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Israel Launches Strikes on Iran Amid Rising Tensions
In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Israel has launched preemptive strikes against Iran and declared a state of emergency as the country prepares for possible retaliation. These Israel Iran developments follow increasing concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and alleged breaches of non-proliferation obligations.
Netanyahu Vows to Eliminate Iranian Nuclear Threat
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a public address, stated that the military actions would persist “for as many days as it takes to remove this threat” posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He asserted that Israel targeted Iran’s principal enrichment facility in Natanz, its ballistic missile initiatives, and prominent nuclear scientists and officials.
Allegations of New Iranian Plan
Netanyahu further claimed that Iran was devising a new strategy to undermine Israel after the failure of its existing network of proxies. He characterized this as an unacceptable danger that demanded immediate intervention.
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Iran Promises “Decisive” Response
Conversely, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency cited an anonymous official who vowed a “decisive” response to Israel’s assault, signaling a potential for further escalation.
Targets Include Military Bases and Personnel
The New York Times reported that the targets included at least six military installations surrounding residential areas in Tehran, which house military personnel. An Israeli defense official suggested that the strikes likely resulted in the deaths of members of Iran’s general staff, encompassing the chief of staff and several senior nuclear scientists.
Reports of High-Ranking Casualties
Iranian state television stated that Gen. Hossein Salami, the head of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, was killed in the strikes. The report also indicated that another high-ranking Guard official, along with two nuclear scientists, are feared dead, though specific details were scarce.
Role of the Revolutionary Guard
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), established following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, is a major power center within Iran’s government. It also exercises command over Iran’s arsenal of ballistic missiles, which it has deployed against Israel on two previous occasions during the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Israel Prepares for Retaliation
Defense Minister Israel Katz conveyed that Israel is bracing for a potential Iranian response following the strikes. “Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,” Katz stated.
Reports of Explosions in Tehran
Iranian state media outlet IRNA reported that repeated explosions were audible in Tehran, adding to the atmosphere of heightened alert.
Fire Erupts at Revolutionary Guard HQ
State television reported that the assault ignited a fire at the headquarters of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in Tehran. A reporter on the scene noted their inability to approach due to the intensity of the blaze.
- Multiple sites within the capital have been impacted, although the full extent of the damage remains unclear.
Defense Measures and Warnings
Israel’s defense minister has declared a “special situation” within the country and announced the closure of schools. Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the country’s military chief, issued a stern warning to Iran and its regional proxies against any retaliatory actions.
IDF Confirms Aerial Campaign
Emmanuel Fabian, military correspondent for Times of Israel, posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The IDF confirms it has launched an aerial campaign against Iran’s nuclear program. Dozens of targets across Iran related to the nuclear program and other military facilities are being struck by the Israeli Air Force…”
Operation “Strength of a Lion”
- The operation is codenamed “Strength of a Lion.”
- The IDF asserts that Iran possesses sufficient enriched uranium to construct multiple bombs within days, necessitating action against this “imminent threat.”
Airports and Alerts
- Sirens sounded across Israel as a precautionary measure against potential retaliation from Tehran.
- Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was evacuated, and all flights were suspended.
Background of Rising Tensions
The strikes occurred after reports emerged of Israel planning an imminent attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, coinciding with a UN watchdog’s declaration that Tehran had violated its non-proliferation obligations.
U.S. Response and Concerns
While sources in the U.S. acknowledged the possibility of an impending attack, an official in the Israeli prime minister’s office refrained from confirming or denying this information. However, the official echoed previous statements, stating, “President Trump said it best, ‘Iran has to get rid of the concept of a nuclear weapon…’ We agree. This is a global threat.”
U.S. Personnel Evacuated
The U.S. has announced the evacuation of personnel from the region amid concerns that they could become potential targets for Iranian reprisals. A U.S. official assured CNN that neither the U.S. was involved in, or assisted with the air strikes carried out by Israel in Iran.
Secretary Rubio Issues Warning
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly announced that the U.S. was not involved in the strikes against Iran and warned Tehran against targeting American interests.
Rubio’s Statement Highlights
- “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.”
- “Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense…Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”
Emergency Meetings and Preparations
According to an Israeli official, Israel’s National Security Cabinet convened throughout the night leading up to the attack. Moreover, Israel has closed its airspace until further notice, according to the country’s ministry of transportation.
Possible Iranian Counter-Attack
The New York Times cited an Iranian source stating that Tehran has a contingency plan in place for an immediate counter-attack if Israel strikes. This may involve a similar scope to the attack launched in October, when Iran deployed over 200 drones and missiles at Israel.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Findings
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in approximately 20 years. This determination was based on Iran’s failure to provide credible explanations regarding the presence of uranium at undeclared sites. Nineteen of the 35 countries on the IAEA board voted in favor of declaring a breach, following submission by the “Quad” nations (the US, UK, France, and Germany).
Iranian Response and Future Enrichment
Iran categorized the IAEA decision as “political” and expressed intent to retaliate by establishing a new uranium enrichment facility. This follows a recent IAEA report criticizing Iran’s lack of cooperation and stating that it processes sufficient enriched uranium to make ten bombs.
Trump’s Concerns
US Officials had been due to hold talks with Iranian officials in Oman on Sunday. Benjamin Netanyahu’s office declared that Wednesday’s IAEA resolution “proves that Israel was right all along”. On Wednesday, Donald Trump voiced concerns that Tehran would not agree to halt its uranium enrichment program, a key U.S. demand.
Netanyahu’s Stance on Iran
Netanyahu has consistently criticized Iran and accused the nation of secretly seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak and former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo have claimed Netanyahu attempted to bomb Iran in 2010 and 2011, but faced opposition from senior Israeli officials.