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At least 78 people were killed and more than 320 injured after Israel launched a sweeping series of airstrikes across Iran early Friday, targeting nuclear and military facilities in what officials described as a response to Tehran’s continued threats and regional aggression.
The dead include several high-ranking Iranian military leaders and at least six nuclear scientists, according to Iranian state media and sources close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
In a statement Friday morning, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the strikes “a declaration of war,” vowing “decisive punishment” for what he described as an unprovoked and unlawful act of aggression. Israeli officials have not publicly confirmed the scale or number of targets but said the operation was aimed at halting what they claim is a growing threat to Israeli security from within Iran.
The Israeli strikes, reportedly involving more than 200 aircraft, hit multiple sites in Tehran, Tabriz, Natanz and Khorramabad, all cities known for military and nuclear infrastructure.
Among the dead were IRGC Commander Hossein Salami, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, and Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of the IRGC’s aerospace division. Reports also confirmed the deaths of multiple scientists affiliated with Iran’s nuclear energy program.
Iranian authorities said over 100 drones were launched in response toward Israel. The Israeli military confirmed the drone launches but said nearly all were intercepted before reaching Israeli territory. No injuries or major damage were reported.
The strikes mark one of the most direct military confrontations between the two longtime adversaries in recent history and have sparked global alarm.
In a statement from Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation was “a clear message” to those threatening Israeli citizens and sovereignty. “We will act where necessary, when necessary, to protect our people,” he said.
International airlines scrambled to respond to the unfolding crisis. Lufthansa, Emirates, and Air India rerouted or canceled flights through Iranian and Israeli airspace. Iraq and Jordan temporarily closed their airspace, grounding regional air traffic. Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv remained shut for much of the day.
The U.S., Russia, China and the European Union issued urgent calls for restraint. President Trump said Washington was “closely monitoring the situation” and urged both nations to avoid further escalation. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke with Netanyahu and ordered increased security for Jewish institutions and Israeli interests across Europe.
Israel’s foreign ministry also closed all embassies worldwide and issued an advisory urging citizens abroad to avoid wearing Israeli symbols and to report any hostile activity to local authorities.
Oil prices surged in early Friday trading, with Brent crude nearing $77 per barrel as fears of a broader regional conflict rattled markets.
*With information from Reuters, NY Times, CNN
