Tehran, the Iranian capital city came under Israeli attacks early Friday, with multiple explosions reported. Israel claims the strikes targeted nuclear and military facilities across Iran according to various news sources.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the operation focused on Iran’s main uranium enrichment facility, its ballistic missile program, as well as key nuclear scientists and officials.
A major casualty appears to be General Hossein Salami, a former head of Iran’s 45-year-old paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, according to Iranian state television.
Israeli military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Deffrin said approximately 200 Israeli fighter jets participated in the operation, striking nearly 100 targets. He added that the attacks were ongoing.
The assault follows Iran’s announcement that it would establish a third uranium enrichment site and upgrade its centrifuges to more advanced models, after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declined further cooperation with Iranian inspectors.
The IAEA confirmed that Iran’s nuclear site at Isfahan and the Bushehr nuclear power plant on the Persian Gulf coast “have not been targeted.”
International reactions have poured in:
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio referred to Israel’s action as “unilateral,” warning Iran not to retaliate against American forces.
The United Arab Emirates condemned the strikes “in the strongest terms.”
China advised its citizens in Iran to avoid crowds and sensitive areas.
Jordan’s military placed all units on high alert, with a military official stating that forces were “closely monitoring developments.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs called on both Israel and Iran to “avoid any escalatory steps,” citing close and friendly ties with both nations.
Turkey condemned Israel’s actions as “barbaric” and described the assault as unjustified aggression.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the attack was not only against Iran but also an assault on international efforts to preserve stability in the Middle East.
Oman issued a formal condemnation of the Israeli strikes.
Saudi Arabia also criticized Israel, despite longstanding tensions with Iran. The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said the attacks were a “clear violation of international laws and norms.”
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the “military escalation” by Israel. Through his spokesperson Farhan Haq, Guterres expressed concern over the timing, as talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran’s nuclear program were still ongoing.
“The Secretary-General urges both sides to exercise maximum restraint, and to avoid at all costs a descent into deeper conflict—a scenario the region can scarcely afford,” Haq stated late Thursday.
