Israel Strikes Iran’s Nuclear Program in Major Preemptive Operation

Israeli forces struck deep into Iranian territory early Friday morning, targeting key nuclear and military facilities in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a preemptive strike against a clear and present existential threat to the Jewish state.

The operation, dubbed “Rising Lion,” saw dozens of Israeli fighter jets carry out precision strikes against multiple sites, including Iran’s main enrichment facility in Natanz and locations tied to Iran’s nuclear weaponization and ballistic missile programs. According to the IDF, the assault was based on “high-quality intelligence” and was executed in response to Iran’s ongoing aggression and escalating nuclear ambitions.

“We struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program. We struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear weaponization program. We targeted Iran’s main enrichment facility in Natanz,” Netanyahu stated. “We targeted Iran’s leading nuclear scientists working on the Iranian bomb. We also struck at the heart of Iran’s ballistic missile program.”

Netanyahu framed the operation as a historic turning point for Israel’s security, making it clear that the Jewish state would never allow another Holocaust. “Eighty years ago, the Jewish people were victims of a Holocaust perpetrated by the Nazi regime. Today, the Jewish state refuses to be a victim of a nuclear holocaust perpetrated by the Iranian regime.”

The prime minister underscored the Iranian regime’s genocidal ambitions, citing Tehran’s decades-long incitement and chants of “death to Israel” and “death to America.” Declaring Israel’s determination, Netanyahu declared “Today, Israel is responding to those genocidal calls with action and with a call of our own: Long live Israel and long live America.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of imminent retaliation, acknowledging that “a missile and drone attack against the state of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future.” Sirens were heard across Israel, with the IDF announcing restrictions on public activities to ensure civilian safety.

The United States, while not involved in the operation, reaffirmed its support for Israel’s right to defend itself. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. We are not involved in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.”

The preemptive strike comes amid reports that Iran has amassed enough highly enriched uranium to produce multiple nuclear weapons in a matter of months. Netanyahu emphasized the urgency of action, warning, “If not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time.”

Explosions were reported not only in Natanz but also in Fordow, both central to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. According to analysts, these strikes send a powerful message to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei that Israeli red lines are real and that continued aggression will carry heavy consequences.

Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran, noted that “these strikes telegraph to Ayatollah Khamenei that there is a cost to his decades of sitting comfortably in Tehran while his proxies set the region on fire.”

As the region braces for potential escalation, the IDF remains on high alert, prepared for a wide range of scenarios. “The resilience of Israel’s citizens will be an important factor of the campaign,” the IDF emphasized.

Israel’s preemptive action is a clear demonstration of its unwavering commitment to prevent the Iranian regime from acquiring nuclear weapons a direct threat not only to Israel but to global security. As Netanyahu declared, “Our action will help make the world a much safer place.”

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