Iran launched around 100 drones targeting Israeli airspace in response to Israel’s major airstrikes across Tehran and other cities under Operation Rising Lion.

The Israeli military stated that all drones launched by Iran were intercepted before they could reach any targets.

On Friday morning, Israel confirmed its forces had launched extensive strikes on Iran’s “nuclear and military targets.”

The army claimed that the attacks were specifically aimed at the centre of Iran’s nuclear development program.

Iran acknowledged the loss of key figures in the attacks, including Mohammad Bagheri, head of Iran’s armed forces; Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary Guards; and six nuclear scientists.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were necessary to remove what he called the “survival threat to Israel” from Iran. He claimed, “Had Iran not been stopped, it would have rapidly acquired nuclear weapons.”

In response to the attacks, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated, “By carrying out these attacks, Israel chose a bitter fate for itself, which it will have to face.” He also said the incident showed the malicious nature of Israel.

Due to possible retaliation, Israel has declared a state of emergency.

An Iranian military spokesman warned that both Israel and the United States would face severe consequences. He said, “Israel and the US will pay a heavy price for the attacks.”