Israel bombs Iran. The IDF launched a series of "preemptive" strikes overnight against nuclear and military facilities, ballistic missile factories and high-ranking officials . A move that has sent oil prices soaring and risks opening a third war front after the ones in Ukraine and Gaza.

A "declaration of war", Iran calls it, which has asked the United Nations Security Council to intervene. Dozens of victims: Iranian state television reported that Hossein Salami, the head of the elite Revolutionary Guards, was killed as well as the army chief of staff Mohamamd Bagheri.

"This is only going to get worse!" Donald Trump wrote on Truth. "There has already been great death and destruction," the American president continued, "but there is still time to put an end to this slaughter, with the next attacks already planned that will be even more brutal. Iran must reach an agreement, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire ." Trump then called the attack "excellent." "We gave them a chance and they didn't take it. They were hit hard, very hard," he added, stressing that there will be "more" attacks, "many more."

Netanyahu: "The heart of the nuclear enrichment program has been hit"

Israel targeted Iranian scientists suspected of working on a nuclear bomb, Tehran's ballistic missile program and the Natanz uranium enrichment plant in central Iran. Hours earlier, for the first time in 20 years, the IAEA censured Iran for failing to comply with ongoing investigations into the country's nuclear activities. According to Tel Aviv, the Islamic republic had enough material to make 15 nuclear bombs in a few days.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video released from his office alongside Defense Minister Israel Katz and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, already took stock: "A few moments ago Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a military operation aimed at countering the Iranian threat to the very survival of Israel. This operation will continue for as many days as necessary to remove this threat," he added, thus suggesting that the offensive could be prolonged. Israel has struck "the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment program and its efforts to develop a nuclear weapon. We have just carried out a very successful opening blow and, with God's help, we will achieve a great deal."

Tehran's response

Tehran's response was not long in coming: the IDF spokesman declared that "Iran has launched over 100 drones towards Israel and the army is working to intercept them". "The response is Iran's legal and legitimate right and the Iranian armed forces will defend the country with all their power and in their own way", underlines the Iranian Foreign Ministry: Israel's was "a clear aggression towards the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Iran: Israel has violated the United Nations Charter". "The Zionist regime has brought upon itself a bitter and painful fate and will certainly suffer it", declared the leader Ali Khamenei, promising that Israel "will suffer a harsh punishment". In the evening, a new missile attack by Tehran against Israel, the defense system is in action and the IDF warns the population to stay in shelters. At least 100 missiles were launched towards Israel, some managed to bypass Iron Dome. In Tel Aviv, loud bangs were heard and a gigantic column of smoke rose clearly visible.

Katz: «State of emergency»

Israel declares state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory rocket and drone attacks . Defense Minister Israel Katz declared with immediate effect “a special state of emergency throughout the State of Israel following Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran: a rocket and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the near future.” “Therefore, it is necessary to comply with the directives of the Rear Command and the authorities, and remain in protected shelters,” the statement read.

Rubio: «The US is not involved»

"We are not involved in any way," Washington officials told CNN, while President Donald Trump declared that he was aware of the impending attack and that   “Iran cannot be without a nuclear bomb, and we hope to return to the negotiating table. We’ll see . ” “Israel has taken unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in attacks on Iran, and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote in a statement . “Israel has communicated to us that it believes this action is necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”

Emergency meeting at Farnesina

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has called an emergency meeting at the Farnesina with ambassadors from the affected area on Israel's military operations in Iran. A first meeting was held this morning at the Farnesina crisis unit dedicated to the conditions of Italian citizens in the Gulf region. The Farnesina advises against unnecessary travel to the region and has sent warnings to Italian citizens registered in Iran.

Putin condemns attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin "stressed that Russia condemns Israel's actions" in Iran, the Kremlin reported, quoted by Tass, saying the ongoing attack "violates the United Nations Charter and international law." The Kremlin said Putin had telephone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

- NEWS IN UPDATE -

(Online Union)

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