In the dead of night, the skies over Iran lit up as Israel launched a sweeping military assault targeting nuclear sites, missile factories, and top military brass. It’s the kind of move that redraws the map, and resets the clock, on an already volatile Middle East.
At the heart of the attack was Iran’s main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, where explosions were reported shortly after the first wave of strikes. But perhaps even more staggering was the death of Hossein Salami, commander of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards, a name synonymous with the regime’s military muscle.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said 200 fighter jets were involved, striking over 100 strategic targets in a show of force not seen in years.
Unsurprisingly, Iran didn’t take it lying down.
Reports say around 100 drones were launched in retaliation, heading straight for Israeli territory. In response, Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency, with officials bracing for further attacks.
Netanyahu: Stock Up, Stay Put
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation in a sombre video, warning citizens to prepare for potentially lengthy stays in bomb shelters.
“It’s very possible that you will need to stay in protected spaces for an extended period of time,” he said. “Stock up on supplies, food, clothing, and above all, patience and confidence in our victory.”
Netanyahu doubled down on the mission’s purpose: to stop Iran from building a nuclear weapon. He’s long been a hawk on the issue, some say crying wolf for years. But this week, the wolf bit back.
For over two decades, Netanyahu has warned of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, often to international eye-rolls. Back in 2018, Iran’s then-Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif mocked him, saying, “You can only fool some of the people so many times.”
Now, after years of watching and waiting, Netanyahu has made his move, alone, and decisively.
Chaos at Ben Gurion Airport
As the situation escalated, Israeli airline Israir announced it was relocating planes from Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main aviation hub. The airport remains under tight security, with incoming and outgoing flights heavily scrutinised.
UK Urges Calm Amid Rising Tensions
Back in London, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer issued a firm but cautious response.
“These reports are deeply concerning,” he said. “We urge all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently. Escalation serves no one in the region.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed the sentiment, calling for restraint and a return to diplomacy in a post on X just after 6am.
“The priority must now be stability in the Middle East,” Starmer added. “We’re engaging with partners to help de-escalate.”
What Happens Next?
That’s the question everyone is asking, and no one can answer with certainty.
The strike has transformed a long-simmering standoff into a full-blown international crisis. As both nations dig in, global leaders are scrambling to cool things down before the situation spirals further out of control.
But with missiles in the air and nerves on edge, the road back to diplomacy looks steeper than ever.
