The Israeli army announced that it launched a comprehensive military attack on Iran called "Operation Rising Lion" with the claim of "preventing the production of nuclear weapons". In the statement made by the Israeli army, it was stated that dozens of jets participated in the attack on Iran. 

 

In the first phase of the attack, it was announced that several nuclear and military facilities, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility in central Iran, were targeted. "The first phase, which included attacks on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different parts of Iran, has been completed," the Israeli military said.

 

At least 4 violent explosions were heard in the centre of Tehran. Iranian state television announced that 5 people were killed and 20 people were wounded according to the first determinations in the attacks on civilian settlements in Israel's attacks on Tehran.

 

Speaking to the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA), East Azerbaijan Province Crisis Management Director Majid Ferşi gave information about the attacks in Tabriz. 

 

"Martyr Kerimi Barracks in Said Abad, Zahra Barracks in Emand and the radar centre in Serderud were among the places targeted by Israel. In these attacks, 2 people were killed and 6 people were injured."

 

"Sepahnews", known to be close to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, announced that Israel targeted 5 points in the city of Tabriz.

 

CHIEF OF STAFF KILLED

 

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards confirmed that their commander, Hossein Salami, was killed in the attacks. Tesnim News Agency, known to be close to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, stated that Israel targeted the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps in Tehran and nuclear scientists.

 

Iranian state media announced that nuclear scientists Feridun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi were killed in the attacks in Tehran.

 

Iranian state television also announced that the Chief of General Staff Mohammad Baqeri lost his life in the attacks carried out by Israel.

 

It was reported that nuclear scientists Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Feridun Abbasi were also killed in the attack.

 

STATEMENT FROM NETANYAHU

 

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu made a statement regarding the attack on Iran: "This operation will continue until the threat is completely eliminated".

 

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that he declared a state of emergency throughout Israel after the attack.

 

"Following Israel's pre-emptive strike against Iran, missile and drone attacks against Israel and the civilian population are expected in the near future," Katz said.

 

STATEMENT FROM IRAN 

 

While Iran's religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made a statement about the Israeli attacks, "Israel has prepared a bitter end for itself", Brigadier General Abulfazl Shikarchi, the spokesperson for the Iranian General Staff, said that they will respond harshly to the Israeli attacks. "Israel carried out its attacks on Iran with the help of the United States. They will pay a heavy price. They should expect a harsh response from the Iranian armed forces," he said.

 

STATEMENT FROM THE USA 

 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that they had nothing to do with the attack. Rubio warned Iran to refrain from attacks on American personnel.

 

President Donald Trump stated that they were aware of the attack. “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see. There are several people in leadership that will not be coming back,” Trump said to FoxNews. 

 

IRAQ CLOSES AIRSPACE 

 

The Iraqi Ministry of Transport reported that flights were completely suspended at all Iraqi airports and the country's airspace was temporarily closed due to regional security tensions.