By Sabiu Abdullahi
Israel’s military has confirmed it carried out strikes on nuclear sites in Iran, targeting the country’s nuclear program.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” reportedly killed several senior Iranian military figures and nuclear scientists, including Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri, overall commander of the Iranian army and the IRGC.
According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the strikes were aimed at thwarting Iran’s nuclear program, which Israel believes poses an existential threat.
“If not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The attack has sparked a significant escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran. Iran’s foreign ministry has condemned the attack, calling on countries worldwide to denounce Israel’s actions.
“The attack exposes global security to unprecedented threat,” the ministry said, adding that the US will be held responsible for the consequences.
The US has strongly denied any involvement in the attack. US President Donald Trump said he was aware of Israel’s plans beforehand but emphasized that the US played no part.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb,” Trump said, expressing hope for renewed negotiations.
Global oil prices have surged over 10% following the news, amid concerns that the conflict could disrupt energy supplies. The UN chief has condemned the strikes, calling for maximum restraint to avoid deeper conflict.
Individuals confirmed dead include Hossein Salami, Commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; Gholamali Rashid, Commander of Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters; Fereydoon Abbasi, Nuclear scientist and former head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization; Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, Nuclear scientist involved in Iran’s nuclear weapons program; Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s armed forces.
Israel has declared a state of emergency, anticipating counter-attacks from Iran. The situation remains volatile, with uncertainty surrounding potential retaliatory actions.