Drones, smoke and sirens: Visuals show aftermath of Israel's attack on Iran, key nuclear sites hit

Israel launched a “preemptive strike” against Iran late Thursday, targeting key nuclear and military sites across the country. Explosions were reported in the capital, Tehran, with Iranian state media confirming the blasts. Iran's Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami was killed in the 'targeted military operation.'
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According to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, the operation focused on crippling Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. “We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment program, Iran's nuclear weaponization program, Iran's main enrichment facilities, leading nuclear scientists, and ballistic missile programs,” he said.
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The strikes came amid growing tensions over Iran’s nuclear activities. Just hours before the attack, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors issued its first formal censure of Iran in 20 years. In response, Iran announced plans to construct a third enrichment facility and upgrade its centrifuge technology, escalating concerns among Western nations.

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Netanyahu confirmed that one of the key targets was Iran’s main uranium enrichment site at Natanz, situated roughly 220 kilometers (135 miles) southeast of Tehran. Portions of the facility, located on the country’s Central Plateau, are built underground to protect against aerial attacks.

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US President Donald Trump told Fox News he was informed in advance about Israel’s strikes on Iran and emphasized that Tehran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. "Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see," he said, according to the broadcaster.(Image credits: AP)

Iran launched approximately 100 drones toward Israel in retaliation for the military strikes. In response, Israeli defense forces have begun intercepting the drones outside the country’s territory.

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Israeli PM said Iran now has enough "highly enriched uranium for nine atomic bombs" highly enriched uranium to make nine nuclear bombs and could build "a nuclear weapon in a very short time. (Image credits: AP)