Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear facilities, kills military commanders, scientists

Israel has launched a fusillade of attacks targeting Iran’s nuclear programme and military leadership.

Israeli defence officials said the missiles likely killed members of Iran’s general staff, including the commander-in-chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard, Hossein Salami and several senior nuclear scientists.

Israel’s military said 200 fighter jets have been used in the ongoing strike, with more than 100 targets struck.

Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson, Effie Defrin, said the strikes were “part of a precise and synchronised operation”.

Defrin added that Israeli pilots are still striking “military targets and targets from the nuclear programme across different areas in Iran”.

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In retaliation, Iran has launched more than 100 drones towards Israeli territory.

“All [aerial] defence arrays have been operating to intercept the threats,” Defrin said during a press briefing.

In a post on X, the Iranian military said “This will not be a mere demonstration of will or technological capability. This time, our response will be lethal”.

The United States has said it played no part in Israel’s strike. Marco Rubio, US secretary of state, said “there was no US involvement or assistance” in the strikes.

Before the attack, US President Donald Trump said negotiations on a nuclear deal with Iran were ongoing.

Trump was convening a cabinet-level meeting on the subject when Israel attacked, CNN reports.