Tensions in the Middle East have reached a boiling point as Israel and Iran continue to trade deadly strikes through the weekend in one of the region’s most dangerous escalations in decades.
The conflict intensified following Israel’s unprecedented military operation, codenamed “Rising Lion,” which launched early Friday with massive airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities and top military leadership. The attack — the largest Israel has ever conducted on Iranian soil — killed more than 78 people and injured over 320, according to Iran’s UN envoy.
In retaliation, Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles and drones, striking key Israeli cities including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem, prompting widespread panic, civilian casualties, and infrastructure damage. Israeli officials said three citizens were killed and dozens injured in the Iranian strikes.
Key Developments:
- Israel’s targets included nuclear enrichment facilities at Natanz and Isfahan, military airbases, oil depots, and the South Pars gas field, the world’s largest natural gas reserve.
- Iran’s counterattack hit Israeli military-industrial centers and residential areas, drawing condemnation from Israeli leaders.
- Israeli airstrikes on Friday killed multiple senior Iranian military figures, including Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami (IRGC head) and Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s military chief of staff.
- The U.S. distanced itself from the strikes, labeling them “unilateral,” while confirming it aided in intercepting Iranian missiles aimed at Israel.
Explosions Rock Tehran as Israeli Missiles Hit Key Facilities
At approximately 3:30 a.m. on Friday, Israeli jets struck military and nuclear facilities across Iran. Videos verified by CNN showed fireballs lighting up the sky over Tehran, with plumes of smoke rising over neighborhoods and strategic sites.
The Israeli military confirmed that it targeted:
- Iran’s Natanz enrichment facility
- A second nuclear site in Isfahan
- South Pars gas field in Bushehr province
- Shahran oil depot and fuel storage sites
Netanyahu declared the operation’s purpose was to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capability, which he says poses an “existential threat” to Israel.
“In the very near future, you will see Israeli planes above Tehran. We will strike every target of the Ayatollah’s regime,” Netanyahu said.
Tehran Vows “Crushing Response” as War Intensifies
Iran launched “hundreds” of missiles Friday evening in a direct response. While some were intercepted by Israeli and allied air defenses, several struck Israeli territory, killing civilians and causing widespread damage.
Iran’s leadership accused Israel of attempting “regime decapitation” and warned of more attacks if strikes continue. Iranian officials insist their nuclear program remains peaceful, even as global concerns mount over proliferation risks.
Tehran’s state media reported further retaliatory missile launches on Saturday, targeting Israeli airfields, defense production centers, and command posts.
Israel Claims Killing Top Iranian Military Commanders
Israel’s strikes killed a number of senior Iranian officials, dealing a historic blow to Tehran’s military command:
- Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami, head of the IRGC
- Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s top military officer
- Ali Shamkhani, Supreme Leader’s adviser
- Ali Hajizadeh, IRGC aerospace commander
- Nine nuclear scientists, including prominent physicists and engineers
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) also claimed it had destroyed Iranian missile stockpiles and launch platforms, further crippling Iran’s retaliatory capacity.
Despite close military ties, the United States has disavowed involvement, stating that Israel acted unilaterally and without coordination with Washington.
“Our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
President Donald Trump, who has revived nuclear deal negotiations with Iran in his second term, warned Tehran to agree to a deal “before it’s too late,” while criticizing Israel for jeopardizing U.S.-Iran diplomatic efforts.
Still, U.S. forces — along with other regional allies — assisted Israel in intercepting Iranian missiles.
The conflict threatens to ignite a regional war, drawing in actors like Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Gulf states. Oil prices have surged, and global markets are on edge.
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Friday but failed to reach a resolution. Ghana, among several nations, has called for an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic intervention, while evacuating its citizens from both countries.
Meanwhile, Israel has vowed to continue its campaign “for as long as it takes,” and Iran has signaled it has “no choice but to respond.”
With the world watching anxiously, the latest Iran-Israel escalation marks a turning point in Middle Eastern geopolitics. If diplomacy fails to gain ground in the coming days, analysts warn that a full-scale regional war is imminent — one that could reshape alliances, fuel global instability, and deepen the nuclear crisis.
Source: CNN
