At least six Iranian nuclear scientists killed in Israeli strike

At least six leading nuclear scientists were killed in Israel's massive missile strike on Iran overnight, the Tasnim news agency reports.

Among the dead were the president of one of the universities, Mohammad-Mehdi Tehranchi, as well as the former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Fereydoon Abbasi.

In addition, the strike killed the chief of staff of the Iranian regime's armed forces, Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, the commander of the IRGC, Hossein Salami, and the head of the emergency command, Gholam Ali Rashid.

Israel launched Operation Rising Lion against Iran overnight. The strike involved 200 aircraft that launched more than 330 missiles. Explosions were reported across Tehran, including near military bases and in neighborhoods where senior commanders live. Explosions were also reported in Natanz, home to one of the country's most important nuclear facilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation was launched because Iran had reached a critical point in developing nuclear weapons, but he noted that the war would be long.

Iran is preparing an unprecedented response that will include a strike with ballistic and cruise missiles. Currently, a swarm of about 100 UAVs is flying towards Israel.

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