Summary
- Iran vows harsh response, Israel appears to intercept 100 retaliatory drones
- Several top Iranian commanders killed
- Oil prices spike, then ease from highs, amid fears of regional instability
- U.S. denies involvement, Trump seeks return to nuclear talks
Jerusalem/Tehran (Prime Africa News) – Israel launched a massive military operation against Iran on Friday, striking nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories, and military commanders in what it called a prolonged campaign to prevent Tehran from developing an atomic weapon.
The attack, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, triggered a fierce response from Iran, which fired approximately 100 drones toward Israel. However, Israeli defenses intercepted most or all of the drones, leading authorities to lift safety advisories for civilians by 0800 GMT.
Key Developments:
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Nuclear & Military Targets Hit: Israeli airstrikes struck Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility, ballistic missile production sites, and Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) headquarters in Tehran.
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High-Profile Casualties: IRGC commander Hossein Salami, the chief of staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, and six nuclear scientists were reported killed.
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Oil Prices Spike, Then Ease: Global crude prices surged over 6% before retreating as Iran confirmed its oil infrastructure remained intact.
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Regional Airspace Shut Down: Airlines suspended flights over Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel, with Ben Gurion Airport closed.
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U.S. Denies Involvement: Washington said it was not part of the operation but reiterated demands for Iran to halt uranium enrichment.
Israel’s Justification for the Attack
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the operation a “decisive moment” in Israel’s history, vowing to continue strikes until Iran’s nuclear threat was eliminated.
Military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said over 200 Israeli jets struck more than 100 targets, severely degrading Iran’s air defenses. An Israeli security source revealed that Mossad operatives had conducted covert operations inside Iran before the attack, including establishing a drone base near Tehran.
Iran’s Response & Regional Fallout
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the “wicked and bloody” assault, warning Israel would face a “bitter fate.” The IRGC vowed retaliation, accusing the U.S. of supporting the operation—a claim Washington denied.
The attack further destabilized the region, with fears of escalation between Israel and Iran’s proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.
Global Reactions & Economic Impact
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U.S. Stance: President Donald Trump reiterated that Iran “cannot have a nuclear bomb” but expressed hope for renewed negotiations.
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IAEA Assessment: The nuclear watchdog reported no radiation leaks at Natanz but recently declared Iran in breach of non-proliferation commitments.
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Market Turmoil: Asian stocks fell, and Israel’s shekel dropped nearly 2%, while oil prices fluctuated.
What’s Next?
With U.S.-Iran nuclear talks still scheduled for Sunday, the world watches for Tehran’s next move. Analysts warn that further Israeli strikes or Iranian retaliation could plunge the Middle East into a broader conflict.
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