Israel Strikes Iran In Widespread Operation Against Nuclear Facilities
1 day ago
Israel said it launched airstrikes against Iran on Friday, hitting over 100 targets including nuclear facilities and missile factories - and killing top military commanders in Iran.
The operation sparked a fresh escalation in tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals and also came ahead of Washington's nuclear talks with Iran, scheduled for Sunday.
State TV in Iran showed video of burning buildings in Tehran early Friday, after the strikes were reported.
As day broke, injured Iranians sat by the curbside and firefighters tended to smoldering buildings.
Israel will face 'severe' punishment for the attack - that's according to a statement from Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamanei, read out over state TV.
State media said the strikes hit the headquarters of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps and killed top commander Hossein Salami.
And according to Iran, several nuclear scientists, were also killed in the strikes.
An Israeli military official said Israel struck "dozens" of nuclear and military targets including the facility at Natanz in central Iran - the heart of the country's enrichment program.
In a recorded statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the extensive strikes were needed to stop an existential threat to Israel's survival.
"In recent years, Iran has produced enough highly enriched uranium for nine atom bombs. Nine. In recent months, Iran has taken steps that it has never taken before, steps to weaponize this enriched uranium. This is a clear and present danger to Israel's very survival," said Netanyahu.
Israel declared a state of emergency Friday, as authorities anticipate retaliatory attacks from Iran.
People in Tel Aviv were seen stocking up on essentials, and Israel's air defense has been put on high alert for incoming missiles and drones.
Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport has been closed until further notice.
A flight tracking website showed airlines clearing out of the airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq and Jordan on Friday after Israel's airstrikes.
While the United States has tried to distance itself from Israel's military operation, an Israeli official told public broadcaster Kan that Israel had coordinated with Washington on Iran.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement that the U.S. was not involved in the strikes, and Israel had acted unilaterally for self-defense - and he urged Iran not to target U.S. interests or personnel.
The operation sparked a fresh escalation in tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals and also came ahead of Washington's nuclear talks with Iran, scheduled for Sunday.
State TV in Iran showed video of burning buildings in Tehran early Friday, after the strikes were reported.
As day broke, injured Iranians sat by the curbside and firefighters tended to smoldering buildings.
Israel will face 'severe' punishment for the attack - that's according to a statement from Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamanei, read out over state TV.
State media said the strikes hit the headquarters of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps and killed top commander Hossein Salami.
And according to Iran, several nuclear scientists, were also killed in the strikes.
An Israeli military official said Israel struck "dozens" of nuclear and military targets including the facility at Natanz in central Iran - the heart of the country's enrichment program.
In a recorded statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the extensive strikes were needed to stop an existential threat to Israel's survival.
"In recent years, Iran has produced enough highly enriched uranium for nine atom bombs. Nine. In recent months, Iran has taken steps that it has never taken before, steps to weaponize this enriched uranium. This is a clear and present danger to Israel's very survival," said Netanyahu.
Israel declared a state of emergency Friday, as authorities anticipate retaliatory attacks from Iran.
People in Tel Aviv were seen stocking up on essentials, and Israel's air defense has been put on high alert for incoming missiles and drones.
Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport has been closed until further notice.
A flight tracking website showed airlines clearing out of the airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq and Jordan on Friday after Israel's airstrikes.
While the United States has tried to distance itself from Israel's military operation, an Israeli official told public broadcaster Kan that Israel had coordinated with Washington on Iran.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement that the U.S. was not involved in the strikes, and Israel had acted unilaterally for self-defense - and he urged Iran not to target U.S. interests or personnel.
