Israel vs Iran war,

Israel-Iran Conflict Targets Nuclear Sites, Top Military Leaders Killed

In a sweeping midnight assault dubbed Operation Rising Lion, Israeli forces targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities and assassinated high-ranking military commanders, escalating tensions in the already volatile Middle East.

June 13, 2025 | Reporter: Shantanu Maity (IST) : In a dramatic escalation, Israel launched a massive airstrike on Iran just after midnight Friday, targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and military leadership. The operation, code-named “Operation Rising Lion”, was described by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a multi-day, pre-planned mission.

Where Were the Strikes?

 • Explosions were heard early morning in Tehran, Iran’s capital.
 • Strikes hit northeast Tehran, Natanz, and Tabriz.
 • A blast occurred at the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, though the IAEA confirmed no increase in radiation levels.

Blows to Nuclear Infrastructure

 • Along with Natanz, several key nuclear sites were targeted.
 • Six nuclear scientists were reportedly killed, including Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Mahdi Tehranchi.
 • Missile research labs and radar systems were destroyed.

Top Military Leaders Killed

Iran has confirmed the deaths of several top military figures:
 • Hossein Salami – Chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard
 • Mohammad Bagheri – Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces
 • Gholam Ali Rashid – Head of Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters

Iran’s Response

 • Iran retaliated by launching around 100 drones toward Israel, most of which were intercepted.
 • Iran’s Foreign Ministry called Israel’s action an “act of aggression” and warned of a strong retaliation.
 • The U.S. was blamed by Iran as the “primary accomplice” in the attack.

International Reaction

 • UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged “maximum restraint”.
 • France, UK, China, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey condemned the strikes.
 • The U.S. denied direct involvement, though Donald Trump warned, “If Iran doesn’t return to the deal, worse attacks are coming.”

Iran’s Nuclear Program

 • Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful.
 • However, the IAEA reports Iran has stockpiled 60% enriched uranium, enough for up to 9 nuclear bombs.
 • Iran has violated past agreements, according to international inspectors.

War Situation & Alerts

 • Israel announced the closure of schools and offices and issued emergency alerts.
 • Airspaces closed over several Middle Eastern countries.
 • Global oil prices surged by 9% following the attack.

Netanyahu’s Message

“Iran’s nuclear capability is a threat to our existence. This operation will continue as long as necessary.”
— Benjamin Netanyahu

Advertisement