The already fragile balance of the Middle East changed tonight. Israel led between Thursday and Friday June 13, a series of major strikes against Iranian nuclear and military installations, killing several senior officials from the Islamic Republic. Called “lion drawn up”, this operation is responsible for neutralizing the “Ballistic missile program” of Iran, accused of being close to “No non-return” Towards the atomic bomb.
The Minister of Defense of the Hebrew State, Israel Katz, decreed a state of emergency throughout the country, anticipating a “Missile and drone attack”. Rightly – Tehran, who promised a response “Severe and regrettable”has already sent a hundred drones to Israeli territory, reports AFP.
The human and political consequences of this Israeli offensive are heavy: General Hossein Salami, chief of the revolution guards, was killed, alongside General Gholam Ali Rachid and the Iranian staff chief Mohammed Bagheri, according to state television. Six nuclear scientists have also perished. And at least 50 people, including women and children, were injured according to official Iranian media.
An explosive climate
In the center of the country, the Natanz uranium enrichment site has been targeted “Several times”still according to Iranian state television, which broadcast images of thick black smoke rising from the installation. The International Atomic Energy Agency (AIEA) confirmed that it has noted strikes, and said he followed “Closely the situation deeply worrying in Iran”.
Of the “Dozens” strikes also targeted three military sites in the northwest of the country, according to Israeli military sources. Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu said that this operation is already “Crowned with success” would last “As many days as necessary”.
In a statement released this Friday morning, the revolution guards warned: “These attacks will not remain unanswered and (Israel) must expect severe and regrettable revenge. »» The Iranian supreme guide, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, promised Israel a spell “Bitter and painful”denouncing an act of “Direct war”. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it said “Legitimate law” to answer.
“Iran cannot have the nuclear bomb”
At the heart of the showdown? Enrichment of uranium. Iran, which does not recognize Israel, is accused by Westerners and the Hebrew state of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons – which Tehran denies, affirming that its program is for civil use.
On Thursday, the IAEA adopted a resolution denouncing the “Failure” Iranian bonds, to which Tehran replied by announcing that he wanted to build a new enrichment site and increase “Significantly” its production. For Israel, this capacity represents an existential threat. For Iran, this right to enrich is “Non -negotiable”.
“Iran cannot have the nuclear bomb”hammered US President Donald Trump, who admitted to having been warned in advance of the Hebrew state strikes. Asked about Fox News, he said “Hope a return to the negotiation table”without excluding a new escalation. Oman, who was to welcome a sixth cycle of Iranian nuclear negotiations on Sunday, denounced a “Dangerous escalation”.
While everything seems unanswered after this night of clashes, an American official said that the meeting was “Always on the agenda”. This morning, Israeli pilots still flew over Iran, Tsahal said. The UN called to “Maximum reservoir”.
