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NDTV
a day ago
- Politics
- NDTV
The Iranian Commanders And Nuclear Scientists Killed In Israeli Strikes
Dubai: Iran said several top commanders and six nuclear scientists were killed in Israeli strikes on Friday targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders to prevent Tehran from developing an atomic weapon. Here is a list of the commanders and scientists who were killed: Hossein Salami: Salami was commander-in-chief of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps, or IRGC. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed Salami, who was born in 1960, as head of the IRGC in 2019. Mohammad Bagheri: A former IRGC commander, Major General Bagheri was chief of staff of Iran's armed forces from 2016. Born in 1960, Bagheri joined the Guards during the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s. Gholamali Rashid: Major General Rashid was head of the IRGC's Khatam al Anbia headquarters. He previously served as deputy chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, and fought for Iran during the 1980s war with Iraq. Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani: Abbasi, a nuclear scientist, served as head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization from 2011 to 2013. A hardliner, Abbasi was a member of parliament from 2020 to 2024. Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi: Tehranchi, a nuclear scientist, was head of Iran's Islamic Azad University in Tehran. Four other scientists killed in Friday's strikes are Abdolhamid Manouchehr, Ahmad Reza Zolfaghari, Amirhossein Feghi and Motalibizadeh. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Israel strikes nuclear facilities, blocks drones
Israel launched large-scale strikes against Iran yesterday, saying it had targeted nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders at the start of a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon. Iran promised a harsh response and Israel said it was working to intercept about 100 drones launched towards Israeli territory in retaliation. But about 8pm (NZ time), Israeli media said an order to citizens to remain near protected areas had been lifted, suggesting that most or all the drones had been neutralised. The price of crude oil leapt on fears of retaliatory attacks on a major oil producing region, but then eased somewhat. An Israeli security source said Israeli Mossad commandos had operated deep inside the Islamic Republic before the attack and the Israeli spy agency and military had led a series of covert operations against Iran's strategic missile array. Israel also established an attack-drone base near Tehran, the source added. The military said it had carried out a large-scale strike against Iran's air defences, destroying "dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers". Iranian media and witnesses reported explosions including at the main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz. Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps said its top commander, Hossein Salami, had been killed and state media reported the unit's headquarters in Tehran had been hit. Several children were killed in a strike on a residential area in the capital, they said. "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." He warned Israelis that they might have to remain in shelters for extended periods. Israel has limited Iran's ability to retaliate by severely weakening its Middle East allies since the war in Gaza erupted in October 2023, assassinating top leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah. Some 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets in Iran, military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. He told an online briefing Israel had been able to confirm that the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards and the commander of Iran's Emergency Command had all been killed in the strikes. Six Iranian nuclear scientists were killed, Iranian state media reported. The International Atomic Energy Agency said there was no increase in radiation levels at the Natanz nuclear site, citing information provided by Iranian authorities. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that Israel had "unleashed its wicked and bloody" hand in a crime against Iran and that it would receive "a bitter fate for itself". Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been called up and "prepared across all borders". In an interview with Fox News after the start of the Israeli air strikes, United States President Donald Trump said that Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and that the US was hoping to get back to the negotiating table. US officials have repeatedly said that any new nuclear deal with Iran — to replace a 2015 accord between Tehran and six world powers from which Trump withdrew — must include a commitment to scrap enrichment, a potential pathway to developing nuclear bombs. The Islamic Republic has repeatedly denied such intentions, saying it wants nuclear energy only for civilian purposes, and has publicly rejected Washington's demand to scrap enrichment as an attack on its national sovereignty. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board of governors yesterday declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in almost 20 years. Iran said in a statement that Israel's "cowardly" attack showed why Iran had to insist on enrichment, nuclear technology and missile power. The Israeli military said it had been forced to act by new intelligence information showing that Iran was "approaching the point of no return" in the development of a nuclear weapon. But a source familiar with US intelligence reports said there had been no recent change in the US assessment that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon and that Khamenei had not authorised a resumption of the nuclear weapons programme that was shut in 2003. Iran's armed forces spokesman said Israel and its chief ally — the US — would pay a "heavy price" for the attack, accusing Washington of providing support for the operation. While the US tried to distance itself from Israel's attack, an Israeli official said Israel had co-ordinated with Washington. World reaction "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history." — Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister "The Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands. That regime should anticipate a severe punishment. By God's grace, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces won't let them go unpunished." — Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader "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. Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel." — Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State "Escalation serves no-one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy." — Sir Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister "This was a unilateral action by Israel. So I think it is crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work as we speak to de-escalate." — Mark Rutte, Nato Secretary-general — Reuters
News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
Iran's Three Most Powerful Men Killed In Israel's Operation Rising Lion: Who Were They?
