The Day Israel Struck Iran's Nuclear Heart

Israel executed strikes against Iran during pre-dawn hours, reportedly killing at least 20 senior Iranian commanders including Revolutionary Guard aerospace chief and nuclear scientists. Lebanese media provided extensive coverage of what outlets termed a "preemptive strike" targeting nuclear facilities and military leadership.

Lebanon's government moved quickly to distance itself from escalation. The state delivered a message to Hezbollah that "the time of bypassing the state in declaring war has ended," while President Aoun cut short his Vatican visit. Foreign Minister Salam monitored developments and called for stability measures.

By afternoon, Iran prepared retaliation with 100 ballistic missiles as Netanyahu warned of "several waves" of attacks. Lebanon closed its airspace as missiles were detected over Lebanese territory. Airlines canceled flights while the government sought to spare Lebanon from conflict repercussions. The strikes represented a dramatic escalation from yesterday's diplomatic efforts, with Trump's earlier restraint giving way to major military action.