Israel launches large-scale assault on Iran: Key developments so far

Key developments:

• Israel says its strikes targeted Iran’s nuclear sites, missile infrastructure, and top military commanders

• Iran warns Israel and the US will pay a “heavy price” for the attack

• Supreme Leader Khamenei is alive, a security source tells Reuters

• Iranian state media confirms the death of the Revolutionary Guards chief in Israeli airstrikes

• State TV reports children killed in a strike on a residential area in Tehran

• PM Netanyahu declares: “We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history”

• Senator Marco Rubio says the US was not involved in the operation

• Israeli state broadcaster reports Washington was notified ahead of the strike

Israel launches “preemptive” strikes on Iran, targeting nuclear and military sites

Israel carried out major airstrikes against Iran on Friday, striking nuclear and military installations in what it described as a “preemptive” move. The assault followed warnings from former US President Donald Trump of a potential “massive conflict” in the region. In anticipation of retaliation, Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency.

Real-time developments:

• Trump urges diplomacy: Donald Trump warned Iran of more “brutal” attacks if it refuses to negotiate a nuclear deal, saying there’s still time to prevent further bloodshed.

• Fire at Tabriz airport: Reports emerged of a fire at the airport in northwest Iran following Israeli strikes.

• Casualties mounting: Iran reported at least 95 injured, with explosions heard across the northwest, including East Azerbaijan province.

• Iran: Attack equals war: Tehran declared the strikes a “declaration of war” and urged the UN Security Council to take action.

• Top aide wounded: Khamenei’s senior adviser, Ali Shamkhani, was injured.

• Iran’s command hit: Israel claims to have eliminated most of the IRGC Air Force leadership.

• Russia condemns: Moscow called the attack “unprovoked,” warning of regional destabilisation.

• Israeli forces safe: All Israeli pilots returned safely after striking Iranian missile sites.

• Iran replaces military chiefs: Khamenei appointed new heads of the armed forces after Friday’s deaths.

• Germany calls for calm: German Chancellor Merz urged both sides to avoid further escalation.

• Kremlin warns citizens: Russia advised nationals to avoid travel to Iran and Israel.

• Public alert lifted: Israel lifted its shelter advisory hours after the attack.

• Nuclear watchdog responds: IAEA chief Rafael Grossi offered to visit Iran, condemned the attacks on nuclear sites, and urged restraint.

• Natanz facility damaged: Iran confirmed damage at its Natanz site but reported no radiation leaks.

• Mossad ops revealed: Israeli agents reportedly carried out covert missions inside Iran before the strikes.

• Jordan intercepts projectiles: Jordanian forces intercepted drones and missiles in their airspace.

• Airlines reroute flights: Multiple airlines suspended operations in the region amid closed airspace.

• UAE & Qatar react: Both nations condemned the Israeli strikes, warning of regional instability.

• UK calls for de-escalation: Prime Minister Starmer urged restraint and a return to diplomacy.

• Iran defends its arsenal: Tehran said the attack justified its pursuit of nuclear and missile capabilities.

Escalation Between Israel and Iran – Key Developments

 Israel’s Strikes on Iran:

• Israel launched a major air assault on Iran, hitting over 100 military and nuclear sites overnight with the involvement of 200 fighter jets.

• Targets reportedly included Iran’s nuclear facilities and senior military leadership. Among the casualties were Major General Mohammad Bagheri, head of Iran’s armed forces, and Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami, according to Iranian state media.

• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu declared the attacks aimed at the "heart of Iran's nuclear programme", stating operations would continue if necessary.

• Israel’s military claimed it had no choice, asserting Iran was nearing a "point of no return" in its nuclear ambitions.

Iran’s Response and Warnings:

• Iran’s armed forces vowed decisive retaliation, accusing Israel of carrying out the attack with US support.

• Brigadier General Shekarchi warned both Israel and the US would pay a "heavy price".

• Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, confirmed alive and being briefed, promised harsh punishment for Israel’s actions.

• Iran confirmed the Bushehr nuclear plant was not targeted.

Immediate Repercussions:

• Iran reportedly launched over 100 drones towards Israel in retaliation.

• A strike on a residential area in Tehran killed five and injured 20 others, according to Press TV.

• Flights were suspended over Iran, Israel, and Iraq, with airlines diverting from the region.

• Oil prices surged by up to 6% following the outbreak of hostilities.

International Reactions:

• Saudi Arabia condemned Israel’s actions, citing violations of Iranian sovereignty and urging global restraint.

• The IAEA confirmed Iran notified it that no nuclear plant was hit.

• The Trump administration denied involvement, saying Israel acted unilaterally, although Israel had notified Washington in advance.

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized US forces had no role in the strikes and warned Iran against retaliating on American assets.

Trump’s Remarks:

• Former President Trump said he hopes Iran returns to the negotiating table but added that some Iranian leaders “will not be coming back.”

• Trump had earlier warned of a potential Israeli strike, indicating such a move might either help or derail a future nuclear deal.

⚛ Nuclear Program Flashpoint:

• Iran responded to an IAEA resolution accusing it of non-compliance by announcing:

  • A new uranium enrichment site in a secure location.

  • Replacement of older centrifuges at Fordo with sixth-generation machines.

• Iran is now enriching uranium to 60% purity, nearing weapons-grade levels (90%).