Last night, Israel launched a sweeping wave of missile strikes deep inside Iran—the most direct clash between the two countries in history. Israeli officials said the operation, codenamed “Rising Lion,” was designed to halt Iran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon. The precision strikes hit multiple targets—including the Natanz uranium-enrichment complex, missile factories, and military bases—sending plumes of fire and smoke into Tehran’s night sky.



Iran’s nuclear program has long been a source of deep concern for the Western world, given the state’s frequent calls to annihilate the state of Israel. Iranian state media has confirmed that many senior commanders were killed in last night’s strikes, including Iran’s highest-ranking military officer, the head of its elite Revolutionary Guards Corps, and a former national security chief. Several prominent nuclear scientists also died in the blasts, though authorities have not released their names.

This strike marks a major escalation in the region, and is the most significant geopolitical event since the 10/7 attacks. Within hours Iran launched more than 100 drones toward Israel; the IDF said most were intercepted before entering its airspace. 

U.S. President Donald Trump stressed that Washington was not involved but backed Israel’s “right to self-defense” against a potentially nuclear-armed adversary, while European leaders, Japan, and Russia all urged immediate de-escalation in the region. House Speaker Mike Johnson posted to X today that “Unfortunately, Iran has refused to agree and even declared yesterday its intent to build a new enrichment facility...Israel decided it needed to take action to defend itself…they were clearly within their right to do so. Iran will face grave consequences if it responds by unjustifiably targeting U.S. interests.” However, domestic support for Israel was somewhat split along party lines: Democratic Senator Jack Reed said that Israel’s “reckless escalation” threatens to ignite violence in the region and could jeopardize the safety of Americans stationed in the Middle East. 

In Israel, schools are closed, major events—including the Tel Aviv Pride Parade—have been canceled, and residents have crowded supermarkets for supplies. The Israeli government has warned the Israeli people to expect a sustained conflict in the coming days and weeks. 

We’d like to share The Jewish Federations of North America statement last night that expressed solidarity with the people of Israel:

As we await further information, Jewish Federations of North America stand in unwavering solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel—as we have throughout our shared history—praying for their immediate safety, strength, and well-being, and for the protection of future generations to come as Israel defends itself from Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and other threats posed by the Iranian regime.

You can keep up to date on the Israel-Iran conflict at The Times of Israel's liveblog, CNN, The New York Times, and other media outlets, as new developments are sure to happen soon.