Netanyahu vows prolonged strikes on Iran: Operation Rising Lion escalates conflict

Israel launched a major military campaign, Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories, and senior military leaders, including the killing of IRGC commander Major General Hossein Salami.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history" and vowed the operation would continue "for as many days as it takes to remove this threat."

The strikes hit Iran's nuclear enrichment site at Natanz and destroyed dozens of radars and missile launchers, signaling a significant escalation in regional tensions.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the attacks as "wicked and bloody" and warned Israel would face a "bitter fate." Iran retaliated with drone attacks, and fears of a wider Middle East conflict have intensified.

Global markets reacted sharply: oil prices surged nearly 8%, with Brent crude nearing $74 a barrel, while U.S. stocks fell amid investor risk aversion. Defense stocks rallied, and cryptocurrencies declined.

International leaders, including those from the U.K., France, and Germany, urged restraint to avoid further destabilization.

"This development is deeply concerning," said Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

The U.S. confirmed it was not militarily involved but provided intelligence support and pledged to defend Israel if needed.

The strikes jeopardize ongoing diplomatic efforts to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions, with talks planned in Oman now overshadowed by military escalation.

The conflict's impact extends to global energy supplies, as Iran is a major OPEC oil producer, raising concerns over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

This unfolding crisis marks a pivotal moment in Middle East geopolitics, with Israel determined to neutralize what it perceives as an existential threat from Iran's nuclear program.

Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, striking Iran’s nuclear and military sites, killing top commanders including IRGC head Hossein Salami. Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed prolonged attacks to neutralize Iran’s threat. The strikes sparked global market turmoil and international calls for restraint amid fears of wider Middle East conflict.