Israel launched a massive strike on Iran's nuclear and military sites on Friday, following a warning from US President Donald Trump about a possible regional conflict. Explosions were reported in Tehran. Israel declared a national emergency, expecting immediate missile and drone retaliation from Iran, as confirmed by Defence Minister Israel Katz.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an early morning video statement, confirmed that Israel had attacked Iran’s nucl*ar facilities. He said the aim was to remove an existential threat and stated that the battle would continue for “as many days as it takes.” Netanyahu said Israeli forces had attacked Iran’s “main enrichment facility in Natanz,” its ballistic mis*ile capabilities, and top Iranian nuc*ear scientists.
He stated, “We struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program. We struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear weaponization program. We targeted Iran’s leading nu*lear scientists working on the Iranian bomb. We also struck at the heart of Iran’s ballistic missile program.”
According to Netanyahu, Israel’s targets included nuclear facilities, air defense batteries, homes and headquarters of senior officials, weapons depots, and laboratories. The first wave of the operation also focused on senior Iranian figures. After the attack, Israel’s defense ministry declared a national state of emergency. The public was advised to prepare for possible mis*ile and drone at*acks from Iran.
Netanyahu said, “I told our security leadership: We have no alternative but to act swiftly. We can’t leave these thr*ats for the next generation. If we don’t act now, there won’t be a next generation.” He added, “Together, with God’s help, we will ensure Israel’s eternity.”