…Israeli military officials have confirmed the airstrikes.
The iNews Times reports that the tensions between Iran and Israel have reached a boiling point as reports have emerge of airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites.
Israeli military officials have confirmed the attacks sparking a widespread outrage and vows of retaliation from Iran.
Eyewitnesses say sounds of explosions were heard in Tehran, Iran’s capital, early Friday morning.
The Israeli Air Force is believed to have carried out the strikes, with President Benjamin Netanyahu announcing that the operation would continue until the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile production is neutralized.
Netanyahu, in a YouTube video released on Friday morning stated, “This operation will take as long as is needed to complete the task of fending off the threat of annihilation against us.”
Images circulating in the media on Friday show significant damage to buildings in residential areas, raising concerns about possible civilian casualties.
The iNews Times also learnt that Hossein Salami, the Chief Commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, was killed in the attack.
Iran has vowed to launch a swift and forceful retaliation of the airstrikes, with the country’s military spokesperson warning that both the United States and Israel will pay a “heavy price” for the “deadly airstrikes.”
The US has however distanced itself from the attack, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio declaring that the US was not involved in the strikes.
Secretary Rubio warned Iran not to target American interests or personnel in the region, stating, “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.”
The iNews Times reports that the airstrikes come amid escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.
The International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors recently censured Iran for its lack of cooperation with inspectors, prompting Iran to announce plans to build a third uranium enrichment facility and upgrade its centrifuges.
Talks between the US and Iran have however stalled, primarily due to disagreements over uranium enrichment.
Both Iran and Israel have shut their airspace, and Israel has declared an emergency situation on their home front in anticipation of Iran’s response.
The Iranian Armed Forces’ General Staff spokesperson has threatened that Israel “will pay a heavy price and should await a strong response from the Iranian armed forces.”
