The Blubber

Israel has declared that its large-scale aerial assault on Iran—which targeted nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, and air defenses while killing high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists—marks only the beginning of a broader campaign aimed at dismantling Tehran’s nuclear program. The operation, described by Israeli officials as the opening phase of a sustained effort, has raised fears across the region of an escalating conflict that could spiral into full-scale war.

In response, Iran has pledged a fierce retaliation. Mohammad Pakpour, newly appointed as commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps following the death of his predecessor in Friday’s strikes, vowed to “open the gates of hell” on Israel.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, released a recorded message condemning the Israeli attack: “Don’t think that they hit and it’s over. No. They started the work and started the war. We will not allow them to escape safely from this great crime they committed.”

As Friday night unfolded, air raid sirens echoed across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Iranian state media reported the launch of hundreds of missiles aimed at Israel. Several loud explosions were heard in Tel Aviv, with smoke columns rising over the city skyline.

According to Israeli military officials, their strikes hit over 100 key targets across Iran—including the Natanz uranium enrichment complex and multiple missile production sites. Tehran condemned the strikes as a “declaration of war,” acknowledging the loss of senior military personnel and scientists.

In a direct response, Iran launched a wave of approximately 100 drones. Israeli defense systems intercepted most of them before they reached their targets, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned that this was only the beginning. “We expect several waves of Iranian attacks,” he said, warning citizens to prepare for extended stays in protected shelters.

Explosions continued to be reported within Iran into Friday evening, suggesting Israel had initiated a second phase of its offensive. The conflict—rooted in decades of tension over Iran’s nuclear ambitions—now appears to be entering a new, dangerous chapter.

The primary target of Israel’s initial strike was Natanz, Iran’s heavily fortified, largely underground uranium enrichment site. Brigadier General Effie Defrin of the IDF stated that the facility had been “significantly damaged,” adding that “this is just the beginning.”

Israeli military officials outlined their objective clearly: with Iranian air defenses weakened, they aim to inflict lasting, irreversible damage on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

“That’s the goal,” said one senior IDF officer, “to eliminate the threat and ensure that Iran cannot build a nuclear bomb—removing any existential danger to the Israeli people.”