Israel on Friday said it had struck Iranian nuclear targets to block Tehran from developing atomic weapons. According to Iran’s state TV, several explosions were heard in Tehran and the country’s air defence system was on full alert.
Explosions were also reported at the country’s main uranium enrichment facility.
Calling the offensive ‘Rising Lion’, Israel said it was also targeting Iranian commanders and missile factories, and declared a state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Tehran.
“We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced a ‘special situation’ as some military officials there confirmed attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
Israel targeted Iranian scientists working on a nuclear bomb, its ballistic missile programme and its Nantanz uranium enrichment facility, in an operation that would continue for days, he said.
The Israeli Defence Forces, in an X post, mentioned that “dozens of jets completed the first stage that included strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran."
According to Reuters, Iran’s leadership was holding a top security meeting.
The report also quoted an Israeli military official as saying that Israel was striking “dozens" of nuclear and military targets. He also said Iran had enough material to make 15 nuclear bombs within days.
US RESPONDS TO ISRAEL’s ACTION IN IRAN
In an official statement amid the strikes, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Israel acted unilaterally because it believes the operation was necessary for self-defence.
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region," Rubio’s statement read.
“Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel," he added.
CNN reported that US President Donald Trump was convening a cabinet meeting.
US and Iranian officials were scheduled to hold a sixth round of talks on Tehran’s escalating uranium enrichment programme in Oman on Sunday, Reuters quoted officials from both countries and their Omani mediators as saying.
On Thursday, Trump had said an Israeli strike on Iran “could very well happen" but reiterated his hopes for a peaceful resolution.
US intelligence had indicated that Israel was making preparations for a strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities, and U.S. officials said on condition of anonymity that Israel could attack in the coming days.
Source: News18
