Israel has launched an attack against Iran, a senior IDF official told The War Zone. The nature and extent of the attack is not yet known.
Author’s note: You can read the latest updates on operation “Rising Lion” by scrolling to the bottom of this page.
“The attack has just begun in Iran,” said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss operational details. “We are in an emergency situation all over the country.”
The official confirms earlier reporting by Axios that “the Israeli Air Force conducted a strike in Iran on Thursday, according to two sources with knowledge of the operation. It’s not yet clear what Israel is targeting, but explosions were reported in Tehran.”
Israeli officials have yet to officially comment.
“If Israel is striking Iran, there is no U.S. involvement, no U.S. assistance,” a U.S. official told The War Zone.
Once again, the nature of this operation, which has been labelled ‘preemptive’ in nature isn’t clear. It could be the opening blows of a protracted campaign or an opportunistic play based on intelligence. We just don’t know.
The attack comes against the backdrop of rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Earlier today, the International Atomic Energy Agency issued a scathing report saying Iran was trying to hide its uranium enrichment program. In response, Iran said it would create new facilities. You can read more about that in our story earlier today here.
This is a developing story. Stay with The War Zone for updates.
Update: 8:51 PM Eastern
The IDF has issued a statement on what it is calling a “preemptive, precise” strike on Iran.
“A short while ago, following the directive of the political echelon, the IDF launched a preemptive, precise, combined offensive based on high-quality intelligence to strike Iran’s nuclear program, and in response to the Iranian regime’s ongoing aggression against Israel. A short while, dozens of IAF jets completed the first stage that included strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran.
The public is requested to follow the instructions of the IDF Home Front Command, which will be updated as necessary, and act calmly and responsibly. The IDF and the relevant authorities are prepared for a wide range of scenarios in defense and offense that may be needed.
For years, the Iranian regime has been waging a direct and indirect campaign of terror against the State of Israel, by funding and directing terrorist activities via its proxies across the Middle East, while advancing toward obtaining a nuclear weapon. The Iranian regime is at the head of the axis responsible for all terrorist attacks against the State of Israel since the beginning of the “Swords of Iron” War, including by arming and funding the Hamas terror organization which was responsible for the October 7th Massacre. During the “Swords of Iron” War, Iran even directly attacked Israel twice, firing hundreds of missiles toward the State of Israel.
The Iranian regime has proclaimed that its objective is to destroy the State of Israel. Senior officials in the Iranian regime have publicly declared their intent to destroy Israel, and are operating to achieve this together with their proxies in the Middle East. Today, Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon. Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime are an existential threat to the State of Israel and a significant threat to the wider world. The State of Israel will not allow a regime whose objective is to destroy the State of Israel to obtain weapons of mass destruction.
The IDF has conducted a process of preparations for a campaign on the frontline and on the home front. The resilience of Israel’s citizens will be an important factor of the campaign.
The IDF is ready to continue to act as required. The State of Israel has the obligation to act in defense of its citizens and will continue to do so everywhere it is required to do so, as we have done in the past.
The IDF is conducting an ongoing situational assessment and will update on any developments.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also isssued a statement.
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was 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.”
Update: 8:59 PM Eastern –
The Israeli Air Force said the attack was designed to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
“Iran is closer than ever to obtaining nuclear weapons. Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime are a threat to the State of Israel and a significant threat to the entire world. The State of Israel will not allow a regime whose goal is the destruction of the State of Israel to possess weapons of mass destruction.”
Update: 9:02 PM Eastern –
Netanyahu said Israel targeted Iran’s leading nuclear scientists working on the Iranian bomb, according to Reuters.
“We also struck in the heart of Iran’s ballistic missile program,” he said.
This fits with what we are seeing as far as the nature of the strikes, although our view is very limited. This appears to have been an operation that focused as much on targeting individuals as capabilities, or at least both. Exactly how this will be staged going forward isn’t clear. Air defenses would need to be degraded if a protracted air campaign were to occur that would make use of direct attacks and go after the entirety of the nuclear program and Iran’s ability to build delivery systems for it. Other military capabilities — specifically long-range weapons that threaten Israel — and their production capacity would also likely be targeted. The coming hours will be telling as to if this attack was opportunistic and/or used as a pressure device on the regime or if a much larger and prolonged campaign will spin-up.
Update: 9:20 Eastern
There are multiple reports and some video, which remains unconfirmed, that claims Iran’s nuclear site at Natanz was struck. If that did indeed occur and to what extent remains unclear.
Israel has deemed the operation Rising Lion and Netanyahu says this operation could take many days. It is focused on rolling back Iran’s nuclear program and dismantling its ballistic missile capabilities. Full statement:
Statement from the IDF:
Update: 9:28 pm Eastern
Iran’s Press TV has confirmed that the country’s sprawling nuclear site in Natanz was struck overnight.
