Iran launched a massive retaliatory missile and drone attack on Israel late Friday into Saturday morning after Israeli forces targeted its nuclear facilities and killed top military generals. At least 78 people were killed in Iran, while 3 Israelis died in counterstrikes. The conflict has cast doubt over nuclear negotiations and raised fears of a full-blown regional war.
🇮🇷 Israel Attacks Nuclear Facilities; Iran Retaliates
Iran’s military struck back hard after Israel launched a surprise air and drone assault targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and senior military commanders. Explosions were reported across Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other cities as waves of Iranian missiles and drones lit up the skies.
According to Iran’s UN ambassador, 78 people were killed and over 320 injured in the initial Israeli strikes — one of the most significant direct attacks between the two nations in history.
In response, Iran launched dozens of ballistic missiles and drones, killing three civilians in Israel and injuring more than 30. Homes in Rishon Lezion and Tel Aviv were destroyed, and critical infrastructure was impacted.
🧪 Natanz, Fordo, Isfahan Struck in Israeli Offensive
Israel targeted three key nuclear sites — Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan. UN nuclear watchdog IAEA confirmed that the above-ground portion of the Natanz facility was destroyed, although underground centrifuge halls might have survived.
Black smoke rose over Natanz, Iran’s main uranium enrichment site. Israeli intelligence had reportedly smuggled in explosive drones and jammed Iran’s air defences in advance through a covert Mossad operation.
🗣️ “Israel has gained significant freedom of movement in Iranian skies,” said a senior Israeli official.
🧨 Iranian Missiles Hit Residential Areas in Central Israel
The retaliatory Iranian missile strikes were powerful and direct. In Ramat Gan, a missile tore through a residential area. In Rishon Lezion, two people died instantly when a missile hit a home. Emergency crews rescued others trapped under debris.
Beilinson Hospital in Tel Aviv confirmed one more death and several light injuries. Explosions echoed across Israeli cities throughout the night.
🗣️ Khamenei: “We Will Not Let Them Escape”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared the Israeli assault a “great crime” and promised continued retaliation.
📺 “We will not allow them to escape safely from this great crime,” Khamenei said in a nationally televised address.
In Tehran, air-raid sirens blared as residents took shelter. Iran’s Mehrabad International Airport caught fire, and Iranian air defence systems activated across central regions.
🔥 Top Iranian Military Officials Killed
Among the dead in Israel’s attack were:
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Gen. Mohammad Bagheri – Chief of Iran’s Armed Forces
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Gen. Hossein Salami – Commander of the IRGC
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Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh – Head of Iran’s Ballistic Missile Program
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Two deputy generals: Gen. Gholamreza Mehrabi and Gen. Mehdi Rabbani
This decapitation strike is seen as one of Israel’s boldest military actions in decades.
⚠️ Nuclear Talks Collapsing
Just days before planned negotiations in Oman, Iran’s Foreign Ministry declared upcoming nuclear talks with the U.S. as “meaningless.”
🗨️ “The U.S. made the talks meaningless by greenlighting Israel’s criminal act,” said spokesperson Esmail Baghaei.
Though not officially cancelled, diplomacy appears to be on life support.
✈️ Air Travel Disrupted, Then Resumes
As a precaution, Jordan and Lebanon closed their airspace, halting flights across the region. However, by Saturday morning, both countries reopened skies, indicating a temporary easing of immediate threat levels.
🔮 What’s Next? Regional War or Ceasefire?
With both sides vowing further action, international observers fear a new Middle East war could erupt if strikes continue.
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Netanyahu stated the operation could last “up to two weeks.”
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The U.S. has provided air defence support but called for restraint.
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Global leaders are urging immediate de-escalation.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Truth Social:
💬 “Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left.”
