Iranian drones head towards Israel amid rising tensions

TEHRAN: Footage circulating on social media Friday showed Iranian drones flying over Iraqi airspace, reportedly on their way to Israel.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), more than 100 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were launched by Iran in recent hours.

The action is seen as direct retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets.

IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin confirmed that the Iranian drones were en route and said the Israeli military was actively working to intercept and destroy them.

He noted that drones from Iran typically take several hours to reach Israeli airspace.

The escalation comes after Israel carried out large-scale strikes on multiple Iranian sites Friday. Israeli officials said the operation targeted uranium enrichment facilities, missile production centers, and high-ranking military officials.

“We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message.

“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.”

The strikes marked the beginning of what Israel described as a “prolonged operation” to block Iran’s path to nuclear weapons.

Iranian media, as well as local eyewitnesses, reported explosions near the Natanz nuclear site—home to one of Iran’s main uranium enrichment facilities.

Reacting strongly, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned Israel’s actions, calling them a “wicked and bloody crime” and warning that Israel would face a “bitter fate” in response.

Israel sealed a bitter, painful destiny for itself: Ayatollah Khamenei