The killing of Iranian leaders and nuclear scientists in an Israeli strike
In a serious new escalation, Israel launched a wide-ranging attack on nuclear and military facilities in Iran, involving strikes on more than 100 targets with the participation of about 200 fighter jets. The Israeli army confirmed that the strikes targeted facilities including the uranium enrichment facility in Natanz, one of the most prominent Iranian nuclear sites. The attacks also hit residential neighborhoods in Tehran and other Iranian cities, while the extent of the losses has not yet been accurately determined.
In response, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard launched about 100 drones towards Israel, according to the Israeli army, which indicated that air defense systems were fully operational. The Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, threatened Israel with 'severe punishment.'
Iranian state media reported that Army Commander Mohammad Bagheri and Revolutionary Guard Commander General Hossein Salami were killed in the strikes, along with six nuclear scientists. Earlier, only two scientists were reported killed.
Israel has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of new Iranian attacks and ordered the closure of schools and workplaces. Authorities urged residents to stay close to shelters and reduce movement in open areas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned in a video message that war has a price, urging Israelis to be patient and stock up on supplies. He clarified that the Israeli attacks are an 'opening strike' and that the operation 'will continue as long as necessary' to eliminate the Iranian threat.
The Israeli government justified the attacks as a response to Iran's acceleration in developing its nuclear program, asserting that Iran has approached the "point of no return," where it can enrich uranium to levels that allow for the production of a nuclear weapon in a short period. Netanyahu emphasized that the attack does not target the Iranian people, but rather the "Iranian dictatorship."
In contrast, Iran denied the existence of military objectives for its nuclear program, asserting that it is intended solely for peaceful purposes. However, it considered the Israeli attack as evidence of the necessity to continue enriching uranium and developing its nuclear and missile program. It also accused the United States of participating in the aggression, stating that Israel "would not have carried out the attack without American coordination and approval." The Iranian Foreign Ministry held Washington "directly responsible for the serious consequences."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied any American role in the attack, warning Iran against targeting U.S. bases. These developments come as negotiations between Iran and the United States are underway to revive the nuclear agreement, but military escalation threatens to undermine those talks.
For his part, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint, warning of a regional disaster. Saudi Arabia also condemned the Israeli attack, considering it a violation of Iran's sovereignty and a breach of international law, which was also affirmed by both Qatar and the UAE. Oman, which is playing a mediating role in the nuclear talks, warned that escalation threatens the security and stability of the region and undermines diplomatic solutions.