Israel Launches Wide-Scale Attack On Iranian Military Leaders And Nuclear Facilities Amid Rising Tensions

Israel initiated extensive strikes on Iran early Friday, targeting Tehran and other cities, along with numerous military and nuclear sites. This offensive resulted in the deaths of key Iranian military figures, including Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Major General Hossein Salami, and Major General Gholamali Rashid. Prominent scientists Fereydoun Abbasi and Dr Mohammed Mehdi Tehranchi were also killed. Ali Shamkhani was critically injured.

Explosions reverberated throughout Tehran as Israeli sources confirmed their focus on military and nuclear facilities. The Natanz enrichment facility was hit multiple times, according to Iranian state TV, which showed footage of heavy smoke rising from the site. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also verified this development. Additionally, three military locations in East Azerbaijan province in northwestern Iran were reportedly targeted.

The Israeli strikes prompted widespread condemnation from various countries, describing it as a perilous escalation that jeopardises regional stability and risks igniting a broader conflict with severe consequences for both regional and international peace. In response to the attack, Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Jordan announced the closure of their airspace to civilian flights.

Oil prices surged following the Israeli offensive. West Texas Intermediate crude rose by 12.6 percent to US$76.61 per barrel, while Brent crude increased by 12.2 percent to $77.77 per barrel.

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over any military escalation in the Middle East. Farhan Haq, his deputy spokesperson, stated that Guterres is particularly worried about Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran amid ongoing talks between Iran and the United States regarding Iran's nuclear programme.

In the wake of the attack, Iran appointed Habibollah Sayyari as temporary Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces and Ahmad Vahidi as Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The situation remains tense as nations closely monitor developments in the region. The potential for further conflict poses significant risks to both regional stability and global peace efforts.

With inputs from WAM