Israel Launches Massive Airstrikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites; Tehran Calls It ‘Act of War’

Iran has branded Israel’s latest military campaign against its nuclear and defense infrastructure a “declaration of war,” urging the United Nations Security Council to take immediate and decisive action in response to the escalating crisis.

The alarm was sounded by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who made a formal plea to the UN following a declaration by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the operation—dubbed “Rising Lion”—would continue “for days,” if necessary, to eliminate the threat Iran poses to Israel’s survival.

In a coordinated assault involving over 200 fighter jets, Israeli forces launched precision strikes on dozens of Iranian targets, including facilities believed to be central to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Among the hardest-hit sites was the Natanz nuclear enrichment plant, which sustained significant damage, according to Iran’s Atomic Energy Agency.

Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the nation in a televised speech, reaffirming Israel’s commitment to neutralizing Iran’s nuclear program. “This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat,” he stated. “Generations from now, history will remember that we stood firm and acted in time to secure our collective future.”

More airstrikes were reported in the Iranian capital of Tehran late Friday, raising fears that the confrontation could spiral into a regional war with unpredictable consequences.

In what appears to be a severe blow to Iran’s military command, two top-ranking officials—Major General Mohammad Bagheri and General Hossein Salami of the Revolutionary Guard—were confirmed killed in the strikes.

Additionally, six nuclear scientists were reportedly among the dead, alongside an undisclosed number of civilians, including women and children.

In anticipation of retaliatory action, Israel declared a state of emergency across the country. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed “severe punishment,” setting the stage for what may be an unprecedented escalation between the two arch-rivals.

The international community is now watching closely to see whether Iran will act alone or activate its regional allies within the so-called “Axis of Resistance”—a coalition that includes Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi rebels in Yemen, and Shia militias in Iraq and Syria.

While official Iranian retaliation was still forthcoming, Israel confirmed that a missile was launched from Yemen on Friday evening.

Although not intercepted, the projectile reportedly landed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, raising concerns of wider cross-border escalation.

According to Netanyahu, the primary goal of Operation Rising Lion is to halt Iran’s advancement toward building a nuclear weapon.

“Iran has already stockpiled enough enriched uranium for nine atomic bombs,” the prime minister claimed, adding that recent intelligence indicates Tehran has begun taking steps to weaponize its stockpile.

He warned that Iran could become a nuclear power “within months” if not stopped, calling it a “clear and present danger to Israel’s very existence.”

Former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the crisis, warning in advance that an Israeli strike on Iran was “likely” unless Tehran abandoned its nuclear weapons development. He reaffirmed that position in a phone call with Netanyahu, describing the Israeli operation as “a very successful attack, to put it mildly.”

Explosions were first reported in Tehran around 3:30 a.m. local time on Friday. Iranian state media broadcast harrowing images of residential destruction—shattered windows, scorched rooftops, and walls torn apart—indicating that civilian zones were not spared in the strike.

Iran’s IRNA news agency reported that multiple civilians, including women and children, were “martyred” in their homes during the attack. Emergency teams were deployed across 12 provinces, with at least 95 injuries confirmed by Iranian health officials.

Iran’s military responded by launching approximately 100 drones toward Israel, most of which were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. Ayatollah Khamenei vowed that those behind the attack would not “go unpunished,” calling the strikes “a bitter and painful crime.”

Khamenei declared: “The powerful arm of the Islamic Republic will respond decisively. Our commanders and scientists may have fallen, but their successors are ready to carry the torch.”

As drones targeted Israeli airspace, sirens rang across the country. The Israeli Home Front Command issued emergency alerts to citizens, warning them to seek shelter and stay updated through media channels. A nationwide closure of schools, businesses, and airspace was immediately enforced.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has begun repositioning its military assets in the region. According to Pentagon sources, the Navy has redirected the USS Thomas Hudner destroyer to the Eastern Mediterranean. Another destroyer has also been put on standby for possible deployment if requested by the White House.

A confidential diplomatic note shared with U.S. allies—including Qatar—reportedly detailed Israel’s intentions prior to the attack. This revelation suggests Washington was aware of the operation’s timing and scale, even as public statements remained ambiguous.

During a meeting with National Security Council officials, Trump reiterated that he had prior knowledge of the operation. “We knew everything,” he told the Wall Street Journal, adding that he “tried to save Iran from humiliation and death” by encouraging a peaceful resolution.

Global reaction has been swift. World leaders are calling for urgent de-escalation, warning that further military action could lead to irreversible consequences. In the UK, the government is holding an emergency COBRA meeting to assess the growing conflict.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called for “restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy,” while Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reportedly expressed “grave concerns” over Iran’s nuclear intentions during a call with Netanyahu.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte underscored the need for dialogue, emphasizing the alliance’s commitment to working with the U.S. to stabilize the situation. He urged “all actors to refrain from further escalation.”

Meanwhile, Oman, which has historically mediated between Iran and the West, condemned Israel’s actions as “reckless” and “a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter.” The Sultanate’s statement demanded that the international community take immediate steps to halt Israeli aggression.

Saudi Arabia echoed the condemnation, calling Israel’s attack a “blatant violation of international norms” and demanding accountability. Turkey also criticized the airstrikes, warning that Israel’s “strategy of destabilization” risks plunging the entire region into chaos.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Ankara was in active communication with Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and the United States to coordinate regional security responses. He confirmed that Turkey had heightened its defense readiness to prevent spillover.

As Israel braces for potential retaliation and Iran vows vengeance, diplomats across the world are working urgently to prevent a full-scale war in the Middle East—one that could have grave implications for global security.

Published by M10News.com | By F. Dayo Olusola | Category: World|13 June 2025