Israel launches 'Operation Rising Lion': Iran Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami killed - 10 things to know

Israel launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran, targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites. The Iranian state-run news agency acknowledged the explosions. Air-raid sirens preventatively rang out in Israel.

The strikes occurred amid heightened tensions regarding Iran's nuclear programme. The International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors issued its first censure against Iran in 20 years on Thursday. Iran responded by announcing plans for a third enrichment facility and upgrading its centrifuges. Israel maintains its stance against Iran developing nuclear weapons, while Tehran denies such intentions despite issuing contradictory statements.Here are the 10 things to know:

Iran Revolutionary Guard chief killed

According to the AFP, Iran Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami killed in Israeli attack. Tasnim news agency, a local media outlet, stated: "Major General Hossein Salami, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was martyred in the Israeli regime's attack on the IRGC headquarters."The Revolutionary Guard maintains significant influence within Iran's theocratic structure and holds authority over the nation's ballistic missile capabilities, Times of Israel reported.

Israeli forces report that the initial strikes also resulted in the deaths of Mohammad Bagheri, Iran's military chief, along with several high-ranking military officials and prominent nuclear scientists.

'Targeted military operation rolls back Iran threat to Israel's very survival'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated via YouTube that Israel conducted "a targeted military operation roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival," indicating operations would persist until the threat subsides.

He added that the attacks will continue “for as many days at it takes to remove this threat.”

Israel closes its airspace

Israel implemented airspace restrictions anticipating Iranian retaliation.

Defence minister issues warnings, declares state of emergency

Defence minister Israel Katz issued warnings about potential missile and drone attacks, declaring an emergency situation requiring adherence to protective measures. “In the wake of the state of Israel’s preventive attack against Iran, missile and drone attacks against Israel and its civilian population are expected immediately,” he said in a statement.The statement added that Katz “signed a special order declaring an emergency situation in the home front.”“It is essential to listen to instructions from the home front command and authorities to stay in protected areas,” it said

US denies involvement

Secretary Rubio confirmed Israel's independent action, stating the US received prior notification of strikes deemed necessary for Israeli self-defence. He cautioned Iran against targeting US interests.

In a statement, he said: “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners.

Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”

US Senator Reed condemns Israeli strike as dangerous escalation

U.S. Senator Jack Reed, leading Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticised the Israeli strike as a dangerous action that could trigger regional conflict."These strikes threaten not only the lives of innocent civilians but the stability of the entire Middle East and the safety of American citizens and forces," he said. Reed further stated: "I urge both nations to show immediate restraint, and I call on President Trump and our international partners to press for diplomatic de-escalation before this crisis spirals further out of control."

Commercial aircraft navigate Iranian airspace during attack

Numerous commercial aircraft were traversing Iranian airspace during the strikes, as evidenced by flight tracking data.After the Israeli strike commenced, some aircraft continued their routes through Iranian airspace, whilst others swiftly adjusted their flight paths to exit the region.Several countries had previously restricted their aircraft from flying over Iran due to ongoing regional tensions.

Israeli Air Force targets strategic sites

A senior Israeli military official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Israel has conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear and military installations, though specific locations were not disclosed.During the operational briefing, the official outlined three primary concerns regarding Iran: They claim Iran is secretly developing nuclear weapons, despite US intelligence assessments indicating otherwise. Additionally, Iran's extensive ballistic missile arsenal and its distribution of weaponry to regional groups like Hezbollah and Hamas were cited as significant threats.

Trump's activities during Tehran events

During the Tehran explosions, Donald Trump was observed socialising with Congressional members on the White House lawn.

He continued meeting and photographing with guests, though it was not clear whether he had been briefed about the situation.Earlier that day, Trump had commented that whilst an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities was not immediate, it remained a strong possibility.The US government had taken precautionary measures, including withdrawing diplomatic staff from Baghdad and offering evacuation options to US military families across the Middle East region.

Oil prices surge over 6% as Israel strikes Iran

After the Israel attacked Iran, the oil prices surged over six percent on Friday. West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the main US oil contract, was trading 6.3 percent higher at $72.29 per barrel, while Brent North Sea crude was up 5.7 percent at $73.29.