Israel launched a large-scale airstrike on Iran early Friday morning, targeting key nuclear facilities, missile sites, and senior military leaders in what Israeli officials are calling Operation Rising Lion. The coordinated assault involved dozens of Israeli aircraft and hit multiple locations in Iran, including Tehran, Isfahan, and Arak.

*Key Targets:*

- *Nuclear Facilities*: Israel struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment program and nuclear weaponization program, targeting the main enrichment facility in Natanz.

- *Military Sites*: Dozens of military sites were hit, including command centers, air defense systems, and sites tied to Iran's long-range missile programs.

- *Senior Military Leaders*: Two top Iranian military leaders were killed in the airstrikes, including Brig. Gen. Mohamed Bagheri, the commander-in-chief of Iran's military, and Commander Hossein Salami of the Revolutionary Guards.

*Current Situation:*

- *Iran's Response*: Iran has not yet responded militarily, but drone and missile retaliation is considered highly likely in the coming hours or days.

- *Israeli Preparations*: Israel has declared a state of emergency nationwide, urging civilians to head to bomb shelters.

- *Global Reaction*: The United States has started evacuating its personnel and has declared that it will not directly intervene.

*Possible Next Steps:*

- *Iran's Retaliation*: Iran may respond with missiles or drones, potentially escalating the conflict.

- *Regional Escalation*: Allied groups such as Hezbollah or Houthis may get involved, further complicating the situation.

- *Global Response*: Countries like the USA, European nations, and Arab states will likely respond diplomatically or militarily, potentially influencing the conflict's trajectory.

- *Negotiations or Mediation*: There might be attempts for peace, or the conflict may further escalate, depending on the responses of the involved parties ¹ ².