Israel Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites Amid Rising Tensions

Israel has carried out extensive airstrikes on Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure, notably damaging above-ground and underground enrichment halls at Natanz and reportedly killing key Iranian military and nuclear figures. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed significant damage at Natanz, though external radiation levels remain stable. Iran has retaliated with large-scale missile and drone attacks, causing dozens of Israeli civilian casualties and at least 224 deaths in Iran. Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, argue the strikes were necessary to prevent Iran from imminently acquiring nuclear weapons, a view supported by former President Trump but disputed by US intelligence, which assesses that Iran is several years from developing a bomb. Western officials now worry Iran might respond with a 'dirty bomb,' potentially triggering direct US military involvement. The ongoing escalation has intensified global concerns over regional stability and the true status of Iran's nuclear program.