Claims are being made in the Israeli press that the U.S. downplayed the possibility of this operation starting so soon in order to catch Iran by surprise. Having talks scheduled on Sunday between the U.S. and Iran certainly would point to that possibility.
The Jerusalem Post reports the following:
“A senior defense official on Friday morning said that there is an increasing possibility that the Iranian high command, including Iran’s military chief and Iran’s senior nuclear scientists, have been killed in the preemptive strike.”
Additional strikes are now reported underway in the city of Piranshahr and other locales (unconfirmed videos):
A senior IDF official tells TWZ the following:
“In Israel, the Home Front Command has issued formal alerts instructing all Israeli citizens to prepare for a state of emergency and to remain near protected areas, as a period of heightened conflict is expected to last several days.
Currently, a second wave of strikes is underway, with reports indicating that the Mossad and the IDF have successfully eliminated the entire Iranian General Staff.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced Operation “Lion’s Resolve” aimed at neutralizing Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The operation involves the use of advanced Israeli-manufactured munitions with exceptional deep-penetration capabilities.
Airstrikes are taking place in Tehran and across Iranian territory, targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. According to Israeli intelligence, Iran has reached the capacity to produce 15 nuclear bombs, including enriched uranium warheads and delivery systems capable of reaching Israel. This, according to Israeli assessment, marks the point of no return, necessitating immediate military action.”
Search and rescue efforts are underway in Iran’s capital:
Israel also executed boots on the ground sabotage operations according to an Israeli official:
Iranian state press also says a fire is burning near/at the IRGC headquarters in Tehran.
More from IDF: The Chief of the General Staff: “We have begun this operation because the time has come, we are at the point of no return. We cannot afford to wait for another time to operate, we have no other choice. Recent and past events of history have taught us that when the enemy is attempting to destroy us, we must not turn a blind eye. We need to fight for our existence, freedom was given to those willing to fight for it.”
“I warn that anyone who will try to challenge us, will pay a heavy price. We are entering this operation together with one goal in front of us – to secure a safer future for the State of Israel and its civilians, in unified effort and faith, we will win.”
Attached is a video announcement by the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir:
Attached are photos of the Chief of the General Staff overseeing IDF strikes against Iran from the Israeli Air Force situation room:
Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir made the following statement, which included notifications of calling up tens of thousands of troops:
“Civilians of Israel, these are decisive days, we are currently at the start of a new phase in the operation to secure our future.
The IDF began Operation “Rising Lion” tonight, in order to strategically strike the threats from the Iranian regime against the State of Israel. We are amidst a historic campaign unlike any other. This is a critical operation to prevent an existential threat, by an enemy who is intent on destroying us.
We began this operation because the time has come, we are at the point of no return. We cannot afford to wait for another time to operate, we have no other choice. Recent and past events of history have taught us that when the enemy is attempting to destroy us, we must not turn a blind eye. As such, we need to fight for our existence, the freedom is given to those willing to fight for it.
Right now, we need, more than ever, bravery, spirit and unity among us. I promise you that the IDF’s operations are being conducted as a result of immediate and justified operational needs and in a secure and precise manner. It is necessary at this time to make difficult decisions, and be confident that all the decisions made are taken with the gravity of the situation. Civilians of Israel, I can’t promise absolute success – the Iranian regime will attempt to attack us in response, the expected toll will be different to what we are used to. The IDF is prepared to defend the Israeli home front and I ask you to be responsible, for yourselves, for your family and your communities and listen to the instructions.
We have been preparing this operation for a long time – unprecedented efforts have been made across all branches and directorates to achieve readiness against the tangible and present threat. At this time, I ask that you support the IDF troops and security forces, who are operating with strength and determination, both in near and in far fronts. They are defending us all at great risk to their lives. We are calling up tens of thousands of soldiers and prepared across all borders. I warn that anyone who will try to challenge us, will pay a heavy price. We are entering this operation together with one goal – to secure a safer future for the State of Israel and its civilians; in a unified effort and faith, we will win. 77 years since the State of Israel was established, the nation of the Jewish people founded after the Holocaust, we stand again for our survival. Unlike the past, we face an enemy as a nation and regional power, with an army like no other. Beyond the technology, operational means, and methods – we inhibit an additional unique element – the Zionist and Jewish spirit that beats within us. With this spirit — and faith in our justified path — our actions will speak.”
Update: 9:55 PM Eastern
We are getting reports that many high-ranking Iranian officials — from military to political figures — were killed in the first wave of strikes.
TWZ has checked infrared imagery from NASA’s FIRMS portal and do not see any major infrared events at Iran’s nuclear facilities, but this could be a time lag issue.
