An Israeli military spokesperson, speaking at a briefing, confirmed that Israel’s air force has launched “dozens” of strikes inside Iran—specifically targeting what they describe as Tehran’s clandestine nuclear-weapons program and key enrichment sites.
Shortly thereafter, residents in northeastern Tehran reported hearing a series of loud explosions. Iranian state television went further, claiming that one of the strikes hit the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters in the city, and even alleging the death of IRGC Commander Hossein Salami. (The IRGC, of course, is one of Iran’s most powerful military and political institutions.)
Iran has responded to Israel Strikes
By mid-morning, Iran’s state media announced that all departures and arrivals at Imam Khomeini International Airport had been halted. On state television, Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi—spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces—warned that both Israel and the United States would pay a “heavy price” for these attacks.
Meanwhile, air-raid sirens wailed across Israel in the predawn hours—not signaling an incoming strike, but serving as a precautionary alert, according to another Israeli official NPR spoke with. In response to the unfolding crisis, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a “special state of emergency” nationwide and cautioned citizens to brace for possible missile and drone counterstrikes.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video statement announcing Operation “Rising Lion.” He described it as a direct assault “at the heart of Iran’s nuclear-enrichment program,” promising that it would “continue for as many days as it takes.” Netanyahu added: “It’s clear Iran is just buying time—refusing the basic requirement of peaceful nations. That’s why we have no choice but to act, and act now.”
Markets Responded to Surprise Strikes
Global markets reacted sharply: oil prices spiked by nearly 12 percent, while U.S. stock futures slumped. In Washington, Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to draw a line under America’s involvement, stating that U.S. forces played no part in the strikes. “Israel informed us they deemed this action necessary for self-defense,” Rubio said. “President Trump and the Administration have taken every step to safeguard our personnel, and we remain in close contact with regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran must not target U.S. interests or personnel.”
This escalation came just hours after President Trump himself hinted that military action against Iran was on the table if diplomacy failed. “It’s very simple,” Trump said. “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Beyond that, I want them to succeed—I want them to be tremendous. We’ll help them succeed. But if talks break down, we must be ready to act.” His Middle East envoy, Steven Witkoff, was scheduled to meet Iranian negotiators in Oman on Sunday in a last-ditch effort to revive the nuclear discussions.
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