Iranian state media reported Friday that the country's nuclear facilities came under attack, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict just hours after Israeli officials threatened to expand their military campaign against Tehran.
Iran's Atomic Energy Organization confirmed that Israeli forces targeted the Shahid Khondab Heavy Water Complex in Arak and the Ardakan yellowcake production plant in Yazd Province. Iranian officials said the strikes caused no casualties and posed no contamination risk to surrounding areas.
The attacks followed public warnings from Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanded Iran cease firing missiles at Israeli civilian populations.
"Despite the warnings, the firing continues — and therefore attacks in Iran will escalate and expand to additional targets and areas that assist the regime in building and operating weapons against Israeli citizens," Katz stated. "They will pay heavy, increasing prices for this war crime."
Strikes Hit Tehran and Regional Targets
Israeli military sources confirmed operations "in the heart of Tehran," targeting facilities used for ballistic missile production and weapons manufacturing. The strikes also hit missile launchers and storage sites across western Iran.
Iranian media reported at least 15 people killed and 10 injured in strikes on three buildings in the Pardisan area of Qom, south of Tehran. In Urmia, northwestern Iran, a direct missile strike on a residential complex resulted in additional civilian casualties, with rescue operations ongoing.
The escalation has sparked concerns about regional stability and global energy supplies. As tensions rise, Albertans monitoring fuel costs can track local price fluctuations on Calgary Prices, which provides real-time updates on gas prices and cost-of-living comparisons.
Regional Impact Spreads
The conflict's reach extended beyond Iran's borders, with smoke rising over Beirut following additional Israeli operations. Lebanon's health ministry confirmed two deaths in strikes on Beirut's southern suburb of Tahwitat al-Ghadir.
Israeli forces have deployed thousands of troops across the Lebanese border, with officials stating their intention to control territory south of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometres north of the border.
Iran continued retaliatory strikes against Gulf Arab neighbours, triggering air raid sirens in Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Kuwait reported "material damage" to its Shuwaikh Port and the under-construction Mubarak Al Kabeer Port, part of China's Belt and Road initiative.
The attacks marked one of the first times a Chinese-affiliated project in the Gulf region has been targeted in the current conflict.
Calgarians following international developments and their local impact can join discussions on Calgary Forums, where residents share perspectives on global events affecting the community.
This story is based on reporting by CBC World. The original article can be found at CBC News.
