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By Jordan King
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Israel launched Operation Rising Lion against Iran's nuclear facilities in the early hours of Friday morning, and Newsweek maps show where airstrikes took place.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacks were "a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival."
Iran is expected to respond, after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the attacks a "declaration of war."
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Why It Matters
This is a critical moment for the Middle East, which could plunge the region into full-blown war.
But tensions extend to the Western world, given America's backing for Israel. Iranian Defense Minister General Aziz Nasirzadeh previously warned that Iran could attack U.S. bases if nuclear talks breakdown with President Donald Trump's administration or if hostilities continue to mount.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Israel's action "unilateral." "We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region," he said in a statement.
What To Know
Israel's strikes have killed a number of senior Iranian leaders and nuclear scientists, including the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Air Force, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and other members of its leadership.
The Natanz nuclear site, Iran's most prominent uranium enrichment facility, around 135 miles south east of Tehran, was hit more than once, said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), adding that it had inflicted critical damage.
Airstrikes were reported in the following locations, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW):
Natanz Enrichment Complex in Esfahan Province - Netanyahu confirmed that Israel hit Natanz
- Nobonyad Street in Tehran Province
- Lavizan district in Tehran Province
- Jahan Koudak Tower in Tehran Province
- Farahzad neighborhood in Tehran Province
- Amir Abad neighborhood in Tehran Province
- Andarzgou neighborhood in Tehran Province
- Langari Street in Tehran Province
- Patrice Lumumba Street in Tehran Province
- Asatid-e Sarv Complex in Tehran Province
Unverified reports also said explosions were heard in the provinces of Qom, Markazi, Kermanshah, and Hamadan.
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The ISW has published maps showing information including "anti-aircraft fire," reported and confirmed explosions, and reported and confirmed airstrikes.
It disclaims: "Some users online may misinterpret anti-aircraft fire as evidence of an airstrike. Some air defense systems have long ranges that make it difficult to assess if the air defense fire's point of origin is the actual target or if the air defense systems are protecting a more distant site.
"Likewise, the sounds of explosions may not denote an airstrike because some sources may misinterpret the sounds of missile launches or other kinetic activity."
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What People Are Saying
Rubio said: "Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel."
An Israeli military official previously told Newsweek that the strikes were part of "Operation Rising Lion," conducted after intelligence indicated that Iran had enough material to produce 15 nuclear bombs.
Trump posted to Truth Social on Thursday: "We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue! My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Israel Defense Forces spokesperson BG Effie Defrin, in a recorded video statement on X: "For years, the Iranian regime has called for the destruction of the state of Israel. Planning and advancing concrete military plans to do so.
"Over the past few months, intelligence has shown that Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon. This morning, the IDF began preemptive and precise strikes targeting the Iranian nuclear program. In order to prevent the Iranian regime's ability to build a nuclear bomb in the immediate time frame."
What Happens Next
It is immediately unclear if or when Iran will respond.
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