These strikes have heightened fears of a broader regional war, as Iranian leaders vow severe retaliation and warned that Israel faces a “bitter and painful” fate
Israel launched a wide-ranging military offensive against Iran today, i.e., Friday, 13th June’25 targeting nuclear facilities, strategic military sites, and assassination of high-ranking military officials.
The strikes have heightened fears of a broader regional war, as Iranian leaders vow severe retaliation. The Supreme Leader of Iran – Ali Khamenei warned that Israel faces a “bitter and painful” fate following the attack.
Taking it to X, Khamenei posted,
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 13, 2025
To the great Iranian nation! Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands. It has revealed its malicious nature even more than before by targeting residential areas.
He further posted,
That [Zionist] regime should anticipate a severe punishment .By God’s grace, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic’s Armed Forces won’t let them go unpunished.
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 13, 2025
The operation, confirmed by the Prime Minister of Israel – Benjamin Netanyahu, focused on crippling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and missile development sites. The strikes occurred at Tehran and military sites in the surrounding area. In the city of Natanz, explosions were reported at the main uranium enrichment facility. The nuclear research centers and military bases were targeted at Tabriz. In addition, the attacks were carried out at Isfahan, Arak and Kermanshah.
According to Iranian media, the Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – Hossein Salami, Chief of Staff of the Iranian military – Mohammad Bagheri, Commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters – Major-General Gholamali Rashid, Former Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation – Fereydoon Abbasi and the Head of Islamic Azad University – Mohammad Tehranchi have been killed. Khamenei Adviser – Ali Shamkhani has also been critically injured.
Sharing his views, Netanyahu tweeted, “Moments ago, Israel launched Operation “Rising Lion”, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat. – Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu”
Strikes on nuclear sites have alarmed experts. Attacks could result in radiation leaks, environmental catastrophe, and long-term regional instability. Oman, a key mediator in nuclear talks, called Israel’s actions a reckless and dangerous escalation and demanded an international response.
Iran and the United States (U.S.) are currently involved in talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, aiming to reach an agreement that would limit the programme in return for sanctions relief for Iran.
In an interview with Fox News, the President of the U.S. – Donald Trump said Washington was not involved in the Israeli strikes. He also said that the U.S. would help defend Israel if Iran retaliates. The U.S. Secretary of State – Marco Rubio, said that Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.
