Israel has attacked Iran tonight. They have carried out a large-scale offensive against Iranian military and nuclear targets, killing several high-ranking officials and nuclear scientists, including the head of the Revolutionary Guard, Hussein Salami. Iran has responded by sending around 100 drones to Israel. These drones are intercepting Israeli forces this morning, but some have also entered Jordan's airspace.
Although the initial attack concluded early this morning, with Israel stating that the participating pilots were already "safe" at home, Israeli media report that the country is attacking Iran again, targeting Tabriz military airport and a uranium enrichment facility this time.
Iran has labeled the attack as a "declaration of war," reporting "at least" 95 injured and several fatalities.
Netanyahu to Speak with Trump, Starmer, and Putin
Benjamin Netanyahu will speak today with the President of the United States, Donald Trump, as stated in an official statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's office. It adds that the Israeli leader has already spoken with the Chancellor of Germany, the Prime Minister of India, and the President of France.
He will also call the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, and the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
Over 70 Dead and 300 Injured in Israeli Attacks on Iran
At least 70 people have died and over 300 have been injured in Iran due to Israel's attacks, according to Iranian media reports that have not been confirmed by authorities. The Fars news agency, linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, reported the number of casualties without citing sources.
Iranian authorities have confirmed the deaths of high-ranking military officials such as the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, General Mohamad Hosein Baqerí; the Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Guard, General Hossein Salamí, and the Chief of the Revolutionary Guard's Aerospace Force, General Amir Ali Hajizadeh. They were joined by General Gholam Ali Rashid, in charge of the important Khatam ol-Anbiya airbase, and six nuclear scientists, in unprecedented attacks against the Persian country.
The bombings on a hundred targets in Iranian territory occurred overnight, and this afternoon, renewed bombings have targeted at least four locations in the country.
Italian Foreign Minister Urges Iran and Israel to Avoid Escalation
The Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, held a phone conversation on Friday with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, and with the Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, urging them to avoid escalation following the Israeli Army's offensive against Iranian nuclear targets and some of the top military officials of that country.
"We ask Israel, having effectively won the war against Hamas, not to affect the civilian population," Tajani stated.