Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday vowed to intensify strikes on Iran, warning that “what they have felt so far is nothing compared with what they will be handed in the coming days.” His comments came after Israel launched one of its most extensive aerial offensives under Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure in cities including Natanz, Isfahan, and Tehran. Iranian media reported a fire at the South Pars gas field following fresh Israeli strikes on Saturday, though the blaze was later contained.

The offensive, which reportedly killed several high-ranking Iranian generals and nuclear scientists, triggered a swift and forceful retaliation from Tehran. Within 24 hours, Iran launched over 200 ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli cities, accusing Israel of pushing the region into a “dangerous cycle of violence”. It also called off its upcoming nuclear negotiations with the United States, calling them “unjustifiable” under the current circumstances. Tehran warned that if Israeli strikes continue, its response will grow “more severe” and may include military bases of Israel’s regional allies.