Special Correspondent
Tehran: Tensions in the Middle East have escalated to a critical level once again. In a pre-dawn operation on Friday, Israel launched a massive airstrike on Iran, targeting at least six military bases near Tehran. Among these, four are believed to be linked to Iran’s nuclear program, according to initial reports.
The Israeli Air Force, in a precise operation, allegedly killed Hussein Salami, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s Chief of Armed Forces, along with several senior military officers. Two of Iran’s top nuclear scientists – Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoon Abbasi – were also reported dead, as confirmed by Israeli defense officials.
Israel’s Defense Ministers Yoav Gallant and Israel Katz confirmed the strike, stating, “This is just the beginning. Neutralizing Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities is our top priority.” Fighter jets entered Iranian airspace around 3 a.m. local time and carried out coordinated airstrikes using guided munitions to ensure precision.
In a national address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “Iran possesses significant capacity to harm Israel, but we are well prepared. I urge every Israeli citizen to cooperate with the government’s safety protocols.”
Following the address, the Israeli military implemented several urgent public safety measures:
All schools and educational institutions have been closed.
Public gatherings have been strictly prohibited.
All offices except for emergency services have been shut down.
In Jerusalem, sirens were sounded and over 100 citizens took shelter in underground bunkers.
As of now, the Iranian government has not issued an official response. However, the IRGC has condemned the airstrike, declaring, “This is tantamount to a declaration of war, and Iran will respond with full force shortly.”
The Indian Embassy in Iran has issued an advisory to all Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel. Citizens have been urged to stay away from crowded places and follow all updates and instructions from the embassy.
This attack marks a dramatic escalation in the longstanding Iran-Israel conflict, with global powers closely watching developments that could potentially spark a broader regional or even global confrontation.
