Intense exchanges between the two major rivals occurred throughout Friday, potentially jeopardizing nuclear discussions.
The Israeli military (IDF) launched airstrikes against Iran on Friday, prompting a response from Tehran involving drones and missiles. Israel stated the attacks were aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran condemned the strikes as “blatant aggression” and threatened a severe response.
These events unfolded just before the scheduled sixth round of nuclear talks between the US and Iran, which were to be held in Oman on Sunday.
IDF bombs nuclear and military sites
In the early hours of Friday, approximately 200 Israeli warplanes targeted various locations across Iran, including a uranium enrichment facility in Natanz. Reports also indicated strikes on nuclear sites in Fordo and Isfahan, as well as military airfields near Hamadan and Tabriz.
According to the Iranian ambassador to the UN, the attacks resulted in nearly 80 fatalities and over 320 injuries. Iran confirmed the deaths of high-ranking military officials, including Major General Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Major General Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, and Brigadier General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC’s Aerospace Division. Several experienced nuclear scientists were also among the dead. Iran claimed that the Natanz site sustained only “superficial damage.”
Trump hails ‘excellent’ Israeli operation
The US State Department denied any involvement in the Israeli attacks. However, President Donald Trump told Fox News that he was aware of the planned operation and lauded its “excellent” outcome. He criticized Iran for not agreeing to a deal regarding its nuclear program during his “60-day ultimatum.”
Russia calls for de-escalation
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with both Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday afternoon. He denounced Israel’s strikes as violations of international law and conveyed his condolences for the civilian deaths in Iran.
Putin stated that Russia would work to “advance the de-escalation of the conflict,” according to the Kremlin. He added that the issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear program must be resolved through diplomatic means.
Nuclear talks in jeopardy
Iran has suspended its participation in the negotiations with the US, which were being mediated by Oman and were scheduled to resume for a sixth round on Sunday. Trump had previously accused Iran of “slow-walking” the talks and insisted on the complete dismantling of its nuclear program.
Iran rejected Trump’s demands as unacceptable, asserting its intention to continue nuclear research for civilian purposes.