Israel said early Friday it had begun a broad military operation against Iran aimed at crippling Tehran’s ability to build a nuclear weapon, striking what it called “dozens” of nuclear and missile sites and senior commanders.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling the assault “Rising Lion,” said in a recorded address that Israeli forces were hitting scientists involved in bomb design, ballistic-missile factories and the underground Natanz enrichment complex. “We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history,” he said, warning the campaign would continue for days.
Witnesses in Natanz reported repeated explosions near the facility, while Iranian state television said blasts were heard in Tehran and other cities as air-defense batteries opened fire. A senior Iranian official told Reuters the country’s top security council was meeting in emergency session.
Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency, anticipating “immediate” missile-and-drone retaliation. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Iran possessed enough enriched material “to build 15 bombs within days,” asserting the strikes were pre-emptive.
U.S. officials said Washington was not involved. “Tonight Israel acted unilaterally,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, urging Tehran not to target American personnel. The Pentagon said it was preparing for “the full range of contingencies,” including a possible evacuation of U.S. civilians.
Oil prices spiked more than $3 a barrel on the news. The strikes also cast doubt on U.S.–Iran talks set for Sunday in Oman on Tehran’s accelerated enrichment program, already stalled after five rounds.
President Donald Trump convened an emergency Cabinet meeting, according to CNN.
The confrontation marks a dramatic escalation in long-simmering hostilities between the regional rivals and raises the risk of a broader conflict reaching far beyond the Middle East.