Israel Strikes Deep into Iran, Targeting Top Military Leadership
In a significant escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion early Friday, striking critical Iranian military and nuclear sites. This precision offensive aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and weakening its military command has left a deep mark on Tehran’s leadership.
Impact at Natanz and Nationwide
Explosions rocked Natanz, Iran's main uranium enrichment facility, as part of the initial wave of attacks. Multiple Iranian military installations and nuclear sites across the country were targeted, signaling Israel’s strategic intent to disrupt Iran’s nuclear program and command infrastructure simultaneously.
Military Mobilization and Emergency Measures in Israel
Anticipating retaliatory action, Israel promptly declared a state of emergency and mobilized its armed forces. The regional tension soared as countries including Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel experienced crucial airspace closures, forcing airlines to reroute flights to avoid conflict zones.
Key Iranian Figures Lost in the Strikes
- General Hossein Salami: The commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) since 2019, and a central figure in Iran’s military hierarchy, was killed when the IRGC headquarters in Tehran was struck. His loss marks a major blow to Iran’s elite military force.
- Major General Mohammad Bagheri: Serving as the chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces and one of the top military commanders beneath the Supreme Leader, Bagheri was among those killed.
- General Gholam Ali Rashid: Head of the Khatam al-Anbiya state headquarters, Rashid’s death further destabilizes Iran’s command structure.
- Ali Shamkhani: A senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader and former IRGC commander, Shamkhani sustained critical injuries in the operation.
Nuclear Scientists Targeted
The operation also dealt a severe setback to Iran’s nuclear program by killing six prominent nuclear scientists:
- Abdolhamid Minouchehr
- Ahmadreza Zolfaghari
- Amirhossein Feqhi
- Motalleblizadeh
- Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi
- Fereydoun Abbasi
The loss of these figures is expected to delay Iranian nuclear advancements significantly.
International Repercussions and Strong Rhetoric
In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader condemned the strikes as 2 wicked and bloody crimes, warning of severe consequences to follow. The dramatic offensive has drawn intense international attention amid concerns over an escalating military confrontation in an already volatile region.
