Israel launched a large-scale airstrike on Iran early Friday, June 13th, targeting nuclear sites and military facilities. Israeli officials said the operation aimed to stop Iran from advancing its nuclear weapons program. About 200 Israeli fighter jets hit over 100 locations, including the Natanz enrichment facility and several military command centers.
Explosions were reported in Tehran and the cities of Natanz, Isfahan, Arak, Tabriz, and Kermanshah. Footage from Tehran showed buildings on fire and emergency teams at the scene. Israel claimed it struck underground centrifuge halls at Natanz and other infrastructure critical to Iran’s nuclear efforts.
Iran’s state media reported over 70 people killed and more than 300 injured. High-ranking military leaders and nuclear scientists were among the dead, including Hossein Salami, Mohammad Bagheri, Gholamali Rashid, Fereydoon Abbasi, and Mohammad Tehranchi. Senior adviser Ali Shamkhani was reported critically injured.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that Israel should expect a “bitter and painful” outcome, signaling strong retaliation. Shortly after, Iran launched approximately 100 drones, some of which were intercepted by air defenses in Iraq and Jordan as they entered neighboring airspace.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the strikes a necessary operation to stop what he described as an imminent nuclear threat, claiming Iran could produce a weapon within days.
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the Natanz site was hit but reported no rise in radiation levels. Director General Rafael Grossi urged all sides to avoid further escalation, warning of the risks involved in targeting nuclear facilities.
The United Nations urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint as tensions escalated. Oman, France, China, and others expressed concern over the risk of further destabilization in the region. The United States denied any involvement in the operation, though President Donald Trump confirmed he was informed about the strikes in advance.
