Tel Aviv/Tehran : In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, Israel on Friday confirmed that it launched “preemptive and precise strikes” on multiple nuclear and military targets across Iran, claiming the Islamic Republic was inching dangerously close to developing nuclear weapons.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), dozens of Israeli Air Force (IAF) jets were involved in the first wave of coordinated attacks that hit “dozens of nuclear and military sites” deep within Iranian territory. The IDF emphasized that the operation was aimed at neutralizing a looming existential threat.
“Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime are an existential threat to the State of Israel and the wider world. Israel has no choice but to act,” the IDF said in an official statement on X.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the military operation would “continue for as many days as it takes to eliminate the threat.”
Moments ago, Israel launched Operation “Rising Lion”, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.
This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.
——
Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: pic.twitter.com/XgUTy90g1S
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) June 13, 2025
Iran Vows Severe Retaliation; Supreme Leader Issues Warning
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the Israeli airstrikes, warning Tel Aviv of “a bitter and painful destiny.”
“The Zionist regime has committed a crime and should await a harsh response,” Khamenei said, adding that Israel has “sealed its own fate.”
Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces, promised a “heavy and crushing retaliation.”
Top IRGC Commander, Senior Officials Killed
In a major blow to Iran’s military leadership, Iranian state media confirmed that Major General Hossein Salami, Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in the Israeli strikes. Also reportedly killed was Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, head of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central HQ, along with his son and several senior military and civilian officials.
Tasnim News Agency reported that the strikes occurred in the early hours of June 13 and caused “substantial casualties.”
U.S. Denies Role in Strikes, Cites Israel’s Sovereign Action
Amid speculation about Western involvement, the United States categorically denied any role in the attack. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated:
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We were not involved in the strikes. Our priority remains the safety of American personnel in the region. Israel informed us that the operation was essential for its self-defense.”
With the killing of top Iranian generals and an official threat of retaliation looming, the region now stands on the edge of a broader conflict, potentially involving multiple nations.
Global Concerns Rise
The international community is watching the situation with growing alarm. The United Nations has called for restraint on all sides, fearing that the conflict could spiral into a full-scale regional war. Diplomats from Europe, China, and Russia have urged both nations to de-escalate immediately and avoid further military action.
India Urges Restraint
India has expressed concern at recent developments between Iran and Israel and urged both sides to avoid any escalatory steps. The External Affairs Ministry said New Delhi is closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites.
