Tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically on Thursday following a heavy Israeli air offensive aimed at strategic nuclear and military assets inside Iran.
Israeli officials confirmed that the offensive involved hundreds of air sorties targeting what they described as core elements of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and senior leadership within its armed forces.
Among the high-ranking figures feared dead is Major General Hossein Salami, head of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard, along with other top commanders and several nuclear scientists said to be instrumental in Iran’s atomic programme.
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The Israeli Defence Forces announced that over 200 fighter aircraft participated in what it called a multi-phased campaign, striking more than 100 strategic positions.
According to military spokesperson Effie Defrin, the operation is ongoing and “executed with precision across a broad range of military and nuclear-linked installations.”
As news of the strike spread, Iran responded with a swift counteroffensive.
State media reported the launch of over 100 unmanned aerial vehicles targeting locations within Israeli territory.
“Our air defence networks are actively engaged in intercepting the incoming threats,” Defrin said during a televised briefing.
In a strongly worded statement on X, Iran’s military declared, “This is not a symbolic response nor a display of strength. Our retaliation will be decisive and deadly.”
Despite the growing international concern, the United States has distanced itself from the conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement saying, “The United States was neither involved in nor consulted on the Israeli operation.”
Prior to the offensive, President Donald Trump had told reporters that diplomatic talks with Iran concerning a possible nuclear accord were still underway.
According to CNN, the Israeli operation began while the US president was in the middle of a high-level cabinet meeting on the subject.
As the crisis unfolds, fears of a broader regional conflict continue to rise, with world powers urging restraint on both sides.
Thursday’s confrontation marks one of the most serious escalations between Iran and Israel in recent years, though it stems from a long and fraught history defined by deep mistrust, proxy wars, and divergent strategic ambitions.
Iran’s nuclear programme has long been a flashpoint in the region.
While Tehran insists its efforts are strictly for peaceful energy development, Israel and its Western allies have consistently alleged that Iran is working toward weaponisation.
Thursday’s confrontation marks one of the most serious escalations between Iran and Israel in recent years, though it stems from a long and fraught history defined by deep mistrust, proxy wars, and divergent strategic ambitions.
Iran’s nuclear programme has long been a flashpoint in the region.
While Tehran insists its efforts are strictly for peaceful energy development, Israel and its Western allies have consistently alleged that Iran is working toward weaponisation.
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