June 13, 2025, 11:35pm IST – The Middle East remains on high alert following a large-scale Israeli military offensive against Iran, launched in the early hours of Friday. Targeting over 200 sites, including key nuclear facilities, military installations, and command centers, the audacious strikes have triggered immediate and widespread international condemnation and urgent calls for de-escalation, fueling fears of a broader regional conflict.
Military Actions and Casualties
The Israeli military confirmed its extensive operation, codenamed "Operation Rising Lion," stating its air force and navy intercepted Iranian drones throughout the day. Explosions rattled cities across Iran, including Tehran and its suburbs, as well as central cities like Isfahan and the holy city of Qom. Iranian Mehr news agency and state media reported loud blasts and activation of air defense systems in multiple locations, including near the Fordow nuclear facility.
Initial reports from Iran indicate significant casualties and damage. A military base in northwestern Iran, near the Iraqi border, was reportedly destroyed, resulting in the death of at least one soldier. Iranian state media further reported that the death toll from strikes in the northwest, including Tabriz airport, had risen to 18, with 35 injured. Nour News, an Iranian outlet, claimed 78 people were killed and 329 injured in Israeli attacks on residential areas in Tehran.
Israel's military chief affirmed they are using "full force" to achieve their goals, while the IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Efi Defferin announced "significant damage" to the Natanz nuclear site and warned of a prolonged operation, suggesting Iran is preparing to respond. The Israeli military also announced the deployment of reservists to all combat arenas and urged its citizens to minimize movement in public areas and stay close to protected spaces.
Diplomatic Fallout and International Reactions
The international community has reacted with alarm, largely urging restraint. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the U.S. "knew everything" about the strike beforehand but stated the U.S. was "not involved." Trump suggested the Israeli attack might create conditions for a new nuclear deal with Tehran, asserting, "I tried to save Iran humiliation and death," and noting "it is unclear if Iran still has a nuclear programme." However, the U.S. State Department also issued an advisory on potential missiles, drones, or rockets over Iraqi airspace, urging caution.
French President Emmanuel Macron blamed Iran for "heavy responsibility for destabilisation" in the Middle East and called for immediate restraint. Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu his readiness to mediate between Israel and Iran, although the Kremlin also "condemned" the Israeli strikes.
The United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting in New York to address the crisis. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar remarked that mediation would be "unrealistic" unless the involved parties were prepared for it, while maintaining India's good relations with both nations. The UK Prime Minister's office reaffirmed Israel's right to self-defense but emphasized that a diplomatic resolution, not military action, was the preferred path forward. Italy's foreign minister similarly called for a return to negotiation.
Iran's Stance and Regional Ramifications
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei declared that Iranian armed forces would leave Israel "helpless." Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian assured President Putin that Tehran "does not seek" nuclear weapons. In a letter to the UN Security Council, Iran vowed to respond "decisively, proportionately" to Israel's "unlawful, cowardly acts." Iran's new chief of Revolutionary Guards, Mohammad Pakpour, ominously warned that "gates of hell" would open on Israel. Iran also summoned the U.S. envoy in Tehran following President Trump's backing of Israel. Nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington, originally slated for Sunday, have been cancelled by Iran.
The escalating conflict has led to significant disruptions in the region. Delta Air Lines announced the suspension of flights from New York to Tel Aviv through August 31, and Turkish airlines cancelled flights to Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan until Monday. Reports also indicated increased jamming of signals for vessels operating in the Middle East's crucial oil-producing region, raising concerns about energy supplies. Global markets reacted sharply, with oil prices surging and stock futures plummeting, though India assured it has adequate energy provisions for the coming months. The UN nuclear watchdog (IAEA) confirmed that radiation levels outside Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment site "remained unchanged" following Israeli strikes. Indian students in Tehran have appealed to their government for evacuation, citing an "unpredictable" situation.
As the day concludes, the full extent of the damage and casualties in Iran remains uncertain, and the potential for further escalation looms large. World leaders continue to monitor the volatile situation, with calls for de-escalation dominating diplomatic efforts, as the region grapples with the profound implications of this direct military confrontation.
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