Israel launched a sweeping military operation—Operation Rising Lion—on Friday, striking over 100 Iranian military and nuclear targets, including uranium enrichment facilities at Natanz and Fordo, missile production sites, and residences of senior IRGC commanders. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the assault would continue “for as many days as it takes.”
Iran Responds with Threats and Drone Offensive
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the strikes as “satanic, blood-stained,” and pledged that “the gates of hell will open.” State news agencies reported that more than 100 Shahed drones were launched toward Israel, triggering regional airspace closures. Government officials described the operation as a “declaration of war.”
U.S. Signals Support but Cautions Iran
President Trump convened the National Security Council and asserted the U.S. had been notified in advance but did not participate. He urged Iran to negotiate a nuclear agreement, warning that “more brutal” strikes may follow if diplomacy fails. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that the U.S. was not directly involved and urged Iran not to target American interests in the region.
Global Appeal for Restraint
- United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres condemned the escalation and called for maximum restraint, especially with nuclear facilities under strike
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron, and Germany’s Friedrich Merz jointly appealed for de-escalation to prevent broader conflict
- Australia’s Penny Wong and New Zealand’s Christopher Luxon described the escalation as “alarming” and urged diplomacy
aljazeera.com - Japan Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya called the military actions “deeply regrettable” amid concurrent nuclear negotiations
- Russia denounced the operation as “unprovoked and unacceptable,” cautioning that it may destabilize the region
Regional Players Voice Concern
- Hezbollah said it would coordinate with Iran but avoids acting unilaterally
- Hamas labelled the strikes “brutal aggression” and encouraged unified resistance across the region
- Jordan closed its airspace, affirming it won’t become a battleground
Market and Security Fallout
Brent crude prices surged 7–8%, and U.S. equity futures fell due to concerns over oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz. Safeguarding of regional flights and embassy protocols are also underway.
Diplomatic Channels Stall
The planned sixth round of U.S.–Iran nuclear talks in Oman has been suspended indefinitely after Iran withdrew in protest. Meanwhile, the IAEA confirmed no radiation leaks at Iran’s key nuclear facilities, though it warned of long-term proliferation risks if the conflict escalates.
Thousands of residents of Tehran and other Iranian cities have taken to the streets. People oppose Israeli actions and demand retaliation against Israeli strikes
