Yeshiva World News

IDF: Airstrikes Killed Six Top Iranian Commanders, Nine Nuclear Scientists, Including Chief of Staff Bagheri

During his press conference, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin reveals that that the military has killed at least six top Iranian military commanders and nine nuclear scientists. The military officials include Iran’s chief of staff Mohammad Bagheri; IRGC chief Hossein Salami; head of the Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters, Gholam Ali Rashid; IRGC Air Force chief Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh; IRGC Air Force drone unit commander Taher Pour, and IRGC Air Force air defense unit commander Davoud Shaykhian.

“WE KNEW EVERYTHING:” President Trump Says He Is Not Sure Iran’s Nuclear Program Even Exists Any Longer

During a phone interview with Reuters on Friday, President Donald Trump said he is no longer certain whether Iran’s nuclear program still exists following Israel’s dramatic airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets. “We knew everything,” Trump said, confirming the United States was fully briefed on Israel’s operation in advance. “I tried to save Iran humiliation and death. I tried very hard because I would have loved to have seen a deal worked out.” Despite the intensity of the strikes and reports of heavy losses among top Iranian military and nuclear officials, Trump said diplomatic avenues remain open. “They can still work out a deal — it’s not too late,” he added. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff w scheduled to meet with an Iranian delegation in Oman on Sunday. However, the Israeli offensive immediately cast serious doubt over whether the talks would proceed as planned, and reports say that Iranian officials are refusing to partake in the meeting. However, Trump told Axios that the strikes might actually force Iran to come back to the negotiating table. “I don’t think so,” he said, responding to a question about whether the strikes destroy any chance for a deal. “Maybe the opposite. Maybe now they will negotiate seriously.” “I gave Iran 60 days, today is day 61… They should have made a deal,” Trump said. “I couldn’t get them to a deal in 60 days. They were close, they should have done it. Maybe now it will happen.” When asked if he was concerned that Israel’s military action could ignite a broader regional war, Trump dismissed the possibility. “No, I’m not worried,” he said. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

NETANYAHU: We Destroyed Natanz, Iran Will Respond In “Very Severe Attacks, In Waves”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Nation on Friday afternoon and says the strikes against Iran were ordered in November 2024, following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Netanyahu revealed that the decision was driven by fears Iran would accelerate its nuclear ambitions after its proxy network was dismantled by Israel. Originally planned for late April 2025, the operation was delayed for undisclosed reasons. However, after Israeli strikes crippled Iran’s ballistic missile program last year, intelligence revealed Tehran was producing 300 ballistic missiles monthly. “We decided we couldn’t wait anymore. We are at midnight,” Netanyahu declared. The opening strikes, described as “very successful,” obliterated the Natanz nuclear facility, eliminated key Iranian military leaders, and targeted top nuclear scientists. Netanyahu hailed the “amazing work” of the IDF and Mossad, which silenced doubts about Israel’s capabilities. Acknowledging the inevitability of Iranian retaliation, Netanyahu warned, “It will come.” He predicted “very severe attacks, in waves,” urging Israelis to remain vigilant and follow authorities’ instructions. “Don’t go into euphoria,” he cautioned, emphasizing efforts to minimize the cost to Israel without elaborating. Addressing U.S. involvement, Netanyahu admitted he had hoped for Washington’s support in cabinet discussions but stressed Israel had no alternative. “If we don’t attack, it’s 100% that we will die,” he said. “We have to change the direction of Iran’s military build-up, both its ballistic and nuclear weapons.” While U.S. backing—or at least non-opposition—remains “extremely desirable,” Israel acted unilaterally to ensure its survival. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

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