Israel Launches Airstrikes on Iran Nuclear Sites, Oil Prices Surge 10%

Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear sites, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations. The operation, codenamed "Rising Lion," aimed to disrupt Iran's nuclear enrichment program. The strikes, which occurred early on Friday, targeted multiple locations across Iran, including the capital Tehran. Reports from Tehran indicated that loud explosions were heard in the northeast of the city, and Iranian state media confirmed that Israel struck the Revolutionary Guards' headquarters, resulting in the death of Commander Hossein Salami. The Revolutionary Guards, a powerful branch of Iran's armed forces, hold substantial political and military influence.

In response to the airstrikes, Iran's state media reported that all flights at Tehran's main airport, Imam Khomeini International, were suspended. Iranian armed forces spokesperson Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi warned that Israel and the U.S. would face a "heavy price" for the attacks. Meanwhile, sirens sounded across Israel in the hours before dawn, with an Israeli military official stating that the alarms were pre-emptive. Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a "special state of emergency" across the country, anticipating missile and drone retaliation from Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video statement posted on social media, asserted that the attack was necessary to counter Iran's nuclear ambitions. "It's clear Iran is just buying for time; it refuses to agree to this basic requirement of peaceful nations. That is why we have no choice but to act and act now," Netanyahu said. He emphasized that the operation would continue for as many days as necessary to achieve its objectives.

The airstrikes sent shockwaves through global markets, with oil prices surging. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that U.S. forces were not involved in the attack, stating that Israel had advised the U.S. of its plans and that the administration had taken all necessary steps to protect its forces. Rubio also warned Iran against targeting U.S. interests or personnel.

The news of the airstrikes came just hours after President Trump had warned of a potential attack on Iran, stating that a military option was on the table if talks with Iran failed to curb its nuclear program. The situation remains fluid, with both nations bracing for potential retaliation and further escalation. The airstrikes represent a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Iran, with both sides now preparing for potential further military action. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with many nations expressing concern over the potential for a wider conflict in the Middle East.