Israel struck Iran’s Isfahan nuclear site early Saturday in one of the most high-stakes aerial operations of the war so far. The Iranian government confirmed the site was hit but claimed that no radioactive material had been released. The facility, monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is central to Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts.

Iran's state broadcaster IRIB said air defenses were active across multiple provinces during the Israeli raid. Simultaneously, Iranian ballistic missiles rained down on Tel Aviv, setting residential and commercial buildings on fire. Local hospitals reported dozens injured.

Strategic Targets Hit Across Iran

In addition to the strike on Isfahan, Israeli warplanes reportedly targeted several Iranian air bases and ballistic missile sites, including facilities used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Iranian military said it successfully intercepted several incoming missiles but acknowledged “significant damage” in central and western provinces.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli strikes as “a flagrant violation of international law,” while Israel said it had hit “legitimate military targets” to weaken Iran’s nuclear weapons capability.

Civilian Toll Mounts as Tel Aviv Burns

In Tel Aviv, emergency services battled fires sparked by Iranian missiles, with video footage showing smoke billowing from high-rise buildings and emergency responders rescuing residents. Authorities reported over 50 injuries, with many suffering from burns and shrapnel wounds.

Iranian media celebrated the strikes as “direct retaliation” for Israeli attacks on senior IRGC commanders and nuclear infrastructure in previous days.

Diplomatic Alarm and Emergency UN Session

The United Nations Security Council scheduled an emergency session amid fears that the conflict could spiral into a regional war. Türkiye, China, and Russia issued coordinated statements urging immediate de-escalation. The U.S. remains on high alert, with the Pentagon moving assets to the Gulf region as a precaution.

The IAEA confirmed that while the Isfahan site was damaged, there was “no risk of radioactive contamination,” but reiterated calls for restraint.