Two Iranian nuclear scientists killed in Israeli strikes: Report

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At least two Iranian nuclear scientists were killed in Israeli strikes in Iran on Friday morning, news agency Reuters reported citing state television media reports.

Israel has launched a wide-ranging military offensive deep into Iranian territory and targeted its nuclear program and military leadership.

“After a very successful opening strike, we hit the senior command, we hit the select scientists who are advancing the development of atomic bombs, we hit the nuclear facilities. We are making great achievements, but I also know, and you know, there are no free wars. Therefore, I ask you again to listen carefully to the orders of the senior command, and it is very likely that you will be required to spend a long time, much longer than we have been used to so far, in the protected areas,” Netanyahu said after the strikes.

The operation, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, targeted key facilities like the Natanz enrichment complex and killed several top Iranian officials including IRGC chief Gen. Hossein Salami and Iranian Armed Forces chief General Bagheri.

Iran, in response, has launched more than 100 drones toward Israeli territory.  Israel has declared a state of emergency, shut schools and public gatherings, stopped non-urgent hospital services, and called up tens of thousands of reservists in anticipation of Iranian retaliation.