Tehran, Iran – Roya, a 62-year-old resident of Iran’s capital, was jolted awake just after 3am on Friday morning by the sound of explosions in her Marzdaran neighbourhood in western Tehran. She described the experience as terrifying, with smoke on the horizon and strikes hitting residential areas nearby.

Across Tehran, residents were in shock after the first air strikes on heavily populated residential areas since the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s. Many homes were targeted by Israeli warplanes during multiple rounds of air strikes that lasted for hours.

Several top military commanders and nuclear scientists were killed in the attacks, including Mohammad Bagheri, Hossein Salami, Ali Akbar Hajizadeh, and Ali Shamkhani. Family members of officials and scientists were also among the casualties.

Iranian officials blamed Israel and the US for escalating tensions and risking war, promising revenge for the attacks. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was criticised for not condemning the threats and attacks.

Israeli warplanes extensively bombed Iran's main nuclear facilities, including Natanz, aiming to penetrate uranium enrichment sites. The damage to Natanz remains unclear, with no pollution reported from nuclear materials in the area.

Following the strikes, people rushed to petrol stations fearing shortages, leading to long queues. Temporary internet restrictions were imposed, and cultural events were cancelled in response to the attacks.

Some residents left Tehran temporarily due to fears of further attacks. Civilian casualties, including children, were reported, sparking outrage and demonstrations across the country.

The attacks occurred just before Eid al-Ghadir, a significant religious event for Shia Muslims. Planned celebrations were shortened, with some turning into protests against Israel's actions.

US President Donald Trump acknowledged the strikes but denied military backing, urging Iran to return to negotiations. Talks between Iran and the US scheduled for Muscat were cancelled as a result of the attacks.

Iran, responding to the IAEA censure, announced plans to build a third nuclear enrichment site and upgrade centrifuges. The country is enriching uranium up to 60 percent, emphasizing civilian use for its nuclear programme.