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Israel has launched a large-scale military operation against Iran, striking multiple strategic sites, including nuclear enrichment facilities and military installations, in what Israeli officials have described as a necessary response to escalating threats from Tehran.
The operation, codenamed Operation Rising Lion, began in the early hours of Friday, as Israeli fighter jets launched strikes on more than 100 targets across Iran. These included the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, missile production sites, radar installations, and air defence systems. The offensive represents one of Israel’s most direct and significant military actions against Iran to date.
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According to Israeli sources, the raids were aimed at dismantling Iran’s capability to develop nuclear weapons and curbing its expanding ballistic missile programme. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation, saying:
“Israel will do whatever is necessary to protect its citizens and eliminate existential threats. We will not wait for danger to arrive at our doorstep.”
Iranian Response and Casualties
Iran has confirmed significant damage to key sites and the deaths of several senior military and nuclear officials, including a high-ranking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander, Major-General Hossein Salami. Iranian authorities also acknowledged explosions at Natanz and Tehran, though they claimed the situation was under control.
In retaliation, Iran launched over 100 drones towards Israeli airspace, most of which were intercepted by Israel’s missile defence systems. However, the scale of the Israeli operation has triggered national mourning and vows of retribution in Tehran. A senior Iranian official described the strikes as an “act of war” and promised a “forceful and strategic response.”
International Reactions
Global powers responded swiftly to the escalation. The United States, while reiterating its commitment to Israel’s security, denied any involvement in the attacks and urged restraint from all sides.
Russia condemned the strikes as “unprovoked and illegal,” warning that such military aggression violates international law and risks plunging the region into wider conflict.
Germany revealed that Israeli officials had informed Chancellor Friedrich Merz ahead of the operation. Merz stated:
“Israel has a right to defend itself, but this moment demands the utmost caution to prevent uncontrollable escalation.”
The United Nations Security Council is expected to hold an emergency session as diplomatic channels work to contain the crisis.
Economic Fallout
Markets reacted swiftly to the news. Oil prices surged by over 5% amid fears of supply disruption in the Middle East, while global stock markets tumbled. Investors turned to safe-haven assets such as gold, the US dollar, and government bonds in anticipation of prolonged instability.
