June 13, 2025, 11:43 am IST
Tensions in the Middle East surged after Israel launched a large-scale air operation, dubbed "Operation Rising Lion", targeting key Iranian military and nuclear sites. The strikes, reportedly involving over 200 fighter jets, led to the deaths of multiple high-ranking Iranian military officials and six nuclear scientists, according to Iranian state media.
The Israeli government justified the operation as a strategic move aimed at curbing Iran's disputed nuclear programme. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that nuclear scientists had been targeted in an effort to eliminate threats posed by Iran’s nuclear advancements. While Israel has long opposed Iran’s nuclear activities, this operation marks a significant escalation in the region's geopolitical tensions.
Following the attacks, Iran announced that it will suspend nuclear talks with the United States, which were scheduled to resume soon. This move could derail international diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the crisis and reviving the nuclear agreement.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope that diplomatic negotiations with Iran could still proceed despite the recent hostilities. Speaking to media, he reiterated the U.S. stance that Iran should never possess a nuclear weapon and indicated that efforts toward renewed dialogue should not be entirely abandoned.
The military escalation drew sharp condemnation from Saudi Arabia, a country that had reconciled with Iran in 2023 after years of rivalry. In a strongly worded statement, Saudi Arabia denounced the Israeli airstrikes as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and international law. The Saudi Foreign Ministry emphasized that such aggressions pose a significant threat to regional stability.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned the airstrikes, accusing Israel of targeting residential areas and labeling the attack as a "wicked and blood-stained crime." He warned of severe retaliation and vowed that Israel would face consequences for its actions.
In response to the unfolding crisis, Iraq and Jordan have closed their airspace to all flights, joining Israel and Iran in imposing aerial restrictions. This precautionary step highlights the growing fears of further conflict spillover into neighboring countries.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that three senior Iranian military leaders — the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, the Commander of the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps), and the Commander of Iran’s Emergency Command — were eliminated during the strikes. The IDF described them as individuals responsible for violence beyond Iran’s borders and stated their removal serves global security.
This latest development represents one of the most serious confrontations between Israel and Iran in recent years. As the situation unfolds, international leaders and observers continue to call for restraint and diplomacy to prevent a broader regional war.
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