Israel Launches Major Strikes Across Iran Amid Rising War

Israel has launched a series of extensive strikes against Iran, targeting over 50 sites including Tehran and key military and nuclear installations, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists. Israeli officials describe the strikes as a major success that significantly weakened Iran's military capabilities, particularly its nuclear program. Iran has responded by declaring a nationwide state of emergency, mobilizing its military, and closing its airspace, signaling an escalation into open warfare with Israel. The attacks have raised fears of a broader regional conflict, with tensions also simmering in Lebanon and Syria where Israeli and Iranian proxies have clashed. This escalation follows a long history of clandestine and overt conflicts between the two countries, marked by assassinations, cyberattacks, and proxy wars. The United States has distanced itself from the attacks, warning Iran against threatening U.S. interests, while Iran has vowed a bitter response, further destabilizing the Middle East security environment.