Israel bombers Iran, aimed at its nuclear installations and military officials – Liberation

Israel led dozens of air strikes against Iran on Thursday to Friday to Friday, targeting its nuclear program, military facilities, several high commanders and leading scientists, in a massive and unprecedented attack which brings the Middle East a little closer to a new embracement.

This operation, called « Rising Lion » according to Israeli Prime Minister, had been planned for months and approved on Monday by Benyamin Netanyahu and his Minister of Defense, according to official Israeli sources.

Huge explosions were heard through Tehran around 3:30 am local on Friday. The first videos and photos broadcast by Iranians on social networks showed smoke rising from several districts of the capital. Explosions have also been reported in the cities of Isfahan, Arak, Kermanshah and Tabriz, which are home to military and industrial complexes.

According to senior Iranian officials mentioned by the New York Times, Israel has attacked at least six military bases around Tehran, homes in two highly secure complexes reserved for military commanders, as well as several residential buildings across the capital, in what seems to be targeted assassinations.

Iranian state television said, in support, that the Natanz site, one of the country’s main nuclear centers, had been struck, and that several high -ranking military and nuclear figures had been killed, including Division General Hossein Salami, chief of the revolution guards, Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, professor of renowned physics, and Fereydoon Abbasi Iranian atomic energy.

The Iranian media also confirmed the death of General Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces and second higher commander after the supreme guide, as well as that of General Gholamali Rashid, deputy commander of the armed forces. Ali Shamkhani, who directed nuclear negotiations on behalf of the Supreme Guide, was seriously injured during a strike on his home and is hospitalized in Tehran.

The IRNA press agency reported that at least a dozen civilians were killed in the strikes in Tehran only, where at least at least two residential buildings collapsed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu said that Israel had « Struck at the heart of the Iranian nuclear enrichment program », saying that the main target was the Natanz site as well as « The main nuclear scientist of the Islamic Republic ». Iranian television broadcast images showing thick black smoke rising from the site, specifying that the strike had taken place around 4:15 a.m.

« This operation will continue as long as it will be to eliminate this threat, » Netanyahu said in a video statement. « It is a clear and immediate danger for the very survival of Israel », he added, believing that Iran could “Produce a nuclear weapon very quickly. It could be in a year. It could be in a few months. ”

An Israeli military official has confirmed that dozens of strikes had been carried out, in what seems to be the largest and deadliest attack ever launched by Israel against the Islamic Republic. This official said that Israeli intelligence has had indications in recent weeks that Iran « Ran to the nuclear bomb » And now had enough equipment to assemble fifteen nuclear bombs in a few days.

The United States has already said that they are not involved in these strikes, which occur a few days before a sixth cycle of negotiations between Washington and Tehran aimed at solving the nuclear crisis by diplomatic route. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States was « Relatively close to a good agreement », adding that he did not want Israel to attack Iran, as it could « Make Capping » talks. « It could also help them, actually. But that could also make everything fail ”, he added.

The White House said Donald Trump would hold a meeting of the National Security Council in the Room situation at 11 am (local time) on Friday. The United States withdrew from Iraq diplomats on Wednesday and authorized the voluntary departure of families of American military personnel in the Middle East as a precautionary measure.

More than 40,000 American soldiers are stationed in the Persian Gulf and elsewhere in the Middle East, including the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson armed with F-35 attack planes, which is currently sailing in the Arabian Sea.

In a video statement, Netanyahu said Iran was only « Save time ». « This is why we have no choice but to act, and to act now », he said.

The Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that his country expected an Iranian response « By an attack on missiles and drones against the state of Israel and its civilian population … in the very close future ». Israel has closed its airspace and prohibited most non -essential rallies. Ben -Gurion airport, the country’s main airport, has been closed until further notice. Sirens sounded to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, pushing the population to take refuge in the shelters.

In Tel Aviv, who was preparing for his annual pride parade, bars and clubs immediately closed and the event was canceled after the sirens were triggered.

Iran, for its part, has suspended all flights until further notice. The neighboring Iraq has also temporarily closed its airspace and completely suspended airport traffic.

The Islamic Republic has several times warned that it would retaliate for any attack, reaffirming this week that it could target American bases throughout the region. The spokesman for the Iranian armed forces, General Shekarchi, said on state television that Israel and the United States were going « Receive a powerful slap » and that the Iranian armed forces were prepared and would soon ride forcefully. « A reprisal attack is certain, with the help of God », he added.

The Iranian supreme guide, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said in a statement read on state television that Israel “Should expect severe punishment. The strong hand of the Islamic Republic will not let them go ”.

American diplomacy Marco Rubio said in a statement that Washington « Is not involved in the strikes against Iran and that our absolute priority is to protect the American forces present in the region. » « Israel informed us that he considered this action to be necessary for his self -defense, added Rubio. Let’s be clear: Iran should not aim for interest or staff in the United States. « 

In the United States, political reactions are divided. Republican senator Lindsey Graham warned that America should have a « Crushing response » If the staff or the American facilities were targeted, threatening to destroy « All oil refineries and oil infrastructure from Iran ». Conversely, his Democratic counterpart Chris Murphy criticized Israel’s attack, believing that she « Risk of provoking a regional war which will probably be catastrophic for America ».

The global financial markets were also immediately shaken by the strikes, from Tokyo to Hong Kong, while the prices of the barrel of crude brent leaping by almost 9% to reach 78 dollars within the hour of attacks.

More information to come …