Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has warned that Israel will face "severe punishment" following airstrikes that killed senior Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched targeted strikes on multiple sites across Iran, including military bases and the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the operation aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear weapons capabilities—a claim Tehran has repeatedly denied, insisting its nuclear program is for civilian purposes.
In a strongly worded statement, Khamenei condemned the attack, accusing Israel of hitting residential areas and vowing retaliation. "The Zionist regime must expect severe punishment," he declared, confirming the deaths of "several commanders and scientists."
Among the reported casualties were high-ranking figures, including:
Hossein Salami, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
Gholam Ali Rashid, Deputy Chief of Army Staff
Nuclear scientists Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoon Abbasi
Iran’s Armed Forces denounced the strikes as "blatant aggression" and promised a "crushing" response.
The attack comes just days before the next round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, set to resume Sunday in Oman. Previous negotiations have stalled, with former U.S. President Donald Trump accusing Iran of deliberately delaying progress.
The U.S. has distanced itself from the Israeli operation, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating Washington had no involvement.
As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely for Iran’s next move—and whether the conflict will derail already fragile diplomatic efforts.