Social platform, reports Newsweek.
He said he had urged Iran to finalize a nuclear deal but warned they would face devastating consequences if they failed.
“Certain Iranian hardliners spoke bravely, but they didn’t know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse!” Trump wrote.
He added that further attacks are planned unless Iran returns to negotiations: “Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left.”
Mossad operations revealed
Israeli security officials told the Associated Press that Mossad smuggled weapons into Iran ahead of the strike, including drones and precision munitions positioned near key air defense systems.
These assets were activated during the strike to aid in targeting Iranian infrastructure from within.
As calls for de-escalation grow globally, the region braces for what could become a prolonged and dangerous conflict.