Israeli air force jets have conducted extensive strikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets northeast of Tehran in the early hours of Friday morning, killing several senior Iranian officials and causing civilian casualties in residential buildings, whilst Iran has launched 100 drones towards Israel in response.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation targeted multiple military sites including nuclear facilities, with Iranian state media reporting the death of Revolutionary Guards commander Hussein Salami and possible elimination of General Mohammad Bagheri, chief of Iran’s national defence general staff, along with nuclear scientists during the initial bombardments.
#BREAKING Iran armed forces chief of staff Mohammad Bagheri killed in Israel attack, reports state TV pic.twitter.com/nlGlzZmLqT
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) June 13, 2025
Iran has promised a “strong response” to the Israeli strikes, with Supreme Leader Khamenei threatening harsh punishment. Iranian security sources told Reuters the country is planning a “firm and decisive” response to what it termed the “Zionist attack” on its nuclear programme.
Iranian retaliation and threats
Iran launched over 100 drones towards Israel following the strikes, according to IDF spokesperson Brigadier Effie Defrin, who stated Israeli forces are attempting to intercept them. The drones are expected to take several hours to reach Israeli territory.
“The armed forces will certainly respond to this Zionist attack,” said Abolfazl Shekarsi, spokesman for Iran’s army general staff. “Israel will pay a heavy price and should expect a strong response from Iranian armed forces.”
Iranian officials indicated retaliation details are being discussed “at the highest level” but did not specify timing for potential counter-strikes.
Nuclear facilities targeted
Strong explosions were heard in Natanz city, Isfahan province, where Iran operates major uranium enrichment facilities. Iranian state television reported the Natanz enrichment facility was “hit multiple times” with footage showing thick smoke rising from the installation.
No immediate reports of radiation leaks or contamination emerged following the strikes on the nuclear site, according to Iranian state media.
Civilian casualties reported
Iranian state news agency IRNA reported civilian deaths in Tehran residential buildings, stating “many people, including women and children, were killed in apartment buildings in Tehran” as multiple properties in the capital were targeted.
Israeli military officials described the operation as “preemptive, precise, combined attacks” involving “dozens of targets” across different Iranian regions, specifically targeting the country’s nuclear programme and long-range missile capabilities.
International response
The United States confirmed it did not participate in the Israeli operation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated: “There was no involvement or assistance from the US in the raids Israel conducted on Iran. Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran.”
US intelligence services had previously indicated Israel was preparing attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, with American officials suggesting strikes could occur within days.
President Donald Trump convened an emergency cabinet meeting following the attacks, whilst US military officials said they are planning for all potential Middle East contingencies, including possible evacuation of American citizens.
Israeli emergency measures
Israel has declared a state of emergency, banning schools, social gatherings and non-essential work as it prepares for potential retaliation. Air raid sirens sounded across Jerusalem as the country entered high alert status.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the attacks would continue “for as long as necessary until we complete our mission,” stating operations target Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic missiles and military capabilities.
Iran has closed its airspace until further notice following the strikes, whilst Israel confirmed dozens of Israeli Air Force aircraft executed the first phase of operations against multiple military targets including nuclear facilities.
Mossad operations
Israeli intelligence service Mossad conducted simultaneous sabotage operations “deep inside Iran” alongside the air strikes, according to Axios reporter Barak David citing Israeli government sources.
The situation remains fluid as the international community monitors developments in a region already strained by ongoing tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme. CNN reported Israel plans multiple rounds of attacks against Iran, describing this as “not a one-day attack.”
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