Israel carries out air strikes against Iranian nuclear and missile facilities

The Israeli Air Force carried out a series of air strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and ballistic missile sites in the early hours of Friday morning. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the operation is aimed at the "heart of the Iranian nuclear fuel enrichment program" and against leading nuclear scientists and generals of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Netanyahu stressed that the strikes will continue "as long as necessary to eliminate this threat". This represents a serious escalation of tensions between the two sides and risks leading to a wider regional conflict.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington was not involved in the operation, but warned Iran not to retaliate against U.S. interests or personnel. The Trump administration, which is trying to achieve a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, was apparently not informed of Israel's plans.

The strikes triggered a reaction in the financial markets - oil and gold prices rose, while U.S. stock futures fell. Senator Jack Reed, the leading Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, condemned Israel's decision as a "reckless escalation".

Iran has repeatedly stated that its nuclear activities are for peaceful, civilian purposes. However, since the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, Tehran has significantly expanded its uranium enrichment. The Trump administration's efforts to negotiate a new deal have not led to a breakthrough.

Israel and Iran are engaged in an ongoing "shadow war", with Tehran using proxy groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis to attack the Jewish state, while Israel has been accused of covert operations against Iranian nuclear scientists.

Israel's strikes come at a time when regional tensions are heightened, after a conflict between Israel and Hamas last year led to a temporary closure of airspace in the area.