Israel Bombards Iran; Tehran Pledges Retaliation

Israel Strikes Iran in Major Air Offensive; Top Military, Nuclear Officials Killed, Tehran Vows Vengeance

Israel launched a sweeping series of air raids on Iran Friday, targeting over 100 strategic sites—including nuclear and military facilities—across the country. Among those killed were Iran’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, Revolutionary Guards Commander Hossein Salami, and senior nuclear scientists including Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi, according to Iranian media.

One of the most high-profile casualties was Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, a senior commander in the Revolutionary Guards, whose death was confirmed by Iranian state television.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of a “bitter and painful” response, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed “harsh and regrettable revenge.”

In retaliation, Iran launched over 100 drones toward Israel, which the Israeli military claimed were being intercepted.

Amid rising tensions, the United States reiterated it was not involved in the Israeli strikes. Former President Donald Trump told Fox News he had advance knowledge of the operation and emphasized that Iran "cannot have a nuclear bomb." He added the U.S. remains ready to defend both itself and Israel if attacked.

Media in Iran reported that at least six nuclear scientists were killed in the Israeli raids, which also struck residential areas in Tehran and the Natanz nuclear facility.

The attack marks one of the most significant escalations in the Israel-Iran conflict in recent years.