The world was thrust into a state of high alert Friday after Israel launched a sweeping, high-intensity air assault on Iran, striking over 100 targets, including nuclear facilities, missile factories and military sites.
The strikes killed six nuclear scientists, Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, and two top Revolutionary Guard commanders.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the offensive as a “decisive moment in Israel’s history,” saying it aimed to cripple Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and long-range missile capabilities. “We cannot and will not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon,” he said in a televised address.
According to Israeli Army Radio, 200 fighter jets dropped 330 munitions in a pre-dawn blitz targeting Iran’s main uranium enrichment facilities and critical infrastructure.
Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency and sealed off its airspace, bracing for retaliation. Hours later, Iran launched over 100 drones toward Israeli territory, triggering ongoing air defense operations.
Massive explosions were reported at multiple Iranian sites, including Natanz, the country's primary nuclear facility. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the strikes as a “crime” by the “Zionist regime” and vowed a “bitter, painful fate” for Israel.
The sudden and violent escalation marks one of the most dangerous confrontations between the two rivals in decades, drawing comparisons to the intensity of the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s.
The strikes triggered a chorus of international concern as leaders urged all parties to de-escalate:
U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking to Fox News, confirmed he was aware of the planned Israeli operation ahead of time. “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb,” he said, adding the U.S. hoped for renewed negotiations. Trump also warned that the U.S. was prepared to defend both its interests and Israel if Iran retaliates.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized Washington had no role in the attack and warned Iran not to target U.S. personnel.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged “maximum restraint” and expressed deep concern over the targeting of nuclear sites amid sensitive diplomatic efforts. “The region can hardly afford a descent into deeper conflict,” he said through a spokesperson.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the airstrikes “concerning” and urged all sides to “step back and reduce tensions urgently.”
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed the call, warning that further escalation could upend global security.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged all parties to avoid escalation “that could undermine regional stability.”
China, through Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian, said it was “deeply worried” about the consequences and urged efforts that “promote peace and stability.”
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for dialogue over military action, stressing the need to avoid worsening an already volatile situation.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the strikes as “unwelcome” and warned of the risks of miscalculation.
Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya condemned the strikes as “deeply regrettable,” especially during ongoing nuclear negotiations.
Oman, a key mediator in U.S.-Iran talks, denounced Israel’s actions as “dangerous” and urged the international community to adopt a firm stance against further escalation.
Qatar strongly condemned the “brutal Israeli aggression” and warned it threatened to destabilize the region and derail diplomatic efforts.
Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the assault and warned it could spark a broader regional war.
Saudi Arabia blasted the strikes as a “blatant aggression,” accusing Israel of violating Iran’s sovereignty and breaching international law.
Türkiye called on Israel to immediately cease its “aggressive actions” and warned the strikes risked igniting wider conflict.
Jordan, which closed its airspace during the attack, warned it “will not be a battleground for any conflict” and vowed to prevent any violation of its sovereignty.
The Houthi rebels in Yemen, aligned with Tehran, condemned the strikes and expressed support for Iran’s “legitimate right” to respond and develop its nuclear program.
The Czech Republic’s Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky defended Israel’s action, calling it a “reasonable reaction” to Iran’s support for Hamas, Hezbollah and its alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Hamas labeled the strikes a “dangerous escalation that threatens to destabilize the region.”
