Israel Launches Major Airstrikes on Iran Targeting Nuclear and Military Sites

In a significant military escalation, Israel carried out a series of airstrikes on Iran on June 13, striking around 100 locations that included crucial nuclear facilities and military command structures. This operation resulted in the deaths of high-ranking officials, including Iran's armed forces chief and key nuclear scientists. In reaction, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, threatened Israel with severe repercussions, claiming that there would be no limits to Iran's retaliation.

Following the strikes, Iran reportedly launched approximately 100 drones aimed at Israel, although Israeli air defenses successfully intercepted them before they could reach their intended targets. Jordan also reported intercepting drones and missiles in its airspace, prompting air raid sirens in the capital city of Amman. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he was aware of the strikes beforehand, reaffirming that Iran should not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, while the U.S. clarified that it had no involvement in the operation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the Israeli military's attack was focused on crippling Iran's nuclear enrichment capabilities, notably targeting the nuclear facility at Natanz and senior scientists involved in the nuclear program. Netanyahu warned that the strikes would continue for as long as necessary, indicating that intelligence suggested Iran was nearing a critical point in its nuclear advancement.

Among the casualties were Iran’s top military leader, Mohammad Bagheri, and the chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami, as reported by Iranian media. The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, proclaimed that the targeted killings conveyed a decisive warning to anyone contributing to plans against Israel. Reports from state media indicated that civilians, including women and children, were among the casualties, with sources citing the deaths of six nuclear scientists during the strikes.