Tensions soar as Israel strikes Iran, Khamenei vows “severe punishment”

Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply Friday after Israel launched a series of deadly strikes on Iran, targeting nuclear facilities and senior military leaders. Among the dead, according to Iranian state TV, was the country’s armed forces chief of staff, Mohammad Bagheri.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a fiery response, declaring:

“The Zionist regime must await severe punishment… By Almighty God,…