Additional images of follow-on strikes in the daylight are starting to emerge. Air defenses are likely to be targeted heavily in this next stage:
Update: 10:10 pm Eastern
Iran’s Tasnim News Agency announces the assassination of Revolutionary Guard commander Hossein Salami. This is a major deal. It will spark extreme outrage and calls for revenge, especially among the extremist elements in Iran and the IRGC’s orbit, and it is a major victory for Israel. Just how many figureheads Israel has hit will impact Iran’s command structure and its ability to rapidly react to Israel’s operations.
More damage seen in Tehran:
U.S. Embassy in Israel puts out a shelter-in-place order:
Update: 10:50 pm Eastern
Interestingly, there is no clear evidence of Iranian air defenses reacting to Israel’s strikes. Whether this is due to the types of weapons employed and/or other factors is unknown.
The Iranian Air Force is now reportedly patrolling at least a portion of the country’s airspace, which remain shut down to civilian air traffic. The skies over and around Iran were full of commercial aircraft before the strikes began.
Israeli officials continue to stress that there is more to come for Operation Rising Lion. Especially absent more active U.S. support, Israel lacks the capacity to sustain very high long-range sortie rates, which could contribute to an extended campaign.
“We went on the offensive because the time has come, we have reached the point of no return. We must not wait for another time to act, we have no choice,” IDF Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir has now said in a statement. “History, both distant and recent, has taught us that in the face of ambitions to destroy us, we must not bow our heads, and from this we fight to preserve our existence. Freedom was given to those who are willing to fight for it.”
“I warn you, anyone who tries to challenge us will pay a heavy price,” he added. “We are going into battle together with one goal in mind – to bring a safer future to the State of Israel and its citizens. With faith, together, and joint effort, we will win.”
There are now also multiple reports that Iran is preparing a “harsh and decisive” response to the Israeli strikes. Spokesman for the Iranian Armed Forces, General Abolfazl Shekarchi, has reportedly said Israel and the United States will “receive a forceful slap.”
Additional claims of senior Iranian officials killed in Israel’s strikes, as well as imagery of targets hit, continue to emerge, though many continue to remain unconfirmed at this time.
Update: 11:10 pm Eastern
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been briefed about the Israeli strikes and is alive, Reuters has now reported, citing an unnamed security source. There had been reports that his residence had been targeted.
During their call on Monday, President Donald Trump reportedly told his Israeli counterpart, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, not to attack Iran, according to The Wall Street Journal. Israel’s public broadcaster Kan has separately reported that Israeli officials informed their American counterparts in advance, and their strikes were fully coordinated with the U.S. government.
There continue to be reports of additional Israeli strikes on Tehran and other locations across Iran.
Update: 11:45 pm Eastern
The IDF has released additional details of Israel’s assessment of Iran’s nuclear efforts that it says prompted the decision to strike pre-emptively.
Israel’s strikes on Iran have targeted at least six military bases in the Tehran area, including one at Parchin, along with multiple compounds and residences of senior leadership, according to The New York Times. Separate reports say that Israel has now carried out five waves of strikes in total.
At least one of Israel’s strikes on a residence has been geolocated to a particular area of eastern Tehran.
Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri was among those killed in the strikes, according to Iran’s Fars News.
Israel “carried out with its evil and bloody hand a crime in our dear country and revealed its wicked nature further by hitting residential areas,” Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei has now said in a statement. “The regime should await a harsh response.”
“With this crime, [Israel] has sealed for itself a bitter and painful destiny and will definitely see that [destiny] brought upon it,” he added.
As for the individuals Israel targeted, “their successors and colleagues will immediately pick up their work,” Khamenei vowed.
The Iranian Supreme Leader has not, at least for now, explicitly declared war on Israel.
Update: 12:00 am Eastern
Fox News is now reporting that President Trump was aware of Israel’s strikes in advance, but that he has denied any U.S. involvement. Trump has also insisted that he remains interested in a negotiated agreement with Iran over its nuclear ambitions.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see,” Trump reportedly told Fox‘s Bret Baier. “There are several people in leadership that will not be coming back.”
The U.S. military is now prepared to defend itself and Israel from any potential Iranian retaliation, according to Fox.
Update: 12:15 am Eastern
Let’s slow down for a moment for some analysis. Iran is threatening to respond in major force. Their ability to do so and at what scale remains unclear due to chaos in the command structure and whatever Israel has struck, as well as what cyber/espionage operations have been initiated. There are many unknowns. Iran has the ability to rain ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones down on Israel, as well as U.S. bases across the region, but this is under conditions when their country is not under direct attack from its prime nemesis. If they do go after U.S. bases, then a major fork in the road is created for the Trump administration. Does the U.S. then join Israel’s kinetic operation or not?
