Israel strikes Iran amid nuclear tensions: Operation is called 'Rising Lion' - What we know so far
Israel launched a military operation against Iran late Thursday, with explosions reported across Tehran, the Iranian capital.
The strikes mark a major escalation between the two rival nations, long locked in a shadow conflict over Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Iran's state-run news agency confirmed the blasts.
Here's what we know so far:
Israel's defence minister described the assault as a series of "
preemptive strikes
." Codenamed as 'Rising Lion'.
According to a statement from
IDF spokesperson
Brigadier General Effie Defrin, the Israeli military targeted Iranian military and nuclear sites in what is being described as a broad and coordinated offensive.
"This operation will continue as long as necessary, until we complete the mission," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement, adding that the strikes are aimed at Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missile capabilities, and broader military infrastructure.
In response to the attacks, Iran's Tasnim news agency reported that flights were suspended at Tehran's
Imam Khomeini International Airport
. While the airport itself has not been directly hit, air traffic has been halted as a precaution.
Israel has for years warned it would take direct military action if Iran's nuclear program crossed red lines.
International watchdogs say Iran continues to enrich uranium close to weapons-grade levels, raising alarm in Israel and among its allies.
The strikes come as the Trump administration has been engaged in diplomatic efforts to reach a new agreement with Iran to curb its nuclear activities. US envoy Steve Witkoff has held five rounds of talks with Iranian officials in recent months. However, there are no signs that the US participated in the Israeli operation.
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