‘Operation Rising Lion’: Israeli Airstrikes Kill Top Iranian Commanders, Iran Vows Retaliation
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the military escalation and called for restraint
‘Operation Rising Lion’: Israeli Airstrikes Kill Top Iranian Commanders, Iran Vows Retaliation
Israel attacks Iran latest news: In a significant escalation of Middle East tensions, Israel launched a large-scale military campaign dubbed Operation Rising Lion on Friday, targeting multiple key Iranian nuclear and military facilities. The Israeli offensive has reportedly resulted in the deaths of senior Iranian officials, including Revolutionary Guard chief Gen. Hossein Salami and top nuclear scientists.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a late-night televised address, said the strikes were carried out to neutralize the “clear and present danger” posed by Iran’s nuclear program. “We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment program… at the heart of its weaponisation efforts, and its ballistic missile infrastructure,” said Netanyahu, emphasizing that Israel acted in self-defense.
“This operation will continue for as many days as it takes,” the Israeli premier declared, accusing Iran of stockpiling enriched uranium sufficient for up to nine nuclear bombs and taking steps toward weaponisation.
High-Profile Casualties and Strategic Targets
Iranian state media confirmed that the headquarters of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was set ablaze in the strikes and that Gen. Hossein Salami is feared dead. Alongside him, two top nuclear scientists and other senior Guard officials were also reportedly killed. Iranian Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri was also "likely eliminated," an Israeli security official told AFP.
The attack targeted Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, a cornerstone of its uranium enrichment activities. Israeli forces also reportedly struck scientists and infrastructure connected to Iran’s ballistic missile program.
Iran Vows "Harsh and Decisive" Response
In response, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning, vowing Israel would “definitely receive” a “bitter and painful fate” for the assault. A senior Iranian security official told Reuters that the response “will be harsh and decisive,” with military leadership currently discussing their retaliation strategy.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also issued a statement saying Israel “must await harsh and regrettable revenge.”
US Reaction
The U.S. distanced itself from the Israeli action. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “We are not involved in strikes against Iran. Our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.” He acknowledged that Israel had advised Washington about the operation beforehand, citing self-defense concerns.
U.S. political leaders are sharply divided over the matter. Democratic lawmakers criticized Israel’s decision, with Senator Jack Reed calling the action a “reckless escalation.” Senator Andy Kim alleged that the strikes undermined ongoing diplomatic efforts with Tehran. In contrast, Republicans such as Senator Tom Cotton voiced support, describing Iran as a global threat.
The conflict also risks derailing the sixth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, which were due to take place in Oman this weekend. Diplomatic sources now suggest those talks may be indefinitely postponed.
Indian Advisory and International Concerns
Amid escalating hostilities, the Indian Embassy in Iran issued an advisory urging Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin in the country to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the military escalation and called for restraint, while cities like New York have increased security at Israeli and Jewish establishments out of “an abundance of caution,” according to the NYPD.
Netanyahu’s Message to Iranians
In a message directed to the Iranian people, Netanyahu said: “Our fight is not with you, but with the brutal dictatorship that has oppressed you for 46 years. The day of your liberation is near.”
The Israeli leader also framed the operation as a step to “defend others,” including Arab nations suffering from Iranian-backed proxy conflicts. He linked Israel's past actions to changes in Lebanon and Syria, asserting that the region now has “a chance for a better future.”
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