Early today, Israel launched a major preemptive strike—codenamed "Operation Rising Lion"—targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, including key sites in Tehran and Natanz. The attack reportedly eliminated senior Iranian military figures, such as IRGC commander Hossein Salami and other high-level officials etnownews.com+15apnews.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15en.wikipedia.org+4en.wikipedia.org+4timesofindia.indiatimes.com+4. In response, Iran’s defense systems, including air defenses, were fully activated and the country has vowed severe retaliation .
Israel has declared a state of emergency, anticipating missile and drone counterstrikes from Iran . Meanwhile, global markets are reacting sharply: oil prices have surged more than 6–12%, and stock futures around the world have retreated amid fears of broader conflict barrons.com. The U.S. has distanced itself from the operation but reaffirmed protection of its personnel in the region welt.de+2barrons.com+2timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2.
This marks the most significant direct military confrontation between Israel and Iran since the Iran‑Iraq War, dramatically escalating tensions in the Middle East
