Israel Launches Major Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Sites, Thwarts Retaliation Attempt

WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM, June 13 – Israel launched a sweeping military operation early Friday targeting key Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. The Israeli government stated that the strikes were aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile production facilities, and eliminating high-level military officials responsible for orchestrating threats against Israel.

The operation, named “Rising Lion,” was described by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a critical move to ensure the nation’s survival. In a televised address, Netanyahu stated, “Israel stands at a critical turning point in its history. This operation will continue for as long as necessary to eliminate the threat posed by the Iranian regime.”

Covert Operations and Rapid Aerial Assault

According to Israeli military officials, the operation was preceded by deep intelligence groundwork carried out by Mossad agents and special forces who had infiltrated Iranian territory weeks prior. These units reportedly gathered vital data and helped coordinate the aerial assault from within the country.

A massive wave of around 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the mission, striking over 100 carefully selected targets across Iran. Strategic locations, including the country’s main uranium enrichment center in Natanz, missile factories, and air defense installations, were hit. The military claimed to have destroyed dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile systems.

In addition to military sites, Israel reportedly targeted Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). Among those confirmed dead were senior figures including Hossein Salami, a top IRGC commander. Iranian state media also reported that several children were killed in strikes that hit residential zones in Tehran.

An Israeli security source revealed that an attack-drone base was secretly established near Tehran, allowing for more accurate and sustained offensive capability during the strike.

While the extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure remains unclear, Iranian sources confirmed explosions at Natanz. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that there had been no rise in radiation levels at the site, based on updates from Iran.

Iran’s Retaliation Efforts and Israel’s Defensive Measures

In response to the Israeli strikes, Iran launched approximately 100 drones towards Israeli territory. However, by 3:00 AM EST, Israeli authorities lifted public shelter advisories, indicating that the drones were intercepted or neutralized before causing significant damage.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the Israeli strikes, describing them as a “bloody crime” and promised a “bitter fate” for Israel. Military officials in Tehran vowed a harsh and lasting response, asserting that Israel and its allies would “pay a heavy price.”

Despite these threats, analysts noted that Israel has significantly diminished Iran’s ability to retaliate. Since the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023, Israeli forces have eliminated multiple key figures in Hezbollah and Hamas leadership, weakening Iran’s influence across the region.

Reports also indicated that senior Iranian military leadership was decimated. Those killed included Iran’s top military official, the leader of the Revolutionary Guards, and the chief of the country’s Emergency Command. Iranian state media confirmed the deaths of six nuclear scientists in the strikes.

As tensions surged, regional air traffic came to a halt. Major airlines avoided the airspace over Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Jordan. Dubai-based Emirates suspended flights to several destinations including Lebanon, Iran, and Jordan. Meanwhile, Israel’s main airport in Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion, was shut, and local carriers relocated aircraft to safer locations.

Global oil markets reacted immediately. Crude oil prices jumped over 6% during the initial hours of the conflict due to concerns over regional supply disruptions, although prices later pulled back slightly. The Iranian oil authority confirmed that their refining and storage facilities were intact and still functioning.

In a separate statement, Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir declared that tens of thousands of troops had been deployed across the country’s borders. “We are amidst a historic campaign unlike any other,” he said. “This operation is critical to neutralizing a grave and existential threat.”

Global Response and Diplomatic Tensions

The military action comes just days before planned nuclear discussions between Iran and international representatives. Despite the airstrikes, both U.S. and Iranian officials confirmed that the scheduled talks in Oman would proceed as planned.

The United States stressed that it had no role in carrying out the Israeli strikes. President Donald Trump told Fox News that while he had anticipated a possible Israeli strike, the U.S. hoped for a peaceful diplomatic resolution. Trump reaffirmed that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon, while also indicating openness to renewed talks.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stated that Washington was not consulted on the attack and that Israel had acted independently in what it deemed self-defense.

Even as Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons, the IAEA’s recent report accused Tehran of breaching its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in nearly two decades. Iranian officials responded defiantly, insisting on their right to nuclear technology and missile capabilities, and called Israel’s offensive a “cowardly act.”

Stock markets in Asia felt the immediate impact of the conflict, with a sharp decline in share prices and Israel’s currency, the shekel, falling nearly 2%. Meanwhile, nations across the region braced for potential aftershocks of the Israeli action, with concerns that this could mark the beginning of a wider and more dangerous regional conflict.