Israeli Offensive Targets Revolutionary Guards, Nuclear Experts
In a dramatic escalation of regional conflict, Israel has launched unprecedented airstrikes against Iran, targeting the Islamic Republic’s military elite and key nuclear scientists. The strikes come amid rising geopolitical tension and the looming threat of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Footage verified from Tehran shows surgical precision targeting specific buildings, including those believed to house Iran’s top military brass. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the operation, citing it as essential to “Israel’s survival.”
Hossein Salami and Iran’s Leadership Hit
The most shocking development is the reported killing of Hossein Salami, the commander of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards, alongside several nuclear scientists. This targeted decapitation mirrors Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah’s leadership in Lebanon last year, which culminated in the killing of Hassan Nasrallah.
Unlike past operations, this one goes beyond missile bases—it is a strategic assault on Iran’s command structure. Netanyahu has long argued Iran poses an existential nuclear threat, and now claims Iran has enriched enough uranium for 15 nuclear bombs.
Why Strike Now?
Analysts believe the timing may be linked to upcoming US-Iran nuclear negotiations. The sixth round of talks was scheduled to begin Sunday, but this sudden military escalation could derail any deal Netanyahu views as dangerous to Israel’s security.
“If Iran and the U.S. seal a deal, Israel would lose the strategic window it believes it has,” said one senior Israeli official. The attack also reflects confidence in the belief that Iran and Hezbollah have been weakened and are less capable of mounting a strong counteroffensive.
Global Reactions and Iran’s Possible Response
While international condemnation or support is still unfolding, the attack has been met with shock across diplomatic circles. Iran has not yet revealed a full response strategy, but retaliation is expected in some form.
Netanyahu’s statement paints the strike as “necessary,” but critics say the move risks plunging the Middle East into a broader war, especially if Iran’s proxies in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq retaliate in force.
Hezbollah’s Decline and Strategic Calculations
Netanyahu’s strategy may also rest on recent Israeli successes in decimating Hezbollah’s top leadership. The southern Beirut strikes last year significantly crippled the group’s command. By adopting a similar approach in Iran, Israel aims to cripple Tehran’s capacity to organize an effective military response.
What’s Next?
As airstrikes continue, the global community watches closely. Will Iran retaliate with force, or has its infrastructure suffered too deeply to strike back? Will the U.S. continue its push for diplomacy, or align more closely with Netanyahu’s aggressive posture?
One thing is certain: The conflict between Israel and Iran has entered an entirely new and dangerous phase.
