Israel launched a “preemptive strike” on Iran, targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites. The Iranian state-run news agency acknowledged the explosions. Air-raid sirens preventatively rang out in Israel.
On June 13, 2025, Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian sites, targeting nuclear facilities, military bases, and missile infrastructure, in an operation dubbed Rising Lion.
The strikes killed senior Iranian military officials, including Revolutionary Guard Commander Hossein Salami and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri, as well as nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi.
Explosions were reported in Tehran, damaging residential areas and key sites such as the Natanz nuclear facility.
Israel described the attack as a premeditated move to thwart Iran’s nuclear program, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying it was aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran vowed harsh retaliation, raising fears of an escalation in regional conflict between the two countries.
On the other hand, the US has directly denied involvement in this operation.
The Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian sites on June 13, 2025, resulted in significant casualties. Notable losses included:
● Hossein Salami, Commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
● Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces.
● Fereydoun Abbasi, a prominent nuclear scientist.
● Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, another key nuclear scientist.
Additional reports indicate civilian casualties due to strikes hitting residential areas in Tehran, though exact numbers are unconfirmed. Iran’s leadership has promised retaliation, escalating tensions.