🎯 Operation “Nation of Lions” Begins
Early Friday morning, Israel launched intense airstrikes across Iran. The Israeli military targeted nuclear plants, missile factories, and military bases. In a video, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the mission aimed to stop Iran’s nuclear threat.
“This action will continue until we remove the danger to our people,” Netanyahu declared.
🧨 Major Targets and Confirmed Deaths
Israeli fighter jets carried out five attack waves, hitting several cities. Confirmed strike zones include:
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Natanz – Iran’s uranium enrichment hub
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Tehran – Multiple military zones
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Tabriz – A key nuclear research center
Iranian news reports confirmed the deaths of:
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Hossein Salami – Head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard
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Mohammad Bagheri – Top army chief
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Scientists Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi
🛡️ Israel Gets Ready for Iranian Retaliation
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz called the strikes “necessary.” He warned that Iran could respond with missiles or drones.
The Israeli government has taken strong safety steps:
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Closed airspace for all flights
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Banned schools and large gatherings
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Limited work to essential services
“We expect a hit back, and we are ready,” said Katz.
🇮🇷 Iran Swears Revenge
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei called the attack an act of war. He promised a “bitter and painful” response.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the US helped indirectly, even if it did not fire missiles. Officials claimed that such a massive mission needed US support.
🇺🇸 US Says “Not Involved,” But Hints Raise Doubts
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “The US did not join the attack.” He also warned Iran not to target US soldiers or embassies.
Just a day before, the US moved staff out of Baghdad and gave travel warnings across the region. Experts now wonder if Washington knew about the strike beforehand.
“President Trump hopes diplomacy survives. But Iran’s reaction will decide the next step,” said journalist Alan Fisher.
🔍 What This Could Lead To
This was Israel’s most direct attack on Iran in years. It could:
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Kill the ongoing nuclear talks
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Trigger a regional war
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Pull in allies and groups like Hezbollah
Diplomats fear that the path to peace might now be closed.