Israel Strikes Iran, Killing IRGC Chiefs, Scientists

Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple sites in Iran, killing IRGC head Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami, senior commander Gholamali Rashid, and nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, according to Iranian state media. The Israeli military stated the strikes, under operation 'Rising Lion,' focused on Iran’s nuclear enrichment, weaponization sites, and missile facilities, citing an imminent existential threat. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu described the attacks as preemptive measures to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei vowed harsh retaliation, and the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the Natanz nuclear facility was hit. In response, Israel declared a state of emergency and closed its airspace, anticipating possible Iranian retaliation. The strikes came after a recent IAEA resolution declared Iran non-compliant with its nuclear obligations, further escalating international tensions.