Asger Risom
Israel says the operation will continue “as long as necessary” after a wave of deadly overnight strikes.
Tensions in the Middle East surged overnight as Israel launched a coordinated military campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and strategic military sites. The escalation marks one of the most significant confrontations between the two adversaries in recent years.
Nuclear scientists and military leadership among casualties
As reported earlier, the strikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of several top Iranian figures, including Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri and Revolutionary Guard Commander Hossein Salami, according to Iranian state media.
Reports also indicate the names of the dead nuclear scientists, Ferheid Abasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi.
As reported by la.lv, explosions rocked several key locations, including Tehran and the city of Natanz, where uranium enrichment facilities are housed.
Iranian television reported fires breaking out at the Revolutionary Guard’s headquarters in the capital, intensifying fears of further unrest.
An unnamed Israeli official told the BBC that dozens of strikes were carried out across multiple Iranian regions, targeting missile systems and infrastructure tied to the nuclear program.
Netanyahu: “This is a clear and present threat”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the operation as a preemptive measure to neutralize what he described as an imminent threat to the country’s survival.
“Iran has taken steps never seen before to weaponize enriched uranium,” Netanyahu said. “If not stopped, a nuclear weapon could be developed within months.”
Israel’s defense ministry declared a state of emergency, anticipating Iranian retaliation through drone or missile strikes.
Both Israel and Iran, along with Iraq, closed their airspace in response to the escalating crisis.
U.S. distances itself from operation
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the United States was not involved in the strikes and cautioned Tehran against targeting American personnel or interests.
President Donald Trump convened the National Security Council on Friday but has not announced any new measures.
The Israeli operation follows Tehran’s recent announcement of plans for a third uranium enrichment facility, a move that came after the International Atomic Energy Agency issued a resolution condemning Iran’s lack of transparency.
