In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, Iran launched over 100 drones towards Israel in retaliation for recent Israeli airstrikes that killed top Iranian military commander Gen. Hossein Salami. Brigadier General Effie Deffrin, spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces, confirmed the drone assault, stating that all Israeli defense systems were activated to intercept the aerial threats. The attack triggered major disruptions, including Jordan’s immediate airspace closure, while neighboring countries closely monitored the deteriorating situation. Iranian state media reported loud explosions in various parts of Tehran during the early morning hours, although the exact impact and targets of the Israeli strikes have not been officially confirmed.
The retaliatory drone strike follows a significant Israeli military operation targeting high-value Iranian assets. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the move as a “targeted military operation” intended to eliminate what he called an imminent threat to Israel’s existence. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz supported this narrative, calling it a “preemptive strike” and declaring a special state of emergency nationwide to ensure civilian safety and preparedness. The assassination of Gen. Salami, a key figure in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard known for his aggressive rhetoric against the US and Israel, marks a severe blow to Tehran’s military leadership and has provoked fears of prolonged conflict.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council issued a chilling warning that its armed forces would directly strike Israel’s “secret nuclear facilities” if hostilities continued, especially in light of claims that Iran has obtained sensitive Israeli intelligence through months of covert operations. The Council emphasized that Iran has already identified critical Israeli infrastructure targets in preparation for further escalation. This tit-for-tat military exchange now risks spiraling into a much broader regional war, as Israel continues to maintain a policy of strategic ambiguity over its nuclear capabilities while Iran signals its intent to retaliate with unprecedented precision and aggression.
