Israel launched a major attack on Tehran, targeting military and nuclear sites. Reports suggest the head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard is feared dead, along with other officials. The attack follows heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear advancements, drawing significant U.S. attention and market reactions.
Explosions rocked Tehran early Friday as Israel launched a significant aerial attack targeting military and nuclear sites in the Iranian capital. Iranian state media reported that General Hossein Salami, the head of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, is feared dead following this assault. Additionally, other high-ranking officials and two nuclear scientists from Iran are also reported to have died in the attack, which set fire to Revolutionary Guard headquarters.
The assault aligns with Israel’s long-standing efforts to thwart Iran’s nuclear ambitions, particularly amid rising tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program. Just the day before, the International Atomic Energy Agency marked a rare event by censuring Iran for its non-compliance with inspections, further escalating the situation. In response, Iran announced its plans to build a new enrichment facility and replace some centrifuges with more advanced models.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a YouTube address that these operations would persist “for as many days as it takes to remove this threat,” indicating a possible prolongation of military actions. As the situation unfolded, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that Israel was acting unilaterally for its self-defense, while underscoring that the U.S. was not involved in any strikes against Iran.
Tehran residents awoke to the sound of explosions, with reports of smoke rising from various neighborhoods, including Chitgar. However, it remains unclear exactly what sites were targeted, with Israeli military sources providing few specifics, only emphasizing the focus on nuclear and military facilities. As a precaution, Israel’s Defense Minister declared an emergency situation domestically, warning citizens of potential retaliatory strikes from Iran.
The immediate aftermath has seen a noticeable spike in oil prices, with Brent crude rising nearly 5% due to concerns over regional stability. Meanwhile, airspace in Israel and Iran has been closed in response to the ongoing crisis. In an interesting twist, as the explosions reverberated through Tehran, President Trump was at the White House engaging with Congress members, a coincidence that raised questions about the timing of his administration’s negotiations with both nations. Earlier, he had urged Netanyahu to consider holding off on any military action while dialogues with Iran were ongoing, reflecting broader apprehensions about escalating the conflict further.
In summary, Israel’s attack on Tehran marks a significant escalation in its ongoing conflict with Iran, focusing on nuclear and military installations. With prominent Iranian leaders reportedly casualties and U.S. officials emphasizing their lack of involvement, the situation remains tense and fluid. Both nations have shut down their airspace and await possible retaliatory moves. Amidst all this, global oil markets are reacting dramatically, heightening concerns about regional stability.
Original Source: apnews.com
