Iran Israel has opened up a dangerous military offensive against Iran, strikes targeting over 40 sites including Iran’s most significant nuclear sites. They subsequently launched a multi-agency operation dubbed “Rising Lion” early Friday. This mission specifically aims to counter what Israeli government officials have defined as the country’s top existential threat. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made clear the scope of the operation, saying it would take “days.” He thinks that’s absolutely critical — not just for Israel’s security, but for Israel’s survival.
In a press conference, Netanyahu emphasized the seriousness of the situation, declaring that the operation was essential for “rolling back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.” He said that Israeli civilians will likely need to remain in protected spaces for a significant period of time, weeks at minimum. This is to continue changing in a more progressive direction.
Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced a “special situation” in the country after the start of the bombings. He further observed that Israel does not expect retaliation for the attacks from Iran. The increased security level occurs as Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport shuts down because of security. This closure will be in effect until further notice.
The offensive directly sought to damage Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, a key location in the country’s broader nuclear program where they enrich uranium. According to Iranian state media reports, five people were killed in the attacks. Furthermore, at least 20 more were injured. Hossein Salami, the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, was killed in the attacks, according to unconfirmed reports. Moreover, two important nuclear physicists Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi were also killed in the assault.
1. Even with constant communication with the U.S., Israel chose to go after Iran without the United States. Marco Rubio, a U.S. senator, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.”
The instability created by this military invasion is already roiling global markets. On Friday, oil prices jumped more than 7%, reaching their highest levels since spring because of concerns about instability in the region.
In response to those attacks, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised that Israel would pay a “terrible curse.” He promised that Iran had “aroused a bitter destiny upon itself,” signifying Tehran’s long-term determination to retaliate strongly and deeply.
The Iranian foreign ministry pointed fingers at the United States, labeling it as Israel’s main supporter and stating that it would bear responsibility for the consequences of what they termed “Israel’s adventurism.”
Former president Donald Trump lauded the move. He reiterated that “an Iran with a nuclear bomb is unacceptable” and indicated his desire to see a return to talks someday.
As tensions escalate, Israel remains on high alert, preparing for any retaliatory actions from Iran while asserting its right to self-defense.