Last Updated: Among those killed in Israel's Operation Rising Lion were Iran's highest-ranking military officer, the head of Revolutionary Guards Corps, and a former national security chief Israel Defense Minister Katz on Friday afternoon said that most of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) senior air force officials were killed during the IDF strikes. Among those killed in Israel's unprecedented Operation Rising Lion were Iran's highest-ranking military officer Major General Hossein Salami, the head of its elite Revolutionary Guards Corps Mohammad Bagheri, and former national security chief Ali Shamkhani. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the nation's military establishment and could seriously hamper the Islamic Republic's ability to respond to Israel's attacks. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei swiftly appointed new Revolutionary Guards and armed forces chiefs to replace those killed in targeted Israeli strikes on Friday. In separate decrees, Khamenei named Mohammad Pakpour to replace Hossein Salami as commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Abdolrahim Mousavi to replace Mohammad Bagheri as chief of the armed forces general staff. In view of Lt. Gen. Gholamali Rashid's martyrdom at the hands of the vile Zionist regime, and in light of Major General Ali Shadmani's meritorious services & valuable experience, I confer the rank of Major Gen. & appoint him Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya (pbuh) Central HQ. — (@khamenei_ir) June 13, 2025 Born in 1960, according to a US sanctions docket, Salami had headed the secretive and IRGC since 2019. The position saw him helming one of the most powerful tools wielded by the Iranian state, which has been instrumental in crushing dissent at home and projecting Iran's power abroad, the CNN reported. Analysts say the IRGC funds and supports a vast network of militias across the region which it uses to strike at US and other military personnel across the Middle East. The IRGC is also believed to provide materials and support to Yemen's Houthis, enabling the group to strike international shipping in the Red Sea and launch missiles and drones at Israel. Salami was at the helm of the IRGC when Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel in April and October last year, in the first direct strikes by Iran on Israeli territory. In footage released by Iranian state media in January, Salami was seen inspecting what the media said was an underground military facility that had played a role in those attacks. Wearing a green military uniform and short beard, Salami took the salute of soldiers in the cavernous underground complex and walked over the United States and Israel flags on the ground. The site was now manufacturing 'new special missiles," semi-official Iranian media outlet Mehr News reported. Salami was head when IRGC shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet shortly after it took off from Tehran's international airport, killing all 176 people on board. An unnamed IRGC commander of the Tor M1 surface-to-air missile defense system that shot down the plane was sentenced to 13 years in prison, according to Iran's Mehr news outlet. CNN's security analyst Beth Sanner said that removing Salami is akin to taking out the US chairman of the joint chiefs of staff: 'You can imagine what Americans would do," she said. MAJOR GENERAL MOHAMMAD BAGHERI Since 2016, Mohammad Bagheri served as the chief of staff of Iran's armed forces, which IISS estimated could call on more than 500,000 active personnel. The General Staff is 'the most senior military body in Iran, which implements policy and monitors and coordinates activities within the armed forces", according to a US Treasury document laying out sanctions against Bagheri in 2019. Bagheri was sanctioned along with nine others close to Ayatollah Khamenei 'who have for decades oppressed the Iranian people, exported terrorism, and advanced destabilizing policies around the world," the document said. In view of the martyrdom of Lieutenant General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri at the hands of the evil Zionist regime, & in light of Major General Sayyid Abdolrahim Mousavi's meritorious services & valuable experience, I appoint him as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. — (@khamenei_ir) June 13, 2025 Photos published by Iran's Tasnim news outlet showed him allegedly meeting with Iranian troops fighting on the ground alongside government forces in Syria in 2017. In April, Bagheri met Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud in Tehran, in a rare visit by a senior Saudi royal to the Islamic Republic. The next month Reuters reported that during the meeting the Saudi defense minister had delivered a warning to Bagheri: take President Donald Trump's offer to negotiate a nuclear agreement seriously because it presents a way to avoid the risk of war with Israel. ALI SHAMKHANI Ali Shamkhani was a close aide to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and represented Tehran at talks which sealed a landmark agreement to restore diplomatic ties with foe Saudi Arabia. Iranian state TV network IRINN confirmed his death following Israel's unprecedented strikes on Friday. Shamkhani served as the country's top national security official for a decade from 2013, and before that served in a number of important roles, including in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the ministry of defense. He had been a rising star of Iranian diplomacy, well known in foreign-policy circles in Washington and Europe. In