“If not stopped, Iran could develop a nuclear weapon in a very short time—possibly within months. This poses a clear and present danger to Israel’s existence.”
He also thanked former U.S. President Donald Trump for his “efforts in confronting Iran’s nuclear weapons program.”
The IDF reported that over 100 targets were hit during the operation, including top Iranian military officials and leaders of Iran’s nuclear initiative.
In response, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs vowed that its armed forces would “not hesitate to defend Iran’s sovereignty with full force and by any means deemed necessary.” The ministry condemned Israel’s actions as “acts of aggression,” and held the U.S. government—Israel’s primary ally—accountable for supporting the strikes.
The international response was swift. Oman, which has played a key role in mediating U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, held Israel fully responsible for the escalation and its consequences.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the reports “deeply concerning” and urged for restraint, a sentiment echoed by France.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong warned that the strikes could “further destabilize an already volatile region.” The attacks were also condemned by Japan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia.
China expressed “deep concern over the serious consequences” of the strikes, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to exercise “maximum restraint” to prevent a dangerous slide into wider conflict.
The Israeli military further claimed that among those killed were the Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, the IRGC Commander, and the Commander of Iran’s Emergency Command.
Iran has long insisted that its nuclear program is intended solely for civilian purposes.
The country operates several nuclear facilities, some of which were reportedly among the key targets in this latest Israeli assault.***