Massive escalation kills top generals and nuclear scientists as fears of wider war spread across region
Israel and Iran entered a dangerous new phase of conflict early Friday, as Israel launched its largest-ever coordinated airstrike on Iranian soil, targeting nuclear enrichment facilities, military bases, and high-ranking personnel. In response, Iran fired missiles and launched drone attacks in retaliation, igniting fears of a broader regional war.
Israel’s Largest Assault Yet
Israeli fighter jets bombarded Iran’s Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities, as well as underground missile bases and military sites across Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the operation a “last resort” to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions, describing the situation as a fight for survival.
> “If Iran has a nuclear weapon, we simply won’t exist here,” Netanyahu said in a televised statement.
Israel’s military confirmed that the Natanz enrichment plant suffered “significant damage,” while footage showed massive flames and smoke. The strike marked the first time Israel publicly attacked these nuclear sites.
Iran Responds With Missiles, Drones.
Iran retaliated swiftly, firing nearly 100 missiles and drones toward Israeli territory. Though most were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome and aided by U.S. defense systems, several missiles hit buildings in Tel Aviv and surrounding areas, injuring at least 40 civilians.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed the attacks were “precise” and had targeted military and defense infrastructure.
Major Iranian Military Leaders Killed
In a devastating blow to Iran’s military command, at least four top generals were confirmed dead, including:
Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff
Gen. Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC
Gen. Ismail Ghaani, head of the Quds Force
Ali Shamkhani, nuclear negotiator and influential politician
Two prominent nuclear scientists, Mohammad Mehdi Tehranji and Fereydoun Abbasi, were also reportedly killed.
Global Reaction: Warnings and Support, Condemnation and Caution.
UK PM Keir Starmer: “Escalation serves no one in the region.”
EU Diplomat Kaja Kallas: Called the crisis “dangerous.”
Egypt warned the Israeli attack was a “threat to regional peace.”
Support for Israel.
● President Macron (France) backed Israel’s right to self-defense
● Chancellor Merz (Germany) blamed Iran for refusing to comply with nuclear limits.
● President Trump (USA), while previously advising against the strikes, warned Iran: “Make a deal before there is nothing left.”
● Meanwhile, Russia’s Vladimir Putin condemned the Israeli strike and offered to mediate — even as Moscow continues its assault on Ukraine.
Nuclear Talks Collapse
Plans for nuclear negotiations in Oman on Sunday were scrapped after Iran withdrew from talks. The meeting would have been the sixth round of efforts to revive a nuclear agreement with the West.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, confirmed that Israel’s attack caused “chemical and radiological contamination” at Natanz, though he deemed it “manageable.”
What’s Next?
With both sides showing no signs of backing down, and military leaders on each end promising continued strikes, the Middle East could be on the brink of a full-scale war.
The United States has begun repositioning military assets to the Eastern Mediterranean, not for offensive action, but to protect Israel and U.S. interests in the region.
As the world watches and diplomacy falters, the path ahead is uncertain — and increasingly dangerous.
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