Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on Friday as Iran launched over 100 drones toward Israel, retaliating against a surprise wave of Israeli airstrikes that reportedly struck high-value military and nuclear sites, including the Natanz uranium facility and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) headquarters in Tehran.

While Iranian officials have not yet issued formal confirmation of the retaliatory strikes, state-affiliated media hinted at an “unprecedented response” following the Israeli offensive. Reports from Israeli outlets suggest that the retaliatory drone assault marks one of the largest direct military confrontations between the two nations in decades.

Targeted Sites and Fallout

The Israeli airstrike, which took place earlier in the week, allegedly damaged critical infrastructure at Natanz (a centerpiece of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program) and struck the IRGC’s command center in central Tehran. Iranian state television later confirmed the death of IRGC chief Major General Hossein Salami in the strike, though no official military statement has been released.

Explosions were reported across multiple locations in Iran, with significant damage to both military and civilian areas. Initial casualty reports include several children killed in a residential district of Tehran.

Meanwhile, speculation swirls around Mossad’s possible involvement in sabotage operations that may have weakened Iranian air defenses just before the Israeli assault. No formal admission has been made, but insiders suggest Israel may have used coordinated cyber or intelligence tactics to disable key missile and radar systems.

Emergency Measures in Israel

In anticipation of Iranian retaliation, Israel swiftly enacted emergency protocols. Ben Gurion Airport was shut down, and the country’s Iron Dome and air defense units were placed on the highest state of alert. Citizens have been instructed to stay near shelters, and public gatherings have been suspended nationwide.

Military analysts warn that this could be the start of a prolonged and highly volatile conflict unless both nations step back from escalation. With civilian lives already lost on both sides, international actors are urging restraint, though it remains unclear whether diplomatic intervention can defuse the situation in time.