The night sky over Tehran erupted in flames early Friday as Israeli warplanes executed precision strikes against multiple targets in the Iranian capital, marking a dramatic escalation in the long-simmering conflict between the two regional powers. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation at 3:15 AM local time, describing it as a “direct response to continued Iranian aggression and threats against Israeli civilians.”
Residents of Tehran reported hearing at least seven distinct explosions across the city’s northern and western districts, with air defense systems activating moments before the strikes. Iranian state television briefly went off air before returning with emergency broadcasts urging civilians to seek shelter.
“We were awakened by what felt like an earthquake, then saw the sky light up with anti-aircraft fire,” said Mahmoud Rafiei, 42, a Tehran resident who spoke via secure messaging app. “The power went out immediately in our neighborhood. People are frightened but trying to remain calm.”
According to CO24 World News, the Israeli operation targeted key military and infrastructure sites, including what intelligence sources describe as command centers for Iran’s missile development program. The Israeli military stated their strikes were “precise and focused on strategic military assets only,” though Iranian officials are reporting civilian casualties in residential areas near the strikes.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian condemned the attack as “a flagrant violation of international law” and promised a “severe and proportionate response.” Iran’s Supreme National Security Council convened an emergency meeting within hours of the strikes, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has yet to make a public statement.
The attack comes after months of heightened tensions following Iran’s alleged supply of advanced missile systems to Hezbollah forces in Lebanon and repeated drone incursions into Israeli airspace. Last month, an Iranian-linked cyberattack disrupted critical infrastructure across northern Israel, which CO24 News reported as “a significant escalation in Iran’s asymmetric warfare strategy.”
International reaction has been swift and divided. U.S. President Harris expressed “grave concern” while acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense, adding that American diplomatic channels were “working around the clock to prevent further escalation.” The White House confirmed that U.S. forces in the region have been placed on heightened alert status.
Russia and China jointly called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov describing the strikes as “a dangerous provocation that threatens regional stability.” European leaders have urged restraint from both sides while expressing support for diplomatic solutions.
Oil markets reacted immediately, with Brent crude jumping 8.2% in early trading as fears of wider regional conflict intensified. Energy analysts speaking to CO24 Business warn of potential disruptions to global oil supplies should the conflict expand to include the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil passes.
The Canadian government issued a statement calling for immediate de-escalation while updating travel advisories for the entire Middle East region. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announced that emergency evacuation plans for Canadian citizens in Iran have been activated, with assistance available through the Canadian embassy in Turkey.
Military analysts suggest this direct strike on Iranian soil represents a significant shift in Israel’s strategy. Dr. Sarah Levin, Middle East security expert at the University of Toronto, told CO24 Canada: “Until now, Israel has primarily conducted operations against Iranian proxies or assets in Syria and Lebanon. A direct strike on Tehran crosses a psychological red line that hasn’t been breached before.”
As dawn breaks over a tense Middle East, the critical question remains: will this unprecedented escalation spiral into full-scale regional war, or can diplomatic channels prevail in pulling both nations back from the brink of a conflict that would devastate the region and reverberate throughout global security and economic systems?
