Israel strikes Iran's capital, targets nuclear sites; top Iranian commander feared dead
JERUSALEM — Explosions rocked Tehran early Friday as Israel launched a large-scale attack targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities, with reports indicating that several senior figures, including the commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, may have been killed.
Iranian state television said Gen. Hossein Salami, head of the powerful Revolutionary Guard, is feared dead in the strike.
It also reported the deaths of another senior Guard official and two nuclear scientists. The Guard's headquarters in Tehran was reportedly set ablaze.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the offensive, saying the operation aims to neutralize Iran's nuclear ambitions and its ballistic missile arsenal.
'The attacks will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat,' Netanyahu said in a video address.
Explosions were heard across multiple areas of the Iranian capital, including Chitgar in western Tehran. While no nuclear sites are known to be located there, smoke was seen rising from the area.The full scope of damage across the country remains unclear.The attack follows a major development on Thursday, when the International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors censured Iran for failing to cooperate with inspectors — the first such move in two decades.In response, Iran vowed to expand its nuclear program by building a third enrichment facility and upgrading to advanced centrifuges.Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the military had carried out the strike.He warned of potential retaliation: 'Missile and drone attacks against Israel and its civilian population are expected immediately.'Katz also signed a special order declaring an emergency on the home front, urging civilians to follow safety instructions.Both Iran and Israel have since closed their airspace.U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Israel acted unilaterally and that the United States had no role in the operation.'We are not involved in strikes against Iran,' Rubio said, adding that the U.S. is focused on protecting its personnel in the region.He also warned Iran not to target American interests.Benchmark Brent crude prices surged nearly 5% following the strikes, reflecting market fears of broader conflict.The Israeli military declined to identify specific targets but confirmed nuclear and military sites were hit.The operation's duration and next targets remain undisclosed.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, seen on the White House lawn with members of Congress as the strikes began, reportedly continued his public appearance despite the unfolding crisis.
Earlier, Trump said he had urged Netanyahu to delay any action while Washington pursued diplomatic negotiations with Tehran. — Agencies
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