Israel⁢ launches strikes on Iran, targeting nuclear sites and military leaders

⁣ Updated June⁢ 13, 2025

Israel conducted a important air campaign against Iran early Friday, targeting key nuclear infrastructure and high-ranking military officials. The strikes, which hit⁤ multiple locations across Iran, prompted immediate retaliation from Iran in the form of a large-scale drone attack, according to the Israeli military.

Explosions reverberated through Tehran around 3 a.m. local time,with reports indicating strikes in the central,northeastern,and northwestern parts of the city. The Israeli military reported that approximately ⁤200 warplanes struck over 100 sites, including nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories, and other military installations in areas such as Natanz, Kermanshah, and Tabriz. The ⁢ Iran nuclear program has been a long-standing concern for Israel.

The Israeli strikes on Iran represent a major escalation between the two nations, fueling concerns about a⁢ broader regional conflict that could involve the united States.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation in a video statement, asserting the operation would continue “for as many days as it takes to remove this threat,” emphasizing what⁣ he described as a “clear and present danger to Israel’s vrey survival.”

The strikes resulted in the deaths of several top Iranian military figures. Iranian media confirmed that Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of the Iranian armed⁢ forces; Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary⁤ Guard Corps ⁣(IRGC); and Maj. Gen. Gholam Ali Rashid, a commander within the IRGC, were killed. Veteran nuclear⁣ scientists Fereydoon Abbasi, Abdolhamid⁤ Minoucher, and Mohammad-Mehdi Tehranchi also died, according to Press TV.

Iranian state media‍ reported civilian casualties, including children, in residential areas of Tehran. The exact number of deaths remains unclear. One resident reported the loss of relatives in the attacks.

“With this crime, ‍the Zionist regime ⁤has prepared a bitter and painful fate for itself — and it will undoubtedly face ⁤it,” said Iranian Supreme Leader⁤ Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Social media videos showed fires and damage to residential buildings in Tehran, purportedly the homes of officials targeted in the strikes. A tehran resident named Ali recounted being shaken by the explosions⁣ while praying,⁤ prompting him to flee his home.

The Israeli attack and subsequent Iranian⁣ retaliation led to widespread airspace closures and flight cancellations across the Middle ⁤East.Several countries, including Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel, suspended flights. Emirates Airlines canceled ⁤flights to Iran,Iraq,Jordan,and lebanon.

as Iranian ⁢drones approached Israel,Jordan issued warnings for citizens to stay indoors. Sirens were later heard in Amman, the ‍Jordanian capital.

U.S. secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. was not involved in the strikes, describing them⁢ as a “unilateral action” taken by Israel for “self-defense.”

“We‍ are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the⁣ region,” Rubio said.

U.S. embassies in the region issued movement restrictions, with some evacuating non-essential personnel. President Trump had previously expressed concerns that an Israeli attack could disrupt ongoing negotiations.

The Israeli operation drew condemnation from ⁤regional countries.Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry denounced the “heinous Israeli attacks,”⁣ while Oman called them “unacceptable and ongoing aggressive behavior.”

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ‍urged “maximum restraint” to prevent further escalation.

What’s next

The⁢ international community is closely monitoring the situation,with diplomatic efforts underway to de-escalate tensions ⁤and prevent a wider regional conflict. The future of negotiations remains uncertain.