In a dramatic escalation of the Israel Iran conflict, Israeli forces launched a fresh wave of airstrikes deep into Iranian territory, hitting key military and nuclear infrastructure in the cities of Tabriz and Shiraz late Friday night, according to Iranian media reports.
The renewed strikes, coming just days after an earlier attack on Tehran, signal a significant shift in the already fragile regional landscape. Reports from Iran's Tasnim News Agency confirmed that Israel targeted an airport and several air bases in Tabriz, while Shiraz saw a missile production facility go up in flames.
These latest strikes follow Israel’s large-scale military operation on Friday, which officials say aimed to cripple Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. The campaign reportedly killed multiple senior Iranian military figures—including the powerful Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami and armed forces chief Major General Mohammad Bagheri—as well as six top nuclear scientists. At least 20 high-ranking commanders are feared dead.
Despite the devastation, Iran has yet to release a detailed official response. Emergency services are actively working in affected areas, and flights in and out of Tabriz International Airport have been suspended.
As the Israel Iran conflict escalation unfolds, tensions have reached boiling point. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called this a “decisive moment” in the nation’s history. The military confirmed the use of 200 fighter jets and claimed the destruction of dozens of surface-to-air missile systems and radar installations.
A senior Israeli security source revealed Mossad operatives were embedded inside Iran before the attacks, conducting covert operations aimed at neutralizing its missile threat. Notably, an attack-drone base was reportedly set up near Tehran ahead of the operation.
Iranian state media acknowledged explosions at the Natanz nuclear facility, but the Atomic Energy Organization claimed there were no casualties. The International Atomic Energy Agency also stated there was no spike in radiation levels.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking on his Truth Social platform, said Iran had “brought this on itself” by resisting nuclear deal negotiations. He hinted at further violence if Iran doesn’t come to the table, warning that the “next attacks will be even more brutal.”
While Washington insisted it played no role in the operation, Iran’s military accused the U.S. of indirectly supporting Israel. The White House confirmed President Trump convened a National Security Council meeting Friday morning.
Amid fears of regional fallout, oil prices surged nearly 9%, hitting $75.37 per barrel, as air traffic over Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan halted. Emirates and other carriers canceled or diverted flights, while Israel shut down Ben Gurion Airport and moved planes to safer locations.
Despite retaliatory drone launches from Iran—reportedly around 100—Israel’s defense systems neutralized the majority. Citizens were instructed to remain near shelters, but the warning was later lifted.
Israel’s regional adversaries appear weakened. Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis have been severely diminished since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023. This gives Israel a strategic advantage, at least temporarily.
The Israel Iran conflict escalation comes just days before the next round of nuclear talks in Oman. U.S. officials maintain that Iran is not currently building a nuclear weapon, though Israeli intelligence claims otherwise.
Iran insists its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, but after suffering the loss of top commanders and scientists, the nation faces growing pressure—both from within and outside its borders.
As the Middle East braces for what could be a prolonged confrontation, the world watches closely, hoping diplomacy prevails before the region plunges deeper into chaos.
