In a dramatic escalation, Israel has carried out sweeping airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities and top military figures in what is being described as one of the most significant attacks in the region in recent years.

The operation, believed to involve over 200 fighter jets and advanced drones, struck more than 100 locations across Iran, including sensitive nuclear development sites and key military installations.

According to multiple reports, several high-ranking Iranian military officials were killed, including:

• Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
• Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces
• Gholam Ali Rashid, Commander of the IRGC’s Khatam al-Anbiya
• At least six nuclear scientists reportedly involved in uranium enrichment programs

The Israeli government has not officially confirmed the operation, but senior officials signaled it was intended to disrupt Iran’s progress toward acquiring nuclear weapons. The Natanz enrichment facility, long suspected of housing Iran’s weapons-grade uranium operations, was among the primary targets.

In response, Iran declared a state of emergency, shut down its airspace, and launched over 100 retaliatory drones toward Israel, most of which were intercepted. Iranian state media labeled the strikes a “declaration of war,” vowing strong retaliation.

The global response has been swift. The United States, European Union, and Gulf states have urged both nations to exercise restraint, warning that continued escalation could ignite a broader Middle East conflict.

Analysts warn that the operation could disrupt ongoing nuclear negotiations and drastically reshape regional power dynamics. Oil markets reacted immediately, with prices spiking amid fears of conflict-driven supply disruptions.

This is a developing story. More updates will follow as international reactions and potential follow-up actions unfold.