Tensions in the Middle East have escalated dramatically after Israeli airstrikes across Iran overnight. The strikes resulted in the deaths of several senior military figures and at least six nuclear scientists. The new head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Mohammad Pakpour, has issued a stark warning, stating that Israel will “suffer a bitter and painful fate with huge and destructive consequences.”
The overnight bombardment, which Israel has named ‘Operation Rising Lion’, targeted multiple locations. These include Tehran, the nuclear facility at Natanz, Tabriz, Piranshahr, and Kermanshah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed it “continues to attack targets in Iranian territory,” in what it describes as a mission to damage Iran’s nuclear program and degrade its defense capabilities.
In a statement, Pakpour, whose predecessor was killed in the strikes. He accused Israel of “violating the national security and territorial integrity” of Iran and vowed to “avenge” those killed. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, echoed this sentiment, promising “severe punishment” for the attack.
High-Profile Casualties and Iranian Retaliation
Among the dead are some of Iran’s most senior military leaders, including the commander-in-chief of the IRGC, Hossein Salami, and the chief of staff of the armed forces. At least six nuclear scientists have also been confirmed killed.
The Israeli military reported that Iran launched approximately 100 drones towards Israel this morning in response to the strikes, intercepting many of them. Air raid sirens have been activated across northern Israel, and the government has declared a “special state of emergency.”
Iranian state media has reported that civilians, including children, are among the casualties in Tehran. These reports have not been independently verified. According to unofficial figures from the state-run Nour News agency, the capital saw 78 deaths and 329 injuries.
Israel’s Justification and US Reaction
Israel has defended its actions as necessary for self-defense. Speaking at the United Nations, Israel’s ambassador, Danny Danon, told reporters that the “Iranian threat took a dramatic turn” in recent months. He claimed Iran has enough material for “multiple nuclear weapons” and that Israel had found evidence of a planned surprise attack. “We won’t sit quietly while our people are targeted, not again, not ever,” Danon stated. “Empty words will not stop Iran. Israel will.”
In the United States, President Donald Trump praised the Israeli operation, calling it “a very successful attack, to put it mildly.” He confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that he was informed about the plans in advance, saying, “it wasn’t a heads up. It was, we know what’s going on.” Trump also issued a warning to Tehran via his Truth Social platform. “Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire.”
Despite Trump’s apparent endorsement, Washington has officially denied any involvement in the strikes. The White House is reported to be buzzing with activity, with President Trump scheduled to meet his National Security Council.
International Calls for Restraint
World leaders have widely called for de-escalation. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged both sides to “step back and reduce tensions urgently.” French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned Iran’s nuclear program but also called for restraint, reaffirming “that Israel has a right to defend itself.”
Other nations have been more critical of Israel’s actions. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the strikes a “clear provocation”. Meanwhile Saudi Arabia denounced them as a “clear violation of international laws and norms.” Oman, a key mediator in nuclear talks, also said it “holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its consequences.” The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the crisis.
The attacks have also had an immediate economic impact, with the price of Brent Crude oil jumping by over 7% to nearly $73 a barrel. Stock markets in New York, however, have seen a more muted reaction.
