Shortly after midnight, Iranian media reported explosions across Tehran as Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion" against Iranian military targets. By dawn, state outlets confirmed the deaths of Revolutionary Guard Chief Hossein Salami, Armed Forces Chief Mohammad Bagheri, and nuclear scientists. The strikes followed yesterday's IAEA resolution that triggered Iran's nuclear escalation threats.
Iran's leadership responded with coordinated messaging of retaliation. Khamenei warned of "severe punishment" while new military appointments were announced within hours. By afternoon, the Supreme Leader delivered a televised address promising armed forces would "make the vile Zionist regime miserable."
The escalation culminated in evening missile strikes as Iran launched "True Promise III" operation, firing 200 ballistic missiles at Tel Aviv and Haifa. State media claimed successful hits and destruction of Israeli F-35 jets. The events transformed the nuclear standoff from diplomatic pressure into direct military confrontation.