Tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically on Friday as Iran launched a large-scale drone attack on Israel, marking a significant retaliation following Israel’s unprecedented airstrikes on Iranian soil that killed several top commanders and nuclear scientists.

According to international news agencies, Iran launched over 100 drones targeting Israeli territory. Israeli military spokespersons confirmed the drone barrage and claimed that the country's defense systems had intercepted the majority of the threats.

In anticipation of further escalation, underground emergency facilities have been activated across Israeli hospitals, and Ben Gurion Airport has been shut down indefinitely.

Earlier, Israel had carried out a sweeping aerial campaign against Iran, involving 200 fighter jets and reportedly striking more than 100 military and nuclear targets across Tehran, Tabriz, Natanz, Isfahan, Arak, Kermanshah, Ilam, and Ahvazshahr. Arab media reported that the airstrikes were conducted in five waves, targeting both civilian and military infrastructure, including nuclear research facilities.

Among the confirmed casualties were Iran’s military chief, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, IRGC commander-in-chief Hossein Salami, and Major General Gholamali Rashid. The deaths have dealt a severe blow to Iran’s military hierarchy. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei swiftly appointed General Ahmad Vahidi as the new head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), while Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari was named interim Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.

Two of Iran’s prominent nuclear scientists — Dr. Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi and Dr. Fereydoon Abbasi — were also killed, prompting fears of a wider regional nuclear crisis. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) later confirmed that radiation levels at Iranian nuclear facilities remained normal.

In a strongly worded statement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the Israeli attack was a “clear violation of the UN Charter” and affirmed Iran’s “legal and legitimate right” to respond. “Iran’s armed forces will not hesitate to show full strength,” he warned.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also released a statement saying, “Despite the Zionist regime’s brutal crime, we are confident in the dignity and resistance of the Iranian nation. We stand ready to deliver a decisive response.”

U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking to Fox News, confirmed he had prior knowledge of the Israeli operation. While denying direct U.S. involvement, he reiterated that the United States would assist Israel if Iran retaliates. “We will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. However, we do hope Iran returns to the negotiating table,” Trump said.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the Israeli airstrikes and expressed grave concern over the targeting of nuclear facilities, urging both sides to avoid further military escalation. “The region is already too fragile for another war,” he stated.

Israeli officials have said they are bracing for further retaliatory strikes from Iran and warned that any attack would be met with “hundreds of ballistic missiles.” Israeli military spokespersons confirmed the defense systems remain on high alert and stated, “The coming hours will be tough.”