• Source:JND
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In a dramatic escalation, Israel launched a massive military attack against Iran late Thursday, hitting the main uranium enrichment facility, missile bases, and top Iranian commanders. Blasts shook Tehran early Friday, with Iranian state television confirming civilian deaths, including children, in a residential neighborhood. Iran’s state-run news agency confirmed the blasts, and both CNN and The New York Times reported that Israel’s defence minister said an attack, which he referred was 'preemptive strikes', was underway. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the operation was intended to tear down Iran's nuclear facilities, and reports indicate that some top commanders were eliminated in the strike. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was also targeting Iranian scientists working on a nuclear bomb and missile factories in an operation that would continue for days.

Iranian air defences were scrambled over key cities, and authorities vowed to retaliate. State media announced that the country's air defense system was on full alert at "100 percent operational capacity," as reported by state media. The action follows a turbulent backdrop of US-Iran talks over nuclear issues, which had reportedly reached a pivotal stage, with US representative Steve Witkoff having held five rounds of meetings. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, disassociated Washington from Israeli action, remarking, "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved." "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region," Rubio said in a statement. "Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel," he added. Rubio said US ally Israel told Washington that its action "was necessary for its self-defense."

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Iran Threatens Retaliation, Israel Bracing

As pre-emptive measures against Iranian retaliation, Israel issued a state of emergency, threatening to strike missile and drone attacks imminently. "Following the State of Israel's preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future," Katz said. Oil prices surged as much as 6 percent on the strikes, which came after Trump warned of a possible Iranian attack and said the US was drawing down staff in the region.

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Global Reaction and Nuclear Escalation

The United States and other Western countries, along with Israel, have repeatedly accused Iran of seeking a nuclear weapon, which it has repeatedly denied. The IAEA this week also charged Iran with non-compliance with nuclear commitments, and Israel called for renewed international sanctions. Iran retaliated by vowing to increase uranium enrichment and modify its centrifuges at the Fordo complex towards weapons-grade capabilities. Iran is enriching 60 per cent of its uranium, a step away from the 90 per cent needed for nuclear weapons. Tehran has continually denied any interest in a bomb, terming the IAEA's resolution "extremist" and accusing Israeli influence.