ISRAEL LAUNCHES SIGNIFICANT AIRST strike ON IRAN'S NUCLEAR FACILITIES, CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE

Jerusalem (Business Insider) - In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israel launched a series of airstrikes against Iran's Natanz nuclear facility on Friday, causing widespread destruction to above-ground facilities. Satellite images obtained by Business Insider show significant damage to multiple buildings at the site, approximately 140 miles south of Tehran.

According to Israeli officials, hundreds of aircraft were involved in the strike, targeting Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missile capabilities, and senior military commanders. The operation, dubbed "Operation Rising Lion," aims to degrade Iran's nuclear ambitions and prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons.

However, the attack Raises concerns about the potential for further violence and regional instability. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani vowed retaliation against Israel, with volleys of missiles and drones reported in the region.

Meanwhile, experts warn that beneath Natanz lies a more resilient infrastructure - deeper underground facilities at Iran's main enrichment site - harder to target with conventional airstrikes by Israel or any other country lacking the capability for heavy bunker-buster bombs like the US GBU-57.