Morning Note

Israel launched its long-awaited attack on Iran last night, bombarding the Islamic Republic with dozens of missiles and striking its top nuclear facility and at least five military bases. 

The assault reportedly killed Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander Hossein Salami and other top military leaders, and Israel believes other officials and nuclear scientists also perished. The episode came just days after White House envoy Steve Witkoff warned that Iran could unleash a “mass casualty response” if the Israelis bombed its nuclear facilities.

Earlier this week, unnamed Washington sources expressed concern over Israel's ability to fend off Iran’s retaliation, which would inevitably lead to Benjamin Netanyahu ordering the American military to step in and fight on his country’s behalf. Tehran launched its first counterstrike last night, firing over 100 rockets at its attacker within hours of the initial assault.

On Thursday, Iran’s president threatened to “destroy” any country that eliminates his government’s nuclear facilities. Now, the world will learn what that looks like.

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