Escalating Tensions: Iran Strikes Back at Israel Amid Nuclear Concerns

Iran's Retaliation Against Israel

Dubai: In a dramatic escalation, Iran executed missile strikes on Israel early Saturday, resulting in at least two fatalities and numerous injuries. This retaliation followed a series of aggressive Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure and military leaders.

Israeli forces employed warplanes and drones, which had been covertly introduced into the region, to strike critical sites, resulting in the deaths of high-ranking generals and scientists.

Israel justified its actions by claiming the need to prevent Iran from advancing towards nuclear weapon capabilities, despite assessments from experts and the U.S. indicating that Tehran was not actively pursuing such a program prior to the attacks. This military action has disrupted ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran regarding a nuclear agreement, just days before scheduled talks.

In response, Iran launched drones and a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel, causing explosions that illuminated the night sky over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, prompting the Israeli military to advise civilians to seek shelter amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Iranian Missile Attacks on Israel

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declared in a recorded message, "We will not allow them to escape safely from this great crime they committed." Iran's UN ambassador reported that Israeli strikes resulted in 78 deaths and over 320 injuries.

The Iranian missile attacks began late Friday and continued into Saturday. A hospital in Tel Aviv treated seven individuals injured during the second wave of strikes, with most suffering minor injuries. Reports indicated that a projectile hit a building in the city.

Later, an Iranian missile struck near residential areas in Rishon Lezion, leading to two deaths and 19 injuries, as confirmed by Israel's Magen David Adom paramedic service. Four homes sustained significant damage.

In Tehran, the sounds of explosions and air defense systems engaging targets were reported shortly after midnight. An Associated Press journalist noted hearing air raid sirens in the vicinity.

Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported a fire at Mehrabad International Airport, sharing a video showing smoke and flames rising from the site.

Israeli paramedic services reported 34 injuries in the Tel Aviv area, including a critically injured woman trapped under debris. In Ramat Gan, east of Tel Aviv, an AP journalist observed burned vehicles and several damaged homes.

U.S. ground-based air defense systems in the region were reportedly involved in intercepting Iranian missiles, according to an anonymous U.S. official.

Concerns of Escalation into All-Out War

The ongoing Israeli airstrikes and Iran's retaliatory actions have heightened fears of a full-scale war between the two nations, further destabilizing an already tense region.

Regional countries condemned Israel's actions, while global leaders called for immediate de-escalation from both parties.

Israel had long threatened such military action, and successive U.S. administrations had sought to avert it, fearing it could trigger a broader conflict across the Middle East and potentially fail to dismantle Iran's dispersed nuclear program.

However, a series of events, including Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, and the re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump, created conditions that enabled Israel to execute its threats. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the U.S. was informed prior to the attack.

On Thursday, Iran faced criticism from the UN's atomic watchdog for failing to meet obligations aimed at preventing nuclear weapon development.

The Israeli military reported that approximately 200 aircraft participated in the initial assault on around 100 targets. The Mossad had positioned explosive drones and precision weapons within Iran beforehand to target Iranian air defenses and missile launchers near Tehran, according to two security officials who requested anonymity.

It remains unverified whether these claims can be independently substantiated.

Key targets included Iran's primary nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz, where significant smoke was observed. Reports also indicated strikes on a smaller nuclear facility in Fordo, located about 100 kilometers southeast of Tehran.

Israel claimed to have targeted a nuclear research facility in Isfahan and destroyed numerous radar installations and surface-to-air missile launchers in western Iran, with Iran confirming the strike in Isfahan.

Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stated that the Natanz facility suffered "significant damage" and that the operation was still in its early stages.

Destruction of Natanz Facility

UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi informed the Security Council that the above-ground section of the Natanz facility was destroyed, including all electrical infrastructure and emergency power generators, as well as a section where uranium was enriched to 60%.

While the main underground centrifuge facility appeared unharmed, the loss of power could have compromised its infrastructure.

The initial wave of strikes provided Israel with "significant freedom of movement" in Iranian airspace, paving the way for further assaults, according to an Israeli military official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Over the past year, Israel has targeted Iran's air defenses, striking a radar system for a Russian-made air defense battery in April 2024 and missile manufacturing facilities in October.

The official indicated that Israel is prepared for an operation that could extend up to two weeks, although no specific timeline has been established.

Among those killed were three high-ranking military officials: Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, who oversaw the armed forces; Gen. Hossein Salami, leader of the Revolutionary Guard; and Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the Guard's ballistic missile program.

Netanyahu stated that the attack had been in preparation for months. In a video statement released to journalists, he revealed that he ordered plans for the assault last November, shortly after the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, a key Iranian ally. Netanyahu noted that the attack was initially scheduled for April but was postponed.

In its first response, Iran launched over 100 drones at Israel. Israel reported that these drones were intercepted outside its airspace, and it remains unclear if any penetrated.

Israel's military announced the mobilization of reservists and the deployment of troops across the country in anticipation of further retaliation from Iran or its proxy groups.

Trump urged Iran to negotiate a deal with the U.S. regarding its nuclear program, warning on his Truth Social platform that Israel's attacks "will only get worse."

"Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire," he stated.