Israel Launches Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
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Air raids hit Iran’s capital, escalating Middle East tensions just days before planned nuclear talks.
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Israel carried out a large-scale airstrike targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities and senior military officials early Friday. One of the strikes reportedly killed Hossein Salami, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), marking a major escalation in already tense Middle East relations.
Iranian state media confirmed explosions in Tehran and released footage of smoke rising over the city. The air raids were the first wave of attacks, completed before dawn by dozens of Israeli fighter jets.
Attack planned in advance, says Israeli source
According to an Israeli security official, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz had approved the attack earlier in the week, scheduling it for Friday. Netanyahu stated that the operation would continue “as many days as it takes,” while Katz declared a state of emergency and said retaliation from Iran was likely.
U.S. distances itself from the operation
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the U.S. was not involved in the strikes. However, he warned Iran not to retaliate against American troops in the region.
Two U.S. officials confirmed that President Trump had been briefed by Netanyahu earlier in the week. Soon after, the U.S. started relocating some diplomats and military families from the Middle East as a precaution.
Nuclear talks now in doubt
The attack comes just days before the U.S. and Iran were scheduled to meet for another round of nuclear talks. The discussions had already stalled over Iran’s refusal to halt uranium enrichment. This latest military escalation is likely to delay or derail any progress.
Markets react to rising tensions
The strikes sent global markets into a tailspin. Oil prices jumped, while U.S. stock futures for all three major indexes dropped Thursday night following the news.
This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here