view of the martyrdom of Lieutenant General Hossein Salami at the hands of the vile Zionist regime, and in light of Major General Mohammad Pakpour's meritorious services and valuable experience, I appoint him as Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. — (@khamenei_ir) June 13, 2025 Shamkhani represented Iran in China-brokered talks with Saudi officials that led to the two countries agreeing to re-establish diplomatic ties after years of hostility. But he was abruptly replaced in mid-2023, said the CNN. The former national security chief was ambitious, experts say, and had an extensive portfolio. He ran for president in 2001 to held key posts in the IRGC and the defense ministry. Some analysts suggested at the time that Khamenei may have thought him too ambitious. Still, he remained a close aide to the supreme leader, and gave advice as Iran re-entered nuclear talks with the administration of US President Donald Trump. top videos View all In April, days before talks with the US, he warned Tehran could expel UN nuclear inspectors and cease cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) if it feels under threat. With CNN Inputs About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ...Read More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 13, 2025, 15:16 IST News world Iran's Three Most Powerful Men Killed In Israel's Operation Rising Lion: Who Were They?
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Commander killed as Israel hits Iran nuclear facilities
Israel has launched large-scale strikes against Iran, saying it had targeted nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders at the start of a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon. Iran promised a harsh response and Israel said it was working to intercept about 100 drones launched towards Israeli territory in retaliation. Israeli media later on Friday said an order to citizens to remain near protected areas had been lifted, suggesting that most or all the drones had been neutralised. The price of crude oil leapt on fears of retaliatory attacks on a major oil producing region, but then eased back somewhat. An Israeli security source said Israeli Mossad commandos had operated deep inside the Islamic Republic before the attack and the Israeli spy agency and military had led a series of covert operations against Iran's strategic missile array. Israel also established an attack-drone base near Tehran, the source added. The military said it had carried out a large-scale strike against Iran's air defences, destroying "dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers". Iranian media and witnesses reported explosions including at the main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz. Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps said its top commander, Hossein Salami, had been killed and state media reported the unit's headquarters in Tehran had been hit. Several children were killed in a strike on a residential area in the capital, they said. "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." He warned Israelis that they might have to remain in shelter for extended periods. At the same time, Israel has limited Iran's ability to retaliate by severely weakening its Middle East allies since the war in Gaza erupted in October 2023, assassinating top leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah. US President Donald Trump suggested Iran brought the attack on itself by resisting US demands in talks to restrict its nuclear program, urged it to make a deal, "with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal". Washington said it had no part in the operation, however. Early on Friday morning Washington time, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. "I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal," he said. "There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end. Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left..." Some 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets in Iran, military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. He told an online briefing Israel had been able to confirm that the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards and the commander of Iran's Emergency Command had all been killed in the strikes. Six Iranian nuclear scientists were killed, Iranian state media reported. The International Atomic Energy Agency said there was no increase in radiation levels at the Natanz nuclear site, citing information provided by Iranian authorities. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that Israel had "unleashed its wicked and bloody" hand in a crime against Iran and that it would receive "a bitter fate for itself". Airlines quit the airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq and Jordan after the Israeli strikes, Flightradar24 data showed, with carriers diverting or cancel flights. Israeli airlines El Al, Israir and Arkia said they were moving their planes out of Israel and Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport was shut. Dubai-based Emirates cancelled flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Iran as Iran closed its airspace. The United States, which was due to hold the latest round of talks with Iran on restricting its nuclear program on Sunday, said it had had no part in the operation. Israel has launched large-scale strikes against Iran, saying it had targeted nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders at the start of a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon. Iran promised a harsh response and Israel said it was working