Israel Launches Airstrikes on Iranian Cities, Targets Nuclear Facilities: Tensions Escalate in the Middle East

In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israel has launched extensive airstrikes on multiple Iranian cities, including Tabriz, Shiraz, and Natanz. According to media reports, over 200 Israeli fighter jets carried out bombings at more than 100 locations, including military and nuclear facilities. The strikes were carried out using advanced aircraft, such as the F-13, F-15, and F-35, equipped with long-range precision technology.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility, a key site in Iran’s nuclear program, was one of the primary targets. Netanyahu warned that the airstrikes would continue until all objectives were met.
The attacks come amidst growing tensions between Israel and Iran, with Iran responding by launching over 100 drones at Israeli targets. Iran has described this retaliatory move as an exercise of its right to national defense. Meanwhile, in the city of Qom, the Jamkaran Mosque was seen flying a red flag, a traditional symbol associated with the declaration of war or vengeance.
Israeli Airstrikes Hit Tehran, Karaj, Kermanshah, and Other Cities
Israeli fighter jets carried out attacks on multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Karaj, Kermanshah, and Khorramabad. These bombings targeted military and nuclear sites, with over 100 targets hit in total. In Khorramabad, several residential buildings were destroyed in the raids, resulting in five deaths and over 50 injuries. Among the casualties, women and children were notably among the wounded.
The Israeli military referred to the operation as “Operation Rising Line,” involving over 200 fighter jets.
Iranian Military Leaders and Nuclear Scientists Killed in Attacks
Among the casualties in the Israeli airstrikes were several high-ranking Iranian officials. Iran’s Chief of Army Staff, General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami, and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s senior advisor, Ali Shamkhani, were reportedly killed in the strikes. Six prominent nuclear scientists were also confirmed to have died, including Ahmad Reza Zolfaghari, Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, Seyed Amir Hossein Faqihi, and Matlabi Zadeh.
In response to these losses, Iran appointed General Habibollah Sayyari as the new Chief of Army Staff and Ahmad Vahidi as the Acting Commander of the IRGC.
Iranian President’s Response: “Israel Will Regret Its Foolish Actions”
In a public address, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed to respond with full force, warning that Israel would regret its actions. Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran would not hesitate to defend itself and likened starting a war with Iran to “provoking a lion.”
Iranian Minister of Defense Condemns Israeli Aggression
The Iranian Minister of Defense strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes, declaring that Tel Aviv would receive a complete and forceful response. Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Israel of carrying out these attacks with the support of the United States, and warned that if the conflict spreads, Washington would share responsibility for the escalation. Iran maintains that it has a legitimate right to defend its sovereignty.
Iran Closes Airspace as Tensions Escalate
In response to the attacks on its nuclear facilities, Iran has closed its airspace and canceled all flights from Imam Khomeini International Airport. Neighboring Iraq and Jordan have also closed their airspace, and Gulf countries have raised security to the highest alert level.
The closures have significantly impacted global aviation, extending flight durations between Europe, North America, and Asia. Airlines are now being forced to reroute flights around Iranian and Iraqi airspace, flying through Saudi Arabia, southern Israel, and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula instead.
Iranian Foreign Minister Sends Letter to the United Nations
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has formally written to the United Nations, calling Israel’s airstrikes an act of war. He stated that these attacks constitute a violation of international law and represent a grave threat to global peace and security. He urged the UN Security Council to address the issue urgently.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, with fears of the conflict escalating into a broader regional war.