Israel Launches Major Airstrikes on Iran, Killing Top Military and Nuclear Figures

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran early Friday, targeting key nuclear and military facilities across the country.

The offensive, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” involved over 200 fighter jets and missiles, striking nearly 100 locations.

Among the high-profile casualties were Hossein Salami, commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, and two senior nuclear scientists — Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi — both reportedly killed in the strikes.

The Israeli military said the action was a preemptive strike aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities and preventing what it described as an “imminent threat.”

Iranian officials confirmed the attacks and vowed swift and severe retaliation. Airspaces over both countries and parts of the region were closed amid fears of a broader conflict.

While the United States denied involvement, American officials confirmed they were informed ahead of the strikes and have since issued warnings to Iran against targeting U.S. interests in the region.

This marks the most significant direct confrontation between the two longtime adversaries, raising concerns that a wider war in the Middle East could be imminent.