TEHRAN – In a dangerous escalation of tensions in West Asia, the Israeli regime launched a deadly air strike in several Iranian cities early on Friday.
The attack led to the deaths of several people, including nuclear scientists, military commanders and civilians. As Tehran vows to retaliate and sees what the world will come next, we answer the 10 most important questions about this event.
1. Did the strike target residential areas and private sites?
yes. Reports and images confirm that at least some apartments and non-military buildings have been attacked in Tehran.
2. Have civilians been killed or injured in the attack?
yes. The official casualties have not been announced yet, but dozens of civilians have been killed or injured. Victims include women and children.
3. Which Iranian nuclear scientist was killed in the attack?
Sources say at least six nuclear scientists have been killed, including Abdulamide Minush, Ahmadreza Zorfari, Seyd Amilhossein Fekui, Motravizadeh, Mohammad Medi Teharansi and Fereidon Abbasi.
4. Did the US know about the Israeli attack beforehand?
yes. Based on Trump’s own statement, the United States knew.
5. Was the US involved or supported the Israeli attack?
The US has not officially approved of cooperation with Israel, but there are indications of American refueling tankers operating near Iran 24 hours before the strike, in informal reports suggesting US-Israel cooperation.
6. Which Iranian military leaders did martial arts in the attack?
So far, Iran has confirmed the martial teachings of Major General Mohammad Bagheri (Prime Minister of Iranian Army), Major General Hossein Salami (Commander of the IRGC), and Major General Goramarid (Commander of the Katam al-Ambya Headquarters).
7. Will Iran retaliate against Israel?
All signs show a strong response. Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Revolution, warned: “The Zionist regime should expect severe punishment. The powerful hands of Iranian military forces will not be able to punish them.
8. How will this attack affect Iran’s nuclear negotiations?
Shortly after the attack, Trump urged Iran to return to negotiations. Iran has yet to issue an official answer on the issue, but the strike could derail future round six talks and possibly delay them indefinitely.
9. What weapons did Israel use in its attack?
Reports say Israel fired missiles primarily from F-35 stealth jets. There are also unverified claims that a swarm of drones could have been used for precision strikes.
10. Which parts of Iran were targeted?
The confirmed strikes hit Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan, Hamedan, Ahvaz, Chloramabad, Kermansha and Qasr-e Sirin.