Iran has launched a large-scale counterattack on Israel, deploying more than a hundred drones over the past few hours in response to Israeli airstrikes on Tehran. Brigadier General Efi Defrin, chief spokesman of Iran’s armed forces, confirmed the attack, stating, “Tehran is working to dismantle all of Israel’s defensive systems.”

Earlier on Friday morning, Israel carried out a series of strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, claiming it was an effort to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.

Israeli airstrikes across Iran have killed top military and nuclear officials, including Armed Forces Chief General Mohammad Bagheri and IRGC Commander Hossein Salami. Former nuclear chief Fereydoon Abbasi and scientist Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi also died in the strikes. Iranian state TV confirmed the deaths, while reports say women and children were among civilian casualties in Tehran. Israel named the operation “Rising Lion,” stating it aimed to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. A nationwide emergency has been declared in Iran fearing retaliation.

Iran’s Tasnim news agency has reported that Israeli airstrikes have killed Major General Hossein Salami, chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with two prominent nuclear scientists. Several senior Iranian military officials also reportedly died in the attack. Rumors regarding the death of Iran’s military chief Mohammad Bagheri were denied by the state-run IRNA news agency.

Following recent Israeli airstrikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stern warning, vowing that Israel would face "severe punishment" for its attack on Tehran. “Israel has revealed its malevolent nature by targeting residential areas,” said Khamenei. “This crime has paved the way for a bitter and painful consequence, which the Zionist regime must be prepared to face.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue military operations against Iran, stating that they will persist "as long as Iran poses an existential threat to Israel." In a video statement released Friday, Netanyahu said, “Israel has launched a targeted military campaign to counter the existential threat from Iran. The goal is to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile systems, and military capabilities.” He added that Israel’s national defense policy has been adjusted, with all regions shifting from full operational mode to mission-critical alert status.

Following Israeli airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear and military sites, Iran has closed its airspace until further notice. Israel stated that the attack, dubbed ‘Operation Rising Lion,’ was aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “a decisive moment in Israel’s history,” adding that further strikes are expected in the coming days.

Israeli airstrikes on nuclear and military installations around Tehran have reportedly killed Hossein Salami, the Commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iranian state television confirmed that Salami was present at IRGC headquarters during the strike. Iranian military and IRGC forces have vowed retaliation, officially confirming Salami’s death.

In the early hours of Friday, Israeli fighter jets launched airstrikes northeast of Tehran, causing massive explosions. US intelligence sources confirmed the attack but stated that Washington did not assist in the operation. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared a nationwide state of emergency following the strike.

Israel has destroyed Gaza’s final optical fiber line, cutting off all internet and landline access. Palestinian officials warn this move aims to digitally isolate and silence the population amid an escalating humanitarian crisis. Human rights groups condemn the blackout as a violation of international law. With aid operations crippled and the death toll mounting—over 55,000 killed and 127,000 injured—Gaza faces one of modern history’s worst humanitarian disasters, with thousands still missing under the rubble.

Fierce fighting has erupted in Kyaukphyu, a strategic port city in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, as the Arakan Army advances against the military junta. The city is vital to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, hosting key oil and gas pipelines and infrastructure. China has deployed private security personnel to protect its investments. Over 40,000 civilians have been displaced amid escalating violence. Control of Kyaukphyu now symbolizes not just local power, but also a geopolitical contest for influence between regional and global powers.

The United States has started pulling out diplomatic staff and military personnel from parts of the Middle East, warning the region could become increasingly dangerous. President Donald Trump stated that Iran must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. Reports indicate a partial evacuation of the U.S. embassy in Iraq and voluntary departures from Bahrain and Kuwait. Tensions are rising amid stalled nuclear talks with Iran and intelligence suggesting possible Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, pushing global oil prices up by over 4%.

At least 40 starving Palestinians have been killed and nearly 200 injured after Israeli forces attacked two aid distribution centers in Gaza. With this incident, over 150 Palestinians have now died while attempting to receive aid from the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal said, "Thousands of citizens were targeted by Israeli tanks and drones while approaching the U.S.-backed aid centers for food. We have recovered at least 31 bodies so far and rescued nearly 200 injured." In a separate attack near an aid center in Rafah, nine Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire. The Israeli military has acknowledged the attack.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that 123 Palestinians were killed and 474 injured in Israeli attacks over the past 24 hours. Since October 7, 2023, more than 55,000 Palestinians have died and over 127,000 injured due to continued Israeli aggression. Many bodies remain trapped under rubble as rescue efforts are hindered. The ongoing humanitarian crisis worsens under a 20-month blockade, with shortages of healthcare, water, electricity, and food. International courts have issued arrest warrants against Israeli leaders for war crimes in Gaza.

Israel’s ongoing 20-month military operation in Gaza has led to a severe soldier shortage, pushing women into critical frontline positions. Previously limited to border and checkpoint duties, female soldiers are now deployed in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. The Israeli army admits a deficit of over 10,000 troops, worsened by many reservists suffering mental trauma. To address the crisis, the government is also conscripting Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men after the Supreme Court revoked their exemption, aiming to strengthen military ranks.

Forty-one Israeli soldiers from intelligence and cyber warfare units have resigned from the military, refusing to take part in what they call the genocidal attacks on Gaza led by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s fight for political survival. They emphasized that the ongoing violence is not about security or rescuing hostages but maintaining political power. Israeli authorities report 56 hostages trapped in Gaza, with 20 believed alive. Human rights groups say over 10,100 Palestinians remain imprisoned in Israeli jails.