Israel conducted a series of wide-ranging airstrikes on Friday targeting Iran’s nuclear and military installations, including sites within the capital, Tehran.
The attacks, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, were launched due to Iran’s posing a threat to “Israel’s very survival.”
Iranian state television reported that residential areas in Tehran were hit, with civilians, including children, among the casualties. Iranian state media also confirmed the death of Revolutionary Guard Chief Hossein Salami in one of the strikes.
Israel’s strike locations in Iran
Reports indicate at least two waves of attacks have occurred, with unconfirmed reports suggesting a potential third wave is underway. Confirmed strike locations include:
- Tehran: The capital and surrounding military sites
- Natanz: South of Tehran, home to Iran’s primary uranium enrichment facility
- Tabriz: Northwest of Tehran, where explosions were reported near a nuclear research center and two military bases
- Isfahan: South of Tehran
- Arak: Southwest of Tehran
- Kermanshah: West of Tehran
In response to the attacks, Israel has declared a state of emergency, anticipating immediate counter-attacks from Iran.
Iran vows to retaliate against Israel
Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the strikes, asserting Tehran has a “legal and legitimate” right to respond under the UN Charter.
A ministry statement declared, “The dangerous and far-reaching effects and consequences of the Zionist regime’s aggression against our beloved homeland of Iran will be the responsibility of this regime and its supporters.”
The ministry further accused the United States of complicity, stating:
“The Zionist regime’s aggressive actions against Iran cannot have been carried out without the coordination and authorization of the United States. Accordingly, the United States government, as the main supporter of this regime, will also be responsible for the dangerous effects and consequences of the Zionist regime’s adventure.”
Trump: Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb
US President Donald Trump, in speaking to Fox News, confirmed he was aware of Israel’s plans beforehand but reiterated that the US military played no part in the operation.
President Trump expressed a desire for Iran to continue negotiations on curbing its nuclear program, stating, “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see.”
He also noted that “several people in leadership will not be coming back,” confirming multiple Iranian leaders died in the attack. Trump added that his administration had informed a key Middle Eastern ally prior to the strikes, without specifying the country.
The head of the United Nations has called for “maximum restraint” in the Middle East and condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.
A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that Guterres is “particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran’s nuclear [program] are underway.”
The spokesperson urged both sides to “show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford.”
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
