#TrumpTariffs
Israel launched airstrikes at dawn on Friday targeting sites inside Iran, in a serious escalation of the crisis related to Tehran's nuclear program.
Iranian television confirmed that the attack targeted nuclear facilities and resulted in the deaths of several prominent figures, including the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mahdi Tehranji, in addition to General Gholam Ali Rashid, deputy commander of the Iranian army.
Local media reported hearing explosions in the capital Tehran and the cities of Qom and Tabriz, while the Israeli Airports Authority announced the closure of Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv in anticipation of any potential retaliation.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel declared a state of emergency after carrying out a "preemptive strike" against Iran, expecting an imminent retaliatory attack using drones and missiles.
The strike comes at a critical time ahead of a new round of anticipated nuclear talks between the United States and Iran in Oman, amid rising doubts about the possibility of reaching an agreement, especially after U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks, in which he downplayed the chances of success in diplomatic efforts.
Coinciding with the strike, oil prices in global markets rose, with Brent crude surging by 8% to break the $75 per barrel mark.