to intercept about 100 drones launched towards Israeli territory in retaliation. Israeli media later on Friday said an order to citizens to remain near protected areas had been lifted, suggesting that most or all the drones had been neutralised. The price of crude oil leapt on fears of retaliatory attacks on a major oil producing region, but then eased back somewhat. An Israeli security source said Israeli Mossad commandos had operated deep inside the Islamic Republic before the attack and the Israeli spy agency and military had led a series of covert operations against Iran's strategic missile array. Israel also established an attack-drone base near Tehran, the source added. The military said it had carried out a large-scale strike against Iran's air defences, destroying "dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers". Iranian media and witnesses reported explosions including at the main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz. Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps said its top commander, Hossein Salami, had been killed and state media reported the unit's headquarters in Tehran had been hit. Several children were killed in a strike on a residential area in the capital, they said. "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." He warned Israelis that they might have to remain in shelter for extended periods. At the same time, Israel has limited Iran's ability to retaliate by severely weakening its Middle East allies since the war in Gaza erupted in October 2023, assassinating top leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah. US President Donald Trump suggested Iran brought the attack on itself by resisting US demands in talks to restrict its nuclear program, urged it to make a deal, "with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal". Washington said it had no part in the operation, however. Early on Friday morning Washington time, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. "I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal," he said. "There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end. Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left..." Some 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets in Iran, military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. He told an online briefing Israel had been able to confirm that the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards and the commander of Iran's Emergency Command had all been killed in the strikes. Six Iranian nuclear scientists were killed, Iranian state media reported. The International Atomic Energy Agency said there was no increase in radiation levels at the Natanz nuclear site, citing information provided by Iranian authorities. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that Israel had "unleashed its wicked and bloody" hand in a crime against Iran and that it would receive "a bitter fate for itself". Airlines quit the airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq and Jordan after the Israeli strikes, Flightradar24 data showed, with carriers diverting or cancel flights. Israeli airlines El Al, Israir and Arkia said they were moving their planes out of Israel and Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport was shut. Dubai-based Emirates cancelled flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Iran as Iran closed its airspace. The United States, which was due to hold the latest round of talks with Iran on restricting its nuclear program on Sunday, said it had had no part in the operation. Israel has launched large-scale strikes against Iran, saying it had targeted nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders at the start of a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon. Iran promised a harsh response and Israel said it was working to intercept about 100 drones launched towards Israeli territory in retaliation. Israeli media later on Friday said an order to citizens to remain near protected areas had been lifted, suggesting that most or all the drones had been neutralised. The price of crude oil leapt on fears of retaliatory attacks on a major oil producing region, but then eased back somewhat. An Israeli security source said Israeli Mossad commandos had operated deep inside the Islamic Republic before the attack and the Israeli spy agency and military had led a series of covert operations against Iran's strategic missile array. Israel also established an attack-drone base near Tehran, the source added. The military said it had carried out a large-scale strike against Iran's air defences, destroying "dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers". Iranian media and witnesses reported explosions including at the main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz. Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps said its top commander, Hossein Salami, had been killed and state media reported the unit's headquarters in Tehran had been hit. Several children were killed in a strike on a residential area in the capital, they said. "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." He warned Israelis that they might have to remain in shelter for extended periods. At the same time, Israel has limited Iran's ability to retaliate by severely weakening its Middle East allies since the war in Gaza erupted in October 2023, assassinating top leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah. US President Donald Trump suggested Iran brought the attack on itself by resisting US demands in talks to restrict its nuclear program, urged it to make a deal, "with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal". Washington said it had no part in the operation, however. Early on Friday morning Washington time, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. "I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal," he said. "There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end. Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left..." Some 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets in Iran, military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. He told an online briefing Israel had been able to confirm that the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards and the commander of Iran's Emergency Command had all been killed in the strikes. Six Iranian nuclear scientists were killed, Iranian state media reported. The International Atomic Energy Agency said there was no increase in radiation levels at the Natanz nuclear site, citing information provided by Iranian authorities. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that Israel had "unleashed its wicked and bloody" hand in a crime against Iran and that it would receive "a bitter fate for itself". Airlines quit the airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq and Jordan after the Israeli strikes, Flightradar24 data showed, with carriers diverting or cancel flights. Israeli airlines El Al, Israir and Arkia said they were moving their planes out of Israel and Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport was shut. Dubai-based Emirates cancelled flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Iran as Iran closed its airspace. The United States, which was due to hold the latest round of talks with Iran on restricting its nuclear program on Sunday, said it had had no part in the operation. Israel has launched large-scale strikes against Iran, saying it had targeted nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders at the start of a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon. Iran promised a harsh response and Israel said it was working to intercept about 100 drones launched towards Israeli territory in retaliation. Israeli media later on Friday said an order to citizens to remain near protected areas had been lifted, suggesting that most or all the drones had been neutralised. The price of crude oil leapt on fears of retaliatory attacks on a major oil producing region, but then eased back somewhat. An Israeli security source said Israeli Mossad commandos had operated deep inside the Islamic Republic before the attack and the Israeli spy agency and military had led a series of covert operations against Iran's strategic missile array. Israel also established an attack-drone base near Tehran, the source added. The military said it had carried out a large-scale strike against Iran's air defences, destroying "dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers". Iranian media and witnesses reported explosions including at the main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz. Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps said its top commander, Hossein Salami, had been killed and state media reported the unit's headquarters in Tehran had been hit. Several children were killed in a strike on a residential area in the capital, they said. "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." He warned Israelis that they might have to remain in shelter for extended periods. At the same time, Israel has limited Iran's ability to retaliate by severely weakening its Middle East allies since the war in Gaza erupted in October 2023, assassinating top leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah. US President Donald Trump suggested Iran brought the attack on itself by resisting US demands in talks to restrict its nuclear program, urged it to make a deal, "with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal". Washington said it had no part in the operation, however. Early on Friday morning Washington time, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. "I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal," he said. "There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end. Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left..." Some 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets in Iran, military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. He told an online briefing Israel had been able to confirm that the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards and the commander of Iran's Emergency Command had all been killed in the strikes. Six Iranian nuclear scientists were killed, Iranian state media reported. The International Atomic Energy Agency said there was no increase in radiation levels at the Natanz nuclear site, citing information provided by Iranian authorities. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that Israel had "unleashed its wicked and bloody" hand in a crime against Iran and that it would receive "a bitter fate for itself". Airlines quit the airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq and Jordan after the Israeli strikes, Flightradar24 data showed, with carriers diverting or cancel flights. Israeli airlines El Al, Israir and Arkia said they were moving their planes out of Israel and Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport was shut. Dubai-based Emirates cancelled flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Iran as Iran closed its airspace. The United States, which was due to hold the latest round of talks with Iran on restricting its nuclear program on Sunday, said it had had no part in the operation.
