TABRIZ, IRAN — Israeli forces have reportedly launched a fresh airstrike on the northwestern Iranian city of Tabriz, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing military campaign. According to Iranian media reports, the city came under “severe attack” around 12:30 PM local time on Friday.
Images circulating on social media show thick plumes of smoke rising near Tabriz Airport, with reports suggesting the Shahid Fakuri military airbase—which houses fighter aircraft—was the intended target.
The strike on Tabriz expands Israel’s operation beyond earlier hits on Tehran, Natanz, and other key sites, signaling the broadening scope of “Operation Rising Lion”, Israel’s stated mission to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.
Earlier on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the launch of the operation, saying:
“Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”
Escalating Conflict
The Israeli military claims the campaign is aimed at Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile production sites, and senior military leadership. An Israeli official said the Natanz uranium enrichment facility—Iran’s main nuclear site—was among the key targets, adding that Iran has enough enriched uranium to produce up to 15 nuclear bombs within days.
Iranian media and eyewitnesses reported multiple explosions at and around Natanz, while Israel declared a state of emergency in anticipation of possible retaliatory missile or drone strikes.
Mossad Operations and Regional Fallout
According to Axios, Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad has also led covert sabotage missions inside Iran, focusing on damaging strategic missile installations and air defense systems.
In Israel, Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv has been shut down until further notice, and air defense units are on high alert for potential Iranian retaliation.
As regional tensions continue to mount, the strike on Tabriz marks another flashpoint in what is quickly becoming a broader confrontation between the two long-time adversaries.
