IRAN VOWS ‘SEVERE’ RETALIATION; LAUNCHES COUNTER STRIKE ON TEL AVIV
Israel launched blistering attacks on the heart of Iran’s nuclear and military structure Friday, deploying warplanes and drones previously smuggled into the country to attack key facilities and kill top generals and scientists — a barrage it said was necessary before its adversary got any closer to building an atomic weapon.
The ongoing military and intelligence operation raised the potential for all-out war between the countries and propelled the region, already on edge, into even greater upheaval.
Iran quickly retaliated by sending a swarm of drones at Israel, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of “severe punishment.”
Israel’s military said about 200 aircraft were involved in the initial attack on about 100 targets. Its Mossad spy agency positioned explosive drones and precision weapons inside Iran ahead of time, and used them to target Iranian air defences and missile launchers near Tehran, according to two security officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Among the key sites Israel attacked was Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz, where black smoke could be seen rising into the air. It also appeared to strike a second, smaller nuclear enrichment facility in Fordo, about 100 km southeast of Tehran, according to an Iranian news outlet close to the government that reported hearing explosions nearby.
Israel military spokesman Brig Gen Effie Defrin said the Natanz facility was “significantly damaged” and that the operation was “still in the beginning”.
The first wave of strikes had given Israel “significant freedom of movement” in Iran’s skies, clearing the way for further attacks, according to an Israeli military official.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack had been months in the making.
In its first response Friday, Iran fired more than 100 drones at Israel. Israel said the drones were being intercepted outside its airspace, and it was not immediately clear whether any got through.
Trump urged Iran on Friday to reach a deal with the US on its nuclear program, warning on his Truth Social platform that Israel’s attacks “will only get worse”.
“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire,” he wrote.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed revenge for Israeli attacks in a recorded message to the nation delivered as Iranian missiles flew toward Israel.
Khamenei said the military was prepared to counterattack. “Don’t think that they hit and it’s over. No. They started the work and started the war. We will not allow them to escape safely from this great crime they committed.”
Air raid sirens sound cross Israel: Air raid sirens have sounded across Israel ahead following an Iranian missile attack on the country.
The rumble of explosions could be heard throughout Jerusalem, and Israeli TV stations showed plumes of smoke rising in Tel Aviv after an apparent missile strike. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The army said dozens of missiles were launched.
The army has ordered residents across the country to move into bomb shelters.
Top Iranian Army Generals killed in Israeli strikes
Three of Iran’s top military leaders were killed in the raids: one who oversaw the entire armed forces, Gen Mohammad Bagheri; one who led the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, Gen Hossein Salami; and the head of the Guard’s ballistic missile programme, Gen Amir Ali Hajizadeh.
Iran confirmed all three deaths, significant blows its governing theocracy that will complicate efforts to retaliate. Khamenei said other top military officials and scientists were also killed.