Israel carried out large-scale military attacks on Iran late Thursday, targeting its nuclear program and killing several top military leaders and nuclear scientists. The U.S. confirmed that Israel acted alone without American involvement.
Israel Attacks Iran’s Nuclear Program
On Thursday night, Israel launched powerful airstrikes on key locations in Iran, directly hitting its nuclear enrichment facilities and killing high-ranking officials. According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, these strikes were aimed at stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons, which he called “a serious threat to Israel’s survival.”
Netanyahu confirmed, “We successfully struck senior command, leading nuclear scientists, and critical nuclear facilities.” He also warned Israeli citizens to prepare for possible retaliation, saying they might have to spend extended periods in bomb shelters.
Iran Confirms High Casualties, Vows Revenge
Iranian state media reported the deaths of:
- Hossein Salami, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
- Gholamali Rashid, deputy chief of staff of Iran’s military
- Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces
- Top nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei condemned the strikes as “evil” and promised severe punishment, calling the victims “martyrs” for their service to the country.
Iran Denies U.S. Claims of Non-Involvement
Despite U.S. statements distancing itself from the attack, Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused Washington of being involved, stating:
“The U.S. government, as the main backer of Israel, is responsible for the dangerous consequences of these actions.”
Iran also announced it will not participate in Sunday’s planned nuclear talks with the U.S. in Oman.
Global Markets React: Oil Prices Surge, Stocks Drop
Following the attack, global oil prices jumped sharply:
- Brent Crude briefly reached $78 per barrel before settling at $74.40, up over 7%.
- West Texas Intermediate (WTI) climbed over 7.5%, reaching $73.20 per barrel.
- Meanwhile, U.S. stock futures fell as investors worried about potential conflict escalation in the Middle East.
Iran Launches Drone Counterattack on Israel
In response to the strikes, Iran launched around 100 drones toward Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said it may take several hours to intercept and neutralize these drones.
More than 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the overnight strikes, according to military officials.
International Atomic Energy Agency Monitoring Situation
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that Iran’s Natanz nuclear site was targeted but reported no immediate increase in radiation levels.
The Iranian government also informed the IAEA that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant was not hit.
U.S. and Global Leaders Respond
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed:
“Israel acted independently. The U.S. was not involved.”
Rubio warned Iran not to target U.S. personnel or assets in the region.
President Donald Trump repeated that his administration is still aiming for a diplomatic solution to the Iran nuclear issue, urging Iran to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
U.S. Lawmakers Divided Over Israeli Strikes
- House Speaker Mike Johnson supported Israel, saying it has the right to defend itself.
- Senator Chris Murphy criticized the attack, warning it could trigger a regional war.
- Senator Jack Reed called the strikes a reckless escalation that threatens Middle East stability and American safety.
Background: Rising Tensions Before the Strike
The attack occurred one day after the U.S. evacuated several embassies in the Middle East due to increased security threats. Before the strikes, President Trump admitted,
“It looks like something could very well happen.”
He also acknowledged that Israeli action could jeopardize the ongoing nuclear negotiations.
Disclaimer: This report covers a developing story. Future updates will depend on the unfolding situation in the Middle East.
