The Middle East is witnessing an unprecedented military escalation since dawn on Friday, after Israel launched a wide-scale air operation targeting nuclear and military installations inside Iran, while Tehran continues to respond with successive waves of missiles and drones.

The Israeli Operation: "The Rising Lion"

On Friday dawn, the Israeli Air Force executed a swift attack targeting sensitive facilities in Tehran, Isfahan, and Hafar, in an operation named "The Rising Lion." According to media reports and intelligence sources, the strikes resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military leaders, including Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri and Revolutionary Guard Commander Hossein Salami, alongside six scientists linked to the nuclear program.

Iran Responds: Missile Strikes and Drone Attacks

In response to the airstrikes, Iran launched several waves of missiles and drones towards military and civilian targets within Israel. The Iranian Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday morning the start of a "new wave" of missile attacks amid widespread Israeli security alert. Sirens blared in wide areas across the central and southern parts of the country, while Israel activated its "Iron Dome" and "Hawks" systems to intercept the threats.

Internal Mobilization and Preparing for the Worst

The Israeli Home Front Command announced the activation of "emergency status," which included halting studies and public activities in Tel Aviv and the south. Major stores witnessed a heavy influx of residents stocking up on food and medical supplies in anticipation of any further escalation.

In a televised speech, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that "the war will not be without cost," urging Israelis to "prepare to stay in shelters longer than they are used to."

International Positions: Concern and Warning Against Slipping

The United Nations and the European Union expressed "serious concern" over the recent escalation, calling for restraint and avoiding the region slipping into a comprehensive regional confrontation. In contrast, Washington confirmed its support for Israel's right to defend itself, while media reports revealed that the United States granted Israel an undisclosed "green light" to carry out the first strike, according to what Axios reported from Israeli sources.

Iran Threatens Nuclear Escalation

In a notable development, Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that Iran is considering withdrawing from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), in light of what it described as "direct military aggression targeting its sovereignty."