New Delhi: Tensions in the Middle East soared after Israel launched airstrikes inside Iran, killing top military leaders including Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami. Under “Operation Rising Lion,” Israel targeted Iran’s nuclear sites, missile factories, and military command. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes aimed to cripple Iran’s nuclear ambitions. In retaliation, Iran fired over 100 drones toward Jerusalem.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed “severe punishment,” accusing Israel of attacking residential areas. President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that Iran’s response would make Israel “regret its foolish act.” Security officials told FARS news agency that Iran’s revenge would be swift and inevitable.
Here are the top updates:
- Tensions between Israel and Iran have sharply escalated after Israel launched a major military operation called Operation Rising Lion. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the goal was to weaken Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities. He said, “This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.” The name was taken from a Bible verse that talks about rising like a lion.
- The strikes killed top Iranian military leaders, including Revolutionary Guard chief Hossein Salami and armed forces chief Gen. Mohammad Bagheri. Israel later claimed to have also killed Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, who led Iran’s missile programme.
- Israeli PM Netanyahu spoke to PM Modi and other world leaders on Friday to brief them on Israel’s strikes in Iran. His office said he has also spoken with leaders of Germany and France, with calls to the US and Russian presidents planned next.
- Airspace over Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Jordan was closed, and several flights were cancelled. India issued an advisory asking its citizens in both countries to stay alert. The Indian government also called on both sides to avoid further escalation.
- Reports suggest that Mossad, Israel’s spy agency, smuggled drones and weapons into Iran before the attack. Israeli military officials said nearly 200 fighter jets were used in the operation.
- Iran confirmed damage to parts of its Natanz nuclear site but denied any radiation leak. The UN’s atomic watchdog also said Iran’s Fordo site was not affected. Iran’s Supreme Leader soon appointed new military chiefs, with Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi named as the new armed forces head.
- Global leaders, including those from the US, UK, China, Japan and Australia, have urged both sides to exercise restraint. The UN nuclear chief offered to visit Iran to help de-escalate the situation.
- Meanwhile, oil prices surged due to fears over the conflict. Brent crude and US benchmark oil prices rose by nearly USD 5 a barrel, raising concerns about the impact on global oil supply and markets.
