Israel Launches Large-Scale Strikes on Iran Nuclear Sites, Iran Responds with Drone Attacks

Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a significant military strike targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile factories, and military capabilities, which resulted in the death of several top Iranian security chiefs and scientists. In response, Iran retaliated by launching over 100 drones towards Israeli territory, many of which were intercepted in neighboring countries' airspace, leading Israel to lift shelter-in-place orders. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned Israel’s actions as a declaration of war, promising severe consequences and accusing the United States of complicity, although U.S. officials denied involvement. The operation follows a history of animosity, including Iran’s support for groups hostile to Israel and prior attacks attributed to Iranian-backed proxies. Despite ongoing negotiations between President Trump and Iran over its nuclear program, Israel proceeded with the strikes, aiming to disrupt Iran’s military threat and its ability to wage proxy wars. Israeli citizens experienced heightened alert and disruption, but by Friday, a sense of confidence had returned amid the successful execution of the operation.