Israel-Iran conflict escalates with major air offensive across Iran

Israel has carried out extensive airstrikes across Iran under Operation Rising Lion, targeting military and nuclear facilities, as Tehran confirms high-level casualties and vows a measured response.

In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Israel launched extensive airstrikes across Iran on Friday, targeting military, nuclear, and civilian infrastructure. The attacks, which began overnight, have resulted in at least 86 deaths and hundreds of injuries, with several senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists being assassinated in the strikes.

Massive air offensive and strategic targets

Around 200 Israeli fighter jets participated in the coordinated strikes, targeting multiple locations, including Tehran, Natanz, Tabriz, Isfahan, Arak, and Shiraz. Reports from Iranian state media and eyewitness accounts confirmed significant destruction, particularly in Tehran, where residential buildings were among the targets. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the bodies of women and children among the victims, with the immediate aftermath showing extensive damage to the capital’s skyline.

The Israeli military focused on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and long-range missile capabilities. Israeli Minister for Military Affairs Israel Katz confirmed that the strikes were part of a broader military campaign aimed at degrading Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

Top military commanders assassinated

In a major blow to Iran’s military leadership, several high-ranking officials were killed in the strikes. Among those assassinated were Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, and Major General Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Both were killed in separate Israeli strikes overnight.

Additionally, Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh, Commander of the IRGC’s Aerospace Force, and Major General Gholamali Rashid, Commander of Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters, were also killed in targeted attacks. These officials were prominent figures in Iran’s military establishment, with deep ties to Iran’s defense and nuclear programs.

Prominent nuclear scientists killed

The Israeli strikes also targeted several prominent nuclear scientists. Among those confirmed dead were Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, president of the Islamic Azad University, and Fereydoun Abbasi, a former head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation. Both men were reportedly killed in separate attacks at their homes in Tehran.

Civilian casualties and sestruction

The Israeli airstrikes also inflicted heavy civilian casualties, particularly in Tehran. At least 78 people were reported killed in the capital, with 329 others injured. Emergency services have been deployed to assist in the affected areas, and the scale of the damage continues to be assessed. Residential buildings, including those in densely populated neighbourhoods, were hit in the early hours of the attack. Reports indicated that children were among the victims, adding to the humanitarian toll of the strike.

Iran’s retaliation and Khamenei’s statement

In response to the attacks, Iran has vowed a “severe punishment.” Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a message condemning the airstrikes as a “bloody and wicked” crime. Khamenei warned that Israel’s actions would lead to a “bitter and painful destiny” for them. In the wake of the airstrikes, he appointed new military commanders to take charge of Iran’s defense and response.

Nuclear facilities targeted

Several rounds of airstrikes also targeted Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, located in Bushehr. Iranian officials reported that multiple strikes were aimed at penetrating the hardened structures protecting the site. Although the extent of the damage is still being assessed, preliminary reports indicate only limited damage to the nuclear facility.

Diplomatic fallout and uncertainty around nuclear talks

The escalation has cast doubt on the future of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, which were being mediated by Oman. The sixth round of indirect negotiations, scheduled for Sunday, is now likely to be cancelled, sources have said. President Donald Trump, in a statement in The Wall Street Journal, described Israel’s actions as “great for the market,” emphasising that Iran would no longer pose a threat of acquiring nuclear weapons.

Trump confirmed that his administration had been aware of Israel’s plans to strike and had been in communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite these comments, U.S. officials have stressed that Israel acted independently in its military actions.

A Major shift in regional dynamics

Operation Rising Lion represents a significant shift in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. While the immediate risk of further escalation remains high, the international community will closely monitor whether this conflict leads to broader war or brings both sides back to the negotiating table.

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