A wave of air strikes launched by Israel against strategic targets in Iran has left a devastating toll: at least 70 people dead, more than 300 wounded and the official confirmation of the death of senior Iranian military commanders, including those responsible for the nuclear program.
Tension escalates dangerously in the Middle East as U.S. President Donald Trump issues stark warnings. “This can only get worse,” he said on his Truth Social network. “I gave Iran over and over again the opportunity to reach an agreement. I told them, in the strongest terms, to ‘just do it,’ but no matter how hard they tried, no matter how close they came, they just couldn’t get it done. I told them it would be far worse than what they knew, anticipated, or had been told: that the United States makes the best and most lethal military equipment in the world, by far, and that Israel has much, and much more to come, and knows how to use it,” is another part of Trump’s message.
Senior military commanders and scientists among the deceased
Among the dead confirmed by Iranian media – although without official validation of all identities by the government in Tehran – are key figures in the military apparatus.
They are Chief of General Staff General Mohamad Hosein Baqeri, Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Guards General Hossein Salami and Chief of the Revolutionary Guards Air Force General Amir Ali Hajizadeh.
They are joined by General Gholam Ali Rashid, in charge of the Khatam ol-Anbiya strategic air base, in addition to six nuclear scientists linked to Iran’s uranium enrichment program.
The attacks, carried out in the early hours of Friday morning, reportedly targeted more than 100 military and nuclear facilities.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed major damage to the Natanz plant, one of the most closely watched in the world for its role in Iranian nuclear development.
Iran promises a “powerful response”
In response, Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, asserted that “the Zionist regime has condemned itself to a bitter and painful fate.”
For his part, Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian promised a “powerful response” and warned that “the Islamic Republic will make the enemy regret its foolish action.”
Iran already launched a first retaliation on Friday morning with a coordinated drone strike, which according to Israeli sources was completely neutralized.
Even so, analysts warn that the conflict could escalate into a regional war with unpredictable consequences.
State of emergency in Israel
In Israel, the government of Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a state of national emergency.
Military spokesman Effie Defrin assured that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are “prepared for a prolonged operation,” with targeted offensives and reinforced defense throughout the territory.
The announcement comes amid rumors of new bombings on Iranian territory and possible indirect attacks through allied militias such as Hezbollah in Lebanon or groups in Syria and Iraq.
International community calls for restraint
Buzzy
The United States, although not directly involved in the attacks according to statements by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has publicly supported Israel.
However, Trump has urged Iran to negotiate “before there is nothing left,” an allusion to the nuclear program that was a source of tension during his first term.
The international community has expressed its concern.
The UN, the European Union, China and Russia have made explicit calls for restraint.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, called for avoiding retaliation and “immediately reducing tension.”
The Chinese government condemned any action that violates Iran’s sovereignty, while Russia called the attack an “unacceptable and cynical” aggression, especially as it coincided with meetings of the IAEA and the nuclear negotiations in Vienna.
I told them it would be far worse than what they knew, anticipated, or had been told: that the United States makes the best and most lethal military equipment in the world, by far
For more news, visit QuéOnnda.com.
