Israel Kills Top Iranian Leaders in Major Airstrike

Israel launched a major preemptive assault on Iran, named Operation Rising Lion, targeting key nuclear facilities and top military and scientific leadership. Among those reportedly killed are Major General Hossein Salami, commander of the IRGC, Iran’s Army Chief Mohammad Bagheri, and senior nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi. Israeli officials stated the operation aimed to dismantle Iran’s nuclear weapons capabilities, claiming Iran was nearing the threshold for producing nuclear bombs. Multiple explosions were reported in Tehran and several provinces. In response, Iran declared a nationwide state of emergency and placed its military on high alert. The operation marks a significant escalation, simultaneously targeting Iran's military leadership and nuclear program, intensifying fears of broader regional conflict.