Israel launches 'Rising Lion' air strikes on Iran nuclear sites as smoke rises over Tehran
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Dramatic scenes unfolded over Tehran as multiple smoke plumes were spotted at around 3.30am local time, with the Israeli military describing the incident as a "preemptive, precise, combined offensive" that targeted dozens of sites across Iran.
A U.S. official assured CNN that America played no role in the Israeli strikes, which are expected to continue for several days according to Israel's announcement.
In a seven-minute television address delivered shortly after sirens roused the nation early on Friday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared: "This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat. For decades the tyrants of Tehran have brazenly, openly called for Israel's destruction."
Netanyahu continued with a stark warning, stating, "They have backed up their genocidal rhetoric with a program to develop nuclear weapons. In recent years Iran has produced enough highly enriched uranium for nine atom bombs."
He further highlighted Iran's alarming actions, saying, "In recent months Iran has taken steps it has never taken before, steps to weaponise this enriched uranium.", reports the Daily Record.
The Prime Minister concluded with a grave message about the urgency of the situation: "If not stopped Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time."
He emphasised, "This is a clear and present danger to Israel's very survival."
Netanyahu drew a historical parallel, asserting, "This is a clear and present danger to Israel's very survival. 80 years ago the Jewish people were the victims of a holocaust perpetrated by the Nazi regime. Today, the Jewish state refuses to be a victim of a nuclear holocaust, perpetrated by the Iranian regime."
Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has declared a nationwide state of emergency following the IDF missile attack.
"Following the State of Israel's pre-emptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future", stated Katz.
Reports from local sources suggest that dozens of targets across Iran linked to its nuclear programme were hit, along with other military facilities. The operation is reportedly named "Strength of a Lion."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed in a statement posted on X that Israel acted alone, without US assistance.
(Image: AP)
"Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.
"Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defence. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners.
"Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel."
Following the attack, Israel has sounded alarms across the country as a pre-emptive warning to citizens of a potential retaliatory strike from Iran.
Iran's state-run Nour News has confirmed that explosions have been seen in Tehran and flights to and from Iran's capital have been suspended.
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