Israel Launches Massive Strike on Nuclear and Missile Facilities in Iran

13th June 2025

7 minutes read

Israel Launches Massive Strike on Nuclear and Missile Facilities in Iran

Iran announces the death of the IRGC commander, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, and several nuclear scientists.

On Friday, Israel launched extensive airstrikes on Iran, stating it targeted nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories, and top military commanders. According to Tel Aviv, this marks the beginning of a prolonged operation aimed at preventing Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.

Iranian media and eyewitnesses reported explosions, including at the Natanz uranium enrichment facility. In response, Israel declared a state of emergency, anticipating an Iranian retaliation involving missile and drone attacks.

The Israeli army confirmed that its warplanes were continuing to strike Iranian military and nuclear sites. Military spokesperson Efi Deyfrin told reporters: “Our pilots have attacked — and are still attacking — military targets and sites linked to the nuclear program across various regions in Iran.”

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the death of its commander Hossein Salami, and official media reported that the IRGC headquarters in Tehran was also hit. Several children were reportedly killed in a strike on a residential area of the capital.

Iranian state television confirmed that Mohammad Bagheri, the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces, was also killed in the strikes.

In a video message, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared: “We are living through a decisive moment in the history of Israel. Moments ago, Israel launched Operation ‘Rising Lion’ — a precision military operation to eliminate the Iranian threat to our existence. This campaign will last several days to remove this danger.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, responded: “This morning, the Zionist entity committed a vile and bloody crime against Iran, exposing its despicable nature. With this attack, it has sealed its own bitter fate.”

An Israeli military official stated that “dozens” of nuclear and military targets had been hit, adding that Iran now possesses enough material to build 15 nuclear bombs within days.

On Friday, the Israeli army reported that Iran launched over 100 drones toward Israel in recent hours. Spokesman Efi Deyfrin said the Israeli army and air defense systems were effectively intercepting the incoming drones.

The United States said it did not participate in the operation, though concerns rose over a potential escalation in the oil-rich Middle East.

According to Axios, citing a senior Israeli official, the Mossad also carried out a series of covert sabotage missions inside Iran, targeting strategic missile sites and air defense systems.

Iranian state media confirmed that at least six nuclear experts, including Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani and Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi, were killed in Israeli strikes on Tehran.

Iran’s official media also stated that the attack on the Natanz nuclear facility caused no radiation leak.

IRNA cited the deputy police chief of Isfahan saying: “The attack on Natanz has so far not resulted in any radioactive contamination,” adding that no deaths had been reported from the incident at that time.

Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv was closed until further notice, and Israeli air defense units were placed on high alert in anticipation of retaliation.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned: “Following Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran, we expect an imminent missile and drone attack targeting our territory and civilian population.”

Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi added: “We are in the midst of an unprecedented historical campaign. This is a decisive operation to prevent an existential threat from an enemy bent on our destruction.”

The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that Minister Gideon Sa’ar was conducting a “diplomatic marathon” with his counterparts worldwide to explain Israel’s actions.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump told Fox News after the strikes that Iran must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon and that he hoped to return to negotiations. He later posted on X: “We’ll see.”

The White House announced that Trump would convene a National Security Council meeting on Friday morning. The day before, he had said an Israeli strike on Iran was “very possible,” while still hoping for a peaceful resolution.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the military was preparing for all scenarios, including assisting in the evacuation of American civilians.

Iran’s armed forces spokesman warned that Israel and its main ally, the United States, would pay a “heavy price” for the attack, accusing Washington of indirectly supporting the operation.

While Washington tried to distance itself from the operation, an Israeli official told Kan Radio that Israel had coordinated the strikes with the U.S.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the United States did not participate in the attacks, saying: “Our top priority is protecting U.S. forces in the region. Let me be clear: Iran must not target American interests or personnel.”

The U.S. State Department issued an emergency alert, instructing all U.S. government personnel in Israel and their families to shelter in place until further notice.

The attacks caused a sharp drop in stock prices during Asian trading on Friday, driven by a sell-off of U.S. futures contracts. At the same time, oil prices surged as investors rushed toward safe-haven assets like gold and the Swiss franc.

UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq stated that Secretary-General António Guterres condemned any military escalation in the Middle East.
“The Secretary-General urges both sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid sliding into a broader conflict — a situation the region cannot afford,” he said.

U.S. and Iranian officials were scheduled to hold a sixth round of uranium enrichment talks in Oman on Sunday, according to officials from both countries and Omani mediators.
A U.S. official confirmed the meeting was still set to proceed despite the Israeli attack.

However, Tehran announced on Friday that it was suspending nuclear talks with the U.S. following the Israeli strikes. Iranian state television reported that Tehran would no longer participate in the indirect negotiations scheduled for Sunday in Muscat.

The Israeli military stated it had to act based on new intelligence indicating that Iran was “approaching the point of no return” in its pursuit of a nuclear weapon.
“In recent months, this program has accelerated significantly, bringing the regime dangerously close to obtaining a nuclear weapon,” the statement said, without revealing further details.
Still, a source familiar with U.S. intelligence reports said there had been no recent change in assessments — Iran is not currently building a nuclear bomb, and Khamenei has not authorized restarting the weapons program that was halted in 2003.

Condemnations and Calls for Restraint

On Friday, China expressed “deep concern” over Israel’s airstrikes, condemning them as a “violation” of Iranian sovereignty and pledging to help ease tensions.
“China calls on all parties to do more to promote peace and stability in the region and to avoid further escalation,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.

France also urged restraint from all parties following the attack, while reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense.
“We urge all sides to avoid escalation that could jeopardize regional stability,” said Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on X, adding that France’s priority is the safety of its citizens.

By contrast, the UK is reportedly not prepared to defend Israel if Iran retaliates, according to a Times defense editor on X.

Turkey strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Friday, calling them a provocation and a breach of international law.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry said the attacks show that Israel “has no intention of resolving issues through diplomacy” and urged it to cease “aggressive actions that may lead to wider conflict.”

The United Arab Emirates also denounced the Israeli aggression and urged the UN Security Council to take immediate action to stop the violence and restore peace.
The UAE called for utmost restraint to avoid regional escalation, and reiterated its support for diplomatic solutions and respect for state sovereignty.

Saudi Arabia likewise condemned Israel’s “blatant” attacks, saying they violated Iran’s sovereignty and international law. The Kingdom urged the international community and the Security Council to act immediately to halt the aggression.

Iran’s Allies Respond

Yemen’s Houthi movement warned of “serious consequences” following what it called a “flagrant aggression” by Israel.
In a statement, the Houthi-run government condemned the Israeli strikes on Tehran and other provinces as unjustified and illegitimate, accusing the U.S. of direct involvement through military and political support.

Hamas also denounced the Israeli attack, calling it a “dangerous escalation” that risks igniting the entire region.
The group said Iran was paying the price for its unwavering support of Palestine, and called on regional powers to unite against this aggression.