In the early hours of Friday, June 13, 2025, Israel launched a series of sudden airstrikes against Iran. The attacks focused on Iran's nuclear and military facilities, including the main underground uranium enrichment site in Natanz and the uranium conversion plant in Isfahan, The New Arab reported.
These strikes targeted about 200 locations across Iran, with the Israeli air force attacking missile launchers and air defense infrastructure near Tehran to weaken Iran's air defense capabilities.
Israeli officials emphasized that these operations were necessary to protect themselves from the existential threat posed by the ambitions of Iran's nuclear program.
In response to the surprising attack, Iran retaliated by launching hundreds of missiles at Tel Aviv. Subsequently, both sides continued to attack each other, with Israel targeting missile launchers and Iran's air defense, while Iran maintained missile and drone attacks in Israeli territory.
This escalation has resulted in casualties on both sides and raised concerns about a broader regional conflict.
Damages in Iran
Despite Israel's significant attacks, Iranian officials reported that the damage to their nuclear sites was limited, likely because many facilities are buried underground. Analysts argue that Israel would need significant firepower, possibly from the United States, to destroy Iran's civilian nuclear infrastructure.
However, Iran lost at least 20 senior military officials and nuclear scientists. Among those killed were:
- Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces;
- General Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC);
- General Gholam Ali Rashid from the central command of the IRGC;
- General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the IRGC's Aerospace Force;
- Brigadier Generals Gholamreza Mehrabi and Mehdi Rabbani;
- Commander of the Quds Force Esmail Qaani.
Prominent nuclear scientists killed included Fereydoon Abbasi-Davani, former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, a theoretical physicist.
Iran's Ambassador to the UN reported 78 deaths and 320 injuries in Israel's initial attack, with additional casualties from subsequent attacks.
Israeli forces also targeted the South Pars gas field in southern Iran, igniting fires there. Israel's ongoing aggression against Iran is expected to last for weeks, not days, reportedly receiving clandestine support from the United States, as reported by Al Mayadeen.
Damages in Israel
In response, Iran launched dozens of missile and drone attacks on Israel, targeting sites including the Kirya complex in Tel Aviv, often referred to as Israel's Pentagon. These retaliatory attacks destroyed nine buildings and damaged hundreds of apartments and vehicles in the Ramat Gan district of Tel Aviv.
Approximately 300 residents in the Tel Aviv area and 100 in Ramat Gan were evacuated due to damage to their homes. Iran's missile attacks have so far killed at least three Israelis and injured around 70 people, including seven soldiers. Iranian state media claimed that their air defense shot down three Israeli F-35 fighter jets, although this has not been independently confirmed.
The conflict has led to the closure of Ben-Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, with authorities stating that the closure will remain in effect until further notice.
On Saturday night, Iran launched another wave of missile attacks on Israel. Fires and smoke were reported at a sensitive location in Haifa and other locations across the country.
Middle East Eye mentioned videos and images showing a number of missiles or their debris falling over Haifa and Tel Aviv, with attacks also reported in the northern Arab city of Tamra. Emergency officials in Israel reported at least five people injured in Haifa and noted that an Iranian missile hit a two-story building in Tamra, killing a woman and injuring 13 others.
Media restrictions imposed by the Israeli military have limited detailed reports on the extent of the damage from these attacks.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces reportedly carried out an airstrike in Yemen targeting a senior Houthi official, while the Israeli military stated that they are continuing their largest-ever attacks on Iran's nuclear program, targeting several military and nuclear sites across Iran.
Israel vs Iran Comments
The escalation has prompted international calls to exercise restraint amid concerns of a broader regional conflict. US President Donald Trump mentioned discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict, while also emphasizing the importance of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons as a prerequisite for peace.
However, the warring parties continue to exchange provocations. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Tehran will "burn" if Iran continues its retaliation, while Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed to bring "destruction" to Israel in a televised speech.
Despite the attacks, Iran asserts that its damage is limited and reaffirms its right to defend itself against such aggressive actions. Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned Israel's attacks as a violation of international law and reiterated Tehran's commitment to regional peace and security.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated that his country experienced a "very sad and difficult morning" after Iranian missile attacks killed at least eight people and injured dozens more.
He denounced what he described as Iran's "criminal attack", stating in a X post that he will pray for the recovery of the wounded and for the missing Israeli citizens.
Meanwhile, Iran stated that it does not want its conflict with Israel to spill over into neighboring countries unless the situation necessitates it. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Iran's military response to Israel is based on self-defense.
Editor's Choice: Iran Confirms Death of Revolutionary Guard Intelligence Chief
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
