Tehran: Israel launched a massive attack on Iran early Friday targeting country’s nuclear program and killing four top military commanders and several nuclear scientists. This is the most significant attack on Iran since 1980s Iraqi invasion, raising the potential for an all-out war between the two bitter Middle East adversaries.
Iran has raised the symbolic red flag of revenge above the Jamkaran Mosque in Qom after deadly Israeli airstrikes. The red flag signals a call for justice and retaliation in Shia tradition, especially when blood has been unjustly spilled.
According to Press TV, the flag was hoisted shortly after Israeli jets struck multiple Iranian military and nuclear targets on Friday. These attacks led to the deaths of senior commanders, scientists, and civilians, including women and children. The strikes have drawn both grief and anger across the country.
As a response, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the mosque, chanting anti-Israel slogans and waving Iranian flags. The city of Qom, located about 140 km south of Tehran, is one of Iran’s most sacred sites. Protesters demanded strong and immediate retaliation for the attacks.
Iran’s Supreme Leader has vowed ‘harsh punishment’ for Israel saying the Jewish state would suffer severe consequences after the latter launched unprecedented attack on the Islamic republic early Friday.
In a statement, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei vowed “harsh punishment” for Israel after the airstrikes killed several top Iranian commanders and scientists.
Explosions rocked the Iranian capital as state media confirmed civilian casualties, including children, and reported deaths of top Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders and at least five nuclear scientists.
Jewish state said it targeted Iran’s nuclear program and the attacks will continue “for as many days at it takes to remove this threat,” from the Islamic Republic.
Iran’s state television confirmed the attack saying strikes on residential buildings in the capital killed a number of civilians including children.
Taslim News reported head of Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) was among other top military commanders and nuclear scientists targeted in the air strikes.
Iran’s state television also reported attack on the headquarters of IRGC.
The report on air added that IRGC commander Hossain Salamis, as well as two nuclear scientists were also feared killed.
Israeli premier Netanyahu declared in Jerusalem that the military campaign will continue for “as many days as it takes”, raising fears of all out war.
The strikes are certain to trigger a reprisal, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei warning that “severe punishment” would be directed at the Zionist state aroma-club.kiev.ua.
