Israel Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites, Kills Scientists

Israel launched 'Operation Rising Lion,' a large-scale preemptive military operation targeting Iran's main nuclear enrichment site at Natanz and other sensitive locations, resulting in the deaths of several top Iranian military officials and at least six senior nuclear scientists, including Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi. Around 200 Israeli aircraft and covert operatives participated in the strikes, which were intended to neutralize what Israel described as an existential nuclear threat. Iran launched a retaliatory drone barrage, but the drones failed to reach Israeli territory. U.S. Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick expressed strong support for Israel, but the operation proceeded without direct U.S. involvement, though American officials were informed and warned Iran against further escalation. Analysts believe Israel may need to conduct additional attacks to fully dismantle Iran's nuclear program amid escalating regional tensions. The loss of key scientists and military leaders is considered a major setback for Iran's atomic ambitions.