Israel clearly could benefit massively from the U.S. military joining the fold, even in a direct supporting manner, not an actively kinetic one (more on that in a moment). At the same time, the U.S. has kinetic capabilities Israel does not, especially when it comes to hitting deeply buried nuclear installations with the B-2/Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) combination. Some high-value U.S. aircraft appear to be evacuating some bases in the Persian Gulf area, which is an indicator of the risk window these installations are entering into.
As for other forms of support, Israel lacks a robust aerial refueling capacity. A long-range operation like this is going to take weeks to execute with this critical bottleneck. The U.S. military could supply aerial refueling and drastically ratchet up Israel’s sortie rates to accelerate the campaign. It’s possible American forces are doing this now, even to a limited degree. However, there is absolutely no proof of that now, and there should be if the USAF tanker force was fully supporting Israel’s operation.
Then there is the question of whether Israel will push manned combat aircraft deep into Iran. This drastically complicates operations, especially if combat search and rescue is required. There are only indications of standoff attacks, likely launched from near the Iran-Iraq border, at least at this time. So far, Iran’s air defenses have been silent. While previous Israeli attacks on Iran degraded key air defense capabilities, they didn’t dismantle Iran’s eclectic integrated air defense system. So it is likely that Israel has wormed/hacked their system, or large portions of it. This is a known capability that Israel wrote the book on, and nowhere else would they be more prepared to deploy it than in this operation they have been preparing for for decades.
Then there is the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has very low-tech capabilities, as well as higher-tech ones, which can deny that waterway to any ship movements. Interdicting these operations would be impossible for Israel and would require the U.S. and Arab Gulf States to launch a major operation. Regardless, it remains a major wildcard, as it always has been the case in this projected scenario. It also has the greatest risk of ‘internationalizing’ the conflict.
Update: 12:50 am Eastern
Additional imagery has emerged that is said to show the aftermath of Israeli strikes on Iranian underground missile facilities.
An image has also emerged that is said to show a strike on a radar site in western Iran. There had previously been reports that Israel was targeting Iranian strategic air defense radars.
Update: 1:15 AM Eastern
IDF states 100 drones have been launched from Iran at Israel. Last time this occurred, Israel, US and allied forces nullified the entire armada of drones, which was even greater in number. This time those defending Israel are far more prepared and experienced with dealing with a large-scale long-range attack of this nature. Keep in mind that it will take the drones many hours to reach Israel, if they are not shot down in advance. Usually their arrival would be timed with ballistic missile strikes. Just how capable Iran is of launching a large ballistic missile barrage at this time remains unclear.
Isreal is executing major SEAD/DEAD operations as this next phase of the campaign kicks into high gear.
Netanyahu toutes early successes in the operation:
Update: 1:36 AM Eastern
Iranian drones on their way to Israel spotted over Iraq.
Footage supposedly showing launches for the first wave of strikes shows F-15A-D and F-16Ds, as well as F-35s heading out.
Munitions include the standard JDAM/Sparrow/short-range AAM, Elta-8222 self-escort pod loadout on the F-15A-D Bazs, meanwhile an F-16D is seen carrying the AN/ASW-55 datalink pod used to control the Popeye missile.
An image just released by the IAF shows F-16Is loaded with quad racks of Small Diameter Bombs and AIM-120s.
The IAF says 200 fighters were involved in the initial strikes:
Update: 2:30 AM Eastern
Saudis condemn the attack publicly. This is expected. Although it is a very complicated issue and there are huge risk here to the region, a nuclear Iran would be hugely problematic for the Sunni gulf states.
The Royal Saudi Air Force is up and watching the waves of Israeli jets and the Iranian counter-strike. Whether they provide defensive info to the U.S. during such a time is unknown.
The house of the senior nuclear scientist who was assassinated in a strike:
Update: 3:12 AM Eastern
Israel released animation of areas it struck. This makes sense as they are relatively close to Iran’s western border, where the IAF has access. As the operation goes on, strikes will go deeper east.
Just as we predicted above, IDF is saying the operation will last roughly two weeks.
The UK says it won’t take part in defending Israel against drone and cruise missile strikes this time around.
Jordan says they have intercepted drones and missiles in its airspace. This area should, like last time, be the primary engagement zone for drone interceptions.
Update: 4:22 am Eastern:
Israel has posted a video of a man-in-the-loop missile attack on an air defense system in Iran:
Iran has raised its red flag of revenge, apparently:
Basic map of areas struck:
Update: 6:30 AM Eastern
Check out our new post on Israel’s commando operation inside Iran that targeted air defenses here.
We have concluded updates on this article, and you can find our ongoing rolling coverage here.
Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com