Asia Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Asia Times
Why Israel struck Iran in defiance of Trump
Alarmed by an intelligence assessment that Iran will be able to produce nuclear weapons within months if not weeks, Israel has launched a massive air campaign aiming to destroy the country's nuclear program. Israel's air strikes hit Iran's main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz, as well as its air defences and long-range missile facilities. Among the dead are Hossein Salami, the chief of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards Corps; Mohammad Bagheri, the commander-in-chief of the military; and two prominent nuclear scientists. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has promised 'severe punishment' in response. Iran could potentially target Israel's own nuclear sites and US bases across the Persian Gulf. Israel claimed Iran launched 100 drones towards it just hours after the attack. The Middle East is yet again on the precipice of a potentially devastating war with serious regional and global implications. The Israeli operations come against the backdrop of a series of inconclusive nuclear talks between the United States and Iran. These negotiations began in mid-April at President Donald Trump's request and aimed to reach a deal within months. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed the talks, pressing for military action instead as the best option to halt Iran's nuclear program. The diplomatic efforts had stalled in recent weeks over Trump's demand that Iran agree to a zero-uranium enrichment posture and destroy its stockpile of some 400 kilograms of enriched uranium at a 60% purity level. This could be rapidly enriched further to weapons-grade level. Tehran refused to oblige, calling it a 'non-negotiable.' Netanyahu has long pledged to eliminate what he has called the Iranian 'octopus' – the regime's vast network of regional affiliates, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the regime of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, and the Houthi militants in Yemen. Following Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Israel's military has considerably degraded these Iranian affiliates, one by one. Now, Netanyahu has gone for beheading the octopus. Netanyahu has in the past urged Washington to join him in a military operation against Iran. However, successive US leaders have not found it desirable to ignite or be involved in another Middle East war, especially after the debacle in Iraq and its failed Afghanistan intervention. Despite his strong commitment to Israel's security and regional supremacy, Trump has been keen to follow this US posture for two important reasons. He has not forgotten Netanyahu's warm congratulations to Joe Biden when he defeated Trump in the 2020 US presidential election. Nor has Trump been keen to be too closely aligned with Netanyahu at the expense of his lucrative relations with oil-rich Arab states. He recently visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on a trip to the Middle East, while bypassing Israel. Indeed, this week, Trump had warned Netanyahu not to do anything that could undermine the US nuclear talks with Iran. He has been keen to secure a deal to boost his self-declared reputation as a peace broker, despite not having done very well so far on this front. But as the nuclear talks seemed to be reaching a dead end, Netanyahu decided now was the moment to act. The Trump administration has distanced itself from the attack, saying it had no involvement. It remains to be seen whether the US will now get involved to defend Israel if and when Iran retaliates. Israel has shown it has the capacity to unleash overwhelming firepower, causing serious damage to Iran's nuclear and military facilities and infrastructure. But the Iranian Islamic regime also has the capability to retaliate, with all the means at its disposal. Despite the fact the Iranian leadership faces serious domestic issues on political, social and economic fronts, it still has the ability to target Israeli and US assets in the region with advanced missiles and drones. It also has the capability to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20–25% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments flow. Importantly, Iran has strategic partnerships with both Russia and China, as well. Depending on the nature and scope of the Iranian response, the current conflict could easily develop into an uncontrollable regional war, with none of the parties emerging as victor. A major conflict could not only further destabilize what is already a volatile Middle East, but also upend the fragile global geopolitical and economic landscape. The Middle East cannot afford another war. Trump had good reasons to restrain Netanyahu's government while the nuclear negotiations were taking place to see if he could hammer out a deal. Whether this deal can be salvaged amid the chaos is unclear. The next round of negotiations was due to be held on Sunday in Oman, but Iran said it would not attend and all talks were off until further notice. Iran and the US, under Barack Obama, had agreed a nuclear deal before – the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Although Netanyahu branded it 'the worst deal of the century', it appeared to be holding until Trump, urged by Netanyahu, unilaterally withdrew from it in 2018. Now, Netanyahu has taken the military approach to thwart Iran's nuclear program. And the region – and rest of the world – will have to wait and see if another war can be averted before it's too late. Amin Saikal is emeritus professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University, and Vice Chancellor's strategic fellow, Victoria University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
