As warned before by US and European officials that Israel is ready to attack Iran soon, it launched airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites on Friday 13th June, 2025.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the strikes and said they aimed to cripple Iran’s nuclear programme. He declared, “The operation will continue for as many days as it takes.”
He also said, “Israel launched Operation Rising Lion… to eliminate the threat to Israel’s survival.” Meanwhile, Iranian media reported that Israeli missiles hit residential areas in Tehran. The attacks killed women and children, and thick smoke covered the city.
Videos showed burning buildings in several neighbourhoods. Explosions rocked Natanz city, and flames rose from a site used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. IRNA reported that Major General Hossein Salami, the IRGC chief, died in the strike.
Iran’s oil ministry confirmed that refineries and fuel depots remained safe. The ministry said, “No damage was caused… fuel supply is ongoing.” Despite this, Iraq closed its airspace, and Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport suspended all flights.
Israel also shut down its skies and declared a state of emergency. Defence Minister Israel Katz warned, “A missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected.” A senior Israeli officer said Iran might strike “any minute.”
Iran’s state TV reported more child deaths in the capital. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel had “unleashed its wicked and bloody hand” and would face “a bitter fate. “Israeli forces struck dozens of nuclear and military targets, including Natanz.”
At the same time, US President Donald Trump called a National Security Council meeting. Iran accused the US of supporting the attack. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “We are not involved in strikes against Iran” and added, “Iran should not target US interests or personnel.”
The State Department told US employees in Israel to shelter in place. Oil prices surged, and Asian stock markets dropped sharply. Earlier, Trump said the conflict “could very well happen” and noted that Israeli action might “blow” or “help” a nuclear deal.
He said a “pretty good” deal was nearly ready. Still, he admitted, “I don’t want them going in… but it might help.” The US also reduced embassy staff in Iraq due to risinthg risks in the region.
After a UN nuclear watchdog accused Iran of failing to follow its obligations, Israel called for global action. In response, Iran announced plans to build a new enrichment centre in a secure area. It also planned to upgrade its Fordo site with advanced centrifuges.
Iran now enriches uranium to 60%. This level stays under the 90% needed for a nuclear bomb, but it clearly breaks the 3.67% limit from the 2015 deal. Iranian officials said they would keep expanding the program despite the attacks.
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