Israel launched a wave of airstrikes against Iran early Friday morning, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. Approximately 20 explosions were reported in and around Tehran, with confirmed targets including Imam Khomeini International Airport and the Mehrabad Air Base.
Residential complexes believed to be housing members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were also struck. According to Israeli Army Radio, one of the key targets was a neighborhood hosting senior IRGC officials. Among those named was General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, whom Israeli media claim was specifically targeted.
The Israeli military has dubbed the operation "Operation Lion Force." In an official statement, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the campaign aims to degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities and long-range missile infrastructure. The IDF claimed that dozens of military sites across Iran were hit in the initial wave of attacks.
Though at the moment, there has been no confirmation of any strike on any Iranian nuclear strike, or any strike outside of Tehran itself.
Both Israel and Iran declared states of emergency and temporarily closed their respective airspaces to civilian flights.
Late Thursday evening in Washington D.C., U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly convened an emergency meeting in the White House Situation Room. Hours earlier, Trump had posted on his Truth Social platform that his administration remained committed to diplomacy with Tehran, writing:
“We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue! My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Following the airstrikes, the Trump administration swiftly issued a statement distancing itself from the operation. With Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that Israel took a "unilateral action against Iran. We have no part in the strikes against Iran".
Despite this, Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the strikes may have been carried out in coordination with the United States—though no official confirmation has been provided.
Initial coverage from Israeli media suggests that the air campaign could evolve into a prolonged military operation expected to last several weeks.