June 13, 2025, 4:29 pm IST
Tensions in the Middle East have reached a boiling point following Israel’s aggressive airstrikes on Iran’s key nuclear and military facilities. In a sweeping operation named “Operation Rising Lion”, Israel targeted sites including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility and Tabriz military airport, causing severe damage and heavy casualties among Iran’s top military leadership and nuclear scientists.
High-Profile Targets Eliminated
According to Israeli military officials, the strikes resulted in the elimination of most of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ Air Force leadership. Among the dead were Major General Hossein Salami and General Mohammad Bagheri, two of Iran’s top military commanders. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed new military leaders and vowed retaliation, calling the attack a “declaration of war.”
State media also reported that a senior adviser to Khamenei was wounded in the strike, further escalating the gravity of the assault.
Fresh Strikes and Explosions Reported
Following the overnight attacks, additional explosions were reported in East Azerbaijan, and Israel reportedly hit enrichment centrifuges at Natanz again. These actions further destabilized the already fragile situation in the region.
Global Reactions and Warnings
The international community responded swiftly and with concern:
- Russia condemned the strikes as “unprovoked and unacceptable.”
- China expressed “deep concern” and criticized the violation of Iran’s sovereignty.
- Turkey labeled the attacks as “aggressive actions” and a “provocation.”
- Germany’s foreign minister called for immediate de-escalation and renewed diplomatic efforts.
- The African Union described the Israeli actions as a “serious threat to international peace.”
- The Taliban government in Afghanistan called the strikes a violation of international law and urged regional restraint.
- The European Union urged all parties to practice restraint and return to negotiations.
- Qatar’s Prime Minister denounced the strikes as destructive to peace efforts.
U.S. Response: Trump Urges Iran to Make a Deal
U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media, urging Iran to agree to a nuclear deal, warning that future Israeli attacks could be even more brutal. He claimed that several Iranian hardliners are already dead and emphasized that both the U.S. and Israel have unmatched military capabilities.
Trump’s message was as much a warning as a plea: “There is still time to prevent further destruction… Just do it, before it is too late.”
Military and Strategic Developments
- Israel claims it targeted Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at its territory.
- The Israeli military confirmed that all pilots involved in the mission returned safely.
- Officials revealed that drones and weapons were smuggled into Iran prior to the operation.
- Israel stated it is prepared for the conflict to continue “for days,” depending on Iran’s response.
- Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, stated it would not initiate attacks on Israel in response.
- The International Energy Agency (IEA) is monitoring the impact on oil markets, confirming over 1.2 billion barrels of emergency reserves.
Iranian Response and Accusations
Iran accused the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of remaining silent in the wake of attacks on its nuclear facilities and scientists. The IAEO criticized the watchdog’s failure to condemn the strikes, calling it a form of complicity with Israel. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi reiterated that nuclear sites must never be targeted during conflicts.
Civilian Safety and Regional Fallout
The fallout from the strikes rippled across multiple countries:
- The Israeli Embassy in Berlin closed until further notice.
- Dutch airline KLM canceled flights to Tel Aviv until July 1.
- Iraq and Jordan confirmed airspace closures but stated Iran’s gas supply to Iraq remains unaffected.
- Kashmiri students in Iran prompted concern from Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who appealed to India’s Ministry of External Affairs for their safe return.
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