Israel’s large-scale attacks on Iran have brought tensions in the Middle East to a peak. The attacks, which targeted critical regions such as Tehran, Tabriz and Natanz, have caused civilian casualties and significant military losses in Iran. While statements from Iran indicate that a “very harsh response” will be given, the international community is calling for moderation. However, the rhetoric and actions of all actors in the region indicate that tensions will not ease easily.
Israel's Operation "Rising Lion" and Its Goals
Israel named the operation “Rising Lion” While announcing that these attacks were of a “preventive, precise and combined” nature, the Israeli army stated that “the first phase of the attacks on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different parts of Iran, has been completed.” In the attacks in which dozens of jets participated, The uranium enrichment center at Natanz and the targeting of “nuclear bomb scientists” was confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Civilian Targets and Casualties
Iranian state TV on Israeli attacks Civilian settlements in Tehran hit and as a result of these attacks, according to initial findings, Five people lost their lives and 50 people were injured announced. In the published images, the lifeless body of a child was seen being pulled from the rubble of a building. The targeting of civilian settlements stands out as an element that will further escalate tensions.
Critical Losses and Assignments in the Iranian Army
One of the most striking results of the Israeli strikes has been the high-ranking casualties in the Iranian military hierarchy. Iranian state television reported that the Central Command of the Revolutionary Guard Corps had been hit and Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Hussein Salami died confirmed. However, there was conflicting information about the condition of Chief of General Staff Mohammad Baqeri. While the Iranian news agency IRNA reported that Baqeri was alive and in the “war room,” the Fars News Agency and Iranian State Television announced in the morning that Baqeri had also been killed in the attack.
Following these high-level losses, rapid appointments were made in Iran. By the decree of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Ahmed Vahidi, was appointed as the General Commander of the Revolutionary Guards. Vahidi, a former interior minister and former revolutionary guard commander, was appointed to this critical position. He was appointed as the temporary commander of the Iranian General Staff. Emir Habibullah Seyyari was appointed.
Scientists working in nuclear studies were also killed in the attacks. Feridun Abbasi and Muhammad Mehdi Tehranci It was also announced that he had lost his life. It was stated that no nuclear leak was detected after the attack targeting the nuclear facility in Natanz.
Iran Promises Tough Response
Statements from Iran indicate that the response to Israel will be very harsh. Iranian security sources reported that the Tehran administration is preparing to give “a very harsh response to Israel.”
Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Muhammad Baqir Qalibaf, stated in a written message that the attacks will definitely be responded to. Drawing attention to the targeting of residential areas, Qalibaf said, “The criminal Zionist regime has shown that it is the greatest enemy of humanity and the most brutal enemy of every individual of the Iranian nation by attacking residential areas.” Qalibaf said, “This revenge will be taken in any way. We will not give up on the Zionist regime. He displayed a determined stance by saying, “They started this job, but God willing, we will finish it.”
Iranian General Staff SözcüBrigadier General Ebulfazl Shikarchi He also said that they would respond harshly to Israeli attacks. Shikarchi, "Israel, He carried out his attacks on Iran with the help of the United States. They will pay a heavy price. He also held the US responsible, saying, “They should expect a harsh response from the Iranian armed forces.”
International Reactions and US Attitude
Following the attacks, reactions from the international community varied.
USA: “We Are Not Included, We Should Not Be Targeted”
Reuters news agency, citing US officials, said: “The US is not directly or supportively involved in the attacks.” The statements were included. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio “Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in attacks against Iran. I am saying clearly that Iran should not target us. Our priority is to protect American forces in the region,” he said.
White House: US President following attack Donald Trump's He announced that he would attend a meeting of the National Security Council. An Israeli official told Israeli media that the US administration was informed before the operation and that they were “in full coordination with Washington on the Iran issue.” However, the Iranian Foreign Ministry blamed the US for the attack, saying, “We have the right to respond to Israel according to international law. The US, Israel’s main supporter, will be responsible for Israel’s adventurous actions. The Israeli attack has presented global security with an unprecedented threat.”
Reactions from Other Countries
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) They condemned Israel's attacks on Iran, stating that the attacks were against international law and Iran's sovereignty. Jordan also condemned the attacks, stating that they threatened regional security.
British Prime Minister Keir StarmerHe said reports of Israeli attacks on Iran were worrying and called on all sides to “step back and de-escalate tensions urgently”. However, the defence editor of Britain’s The Times newspaper said the UK would not protect Israel from any possible Iranian retaliation.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, France reaffirmed Israel's right to defend itself against all attacks. Barrot said that France had expressed its concerns about Iran's nuclear program on many occasions and called on the parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation of tensions.
Hamas He said the attacks were dangerous and could destabilize the region.
State of Emergency and Security Measures in Israel
Israeli Defense Minister confirms attack on Iran Yisrael Katz, throughout Israel state of emergency Katz said, “Following Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran, missile and drone attacks on Israel and civilians are expected in the near future.”
The Israeli army announced that a curfew will be imposed in settlements in the occupied West Bank until further notice. Airspace was closed, and Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv was closed to flights. Alarms were activated throughout Israel as a warning of a possible attack. It was reported that a decision was made to ban educational activities and gatherings, except for essential sectors. The Tel Aviv Municipality announced that the Pride March planned to take place today was cancelled following the attacks.
Israeli airlines Arkia and El Al announced that they were removing their planes from Israel. Israir also said it was evacuating its planes from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv and sending them to another region.
All Eyes Now on Iran's Counterattack
Chief of Staff of the Israeli General Staff Eyal Zamir“I warn those who challenge us, you will pay a heavy price,” he said. Zamir stated that preparations have been made for an attack on Iran for a long time, and claimed that they are at a “point of no return” with the attacks they have launched and that they have no choice but to attack Iran. Zamir stated that Iran will attack them, and noted that “the expected price will be different than usual.”
At the first light of the morning, Israeli attacks third wave It has begun. Iranian state media reported that new explosions were heard in Tehran, and that three more military facilities were hit in northwest Iran. Israeli Army Radio also announced that “the second wave of attacks has begun and is focusing on western Iran.”
In light of all these developments, all eyes are now on the Middle East Iran's counter-attack The coming hours and days will determine whether the region is on the brink of a full-scale war or whether international efforts can prevent tensions from escalating.
