In a dramatic escalation with global implications, Israel launched sweeping airstrikes across Iran early Friday, targeting the core of the country’s nuclear and military infrastructure. The operation, involving over 200 warplanes and prepositioned drones smuggled into Iran, struck key facilities in Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan — inflicting what Israeli officials called “significant damage” in a bid to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Hours later, Iran responded with a barrage of ballistic missiles fired at Israeli cities, lighting up the skies over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. While Israeli air defenses, including the Iron Dome, intercepted many projectiles, some struck urban areas, injuring several civilians and sending plumes of smoke over Tel Aviv.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed revenge, denouncing the Israeli attack as a “great crime.” Meanwhile, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the U.S. had been informed in advance of the strike, which followed international criticism of Iran’s nuclear program from the IAEA.
The Israeli operation, reportedly aided by Mossad’s covert assets inside Iran, comes amid heightened tensions following the October 7 Hamas-led assault on Israel and the re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump. Israeli officials framed the action as preemptive, claiming Iran was nearing nuclear weapon capability.
In response, Iran labeled the strikes “state terrorism” and invoked its right to self-defense at an emergency UN Security Council meeting requested by Tehran. International leaders, including Canada, have called for immediate de-escalation to avoid a wider regional war.
With Israel’s military describing the operation as still ongoing, experts warn of further escalation. Observers fear this could ignite a broader conflict across the Middle East, with uncertain global consequences.
Swifteradio.com
