President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that several top Iranian military commanders were killed in an overnight Israeli strike targeting Iran’s nuclear weapons infrastructure. Speaking to CNN, Trump emphasized that the commanders did not “die of Covid” or “the flu,” underscoring Israel’s strong military response after U.S. efforts to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran failed. The deal sought to shift Iran’s focus from weapons development to civilian nuclear power. On his Truth Social platform, Trump stated he had given Iran multiple chances to make a deal but warned of severe consequences if they failed. He highlighted the military strength of both the U.S. and Israel, warning Iran that more lethal actions were imminent. He described the Iranian hardliners as unaware of the looming consequences, saying, “They are all DEAD now,” and urged Iran to negotiate before further destruction occurs.

Israel dubbed the operation “Operation Rising Lion,” focusing on Iran’s nuclear sites and top military leaders, whom Tehran claimed to have replaced. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the U.S. was not involved in the strikes. Iran responded with a drone counterattack, labeling the attack a “declaration of war” and accusing the U.S. of complicity, which the Iranian Foreign Ministry said would bring repercussions. Other countries condemned the strikes. Saudi Arabia denounced the attacks as violations of sovereignty and international law, calling for dialogue and de-escalation despite its own concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. Turkey also urged Israel to cease actions to avoid broader regional conflict, reflecting the rising tensions sparked by the strike.

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