June 13— In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Israel launched a series of large-scale air strikes on Iran, targeting key nuclear facilities, ballistic missile production centers, and high-ranking military officials. The strikes are part of what Israeli leaders say will be a prolonged military campaign to halt Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Reports from Iranian media and eyewitnesses confirmed multiple explosions across the country, including at the Natanz uranium enrichment plant—one of Iran’s most sensitive nuclear sites. Following the strikes, Israel entered a state of emergency, anticipating a barrage of retaliatory missile and drone attacks.
Key Developments:
- Iran confirmed the death of IRGC commander Hossein Salami in the strikes.
- Israel said it has begun intercepting drones launched from Iran.
- The U.S. clarified it had no involvement in the Israeli operation.
- Iran reported civilian casualties, including six nuclear scientists.
- The attack comes just ahead of planned U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Oman.
- Tens of thousands of Israeli troops deployed across borders in readiness.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the beginning of “Operation Rising Lion,” describing it as a mission to eliminate what he called “an existential threat” from Iran. “This campaign will continue until that threat is neutralized,” he said in a televised address.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the attack, warning Israel would face a “bitter fate” for its actions. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reported that their Tehran headquarters was also hit, with casualties in residential areas including children.
Israeli military sources said dozens of strategic targets, including the Natanz nuclear facility, were struck. Intelligence assessments, according to Israeli officials, suggested Iran was close to having enough material to build 15 nuclear bombs.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials reiterated that Washington had no role in the operation. “The U.S. was not involved and our priority remains the safety of American personnel,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, some reports suggested Israel had briefed U.S. counterparts before the strikes.
Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, also carried out sabotage operations within Iran, aimed at degrading its missile infrastructure and air defenses, according to Axios.
Iranian state media reported that six nuclear scientists were among the casualties. These included Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, president of Islamic Azad University, and Fereydoun Abbasi, former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.
Despite the strikes, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed there was no detected rise in radiation levels at the Natanz facility. Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant remained untouched.
As a precaution, Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv was closed, and Israel placed its air defense systems on high alert. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned of imminent attacks on Israeli territory and civilians.
Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir said the nation was engaged in “a historic operation” to secure its future, mobilizing forces across all borders. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reportedly engaged in a flurry of diplomatic calls to justify Israel’s military actions.
International Reaction
Pakistan strongly condemned the Israeli offensive, calling it an “unjustified and illegitimate act of aggression.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Iranian lives, warning that such actions risk destabilizing the already volatile Middle East.
The Pakistani Foreign Office urged the United Nations and global powers to take immediate action to prevent further escalation. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the establishment of a round-the-clock crisis cell to assist Pakistani nationals in Iran, with emergency contacts provided through the embassy in Tehran.
Meanwhile, Jordan and Iraq closed their airspace, and Jordan’s public security forces advised citizens to remain indoors as sirens sounded in Amman. Both nations emphasized they would not allow their territories to be used in any regional conflict.
Economic and Travel Impact
The strikes triggered market instability across Asia, with oil prices surging and investors flocking to safe havens like gold. Major airlines, including Emirates and Lufthansa, suspended flights to affected areas, while the UAE and other Gulf countries warned of travel disruptions.
Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Dubai airports reported delays, advising passengers to check with airlines before traveling. Lufthansa also suspended all flights to Tehran and rerouted others to avoid Iranian, Iraqi, and Israeli airspace.
U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks Still Scheduled
Despite the strikes, U.S. and Iranian diplomats are expected to meet in Oman on Sunday for a sixth round of negotiations regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment program. American officials stated that the talks would proceed as planned.
The Israeli military justified its actions by claiming newly acquired intelligence showed Iran was nearing a “point of no return” in nuclear weapons development. However, U.S. intelligence assessments reportedly maintain that Iran has not resumed its nuclear weapons program, which was halted in 2003.
Global Concerns
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict, urging both sides to exercise maximum restraint. “The region cannot afford to slide deeper into conflict,” his spokesperson said.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely, fearing the outbreak of a wider war in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
The news has been copied from the Dawn News site
