Israel Conducts Wide Airstrikes Killing IRGC Chief, Hits Iran, Iraq

Israel launched a major military operation called "Operation Rising Lion," targeting multiple nuclear and military sites across Iran, including Tehran, as part of a preemptive strike to prevent Iran from producing nuclear weapons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the operation would continue as long as necessary to neutralize the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program, emphasizing the existential danger to Israel's survival. The strikes resulted in the death of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander-in-Chief, Major General Hossein Salami, and other key figures linked to Iran's nuclear program. Explosions were also reported across several Iraqi cities, prompting Iraqi authorities to shut down their airspace amid concerns about the regional fallout. Israel's Defence Minister declared a nationwide state of emergency in Israel, warning of imminent retaliatory attacks by Iran. The situation remains tense with fears of further escalation as residential areas in Tehran suffered significant damage and casualties.