Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed “severe punishment,” and President Masoud Pezeshkian warned Israel would face serious consequences.
Israel has launched “Operation Rising Lion,” a large-scale military strike on Iran, targeting nuclear facilities and military sites.
The Israeli military confirmed the deaths of top Iranian commanders, including Revolutionary Guard leader Hossein Salami, and several nuclear scientists. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation was necessary to neutralize Iran’s nuclear threat.
Israel’s UN ambassador alleged Iran was plotting a surprise, multi-front attack, though no evidence was provided. In response, Iran fired over 100 drones, most of which were intercepted.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed “severe punishment,” and President Masoud Pezeshkian warned Israel would face serious consequences. Local media in Tehran reported at least 70 deaths and over 300 injuries. The United States, notified ahead of the operation, urged restraint, while Donald Trump stated Iran had “missed the opportunity to make a deal” and that worse could follow. The UK reiterated its concern, calling for a diplomatic solution to prevent further escalation.