Iran Retaliates After Israeli Strikes on Nuclear Sites, Dozens Dead

Dubai: Iran launched waves of missile and drone strikes on Israel late Friday and into Saturday, killing at least three people and injuring dozens, in retaliation for a major Israeli offensive that targeted its nuclear programme and senior military personnel.
The Israeli operation reportedly involved warplanes and drones smuggled into Iran in advance. According to Iran’s UN envoy, the attacks killed 78 people and wounded more than 320. Strikes targeted key nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan, in addition to radar sites and air defence systems.
In response, Iran fired ballistic missiles and drones that triggered explosions in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Rishon Lezion. Two people were killed when a missile struck a residential area in Rishon Lezion, while a woman died in Tel Aviv after a projectile hit a building. Israel’s military confirmed it had intercepted several drones and urged civilians to take shelter.
Hospitals in Tel Aviv reported multiple injuries, and emergency services recorded extensive damage to homes and vehicles. In Tehran, air raid sirens were heard, and Iranian state media reported a fire at Mehrabad International Airport.
Nuclear Talks Under Threat

The Israeli strikes came just days before scheduled nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Oman. Following the offensive, Iran’s Foreign Ministry declared any further dialogue “meaningless,” accusing Israel of crossing its red lines. It remains unclear whether the talks will proceed.
Rising Regional and Global Tensions

The escalation sparked fears of a broader conflict in the already volatile Middle East. US ground-based air defence systems were reportedly used to intercept Iranian missiles. Countries like Jordan and Lebanon temporarily closed their airspace, though they later resumed normal operations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation aimed to eliminate Iran's military threat and encouraged Iranian citizens to challenge their leadership. He confirmed that Washington had been informed in advance of the strikes.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the Israeli attacks as a “great crime” and vowed retaliation, further raising the stakes.
Heavy Casualties and Strategic Impact

Among those killed were three of Iran’s top military figures: Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, Gen. Hossein Salami, and Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, all key players in Iran’s armed forces and missile programmes. Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad is reported to have positioned drones and precision weapons inside Iran in preparation for the strikes.
UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi confirmed that the above-ground sections of the Natanz enrichment facility were destroyed, while underground infrastructure suffered power loss. Israel is believed to be prepared for an extended two-week operation, while Iran has vowed further retaliation.
Trump’s Comments Spark Backlash Amid Crisis

As the situation escalated, former US President Donald Trump drew widespread criticism for a statement many called insensitive and provocative. On his Truth Social platform, Trump urged Iran to “make a deal” with the US, warning that Israeli attacks “will only get worse” and concluding, “Iran must make a deal before there is nothing left.”
At a time when international leaders are calling for calm, Trump’s remark was widely perceived as a veiled threat rather than a call for diplomacy. Rather than contributing to de-escalation, Trump’s remarks risked inflaming tensions and further undermining the US's role as a neutral mediator. His approach, focused more on leverage than peace, has been denounced as reckless in a region on the brink of a wider war.